#𝑇ℋ;; 𝓝𝓔𝓦𝑇𝓢

[hxffhxrbs]

👀 -- Barty

Send 👀 to know if my muse finds yours attractive! | Accepting

A sharp gasp of surprise leaves the teens lips as if the very question itself was absurd.

❝My Barty!❞ The blonde sang with a soft, playful giggle as her delicate hand extended towards him; her thumb and forefinger teasingly pinching his cheek.

❝You are the most-- handsomest, wizard I have ever met!❞ She grinned widely, tugging at his cheek with another giggle.

❝Kissies!!!❞ Azalea chimed sweetly, now playfully pouncing on him. / @slytherintragedy

[hxffhxrbs]

A spark on contact elicited a soft gasp from the Hufflepuffs lips, green eyes wide as they darted up to meet his icy blues. Her lips pressed together into a thin line— a shy smile. In truth, Azalea didn't expect Barty to take her hand. In fact, the offering of her hand was an unfortunate habit constructed from her mother, as embarrassing as it was. She was all too used to rejection that it felt like a second nature. She half expected him to just push her hand away.

But he didn't. And for a moment, she froze.

Azalea's hand was warm and soft in his — fingers far smaller than his own, but they curled so naturally around his. She didn’t quite understand it... But it felt right. Normal. As he held it and his thumb only slightly grazed against the back — her heart skipped in that bubbly, bewildering way it always did when something caught her off guard.

Her cheeks, already tinted pink from her earlier fall, turned a deeper red. Not from embarrassment this time, nor fear, but more the overwhelming warmth blooming in her chest, a bit like when she held a particularly soft Puffapod or found a patch of Moondew blooming out of season.

It was that kind of warm.

“Miss ray of sunshine?” she echoed the endearing term, blinking up at him with curious, emerald eyes, lashes fluttering as she beamed shyly, the familiar dimple denting her cheek. “I think that's… the nicest nickname I’ve ever gotten,” she said with a soft laugh, squeezing his hand just a little tighter without even realizing it.

Truthfully, Azalea wasn’t used to this sort of attention. Well, outside of the attention one got for being a prefect that was. Usually, when someone gave her a nickname, it was to poke fun. The typical names being ‘Sproutlette,’ ‘Mud-girl,’ or worse — ‘Mummy’s pet.’ That one made the 7th year cringe. But this? This didn’t feel like teasing... There was something in the way he said it. In the way he looked at her... like maybe he meant it. Or at least, like he didn’t mind saying it.

“Oh,” she breathed, as if caught in a trance. Finally, she began to walk, slowly yet with purpose, completely ignoring any passing student who may have given them a look as she pulled him along excitedly. “I’d like that,” she added eagerly, a smile still hovering sweetly on her lips. “If he could help me study, I’d really, really like that! Not sure what it is with potions... no matter how hard I try... Everything seems to go wrong after the third step…” Her voice trailed off into a sheepish giggle, a reminder of her last potion. By Merlin — Slughorn was so patient with her. “My last Pepperup Potion exploded. Can you believe that?!” Another laugh followed, almost nervously.

Why was she telling him about that? How embarrassing...

The dark blonde carefully guided him toward the edge of the grounds where the old greenhouses sat. Most of these ones had been out of use for years, choked with ivy and disrepair. But Azalea had found this particular one during her fourth year — tucked away and hidden behind a curtain of wisteria vines. It had become her sanctuary. Her safe place.

“Can you hold these a tick?” She asked, letting go of his hand to shove her books into his arms. “Thanks!” She grinned up at him, turning to the wild — angry looking vines. With a withdraw of her wand she cleared her throat, pointing it the direction of the deep greenery. A muttered spell left her lips, a gentle light misting from the tip of her brown wand, parting the thick vines peacefully. With a smile that read success, she glanced at him sideways. “Just like magic,” she teased, a playful smirk tugging at her lips as she averted her gaze to redirect ahead.

With a gentle — yet eager push of her hands, she opened the dirty glass door. Azalea stepped inside, her hair swaying against her back as she walked ahead, abandoning her books in his arms. Upon entering the scent of fresh flowers and stale soil filled her senses, engulfing her completely as she inhaled deeply. Just like home...

She turned to face him, the orange rays of the sun beaming down at her in the clearing of the greenhouse. “Welcome!” She greeted with a coy look, her eyes gliding to observe the way he still bit at his lip. If she stared too long, she was sure to get distracted... “Oh my books! Sorry! you can just set them down here,” she moved towards a dusty old stand, ridden with dirt and fertilizer. Her hand swiped across the surface, a cloud of smoke lifting in the air as she did so.

Azalea clasped her hands together, taking a step back as she looked up at him sheepishly. “Um... Thank you, Barty...”

An amused glint flickered in his ocean hues, lips curving into a radiant but playful smile. Now that the Slytherin had gotten a good look at the Hufflepuff, he instantly noticed how short she was compared to him and oh how adorable that was. Yet he was pretty sure Nyxia had her beat on being the shortest person to him that he knew, he'd have to put them back to back to see whom was taller for sure though. But that would require introducing Azalea to his friends and he didn't know how well that would go right now, not that they'd be mean to her or anything. It was just they were picky one whom they socialized with, though he was sure that Nyx wouldn't mind doing the little experiment for him. It might lead to them teasing him slightly but it would be in good fun and he'd either deflect it or ignore them.

Right now however, he was just going to shrug the thought away because it was a bit presumptuous to get ahead of himself by thinking they'd be that close after this. After all it wasn't like Barty allowed himself to get to close to many people, not that many people want to be his friend due to the rumors surrounding him. So whose to say she'd want anything to do with him? But maybe the better question was, why did he want anything to do with her? He didn't know, maybe because he was currently bored? Or maybe she was different, maybe it was the way she was looking at him? Who knew for sure, all he knew was that there was just something about her that he couldn't quite describe right now. But he was almost sure that will pass in due time.

At the sound of her giggle, his tongue once more darted past his lips, only for the tip of his tongue to rest upon his bottom lip moments later. The fact she giggling over being called seedling, smiling enough to expose her dimples, the male wanted to say he was doing something right. Which was weird in a way but he liked it, it was going to suck when he eventually hurt her because it seemed he had a natural talent at it. But right now, he was just going to worry about what was happening and now what might happen in the future. Cause if he did start to worry then he'd drive himself nuts and end up ruining this, something he didn't want to do. Though maybe the Slytherin should wake away before the Hufflepuff ended up getting hurt, after all he didn't want to deal with an upset mother coming after him because her precious little seedling got hurt. Not that it would typically stop him but who know Professor Sprout could fail him just out of pitiful revenge and that just wouldn't do. Not to mention his father wouldn't believe him if he said a professor had it out for him because of her daughter. So yes, by all means Barty should walk away right now and leave Azalea alone but the deepening of the blush on her features as she laughed softly, the way her green hues sparkled underneath the sun beams, all but had him remaining where he was.

❝It is sort of silly but it just means she cares about you.❞ The male remarked, it might seem a bit over the notch annoying but the female was lucky to have a mother that cared. Sure his mother cared about him but his father surely didn't, if he did then he truly didn't show it and look at the damage it was doing to his son? So really, truly did Bartemius Senior give a fuck about him? Barty would have to say no. So again, Azalea was lucky that Pomona loved her so much that she would freak out if her daughter got hurt because he own clumsiness. ❝Just be glad she doesn't put you a protective bubble or something that would prevent you from getting hurt.❞ He teased, chuckling warm heartedly.

A soft hum vibrated his throat as he tilted his head slightly in response to her question, almost wanted to ask if she forgot that he was best friends with Regulus, who happened to be Professor Slughorn's prized Slytherin student because how well the young Black excelled at Potions. Hell Reggie excelled in all his classes it seemed, he rivaled Lily because Evans was pretty much excelled as well but she was older than them so did it really count? He didn't know. Also he wasn't that bad at the subject himself, it was just he probably wasn't the best option for a tutor because his lack of interest in helping others caused him not pay that much attention. Maybe she would be different but he didn't want to risk it so.. ❝Did you forget whom I typically hang out with? Cause pretty sure the last time I checked, I was best friends with the person whose top of the grades in our respective year. So I'm sure I can convince him to help you out. If not then, I'll just have to help you myself.❞

The instant Sprout's hand extended out towards him, ocean hues flickered downwards. Head tilting as bewilderment flashed across his features, tongue darting out once more to lick his lips before he was biting down on his bottom lip. Did she actually want him to take her hand? Clearly, given the fact she was wiggling her fingers at him. But why? They just barely started socializing properly, why would she hold hands with someone she barely knew? He didn't know but here she was, wanting him to take her hand. And to be fair, only a few people have been brave enough to take his hand, not that he allowed many the chance to since he didn't care for many people. So the audacity this girl had to assume he'd just take her hand like it was nothing had him snickering, yet he intertwined their fingers seconds later. Eyes flickered back up to her face, squeezing her hand gently. If she wanted to be brave enough to hold his hand then he'd allow it, only cause he was amused.

❝You know that isn't surprising, it makes sense the seedling of the Herbology teacher would find comfort near the greenhouses. Little miss ray of sunshine must get a lot of sunshine as well as peace.❞ Barty hummed softly, resisting the urge to tease her. ❝But you can show me if you want, it'll save me the trouble of searching for it now that you've mentioned it. A favor for a favor is basically, he helps you study well enough so you can pass then you'll pay him back whenever he needs a favor?❞ He thought it would be obvious, unless Azalea meant what the favor would be. Then he couldn't help her there cause he didn't know what kind of favor Regulus would want and he surely didn't know what he wanted at the moment. Only time would tell, right now he was just going to focus on blinding following her to her secret spot that way he could memorize it. Only occasionally sneering at the gossiping students that spotted them, although he mostly ignored them because he knew they must be such an odd duo to see.

[hxffhxrbs]

She let her guard down, shoulders visibly relaxing as she reached out a gentle hand to grab the rest of her books from him. He was tall, much taller than her, her green eyes taking a moment to size him up as she stood now much more comfortably before him.

The Hufflepuff had never directly spoken to Barty before, only really knew him through classes, whispered words and something about his father working for the ministry. In truth, she allowed the rumors to scare her away from the Slytherin. However now, she could see that's all they were. Rumors. It was a mental lesson she learned-- that she needed to make those decisions for herself.

Azalea warmed up quickly, her entire demeanor changing the more they spoke, her smile widening and indenting the sweet dimple in her cheek. The witch was almost excitedly, eager to speak to someone new. To know him and the enigma he was to her. Even if her mother wouldn't exactly approve, somehow it made the idea all the more exciting.

The blonde held her books to her chest for a moment, giggling at his nicknamed seedling as if it were something endearing, and in a way? It was. She absolutely adored plants and everything about herbology. To be compared to something so precious, was a compliment to her. But she took it as a joke, knowing that truly, her mother would have a heart attack if she ended up in the infirmary over her own clumsy feet. She grinned, the blush on her cheeks deepening from her soft laughter shared between just them.

If there were others passing by, looking, the girl didn't even notice. She was far too fixated on the boy in front of her.

❝Sort of silly, isn't it? But you're not wrong, my mother would go barmy if I somehow ended up in the infirmary!❞ She laughed, her eyes sparkling under the soft beams of the sun above them. One of her hands lifted from her books as if on instinct, gracefully moving to brush her hair behind her ear. Why did she feel nervous under his gaze? She never felt nervous. Not really.

❝Do you really know someone that would be willing to help me with potions? Truly?❞ Her brows rose eagerly at the idea, anticipation filling her. All she wanted was to get better at the craft. It was the only class she needed to excel in herself... She wondered who he was referring to for a moment, a fleeting thought of it being himself roaming her mind. Did she hope it was?

The young Sprout's smile returned, her free hand extending for him as if she knew no boundaries, and truly she didn't, not with how she was raised. Her fingers wiggled, clearly wanting him to take her hand. ❝It's behind the greenhouses. I found it one evening when I was tending to my plants. If you want, I can show you, and perhaps you can tell me more of this favor for a favor?❞ Her tone was sweet, lowered in a conspiratorial whisper as if hiding the secrecy of the place she spoke of.

Azalea wasn't sure why, but she had every intention of showing this place to Barty. Too trusting, perhaps?

The blonde was meek. Seemingly used to relentless teasing or mocking whispers, the majority borne from the fact her mother was the herbology professor, and Azalea holding the title of Hufflepuffs prefect. Many thought it favoritism, or unfair for her to hold the title, however, they also failed to understand that it wasn't her mother who gave it to her. Nevertheless, the teen was empathetic, she too would have been skeptical if she were in their shoes. Either way, it didn't matter. With so many distractions, Azalea found herself failing in her position. Good. Then perhaps someone else may take it and everyone else around would stop hating her.

The young witch continued to gather her books and stray papers, an appreciative smile just barely tugging at the corners of her lips in response to his reassurance. It was almost... Refreshing to hear. But odd coming from a Slytherin who hung out with Regulus and Evan. She half expected him to just walk away, but what happened next came as more of a shock to her than the collision itself.

As her small hand extended further out on her knees, reaching for her potions book, it suddenly met his, her fingers brushing against the top of his hand as he knelt down to pick it up. The contact elicited a soft gasp of surprise from her, her hand immediately retreating to the other books she already gathered. Was he helping her? Her green hues looked him over almost curiously. Cautiously. It wasn't that she didn't trust him, or didn't like him... Rather, she didn't really give anyone but her own friends credence. But something told her that with Barty, it may be different... After all, she had heard others say not so nice things to him either.

The look of surprise that etched its way into her features faded, now replaced with a warm smile that indented the small dimple in her cheek. Why was she distracted? Was she really about to tell him she was worried about some whispering girls? Azalea shook her head, a soft short laugh leaving her lips, this time it was relaxed. Real.

❝A study date?❞ She questioned the idea, her hands resting atop her books as she remained on her knees with him. ❝Like with... A group?❞ Her brows knit in genuine confusion yet her eyes held a hint of amusement at the question. She never studied with anyone unless she had to for a project. ❝Er... No. Just um... In a hurry I suppose. We have exams coming up and as you can see,❞ she gestured to some of the book titles. ❝I'm particularly worried about potions. I'm sure i'll do fine though... Just need to... Perfect my... Finesse...❞ She explained, her tone sweet and soft as she tried to find the proper words to say, she was horrible at potions.

Slowly the witch began to stand with the books she collected in hand, ❝I can be a bit clumsy... Unfortunately.❞ She blushed at the admission as if embarrassed. ❝But I know this really nice and quiet place... If ever you need a place to study?❞