Title: NOCTURNAL VISITATION Characters: Severus Snape, Regulus Black Rating: G Summary: After the Hogwarts Halloween Feast, Severus Snape and Regulus Black sneak off to the Forbidden Forest, where they encounter something unexpected. Notes: Thanks to the mods for running this fest and to my lovely reader who assuaged my insecurities. You know who you are.
On this night when the veil between worlds is thin, every sound can cause concern. Children, even those nearing adulthood, are easily spooked, especially in the Forbidden Forest.
The boys' coloring is similar, but the taller boy is handsomer. With thick, lush black hair, he appears well fed and cared for, even spoiled. The other is painfully thin and boney, his clothes plain and worn, his hair greasy and lank.
Both are eager to make their mark in the world. The taller boy speaks with pride of his family, "The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black." The other never speaks of his family and closes up on himself when his friend does, like one of those bugs that curls into a ball when poked.
His friend never notices.
Suddenly, smoke billows. Amidst the flames, a dark figure looms. His is a terrible beauty, his hair, eyes, and wings so black they seem to swallow the night.
"You are quite careless, aren?t you?" The taller boy hides his terror beneath his haughty air. "Careless and proud. A dangerous combination."
Before the boy can find words, another flash of smoke and fire and the terrible vision disappears into the black night.