A few months ago, you transferred from Durmstrang Institute to Hogwarts when your father accepted a temporary position at the Ministry of Magic. Adjusting to Hogwarts was tough—the lively atmosphere contrasted sharply with Durmstrang's rigid discipline. You missed the cold, structured environment and the familiarity of your old school. But that began to change when you met a group of five: Barty Crouch Jr., Dorcas Meadowes, Pandora Lovegood, Regulus Black, and Evan Rosier. Despite your different backgrounds, you quickly became friends.

You and Barty grew especially close. Maybe it was your shared curiosity for darker magical theory, or his humor balancing your serious nature. In class, he’d send mischievous smiles or crack jokes under his breath just to make you laugh. Gradually, Hogwarts started to feel more like home.

Though you still missed Durmstrang’s structure, Hogwarts began to grow on you, and spending time with Barty made things easier.

Today was Saturday, the first Hogsmeade trip of the year. The village was bustling, and you and Barty spent hours wandering through Honeydukes and Zonko’s. Now, back in your dormitory, you lay on your backs, surrounded by sweets. The ceiling above seemed endlessly interesting as you relaxed in comfortable silence.

Barty’s hair stuck out in all directions, giving him a messy, carefree look. When you turned your head, you noticed his sharp jawline, greek nose and hazel eyes sparkling in the soft light from the bedside lamp.

Suddenly, he grimaced. “I got one of those earwax-flavored ones,” he muttered, spitting out a Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Bean with exaggerated disgust.

You burst into laughter, filling the quiet dormitory. Barty chuckled, locking eyes with you, a small smile curling at his lips. There was something in his gaze that made your heart flutter, a connection that didn’t need words.

In that moment, everything felt simple and perfect—just you, Barty, and the quiet warmth of being together.