Letters
Evan and Pandora Rosier,
I would like to invite you to my family’s estate for the summer. My parents have approved and will be owling yours shortly.
Best regards,
R. A. B.
Reg,
Thanks for the offer. We really would love to go, but my parents are still a bit upset with Pan so they said she would have to stay home and I just couldn’t stand to leave her by herself, I hope you understand. I’m guessing you weren’t allowed to invite Barty, but have you heard from him at all? I’ve sent him a few owls but I haven’t gotten any back and I think he’s still upset with me.
Talk soon,
Evan
Evan Rosier,
I haven’t been able to send him letters for fear that my parents would not approve of the friendship. If he hasn’t gotten back to you by now, I would assume he’s still upset. Have you tried apologizing again? Either way, he’ll get over it by the time we get back to school. It’s astonishing how long he’s been able to stay upset with you, really. A true accomplishment.
Sincerely,
R. A. B.
Not helpful Reg. I’ve done nothing but apologize but he’s being unreasonable. I think he’s actually upset this time, it’s never been this bad before. I don’t know what to do anymore. What if he really doesn’t want to be friends again?
All the best,
Evan
Evan Rosier,
You both are so dramatic. Just write him again. You know Barty would lose his mind without you. The holidays are hard for him at home, just be patient with him.
Best regards,
R. A. B.
Bat,
I know you don’t want to talk to me right now but I needed to ask, are we still friends? Reg says it’s nothing and that you’ll get over it but I’m not sure. I really want us to still be friends but I understand if you don’t. I just can’t give up until you tell me.
Pan and I hung some of the pictures Dorcas gave us, it made me really miss everyone. I still wear the necklace you gave me. Although, I had to put a disillusionment charm on it cause I don’t think my parents would be too fond of it.
How is your holiday? I wish you would write back.
Yours,
Evan Rosier
It was weeks after he had sent that letter and still Evan had not received a response from Barty. He was sulking on the floor of Pandora’s room.
“Reg is right, you know. Barty can’t stand being in a different room than you, let alone not talk to you. He’ll come around.” Pandora was sitting above him in an armchair, brushing a purring calico in her lap
Evan just groaned and melted further into the floor.
“You’re too dramatic for your own good.” She stood up and grabbed his arm. “C’mon Maman said we could go with her to get our school things today. It would do you some good to get it off your mind.”
It was a warm day, the sun bore down on them and Evan grew annoyed at the heat. He was thankful for the cool shelter offered by the shops. He recognised many children who were also shopping for their new school books. He saw one of Pandora’s roommates, Emmaline Vance whom she quickly ran to greet. His mother clicked her tongue but didn’t say anything against her. Evan always thought that she had favored Pandora. She seemed to be in a rather pleasant mood that afternoon, she allowed them to stop at the sweet shop for scoops of ice cream and even got a small portion for herself which surprised Evan as she typically fussed over desserts claiming that they ruined her figure.
The ice cream helped to cool him down slightly, but Evan couldn’t help but to tug at his robes. The summer heat felt suffocating and he thought he might as well have been melting in the thick fabric of his cloak. He tried to breathe through it but the weight of the heat was too much for him. He struggled with the clasp of his outer cloak but it wouldn’t loosen.
“Ne vous inquiétez pas, mon chéri.” His mother gave a small laugh as she helped him with the clasp.
Evan felt the weight fall from his shoulders as she folded the fabric in her arms.
“We don’t want you fainting from the heat, do we now?” She caressed his face with a soft hand. “You’re much too important for that.”
Evan couldn’t help but to melt into her touch. His mother did not often hold him so sweetly anymore, his father had declared him too old to be coddled, but he craved the moments where she expressed her adoration.
She planted a tender kiss on his forehead. “We have an exciting day ahead of us, I know you will make me proud.”
Evan did not understand what she meant, but he did not want to disrupt her pleasant mood by questioning her. “I’ll so my best, Maman”
“I know you will. Aut vincere aut mori.”
“Aut vincere aut mori.” He repeated.
They continued to walk around the street long after they had gathered all the supplies they needed. Evan and Pandora ran from window to window looking in at all the goods they had to offer. It wasn’t until the sun had just started to set that a silvery crocodile formed in front of them. Evan startled at first before recognising it as his father’s patronus.
It opened its large jaw and spoke in his father’s low voice. “He will be here soon. Return home so that you may greet him properly.” The creature vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
“Who is-” Pandora started to ask but their mother hushed her.
“Your father will explain everything, come now.” She couldn’t mask her growing excitement.” She held fast to her children’s hand as she whisked them back to their home.
They landed with a sharp crack in their foyer.
“Run upstairs and put on something nice.” Their mother ushered Pandora towards the staircase.
Evan started after his sister but his mother held out an arm to gently stop him.
“Not you, Mon chou. Your father wants to talk with you in his study.”
Evan tensed. “Did I do something wrong?”
She shook her head. “Not at all. He just wants a word. Now, go, you shouldn’t keep him waiting.”
Evan made his way upstairs. Despite his mother’s comfort he hesitated to open the door. Inside, he could hear low voices. Resisting the ache that ran along his neck, he pushed his way into the office. His father was sitting at his normal position behind the desk, smiling at a stranger who sat across from him. Evan could not make out who the other man was. He could only see the back of his head that was covered in sleek, dark hair.
“You wanted to see me, Father?” Evan made his presence known.
Both his father and the stranger turned their attention to him.
His father’s eyes seemed to gleam when he saw his son. “Yes, my boy, how was your trip to town?” He extended his arms, gesturing for Evan to go to him.
Evan listened and was embraced by his father. He did his best to conceal his confusion. “It was quite nice.” His voice was polite but hesitant.
“That is wonderful, now Evan, I wanted to introduce you to Mr. Riddle. He has been wanting to meet you for some time.” His father motioned to the man sitting across from him.
Evan could now see his face and he was almost taken aback by how piercing his emerald eyes were. Mr. Riddle seemed around the same age as his father and had a well defined face with an intense yet kind stare.
“Yes,” Riddle’s mouth smiled but his eyes remained fixed. “Your father has said many great things about you, Evan. I can only hope that you live up to the praise.”
“My father can be generous with compliments, but he is not a liar.” Evan tried to sound confident.
Out of the corner of his eye, Evan could see his father smile at Evan’s response. His father had once said that humility was for fools that sell themselves short. Evan wasn’t sure if he believed it, but now was not a time to question his judgement.
Riddle gave a small laugh. “I reckon he isn’t but I can’t resist seeing for myself.”
“Excellent idea, my lord, but for now would you do the honor of dining with my family, I’m sure you must be starved from your trip.”
Riddle considered for a moment. “I’m sure my chat with Evan can wait until after.”
Pandora and their mother were already waiting for them when they got to the dining hall. It was decorated as extravagantly as if they were hosting a party. Evan went to sit in his usual place across from his sister but his father motioned for Evan to join him and Riddle.
Evan did not contribute much to the conversation over dinner. Instead he listened, trying to pick up who Riddle was and what he wanted with him. He spoke of magic in ways Evan had not considered before. How wizards took it for granted and were to frivolous with who they allowed to use it. He spoke with a conviction that enchanted Evan. He found himself nodding along, enticed by what the newcomer had to say. Long after dinner had finished and the dishes were cleared, Evan stayed listening to Riddle preach his beliefs and share personal stories that supported them. Evan thought he would have a lot to discuss with Regulus once they were back at school.
At last, Riddle stood up. “I believe that is enough for now. If I have not yet bored you, Evan, I would love to have a small chat before I am on my way.”
“I’m sure he’d be delighted.” Evan’s father spoke up before he could speak for himself.
“Wonderful.” Riddle smiled. “Let’s take a walk, your home has lovely grounds.”
Evan followed him closely out the door. “Was there something in particular you wanted to discuss, Sir?” He asked.
Riddle nodded. “Indeed there is. You remember when we met, that I told you how your father was quite boastful of you?”
“Yes Sir.”
“Well, naturally I had to see you for myself. In all the years I have known your father he has not once lied to me, it would be a shame if he started now.”
“I’m sorry sir, but how do you know my father?”
Riddle laughed. “I haven’t done a very proper job introducing myself have I? Your father was one of my closest friends at school, we were in the same house you see. He has been one of my most loyal supporters through this whole ordeal with his campaigns and dinner parties.”
“Are you the politician everyone has been talking about?” Evan interrupted.
“Politician is not the word I would use, but yes I’d assume so. I’m happy to hear that word of my movement has grown. Now, if we are properly introduced, may I continue?”
“Of course, Sir. I’m sorry.” Evan blushed.
“As I was saying, Your father has been boasting about your talent for wandless magic. It is not uncommon for young children to be able to perform such magic from time to time, but that wild magic is tied to emotion and uncontrollable. For a wizard of your age to be able to control it is rare, unheard of even. Some of the greatest wizards are only able to perform small tasks without use of a wand. Do you understand what I am saying, Evan?”
“I think I do.” Evan knew his ability was rare, Regulus and Barty had told him that much but he wasn’t sure what Riddle wanted with him.
As if he could read his mind, Riddle continued. “Once I have seen you prove this ability, I would like to personally mentor you to teach you how to hone your talent and use it to its full potential.”
“That would be wonderful, Sir. I'm sure my father would be thrilled.”
“I believe he would. So are you willing to prove yourself?”
Evan nodded. “Of course.”
“Good, we can start small.” He conjured a small vial. “Simply lift this glass and summon it to yourself.”
Evan took a deep breath. He wasn’t nervous about the spell, wandless magic felt as natural as breathing, but Riddle’s presence intimidated him. He closed his eyes, blocking him out, and focused solely on the vial. Like always, he could feel the air around him buzz. He recited the spell and felt the magic drain from his body. The vial was cold in his hand.
“Fascinating.” Riddle studied him. “Let’s try another.”
Evan was tired from the work but he straightened himself up to follow orders.
“Now, shatter it.”
Once again, Evan closed his eyes and focused on the sensation of the magic that flowed around him. Shards of glass tore across his palm as the vial exploded. This time the work was too much and Evan fell to the ground.
“One more. Repair it.”
“I-i can’t, sir.” Evan’s voice shook. He had never performed multiple spells back to back and he could barely stand.
“Get up.”
Evan stumbled to his feet, but his legs shook beneath him. “It won’t work, sir. I-i can’t do it.”
“Of course you can’t if you won’t even try.”
Evan’s vision was hazy and the buzzing felt more similar to a ringing in his ears. The magic tore its way through his body rather than moving steadily. His skin pricked and he felt the ground hit his side. The last thing he saw was the vial standing, without a scratch, a few feet away.
When he came to, he was lying on a sofa in his family’s parlor. His mother was rubbing a cool cloth over his face. She smiled when she saw his eyes open.
“What happened?” He asked. His head was spinning.
“You did well, my boy.” He could make out the outline of his father standing over him. “Of course we will work on your endurance, but for now you did all that was needed.”
“Where did he go?”
“Mr. Riddle left shortly after he brought you in, but you will be seeing him again soon. For now, get rest. Pandora can escort you upstairs.” His father replied.
Evan sat up and could see his sister leaning on the doorframe, her face full of concern. Once he managed to stabilize himself he walked over to her. They exited the room in silence but Pandora burst into questions as soon as they were out of earshot.
“What did he do to you?”
“Nothing, he just wanted to see my wandless magic and it just takes a lot out of me sometimes, but I'm fine, don’t worry. Besides, now he said he’s going to mentor me.”
Pandora made a face but didn’t respond.
“What? What was that for?” Evan pried.
“Nothing, it doesn’t matter. Go to bed, you need sleep.” They had made it outside of Evan’s room.
“I’m fine, we can talk for a bit. Tell me what’s wrong.” Evan insisted.
Pandora chewed at her lip. “Fine. outside.”
Evan agreed and they made their way to the roof outside of Pandora’s window.
“Now will you explain?”
“I-i can’t really. There’s just something off about him. He seems…dangerous. I don’t want him to do something to you.” Pandora sighed, tugging at a strand of her hair.
“I guess he’s a little intense, but I don't think it's any reason for worry.”
Pandora shrugged. “I guess just be careful around him, ok? Don’t get whisked away by his charm or anything.”
“Whisked away? You forget yourself, Pan” Evan laughed.
“You should have seen your face when he was speaking at dinner. You look practically enthralled with him.” She grinned.
Evan rolled his eyes. “He’s a sound speaker, that's all.”
“I won’t argue that, but the points he made were rather extreme.”
Evan shrugged. “I guess so, but there’s not much we can do about that. He already has so much influence and I don’t want to even think about what our parents would do if we spoke against him.”
“We could always run away.” Pandora practically whispered.
Evan laughed at how absurd the idea was. “Where does that come from, Pan?”
She shrugged. “I just think we should have an escape plan. He pushed you too hard tonight, you know that. Wandless magic has never had that great of an effect on you. If you had seen what you looked like when hd brought you in you would agree. I thought you were dead. You were all pale a-and your hand was shredded to pieces, Maman fixed it up, but Ev, it was horrifying.” Her voice shook.
“Alright, alright.” He comforted her. “ We can plan whatever you think we need but we won’t need to use it. Besides, he won’t do anything with you.”
“For now. What if he found out about my visions?”
Evan paused. He hadn’t considered that. He did not care if Riddle pushed him to his breaking point, it would only grow his skill, but Pandora was too fragile. She never seemed to fully recover after a vision. Evan was sure she would lose her mind if she were forced to produce them.
“I’ll make sure he never does. I promise.”
Pandora nodded. “I need one more promise.”
“Of course.”
“If he does find out, or if he pushes you too far, you’ll leave with me.”
“Pan…”
“Promise me.”
Evan sighed. He wanted to. He really did. But although he did not believe Riddle was someone to be feared, he knew that he was powerful. If Riddle wanted them both then only one of them could escape at best. But what were the odds it would even come to that?
“I promise, Pan. I’ll run away with you.”
“Thank you.”
They sat in silence for a few minutes, looking up at the stars. Eventually, Pandora pointed a finger towards the night sky.
“There’s Reg.” She smiled.
Evan stared at her in confusion. “I hate to break it to you, Pan, I know you miss him but Reggie isn’t in the sky.”
“It’s not literally him.” She rolled her eyes. “But that star, it’s named Regulus. It’s the brightest in the sky.”
Evan scoffed. “Of course Regulus would be named after something cool like a bloody star. Is there one for Barty too?”
“You wish. But if there was, I'm sure you’d spend your nights talking to it like a lunatic.”
“Yeah.” Evan couldn’t keep the bitterness from his voice.
“He didn’t didn’t respond, did he?” Pandora asked, her voice low.
“Nope.” Evan shook his head.
“Well until he does, you can talk to…that one.” She pointed to a random star. “That can be our new Barty.”
Evan laughed her off but his gaze lingered at the light above them.
It was a week before school started again when a letter arrived. It looked as if it had been scribbled in a matter of seconds but Evan couldn’t care less.
Ev,
Of course we’re still friends, you tosser.
Holiday was shit. We can talk on the train.
-Bat