#barty crouch fanfic

[unconventional-lawnchair]

Not Quite Poison

Barty Crouch Jr. X Potter!Reader

Summary: after a chance meeting in the library; a whirlwind love affair between Barty Crouch Jr and the youngest Potter blossom, but neither of them were prepared for how life would go after.

AN: MONTHS. I have finally finished this after MONTHS. Sorry if the writing style is a bit whiplash, I have changed a lot since then. I can't get away from Barty he owns my whole heart

CW: not proof read, no use of Y/N, Obsessive!Barty(implied obsessive reader), sexual themes and scenes, graveling and begging, Protective Sirius and James, fighting, lying, self indulgent, cursing, Remus x reader if you squint, angst, angst with slightly happy ending, fem reader, not cannon complacent, sexual innuendo, underage drinking, major character death (unless...?)

WC: ~17k

You never felt as bold or as powerful as you did at Hogwarts, walking the halls with your older brother and his friends. 

Shamelessly you always thought they were the coolest. The Marauders, James Potter; Head Boy, Remus Lupin; Prefect, Sirius Black; one of the most clever and strongest duelists in the school, and Peter Pettigrew; the sweetest boy you'd ever meet. 

They had a reputation for themselves even before you came to the school a year later. Not that it surprised you, your brother had always been a moth to the limelight. You were just happy he never aimed that at you, being fiercely protective of his little sister. They all were pretty defensive when it came to ‘little Potter.’

But, there was only so much their help could do.

“Dreadful! A Dreadful on my potions exam!” You groaned as you wiggled the parchment in front of you, as if shaking it enough would change the ink that was etched on the page.

“I have never gotten such a low score in my life!” You whined and hugged the paper. Giving a small sigh as Sirius ruffled your hair. “Calm it, Bambi. It’s just a practice test. You're becoming Moony.”

Sirius gestured behind his back to Remus, who was wearing an offended look.

“I'm sorry I couldn't help you more.” Lily called over from under your brother's arm, sending you a sympathetic look. You just mumbled.

“It’s alright, Red. If even you can’t save me, I’m well and truly done for.” You groaned and Remus nudged you with his elbow.

“I could always give you a hand.” 

You shook your head and bit your cheek. “Nah, think it’s best I crack on alone. No distractions.” You waved your hands out dramatically, full of resolve. Enough to make Sirius laugh at you and Lily to roll her eyes fondly. The redhead looked up and smirked at James who seemed to be lost in his own little world, staring at her. 

“Jamie, dearest?” 

He blinked out of his daze and smiled at her. “What's that?”

“Were you paying any mind to your little sister?” 

“She was talking?” He muttered and looked over at you, greeted by a bird that wasn't under his arm, instead poking from between your index and ring finger. “Ah, so I’ve finally learned to tune her out. Only took me seventeen years.”

“Sod off.” You stuck your tongue out at him and he blew a raspberry back, before Lily gave him a reprimanding smack on his shoulder. 

“You're meant to be head boy.” She huffed and you just smirked. 

“How they let him get that badge, I’ll never know!” You shouted up to your brother who made a mocking face at you with his eyes crossed. Remus snickering from your other side.

“Oi, James, keep it to yourself,” Peter mumbled, shuffling out of spitting range.

“It's like watching two first years go at it.” Sirius mumbled and Remus shrugged. “I don't think they ever left that age.”

You rolled your eyes fondly at the jabs as Lily grabbed your brother's face and squished his cheeks, leaving him a smiling fool.

“Okay, I'm heading to the library.” You offered and got a variety of responses as you left. “Got to make sense of this disaster of a grade.”

Their echoes of conversation faded out as your shoes hit the path to the library. Once there, you were shocked to see how many people were studying in the now cramped hall. It was fair to say that everyone here had a poor score on their test.

What was worse is you didn't recognize a single person. Not well enough to sit with.

You walked down the long path between the aisle and tried to spot an open seat somewhere. That was, until you spotted an empty table. An entirely empty table with a few spare books shoved across the old oak. You lit up and hurried over to take the seat closest to the wall. Setting up your things to begin to study, not noticing how people had been avoiding that table like the plague.

As you set up your books and notes you were oblivious to any presence around you, until the seat right next to you was pulled out. “You know…”

You looked up quickly and you were greeted by a pair of piercing green eyes that made your heart stop. What was it with Potters and green eyes? You'd never know. 

“If you wanted my seat that bad, you could have just asked.” You were suddenly snapped to your senses when you recognized the voice.

Bartemius Crouch Junior. Fuck.

You didn't talk to many RavenClaws, you hardly talked to any male classmates considering how often your brother would scare them off. Sirius wasn't much help either.

However, Crouch had a special reputation. Hanging around dangerous Slytherins, loud, dangerous, obsessive and as smart as a damned whip. You only knew what Sirius told you about him, which was nothing good, considering how both of them absolutely despised each other. James didn't like him either, but Lily spoke highly of him.

Lily spoke highly of almost anyone, though.

You only realized you had been staring at him when he arched his eyebrow.

“Cat got your tongue, Potter?” He teased as he took his seat and you snapped out of your thoughts. Still just blinking owlishly at him. This made him chuckle softly, leaving him to simply shrug and get back to work.

With how he behaved around most of the students you expected him to chase you off or bare his fangs- maybe bite you. Who knows? People described him more like a rabid animal than a proper student. Yet you had sat in his seat, at his table, pushed aside and even stolen one of his books, and he was as calm as a cat. 

“Er- sorry, I didn't mean to intrude.” You whispered and he glanced over at you. Meeting your eyes with a slowly growing smile.

“So she does talk?” He teased and you pursed your lips.

“When she wants to.”

“That's not very Potter of you.”

“It's very me of me.”

His smile only grew as your banter continued. His shoulders seemed to relax and he became a bit more playful. You felt like you might be insane, were there two Crouchs? There is no way this is the same boy who almost beat Sirius to a pulp over a remark about his own brother.

“So… do you mind if I study here?” You asked softly and he shrugged, going back to his paper. 

“I don't mind a pretty face.” 

This time it was your turn to smile, rolling your eyes a bit fondly. You got back to your notes, writing down each problem you had gotten wrong and looking for the proper potion recipe, starting with Wiggenweld. You began to mutter to yourself as you looked across three different books. Rubbing your temple in irritation as you tried to understand the ingredients and grew more and more infuriated. 

“You're doing it wrong.” You heard Barty mumble from beside you. You snapped your head over to glare at him and it only served to make him chuckle. 

“I don't think I've ever seen a Dreadful in my life.” 

You flushed a bit and moved your wrist to hide your marks. “What happened to you being nice to me?”

“Sorry, sorry.” He chuckled and shifted his seat a bit closer to you, looking at the books. “What's got you confused?”

“I just..” You sighed and gestured to the books. “Every one of these say something different! Salamander blood until it turns yellow, then orange, then green. But this one says Unicorn horn and Lionfish spines. And then this one says Sloth-”

“Woah woah woah, pretty girl, breath.” He pushed and you took a sharp breath. No one but Sirius had ever called you that, and certainly not in that tone. He lifted his arm and you got a good view of his bare forearm from where his sleeve was rolled up, showing off a tattoo, a snake wrapped around a magpie, you think. He smiled at how you took it in. “Did it myself.”

Your eyes widened and looked at him in shock. He seemed giddy with excitement at your interests. “That and this,” He mused and stuck out his tongue, using his middle fingers to press it flat against his lip. Showing off his tongue piercing and his black nails. Your eyebrows shot up to your hair line.

Him and Sirius were scarily alike. It was almost comforting.

“Woah…” You mumbled and he laughed. Smiling ear to ear.

“Look here, kid.”

“I'm your age-”

“Shhh, I'm spitting wisdom.” 

You couldn't help but laugh and relax fully as his fingers lined the pages of one of your books. “The reason they are so different is the one thing Professor Slug on my Horn doesn't tell you,” You laughed a bit in surprise at the vulgar nickname, “Is the potions you study under him have several different ways to make it. Salamander blood being the one taught in class.”

You looked back at the books and tilted your head a bit. “Why wouldn't they tell you that?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. I don't even use those recipes, I made my own.” 

You looked over at him in shock and he just smiled at you. 

You knew Crouch was a genius, he made sure everyone knew. But to have your own concoction for the potion you couldn't figure out how to brew according to instructions? You were baffled.

“Really?” 

He nodded and you furrowed your brow. “Why Wiggenweld?”

His lip twitched and you could see as the smile left his eyes but not his lips, slowly biting his cheek. “I'm prone to.. accidents.” 

“Your fights.” You whispered and he shrugged. 

“Those too.”

“Typical Crouch behavior.” You murmured, a hint of amusement creeping into your voice. Talking to him was feeling more natural by the second. “Always getting into trouble.”

He grinned at that, leaning back in his chair with a casual confidence that was slightly charming. He had a way about it, how his sleeves were rolled up and his tie was loose. Robe discarded and undeniably handsome- “What can I say? It’s a talent of mine.” 

You couldn’t help but chuckle, feeling more at ease as you continued to chat. The tension from earlier with your potions exam began to fade, replaced by a curiosity of learning who this Barty boy really was. It was a strange feeling, considering the reputation he had, but he seemed different here, away from the majority of the school, he was so gentle and sweet. 

“So, what’s your recipe for Wiggenweld?” You asked, hopeful for a bit of help. You leaned in closer, the books between you momentarily forgotten.

“Alright, but you have to promise me something,” He whispered and leaned all that more closer, a mischievous glint in his eye. “You can’t tell anyone I’m teaching you this. It’s our secret.”

“Deal!” You nodded, your excitement bubbling over. You didn’t care about the implications of keeping secrets; you were just grateful for the distraction and the chance to understand potions from a different perspective. Definitely not to keep talking to him, not at all, he was just so damned sweet.

“Well, I use this version of it.” He gestured to your test, “But no Salamander blood. Just Horklump and Dittany.” 

“What?” You whispered in shock and he sent you a playful wink. 

“Trust me, yeah?” He gestured to the pages. “You just need to stew them for no longer than ten minutes. Stir it the first two- Potter?”

“Yeah?”

“You should be writing this down.” He teased and you quickly scrambled for your quill, cheeks flushed as he found you just staring. 

You quickly scribbled down the details, heart racing as you focused on Barty’s instructions. The way he leaned in, so close that you could catch a whiff of his cologne, made it hard to concentrate. You tried to tune out the little voice in your head that reminded you of his reputation; all you wanted was to absorb the knowledge he was sharing. Nothing more.

“Okay, so after you’ve stewed the Horklump and Dittany, you need to add a pinch of powdered mint. It has to be powdered, if you add any fresh mint the juice will wind both of us in detention.” He continued, his voice low and steady, as if he were sharing a well-guarded secret. “But don't tell anyone that. It's just to get the color Slug likes so much.”

You couldn't help but smile at his goofy antics. “We?”

“Hm?”

“We'd end up in detention?”

He gave a chuckle. “Can't let you get in trouble for my secrets, can I? How could I live with myself?”

“What a gentleman.” You cooed and he gave a playfully solemn nod. 

“Truly, I am.”

“I would totally let you take the fall for my antics.” You countered and he put a hand over his chest with a gasp. You giggled and he couldn't help but smile at your look. 

“You're much prettier than your brother.” He hummed and you paused, turning to furrow your eyebrows at him with a bright smile. Clearly, he had no shame in what he said.

“Watch what you say, my brother may disagree with that.” 

Barty smirked, clearly unfazed by the warning. He seemed so.. shameless. “Let him. I’ve dealt with worse than a jealous Potter before.” He leaned in a little closer, his tone playful, yet there was an undertone of seriousness in his eyes. “Besides, I would hate to disappoint him. But my type is more.. about your height, your hair color, your eyes. Have to say, the only thing wrong with you… your name.”

You felt your cheeks flush with warmth at his compliment, the boldness of his words making your heart race. Who was this guy? “Oh really? What’s wrong with my name?” You asked, trying to keep your tone teasing, but the stutter in your tone betrayed you.

“Potter is a lovely name.” He hummed, leaning back in his chair with a smug grin. “But if you are looking to try out something different, I have some ideas.“

“Is this you flirting, Crouch?” 

“Call me Barty. And if you have to question it I might just have to up my game.” He lit up like a child and your heart clenched hopelessly. He didn't even attempt to play coy with his new found attraction, you wondered hopelessly how many people had told this boy no. Certainly not enough.

Thank Merlin for that.

You couldn't help but laugh, trying to mask the fluttering in your chest. “Well, Barty, I don’t know if you’re just charming or if this is some elaborate scheme to distract me from my disastrous Potions exam.”

He leaned in closer, resting his chin in his hand, eyes focused solely on you. “Maybe it’s a bit of both.”

You rolled your eyes, fighting to suppress a smile. “You’re insufferable.”

“And you’re delightful,” He shot back without missing a beat. The intensity in his gaze made you feel a little dizzy, like you were the center of an exhilarating storm. Like you were worth all his attention.

You had only been speaking for an hour and it seems he made up his mind about you so quickly.

“Okay, Mr. Charming.” You said with a smirk, trying to regain some semblance of composure. “Let’s focus on Potions before you completely derail my study session.”

“Fine, fine.” He chuckled, leaning back into his chair but not breaking eye contact. “What's your next question?”

You spent the rest of the day with Barty, drilling on about the exam and your potion questions, falling into an easy and familiar rhythm. Eventually, even when your questions were answered and the library was empty, you two stayed. Even as it grew dark outside and the only lights came from the candles on the table. You two keep droning into easy conversation.

“You know.” Barty hummed. “This isn't the first time we've met.”

“Really?” You asked, your head in your arms as you leaned on the table over your books. He nodded. “Mhm. We met before, when we were younger. Before Hogwarts.”

“Before Hogwarts?” You echoed, trying to piece together the fragments of your memory. “I don’t remember meeting you before then. Are you sure?”

Barty chuckled, leaning back in his chair as he crossed his arms. “Oh, I’m sure. It was at Diagon Alley.”

Your eyebrows knitted together in concentration as you tried to recall any memory of him. “Diagon Alley? I don’t remember that at all.”

“Yeah, it was ages ago. You were with your family, and I was there with my mum.” He explained, with such a sweet smile that reached his eyes. “You had just gotten your first wand. You were so excited, waving it around like you were already a pro. I was upset because my magic hadn't come in yet but you and your brothers came around the same time.”

You felt a spark of recognition at his words, completely baffled he would remember something so utterly small and insignificant to him. “I do remember being really excited! I think I accidentally turned my brother’s hair blue for a week after that.”

Barty burst out laughing, the sound bright and infectious. “See? You were a little troublemaker even back then.”

“Hey, it was an accident!” You protested, laughing along with him. “I was just a kid.”

“Still, it’s good to know you’ve always had a flair for the dramatic.” He muttered and bit his cheek. Suddenly so.. thoughtful and distant. 

“... how did you remember that? I hardly remember it and it was the day I got my wand.” You have a small nervous laugh.

“You really don't remember?” He laughed and you just furrowed your brow in confusion.

“Woah, I'm that forgettable?” He teased and laughed as your eyes widened in horror. “I'm only teasing.”

He rolled his jaw a bit and laid his head on the table to look you in the eyes. “I was throwing a fit, you know. I wanted a wand so badly. You walked past me on the street and you pointed your wand at me. You shouted; ‘tears be gone and magic be strong!’ And just toddled away after your mother.”

Your jaw dropped a bit before you slowly covered your face in embarrassment. Giving a low groan as you began to laugh. “I don't remember that. But that's what my mum always told us when we got hurt. Said our magic would heal our owies.”

He chuckled and nodded. “I stopped crying. When I got my magic the next year I was sure it was your doing. I'm not surprised you don't remember me.”

“It's not that you're forgettable-”

“Heavens no, not that. Just… you are always doing small things like that. You don't know how much it means to people.”

You flushed a bit at his statement and looked down, unable to keep his eyes anymore. “You're exaggerating.” 

“I'm not. Everyone just adores you.” He mumbled and you shook your head.

“And everyone is scared of you.” You challenged. “Not everyone knows what they are talking about.” 

“They are scared of me with good reason.” He corrected and you shook your head defiantly. 

“You're not scary.” 

“I can be.” 

“I'll believe it when I see it.”

“I guess you'll never believe it then.”

You tilted your head a bit and looked up to meet his eyes. He was smiling so softly, so sweet, eyes gentle and almost suffocating. “I would rather die than scare you.”

You stared at him, a bit stunned. Struggling to catch yourself but all you could muster was. “You could never scare me.”

“Good.” He whispered in earnest with a nod of his head. “Good.” He smiled.

Before you both could continue talking, you heard the grand doors creek open, both of you looked up like deer in headlights. You saw Remus poke his head in and he smiled at you, before giving a grimace of a look at your company. 

You stood up as you saw Remus leave, giving a low sigh. “Sorry, I kept you here so late.”

“Don't worry about that.” He muttered as he began to help you pack up. “I'll put your books away for you.”

You gave him a surprised look before you furrowed your brow. “Are you not heading out as well?”

“Not now. I have a few assignments to look over.” He mumbled and your eyebrows raised in surprise.

“Wha? Oh! Oh, Barty, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to distract you.” You whispered and he shook his head, chuckling.

“It's alright, you can make it up to me.” He muttered and you nodded vigorously. “Distract me again? Tomorrow? Same seat?”

You were stunned for a moment before you slowly smiled to match his. “Time?”

“I'll be here all day.”

“Understood.” You smiled and gave him a small wave. “Goodnight, Barty.”

“Goodnight, Star.”

When you made your way out of the library and noticed James, Lily, Remus, Peter, and Sirius. You tilted your head a bit curiously when you saw James with the map.

“What's this about?” You hummed and James pointed at you like an accusatory child.

“Nuh uh! You and Crouch? Gross! No!”

You furrowed your eyebrow in confusion and looked over to Sirius who was glaring at you. Peter looked nervous to meet your eyes.

“You upset your brothers.” Remus muttered to you and you tilted your head. 

“It would seem so.” You mumbled back and Lily gave a little giggle. James didn't appreciate your mellow response.

“Bambi that boy is no good for my little sister.” James huffed and you could have sworn if you rolled your eyes any harder they would fall from your head. 

“Oh Merlin, here we go.” Lily mumbled.

You crossed your arms and raised an eyebrow at James, trying to keep your expression calm. “You mean the boy that helped me understand Potions better than I ever have? The same boy who’s been nothing but nice to me? You guys really need to relax.”

Sirius chimed in, his tone teasing but serious. “Nice? Junior? He's a walking red flag, love”

“And you’d know all about red flags, wouldn’t you, Sirius?” You shot back, a smirk creeping onto your face. You couldn’t help but needle him a bit, knowing full well his own history.

Lily laughed, trying to diffuse the tension. “Come on, you guys, let her have some fun! She’s old enough to make her own decisions.”

“Lily!” James huffed and gestured to you. “She's only 17.”

“18 in two months.” You put your hands on your hips as Remus smirked. “58 days.”

“Right on.” You mused and you and Remus shared a high five.

“Wha- I- no! No, I don't like it!” James whined like a child. “He's a Death Eater.”

That killed the fun chillingly fast. The hall was silent- in truth, no one knew anything about who was truly what. The only people you guys knew to be those monsters were the ones who claimed it. Like Mulciber, Avery, and even some of the other younger Slytherins.

The only evidence they would have to that would be the company Barty chose to keep.

“You watch your mouth.” You snapped quickly at James who looked a bit caught off guard that his usually sweet playful sister was so serious. Your blood was boiling with anxiety and inching for you to back down, you just wouldn't. To be in the middle of a war and to use that word so freely?

“You don't know what rumors like that can do to someone! And, I'll have you know, he is the sweetest boy I've ever talked to!” You snapped at him and his jaw dropped. 

“Not you, Remus or Peter.” You reassured and they nodded in agreement. 

“Not me.” Peter smiled at his friends and earned a smack from Sirius. Remus had the good sense not to say anything.

“You're such a git, James! And I won't be letting you continue to dictate my social life!” You snapped and the second Sirius opened his mouth you glared at him down. “You either greaser!” 

Remus snickered and you shook your head. “I'm going to my dorm!”

Lily scurried up to follow you, giving the boys a playful ‘hmph!’ As she passed.

Remus was about to say something before Lily grabbed his arm and dragged him along. Leaving the three older Gryffindor's alone in the hall, baffled.

~~~

You stomped right up to your bed and slipped across it with a groan. Remus was next, mocking your childish stomps before he laid the proper way across your mattress, arms behind his head. You glared at him before Lily sat beside you and patted the side near her, coaxing you closer.

You sighed and sat up, wiggling closer. 

“Baremius, huh?” She prodded and you nodded, leaning on your palms beside your knees. Her tone was always so soft and patient. She was always so… peaceful. 

“It's not like that. But James- ugh! He just gets on my nerves.”

“Not like that?” Remus spoke up from behind you two. “He looked like he was about to kiss you.”

“I have that effect on people.” You cheeked, quickly trying to cover up your heating cheeks. “He was helping me with potions. Nothing more.”

“Well, that's good.” Lily muttered and you half glared at her.

“Good?”

“I can't believe I'm about to say this.” She muttered. “I agree with your brother on this one.”

You gawked at her before you looked at at Remus who suddenly looked nervous. 

“And you?”

“In my defense, putting aside the rumors and.. his behaviors. He's a guy.” He shrugged and you gave a scandalized laugh.

“And you're not?”

“I'm a man.” He hummed and flexed playfully, showing off his arms and making you laugh, laying back and across his stomach. Lily rolled her eyes playfully and laid her head on his chest, looking at you with a soft smile.

“And in my defense, honey, I know him. He's friends with those horrid Slytherin boys and…” She looked away for a moment. “Snape. I know you can't judge someone on their friends alone but…”

“It says a lot.” You muttered and slowly hid your face in Remus’s stomach. He lifted his hand to ruffle your hair and you gave a loud and annoyed groan, looking back at Lily. “Do you really think-”

“I haven't seen any proof.” Lily quickly hushed you. “But just.. be careful, yeah? May want to keep him at arm's length.”

“...” You sighed and began to pick at the cables of Remus’s sweater, earning a smack from him. “I'll keep my distance.”

“That's our girl.” She smiled and leaned in to kiss your temple, making you laugh.

“You have to marry my brother now.” You insisted and Lily gave a snort. 

“Oh, look at this.” Lily mused and reached behind her, the second you lifted your head she flung a pillow at your face, leaving you to fall against Remus’s stomach. He let out a sound that resembled a balloon deflating and it left you and Lily giggling like fools.

You stared up at the ceiling as Remus and Lily began to chat aimlessly. You began to pick at your nails and pause. You wondered if there was any truth to it, the rumors and his actions. 

“I would rather die than scare you.”

His words replayed in your head over and over. What did he mean by that? Was it just you? Was his persona an act? What made you the exception?

The way his head tilted and his eyes looked into yours, it was something so genuine. Scarily affectionate. You wondered if it really was just that conversation. That day you met and that comment you made to him about magic.

Was he really not used to such simple compassions?

“Earth to bambi.” Lily called out and you looked over at her with a curious look. She smiled.

“So you won't get tangled up in him, yeah?” She prodded and you bit your cheek. You must have missed a lot.

“Yeah.. I'll be careful.” You muttered and she smiled.

“Good. I'm off to my patrols.” She hummed and sat up, grabbing her books and saying her goodbyes.

Remus looked down at you to see that distant stare again. Giving a weak chuckle and patting, giving a hum. “Wanna braid my hair?”

You sat up wordlessly and flopped on the pillow next to him. “Actually.. Can you read to me?”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever you want, bambi.” He mused and grabbed one of the books from your coffee table. Shifting up so you could lay your head on his chest, listening as he started the same book he's already ready you a million times.

~~~

You kept your promise and you avoided Barty. Everything went back to the status quo. At least for the first few weeks.

James had let it go a week or so later and Sirius was still weary of leaving you alone for too long. Ever since he started staying at your house in year five, he had become just as hovering and doting as your brother. But with Lily and Remus as reinforcements they never pushed it too far.

Then came the full moon. Remus would never allow you too far from the Gryffindor towers the nights leading up to it. No one, really. 

He would sooner see you in detention then letting you out of the dorms and especially not near the dark forest the night of the full moon. However, even if you couldn't help the night of, the very next morning no one could stop you from rushing down to the shrieking shack with breakfast and water for the boys.

It was never anything complicated, just a few biscuits and water before you all were lugged back for classes. This morning was no different. As you walked with the boys out of the shrieking shack and towards the school. 

The sun was shining bright, casting warm rays across the forest floor as you made your way back toward the castle. The air was crisp, fresh from the night’s chill, and you felt a sense of accomplishment in being there for your friends. 

“Thanks for this, lil Potter.” Remus mumbled, his voice still a bit hoarse but warm with affection as he took a sip of water. He was leaning heavily on his crutch that he still tried to insist he didn't need. The other boys were busy sharing their own sleepy banter, but you just smiled. “Of course, Moony. I wish you'd let me help more. I feel like I've become an animagus for nothing. I can still taste the mandrake leaf, I'll have you know.”

“I told you he wouldn't let you help like, five times!” James shouted ahead as he slipped back on his shirt. Remus strayed behind in his slowed step. Sirius shook his head.

“If we had it our way, and you weren't so spoiled, you wouldn't be one at all.” He snarked in all his grumpy morning glory and you gave a sarcastic laugh.

“What got up your ass this morning? Hopefully not Remus in his state.” 

Remus began to choke on the water you had given them and Sirius gawked at you. James let out a laugh so loud it startled a few birds from the trees.

Remus rolled his neck before he nudged you a bit and gave a low groan. “It will keep you safe. Just in case… you know, anything happens.” 

“Nothing will happen.” You assured and he shrugged, always ready to believe he could hurt you guys at any second.

“You never know.”

“You'd never hurt me, Remus.” You whispered and locked your arm with his. He shook his head.

“Moony would.” He challenged and you shook your head back at him.

“No, I mean, you wouldn't be able to. I am simply getting that good at self defense magic, didn't you hear our new professor? Could wipe the floor with em.” You cheeked and Remus gave you the most sour look you had ever seen, making you giggle.

“Can I?” Peter whispered from beside you and you handed him your water easily, giving a laugh when he threw it back and chucked the damn thing.

“Thirsty?”

“We shouldn't have drank.” He muttered and your jaw dropped.

“You four drank? That has to be illegal. More- more so illegal than whatever we have been doing so far.” You scolded and Remus just gave you a cheeky smile. You rolled your eyes, looking off into the forest with a playful huff. Only for you to pause when you saw some bit of blue behind you guys. 

You began to slow down more, furrowing your brow at the figure you swear you saw, just following you guys. Your arm untangled from Remus’s and he paused, looking back at you. Then, you saw cigarette smoke. You trailed back a bit more before you turned sharply. 

“I think I dropped something! I'll catch up!” You called back before you hurried down the trail. Looking along the tree line. Only then did you spot exactly who you thought you saw.

Barty looked at you with wide eyes, from the thicket of the trees. You two locked in a staring contest for a few moments before you heard Peter’s voice call out to you.

“You okay, Bambi?” He shouted and you quickly ran into the proper tree line. Grabbing Barty by his lapels and pushing his back against the nearest tree. He gave a small ‘oof’ as you took the cigarette from his mouth and tossed it on the ground, stomping it out.

He didn't react much besides rolling his head in annoyance and looking up at the leaves above you as you attempted to hide him. “What are you doing here?” You whisper hissed, assuming the worst.

He sucked his teeth a bit before looking down at you with a quirked eyebrow, “Can't take a morning stroll?”

“Were you following me?” You asked incredulously, stepping back from him as he fixed his uniform. “Not.. initially.” 

“Yo! Bambi, you alright?” Sirius called down and you pursed your lips, giving Barry a once over. He looked.. sad. Almost bored. Nothing like the playful boy in the library.

“Uhm… yes. Yes!” You shouted back. “Wardrobe malfunction! I have a spell for it, just run ahead!”

There was a long pause before Remus shouted back. “Alright!”

As you listened to the boy’s voices finally fade out into the background you slipped your hands in your robe pockets. 

“Why are you out here?” You finally asked and he looked down, rubbing the back of his neck. He walked over to a well worn log and sat down. Looking back to the path one more time you finally sat by him, hugging your cold knees. 

He took off his robe and threw it over your lap. Before you could protest he took a letter from his pocket and handed it over to you. Taking out a box of smokes and starting another one.

You looked over the letter carefully, the envelope was beige but it had a blue stamp. Carefully, you unfolded it.

Bartemius,

I find it utterly disheartening that I must waste my precious time addressing your incessant foolishness yet again. Your childish antics are a stain on our family name, and quite frankly, I am beyond exhausted by your inability to grasp the gravity of the situation. Another fight within a week? Pathetic.

How dare you presume to send a personal letter to my office as if your juvenile escapades warrant my attention? If I sought updates on your disgraceful behavior, I would have asked your mother- though I suspect she has long since learned to ignore your antics. It astounds me that you continue to associate with those beneath you, dragging my name through the mud and jeopardizing the reputation I have painstakingly built in the ministry.

Your conduct is an embarrassment, not just to yourself but to me and our entire lineage. I expect to see a marked improvement in your behavior, though I have little hope that you possess the maturity to effect any real change. If you cannot rise above your base instincts, you will remain nothing but a disappointment. Do not insult me further with your incompetence. 

You felt your heart clench tighter with each line you read. It was like someone had cut out the devil's tongue and used his linguistics to verbally lash the pages, and the lack of warmth in the words left you feeling hollow. It was hard to reconcile the boy you’d just been speaking with- the charming, playful Barty- with the boy described in this letter. 

Let alone a boy as sweet as Barty could be subject to this. Your thumbs began to crease the page the tighter you held it.

You knew you were lucky to have a father like yours. He would never speak down to you like this, he was the one who begged you to write. About anything and everything. 

“I wanted him to know I got all O’s.” He muttered, gesturing to the letter. You looked over to him in surprise as he tightened his jaw but kept his expression unreadable. “Should of known it wouldn't have impressed him.”

“Barty…” You whispered, looking up at him with concern etched across your features. You felt your eyes begin to sting and your vision blur. He was staring off into the distance, tense as he took a deep drag of the cigarette. How could someone be so cruel to him?

You schooled your expression, giving a sniff or two as you used your sleeve to dry your tears. Then, your turned to face him fully, pressing the letter firm against your lap.

“You impressed me.” You declared in a stern tone. He furrowed his brow and looked at you curiously. You kept a straight face. “It's impressive, Barty. It's impressive and.. I'm impressed.”

He gave a weak, almost scandalized laugh before he bit his cheek, trying to hide a smile. “You are?”

“Mhm.” You nodded earnestly and he gave a low chuckle as you began to sniff again to try and keep your tears back.

“So.. is that why you'd been avoiding me?” He mused and your shoulders sank a bit. You have a deep sigh and hugged your knees. Burying your face in his robe still draped over your legs.

There was a moment of pause before you finally gave in. “You're not.. you're not a bad person. I don't think you are.” You whispered. “But my brother does. And his friends.”

“So what?” He asked softly, no malice in his tone just genuine curiosity. 

You hesitated, the weight of your words hanging in the air. “So... I don’t want to get caught up in whatever is brewing around you. I know there's something. They care about me, and I care about them. I can’t just ignore it. And Lily she's...”

Barty’s expression shifted slightly, his brow furrowing as he considered your words. “You think I’m dangerous?”

“I think you have a reputation.” You countered, trying to keep your tone neutral even as your voice wavered. “And it’s not just who you hang around with. It’s the way people talk about you- like you’re some kind of monster. I've.. heard things. What you've done, I mean.”

He chuckled softly, but the humor didn’t reach his eyes. “I suppose I’ve earned that.” He admitted. “But I’m not dangerous. Not to you.”

You felt a pang of something- so heavy and tight in your chest at the way he said it. There was an honesty in his voice that made you hesitate, and for a moment, you saw not just the boy with the reputation, but someone who seemed genuinely weary of the way others perceived him. No.

The way you perceived him. The hypothetical danger he posed to you. He was more concerned with how you felt about him then anyone else.

“Then why do you hang around with them?” You asked, trying to understand. “You could easily distance yourself from them, you know. They are.. they are monsters, you know what they did to Mary and Lily. They are important to me.”

Barty shrugged, a nonchalant gesture that didn’t quite match the tension in his expression. “They’re... my friends. They understand the game. It’s easier to be with those who don’t expect me to be anything other than what I am.”

“But that's not fair.” You huffed boldly. “That's not fair to me. I won't pick between anyone and my friends because my answer will be my friends.”

“Yeah..” Barty took another long drag of his cigarette. “Me too.”

The weight of his words hung in the air between you two, a heavy silence stretching out as you both considered the implications. You had to let yourself realize that with a father like his… his friends were truly all he had. You watched as he exhaled a cloud of smoke, the tendrils swirling in the sunlight filtering through the trees. His face was partially shadowed, but you could see the conflict in his eyes- caught between the reputation he had and the reputation his friends built.

“So, you’re saying that you’d rather be with them, even if it puts you in a bad light?” You asked, your brows furrowing in concern. “Is that really worth it?”

Barty leaned back against the tree, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “Not all of us can be Sirius Black.” He chuckled dark and your lip twitched. “Not all of us have a Potter waiting to save us and I'm not leaving Regulus alone either.”

You furrowed your brow at him and he just shrugged. “Why didn't Regulus come along?” You whispered softly and he shook his head.

“Wrong question star. It's not my job to question him. I'm the one who's there for him.” 

You stared at him for a moment longer and Barty met your eyes. It was like a stalemate for a good few minutes.

At that moment, you wondered if the houses were truly picked properly. Because you had never known anyone braver and more loyal than Bartemius Crouch Junior. You gave a low sigh and then smiled at him. He slowly returned it and your smile only widened.

Giving a small giggle he tossed his finished cigarette and held his hand out to you. You took it and he pulled you up, tossing his robe over his arm.

“You should run off now, yeah? Before your brother finds me defacing his sister's reputation.”

You shook your head with a bitter laugh. Taking a moment to appreciate him up close. Eventually, you gave in, getting on your toes and giving him a small kiss on the cheek. One that seemed to stun him.

“You really are remarkable, Barty.” You whispered and he couldn't hide his goofy and bright smile from you. 

“And you, Star Potter, are a beautiful experience, everytime.” He said, his voice low and earnest, a spark of genuine warmth in his gaze. You felt your heart flutter at his compliment, and for a moment, it was as if the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of you in this small pocket of time.

“Now, run along.” He whispered, his tone teasing as he stepped back, the playful glint returning to his eyes. “Don’t let them catch you talking to me, or they’ll think I’m corrupting you.”

You laughed, shaking your head as you turned to walk back toward the castle. “You wish you were that lucky!” You called over your shoulder, feeling lighter than you had in days.

He watched you go with a small sigh. Shamelessly he put the robe to his face he could smell the faintest linger of your perfume. His eyes closing tight, as the scent reminded him you were real. 

“Merlin, I really do.”

~~~

Sneaking around was your brother’s bread and butter, not yours. 

But you found it harder and harder to really stay away from Barty. His persistence didn't help.

Small things started happening. Like chocolates began to appear in your books, flowers showing up on your desk, and other small things that were undeniably Barty. You couldn't get away from him. Whether it was the shared glances or the way he looked at you with an intensity that made your heart race, it was undeniable how much you were starting to fall for him.

You’d see him in the halls between classes, his eyes catching yours briefly before he flashed that charming smile. Sometimes he’d join you at the library, his presence both comforting and slightly thrilling. Each time felt like a secret shared in the quiet corners of Hogwarts, a world apart from the repetitive life of your friends. Not that you didn't love them- you adored them. 

But the attention was nice.

“I got an Outstanding!” Lily sang as she held up her test, smiling ear to ear. James gave a wolf whistle to make Lily laugh, earning a shove for it. 

Sirius looked at his parchment and gave a low whistle before carefully setting it back down, making the group laugh.

“That bad?” You cooed and Sirius smirked at you.

“Yeah? And what did you get, bambi?”

You bit your cheek and looked down at your parchment. Slowly turning it over with one eye closed, only to give a delighted gasp. “Ha! Outstanding!” 

You flashed the paper to the group and Remus gave a laugh, Sirius playfully glared at you and snatched the paper away from you. “Horseradish! You cheated.” He insisted and you laughed.

“I did not cheat!” You protested, trying to snatch your parchment back. “I just studied really hard!”

“Sure, sure,” Sirius said, grinning as he held it just out of your reach. “What’s your secret? Did you bribe Slughorn?”

“That didn't cross my mind, actually.” You cheeked, and Remus clicked his tongue with a playful shake of his head. “Disappointed.”

Sirius laughed, holding your parchment a little higher. “You could have had him eating out of your hand with some chocolate frogs, you know.”

“Next time, I’ll be sure to bring him a whole box.” You shot back with a grin, finally managing to snatch your parchment back.

“Look at my little sister!” James piped up, pinching your cheeks. “I knew you had brains in there somewhere!”

“Sod off!” You huffed and he just laughed, letting you go.

You rolled your eyes, but couldn’t help but smile at the actual cause of the O. As your brother and everyone began to get back to their idle chatter, you looked across the hall to the RavenClaw table, but you didn't see him. As your eyes drifted across the hall to the Slytherin table, you found your eyes trapped by a pair of stormy gray ones. Regulus Black simply nodded to you and looked down.

You wondered if he knew.

You pouted a bit before you looked back to the group. “I think I'll spend my free period at the library.” 

“Awe, booo.” Peter called across the table.

“Come on, Bambi, don’t be a hermit!” James chimed in, trying to coax you back into the conversation. “You just got an Outstanding! Celebrate a little, you'll turn into my Evans!”

Lily gave a scoff.

“Yeah, you deserve a break.” Sirius added, leaning back in his chair with an exaggerated sigh. “How about we all go to Hogsmeade this weekend? A little fun to reward your hard work?”

You hesitated, torn between the prospect of hanging out with your friends and the nagging feeling that you wanted to see Barty again. “I would like to. But I really should review.”

“Come on, bambi!” Sirius pleaded, leaning forward with that infamous grin of his. “You can study later! Hogsmeade is a perfect way to unwind. Plus, we’re all going together. It’ll be fun!”

You bit your lip, glancing toward the Ravenclaw table again, half-hoping to see Barty’s unmistakable figure. He still wasn’t there. “I really should-”

“Should what?” James interjected, crossing his arms in an exaggerated manner. “Your grades won’t crumble if you take one break. Besides, you’ve been studying like a madwoman. You deserve a little fun. We haven't really hung out since you started this new study obsession.”

“Yeah! What’s the point of getting good marks if you can’t enjoy yourself?” Sirius chimed in. 

You sighed, biting your cheek. While you loved your friends and cherished the time spent with them, the thought of Barty lingered in your mind. “I just think I can study more effectively if I focus on Potions right now.”

“Come on’, you can’t keep avoiding social interactions forever!” Sirius exclaimed dramatically. “You’ll turn into a hermit! Just imagine it: ‘Bambi, the hermit of Hogwarts’- it has a nice ring to it, actually.” He mumbled.

You giggled despite yourself, but the thought of Barty won over. “Sorry boys.”

“I think it's a good idea.” Lily hummed and you felt a bit guilty. Giving a firm nod and gathering your things and hurrying out of the hall before they could continue to protest. 

The soft breeze from outside pushed back your hair a bit as you walked. The smell of the great hall flickered out and was soon replaced by the not entirely pleasant dampness of the dungeons. You weren't walking down the halls for long before you were suddenly yanked into a broom closet so fast you squealed.

Quickly a hand came over your mouth and you- like a normal person would- freaked out. Slamming your head back into the unseen attacker’s face. You heard a groan as he let go and spun around, only to stare at Barty with wide eyes. His hand covering his bruising nose and smiling at you.

“You scared the daylights out of me!” You scolded quickly, pushing away your embarrassment and annoyance with him- especially since he got such a strong reaction out of you. He just smiled and chuckled at you. 

“Sorry, sorry.” He muttered. He had such a pretty smile, even when he was being an absolute moron. Oh, you owe Lily so many apologies. His hands slipped into his pockets as his shaggy hair fell a bit over his face. 

“Just had to see you.” He whispered and you nodded.

“There are better what's to get a girl’s attention.” You muttered and he couldn't stop smiling at you.  “Does it still hurt?”

You muttered softly and he nodded, leaning down a bit to your height. You smirked and raised your finger as if it was your wand. “‘tears be gone and magic be strong.” You whispered and he gave a low hum.

“You know…”

“Hm?”

“I'm not a kid anymore.” He chuckled and you flushed a bit, rolling your eyes. 

“You could've had me fooled. What do you want me to do? Don't pull girls into a closet- no, don't pull anyone into broom closets.” You scolded and he just laughed, again, the most beautiful sound you'd heard all day.

“How about you kiss it better?” He pushed and you gave a snort. 

“So you are a kid?”

“Come on.” He whined and gave you his best puppy dog eyes. “You hurt me, star.”

You held back a laugh, though the urge to playfully shove him away was strong. Instead, you gently cupped his face, watching his expression soften as you leaned in, pressing a quick, light kiss to his nose.

He closed his eyes, humming contentedly at the contact. “Again.” He murmured, barely opening his eyes.

“Needy.” You teased, but obliged, giving him another small kiss. He muttered the same request, and you rolled your eyes, leaning in to pepper his nose with a flurry of quick kisses, each one lighter and faster than the last.

But then, just as your last kiss hovered, he lifted his chin, guiding your lips to his. You gasped softly at the unexpected move, but he only pulled you closer, hands shifting from your hips to your waist, deepening the kiss. You couldn’t help but smile against his mouth, warmth flooding through you as you melted into him.

“Cheeky.” You murmured against his lips.

You felt the gentle rumble of his laughter as he held you tighter, closing every bit of space between you until it felt like you’d always belonged there, tangled in his arms, with nothing left between you but the sound of his heart beating against yours.

“Congratulations on potions.” He mumbled and he stepped a bit closer to you. Leaning down to press a soft kiss to your temple.

You giggled and slipped your hands up his arms, grabbing his biceps and your laughter getting louder as his kisses became a bit more sloppy and messy. From your temple to your cheek to your neck. Devolving you both into laughter and loving kisses.

“Barty?” You whispered and he kissed from where his lips we pressed to your ear. 

“Mhm?”

“You should kiss my lips again.”

He paused and slowly his lips curled up into a smirk against your neck. “Anything you want, star.” 

He slowly kissed a trail up your neck, to your chin, to you cheek. You were growing a bit impatient, but you couldn't bring yourself to be mad about it. It was slow and sweet. The opposite of him.

The anticipation built with each gentle kiss, and when Barty finally pressed his lips to yours, nothing else mattered. The kiss was everything you hoped it would be; soft, warm, and filled with all the excitement from the sneaking around you had been doing.

You both pulled back slightly, your foreheads resting against each other as you shared a quiet moment, the sound of your mingled laughter still lingering in the air. He was warm, he always was. Just quiet and content. "I've been wanting to do that for a while.” Barty admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

You smiled, feeling a warmth spread through you at his confession. "Me too."

After a moment of pause, Bart slipped his hands out of his pockets and around your waist. You slowly opened your eyes to see he was staring at you so obviously. So much affection and.. pain in his eyes. Carefully your reached up from his shoulders to tangle in his hair. 

“Baby.” You cooed, watching as the black pupils of his eyes grew twice their size. 

“I love when you call me that.” He whispered and kissed you again. This time, with a bit more hunger for it. 

The intensity of the kiss took you by surprise, yet it felt natural, as if this was where you were always meant to be. Barty's arms tightened around you, pulling you closer, as if trying to erase any lingering distance between you. The world outside the broom closet faded away, leaving just the two of you in this perfect, private moment. His lips moved against yours with a fervor that mirrored the emotions you'd both been holding back for so long.

When you finally broke apart, both of you slightly breathless, Barty rested his forehead against yours again. "I need to know.” He whispered. “You're my girl, yeah?”

“Yours.” You confirmed without hesitation. “Your girl.”

Barty's eyes softened, and a relieved smile spread across his face, as if the weight of uncertainty had been lifted. You hadn't realized that for these past few weeks, despite all the flirting and stray touches, the meetings and secret rendezvous you'd never confirmed what felt so obvious to you.

"Good.” He murmured, brushing his thumb gently across your cheek. "Good.”

The two of you stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, savoring the stillness and the shared understanding that had only deepened. It was rare to find moments like these at Hogwarts, where every day was bustling with activity and noise, but here, in the quiet confines of the broom closet, you had carved out your own little haven.

"We should probably get back before they start wondering where we are.” You whispered reluctantly, knowing that duty and friendships couldn't be ignored forever. If Remus or anyone went looking in the library for you it was over, Merlin if they pulled out that map they loved to use on you so much you were done for.

Barty nodded, though he made no move to let you go just yet. "I suppose. But we’ll have more time together soon, right?"

"Definitely.” You assured him, smiling as you reluctantly stepped back, already anticipating the next secret meeting, the next shared glance across the crowded halls.

As you both emerged from the broom closet, the world seemed a little brighter, the halls a little more welcoming. And as you parted ways with a lingering look, you knew this was just the beginning of something wonderful.

~~~

You never thought Barty was capable of restraint- his affections for you were never a secret. He had been bold from the start, confessing his feelings on your first meeting as if it was the most natural thing in the world. You assumed he couldn’t hold back if he tried. But the truth was, you had underestimated him completely.

You were a Potter, you were no stranger to a love that burrowed into your heart like a bug. James was a prime example, but he had nothing on your father. You knew love like you knew the sunrise, Potters were love. That still didn't prepare you for the love of Barty Crouch Junior.

The moment you became ‘Barty’s girl,’ subtle gestures turned into grand, unrelenting declarations. Flowers appeared on your bedside in ornate bouquets, chocolates transformed into extravagant assortments, and he began slipping you old notes from his classes, annotated with messages he thought you’d enjoy. Sometimes, you’d find an anonymous love letter tucked between the pages of your books, though you always recognized his handwriting. It was a whirlwind of adoration that grew so excessive even your friends couldn’t ignore it.

The rumor spread quickly: you had a secret admirer. A very devoted one.

What started as stolen glances in the hallways and whispered words in broom closets evolved into something deeper. He became a constant, pulling you into hidden spaces where he’d kiss you like you were the only real thing in his world. His kisses were desperate, his hands always seeking some part of you to hold, as if he feared you might slip through his fingers.

Your world shrank to accommodate him. It was thrilling, yes, but also overwhelming. Each secret meeting was marked by a mix of exhilaration and dread that only lended to thrive in you, every touch, every breathless encounter behind closed doors, reminded you how deeply tangled you were becoming in each other. It was intoxicating and dangerous, like standing too close to a fire.

When he looked at you, it was like he was trying to memorize your every detail, like you were his only source of light. 

“You don’t know what you do to me,” He murmured one night, his voice rough as he pressed his forehead against yours. His hands cupped your face, thumbs brushing the curve of your jaw as his eyes searched yours with raw intensity. “You’re everything I’ve ever wanted. I’d burn the whole world down if it meant keeping you.”

You shivered, his words igniting a heat in your chest. “Barty…”

His lips crashed against yours, swallowing the rest of your words. The kiss was frantic, a collision of need and longing, his fingers threading through your hair as he pulled you closer, like he couldn’t get enough of you. Your knees buckled slightly, but his arm wrapped around your waist, steadying you, grounding you. 

“You’re mine,” He whispered against your lips, his voice low and fervent. “Say it.”

“I’m yours.” You breathed, the words spilling out before you could stop them. And it was true- somehow, he’d claimed parts of you you didn’t even know existed. You couldn't even fathom were your breath started and his ended. 

He sought you out in the quiet moments, trailing his fingertips down your arm when no one was looking, writing your name in the margins of his notes when he thought you wouldn’t see. You began to realize that to him, you weren’t just a girl he fancied; you were his anchor, his sanctuary in a world that seemed determined to tear him apart. He was becoming yours too.

Your eyes searched for him in every room. The way he flashed you that sickeningly slick smirk when he caught you staring. How he would follow you out of any room you happened to share, just to steal you away from whatever task he deemed not more important then his time with you. Shushing you in empty corridors as his hands found a spot just above your skirt. Ruffling your tie in slight frustration and marking skin no one would see but him. All while looking at you  like you were his last salvation.

~~~

The fire crackled in the hearth as you sat cross-legged on your bed, your Transfiguration book open in front of you. Lily sat at your desk, rifling through her notes, while Remus lounged on your bed, one arm thrown casually over the back of a pillow. The three of you had settled in for a relaxed study session, but conversation had drifted away from studies.

"So, are we ever going to find out who it is that's got you all flustered lately?" Remus asked with a teasing grin, nudging your ankle with his foot. Lily looked up from her notes, her eyebrows raising with interest.

"Oh, Remus, give her a break," Lily sighed with a small smile, though you could see the curiosity twinkling in her green eyes. "She’ll tell us when she’s ready."

You felt warmth rise to your cheeks, and you gave Remus a playful kick back. "You’re both ridiculous," you said, trying to keep your tone light. "There’s no one."

Remus rolled his eyes, his smile widening. "Sure, and I'm the Minister of Magic."

You shook your head, flipping open your Transfiguration book to avoid his gaze. "Fascinating. The Minister and all- and you can't even tell me which wand motion is the proper technique to transfigure my desk. Study don't pry into my very uninteresting love life."

"Uninteresting, huh?" Lily asked, her voice laced with skepticism. "I don’t know, those flowers you’ve been getting seem pretty interesting to me."

You opened your mouth to retort when something caught your eye; a folded piece of parchment, carefully tucked between the pages of your book. You furrowed your brow as you pulled it out, unfolding it to see the familiar slanted handwriting of Barty.

Meet me in my dorm. I’ve got something to show you.

Your heart skipped a beat, and you quickly folded the note, trying to suppress the smile threatening to spread across your face. You slipped the parchment under your pillow, feeling both Remus’ and Lily’s eyes on you.

"What’s that?" Remus asked, his smirk only growing.

"Nothing," you said quickly, giving them both a bright smile. "Just a reminder for myself."

Lily narrowed her eyes playfully, clearly not buying it, but she didn’t push. "Alright, fine," she said, glancing at the clock on your bedside table. "But I think I should be getting back to my own dorm soon. I promised James I'd meet him."

You nodded, swinging your legs off the bed. "Yeah, I should… um, I’ll be back in a bit."

Remus gave you a knowing look but didn’t say anything as you grabbed your robe and made your way towards the door, feeling the folded note burning against your skin. You slipped out of the room, trying to keep your excitement in check as you made your way through the castle.

Not long after you left, James appeared in the doorway, his hair as untidy as ever and a bright smile lighting up his face. "There you are, Evans," he said, striding into the room without knocking. "Ready to go?"

Lily stood, gathering her notes, but before she could respond, James’ eyes flickered to your bed, where the edge of the note you’d tucked under your pillow peeked out. His eyes narrowed slightly, and with the mischievous curiosity that had always been a part of him, he reached over and pulled it out.

"What’s this, then?" James asked, more to himself than anyone else.

Lily turned, her eyes widening as she caught sight of the note. "James, put that back. It's not yours."

But James had already unfolded it, his eyes scanning the words. His playful smile faltered slightly, his brow furrowing as he read the message. “... she's meeting someone. At night.”

Remus wasn't proud of himself, but he felt his body jolt forward at the idea. His brow furrowing as he looked at the handwriting. 

“Surely not.” Lily muttered skeptical, walking closer and pouting. “James, whose handwriting is that?”

“Don't know.” He mumbled before he glanced at Remus who grimaced a bit. “I know how to find out.”

~~~

The sun had long since set, plunging the room into shadow. The lone candle on the nightstand burned low, its golden light flickering uncertainly across the walls, casting fleeting glimpses of the intimacy shared within. You lay beside Barty on his narrow bed, his body curled protectively around yours. His hand cradled your cheek, thumb tracing gentle lines as if memorizing your face. His other hand gripped your waist, not possessively but securely, as though grounding himself in the reality of your presence.

His green eyes, bright and intent, held yours with a tenderness so consuming it made your chest ache. The world outside seemed to vanish in this space- no war, no sides, no betrayals. Just the boy you loved, smiling softly at you like you were the only thing keeping him alive.

"What are you smiling about?" You teased, brushing your nose against his, your fingers weaving through the hair at the nape of his neck. He sighed at the touch, his eyes fluttering closed briefly before fixing on you again, filled with the kind of raw vulnerability he showed to no one else.

This was your Barty. The boy who could switch so drastically between needing every bit of your skin against his own, and loving you like you were a fragile truth.

"Just you." He murmured, his voice thick with affection, his smile deepening. "Thinking about how breath taking you look right now.."

Your heart swelled at his words, at the way he looked at you as if you were his last breath. You pressed your lips to his, slow and soft, letting the warmth of his embrace spread through you. His arms tightened around you, his desperation seeping through the way he held you close, as though he feared you might disappear. 

But even in this fragile moment, reality intruded. Your lips trailed down his jaw, leaving a line of soft kisses along his neck. As your hand slipped beneath the sleeve of his shirt, your fingers brushed against something rough, foreign. You froze, your heart stuttering as your fingertips traced the unfamiliar texture.

"Barty, what’s this?" You asked, pulling back slightly, your brow furrowing as dread began to creep into your chest. “Did you get a new tattoo?”

His entire body went rigid. His eyes snapped open, the warmth in them replaced by something colder, darker. His hand shot to your wrist, gripping it with startling intensity, though his touch remained gentle. “It’s nothing.” He said- no, demanded quickly, but his voice cracked, and his gaze flickered away. The tension in his jaw, the way he avoided your eyes. It betrayed him.

He couldn't hide from you. Not after he'd given you every way to see him.

"Barty.” You pressed, your voice trembling now. "Show me."

For a long moment, he didn’t move, his jaw clenched so tightly you could see the faint twitch of muscle. His eyes darted to yours, filled with a fear so raw it sent a chill through you. Slowly, with trembling hands, he rolled up his sleeve.

The world seemed to stop.

Etched into his pale skin, dark and stark against the flickering candlelight, was the unmistakable mark of the Death Eaters. Your breath hitched, the air in the room turning ice cold as you stared at the symbol that now defined him. The room, once warm and safe, felt suffocating, as though the walls were closing in around you.

"No.” You whispered, shaking your head, your voice breaking as tears stung your eyes. "No, Barty, tell me this isn’t real. Tell me it’s a joke. Please." 

He reached for you, his expression desperate, pleading. "It’s not what you think.” He whispered, his voice cracking under the weight of his own guilt. "Please, just listen- fuck, let me explain."

"Explain?" You choked, the word a bitter laugh as you scrambled to sit up, the sheets tangling around your legs. “You’re one of them, Barty. A Death Eater. The people who are trying to kill my brother, who would destroy Lily, who hate everything I stand for. How could you? How could you do this?”

He flinched as if you’d struck him, his hands trembling as he reached for you again. “I did it for them,” he said, his voice raw with emotion. “For Regulus. For Evan. They needed me- I had to protect them.”

Your laughter came out hollow, bitter. “Protect them? What about me, Barty? What about us? Did you think of me when you let that thing be branded onto your skin? Did you think about what it would mean? About the promises we made?”

“I love you.” He pleaded, his voice breaking on the words. His eyes, wide and glistening with unshed tears, bore into yours, his desperation bleeding through every syllable. “I love you more than anything in this world. I did this for us; for you. I thought I could keep you safe.”

You shook your head, your chest tight, every word he spoke only twisting the knife in your heart. “Safe? You think this is keeping me safe? Barty, you’ve tied yourself to the very people who want to destroy me, my family, my friends. Dorcas got out. She didn’t need to join them. She did it for Marlene! You had a choice, Barty. You could have chosen me.”

“Don’t do this.” He begged, his voice trembling as he sank to his knees in front of you, his hands clutching at yours. “Please, don’t leave me. I can’t lose you. I can’t- I won’t survive it. You’re all I have.”

His raw vulnerability shattered something in you, the way he looked at you like you were the only thing anchoring him to humanity. But even that couldn’t change the mark on his arm, the choices he had made. You tore your hands from his grasp, stepping back as tears streamed down your face.

“I can’t do this.” You whispered, wrapping your arms around yourself as if to hold yourself together. “I can’t be with someone who’s made that choice. Picking that side. Not when it means standing against everything I believe in. I love you, Barty, but this…” Your voice broke. “This isn’t love. Not when it costs so much.”

His face crumpled, his body trembling as he clung to the edge of the bed like it was the only thing holding him up. “You are my side,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “You’re everything to me. Without you, I’m nothing. Darling, please. You have to trust me.”

Your heart shattered at his words, but you couldn’t stay. You couldn’t let your love for him blind you to the truth of what he had become. Turning away, you moved toward the door, each step feeling like a physical wound.

“Please.” He whispered one last time, his voice so broken it nearly stopped you in your tracks. “Please don’t leave me. I’ll fix it. I'll fix us, darling, my love.”

You hesitated, your hand on the doorknob, tears blurring your vision. “I’m sorry, Barty,” you whispered, your voice trembling with grief. “But you’ve chosen a side. And it isn’t mine.”

With that, you stepped out of the room, the soft click of the door behind you sealing the final break between you. Each step down the hallway felt like walking through fire, the ache in your chest consuming you. You pressed a hand to your mouth to stifle a sob, the image of him- broken, desperate, lost- burned into your mind.

But you kept walking, because if you turned back, you knew you’d never leave. And that was the one thing you couldn’t allow. 

Not when his love came with a price you could no longer bear to pay.

~~~

It was well past curfew when you stumbled back into the dormitory, your body heavy with exhaustion and your heart feeling as though it had been shattered into pieces too small to ever put back together. Every step echoed hollowly in the silent hallways, the sound swallowed by the crushing weight in your chest. You didn’t care about the risk of being caught; the only thing propelling you forward was the desperate need to collapse, to sink into the safety of your bed where the world couldn’t reach you. 

But the sight that greeted you when you pushed open the door wasn’t the solitude you craved.

James stood with the Marauder's Map clutched tightly in his hand, his face flushed with a mix of anger and worry that twisted painfully at the sight of you. Sirius paced like a caged animal, his jaw tight, his dark eyes alight with barely restrained frustration. Remus sat perched on the edge of your bed, his brow furrowed with concern, while Lily lingered by the desk, her green eyes soft and filled with sympathy. Peter, as always, quiet. Hovering in the background.

"There you are!" James's voice rang out, sharp and filled with barely contained emotion. The sound made you flinch, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. He crossed the space between you in two quick strides, holding up the map like a damning piece of evidence. “You want to tell me what the hell you were doing in the Ravenclaw dorms? Or should I save you the trouble? I know who you were with.”

The accusation in his voice hit like a physical blow. You opened your mouth to respond, but no words came. The fight you would usually summon to deflect his concern- the sarcasm or sharp retorts; was gone. It had crumbled under the weight of the truth you could no longer avoid. Your shoulders slumped, the tears you had tried so desperately to hold back beginning to blur your vision.

“I don’t have to explain myself to you, James.” You muttered, though your voice was a faint shadow of its usual strength. It trembled, hollow and lifeless, like it no longer belonged to you.

James scoffed, his frustration boiling over. "Don’t have to explain? You’ve been sneaking around with him! Don’t you see what he is?” His voice cracked, the anger giving way to something far more fragile. "He’s one of them, isn’t he? A bloody Death Eater.”

His words were a knife twisting in your chest. You closed your eyes, letting out a shaky breath, your body trembling under the weight of his accusation. But you didn’t deny it. You couldn’t. Because James was right. He had been right all along. 

"Say something!" Sirius’s voice cut through the silence, raw and desperate. He stepped closer, his fists clenched tightly at his sides, his pacing halted by his need for answers. His sharp gaze burned into you, searching for some explanation, some reassurance that you hadn’t fallen so deeply into something so dangerous. He couldn't bare to see you follow, not after losing Regulus to it. “Anything.”

Your lips parted, but the words caught in your throat. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, you whispered, “You were right.” The words came out broken, each one heavier than the last. “You were both right… about everything.”

The room fell into stunned silence, the weight of your admission pressing down on everyone. James’s expression crumbled, his anger dissolving into a mix of heartbreak and understanding. He moved toward you, his voice soft and filled with pain. “Oh, sweetheart…” He murmured, reaching for you.

That was all it took. The dam inside you broke, and a sob tore its way out of your chest. James pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly as your knees buckled beneath you. You clung to him, your sobs muffled against his robes, your whole body trembling.

“I thought he loved me.” You choked out, the words spilling from your lips in between gasps for breath. “I thought- he said he loved me. But he lied. He lied to me.”

James’s arms tightened around you, his own tears slipping silently down his face. “I know,” he whispered, his voice trembling. “I know, Bambi. I’m so sorry.”

Sirius stepped forward then, his anger replaced by an aching sadness. His hand rested on your back, tentative at first, before he let out a shaky breath. “We were only trying to protect you,” he murmured, his voice hoarse. “We didn’t want this for you. We didn’t want you to get hurt.”

Lily knelt beside you, her warm hand brushing against your arm as she looked up at you, her eyes filled with sympathy. “We’re here now,” she said gently. “You don’t have to go through this alone. We’ve got you.”

You turned to her, your tear-streaked face trembling as you met her gaze. “I don’t know what to do now,” you admitted, your voice small and broken.

Remus, silent until now, stepped closer and placed a hand on your shoulder. His touch was steady, grounding. “You take it one step at a time,” he said softly, his calm voice a lifeline. “Just breathe for me. Ten in, ten out. We’ll figure it out together.”

You nodded, trying to follow his guidance, your breaths still shaky but slowing little by little. The sobs subsided, leaving you with a hollow ache in your chest that felt impossibly heavy. 

“Come on.” He whispered, his voice filled with a protective warmth. “Let’s get you into bed. You don’t have to think about anything else tonight.”

You nodded with a distant look, letting him coax you into your bed. You felt like a child.

“Jamie, let's head back to the dorms, yeah?” Lily said quietly, her eyes flicking to James, who stood near the foot of your bed, still looking worried. 

“But..” James started, staring at your slightly trembling form, reluctant to leave you like this. He wanted to protect you, to make sure you were okay, but the look Remus gave him was enough to hold him back. Remus’s gaze was gentle but resolute, silently reassuring James that he would be here, that he’d stay by your side tonight. 

James sighed, his reluctance clear, but he finally nodded. He glanced at Sirius, then back to Remus, letting out a slow breath. “Right. Let’s let her rest then?” 

“Yeah,” Lily whispered, leaning down to press a soft kiss to the back of your head. She lingered for a moment, her hand still gently stroking your hair. “We’ll be back in the morning.” 

Sirius looked like he was about to protest, his expression torn between wanting to stay and knowing he had to let you rest. But Remus quietly reached for the familiar book on your nightstand. He shuffled slightly, getting comfortable next to you. Remus turned his head to look at Sirius, offering a reassuring nod. 

“I’ve got her,” he said softly, his voice calm and steady. It was enough to ease some of the tension in the room. Sirius hesitated for a moment longer, then gave a small, reluctant nod. He exchanged one last glance with James before following Lily towards the door. 

James lingered just a heartbeat longer, his eyes softening as he looked at you. “Get some sleep, alright?” He whispered, his voice filled with love and concern. “We’ll be here when you wake up.” 

“Goodnight, Bambi.” Peter mumbled from the same spot he stood earlier, slowly shying behind James as he left. And with that, they left the room, the door closing softly behind them. The silence settled back over the room, and Remus turned towards you, his presence a gentle reminder that you weren’t alone. He carefully opened the book, his fingers brushing over the worn pages. 

His voice, quiet and soothing, filled the room as he began to read, his words wrapping around you like a comforting embrace. You turned slightly, facing Remus, his voice becoming a soft rhythm that helped to steady your breaths, one at a time. His free hand rested near yours, close enough that if you wanted, you could reach for it. He didn’t push. He simply stayed, his calm presence anchoring you. Eventually, as his gentle voice lulled you, the weight on your chest seemed to lighten just a fraction, and you let your eyes drift shut. For the first time that night, you allowed yourself to let go, to let the exhaustion take over. The sound of Remus’s voice, the warmth of his presence, made it feel just a little bit more bearable.

~~~

You woke the next morning to soft murmurs drifting through your dormitory. The sunlight filtered through the curtains, painting the walls in a gentle glow. For a moment, the warmth tricked you into thinking everything was fine. But then the memories of the night before came flooding back. Barty’s betrayal, the heartbreak, the fight- and the ache in your chest returned with full force.

You forced yourself to sit up, rubbing at your stinging eyes. Across the room, you saw Lily and Remus speaking quietly near the window. Lily noticed you first, her soft smile tinged with sadness. She crossed the room, settling beside you and placing a comforting hand on your arm. 

“Morning.” She said gently, her voice careful, as though she were afraid you might shatter under the weight of it all. “How are you feeling?”

You swallowed, the lump in your throat making it hard to speak. “I don’t know,” Your voice was barely above a whisper. Your body felt heavy, like every muscle was pulling you back down into the mattress, but the weight wasn’t comforting- it was suffocating.

Remus moved closer, offering you a steaming cup of tea. “Take your time.” He mused, his gaze steady and kind. You accepted the cup with a small nod, letting the warmth seep into your hands even if it couldn’t reach your heart.

You hesitated before asking, “James?” The one person you were dreading facing. 

Lily and Remus exchanged a glance. “He’s alright,” Lily said gently. “Probably caught up with Head Boy duties. He’s just worried about you.”

You nodded, guilt twisting in your chest. “I didn’t want to upset him…”

Lily squeezed your arm. “He loves you. He just needs time to process everything. He’ll come around.”

Remus gave you a soft smile. “How about some fresh air? It might help clear your head.”

Reluctantly, you agreed. Staying in bed wouldn’t make anything better, and maybe the cold air would numb more than just your fingers. You wrapped a robe around yourself and followed Remus and Lily out of the tower, their steady presence keeping you grounded as you moved through the quiet castle halls. Each step felt like a small victory against the chaos inside your heart.

Just as you began to feel the chill of the air prickling your skin, a familiar voice shouting down the hall made your blood run cold. The words were indistinct, but the rage behind them was unmistakable. Your heart leapt into your throat, and you quickened your pace, your pulse pounding.

When you turned the corner, the scene stopped you in your tracks. James had Barty pinned against the wall, his fist gripping the collar of Barty’s shirt. His face was twisted in fury, his voice shaking as he snarled at him. A small crowd of students had gathered, whispering and watching the spectacle unfold.

“You think you can just hurt her?” James spat, slamming Barty against the stone wall. “You think there wouldn’t be consequences?”

Barty didn’t fight back. He stood there, taking every shove, his face pale and hollow, but his eyes- his eyes betrayed him. They weren’t empty; they were frantic, burning with guilt, fear, and something that terrified you when they flicked to your own. He didn’t even seem to register James’s words. His entire focus was on you, standing frozen in the hallway.

Sirius leaned casually against the wall nearby, a cigarette dangling from his lips, though his sharp eyes were anything but relaxed. “Go on, Prongs,” he muttered, exhaling a plume of smoke. “Give him hell.”

Your voice cracked as you shoved through the onlookers. “James, stop!” You shouted, panic lacing your words. But James didn’t hear you, his rage blinding him as he shoved Barty again, his voice trembling with emotion. 

“You don’t get to treat her like that, to use her, and walk away like nothing happened!” James’s fist cocked back, and you screamed again, louder this time. “James!”

Sirius turned, startled by the desperation in your voice. He immediately straightened, stepping toward James. “Mate,” Sirius hissed, grabbing James’s shoulder. “She’s here.”

James froze, his chest heaving as he turned to look at you. His face softened the instant he saw the tears streaking your cheeks, but the tension in his body didn’t fade entirely. He let go of Barty’s shirt with a sharp shove, his hands falling to his sides. 

Barty stumbled back, his hand reaching up to rub his neck, but his eyes were locked on you. His voice was hoarse and trembling when he finally spoke. “Please…” His gaze was raw, desperate. “Please, just talk to me.”

You froze, the pain in his eyes tugging at something in your chest even as you recoiled from him. “I don’t want to-”

“She doesn’t need to,” Remus’s voice cut in, low but firm as he stepped in front of you. He placed a steady hand on your arm, keeping you rooted beside him. “That's all, Crouch.”

Barty flinched at the tone in Remus’s voice, but he didn’t look away from you. “I just need a moment,” he pleaded, his voice cracking. “Just one chance to explain- she has to know that I didn’t mean-” 

“Bartemius.” Remus said sharply, though his tone never rose. His calmness was like a dam, holding back the chaos in the room. He stepped forward slightly, his hand still on your arm. “That's all.”

Barty’s shoulders sagged, his face crumpling as he looked at you one last time. “I love you.” He whispered, his voice so broken it sent a chill down your spine. “You have to know that.”

You didn’t respond. You couldn’t. Remus gently tugged you closer to him, shielding you from Barty’s gaze. “Come on,” he murmured softly. “Let’s go.”

As Lily took your other side, guiding you down the hallway, you could feel Barty’s eyes following you, like he was clinging to the sight of you as his last lifeline. Behind you, Sirius muttered something sharp under his breath before stomping out his cigarette and following James, who stood frozen, his jaw tight as he stared after you.

You felt like a pathetic child. Being ushered around and babied, but you didn't fight it. You wanted this nightmare of a year to be over. 

So when Regulus and Evan finally came, and the Black brothers shared some hateful words- and Lily dragged James away from the impending fight, you stayed hidden under Remus’s arm. The yelling and the arguments just sounded like buzzing in your ears. Leaving you to stare blankly off at the mess you had created. Watching as Evan took Barty away and Regulus glanced at you with an expression that flashed between sour, sympathetic, and careful. Turning on his heel to hurry after his friends. You wanted this year to end.

~~~

The rest of your sixth year at Hogwarts passed in a haze. After the confrontation between James and Barty, you felt like you were living in fragments- moments of warmth with your friends interrupted by long, suffocating stretches of numbness. James, Sirius, Remus, Lily, and Peter had rallied around you, protective and supportive, but the pain lingered. Barty’s betrayal, his mark, the weight of his choices. It all clung to you, no matter how hard you tried to shake it.

The school year ended with bittersweet farewells. James and everyone graduated, leaving behind an emptiness that Hogwarts couldn’t fill. On the train ride home, James gave you a fierce hug, his voice low but steady. “You’re going to be okay.” He whispered, as if saying it enough times would make it true. “We’ll all be okay.” His determination was a promise: he would fight, protect, and do whatever it took to keep you and the people he loved safe. It terrified how how devoted to the war he became, he hated to leave you at Hogwarts alone.

But the summer brought its own heartbreak. James and Lily joined the Order of the Phoenix, Sirius, Peter, and Remus close behind- throwing themselves into the war. The house was too quiet without James’s booming laugh or Sirius’s teasing remarks. Letters from James came sporadically, and the tension in his words bled through the parchment. 

Then, not long after James and Lily’s wedding, your world shattered. Your parents got sick and you hardly left their bed side. They died days apart and you wondered if that's what it looks like; real love. Not able to be apart for even a week before returning to one another no matter what disaster they left behind. Though, you knew it wasn't true, just your own comfort. James, crushed under the weight of his grief, threw himself further into the Order. You rarely saw him. Remus kept you company as best he could, but even he had missions that pulled him away. Sirius made sure to remind you that James just wanted to protect what little family he had left, it killed you to not be there with them. The isolation was unbearable, every goodbye feeling like it could be the last. The ache of losing your family was only worsened by the fear that the rest of the people you loved would follow.

When you returned for your seventh year, Hogwarts felt hollow, almost unfamiliar without James, Sirius, or the others. But Dorcas Meadowes was there, refusing to leave you to fend for yourself. She became your constant companion, the person you leaned on most. The two of you forged a quiet understanding- she never pushed you to talk about Barty, and you never asked about the darkness she’d left behind. Dorcas was the girl who had escaped the worst parts of her legacy, a beacon of strength and resilience that kept you grounded.

Still, no matter how far you tried to distance yourself from Barty, he remained a presence in your life. Letters appeared on your bed, scribbled with frantic apologies. Flowers were left outside your dormitory door, wilting reminders of his desperation. He cornered you in empty corridors, his green eyes burning with longing as he begged you to listen.

“I love you,” He whispered one evening, his voice breaking as he blocked your path outside the library. “I’ve always loved you- since we were kids. You have to know that. What I did- it wasn’t about hurting you. I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought…” He trailed off, his hands trembling at his sides. “I need you, star. I can’t do this without you.”

You clenched your fists, your chest tightening at the raw emotion in his voice. His words always left a mark, reopening wounds you were desperately trying to heal. “Barty.” You whispered quietly, your voice shaking. “You need to let me go. This… this isn’t love. Not when it hurts this much.”

He flinched as though you’d slapped him, his eyes filling with tears. “It is love,” He insisted, stepping closer. His voice dropped to a whisper. “I’ve never felt this before- it's terrifying. I haven't been in this much pain before. I’d give you anything- everything- if you just came back to me. Star I can't do this.”

You shook your head, your breath hitching. “That’s not what I want. I don't like feeling like this either, Barty. I wanted you, Barty. But you made your choice. Your cause- what they have done to my family alone-”

Despite your protests, the line between you blurred one night near the end of the school year. He found you in the Astronomy Tower, the only place you could escape responsibility. The sight of him made your heart ache. He looked so much like the boy you had fallen for; tousled hair, eyes filled with a longing so fierce it made your knees weak. And for a moment, you forgot yourself.

“I hate what I’ve done to you,” He confessed, stepping closer until there was barely any space between you. “I hate that I’ve hurt you. But I can’t stop loving you.”

The vulnerability in his voice cracked something inside you, and before you could stop yourself, your lips met his. The kiss was frantic, desperate. His hands cradled your face as though you were something sacred, something he couldn’t bear to lose. For a fleeting moment, you let yourself drown in him, in the memory of what you once had.

But as quickly as it began, reality crashed over you. You pulled away, your breathing uneven as tears blurred your vision. “We can’t.” You whispered, stepping back. “This isn’t right.”

Barty reached for you, his voice trembling. “Please, don’t do this. Don’t walk away again. I’ll change- I’ll leave everything behind if that’s what it takes. Just… don’t leave me.”

The sincerity in his words nearly broke you, but you forced yourself to meet his gaze. “If you loved me, you would’ve chosen me before it came to this,” you said, your voice steady despite the tears streaming down your face. “But it’s too late, Barty. You can’t undo what’s been done. We both.. we both know if it came to me or Regulus- me or Evan.”

“That's not fair.” He croaked.

Your eyes flicked up to his as your tears rushed down your face. “It isn't.”

His shoulders slumped, the light in his eyes dimming as your words sank in. For the first time, he seemed to realize that no amount of pleading or promises would bring you back to him. “I’ll always love you.” whispered, his voice hollow.

You turned away, your heart shattering as you walked down the spiral staircase, leaving him alone in the tower. You didn’t look back. You couldn’t. You knew if you did, you’d lose your resolve.

When the train pulled into King’s Cross at the end of the year, you were greeted by the sight of your brother and his friends waiting for you. James’s grin was wide as he swept you into a bear hug, and for the first time in months, you felt like you could breathe again. Sirius ruffled your hair, Remus gave you a reassuring smile, and Lily’s arm wrapped protectively around your shoulders. 

Even as you smiled, as you let yourself feel the warmth of their love and support, a part of you still ached. A part of you still thought of the boy you had left behind. But as the summer sun warmed your face and James’s laughter rang in your ears, you realized that some chapters had to end, no matter how much they hurt.

~~~

The kitchen was warm, filled with the comforting smell of breakfast and the sound of soft laughter. Lily twirled Harry in her arms, humming along to the radio as James danced beside them, making ridiculous faces to elicit another bright giggle from his son. Harry’s laughter rang out like a bell, pure and joyful, filling the room with a happiness so genuine it felt almost untouchable.

June 24, 1981. The day meant nothing and yet everything, because for a fleeting moment, life felt like it was untouched by war. Even without Peter, the Potter manor felt like home again. 

Sirius leaned against the counter, a mischievous grin lighting his face as he watched James spin Harry dramatically before dipping him like a proper ballroom partner. “Fancy a dance, Bambi?” Sirius asked, holding out a hand to you with an exaggerated flourish.

You couldn’t help but laugh, the sound bubbling up before you could stop it. “Only if you promise not to step on my feet, Black.” You placed your hand in his, letting him pull you into the center of the kitchen. The music was upbeat, and Sirius matched it with absurdly exaggerated movements, twirling you around with flair that made you laugh so hard you had to clutch his shoulder for balance.

Sirius finally let out a mock sigh, fanning himself. “Too much for me, little Potter.” He joked, stepping aside. “Your turn, Moony. Show her how a real gentleman dances.”

Remus chuckled softly, stepping forward with a shake of his head. He took your hand with a gentleness that made your heart ache, pulling you into a slower, steadier rhythm despite the lively tune still playing on the radio. Even with his weight pressed heavy on his crutch, and your movements small and slow, it still felt all the same. His gaze lingered on yours, his hazel eyes soft and filled with something you couldn’t quite name. 

"You deserve this.” He muttered quietly, just loud enough for you to hear. “To smile like this every day.” 

The warmth of his words filled your chest, but it was bittersweet, a reminder of all the times you hadn’t felt this light. You swallowed the lump in your throat, forcing a small smile. “You do too, Remus.”

He returned the smile, spinning you one last time before James swept in with dramatic flair, lifting you off the ground. “One more dance before breakfast!” He announced, making you laugh despite yourself. “No sad faces allowed today. We’re celebrating.”

It was perfect- the kind of moment you could tuck away and hold onto when the world outside felt unbearable. Lily danced with Harry in her arms, Sirius joined in with exaggerated moves, and the room filled with the kind of happiness you hadn’t felt in so long. For a brief, fragile moment, it was enough.

But then the music stopped.

The radio cut out abruptly, replaced by the somber voice of a news broadcaster. “We interrupt this broadcast to bring you an urgent update on the latest casualties in the ongoing conflict. The names of those lost in the recent skirmish include…”

The warmth of the room vanished, the light dimming as everyone froze. James set you down gently, his expression hardening as he turned toward the radio. Lily instinctively clutched Harry closer, her face pale. Sirius’s grin disappeared entirely, his hand hovering near the dial as though he could will the news away.

The list of names continued, some familiar, most not. Each one was a reminder of the growing cost of the war, of the lives slipping away like grains of sand.

And then you heard it.

“...Evan Rosier, Bartemius Crouch Junior…”

The words echoed in your ears, louder than anything else. The world seemed to stop. You couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move, as the name repeated in your mind, over and over. Barty. 

The boy who had loved you so fiercely, who had been so lost, so desperate to make you stay. He was gone. Evan too, another name tethered to your past, but it was Barty’s that struck you like a knife to the chest.

At first, you laughed. You could of sworn James looked at you like you had lost it; you wouldn't blame him. It was ridiculous. The boy you knew, the magnetic and ethereal wizard who you gave your all too couldn't possibly be dead. He was your age. He was a kid. You had both just graduated- what in Merlin's name could they possibly be on about? 

Your laughter slowly died down into a choked gasp and a sniffle, your body stiff. You closed your eyes tight and tried to stifle your sobs. “No…” Your knees buckled, and James caught you instantly, his arm tightening around your shoulders. Sirius reached out, shutting off the radio with a harsh click, the silence that followed deafening. 

“He…” Your voice cracked, trembling as you forced the words out. “He’s really gone?”

Remus stepped closer, his expression pained. He placed a hand on your shoulder, steady and comforting. “Yes,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. 

Lily’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she rocked Harry gently, trying to keep him calm. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her voice breaking. The sound of her grief only deepened the ache in your chest.

James pressed his nose to your temple, his hand cradling the back of your head. “I’m sorry, Bambi,” He murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so sorry.”

The tears came before you could stop them, spilling freely as your body trembled. You clung to James like he was the only thing keeping you grounded, your sobs muffled against his shoulder. The memories of Barty overwhelmed you; the way he’d looked at you, like you were his everything; the way he’d held you, as though letting go would destroy him. The thought that you would never see him again, never hear his voice or feel his touch, crushed you.

“I thought I was over him.” You whispered through your tears, your voice trembling. “I swore I was. But now…”

Sirius moved closer, his arm wrapping around you and James. “You don’t have to say anything,” he murmured, his voice uncharacteristically soft. “We’ve got you.”

You didn’t respond. You couldn’t. Your throat felt too tight, the lump of grief choking you. You lifted your head to look around the room, at the faces of the people who had been your family for so long. They were blurry through your tears, but their love was palpable, a steady anchor in the storm of your emotions.

Still, the ache remained, deep and unrelenting. Because no matter how much you tried to convince yourself that you had moved on, a part of you would always carry Barty. His loss wasn’t just his death; it was the loss of what could have been, the love that might have saved him if only things had been different. If only he chose it. Because you and Barty were a Hogwarts fling, everyone knows they don't last forever. But even if it crashed in a blazing glory, even if you both turned bitter, if the break up destroyed you. You'd rather feel that.

The kitchen felt colder now, the warmth of the morning replaced by the sobering weight of reality. And yet, as James held you tightly, as Sirius and Remus stayed close, as Lily hummed softly to soothe Harry, you knew you weren’t alone. Even in the face of heartbreak, you were still surrounded by love. And somehow, you would find a way to carry on.

~~~ Bonus Scene~~~

The house was suffocating in its silence.

Your childhood home, once filled with laughter and the chaotic warmth of your family, now seemed cold and lifeless. James and Lily were busy with their own lives, preparing for the future that everyone whispered about in cautious tones, and Sirius had left for good reason you couldn’t fault him for. You were alone, and the empty hallways of the Potter Manor only amplified the echo of your own thoughts.

It had been days since you’d learned the news of what befell Barty.

After the shock ran over you it took days of Remus coaxing to get you out of bed. Then days to be able to face a mirror. Everyone was supportive, helpful, but you felt just as pathetic as you did in school.

The ache in your chest felt heavier tonight as you climbed the stairs to your old room. The moonlight filtered through the windows, casting long, pale shadows across the walls. You reached your room and pushed the door open, slipping inside and locking it with a flick of your wand. It was habit more than anything; no one else was here.

You set your wand on the bedside table and turned toward the window, intent on shutting the heavy curtains, when a hand clamped over your mouth.

Panic erupted within you, and instinct took hold. Without thinking, you threw your head back as hard as you could, the satisfying crack of impact reverberating through your skull. A sharp, pained grunt followed, and the grip on you loosened.

Spinning around, your heart hammering in your chest, you braced for a fight- only to come face to face with the last person you’d expected to see.

“Bloody hell, star,” Barty groaned, one hand pressed to his nose as he leaned against the wall for support. Blood trickled between his fingers, but his lips still curled into that maddeningly familiar smirk. “That’s twice you’ve done that. Are you always this violent, or am I special?”

The air left your lungs, your body frozen in place. “No.” You whispered, shaking your head as if the motion could erase what you were seeing. “No. You’re- You’re supposed to be dead.”

Barty let out a low chuckle, straightening up and swiping at the blood on his face. “I think.. we should talk.”

[lulupen2023]

Barty Crouch Jr/Aro Volturi Harry Potter/Twilight crossover part III (II)/III (II)

Summary:

Barty Crouch Junior's (somewhat horrifying) fate seems to have already been written… or maybe not? What if there was someone who has other plans for him?

Summary of the chapter:

The end. It's time to find out how the events will change ;P Also.. have fun with Barty and Bella fighinting like cat and dog XD

III (II): Immortality suits you …

Bellatrix hugged Voldemort, repeatedly stroking his chest in a territorial way, casting a more than eloquent look at Barty.

"If I remember correctly, Bella, your presence was not required," Voldemort warned her, though he wasn't really upset.

"Forgive me, my Dark Lord, but I couldn't resist,  knowing you in his company, alone." she yelped submissively.

"They’re not alone, as you can see, my dear!" Aro interjected, pulling Barty to him and peering distrustfully at that beautiful witch with thick, indomitable black hair, a proud bearing and a creepy gaze. When it came to territoriality, the two could compete and end up in perfect equality.

"Of course, my Master's friends are welcome and I am pleased to notice this strong bond between you," she commented, much more relieved, also pleasing Aro. "But above all I wanted to see my dear old partner in mischief once more!"

"I'm happy to see you,  too ..." the younger Death Eater admitted in spite of himself.

"Guess what, Barty-Hearty?" she momentarily moved away from her beloved Master to jump joyfully in his direction.

"Don't call me that, BellaFreaks!" he said, making her taste her own medicine.

"You insolent child!" she snapped, and cast a Cruciatus Curse at him. Barty had the same exact impulse, which is why the two Unforgivable Curses ended up canceling each other.

"Explosive, just as I recalled, you two!" the Dark Lord commented, even clapping his hands for a few seconds.

"How could you handle both of them?" the noble vampire asked him.

"Let's say I was never bored!" confessed the other.

"I could never get both of them," Aro muttered.

This time it was Voldemort who pulled Bella towards himself, protectively.

"I would never let you take her away, too!" he declared, to the delight of his devoted servant.

"I'm fine just where I am." she said, resting her head on his chest.

“I'm fine where I am now, as well,” Barty admitted, giving an eloquent look to Aro, who smiled at him.

"What did you want to tell me before, Bella?" the youngest returned to the subject at hand.

“I killed Sirius Black! I killed Sirius Black! I killed Sirius Black! " Bella sang.

"She's been going on like this for days!" Voldemort chuckled, stroking her face.

"Oh, well, good for you if you eliminated your dear little cousin and made Potter whimper. I drank my pseudo father and halved the goddamn Ministry of Magic, but I don't go around screaming it from the rooftops!" Barty scoffed.

Voldemort walked over to him, giving him an unexpected soft slap on the cheek. "I also know about your deeds, Barty. I know everything and I am delighted!"

"My Lord!" he bowed again.

"But enough talking now, there's dinner waiting for us!" Voldemort acted as the perfect host.

-----------------------------------------

At dinner there were also all the Malfoys, but they remained rather taciturn. Among the other Death Eaters, Barty couldn't help but notice an important absence.

"But ... Snape?" he ventured to ask.

"Severus was a bad little boy who played a double game, but by dint of playing with fire he ended up getting burned!" Bellatrix informed him, sitting next to him, giggling.

Aro had been brought a goblet full of what no one would bet was wine, while Barty struggled to eat something, with the intent of honoring the cuisine of his Dark Lord's House Elves, but that goal happened to be anything but easy. Aro had tried to warn him several times that vampires shouldn’t eat human food, but in the end he had let himself be amused by his Childe’s stubbornness.

Bellatrix kept staring at him.

"What's wrong?" Barty asked nervously.

“Aside from those red eyes that could very well be just contact lenses… are we really sure you're a vampire now? I don't notice any difference in your paleness,” she teased him.

"The tanned woman spoke!" he shouted at her, before lowering his voice, to speak in confidence. "You know He will never love you as you wish, right?"

She lost all desire to joke and nodded sadly. “It doesn't matter; I love enough for the both of us. It is enough for me to serve him. " she declared with pride that shone in her dark eyes.

"You two over there, what are you concocting?" Voldemort asked. Although he was at the head of the table, he still picked up on their whispers.

"Nothing, my Lord!" they both answered in unison.

----------------------------------

After dinner, all the other diners disappeared as soon as possible. No one wanted stay too long with that creepy quartet.

"My boy, would you like to witness me as I torture Fudge?" Voldemort asked, well aware that it was like asking a child if he would like to take a ride on the merry-go-rounds. Too bad that, in addition to his enthusiasm, Barty’s reaction was also that of a child.

“See, BellaFreaks? The Dark Lord wants me to accompany him! " he teased her.

"Oh well, rejoice, Barty-Hearty, but be informed  that He allowed me to attend several times. He also allowed me to torture him once!" Bellatrix preened.

"Go with him, puppy. I will chat with this fascinating Dark Lady. I'm sure we will not lack for topics of conversation!" Aro said, looking at Bellatrix curiously.

"Then we'll try to do something pretty quick. I don't like the idea of leaving them alone for too long!" muttered Voldemort as they walked towards the dungeons where the Minister of Magic was imprisoned. "You know, Barty, dear Cornelius has been here with us for many weeks. I just make sure that every day it is more than clear that my return is all too tangible." he grinned, as they arrived.

"No, not again, have mercy!" cried Cornelius Fudge, who apparently didn't seem to have even the slightest scratch. "You! Again?!" he stirred further, tugging at the magical chains that bound him to a wall when he also noticed the vampire's presence.

“Yes, me, again. You still remember my words, right? I wasn't lying, as you can see. I bet since that day, you would have preferred for me to have killed you! " Barty grinned.

"Y-yes ... have some mercy!" shouted the elderly minister.

"Tsk-tsk, Cornelius, you disappoint me. You already used twice that word that you know I hate," Voldemort shook his head in a reproachful tone, drawing his wand. " Crucio !"

And that was just the beginning.

---------------------------------

"My Lord, I will never forget such a sight, his screams will remain in my ears for days! " Barty congratulated his Master when even the last terrible spell cast by Voldemort left its effects on the victim. Barty was not even aware of such spells and watched, thirsty for knowledge…and maybe not just that. All that violence was harder to handle with his new nature.

"All that blood ..." Barty licked his lips and Voldemort sensed everything.

“You want to bite him, don't you? So be it, as long as you don't kill him. "

"Oh no, I would never deprive you of such entertainment," the young vampire assured.

"Very well, then, have a taste... can you guarantee it will be painful?"

"Oh yes, my Lord, as much as possible!" sneered the other, showing the now elongated canines. He advanced towards the victim, who by now did not even have the strength to scream. But Barty's bite was so excruciating that it made Fudge let out a further scream.

"Excellent, Barty, now, before I go, I'll heal all his wounds," Voldemort said with satisfaction. The vampire was a little perplexed to see such a magnanimous action from his Dark Lord.

"I understand your astonishment, but ... watch and see!" Voldemort instructed. He uttered yet another spell unknown to the younger wizard. The numerous wounds, abrasions and burns began to heal, yes… but in an inexorably slow way, barely perceptible, but above all, painful.

A cruel dripping.

A torture within the torture.

"It will take about a full day to heal. Just in time to be able to start all over again ... until I'm tired of playing. But I don't think I'll be tired anytime soon," grinned the Dark Lord, while Barty listened, entranced.

"Aro is not just your Sire, am I right?" Voldemort asked without warning.

"Yes. No. I mean… we, him, me…” Barty flushed lightly as he struggled to answer.

Voldemort chuckled.

“My boy, mine is not an accusation, just an observation. Your loyalty to me as a Death Eater pleases me. As for other types of interests ... I would like you to direct them towards other goals. "

Barty was grateful for his new vampire status otherwise he would have turned redder than the hated Griffondor uniforms.

"One more thing, Barty," Voldemort said.

"Yes, my Lord?"

“Could you not tell Bella that I made you torture Fudge,  too? Otherwise I’ll get an earache from her! " Voldemort rolled his eyes, snatching a smile from him, as the young man sealed that promise with a nod.

When they returned to the dining room, Bellatrix was lying on the table with her elbows propped up and her legs bent forward dangling, her mouth half open as she listened in rapture to yet another anecdote from Aro.

"My Lord, you didn't tell me you had such an interesting friend with such exciting stories!" she murmured, reaching him as soon as she saw him.

"And now I belong to that world, drawing all the benefits," Barty said with a grin. "I will always be young, vigorous and beautiful, unchanged over the years. As for you, my dear, ... am I wrong or is it a wrinkle I see?" Barty enjoyed  provoking her. Voldemort had to hold her with both arms, otherwise Bellatrix would have gouged out Barty’s eyes. Or worse.

“How dare you, insolent kid? I will always be young and beautiful for my Dark Lord, even if  I have to  drink the blood of all the unicorns in the Forbidden Forest! " she shouted, wriggling to free herself.

"It can't be said that she doesn’t give me satisfaction!" Voldemort stroked her face and she calmed down at once.

“What about me, my Lord? Haven't I pleased you?" Barty asked, his feelings stung.

“Oh, Barty, you have been indispensable. It is only thanks to you that I have been able to have that coveted alliance with the Volturi that I have been craving since the days of the First Wizarding War. You have been the most precious bargaining chip," Voldemort explained. “You must know that our dear Aro had set his sights on you since you took the Dark Mark, but at the time it was I who opposed it. You were still too young. But when months ago I learned you were in danger, I was finally able to combine business with pleasure for him." He paused, looking at Aro. “I would never have given up such a precious and valiant soldier like you, Barty, if it weren't extremely necessary. ''

Barty was beside himself with delight at all those compliments.

"My Lord, I have no words to thank you, but even if at a distance, I will always be your soldier. I will always rush to you when you call me," he assured him. "I'm just sorry I didn't stop Potter in time on the day of the Trial ...."

"Oh, don't worry, it'll be more fun to hunt him and his friends," grinned the Dark Lord. "Speaking of which, Bella, did you pick up that thing as I asked you?" He turned to her.

"Certainly, my Lord."

"Then go get it."

Bellatrix did not question his orders, but swiftly left the room. After a few minutes, she returned with a very ancient and precious-looking cup.

"Excellent! Now give him the Tosca Hufflepuff Cup," Voldemort urged.

"But, my Lord ..." she protested. She was happy he was pleased, but loath to surrender the prize to another.

"I can feel Your essence in there, my Lord," Barty noted, looking at the cup with curiosity and devotion.

“And so it is, my boy. That's a Horcrux. There are many ways to achieve immortality. There are those, like me, who break their souls seven times and those, like you, who find faster methods. I must also say, not only faster, but more pleasant methods." He made his witty remark, gesturing at Aro. "You said, Barty, that you are still my soldier, after all ..."

"And so it is, I will defend this Horcrux at the cost of my unlife!" Barty swore.

"I could have been a very good guard too, my Lord!" Bellatrix yelped.

"What if I told you that I have other plans for you, Bella? And that, in a few months, you will be a little… too busy to keep a watchful enough guard?" Voldemort made her understand his plans by stroking her belly. Bellatrix jumped for joy, without any effort to hide her triumph. This was perhaps the only thing Barty couldn't compete with her on.

----------------------------------

Barty and Aro had returned to Volterra months ago. This was an evening like any other.

Aro was sitting in the damask armchair in his bedroom: barefoot, with his black clothes widely unbuttoned, in full relaxation, with a glass of blood in his hand, while he watched his pupil, intent on what was now his favorite activity. He had lured a victim on one of his usual walks and was now slowly bleeding her out. He was also testing some of the new spells he had learned from his Dark Lord.

At that moment he was sprawled on the carpet, dressed in a white shirt, a color he was beginning to like, perhaps because it created a strong contrast with his soul black soul.  And then, the blood on the white stood out even better. His shirt was half covered as he licked the blood off his thumb and then moved on to his other fingers, unhurriedly,

"You know, right, that to feed on humans we aren’t forced  to kill them?" Aro commented.

"Of course I know, but it's more fun this way ... and then you can't expect me not to kill Muggles!" retorted the other. 

“You will end up staining  my carpet! Look, it's a prestigious tapestry! "

"Bloody hell, what a fuss! It just means I will use a Cleaning Spell. Happy?" 

"Nope. I’ll be happy when you bother enough to come here to me and let my arms claim you."

Barty purposely continued to bleed his victim a little longer.

"I'm fine right where I am!" he said,  playing hard to get.

It was just a game. Before Aro could even utter a syllable of protest, he found Barty in his arms, his lips on his, each tasting the blood the other had drunk.

"Aro?"

"Yes, puppy?" he murmured against his mouth.

"Ask me again what my feelings for you are," Barty urged, caressing his long raven hair.

"Why?" His Sire looked at him with great expectation.

"Because I'm getting closer and closer to that word starting with L." His Childe smiled, kissing him.

EPILOGUE 

A FEW YEARS LATER

"No!" Barty thundered. "But first of all, I would like to understand how this could have happened!"

"I am perfectly free to go to London as much as I please and I most certainly do not have anything  to account for!" Jane stood up to him.

"Yes, if in your mind there’s a spoiled, spineless kid! I don't even know how my Lord could have even thought of making him a Death Eater!" he grumbled.

"Maybe your Lord was pleased to have such a gorgeous little blond in his ranks!"

"My Lord values other ideals far more important than physical beauty!" Barty was getting nervous.

"Are we really sure? You're so gorgeous, too! " she winked shamelessly.

“What's all this noise? I remind you that Caius, Marcus and I are in the middle of an important meeting!" Aro rushed towards them.

"Oh please, you're just waiting for Heidi!" Barty belittled the importance of the issue, making Jane chuckle.

"So I see that someone here wants their prey ration halved!" his Sire threatened him.

"Later, in bed, you’re going to pay for this!" Barty growled in his ear.

“Oh, my puppy, is that supposed  to be a threat? It strikes me more as a promise!" Aro clicked his tongue, winking. "As for you, my dear Jane, I deduce this is the period in which you go into heat ... again!" he teased her.

"I don't think it's too much to ask for a reliable mate  when you have eternity ahead of you. You've found yours!" the blonde retorted.

“I understand, but not with Draco! I will NEVER want to be related to a Malfoy! " Barty made it clear. "I mean, I'm a Volturi now, right?"

"Love, if after fifteen years you still have doubts, it means that I have to refresh your memory for good!" Aro murmured, hugging him from behind and nibbling his right ear, which sent him into raptures. "You are a Volturi, for all intents and purposes."

"And anyway, Jane, I think you are wasting your time with Malfoy. When I was a Professor at Hogwarts , I realized how he was always around Potter all the time. His pretense of contempt for the Half Bloods has never convinced me and over time things have only gotten worse, in my opinion! "

"I believe so too," muttered the vampiress. "What if I was  related to the Riddles?" She already knew she was playing the trump card with him.

"Huh?" his eyes widened, more than usual.

"Oh well, Delphi is growing so well ... and we get along so well!" Jane chuckled.

"I am her Godfather after all. I still find it hard to believe that I was my Dark Lord’s best man at his wedding. I've got it! That's where you must have met Draco!" Barty accused her.

"Yes, but that's not what we're talking about!" Jane pointed out.

"You are right. I was saying, as her Godfather, I only want the best for Delphi and you do look  like the best,” he smiled at her.

"A reason to further strengthen the alliance between Volturi and Voldemort. Certainly he too would be happy!" Aro approved.

"An alliance more than vital. That damn Potter and his friends have destroyed five Horcruxes in only one year!" Barty remembered. “Okay, one is Potter himself, but he still doesn't know that. At least I think he's still ignorant of it. Or maybe he's dead. Anyway, I don't trust him. I expect an attack from him at any moment, even if he knows he couldn't possibly escape! "

“I know, puppy. But in that case, Alice would warn us in time. I still remember when, years ago, you revealed to me their fears. Young Cullen was afraid of hurting his Bella. She was afraid of dying old and withered. Sweet Alice feared a war with us. In short, having them join us was so easy,  I could almost have done it without your power! "

Barty growled his disappointment.

"I said 'almost'!" he specified. "You have no idea how precious you are to me, Barty."

"And you have no idea how much I care about continuing to be precious to you, love." Barty smiled at him, kissing him.

“What do you say, puppy? Is eternity a long enough time?"

-

END

Notes:

Barty Hearty and BellaFreaks play a lot on assonance, I am very proud of those nicknames and in my opinion they are pure canon lol Torturing Fudge is well and good >: D I have never read' The Cursed Child " but I wanted to wink at a happy and dark-fluffy Bellamort family, more than the first word, the parents will have awaited her first Crucio (and one thing does not exclude the other) .. awww tenderness XD as for Jane, she sends me bisexual vibes I could not resist the Drarry hint #sorrynotsorry I leave it to your imagination whether Harry (or his lineage) will return to the attack or not or what happened to him, I like him, so I like to think he is alive; P

Would you like to see these characters again, maybe some missing moments? Because I have some...

thanks for reading :)

[outromoony]

Me when the slow burn is slow burning

[rosieandthethorns]

i don't WANT to read smut right now

i WANT to read a passionate, poetic, jaw dropping, tears streaking down my face, heart wrenching, giggle inducing, feet kicking, cringy yet amazing, gorgeous story written by someone who apologizes for english not being their first language(they're the best writers ever) which has 4 chapters and then makes me scream because it hasnt been updated in months and the author is mia

[icedcoffeebabyy]

Judge: do you swear to speak the truth and nothing but the truth.

James: I do.

Judge: what are your relations with regulus black.

James: omg dare.

[charbroiledchicken]

"you used to be such a big reader. what happened?" they ask

"i...have a lot of work." i reply, frantically closing all my ao3 tabs because im not about to go and tell people my biggest kin is harry potter's father's best friend's brother and his little fruity friend group

[melstinybrain]

sirius: you look familiar

barty: so do you, where do I know you from?

*long pause*

both: jail.

[my-castles-crumbling]

Rosekiller finds out about Jegulus

NSFW

"Potter? You're dating Potter, Reg?"

"Fuck off, Barty."

"....He's fucking fit though. Like...really fucking f-"

"Shut up."

"Right."

-

"So, is his cock really as big as they say? I heard rumors it was hu-"

"Fuck off, Barty!"

"Right, right, that's fair. But just...if I hold my hands out, stop when when I'm at the right length. This big? This big? Merlin, this big? It can't actually be-"

"Barty!"

-

"Alright, but if you've been hooking up around the castle, there have to be some stories. C'mon, weirdest place you've hooked up?"

"Your bed."

"For real?"

"No, Barty!"

-

"Who's the top? Do you guys switch? I feel like you switch."

"I'm a virgin."

"Nice try, I don't believe you after last time."

"You're right. Now we've actually fucked in your bed."

"Oh. I guess I deserved that one."

-

"Okay, but how do you feel when you hear the word 'threesome?'

"Like I want to stab you."

"Fine, noted."

"...what about foursome?"

"Get out, Evan!"

[crescenthistory]

hi! i have this really cute idea for regulus x fem! reader. so reader is a animagus and it’s winter time so sometimes she’ll shift into a their animal form, preferably a cat, and goes seek out warmth. but reader is also besties with remus and knows he’s a werewolf, his body temperature runs a lot warmer then anyone else so she goes to room to cuddle. when that happens, regulus immediately knows they reader is with remus and, begrudgingly, goes to gryffindor to steal reader back.

when he gets there, sirius is pouring and complains to reggie that “your girlfriend is stealing my boyfriend” and regulus snaps back by saying “well your boyfriend is stealing my girlfriend” and reader and remus are amused but their bickering but don’t care.

anon. anon. i am giving you the BIGGEST kiss, you don't even know. this is perhaps the best idea i've seen in a while and so i love you. i will be thinking about this throughout all of winter, thank you.

Words: 3k

Warnings: not proofread, fem!reader, references to previous black brothers angst, disgusting amounts of fluff, best friends can cuddle platonically regardless of gender i will fight you on this, background rosekiller and wolfstar, childhood best friend!remus, implied gryffindor!reader, sirius pretends to be jealous but is not

Note: read more about cat!animagus!reader's shenanigans with regulus, wolfstar and james in Sweet Like Honey; Karma is a Cat & Padfoot vs. Whiskers

When Regulus accepted Sirius’ attempt to mend their relationship, he had expected to get his big brother back in full and no more. The person who understands him best, the boy he needed to lean on – it was all he wanted to get out of it. Perhaps he expected to have to grown tolerant of his brother’s friends, but that was something he dreaded, if he at all thought of.

What Regulus had not expected was to be introduced to and fall head over heels in love with you.

Remus’ childhood best friend, the more reserved one of the bunch that he had always seen floating around with them, but whose voice he had never had to roll his eyes at, thus never interacted with. It bewildered him now how he once upon a time barely thought of you, regarded you.

Now he knew you were delightful, and Regulus was positively smitten.

It had been exactly what Regulus had never thought he would get – an easy love. Like your friends, you were open and honest and loyal to the bone, and it spilled over like honey into your relationships with those around you. Once you caught a glance of his clearly lovestruck eyes, you melted, and the puddle was caught delicately in his hands.

Since then, that is where he has held you. In the palms of his hands, close to his heart. He learned more than he perhaps wanted to know about himself during the process of opening up to you, and you showed him a patience he still is not entirely certain he deserves. But you gave him your time, your moments, your touches and your lips, and he received and received without complaint.

When the two most important people in Regulus’ life – one a fervent, natural devotion, another a sassy, passionate rivalry – were in the same hazardous circle of loud-mouthed Gryffindor friends, he eventually had to capitulate that he could no longer just tolerate them. They were family.

God, what love has cost him.

Regulus walked into his dorm room where you have spent more days than not for the past few months, and sighed defeatedly when all he finds there is Barty laying on top of Evan in some odd position that cannot possibly be comfortable.

“Hello to you too, Black. Thrilling to see you.” Barty’s voice was laced with sarcasm, but there was no menace there as of yet.

“Yeah, yeah,” Regulus grumbled as he threw his bookbag onto his bed and sat down. “You seen Y/N lately?”

“You mean since you were all snuggled up this morning? Nah.”

Regulus rolled his eyes painfully hard at his oldest friend, murmuring a soft sod off before tossing whatever was closest – his pyjama t-shirt – in Barty’s general direction, missing by a good metre. He is a seeker and not a chaser for a reason.

“What of it, Reg?” Evan mumbled, but it was distorted by Barty’s elbow being more or less shoved into his mouth. He could never sit still.

“Just figured she’d be here, ‘s all. She finished class before me.” Regulus falls down onto his bed, curls spilling onto the emerald sheets as he stares at the ceiling, picturing you there and then immediately kicking himself for being that down bad. Then reminding himself with the therapy-speech Sirius has been teaching him, love is a strength not a weakness, it’s good to feel your feelings. Yada yada. "It's been a long day."

“Maybe she got tired of your sorry ass.” Barty laughed at his own joke only to be smacked by Evan’s finally-freed hand.

“Or yours, you sod.”

“Nah, Treasure absolutely adores me.” Barty propped himself up to flash you both a grin. “See, unlike you, I’m fun.”

“Interesting word to substitute insufferable with.” Evan said, leaning his face up from underneath Barty, as if to intimidate him.

“You love me,” Barty drawled before kissing the blond soundly.

“Would you guys please stop flirting?” Regulus’ voice was closer to a groan than anything else. He pressed the backs of his hands to his eyes, seeing stars and thinking of you. Stupid poetic feelings.

“Just because you can’t keep track of your girl doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ourselves.” Barty pointed an accusatory finger at Regulus. “I would classify that demand as rude.”

“Bite me.”

“Only if your girlfriend says yes.” This time it was Evan’s turn of tuning into Regulus’ torture.

“And she would.” Barty winks at him.

This time it’s a pillow Regulus throws at them, and it lands perfectly, smack in the middle of Barty’s face.

“Oi!” He calls as he throws it back. “Either you quit it, or you throw me your jumper, it’s freezing in here.”

“You’re literally in bed, Barty.” Regulus looks at him, unamused. “Just–”

He trails off, gaze falling from Barty to the wall behind him as he pieces the puzzle together and realisation dawns on his face. The other boys seem to have caught on as they both cock their heads curiously at him. 

“Of course,” Regulus whispers, first in marvel and then it morphs into something between exasperation and disgust. “Of course.” At last, he gets a determined look on his face, slapping his palms on his knees as he sits up from bed and grabs his jumper to go.

“Excuse you, what just happened?” Barty says, increasingly louder throughout his sentence as he realises Regulus is headed for the door, thick wool jumper tucked under his arm. “Hey!”

Regulus throws the boys a look over his shoulder, smirking at them and shaking his head before shutting the door and walking off. He barely catches Evan’s “shush, you baby, I’ll warm ya” before he is out of earshot.

A man with a purpose and half a plan stalks off, beginning the treacherous journey from the Slytherin dungeons to the Gryffindor dormitories.

What is the single thing Regulus knows can keep you from him when you’re otherwise attached at the hip? The cold.

What is the one person you go to for anything and everything, especially dealing with the cold? A certain ragged boy with a wolfish smile that he knows is to be found only behind the portrait of an increasingly annoying woman.

“Password?” The Fat Lady asked, quirking a brow ridiculously high as she regards Regulus with a mutual disgust.

“Catulus leonis.” Regulus does not bother holding back the eyeroll at the ridiculous passphrase.

She looks at him a moment or five longer than she needs, almost as if considering not letting him in despite his answer being perfectly correct, before she finally swings open the door wordlessly.

Regulus mutters a harsh thank you, Pureblood upbringing having knocked some politeness into him he is just not able to forego, no matter how severe his beef – as Sirius says – with the woman is.

When he finally approaches the offending dorm, the door opens fast enough to knock some wind across his face, and he is met with a set of black curls and a superfluous frown that both match his own.

“Regulus. Thank Merlin.”

“Good to see you too, Siri. How'd you know it was me?”

"Recognised your footsteps. Now, c'mon."

Regulus pushes in past his brother and his eyes immediately find Remus Lupin’s bed. To the unaware, it would just look like the scrawny boy was innocently laying on his bed, head propped against a mountain of pillows and reading another one of his paperbacks.

However, Regulus knew better and could see the perfect girlfriend-shaped lump underneath Remus’ jumper, shielded by his arms as he held his book over his stomach.

Or, at least shaped like this rather specific form of his girlfriend.

“Hello, amour, I’ve been looking for you.” Regulus’ voice is addressed to the bump on Remus’ chest, but he looks up at him with a quirked brow and a smug smile tugging on the corner of his lips.

“Didn’t know we were on a pet name-basis, Reg. Good to know.” 

“Absolutely not.” Sirius and Regulus chorus at the exact same time, and Regulus fights back the wince at how painfully similar they are in this moment.

“Reggie,” Sirius finally whines. “Your girlfriend’s been stealing my boyfriend for the past two hours. Do something!”

Despite having a very similar sentiment settled in his own chest, Regulus gives his brother a pull yourself together look as he comes up to stand beside him, near the occupied bed. “I’m fairly certain your boyfriend has stolen my girlfriend equally as much,” he tuts.

“Whatever, just do something.” Sirius waves his hand towards Remus’ still very relaxed state with something a bit too close to a pout forming on his face.

“There’s no need to be jealous, Pads, the poor girl’s just cold,” Remus chides, with a teasing glint in his eye that clearly shows he knows his boyfriend is being dramatic for the bit and not actually upset. "Gotta help 'er out."

“‘M not jealous. I’m needy.” Sirius’ deadpan stare is not affected by Remus’ laughter nor Regulus’ barely-contained snort.

“Glad you admit it,” Regulus says slyly, patting Sirius on his shoulder twice, who immediately shrugs his hand off with a scowl.

“Like you’re any better, you slithered all the way up from the snake pit to fetch her. At least I’m open about it.”

Before Regulus has the chance to retort, Remus puts his book down in his lap and reaches out a hand for Sirius, which he immediately takes. “I told you you could come lay in the bed with us, love,” Remus murmurs and swipes his thumb over the back of Sirius’ hand.

If he did not feel the same way, Regulus would have given Sirius hell for how he seemed to absolutely soften in the sunlight of his boy. “Yeah, I know, Moons, I’m just being theatrical.”

Remus laughs once more, and this time his chest rumbling results in a distinct prrrt! coming from the inside of his jumper. Up through the collar, cheek smashed against Remus’, comes the tentative head of beautiful grey-and-white fur and slow-blinking yellow eyes, still riddled with sleep. 

“Good morning, amour,” Regulus coos, ignoring Sirius’ snort as he drops down to squat beside Remus’ bed so his face is lined up with yours.

You pur, stretching beneath the fabric, a single paw escaping beside your head through the collar as you roll over onto your back. Your eyes remained trained on Regulus, and though he knows cats can’t actually smile, he swears you were smiling at him.

“Sorry to wake you, princess,” Sirius drawls as he looks down at you from where he is leaning on the bedpost beside Remus. “But have you seeped up enough warmth for me to get my boyfriend back yet?”

You make a faux hissing sound before ducking your head down, so it’s just barely hidden by the collar.

Remus laughs heartily, setting his book completely away this time so his hand can come up to rest on your cat-form, petting you through his jumper. “It’s alright kitten, take your time.”

The exposed paw lightly hits Remus’ cheek in retaliation, and this time it is Sirius and Regulus’ turn to laugh at his expense. “Ow! I share my warmth with you and this is what I get in return?”

From the movement beneath the fabric, Regulus assumes you’re nuzzling your head against his chest in apology.

“Amour, I brought your favourite jumper of mine and promise to make you so much hot cocoa if I can steal you back. We can be in your dorm room instead of mine, it’s warmer in there, right?” A smile remains consistent on Regulus’ face as he talks to you.

Sirius pats him on the back, murmuring something about you’re so whipped that he doesn’t bother to pay attention to. 

More movement beneath the fabric, and then suddenly your ears are poking out of the neckline again – because why would you make it easy for yourself and use the big exit, when you can squeeze your way through a tight opening? You’re a cat after all.

Remus seems to be thinking the same as he laughs while you attempt to climb out beside his head, soft fur brushing against his skin and making up for the occasional claw you use for traction. 

Regulus attempts to bite back the coos as he sees more and more of you, recognising your movements as sluggish with sleep, no doubt coaxed into it by finally being comfortable.

“Thanks for today, see you again tomorrow, same time?” Remus teases, head turned towards you as you headbutt him lovingly, finally fully escaped from his jumper and standing on his shoulder. He nuzzles you back and scratches your head in goodbye.

Another prrrt! escapes you in greeting as you saunter your way across Remus and plop onto the small strip of mattress on his side where Regulus’ hands are open and ready to receive you. 

“Hi, sweetie,” he whispers as you allow him to scoop you up into his arms while he’s still squatting beside the bed. He holds you like an infant, tight to his body and securely supported. You immediately begin to purr loudly, nuzzling your head even further into his neck and shoulder.

Regulus does not bother to hold back the slight giggle as your caresses tickle him. 

“Good gods, are you two sappy,” Sirius groans, but when Regulus looks up, there is a wide grin on his face. A slightly teasing one admittedly, but a grin nonetheless.

Then, Regulus recognises where Sirius is grinning at him from – properly cuddled up besides Remus on the opposite side of the bed, arms beneath his jumper, soaking up the leftover warmth from you.

“Wait– how did you get there so fast?” Regulus’ voice is almost incredulous, stopping his greeting of you – earning him a harrumphing meow – to narrow his eyes at his brother. “I didn’t even notice you move from beside me.”

“What can I say; I am a dedicated man.” Sirius nuzzles into Remus’ cheek, not much unlike how you were mere seconds ago, albeit his involved a tad many more kisses.

“You’re weird, that’s what you are,” Regulus laughs as he stands up with you in his arms.

You turn around to look up at him with those big, slitted eyes of yours. When you extend your neck further towards his face, Regulus lifts you higher so you can give him the cat-kisses you so evidently wanted, his lips curling at your touch.

Sirius lifts a brow at the two of you. “Yeah. I’m the weird one.” 

Regulus scoffs at him, but when you continue to caress your furry cheeks against his lips and chin, it is difficult for any menace to remain serious.

“Thank you for your deviant supernatural warmth keeping my girlfriend alive, Lupin, but I’d like to steal her away from you now.” 

“By all means, Black, you’ve already stolen her from me once,” Remus harrumphs, pretending to be some scorned faux older brother but his eyes betray his facade; he is happy for you.

Regulus chooses to ignore it nonetheless.

“Brother.” He nods at Sirius. “Soon to be brother-in-law.” He nods at Remus. “We bid you goodnight.”

“Try not to undo all of Moony’s hard work by freezing her right back up with your freakishly cold feet!” Sirius calls after him as he heads towards the door. He then promptly gives out a soft yelp that indicates Remus corrected him in some physical way.

“Goodnight love, goodnight Reg,” Remus calls instead.

“Yeah, bye, doll!” Sirius adds, whispering more to himself, “he’s mine again now.”

You give out a tired meow that is so cute it makes Regulus’ heart clench with endearment. You cuddle properly up into the crook of his neck as he carries you out, softly closing the door behind him with a smile.

He shifts you in his grip so he can look down at you more carefully. “You are so unbelievably predictable. And even cuter than that again, which is saying something,” he murmurs to you and you respond with quiet meows.

He looks at you curiously. “Are you going to remain in cat form the whole night?”

Your tail twitches teasingly, your only other response is a quiet prrt as you close your eyes into the warmth of his neck again. He laughs, covering your feline body with his hands as he carries you, to keep the warmth in.

He sneaks into your dorm – thankfully often unoccupied as Marlene is with Dorcas and Mary is with Pandora – and settles you down onto your plush mattress and pillows. He undresses and gets ready for bed, while you’re resting your head on the pillow, observing him, but just before getting under the covers, he slips on his jumper.

“It’s so soft I could cry, Reggie,” you had whispered to him when you cuddled up to him when he wore it around you for the first time. “I fear I can never let you go now.”

Regulus slides under the blankets with a knowing smile, opening the hem, allowing you to creep under, chest against chest with your head poking out of the collar to rest at the bottom of his neck. 

“I'm no werewolf, but I’ll keep you warm with my love, amour,” he whispered to you in the dark, one hand combing through your fur protectively underneath his own jumper.

He swears, he could hear the little cat snort against his skin.

Regulus fell desperately deeper in love.

[mars-shifts]

oml why is this so funny

[moonyswarmsweaters]

[unconventional-lawnchair]

In The Wake of Us {Chapter Two}

Barty Crouch Jr. x Reader

WC: 4461

Masterlist

Summary: The reader, Draco, Luna, and Hermione attempt to steal ingredients for the memory draught potion. An interesting conversation with Snape only lends to infuriate you further.

<--Prev/Next-->

The start of the next day was drastically easier than before. The smell of toast and eggs wafted through the air of the Great Hall, mingling with the distant rustle of owls delivering the daily post. You sat at the Gryffindor table, hunched over with Hermione, Luna, and Draco, the four of you tucked into a cozy cluster as you picked at your plates, murmuring in low voices.

“Alright.” Hermione said softly, her quill scratching against a piece of parchment as she jotted down notes. “We’ll need powdered asphodel root, crushed florafolimor, and fresh belladonna for the base of the potion. Those are all in the potions storage cabinet.”

Draco thinned his lips, leaning back lazily as he speared a piece of toast with his fork. “Snape’s cabinet, you mean. You do realize he probably has it warded to high heaven after what happened with the Weasley twins?”

Hermione grimaced. “That’s why we’re making a plan, Malfoy. We can’t just waltz in there and expect it to be easy.”

“Relax, Granger,” Draco chuckled, waving his hands up in defense. “I’ll handle the wards. You just worry about grabbing the ingredients before we get caught.”

Luna, seated across from you, was idly twirling her spoon in a cup of tea. “I think the belladonna will be the trickiest,” she mused. “It’s very temperamental, you know. It likes to hide in the shadows.”

Hermione paused mid-scribble, giving Luna an incredulous look. “What are you talking about? It’s an ingredient, not a sentient plant.”

Luna smiled serenely. “Oh, it’s very sentient. You just have to approach it with kindness.”

Draco snorted, shaking his head. “Right. I’ll be sure to say ‘please’ while I’m nicking it.”

You couldn’t help but snort out a laugh, the sound drawing the attention of a few nearby students. Leaning closer to the table, you gestured to Hermione’s notes, “Okay, so Draco handles the wards, Hermione gets the ingredients, and Luna… charms the belladonna, I suppose. What’s my job?”

Draco raised a brow, his smirk turning sly. “Distraction, obviously. You’re the golden girl- no one’s going to suspect you.”

You groaned, resting your forehead on your hand. “Perfect. I’ll just bat my eyelashes at Snape and hope for the best.”

“You’re the one who said you wanted answers,” Hermione sighed, her tone softening as she nudged your arm. “This is our best shot. We can’t brew the memory draught without those ingredients.”

You nodded, taking a deep breath. “Alright. After Potions, we’ll slip back in and get what we need. Quick and quiet.”

As the four of you continued hashing out the details, you didn’t notice Harry approaching until he was right beside the table.

“Morning,” Harry said lightly, his tone cheerful but tinged with curiosity as he glanced at the parchment spread across the table. “What are you lot whispering about?”

The group stiffened almost imperceptibly. Hermione quickly flipped the parchment over, pretending it was nothing more than notes for class. “Oh, just going over Potions for today,” she said smoothly, her voice light and casual. “You know Snape- he’ll tear us apart if we’re not prepared. And after the success from her last class,” Hermione gestured vaguely in your direction. “We are seeing what else she might know.”

Harry’s eyes lingered on the parchment for a moment longer before shifting to you. His smile softened as he sidled up beside you, effortlessly squeezing between you and the other students beside you. His shoulder brushed yours, and the warmth of his presence made your heart warm. You couldn't remember the last time you spent true time alone with Harry. “You alright? You seemed… off yesterday. Not like you to go total zombie on us.”

You forced a smile, your stomach twisting with guilt. “I’m fine, Harry. Just tired. Our N.E.W.T.s are coming up, and I guess I’ve been pushing myself too hard.”

His brow furrowed, skepticism flickering across his face. “Are you sure? You can tell me if something’s wrong.”

Across the table, Draco shifted in his seat, his expression tightening with barely veiled irritation, like he was begging you to just be honest. Luna continued stirring her tea as if she hadn’t noticed the tension, while Hermione darted a nervous glance between you and Harry, clearly calculating the best way to diffuse the situation.

“I’m sure,” you reassured him quickly, your voice firmer than you intended. “It’s nothing, really.”

Harry’s concern didn’t waver. He glanced at the flipped parchment beside Hermione, then back to you. “It doesn’t seem like nothing,” he whispered, his tone gentle but insistent. “If something’s bothering you, I want to help.”

You hesitated, the knot in your stomach tightening. Harry’s green eyes held yours prisoner as he insisted, his hands folding together. “It’s just… I’ve got a lot on my mind, that’s all,” you insisted again, this time placing your hand on his arm and giving him your best, albeit small, smile. “I promise I’ll talk to you if it’s something serious.”

Harry studied you for a moment, his gaze softening but not entirely free of doubt. “Alright,” he relented, though his voice held the weight of worry. “But you know I’m here, yeah? Always.”

Your smile wavered for a moment before you nodded. “I know, Harry. And I appreciate it.”

He leaned back slightly, the tension in his shoulders easing as he gave you one of his rare, genuine smiles. “Good. Because you’re rubbish at hiding things from me, you know.”

“I’m not that bad,” you countered, your voice tinged with forced levity, though the guilt gnawed at you.

“Oh, you are.” He teased, the corners of his mouth tugging upwards. “Don’t think I don’t notice. Just because I’m busy doesn’t mean I don’t see things.” He exaggerated as he pulled down his lower eyelids, earning an amused laugh from you.

Draco cleared his throat pointedly, his silver eyes narrowing slightly as he interrupted. “Speaking of distractions, Potter, shouldn’t you be focusing on Quidditch practice? I hear the Gryffindor team could use all the help they can get.”

Harry turned to Draco with a mock glare, though the corner of his mouth twitched with amusement. “I’ll see you on the field then, Malfoy. Let’s hope you can keep up.”

Draco smirked lazily, his voice dripping with mockery. “Oh, I’ll do more than keep up. You might even learn something.”

Harry turned back to you, his smile softening again. His green eyes lingered on yours, and the playful banter faded from his tone. “Let me know if you want to talk,” he said softly. “I mean it.”

“I will,” you promised, your voice barely above a whisper. Lying to him felt heavier than ever.

As Harry straightened up, he cast one last glance at the group before heading off toward the end of the table. The moment he was out of earshot, Draco let out a low whistle.

“Well, that was subtle,” he drawled, his tone thick with sarcasm. “Practically bleeding concern, isn’t he?”

You glared at him, though there was no real malice in it. “Lay off, Draco. He’s just worried.”

“Worried or suspicious?” Draco quipped, leaning back in his seat with a smirk.

“Both,” Hermione muttered, her gaze still fixed on the parchment she’d been furiously scribbling on. “And he’s not wrong. You were acting strange yesterday. Now we’re acting strange today.”

Luna, who had been quietly watching the exchange, finally spoke, her voice as airy as ever. “He’s worried because he loves you. It’s a different kind of love than the one you’re searching for, but it’s real all the same.”

Her words hit you like a wave, leaving you momentarily breathless. Draco and Hermione both looked at her, their brows furrowing in unison.

“Luna,” Hermione began carefully. “What are you talking about?”

Luna didn’t answer, instead tilting her head and gazing at you with a quiet intensity. Her eyes seemed to see through you. It made your chest tighten, the weight of her words settling deep inside you. It made your throat dry.

“Can we focus, please?” you asked softly, your voice cracking slightly. “We don’t have much time to figure this out.”

Hermione nodded, her expression softening as she returned to the parchment. Draco watched you for a moment longer, his smirk fading into something quieter as he finally leaned forward.

“Fine. But you’d better be ready to pull off this little heist of yours, Golden Girl.” He quipped, his tone lighter than before. “I don’t fancy getting detention for your little mystery.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at your lips. “I’ll try not to get us caught.”

“Good,” Draco smiled. “Because if Snape catches us, I’m blaming you.”

The four of you laughed quietly, the tension easing as you returned to your whispered planning. But as you went over the details, you couldn’t shake the lingering weight of Harry’s concern or the echo of Luna’s words in your mind.

None of you noticed how Harry glanced at you all from across the hall. Or how he lingered there, even as the rest of his teammates rose to leave for practice.

~~~

The hum of activity in the hallways served as a backdrop to your group as you made your way to Potions class. The weight of the plan hung in the air, unspoken but palpable. You glanced at Hermione, who clutched her notes tightly, her brow furrowed in concentration. Draco walked slightly ahead, hands tucked into his robes, exuding a nonchalance that didn’t fool you in the slightest. Luna drifted alongside you, her steps light as if she were gliding, her gaze occasionally flicking to the shadows with that dreamy but knowing expression.

By the time you reached the dungeons, the chill of the stone walls seeped through your robes. The familiar scent of brewed ingredients hit you as you stepped inside the classroom, the low murmur of students settling into their seats filling the space. Snape was already at the front, his dark eyes sweeping over the class with his usual scowl.

You slipped into a seat next to Hermione, Draco directly behind you, and Luna to the side. Despite the anxieties, you couldn’t help but glance at where Luna sat. Harry's seat. Looking up at the door, you caught sight of Harry entering with Ron and Ginny. His eyes flickered over to you, his lips twitching slightly as he noted the change, but he said nothing, allowing Ginny to pull him toward seats at the far side of the room.

Snape began his lecture on advanced Draughts of Living Death, his voice low and commanding, but your mind was elsewhere. Every now and then, you risked a glance at the others. Hermione scribbled notes with obsessive precision, Draco twirled his quill with a smug, casual air, and Luna’s quill moved in lazy loops over her parchment, her eyes occasionally drifting toward the jars on Snape’s desk.

The class dragged on. Seconds felt like minutes as Snape’s sharp gaze swept the room, each pass landing momentarily on you. Though it was routine, every glance sent your heart skipping. You knew he had no reason to suspect anything- not yet- but it did little to calm your nerves.

Finally, the lesson ended. Snape assigned the class an essay on potion clarity, and as students began filing out, your group lingered, exchanging subtle glances.

“Now,” Hermione whispered as the last student exited.

Draco straightened, his smirk sharpening into a look of determination. “You sure about this, Granger?”

“Positive,” Hermione muttered, glancing toward the door to ensure it had fully shut behind Snape. “He usually checks his office during each class, but we can’t risk him coming back early.”

Luna moved toward the storage cabinet without a word, her movements so natural it almost looked like she belonged there. You followed, your heart pounding as Draco pulled out his wand and began muttering a series of counter-charms. The faint shimmer of wards dissipated with a soft hum, and Hermione smiled faintly, impressed despite herself.

“Impressive,” she murmured, stepping forward to open the cabinet. Inside, shelves upon shelves of neatly labeled jars gleamed in the dim light.

Hermione scanned the labels, muttering under her breath as she located the powdered asphodel and florafolimor. “Luna, the belladonna-”

“I’ve got it,” Luna said softly, her hand hovering over a small glass jar tucked in the shadows. She smiled at it, her fingers brushing the surface lightly before lifting it out with care.

“And you-”

“Distraction, yeah…” You muttered, biting your cheek.

You squared your shoulders and walked with feigned confidence toward Snape’s office. If there was one thing you could count on, it was his need to assert his superiority through sharp remarks. It would give Hermione, Draco, and Luna the time they needed- hopefully.

Reaching the door, you gave it a light knock. Snape’s gruff voice called out from inside.

“Enter.”

Pushing the door open, you found him seated at his desk, his quill scratching against parchment. He didn’t look up at first, his dark eyes fixed on the paper before him, though the weight of his attention was unmistakable.

“Miss {L/N}. To what do I owe the pleasure of your intrusion?” His voice was as dry as ever.

You hesitated for half a beat before forcing yourself to adopt your most polite tone. “Professor, I had a few questions about the Draught of Living Death. I didn’t want to leave class earlier without asking.”

Snape finally looked up, his expression unreadable but his gaze piercing. “How unlike you to seek clarification. I was under the impression you preferred to muddle through and hope for the best.”

You forced a sheepish smile. “I just want to make sure I understand the finer points of the brewing process. It seems… delicate.”

“Delicate,” Snape echoed, his voice heavy with skepticism. He set his quill down, folding his hands as he studied you. “Hardly the word I’d use. Continue.”

You launched into a carefully prepared line of questioning about ingredient preparation, doing your best to sound genuinely curious. “I was wondering.” You began hesitantly, “about the timing of adding asphodel root to the base. Does it need to steep for the full eight minutes, or would seven suffice to maintain the balance?”

Snape’s quill stilled mid-stroke. Slowly, he lifted his gaze from the parchment, his dark eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that sent a shiver down your spine. “Seven minutes,” he repeated, his voice low and deliberate. “And what, pray tell, leads you to believe that deviating from the established procedure would yield acceptable results?”

You hesitated, feigning a sheepish laugh. “I didn’t mean to imply deviation, Professor. I just thought… perhaps the reaction might stabilize sooner if the ingredients are particularly fresh.”

Snape’s lips curled into a faint sneer, though there was a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze. “Fresh ingredients are no excuse for shortcuts, Miss {L/N}. The idea that potioneering can be improved by clever guesswork is-”

He stopped abruptly, his expression tightening as though catching himself. You saw a faint shift in his features, a shadow of something; regret, perhaps? Before his voice turned cold again. “...a notion better left to amateurs.”

You felt your palms grow clammy under his gaze, but you pressed on. “It wasn’t guesswork, Professor. I may have read about a similar adjustment in an old potions journal- something about reducing reaction time in draught bases.”

Snape’s brow arched, his dark eyes narrowing further. “A potions journal, you say. And this mysterious author, whose work you have so diligently failed to cite?”

“I… don’t recall the name.” You lied, trying to keep your voice even. “It was tucked away in the restricted section, and the notes were... incomplete.”

“The restricted section,” Snape repeated, his tone sharp and cutting. “Convenient. Tell me, Miss {L/N}, why would a student of your… abilities suddenly develop an interest in obscure texts on potioneering? It’s hardly the kind of endeavor that suits your usual inclinations. I suspected your first few months of your sixth year would be spent on something closer to practical magics.”

Jerk.

Your jaw tightened at his words, the weight of his insinuation pressing down on you. “I just wanted to understand more.” You spoke carefully. “Potions are precise, and I thought learning a little extra wouldn’t hurt.”

Snape leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled under his chin as he regarded you with a mix of scrutiny and something far deeper. “Precision,” he murmured, his tone softer but no less sharp. “A rare quality in most students, and yet you claim it as your newfound aspiration. Tell me, what exactly are you trying to accomplish?”

The question hung in the air like a blade. His voice carried an undertone you couldn’t place, a weight that seemed to stretch beyond the walls of this room. “I’m not trying to accomplish anything, Professor,” you replied, forcing yourself to meet his gaze. “I just don’t want to make mistakes.”

Snape exhaled slowly, his expression darkening. For a moment, his gaze flickered to the cauldron on his desk, and you swore you saw the faintest trace of something in his eyes- an old, unspoken memory.

“‘Mistakes,’” He repeated softly, almost to himself. “It is a noble goal to avoid them. But tell me, Miss {L/N}, what do you know of the consequences of precision?”

You hesitated, unsure of where he was leading. “I know that even small errors can be disastrous.”

Snape’s lips twitched, a faint and bitter smile ghosting across his face. “True. But precision,” he continued, his voice quieter now, “can also trap you. It demands exactness, inflexibility. One wrong step, one second too late… and even the most careful efforts can lead to ruin.”

His words struck a chord in you, though you couldn’t quite understand why. He leaned forward, his sharp gaze softening for a fraction of a second. “Does it ever strike you as curious, Miss {L/N}, how much of a person can be revealed by their interest in a cauldron?”

You frowned slightly. “I’m not sure I follow.”

Snape’s expression flickered again, and this time, his voice carried a weight of old grief. Like you could feel his tone deep within your own chest. “There was a student I knew once- an irritating perfectionist who thought he could master the world through potions. He believed precision could solve anything, that each ingredient had a purpose, and that purpose could always be controlled.” His eyes darkened further. “He learned, eventually, that some things cannot be bottled, no matter how carefully one tries.”

A chill ran through you as he continued, his gaze boring into yours like he was searching for something just beyond your reach. “And you,” he said softly, “have that same look about you. The same restlessness. The same hunger for answers.”

You opened your mouth, but no words came. There was something in his voice, something raw and vulnerable, that caught you off guard. You almost felt sympathetic for your scheme now. “Who was he?”

Snape’s eyes flickered with a mix of anger and sadness, as though the memory pained him more than he would admit. “Someone you would do good to leave behind,” he said curtly, leaning back in his chair. “Now, if you’re finished with your charade of curiosity, I suggest you leave before you embarrass yourself further.”

The dismissal was sharp, but there was a tremor in his voice that lingered. As you turned to go, he spoke again, his tone quieter. “Miss {L/N}. Do you-”

Before he could finish, a faint crash echoed from the classroom. Your blood ran cold as Snape’s expression darkened, his head snapping toward the sound.

“What was that?” He demanded, rising from his chair in a single, fluid motion.

You scrambled for an excuse, stepping forward as if to block his path. “Probably Peeves, Professor. He’s been causing trouble in the dungeons all week.”

Snape’s gaze bored into you, skepticism radiating from him. “Peeves does not tamper with my storage cabinets,” he said coldly, brushing past you with a swish of his robes.

The sight that greeted you in the classroom froze you in place. Hermione clutched a jar of florafolimor, her face pale. Draco stood by the open cabinet, wand raised defensively, and Luna held the jar of belladonna like it was a fragile treasure. And there before them, a scattered jar of moonstone dust coating the floors in their pearlescent hue.

“What,” Snape hissed, his voice venomous, “Do you think you are doing?”

The room seemed to hold its breath as Hermione stammered, “P-Professor Snape, we-”

“Spare me your excuses, Miss Granger,” Snape snapped, his gaze sweeping over the group before settling on you. “And you, Miss {L/N}, how very typical of you to involve yourself in foolishness.”

You swallowed hard, your mind scrambling for an answer. But before you could speak, Snape dismissed the others with a flick of his hand, eyeing the ingredients as if they had personally offended him.

“Go. Now.”

Hermione hesitated, but Draco nudged her toward the door. Luna lingered for a moment, giving you a small, reassuring smile before following the others out.

As the door clicked shut, Snape turned back to you, his expression unreadable. For a long moment, he said nothing, his gaze heavy.

“You’re a good kid, Miss {L/N},” He started at last, his voice softer than you’d ever heard it. You'd never expect a compliment from Snape of all people. “Too good to be meddling with things you don’t understand.”

The words hit you, the unexpected gentleness catching you off guard. You opened your mouth, but he cut you off.

“Tell me. Are you familiar with the myth of Pleiades?” He asked suddenly, his tone almost casual. His dark eyes watched you intently, searching for something in your reaction.

You hesitated at the unexpected question, furrowing your brow as you searched your memory. “The Pleiades? The star cluster, right? Seven sisters… something about them being chased by a hunter? Orion?”

Snape’s lips twitched, a shadow of what might have been a smirk. “Adequate, though simplified. The Pleiades were the daughters of Atlas, their fates bound by their father’s eternal burden. Each of them immortalized as stars, forever out of reach, yet always visible.” He stepped closer, his tone taking on a peculiar weight, as though the words themselves were more than just a myth. “Does that story resonate with you at all?”

You blinked, feeling a strange pang of familiarity at his words, though you couldn’t quite place why. “Not really,” you admitted softly. “Why?”

Snape studied you carefully, his dark gaze unwavering, and for a fleeting moment, he seemed almost... uncertain. “No reason,” he said, but the tightness in his voice betrayed him. He turned away, pacing toward the cabinet with deliberate slowness. “I find it curious,” he continued, his tone back to its usual cutting sharpness, “that one might be drawn to something so distant. Something they can never touch.”

Your chest tightened at his words, though you couldn’t explain why. “Are we still talking about the stars?” you asked hesitantly.

Snape stopped in his tracks, his back to you, his hands clasped behind him. “Perhaps.” His voice was low, almost a whisper, and you thought you caught the faintest hint of melancholy in it. “Or perhaps we’re talking about memories. About the weight of knowing something once and losing it.”

You swallowed hard, the knot in your stomach tightening. “You… you know, don’t you?” The words tumbled out before you could stop them. “About me. About what’s missing.”

Snape turned to face you, his expression carefully controlled, but his eyes held a depth you’d never seen before. “What I know, Miss {L/N}, is irrelevant. What matters is that you understand the dangers of meddling with forces beyond your grasp.”

“That’s not an answer,” You countered, your voice trembling. “You’re avoiding the question.”

Snape’s jaw tightened, his gaze hardening. “You are not entitled to answers,” he said firmly. “Not yet. But I will say this: there are reasons some memories remain buried. Reasons beyond your comprehension.”

The words stung, but they only fueled your determination. “Then why bring up the Pleiades? Why ask me if it resonates if you didn’t want me to think about it?”

For a moment, Snape looked as though he might argue, but then his shoulders slumped ever so slightly, and he let out a quiet sigh. “Because,” he said softly, his voice almost gentle, “sometimes the stars remind us of what we’ve lost. And sometimes, if we look closely enough, they remind us of what we still have.”

The cryptic answer left you reeling, your mind racing with half-formed questions and fragmented memories. But before you could press him further, Snape straightened, his usual cold mask snapping back into place.

“That will be all, Miss {L/N}. Leave. And if you value the fleeting trust I’ve shown, stay out of my cabinet.”

“That's not fair, Professor.” You snapped, tears gathering in your eyes. Frustration seeping through every part of your being. “I deserve to-”

“I have been nothing if not fair tonight, Vix!”

You both stared at each other in shock, just blinking at each other as your breath quickened.

“Who-”

“I could have you expelled. Attempting to steal from me, especially such expensive ingredients? I am sending you back to your dorms. Asking you, now, to leave it to lay.”

You hesitated, searching his face for any hint of vulnerability, but he had already turned away, his attention fixed on his desk. With a heavy heart, you nodded and made your way to the door.

Just as your hand touched the handle, Snape’s voice stopped you. “Miss {L/N}.”

You turned back, finding him watching you with an expression you couldn’t quite decipher. Almost sorry for raising his voice. “Sometimes,” he said quietly, “Choices you don't remember making.. they have the best possible outcome.”

His words followed you as you stepped into the corridor, the weight of the conversation pressing down on your chest like a stone. You didn’t know what he was hiding, but you were certain of one thing: whatever it was, it was tied to the stars, to the past, and to something he wasn’t ready to share.

And somehow, deep down, you knew the Pleiades were more than just a story. They were a clue.

You did your best not to be overwhelmed. But there was an anger- bubbling in your chest as you made it back to the Gryffindor commons. Not caring to go to your next classes, not now. Even if Professor Remus was your favorite lesson of the day, you needed air. You needed a breath.

Taglist: @bmyva1entine @edb954 @juniorlore @milunalupin @ailoda @ellipsisspelled @nessielovesfood @yannew

[lulupen2023]

Barty Crouch Jr/Aro Volturi Harry Potter/Twilight crossover part II (II)/III (II)

aww thanks for liking it, once it's concluded I'll also post the mini sequels ;) Summary:

Barty Crouch Junior's (somewhat horrifying) fate seems to have already been written… or maybe not? What if there was someone who has other plans for him?

Summary of the chapter: Son and father face each other, then it's carnaage time and Barty displays his new power ;P

warning: this is a dark story, 'Evil Wins' style, in this chapter at some point there will be a massacre and you may not agree with some victims that I have chosen, but I had to look at the whole story from Barty CJ’s perspective >;P

II (II): Hello, father!  

Meanwhile Aro, Jane, Alec and a large group of other followers, who until then had mingled with the participants without drawing attention, revealed their presence.

General panic ensued in the whole tribunal.

Dumbledore was the only one quick enough to apparate, taking Potter with him.

Aro immediately rushed towards Moody, he had a long unfinished business with him.

"Stay away from me, you filthy creature!" snarled the Auror, about to cast a SectumSempra against him as it could behead him, but the millennial vampire was far quicker than him, snatching his wand from his hand and breaking it in front of his eyes… at least in front of the only normal one left.

"Fourteen years ago you prevented my puppy from escaping and put him in jail. This is not something I can forgive you," Aro said phlegmatically, before biting his neck with blind fury.  

The others were busy as well and the now eternally young Barty would soon join the party, but first he had a priority.

“You, wretch, what the hell have you done? What have you become? " the judge rose from his chair, backing away.

He didn't even try to ask for help, he knew that no one would save him, everyone was too busy trying to fight for their own survival.

Yet the hellish thing that looked like his son didn't seem to be in a hurry.

"Aren't you happy for me, dad ?" he said that last word with all possible sarcasm. "I finally have one thing that you don't even know what it means: a family."

"Don’t talk like that!" the old man shouted.

"Oh, shouldn’t I? Isn't it only  your fault what is happening? Think about it, it would have taken so little: playing with me sometimes when I asked you as a child, come and see at least one of my Quidditch matches, I was quite good, you know? Or tell me at least a 'Very good, son, I'm proud of you' with all the O.W.L.s I have obtained with so much study, commitment and self-sacrifice, those values that are so important to you ... "

" Barty, I ... "the other tried to answer, with broken voice.

“You were never there, but someone else was and oooooh, He gave me so much, He made me feel accepted, valued, appreciated. My Dark Lord is the father I never had and much, so much more, ” the vampire hurt him, more than he could have done later.

"But to put your work first, that's why you were always there, to send your son to Azkaban , have him tormented by the Dementors ..."

"But I also saved you!" his father raised his voice, regaining a certain grit.

Barty laughed contemptuously.

"You?! No, my mother saved me, my beloved mother whom you almost killed with your decisions, giving her  heartbreak, you only allowed her to fulfill the last wish of the few remaining days of her life. And then how were you going to save me? Imprisoning me for years in my own house, driving me mad with loneliness, beyond the few moments that you allowed Winki to visit me, leaving me still, silent and invisible to everyone, depriving me of everything but breathing to spend the time? " he accused him, before drawing out the wand he had kept well hidden. " Crucio ."

It was only a whisper, but that was enough for the old man to fall to the ground, suffering the most excruciating pain.

"I'm still a Death Eater, let me have some old-fashioned fun first," he explained, continuing the torture. "CRUCIO."

The intensity increased, as did the poor man's cries, which soon tired his executioner.

He raised his wand, ending the curse, then lifted his father, with one hand, holding him by the neck, without his feet touching the floor.

“You know, father, this new me has a very special power: I can know the greatest fear of my victims, I just need to look at them. And now I know that yours is that your son would never be able to forgive you. " he revealed, running his tongue over his sharp canines.

The old wizard nodded desperately, panic stricken.

"Draw your own conclusions!" he growled, before sinking his fangs into his neck, draining him in a few minutes, and then tossing the corpse to the ground.

"How do you feel, puppy?" Aro hugged him from behind.

He had been watching him for a while.

"Avenged." Barty grinned, turning to kiss him. "And I owe all of this to you."

"I couldn't have made a more worthy addition to our family." his Sire smiled, taking out a handkerchief to wipe all the blood from his face.

He could have licked it directly but he was still a lover of bon ton and some things needed the proper privacy.

"In the meantime, I took care of a couple of business with the one who has hindered you and also with the one who has been a spy, something so vile and deplorable ... and guess what? His blood tasted too much of vodka!" Aro made him laugh.

Meanwhile Barty had also caught the first reference.

"I would have liked to see you drinking that bloody Auror, I'm just sorry I couldn't figure out what his greatest fear was... maybe losing the other good eye too!" he laughed with Aro.

“What do you say, puppy? Shall we go and let you experience your power a little more? "

Barty nodded, thrilled.

So he discovered that a Minister of Magic was afraid of water, he just had to throw an Aguamenti and he had the feeling of drowning, another was terrified by the flames, he just needed to create a fiery circle with a Incendio spell and his victim panicked so much he ended among the flames. Another had a phobia of snakes, with a simple Accio Barty turned his nightmare into reality.

Now that he had discovered a new way to kill, Barty felt more excited than a child in a toy store.

And Aro perhaps did more than him.

"With you, Barty, I will be able to discover the Cullens’ weaknesses or fight any other enemy clan, what a precious treasure I’ve collected this time!" he smiled through toothy teeth, including his pointy canines, before kissing him.

Jane and Alec joined them too.

"That horrible woman all dressed in pink looked so sour and instead her blood was as sweet as honey," the vampiress commented, licking her fingers with the last remnants. "That journalist instead ... I was expecting something more succulent, instead she had an almost tasteless blood."

"Like her articles that she swelled out of proportion, but which actually were just thin air!" Barty made her smile.

But she would smile at him for whatever he said to her. Now that he was one of them and she had seen his new power, mixed with his dark magic, she was even more attracted to him, even though she knew very well what her limits were.

"Sister, I don't understand your obsession with such elderly victims!" Alec snorted. "I found myself a pretty good young boy, his blood so full of promises and hopes ... now gone!" he laughed cruelly, casting one last glance at his victim.

Looking in the same direction Barty realized who it was.

"As far as I know, he had become my father's protégé ..." he said, with a certain melancholy tone.

Aro took his face in his hands to make him look at him.

"Don’t think about it. Now you are my protégé. " he murmured, stroking his hair.

Barty recovered from that small moment of weakness as soon as he saw who was left of the few survivors: Cornelius Fudge was crawling among the corpses, trying to get out of there.

The Death Eater stepped in front of him, but looking at him he figured out that he shouldn't have done anything to him.

He curled up to him, putting his lips to his ear.

"Oh yes, the Dark Lord is among us again, more alive and powerful than ever, I’m going to let you live only so that He can take care of you directly when He comes to get you, soon ... and you will regret that I didn’t kill you now." he whispered, leaving him shivering, gone as white as a sheet.

Aro pulled Barty to himself.

“Come on, puppy, let's get out of here, it's time to get your wand back. “ he filled him with expectations. 

“Thanks to the spell you created to disguise us, no one will notice that we shine when we’re hit by the rays of the sun,” Alec told him; that was his way of complimenting him and Barty just nodded.

"And anyway, after picking your wand, we will be headed to a place that hasn’t seen the sun for a long time, even if I don't jump for joy to go back through those dirty, damp and ratty corridors." Jane rolled her ruby eyes.

"We're going to free quite a few people, which your Dark Lord will certainly be happy about." Alec informed him.

Barty turned to Aro.

"Are we really going to get all the prisoners out of Azkaban ?" he asked, thinking mainly of his friend and rival who had been there for years.

"Of course, a little surprise that I allowed myself to plan for Voldemort, he doesn't expect it," Aro winked at him. "Other vampires have already gone there, led by Marcus and Caius, but an extra hand never hurts."

Barty nodded, but then frowned.

Aro didn’t even have to establish a contact with him, he had already guessed what was troubling him.

“You will see him again, I promise you. Just not right now. Once we’re done in Azkaban you will come with me to Volterra , I have some unfinished business. But you can believe me, Barty, you are not leaving Hogwarts forever, nor are you leaving Him. " he heartened him.

"Aro?"

"Yes, puppy?"

"I don't think I've thanked you enough yet."

The millennial vampire smiled at him winking.

"In Volterra we will have plenty of time for that too and certainly not on a squalid cot!"

TBC

Yes because they have won, there will be another chapter, because my beloved Barty deserves it to see his Dark Lord (a certain Dark Witch will see him long before him, but oh well, that's the way it has to go ^^ ') ... and then a little more needs to be explained;) The father-son comparison is the moment that was most exciting to write, I hope you enjoyed it. As for the victims, aside from Moody and Barty CS who were the ones reported, the other hints referred to Igor Karkarof, Dolores Umbridge, Rita Skeeter and Percy Weasley (and I love Percy, really, without a doubt my favorite Weasley ... but I'm sorry, I love Barty much more!) ... three Ministers of magic with their related phobias (by the way, do you like Barty's power?;)) instead they are totally random XD

Feel free to tell me whatever you want, but, pleease, do. Like I said before, I assure you that in other areas I can also write about a much fluffier Barty XD Lu

[outromoony]

If your comfort character isn't dead, traumatized, gay, or a mass murderer... are they really your comfort character?

[ervotica]

27. kisses for cover at a party with poly!rosekiller. reader goes to evan to get a guy off you, he makes out with you, barty sees and is like "yay i wanna join" and then just devours you

ahhh i love them! poly!rosekiller x fem!reader, college!au ✩ 900 words

You slip beneath the handsome guy at the pub with practiced ease, dipping under his outstretched arm in an attempt to shake your unwelcome admirer of the evening.

To his credit, he doesn't flinch but rather curls his arm round the nape of your neck, tucking you into his shoulder in one fluid movement until you're mostly obscured. He dips his head low enough to murmur in your ear; his voice is like smooth, dark honey.

"Who you hiding from, lovely?"

"This bloke's been following me round all night," you admit, voice high and breathy. "He's still looking, I think. Will you- will you pretend to know me until he goes away?"

He grins and the sight almost blinds you; crinkled eyes and a soft smattering of freckles across his high cheekbones. Miles and miles of brown skin and a curly blonde mop that sits high on his head.

He really is lovely.

And if you'd met him under different circumstances, you'd be nervous for an entirely different reason.

"Consider it done, okay? No need to fret."

He tips his head lower until his nose brushes yours. You hold your breath in anticipation.

"Let's give the prick a show, yeah?"

Your insides flush white-hot as you wait for his lips to make contact. It's a languid sort of kiss, building in intensity as your mystery man flattens his tongue against your bottom lip. He palms at your neck, angling your face upward until you have no choice but to part your lips and let him lick into your mouth, soft and slow and deep.

You push up on your toes - encouraging him closer - and you feel the corners of his mouth tip up even as he indulges your wordless request.

The kiss ebbs and he pulls back. You bite your lip and try to pretend that he didn't just give you the best kiss of your life.

"I'm sorry," you say, cadence twinged with embarrassment. "I don't even know your name."

He smooths the pad of his thumb over your pencil lined eye and smiles, unperturbed. His expression is softer this time, something akin to fondness lingering in his eyes.

"Evan," he murmurs. "And you?"

"Y/N."

A weight settles at your back and you go rigid, pushing back into Evan's space with a startled gasp.

"It's okay, lovely girl," he placates with ease, as though he's known you for much longer than a few minutes. "This is Barty."

This boy is taller – sharper round the edges than Evan, but no less beautiful. His face is shrouded by thick, dark hair that contrasts so heavily with his pale skin it almost looks unnatural.

"Hi, pretty," he coos. "Oh, she is gorgeous, Ev. The gorgeous ones always love you."

"Hi," you almost whisper. You're suddenly even shyer under Barty's fervent gaze, red-hot at his rapt attention.

He folds at the waist and twirls one of your loose curls between his fingers. From here you can smell his breath, mint and vodka and something sweeter that lingers on the tip of his tongue.

He steps closer, right into your space until you're sandwiched snugly between the two of them.

"Do I get a kiss?" he asks, borderline pleading. Intense, for a man you've just met.

Your throat works around a thick swallow and you look down at your feet, suddenly overwhelmingly shy.

"Um..."

"Don't be jealous, babe," Evan placates, a lithe hand massaging teeny circles into your shoulder.

"I find a pretty little thing snogging my boyfriend and I'm supposed to not be jealous?"

You balk. Your eyes gloss over, and wet and wide and painfully apologetic.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't know. I'm really sorry."

"Shh." Evan loops an arm round your waist and tugs you neatly into his side. "He's teasing. He just wants a kiss, too, if you're willing to give it."

You can't deny that Barty is beautiful – all long, milky limbs and dark features. You nod tentatively.

"Okay."

Evan plants his chin in the juncture of your neck as Barty leans in, long fingers roaming the expanse of your waist with a fervour you've never felt before. Your stomach flips.

Barty's kiss is far more fervid. All tongues and clashing teeth as he angles his head to get more of your mouth on his– as though he wants to eat you whole.

You whine into his mouth when his hand settles on the dip of your spine and presses down, forcing you to arch up into him. There's not a part of you that isn't being touched in some way.

Especially not when Evan trails his lips along your pulse point and begins diligently sucking a bruise under your jaw.

Barty gets you by the nape of your neck and probes his tongue further into your mouth. He's persistent, flicking his tongue behind your front teeth until you gasp and open your mouth wider to grant him more access.

"There's a good girl," Evan says, voice rumbling against your back.

The trail of spit that stretches and bows between the two of you when Barty pulls back to get a good look at you has you feeling faint.

"Can we keep her, Ev?" Barty nuzzles his nose against the soft swell of your cheek.

"What do you say, angel? Can we keep you?"

You're too dazed to answer with more than a nod, curling your own arms around Barty's waist to keep him pressed against you.

[astral-projects-stars]

barty is 100% a :3 typa guy like him being surrounded by 20 aurors?

Barty: all of this for me?? :3

in modern au's he would do it over text constantly and reg would want to kill him for it.