Chapter 1
Evan Rosier doesn't believe in rumors or stories spread about without any sort of proof.
So when some older kids told him, along with regulus and barty, about some rumors surrounding some shack within hogsmeade, he hadn't believed them.
And the last tale told seemed to prove to him that everything those kids said were false. A tale about a spirit that seems to only guard the shack during a full moon. These tales had to be nothing but lies to simply scare them.
"So what do you think? Do you think the stories are true?" Regulus asked Evan after they finished telling them the tales.
Evan shook his head "No, I mean ones about a spirit that no one has seen and only shows itself during a full moon, it seems questionable"
Evan had first heard the tale upon his third year in hogwarts from some older kids during his first trip to hogsmeade in 1978. He, Barty, and Regulus came across some shack and before Barty could rush inside due to curiosity. They were stopped and told the stories that surround the old shack.
Evan didn't seem interested in the tales, Regulus seemed slightly bothered by them, and well Barty enjoyed and believed in every single one of them.
After that day Evan eventually forgot about the tales surrounding the shack.
That is until winter break in his 5th year.
Evan had decided to stay in hogwarts during the winter break. His mother had sent him a letter a day before the kids were to head home detailing him about his father getting sick and landing himself a stay in St. Mungos. She asked him if he wished to stay in hogwarts or come home.
Now Evan wasn't close to his father but neither were they estranged to one another. He decided to stay when he heard that Barty would be staying. He rather spend christmas with a friend then spend it in the hospital. He sent wishes for his father to get better and sent love to his mother in his letter detailing that he would stay in hogwarts.
During the break Barty had spent most time in the library reading books about astrology. Which seemed odd, he had asked Barty about it but he hadn't received any actual answer.
"Don't worry about it" Was all Barty said as he gave him a lopsided smile.
Evan didn't think anything of it afterwards, that is until Barty was shaking him awake on christmas night.
Evan groaned as he pushed Barty away "Barty what the hell-" He yawned and went about rubbing his eyes.
Barty grinned "Wake up and get dressed!" He said in an excited whisper.
Evan sat up and looked at him in confusion "What- why?"
"We're going to go explore the shrieking shack! c'mon now get up!"
This statement woke up Evan completely "Are you insane?! That shack is a safety hazard, it's old and falling apart I'm not going in there!" He shouted out.
Barty frowned "C'mon Ev! You have to! I can't go their without my best friend! Besides Reg said he'd go on a date with me if I got proof of the ghost who haunts the shack during a full moon and guess what my dearest friend tonight's sky is graced with the presence of a full moon!" He said with pure excitement.
"This is insane! No! I'm not going to into some shack so you could try and get a date with Reg. Besides I'm pretty sure he was just joking." Evan stated "Now I'm going back to bed" He added.
"If he was, I won't take that chance" Barty said before leaving the room.
Evan had every intention of falling back asleep, he truly did, but sadly he cared for his friends and he loathed it.
Because now he was here, confused as hell while standing next to Barty who was buzzing with excitement, in front of the whomping willow.
"I inspected the shack, the doors and window don't open at all, but I heard that there's a secret tunnel hidden with the willow tree that leads into the shack" Barty explained unaware of Evan's confusion.
Evan, who now felt nothing but tiredness and annoyance, simply hummed in response. Barty then went on to demonstrate and explain how to enter said tunnel. Evan stayed quiet and simply watched as Barty somehow got the willow tree to freeze up in place. Despite his annoyance he was rather amazed.
The pair stepped closer to the entrance, and before they stepped inside the wind seemed to grow stronger, as if trying to push them back. They stopped in their tracks as they wrapt their arms around themselves in an effort to keep warm and wait out the strong burst of wind.
It took a few minutes but the wind had finally subsided.
"Barty maybe we should head back, this tale about the shack being haunted is probably a lie told to us to keep out" He stated "If you want to get a date with Reg I'll help you get one but only if you agree to going back to bed" He added, the burst of wind had unnerved him greatly.
Slowly he got the feeling that something was off, he didn't know what and he didn't want to find out. Barty, who had begun shivering uncontrollably, shook his head "No, we can't!" He shouted out. He took a step towards the entrance and knelt down. He crawled into the entrance and Evan groaned before following suit.
Once inside they were hit with another burst of wind. Evan managed to hold himself in place but the wind had knocked Barty back and onto the ground. It had lasted longer than the first but the wind had eventually subsided. Once it did Evan rushed over to his friend "Barty are you ok?" He asked in concern.
Barty sneezed in response "I'm good, tho I might wake up sick and with a headache" He muttered as he rubbed the back of his head.
Evan sighed softly and helped Barty back onto his feet "I think we should head back" He stated and to his relief Barty nodded.
"Yeah, let's head back"
Evan smiled softly and helped Barty out of the tunnel first. Once Barty was out of the tunnel he heard footsteps that sounded rushed. Barty panicked and attempted to turn around to help Evan out, but the willow tree flickered to life.
And before he knew it he was hit by one of the branches and knocked unconscious the minute he hit the ground. Evan was unaware of what happened to Barty, but he had heard the willow whipping its branches about and cursed under his breath.
How was he supposed to get out now, he sighed and waited. Barty would simply do what he did before and he would be able to get out, all he had to do was wait.
Unbeknownst to Evan, Barty was unconscious and found by the schools grounds keeper and was quickly being taken to the hospital wing.
Evan began to wonder why it was taking Barty so long to paralyze the willow tree, and he quickly got annoyed. He called out for Barty but after a while his annoyance turned into to worry when he received no response and then into slight fear when more time had passed.
Evan felt himself beginning to panic and he hated it "Damnit Barty" He spat out "I should have just stayed in bed" He muttered out and began to think of a way to get out of the tunnel.
He decided to sit, his feet aching from standing so long in the cold, but before he could he caught sight of some snow falling into the tunnel from the entrance.
"Help!" He shouted out, hoping that someone was out there. He didn't care who it was so long as he got out. "Help!" He shouted out again and an idea popped into his head. He pulled out his wand to cast a spell through the entrance hoping someone would hear it and investigate but he stopped as he heard a voice.
"Hello?"
Evan sighed in relief at the response, the voice sounded like some whisper but he didn't care, he could finally get out "Yes! Hey! Help! I'm stuck in here! Please help me out!" He shouted out quickly, he didn't think he could stand on his feet a minute longer.
There was a moment of silence before whoever was out there responded "Of course, I'll get you out quick, no need to worry" Their voice sounded calm and soothing which made Evan relax. He couldn't understand why that was, if anyone found someone stuck they would sound slightly panicked but not this person.
Evan hadn't had time to dwell on it when he saw a pair of hands sticking into the tunnel from the entrance. Evan noticed the pale and thinness of them but he shook his head and quickly grabbed hold of them. Once he did he was quickly pulled out of the tunnel. He sighed in relief as he sat on the snow for a bit simply enjoying the fact he was finally out.
He stood up after awhile and went to brush the snow off himself but he felt someone take hold of his arm and drag him back. He had almost lost his footing a bit but luckily he hadn't. The willows branches came back to life just seconds after the person let him go.
He turned to look at whoever saved him "Thank yo-" He froze, because there standing next to him was someone with a beauty so ethereal. He couldn't help but admire the boy, who was staring up the willow tree.
This boy, his savior, had porcelain skin that seemed so smooth as if nothing had ever pierced his skin, had shoulder length hair that looked just as smooth and possibly felt like silk should he touch it, his nose seemed a bit crooked but somehow it fit perfectly on his face and made him more unique. Soon the boy turned his attention towards him and when he did his breath caught in his throat as he saw the boy's eyes that looked liked two beautiful onyx gems.
Evan's eyes left his face and began to roam at the rest of him. He noticed the torn up uniform the boy wore, he also noticed the slytherin logo that seemed to be slightly torn off. 'He's a slytherin' He thought 'Odd how I never noticed him before' The thought quickly left his mind as he noticed what looked to be blood on the boy's clothing. He looked back up at him and noticed a trail of blood at the top right of his head "You're hurt" He gasped out.
The boy simply shook his head "I'm fine, truly, nothing hurts me anymore" He stated and Evan grew both worried and confused. Tho those feelings faded when the boy in front of him smiled shyly and he felt himself melt at the sight. "You should head inside, it's almost morning, and you look exhausted" Evan snapped out of his daze and nodded "Right, yeah, that's a good idea" He breathed out.
Then he heard the most beautiful sound ever and he was in a trance again, because this ethereal boy was chuckling at him. Evan felt his heart beat pick up and he was sure his cheeks were burning red. He heard about love at first sight and hadn't bought into the whole idea but as he heard this boy chuckle infront of him, he was now a believer.
"What's your name?" The boy went quiet at the question and then answered "Severus, My name is Severus Snape" He said softly.
'Severus' Evan thought his name sounded lovely "My name is Evan Rosier and thank you again for helping me Severus, I greatly appreciate it" He said while smiling fondly.
Severus nodded "You're welcome, I wouldn't want you or anyone joining me in the shack" He stated quietly, the last words causing his smile to fade.
Evan tilted his head in confusion but before he could question Severus, he heard something hiss, he looked around and noticed a grumpy cat. He glared at it knowing who's cat it belonged to "We should go, before we get caught" He turned his attention back to Severus, who simply nodded in response.
The pair began making their way back into the castle and Evan couldn't help but look back at Severus's clothing that appeared shredded as if something clawed at him. His mind began to race and he allowed his thoughts to win, because the next thing he knew he was holding Severus's hand and dragging him to the hospital wing.
Severus didn't say a word and allowed Evan to drag him to the hospital wing. He knew he didn't need to go there but whatever helped Evan rest easy then so be it.
Once they arrived Severus pulled at Evan's hand and Evan snapped out of his trance and realized he was holding Severus's hand. His face flushed and he quickly let go "I'm sorry" He breathed out quickly which made Severus smile "It's alright, I'll check in with Madam Pomfrey, why don't you go and rest, you need it after everything that's happened" He stated softly.
Evan nodded "Right, good idea, my body is exhausted, I'll come visit you in the morning" He said and let out a yawn.
Severus hummed "You won't" He said quietly and before Evan could ask what he said, he leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to Evan's cheek. Evan felt his whole face heat and watched as Severus entered the hospital wing. A big smile appeared on his face, like a lovesick fool, and he happily headed back to his dorm room.
He changed his clothes and got into bed and quickly fell asleep with thoughts of Severus on his mind.
Later that day, in the afternoon, Evan was woken up yet again by Barty. He quickly jumped out of bed when he realized who woke him "You! What the hell happened last night! Why'd you leave me stuck in the bloody tunnel!?" He shouted out in anger.
Barty held up his hands in defense "I got my ass kicked by the fucking tree!" Evan felt his anger subside 'Serves him right' he thought "I swear to merlin I am never going near it again. Now how did you get out? I went back to go get you but you weren't there" Barty stated and tossed himself onto Evan's bed.
Evan blushed as he remembered the beautiful boy who helped him. Barty couldn't help but grin at his best friend "Ooo~ Did my best friend meet someone~" He teased and Evan glared at him which cause Barty to laugh.
"I did meet someone, you bastard, he helped me get out of the tunnel" He stated once Barty had stopped laughing.
"Oh, who was it? Do we know them?" Barty asked now curious about who saved his best friend. Evan shook his head "His name is Severus Snape, and no, we don't know him which is odd because he had on a slytherin uniform and last night was the first time I saw him" He said as sat down next to Barty.
Barty tilted his head in confusion, how could even come across a slytherin ands not know them, hell he's surprised that he himself doesn't know who this Snape person was "Maybe he's a transfer or something, we should go and find him" Evan thought about what Barty said and nodded.
Maybe Barty was right, perhaps Severus was a transfer who's presence would be announced once everyone came back. "He's in the hospital wing, I think something attacked him last night cause his clothes were all tattered and he was bleeding from his head" He stated as he remembered the state Severus was in when he saw him.
Barty stayed silent, he hadn't seen anyone in the hospital wing when he woke up that morning. In fact he was the only one there 'Perhaps he was released before I was' He thought and decided that that was the case. "Let's get going then" He advice before getting up off of the bed.
Evan nodded and went about changing his clothes as quickly as possible. They then made their way towards the hospital wing as they walked Evan went into about what Severus looked like and what had happened that night. Barty went about teasing Evan for being in love and Evan threatened to hex him but Barty continued his teasing especially since this Severus guy gave Evan his first kiss even if it was on the cheek.
The pair reached the hospital wing and stepped inside. Evan looked around in search of Severus and Barty looked for Madam Pomfrey. Barty tugged at Evan's arm when he found her "C'mon let's ask Pomfrey about Severus" He suggested and Evan nodded before they made their way towards her.
"Madam Pomfrey"
Pomfrey turned to acknowledge whoever called out her name. She gave the boys a questioning look before asking "Yes, Is something wrong?"
Barty shook his head "No, we're both perfectly fine" He stated quickly before she could exam him again. He didn't feel like staying another night in the hospital wing.
Pomfrey eyed Barty for a few seconds, she didn't believe him but she decided not to push the matter "Alright, if that's the case then why are you here?" She questioned.
Evan stepped forward before Barty could respond to her "I'm looking for my friend, he came here last night. He was hurt, badly I think, I don't know but he was bleeding and I want to make sure he's okay but we can't seem to find him. Can you show us where he is or tell us if he left?" He said rather quickly but Pomfrey was use to kids speaking quickly and caught every word he said.
"Well if you tell me this boys name I can tell you where he is" She stated as she reached for a clipboard that held information on who came in and where they resided.
Evan couldn't help but smile "His name is Severus, Severus Snape"
Pomfrey froze up and her face paled as she heard the name Evan said. Both Evan and Barty gave eachother confused looks as they noticed Pomfrey freeze up.
"Um Madam Pomfrey are you okay?" Barty asked cautiously. Pomfrey shook her head "Where did you boys here that name?" She asked quietly with fear lacing her voice. Evan began feeling uneasy by the way Pomfrey was acting "I was with Barty down by the willow tree, there was a secret entrance and I got stuck in there. A boy came along and helped me out, he told me his name was Severus, I brought him here last night cause he was injured" He stated nervously.
Pomfrey was silent for a bit but it felt like an eternity for the two boys "Go back to your dorms boys, and stay away from the willow tree" She stated as calmly as she could.
Evan felt a mixture of emotions but confusion was one he felt strongly about in the moment "What? no! I wanna know where Severus is!" He shouted out.
Madam Pomfrey sent him a heated glare but Evan could see the guilt and fear hidden behind the false anger. She pulled out a folder and hesitated for a second before handing it to Evan "Go, and never speak of his name again" She whispered in warning before walking away.
Barty and Evan glanced down at the folder before looking at eachother with confusion. They sighed and decided to head back to their dorm room.
Evan sat down on his bed once in his room and starred at the folder Pomfrey gave him. He had just wanted to know where Severus was, so why did Pomfrey start acting strange the minute he spoke his name.
"So what's in the folder?"
Evan snapped out of his thoughts and looked over at Barty "I don't know but lets take a look" He stated as he stood up and turned to face his bed. He opened up the folder and dumped whatever was inside onto his bed.
He blinked in confusion at what he saw "Is this..." He picked up the single small piece of paper "A newspaper clipping? Why would Pomfrey hand me a single newspaper clipping" He let the paper fall back onto the bed "And why would she put it in a bloody folder?" He tossed the folder aside his confusion slowly turning into annoyance.
Barty picked up the paper clipping "Uh Ev?"
Evan looked over at Barty "Yes?"
"What um was your friends name again?"
"His name is Severus, why?"
"And his last name is Snape, right?"
"Uh yeah"
"And does he have black hair that reaches just above his shoulders?"
"Yeah...how-"
"And does he have black eyes?"
Evan gave Barty a confused look "How do you know-"
Before He could finish his question, Barty held out the paper clipping to Evan "Because he's on this small news clipping" He stated plainly "And it says he's missing" He added.
Evan eyes widen at Barty's words and they widened even more as he looked at the picture on the newspaper. He took the clipping from Barty and read what it said.
Missing
Severus Snape
Went missing in February 10th, 1976
Age: 16
Eye Color: Black
Hair Color: Black
Last seen on school grounds wearing a Slytherin robe, white button up shirt, and black trousers.
If you have any information regarding his whereabouts please contact The Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Barty watched Evan go pale and before he could ask him if he was alright, Evan dropped to the ground.
"Evan!!"