Barty’s eyes locked on you from across the Potions room. They drifted up and down, then settled on your legs as you crossed them, your skirt riding up just a bit. He gripped his quill tightly and bit the inside of his cheek. When his gaze moved up again and met yours, you gave him a small, knowing smirk.

He knew you’d done that on purpose.

It had been like this for months now—the flirty comments, the teasing glances, the subtle touches. It was a game, and Barty was running out of patience.

His eyes narrowed as you ran a hand through your hair, then slowly dragged your fingers down your neck. His whole body tensed, and he sat up straighter in his chair. Your smirk widened as you winked at him before turning your attention back to the professor.

Barty let out a quiet scoff. He couldn’t let this continue—not without doing something about it.

When class ended, he followed you out, staying a few steps behind, eyes roaming over you freely now. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips as an idea formed. He knew where you were heading—and he knew a shortcut.

He slipped away and waited in a shadowed, empty corridor, perfectly still and silent.

It wasn’t long before he heard your voice, then caught the soft scent of your perfume—the one that drove him absolutely mad. As you passed, he reached out, grabbing your arm and clamping a hand gently over your mouth. He pulled you into the dark corridor, pressing you back against the cold stone wall, caging you in with his body.

“Barty,” you said, pushing his hand away from your mouth. He smirked down at you, his free hand sliding to your hip.

“Now, now, love… you shouldn’t be too surprised after that little display in Potions,” he said, his eyes roaming over you again.

You couldn’t help but smirk. “Oh? I don’t know what you mean.”

His eyes flashed with something -excitement, danger.

“Playing innocent won’t work, darling,” he murmured, running his hand up your side. “I think it’s time this little game came to an end.”