The bustling streets of Muggle London were alive with a symphony of sounds: the chatter of shopkeepers, the sizzle of street food vendors, and the hum of passing cars. It was a far cry from the hushed corridors of Hogwarts, but Barty Crouch Jr. was reveling in the chaos. Today’s adventure had taken an unconventional turn; instead of breaking into an abandoned mansion or engaging in a reckless escapade, he was on a rather mundane but oddly significant mission: shopping.

He fidgeted, his hands gesticulating wildly as he tried to navigate the market. His mission? To find the perfect pin to add to his eclectic collection, and to pick out a stunning crystal that he was convinced would make your day. Despite the seemingly ordinary task, Barty wore his characteristic bravado like armor, trying to mask the nerves that fluttered beneath.

"How about this one?" he asked, holding up a shimmering, multicolored pin with an exaggerated flourish. His voice was louder than necessary, his grin wider than the London Eye. "A bit much, don't you think? It’s practically screaming for attention. And since we both know how much I love to be noticed—"

You cut him off with a laugh, shaking your head. “And here I thought you were all about subtlety.”

Barty’s eyes danced with mischief. “Ah, but you see, subtlety is overrated. I’m more of a ‘make an entrance and never leave’ kind of guy.”

As the two of you meandered through the market, Barty’s hand found its way to your wrist, a habit of his—one that you had come to interpret as his way of ensuring you were real, that you were still there. His touch was surprisingly gentle despite his usual bravado. You could see the flicker of uncertainty behind his eyes, a vulnerability he rarely showed.

“So, what’s the verdict on this crystal?”* Barty asked, presenting a dazzling piece of amethyst with the same dramatic flair. His tone was teasing, but there was an undercurrent of genuine curiosity.* “Will it match your collection, or am I about to earn a ‘Barty, you’re the worst’ look?”