Chapter Text
Morning dawned on July 31st, Potter Manor in calm serenity. Not a speck out of place as each child ate with gusto. Sirius and Remus, who’d stayed the night, were waiting with bated breath for James to descend. Harry vibrated in his seat, stealing glances at Neville, who had turned twelve the day before.
Today was day two of their shared sleepover, after the previous day which had started with the arrival of their friends and cake that went long into the night with games, a clear standard had been set. A standard, James seemed to be adhering to as he came into the room singing the birthday song again.
Once the cake had been eaten, Hermione cajoled the boys into another room to open Harry’s presents. Yesterday, Neville had opened five that his mother and father had reserved for this. Today, Harry would open an equal amount. Draco, Ron, Blaise, Daphne, Neville and Hermione ooh’ed and aah’ed at every item Harry opened, James' heart filled with compassion. Despite the oncoming trouble in the air, at least the children would be entertained for the day.
“All right kids, I’m going downstairs. You have fun, but make sure not to hurt yourselves and let me know when you want to go outside.” Each child looked up at James, and nodded their assent. James wasn’t foolish enough to leave them alone, so he set Vera the elf to watch them in secret.
James made his way into the parlour where Sirius and Remus waited. Without preamble, Sirius handed James the Daily Prophet. Dread turned to rage as he read the front page article.
‘PETER PETTIGREW: ESCAPED CONVICT’
An image of Peter stared back, brooding and wild eyed. A wicked grin plastered unabashedly on his face.
~~~~~
December 5th was shaping up to be the best day of Severus' young life. Evan Rosier was a fourth year student, he spent the morning listening to Severus ramble on and on about potions. He always did, though.
Severus had gone about his day as usual, going to class and having lunch in between. During the second break of the day, Severus had spent it at the lake with Evan. Regulus usually joined them but that day he was at the Library, studying.
Evan sat beside Severus and watched and listened like usual. But today felt different, as the butterflies coiled in his stomach, Severus was shocked by Evan.
“Sev?” Severus looked at Evan with apprehension as confusion coiled in his belly. Evan only took his hand with a soft smile.
“I uh, haha. I was wondering if you’d go to the next Hogsmeade weekend with me? Like, like on a date?” Evan flushed as he looked down at his hands. Severus' apprehension turned to joy as a smile lit his face.
“Evan, I would love to. I will” Evan looked into Severus' eyes as they shared a smile.
The rest of the week passed by in a blur and Severus was never alone. From Regulus, Narcissa and Barty Jr, since the stalker situation had begun. Saturday morning came with the rustling sound of his dorm mates readying themselves for the day in Hogsmeade. The simple idea of it brought a smile to his face.
A day in Hogsmeade with Evan Rosier, Severus dressed and headed out to the carriages. He’d meet Evan at the Three Broomsticks, Regulus and Barty were still second years so they couldn’t go. Instead Severus rode with Narcissa and her friends, Severus sat quietly, not interrupting their conversation.
Once they arrived, Narcissa and her group of friends walked him to the Three Broomsticks. Severus ordered himself a butterbeer as he waited. The first hour passed by quietly, much like the carriage. The second hour passed much the same and trepidation rose in him as the third began to pass. Once the fourth hour came, Severus finished off his fifth butterbeer.
James, Sirius, Remus and Peter entered, laughing like there was no care in the world when Peter spotted him. Dragging his friends along, he traipsed up to Severus with a wicked grin. Each stride forward seemed to match the beat of Severus' crumbling heart.
“Oi, oi Sniv. What’s happenin?” Peter crooned, his screw cut, golden hair bouncing as he laughed. Severus didn’t say a word as he stared blankly at them
“He asked you a question, Snivellous, answer him” Sirius demanded. Remus seemed to grimace which quickly turned into a grin.
“I’m having something to drink, before I go to Honeydukes and grab the second year's sweet supply” Severus said, hoping his answer would be enough to send them on their way. Luckily for him it was.
“Boooorrriiinngg,” Peter hollered as he and his friends turned and left.
Severus did exactly as he said he would, getting sweets for Regulus and Barty. When he was done, he made the slow trek back to the castle. Since he left Hogsmeade early, there was no carriage to carry him back.
As he walked, a note fluttered down from above landing at his feet. Severus picked it up and read the most terrifying words he’d ever received. ‘Evan Rosier? You could do better than that. You could have me. But if I can’t have you, no one can’ Severus' heart leapt into his throat as his legs gave out into a mad dash towards Hogwarts.
Severus searched high and low for Evan, he wasn’t in the dorms or the library. Just as he was about to give up, Regulus and Barty found him wandering the halls.
“Sev!” Barty called breathlessly
“Merlin, you gotta come to the med bay.” That earlier dread became reality as he looked at their flushed faces.
“What? What happened?” His voice sounded muffled in his ears as he spoke.
“Mr Filch found Evan on the quidditch pitch. His arm and leg are broken.” Regulus answered
“Yeah, Evan said someone hexed his broom this morning after practice. He didn’t see who it was though” Barty said. The three Slytherin students made their way to the med bay where they were greeted by Madam Pomfrey.
“Hello boys, are you not feeling well?” She asked kindly,
“No Madam Pomfrey, we’re here to visit Evan. Is he well enough to see friends?” Her lips pursed as she glanced them over.
“Hmm, yes. He’s well enough. But you have ten minutes and then I want you boys out and back to your studies.” She said, with mirroring nods of assent, they agreed.
Severus and the other boys made their way behind Evan’s curtains. He lay looking up at the ceiling of the cold white room and only turned his eyes when he realised Severus was there.
“Hey Sev,” He said, smiling through a wince.
“Hey Evan,” Severus replied.
“I’m sorry I stood you up, I didn’t mean to.” His lips quivered as he spoke.
“It’s okay, I know you didn’t.” Severus told him with a sigh.
“We were gonna have such a nice date, too,” Evan said with frustration, tears gathering in his eyes. Severus gulped down the tension in his throat as he began to stroke Evans' hair.
“Don’t dwell, It’ll only make it worse,” Regulus said, breaking the moment.
“Well- well, we can have other dates. Right Sev?” Evan asked. Severus didn’t know how to answer him. Not with the threat of his stalker becoming physical to someone other than himself.