Snakes and Roses|| Rosekiller || ✔️

19. Investigations

WARNING: brief mention of disassociation, depictions of a panic attack/ breakdown, depictions of smoking

Evan:

In 1789, a muggle government official in the United States of America, Benjamin Franklin had said that nothing is certain in life, except death and taxes

But Evan thinks that Franklin wasn't thinking hard enough because plenty of things are certain, that you will eat, that you will brush your teeth, and that you will shower.

Showers are a constant in Evan's life, he knows they are inevitable and he looks forward to them for that sense of familiarity, to show that there is still routine and normalcy in his life.

Evan steps into the shower and lets the water encase him as he steps into the shower, feeling the water warm him, feeling the warmth spread through him.

He goes through the ritualistic routine of lathering soap onto his body, covering every inch of his skin before he massages all of the hair products into his curls, one by one, allowing the water to rinse away the excess every time.

He always loves the routine of a shower, it's so familiar, so ritualistic, it keeps him grounded. Sometimes Evan feels like he loses his grip on reality, sometimes he doesn't quite feel real, so he needs constants in his life, like showers to keep him grounded, to remind him that he is real, that he is present, that he is living this life.

It helps keep him calm and collected.

So he has to disagree with Mr Franklin when he says that nothing is certain in life, except death and taxes, because Evan can find plenty of certainties in his own life, ones that help him get through his days, ones that help him keep his grip on reality.

After he's out of the shower and dressed, there is a knock at his bedroom door and he's sure it's Barty, but he goes to open it just incase because it's the morning, and Barty only ever usually visits his room after lights out.

When Evan opens the door he is met with Professor Slughorn, which is very unusual because Professor Slughorn has never visited Evan's dorm room before, has never had a reason to.

"Hello, Professor" Evan says, trying and failing to hide the confusion in his voice

"Would you mind coming with me, Mr Rosier? Professor Dumbledore would like to speak with you" Asks Professor Slughorn

Evan nods and steps outside of his dorm room, following Professor Slughorn all the way to Dumbledore's office, which is where Slughorn leaves him alone to knock on the great oak doors that are the only things keeping Evan separated from inside Dumbledore's office.

Evan knocks and hears a muffled "come in" from the other side, leading Evan to open the door.

When he steps inside, he finds Snape, Avery, Mulciber and Barty sat in front of Dumbledore's desk, with Dumbledore sat on the armchair behind his desk. An icy feeling runs down Evan's spine as he realises that this must be in regards to his attack.

"Mr Rosier, thank you for joining us, please, take a seat" Dumbledore says with a cool smile

Evan nods, taking the only available chair which happens to be next to Barty.

Evan spares Barty a glance, who is already looking at him, with a sense of concern on his face. Evan gives Barty a once over before he turns his attention back to Dumbledore.

"It has been brought to my attention that a few weeks ago, Mr Rosier was attacked by Mr Snape, Mr Avery and Mr Mulciber, and was then found by Mr Crouch, it has also been brought to my attention that Mr Rosier was subject to an unforgivable curse, am I correct?" Asks Professor Dumbledore