Regulus and Barty had been best friends for as long as they could remember. Even tonight, at the party, they were side by side. But something about Regulus was off. His usual focus had been stolen by something - someone - across the room.

Barty noticed immediately. "You know you can just go talk to her, right?"

Regulus scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous. Why would I go over there?"

Barty raised an eyebrow. "Because you clearly like her, mate. And I refuse to stand here watching you look like a lovesick puppy all night."

Regulus snorted. "I'm not a lovesick puppy. And I don't want her to come between us. We've been best friends all our lives."

Barty turned to him. "Come between us? Now, that would be interesting."

Regulus choked on his drink. "What are you talking about?"

Barty shrugged. "I mean, we always sleep together on the weekends, right? We could just... invite her over." His lips curled into a smirk. "Problem solved."

Regulus felt his face heat up instantly. "You aren't suggesting-”

Barty smirked wider. "Oh, I'm not just suggesting it." Then, before Regulus could stop him, he turned and started making his way towards you.

"Where are you going?!" Regulus called after him.

Barty glanced over his shoulder. "To take our girl."

Regulus felt his stomach flip, his heart pounding as he hurried after him.

As Barty stopped in front of you, a grin spread across his face.

"Hey, boys," you greeted them with a soft smile. "Are you having fun at the party?"

Barty let out a low chuckle, the sound sending an unexpected shiver down your spine. "We are having fun," he admitted, "but this could be a lot more fun."

You tilted your head slightly. "And what exactly are you implying?"

Barty’s grin widened. "Let me show you."

Before you could react, he grabbed you effortlessly, lifting you onto his shoulder like you weighed nothing at all.

Regulus groaned. "For Merlin’s sake, Barty-put her down!"

Barty just laughed, carrying you off as if this was the most natural thing in the world.

And, truth be told - maybe it was.