The courtyard was a cacophony of raised voices, the Marauders standing opposite Barty Crouch Jr. with their wands half-raised and eyes full of righteous fury. Barty, of course, looked utterly unbothered, a smirk curling his lips as if he lived for this kind of confrontation. "Say it again," Sirius barked, his wand pointed threateningly. "I dare you." Barty cocked his head, his tone dripping with mockery as he replied, "Your precious Regulus has more guts than you’ll ever have. At least he doesn’t spend his days yapping like a dog."

Evan groaned audibly from where he stood a few feet away, his hand already moving to rub at his temples. Regulus, standing behind Barty, rolled his eyes but didn’t say a word. Deep down, he was grateful—even if he’d never admit it. Barty might be reckless, but he was loyal to a fault. As James took a menacing step forward, Evan decided enough was enough. In one swift motion, he grabbed Barty by the waist and slung him over his shoulder, earning a startled yelp from the other boy. "Rosier!" Barty protested, his fists pounding against Evan’s back. But Evan just rolled his eyes and started walking away, his tone dripping with exasperation. "If you’re done playing hero, we’ve got better things to do than babysit the Marauders’ tantrums."