Stalker
Harry huffed a sigh, watching the smoke of freshly lit cigarette dissipate in front of him. He rolled it between his fingers for a moment, looking rather deep in thought as he stared at it. It was only until a familiar voice sounded nearby that he looked up.
"You look pathetically lonely" Barty sat to Harry's right, holding out two fingers, "pass?"
"Get your own" he muttered, but took a quick drag and passed the cigarette over anyways. He took it with a grin, the same toothy grin you'd frequently find spread across Barty's face. "What's got you out here? Figured you'd be in huffing about the cold again."
Barty only shrugged, pulling his coat a little tighter around him. There wasn't snow on the ground yet, but winter was definitely approaching. The cold was settling in, nipping at the noses and exposed fingers of students lingering outside. It was probably Harry's favorite time of the year, he'd always favored the colder seasons. Barty, on the other hand, never did do well in the cold. He'd come in complaining about freezing temperatures while Harry was headed out in only a sweater.
The two sat in a comfortable silence, passing the cigarette back and forth until they were finished with it, stomping it out on the concrete. Across the grounds, nearer the lake, a familiar black haired boy sat at a table, parchment, books, and quills, scattered in front of him. Barty snorted, finally looking to realize that's where Harry's eyes had been trained on for the last five minutes.
"You're hopeless, mate"
Harry responded with a defeated groan, letting his head fall into his hands as he ran them over his face.
"Is it that obvious?"
"I think he" Barty vaguely gestured to the boy at the table "is the only one who hasn't noticed, by now."
Harry rolled his eyes, looking back to the boy, his face a miserable looking mix of longing and hopelessness. Barty pursed his lips and swung his arm around Harry's shoulders, sighing heavily. He loved his friends, of course, he cared for them both greatly, but he would be lying if he said he didn't think they were two of the most hopelessly oblivious idiots in love he'd ever met. He was sure the two had been pining over each other since third year, and neither of them had a clue. It was a miracle, really, how two people could be so unknowing of the others feelings.
He wouldn't get involved, though. Despite how tired he was of hearing the endless rambles from both his friends, he wasn't one to go meddling about in their relationships. He'd firmly chosen to listen but stay out of it, something he occasionally questioned, but stood by nonetheless.
"I don't know if I want him to or not." Harry still had the lower half of his face buried in his hands, muffling his speech a little.
"Who knows, maybe he's as hopelessly in love with you as you are with him." Barty shrugged, Harry gave him a doubtful look.
"A man could only hope." He sat up and stretched his arms above his head.
"Why don't you say anything to the guy? You never know, maybe by some miracle he likes you too, and you guys can go on cheesy dates to Hogsmaede and... do whatever couples do. Romance, and the works." Barty made a face as he spoke. He never was one for romantic gestures and lovey pining.
"How helpful," Harry chuckled, "No... I wouldn't want to risk weirding him out, or something. Plus, it's just a crush, I'll get over it." He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes, and both boys knew there was no truth to his statement.
"You've been saying that for two years. It's taking quite the while to get over for just a crush"
Harry shot him a glare, but there was no real heat behind it, he knew Barty was right. There was nothing he'd do about it, though.
"At least go talk to him, it's a bit creepy sitting here watching him all day, isn't it? Like some freakish stalker."
"You're one to talk about freakish."
"At least I don't stalk the guy I'm in love with."
"I'm not stalking him! Simply, observing what's going on outside while I sit. Because I want to sit outside."
"Right, observing, a person, from a distance."
"Bloody hell- okay, I'll talk to him!" Harry stood up and huffed dramatically. Barty followed with a grin. "Arse."
The two bid each other farewell, each heading their separate ways, Barty indoors and Harry across the grounds, towards the lake. He pulled his scarf around his neck and shoved his hands in his pockets as he made his way to where his best friend was studying.
"Hey," he took a seat rather close to the other, knowing he wouldn't mind.
Regulus looked up from where his face had been buried in a potions book, the momentary look of surprise leaving his face as he saw Harry.
"Hi," he pushed the book away a couple inches, turning his attention to the other.
"I've learned that even with the cold, coming outside is apparently not enough deterrent for Barty." That earned a chuckle from Regulus, so Harry continued. "Nothing deters him when he's set to bother someone."
"That's for sure. What brings you down here?" He asked, tilting his head just slightly.
Harry gave a noncommittal hum, shrugging as he dropped his head down to rest on his arms.
"Figured I'd come see what you're up to. You've been out here a while, probably should consider coming in before you freeze, y'know"
"Mm, must I? Even when I have my personal heater right here?" Regulus, rather dramatically, leaned into Harry and draped himself over his shoulders.
Harry grinned and laughed, not yet pushing him off. He enjoyed these moments. It was one of the few times Regulus was truly himself, when they were alone. When he didn't have to worry about the closely watching looks of the world, the expectations constantly looming over him.
These were Harry's favorite moments, because when it was just the two of them alone, he could see Regulus genuinely smile. Not the forced, tight lipped smiles he gave to look polite, but a real smile. That, Harry knew, was something he treasured the most.
It wasn't until Regulus said his name that he realized he'd gone quiet, instead taking to staring. He quickly sat up and shook his head, stumbling out a reply.
"Uh- yeah, sorry? I spaced out for a moment sorry"
"No worries. I'm going to head in, coming with?" Regulus offered a small smile, and Harry had to remember how to breathe for a moment.
Harry nodded and stood up, helping Regulus pick up his stuff before the two started making their way back up to the castle, eager to get back to the warmth.
They made the familiar trek to the dungeons, stepping into the common room to be met with the pleasant heat of a fire going. Harry quickly took a seat at the couch, letting himself sink into the leather cushions with a content sigh. He watched Regulus head to the dorms, likely going to put his school stuff away.
"Hey stalker"
Harry sighed, looking over the couch where Barty and Evan were sat playing chess. Barty never cared for the game, and was clearly losing, but Evan still looked awfully concentrated on the board, biting his lip as he thought.
"Hey Junior, Ev" he settled back into the cushions, claiming the entire couch as he lay comfortably with his head on the arm rest. It was only a couple minutes that Regulus came down from the dorms, changed out of his coat and empty handed. He passed the unoccupied couches, instead moving Harry's feet to sit on the other end of the one he was on. Harry smiled at that, settling his feet back down in Regulus' lap.
Harry closed his eyes for a moment, hoping to get a little rest before they went down to the noisy hall for dinner. He listened silently to the conversation flowing between the other three boys, faintly noticing a couple other Slytherins entering the common room briefly. He was content in his state of half asleep half awake state, listening to the bickering of his friends in the background.
It was with the comforting presence of the three boys in mind that he fell asleep.
This, he thought, he wouldn't give up for anything he could be offered.