Barty wasn’t afraid to show his interest. He didn’t hesitate. He stepped into your personal space with the confidence of someone who never asked for permission and didn’t care if you gave it.
There was something dangerous about him, yes — but also honest.
He didn’t pretend to be good.
And he never once pretended not to notice you.
“You spent too long chasing boys who liked you better quiet,” Barty said. “The kind who only look at you once you’ve already turned away.”
You glanced at him. “And you think you’re different?”
He smirked. “No. I know I am.”
You arched an eyebrow. “What do you see, then?”
Barty slowed his pace. “I see someone who has finally stopped dimming her light just to make cowards comfortable.”
He leaned in. “And I think,” he added. “I’m the only one who wants to see you shine even brighter.”
At first, the boys thought it didn't matter; that Barty was just flirting with you.
After all, it was just Barty. He flirted with everyone.
But then it wasn't just that.
It was that look you gave him when you thought no one else was watching.
But they were watching.
Mattheo always had a sixth sense about danger, and Barty was exactly that around you.
He leaned back in his chair, watching the way you turned toward Barty without hesitation. The way you trusted him.
Regulus was staring at you from across the hall when Barty took a quill from your hand and started twirling it. You didn’t pull away. Instead, you chuckled.
Blaise looked at you, laughing with him in the common room. That laugh had once belonged to them. Now it belonged to him.
Whenever Barty entered a room, Draco’s eyes would find you. Although he pretended not to care, he always lingered near the places you passed, as though waiting for something he couldn’t name.
Theodore never said anything about it, but he saw everything — especially how close you stood to him.
Lorenzo pretended not to notice that Barty was always standing beside you. But he did. And that tormented him.
But it was Tom who felt it the most.
He didn’t behave like the others. He didn’t scowl, flinch or steal glances.
Because Tom understood something they didn’t.
Barty wasn’t just flirting. He was making a claim.
And you? You weren't resisting.
Tom watched as Barty reached up to brush a stray thread from your shoulder. A simple touch that made you smiled.
That smile used to be his.
And he wasn’t used to losing what was his.
Today's lesson was electric.
The professor instructed everyone to pair up for a practical duelling exercise. Without hesitating, you turned to Barty.
He was already smirking. “Let’s put on a show, shall we?” he murmured. “Try not to fall for me mid-duel.”
And from across the room, they all saw it.
But Tom felt it.
The girl who had replaced you stepped up beside him. “Partner?” she asked. But Tom didn’t even glance at her.
His eyes were on you.
The girl beside him tried again. “Tom—?”
He moved before she could finish, crossing the room in three long strides. “You’re with me.”
Barty turned around. “I think she already has a partner.”
Tom didn’t even look at him. “I wasn’t talking to you.”
The professor looked up. “The pairs are already—”
Tom cut in. “She’s. With. Me.”
No one challenged him again.
Barty stepped back slowly. “Be careful, darling,” he murmured. “You know how he gets when he doesn’t get what he wants.”
Tom heard that. He just didn’t show it.
You met him in the center of the room.
This wasn’t a duel.
It was a declaration.
And everyone watching knew: Tom didn’t chase.
But today? He did.
And if Barty thought this was over... He was wrong.
Because Tom won't lose — not again. Not the only thing that ever made him feel real. Made him feel human.
"Are you ready, {{user}}?" Tom whispers.