Rosekiller

Sixth Year|Twenty-Seven|The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

So help my lifeless frame to breathe
And God knows I'm not dying
But I bleed now
And God knows
It's the only way to heal now

Monday, December 20th, 1976

Barty and Evan hugged and kissed goodbye at the Hogsmeade Station. Evan had received a letter that morning from his parents saying he was required home for this Christmas.

"Write me everyday, especially on Saturday" Barty softly demanded, kissing Evan's neck while in his embrace. "I promise I will. Hey, don't give me a hickey, I can't explain that to my parents" Evan said, noticing Barty start to gently bite down on his neck.

"Sorry, love" Barty apologized, instead kissing Evan's lips.

"Okay, c'mon, Ev. You two can chew each other's faces off when we get back" Pandora shouted from the compartment window. Evan chuckled and gave Barty one last hug before finally getting on the train.

They trudged off, and Evan watched Barty sadly begin to walk back to the castle with Dorcas.

Wednesday, December 22nd, 1976

"Evan, Mother and Father wanna talk to us" Pandora said, peeking her head into Evan's room. "Okay. I'm coming" Evan replied, closing his book and placing it  on his nightstand.

He stood up and followed his sister down the stairs. Their parents were sitting at the dining table, a few other people around them. Evan recognized them as the parents of a few people from school, including Regulus' parents.

"Sit. Sit." Evan's father said, dangerously calm. Evan and Pandora sat beside each other at the long table.

"What's all this about?" Evan asked, trying to be as respectful as he could but also try to understand what was happening.

"Well, Evan, as you know, there's been news of a Dark Lord rising to power, and then of course, the current war.." Evan's mother started.

"You two are old enough to accept the mark of one of his followers. See, you'll get protection from him, along with our entire family. So the both of you are going to receive the mark. With NO objections" their father explained and ordered.

Pandora's eyes widened and her mouth was agape. "No. No way. I'm not doing that" she said and stood up. Evan was shocked by her response. She was never the one to defy their parents, especially with their 'friends' around.

"You sit down and listen, young lady!" Their mother shouted, also standing up. "No! There is no way you can make me do this" Pandora stormed away, up to her room.

"I'll handle her" Evan's mother muttered and followed Pandora.

"Anywho. Evan. Mrs Black here is the one who's going to administer the mark" Evan's father said, gesturing to Walburga. Evan flashed an extremely uncomfortable smile at the woman.

"Wait a second, what exactly is this mark?" Evan asked, suddenly very concerned for his body.

"Oh, it's like a tattoo, dear. Except it moves around occasionally" Mrs Black answered. Evan wondered why she was pretending to be so nice.

"I don't know..I'll be one of his followers if I take it?" Evan asked. He could tell just by looking in his fathers eyes that no matter what he said, it was not an option for him to not do it. His parents were always cowards, no wonder they would force a 16 year old to do what they should be doing if they want it so bad.

"I don't-'' Evan started but a look from his father made him quiet. He knew if he didn't accept this mark, he would be in loads more trouble than he would be after he'd gotten arrested that one summer.