New beginnings
Wait? What? Was that a joke? Were they kidding him?
He stared at the two boys with a confused look. Why would he sit with them?
He was not the only one confused by this question, because when he looked around the compartment, he noticed that everyone was staring at him with confused looks.
For a moment nobody said anything, and Evan realized they were all waiting for his answer.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t think of anything except, “Uh, sorry, but why should I?”
Now it was the two boys who were still standing in the door frame who looked confused.
They exchanged a quick glance and Regulus began to say, “So you don’t know yet.”
Suddenly he looked very nervous as he began to tap his fingers and move his shirt straight. Evan didn't understand what was going on. What didn't he know?
“Evan, do you know what’s going on here?” Asked Pandora.
“No, obviously not.” He hissed, perhaps a little too annoyed.
"Let's go, Reg. This is bullshit. " Barty spoke. He looked visibly bored and turned around to leave the compartment. Regulus, however, held him by the arm and pulled him back.
“Barty, come on. I just want to explain.”
"Fine. "
“Can someone tell me what’s going on? What do you want to explain?” Evan was angry and he was tired. Was is too much to ask that he just wanted to sleep and not deal with anything else?
“Well, it’s like that. . . We thought you already knew, but you obviously didn’t,” Regulus smiled nervously while he ran through his pitch-black hair, “Well, your sleeping situation has changed. You’re moving in with us.”
For a moment, he thought they were trying to fuck with him.
Not that he would miss Snape and his friends, but he didn't even know it was possible to move into another room. He thought the sleeping arrangements were permanent. Did Dumbledore order this? Or did Snape and the others complain about him?
He went through the last few weeks in Hogwarts in his head. They hadn't spoken to him about anything of the sort. Maybe they'd found out about his sleep problems. The way he would have judged Snape and the others, it was immediately obvious to them that they would have ratted him out before even asking him. Even in their own house, they had to make enemies.
“So, what do you say?”
Evan had two options. Option one was to sit with his sister and her friends and tell the two guys to fuck off. This option might even include a little sleep.
The second option was to go with Regulus and Barty. Maybe he could figure out why he had to move in with them from now on.
The longer he thought about it, he began to think that it would probably be smarter to go with them. If he really wants to share a room with them for the next few years, he might as well try to make a good first impression or maybe make friends with them. It couldn't have been that hard.
With a final glance at his twin sister, he sighed and said, “Coming.”
He got up and took his suitcases out of the luggage compartment. Only when he stood in front of the two boys did he realize that he was a whole bit taller than Regulus. It couldn't be bigger than 5'7. Barty, on the other hand, was almost as tall as Evan.
“I’ll see you guys later. ” Said Evan over his shoulder and followed the two boys out into the hallway.
As he followed Regulus and Barty on their way to their compartment, he thought about what he would have to do to avoid making the situation uncomfortable. Actually, he hated meeting new people, talking to them or spending time with them.
However, he feared that shutting himself away and not talking to the two would not help with his plan to befriend them. So he had to pretend to enjoy it. He was always good at talking a lot, but only with people he felt comfortable with.
While he was thinking about his plan, he did not notice that the two boys had stopped in front of him. He went straight into Barty's back who turned around with an annoyed hiss.
“Fucking watch where you’re going.”
“I’m sorry, but how am I supposed to know that you two will suddenly stop in the middle of the aisle?”
Barty clenched his fists, and for a moment Evan thought the brown-haired boy was going to punch him in the face. Regulus, however, pulled his arm away and said, “Leave it alone, Barty. “
With one last annoyed glance at Evan, he turned around again and followed his friend into the compartment.
Maybe it wouldn't be so easy to make friends with them after all.
In the compartment, Evan sat across the two boys. Regulus looked a little uncomfortable while Barty put his legs on the seat next to Evan and started pecking on his nails. He had big hands with long fingers. He wore a lot of silver rings and black nail polish, which already looked a bit chipped.
When he noticed that Evan was staring at his hands, he folded his arms tightly and asked, "Do you have a problem, Rosier? “
It began to boil inside of Evan. Who did he think he was? Why was he so mean to him? He couldn't remember ever giving him a reason to.
But on the other hand, it was Barty fucking Crouch Jr. He was always angry. Always aggressive. Always disrespectful to everything and everyone. Even the teachers. He's been to detention more times than all the Gryffindors put together. There were only a few people who weren't afraid of him.
Luckily, Evan was one of them. He thought Barty was too self-confident and was making a fool of himself.
Without answering Barty's question, he turned around and looked out the window. He was really, really tired and exhausted. He put his hands in his pockets and felt that he still had a small glass of pills with him. How tempting. However, Evan had to think about his plan. He could sleep later.
He gave himself a jerk and turned back to the boys. Barty had unpacked a paperback and read it. The cover of the book seemed familiar to Evan. Had he ever seen it before? Maybe he couldn't remember properly.
Evan didn't see the boy as someone who would enjoy reading. But he shouldn't have been surprised, because Barty was obviously an intelligent boy. He had the best grades in all their classes.
You can do it, thought Evan. Just start talking and try to convince them of you. Ask a few questions and everything will be fine. At least Regulus seemed to be a nice boy.
“How was your summer?” There. He did it. It's not that bad.
Barty did not even bother to answer him but kept staring at his book.
Regulus, on the other hand, looked up and replied:
"It was all right, what about yours?"
For some reason, Evan didn’t believe Regulus. He made a forced expression and nervously slipped back and forth in his seat. Maybe Evan was just imagining it.
“Yes, I was fine too.”
Apparently, that said it all, because the black-haired boy started looking out the window again. Evan used the opportunity to watch him.
His skin was pale and just above his right eyebrow he had a small scar. It was still sore, and Evan wondered where it came from. Maybe a fight?
His eyes were blue with a small sprinkle of green in them. Evan was sure he had never seen such beautiful eyes before. His hair was thin and a little curly. It looked as if it had been cut recently.
With a soft sigh, Evan leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. Surely it wouldn't hurt if he just relaxed for a moment. . .
…
"Is he asleep?"
“I think so.”
"Shall we wake him up?"
“Yes, but-”
A hard kick on his leg woke Evan up.
“Heyy, what did you do that for?” He asked still half asleep.
“We’re almost in Hogwarts.” Regulus quickly explained, who was no longer sitting opposite him, but was gathering his things from the luggage compartment.
Angrily, Evan rubbed his leg.
“Ohh, does it hurt? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to kick so hard.” Barty laughed with a mean grin.
Evan gritted his teeth. He wanted to hit something. He wanted to hit someone. He wanted to hit Barty. What was his fucking problem?
He folded his arms and said, “You know what, mate? I-”
“Hey guys, stop arguing. We have arrived.” Regulus interrupted him with a serious look.
He was probably right, because he noticed how the train stopped and already saw the other students running in the corridor. He left the compartment and Regulus and Barty followed him. The three of them were about to get off the train when they heard a voice behind them.
"Regulus!"
It was Sirius Black and Remus Lupin.
‘Sirius.’ Answer Regulus cold.
“How was the summer?”
“Where were you? Mama and Papa were expecting you.”
“Pff, as if. I bet you enjoyed getting the attention all summer.”
“You really believe that don’t you?”
‘Of course.’
Regulus looked unhappy and lowered his gaze to the ground. Evan saw that his hands were starting to shake, and he wanted to help him somehow.
“Black!” Evan began, “Why don’t you and your boyfriend fuck off and leave Regulus alone.”
Something in Sirius' eyes changed and for a brief moment he looked frightened. However, he quickly recovered. He was about to pull out his wand when Remus pulled his arm and whispered something to him that Evan couldn't understand. Sirius nodded briefly and began to say, “Bye, Reggie. Have a great school year.”
And with that, they were gone.
"Are you all right, Regulus?" Asked Evan worried.
“Yes, all right, thank you. You didn’t have to defend me.”
“No problem, he deserved it.”
“No, he didn’t. Sirius is. . .. Whatever. Let’s go.”
Confused, he looked after Regulus as he walked towards the carriages. He was probably just upset. He shrugged his shoulders and ran after the boys.
…
Entering Hogwarts after a few months of being at home was such an incredible feeling that Evan couldn't describe.
The castle was so impressive, and he would probably never get used to how beautiful it was.
The great hall was decorated, and the atmosphere was festive.
Excited students were everywhere, sitting at the tables, looking forward to the new school year.
Regulus, Barty and Evan wandered through the crowds and searched for a seat at the Slytherin table.
Soon after, Pandora and Dorcas also arrived in the great hall, and sat down with the three boys.
“Evan, there you are. We’ve been looking for you!” Pandora smiled. “How was the train ride?”
“Good. What about you?”
“Also, good. Unfortunately, I must tell you that we already ate the whole cake! It was so delicious. Dorcas was very happy.” Pandora giggled next to him, and Dorcas also began to laugh.
“It was just too delicious! Thanks again for the great birthday present, Panda!”
“I’m really looking forward to the party afterwards. Luckily Dumbledore has canceled classes for tomorrow and the day after tomorrow and it doesn’t really start until Wednesday. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been able to really enjoy it tonight. It’s almost like-”
From that point on, Evan stopped listening. Despite his little nap on the train, he was still incredibly tired, and he had the urge to take one of his pills. Why didn't he take one last night?
He leaned his elbows on the table and put his head on his hands. Why was it so fucking noisy in here? It felt like his head was about to explode.
To make matters worse, Dumbledore began to speak. The Sorting Ceremony was boring as always and when it was finally announced that dinner would begin, he was very happy about it.
Evan scooped up his plate and only when he was done, he realized that he probably would never eat all of it.
…
After dinner, all the students were told the passwords for the houses and they made their way to the dungeons.
“Emerald,” Regulus said loudly and clearly, and then the door opened for them.
They went down the stairs into the common room.
Some students ran into their dormitories, others made themselves comfortable on the sofas and armchairs in the large common room.
Regulus and Barty also threw themselves directly on the sofa under the large portrait and began to talk quietly to each other. Should Evan sit with them? But he didn't want to bother, and besides, he saw how angry Barty was looking at him.
With a sigh he decided to go to his new dormitory and perhaps unpack his things. Maybe he had a little time to lie down.
As he was about to leave, he heard a voice behind him that was all too familiar to him.
“Hey, Rosier. I heard we finally got rid of you, is that right?” It was Severus Snape and behind him stood Avery and Mulciber with a stupid grin on their lips.
“Yes, you heard right. I couldn’t stand your dirty laundry and your disgusting snoring for another year. I hope you won’t miss me too much, and if you do, you know where to find me.” Snapped Evan.
He saw how ashamed Snape was and when Barty and Regulus started laughing loudly, he got angry.
“Oh, who do we have here? Black and Crouch! What a pity for you that you have to share your room now. Watch out Rosier, they love to share a bed. But in your deep sleep you won’t hear that, right?”
"What did you say, Snape?" Barty jumped up and walked with clenched fists towards the boy with the long, greasy hair.
“Oh, I was just telling Rosier how much you two love each other. But I get it. If my parents—”
But he couldn't get any further, because Barty had already punched him in the face. Snape moaned in agony and grabbed himself at the spot where he was beaten. Barty pulled out again and punched Snape in the stomach. As a result, he collapsed and before Evan knew what was going on, Snape was on the floor, Barty sat on his upper body and hit him.
Evan ran to intervene, and Mulciber and Avery also tried to pull Barty away from Snape.
Regulus stood beside it, looking down on the fight with big eyes. Why didn't he do anything, Evan wondered. Did he want his friend to beat Snape to death? No matter how much Evan hated Snape, Barty had to be stopped.
"Barty, stop it!" Evan yelled at him, but of course he wouldn't listen to him.
Even the attempt to push him away from the other boy did nothing. Why was he so fucking strong?
“Regulus, do something!” Evan begged him.
Now Regulus had also pulled himself together and rushed on Barty.
“Barty, stop. It doesn’t make sense. Come on, let’s just go to the room. He’s not worth it.”
Barty paused and looked at Regulus with troubled eyes. He still had Snape firmly in his grip and his hands were stained with his blood. Breathing heavily, he looked at the boy under him and just as he was about to let him go and get up, he said: "Yes, exactly, listen to what your boyfriend says. “
"Stupid. " Said Regulus with a sigh, just before Barty spit on Snape and now kicked him in the face with his foot.
Evan was sure he heard something crack, and when Snape started screaming, he was sure. Barty had broken his nose.
Horrified, Evan looked back and forth between the crying Snape and Barty. Barty looked around the room with wild eyes, and when he saw Evan’s look, he walked up to him and muttered, “Do you have something to say, Rosier? Do you want me to break some of your bones too?”
He just shook his head silently.
He should share a room with this guy.
Wonderful.
…
After the incident, Barty and Snape were sent to Professor Slughorn and everything went back to normal. Everything but Regulus Black. Even an hour later, when the two boys sat in their dorm room, he still had a strange look on his face.
“Hey, Regulus. I know we’re not friends or anything, but are you okay? You don’t look so good.”
“It’s okay. I’m fine.”
“Okay, if you say so.”
Silence.
“Hey Regulus?”
“Hmm.”
“What did Snape mean earlier about you and Barty. . . you know. . . sharing a bed sometimes?”
That question made Evan uncomfortable. He had no right to ask that. And yet he wanted to know.
“Nothing. He didn’t mean anything. You know how Snape is. Always talking stupid shit. Barty is my best friend and that’s it.”
"Okay. "
Silence.
“Hey Regulus?”
“Yes, Evan?”
"I'm sorry.”
“What are you sorry about?”
“Today. It's been a weird day. I'm sorry if I made it even weirder. I know Barty doesn't like me very much. “
“You don’t have to apologize, Evan. Barty was being a prick. Don’t let him take you down. You belong to us now, no matter what he says.”
A pleasant feeling spread in Evan.
He smiled at Regulus and the boy smiled back.
“So.. . are you ready for the party?”
...
Loud music came from the stereo, which must have brought some students into the common room.
He didn't often go to parties as the younger students were rarely invited, but as it was Dorcas birthday today, of course he was there.
Somehow, she had managed to make friends with the older students who were organizing the back to school party and persuaded them until they agreed to merge the two parties.
He saw Dorcas and his sister dancing wildly on the dance floor. They sang along loudly to the music.
Regulus next to him, on the other hand, looked like he was terribly uncomfortable. They both had simple shirts and pants on and when Evan looked at the other students' outfits, he suddenly felt uncomfortable.
Everyone was wearing colorful and funny outfits. Evan would never have thought that this was the dress code for a Slytherin party. How well he knew his own house, he thought.
They decided to get drinks and so they made their way to the bar.
As neither of them had ever drunk alcohol before, they each took a pumpkin juice and when an older student saw them, he just made a funny face.
With their pumpkin juice, the two were standing at the side and watched people dancing, drinking and making out. Evan wondered if they would look like this in a few years.
After a while, Pandora came running up to him with red cheeks and drink in hand.
"Evaaaan!" She shouted and threw herself around his neck.
"Panda, have you been drinking?" Evan asked, confused. He would never have thought that was something Pandora was interested in.
"A little, yes. Better don’t tell mom and dad." She giggled.
"Don't worry, I won't." Smirked Evan.
"Come dance along, Evan! They're playing something you always listend to in the summer. The muggle music. I don't know why they even listen to it, but everyone loves it. Please come along!”
And she was right. When he listened carefully, he noticed that David Bowie's latest album was playing. Rebel Rebel was blaring through the speakers and Evan immediately felt like dancing.
He turned to Regulus, who still looked a little nervous.
He smiled at him and asked, "Do you want to dance?"
With a groan, he rolled his eyes.
"Do I have to?"
"Let me think... Mhh... Yes. You have to. Come on, it'll be great."
With a grin, Evan grabbed Regulus by the arm and pulled him through the crowd onto the dance floor.
Rebel rebel, you've torn your dress
Rebel rebel, your face is a mess
Rebel rebel, how could they know
Hot tramp, I love you so
Regulus and Evan began to dance exuberantly to the music and were soon joined by Dorcas and Pandora.
And as they danced, Evan realized that he was happy and that maybe, just maybe, he was looking forward to the new school year with his friends.