SUBURBAN LEGENDS

Barty was going to do the world a favour, he was going to kill Regulus Black. Not only had he been calling him nonstop enraging him enough to make a bad first impression, but his constant worrying as way to ease his guilt was becoming a nuisance.

“Have you got all your stuff Barty” Regulus said calmly from the front of the car, Pandora was driving and carefully watching the pair as always like some damn referee. 

“I checked, Barty has everything” Pandora now at a stop light turned around with a big smile on her face and pointed to the front pocket of his backpack. 

“In there is the plane ticket and the passport Regulus managed to get as well as a card we’ve set up so get whatever you want on the way” 

God damn he imagined if he had ever been a regular person with a normal life this would have been how his parents would have dropped him off to college, full of nerves and carefully going through his belongings. 

Regulus at least had some sense of decorum to hold himself back, Pandora looked on the verge of tears at him leaving. 

Leaving Regulus would be both relieving and upsetting, which was confusing but things with him usually were. Regulus would have explained the feeling more eloquently than him, calling it paradoxical in his pretentious tone. He’d taught him that word in the nest along with the rest of the English language. In the beginning he’d only known the basics, like yes master and sorry but as training got more complicated, ignorance got more dangerous. 

He wasn’t sure how he was going to leave Pandora though. She had saved his life in more ways than one these last two months, whether he’d deserved it or wanted it or not. 

“Don’t forget the phone” Regulus patiently reminded in his clipped tone. Barty wanted to roar in his face, ask why he cared now. He just bit down on his tongue. Old habits stuck.

“Oh yes the phone” Pandora in her green coat had in the pocket some sort of phone for him “I’ve set it up for you it has all our numbers” 

“Eyes on the road Dora” Barty said as his way of thanks, he certainly didn’t need another way for Regulus to tell him what to do. 

“Barty” Great by that pause Regulus was off on a damn sermon. “The Trojans are a good team, best your going to get and not bring up any attention from The Lestranges so-“ 

“Don’t screw it up I know” Barty responded petulantly even to his own ears. 

“Good. Glad we are in agreement. You know what you have to do.” Regulus nodded his eyes firmly in front of him away from Bartys as he began again “Evan Rosier the captain is a good guy but you never know so just…be careful” 

“It’s not like it matters” Barty narrowed his eyes hoping Regulus can feel the anger directed at him “What’s the worst he can do” 

Regulus flinched, how pathetic, like he’d been slapped and Pandora let out a quiet hum of agreement.

“Barty, please” Regulus said much less self assured which gave him some satisfaction which didn’t go unnoticed by Pandora if her disapproving sigh was any insinuation. 

“You just don’t have to take anything you don’t want to. It’s not going to be like before, your going to be safe” 

Before…

Before…

Barty didn’t think there was a before, just a then and now. 

He’d never been safe in his entire life and at twenty two years old that seemed like something a bit too late to try. 

Regulus was the smartest person he knows and yet also an idiot. No where was safe and no one could be trusted and if he really thought that it was because he had gone soft with the foxes. 

In fact the Trojans looking so great publicly probably meant it was worse behind the scenes than the Ravens to counteract the possibility of bad press, that’s what Rabastan had always thought. He had never believed their whole good guy persona and neither did he. 

Damn he really needs to get Bast out his head. 

But he wasn’t eleven anymore and vulnerable, if people thought they could fuck with him they had something coming. 

“Let’s just not talk about this anymore. Reg” he said with that nickname and even stupider feelings that were bubbling to the surface “Your almost rid of me so let’s not make anymore problems” 

“Barty I-“ 

Regulus was starting on as much an apology as he was able to make which was still even now not close to anything he wanted. 

He couldn’t make Regulus understand who had been there, he couldn’t make Pandora understand who had saved him and he couldn’t make himself understand either. He couldn’t explain why it all ached. 

Barty had done the awful thing of making people his home, his mother, Regulus, Rabastan and in the end it didn’t matter. He was still homeless and adrift like always.

Life has shown him time and time again it was better to go at it alone and he’d just never learnt, another lesson Master Riddle and Bast hadn’t beaten out. He’d always been a fool.

What better thing showed this, was how he was again being forced onto strangers alone, it seemed to be the story of his life. 

“Barty” Pandora said in the same sweet dreamy tone he had once thought meant she wasn’t paying attention before it proved the opposite. “You are doing a very brave thing and no matter what happens if anything goes right or wrong we’ll be there one call or flight away” 

Regulus looked up and caught his eye and Barty, not for the first time he wondered if he could read his thoughts. 

He wondered if he saw how afraid he was. 

He wanted to ask for reassurance and to ask how Regulus had managed to let it go and move on. How he no longer drowned in emotions and panicked when things got too real. 

Why was he able to move on and Barty still felt trapped in the nest? It wasn’t fair. 

Instead they sat in silence until they dropped him off. Barty wondered how long it would last before he screwed it up with this new team, how long it would be before they hurt him or he hurt them. Whether this time they wouldn’t play nice in the beginning to make it worse later on, would some of the teammates be crueller than others so it was a secret. Would they threaten his spot on the team and use that against him?

He knew why Regulus was so worried, failure meant that then the Lestranges would come and put a bullet in his head. He was a loose end; they had already disposed of Rabastan and struck a new deal with Lupin and Regulus. Somehow in all the chaos the two had managed to get them to agree that he could leave the nest but not without all those conditions. 

Rodolphous Lestrange, the new head of the family, would have no problem getting rid of him, yet again he had to prove his worth to the main branch. 

The irony didn’t miss him about how similar all this was to eleven years ago. 

Whatever horrors he would face surely couldn’t compare to the Ravens, that gave him some relief and he knew from Master Riddle and Rabastan that men like them wanted obedience. Barty had never been good at that, always too angry and defiant which had been brilliant on the court but a problem in the nest.   

Barty would give this Captain Rosier, the silent treatment and then show his subordination immediately to the coach, Barty remembered the missteps that first night and he was not going to replicate past mistakes. 

He would not let Evan Rosier have any power over him, nothing was going to hurt him again. He knew the tricks they played acting all nice, until they wanted something from him or to have leverage against a new teammate. Rabastan had taught him that. 

No one was going to use Barty again, a year ago he could have done what he wanted to him but things were very different now. He was going to be free, well as free as he could be under his new master and the Lestranges, but if Evan Rosier had an issue with that he was due a wake up call. A painful one. Probably. 

Evan Rosier had not got the hint, he was…different than Barty had imagined.

He had a California tan, perfectly straight white teeth and golden hair. That wasn’t surprising, Rabastan had always thought he’d looked too much of a good boy to be dangerous but up close outside of an Exy court and uniform he seemed different.

He had a confident aura, strong hands and a larger presence than Barty had perceived and his eyes were a kaleidoscope of blues and greens which twisted and turned when he laughed and his face crinkled. He did that a lot, laughing. He wasn’t sure what to make of it.

Barty had sat perfectly still with his hands on either side as he waited for Evan to return with whatever food he was allowed, he didn’t seem that bad actually…He shook his head he remembered how Rabastan had been in the beginning, it was all just a trick. 

“Would you like some fries or a milkshake” Evan asked as he slid into the booth opposite and placed the red tray down gently. “I bought a couple different flavours which is your favourite?”

Barty only shrugged, Evan had not got the hint yet that he was not going to speak until he knew what he wanted him to say. Some men liked silence, some liked yes men or obedience. Evan Rosier was too odd for Barty to get a read on what he wanted him to be.

“Alright.” Evan replied with ease not at all put off before he started tucking into his food.

Barty just sat there waiting. Rabastan had sometimes liked to eat first and then let Barty eat later, maybe Evan was the same.

Trailing off into thought about Rabastan he only jerked up when he heard his name.

“Barty.” Evan interrupted a little louder than he’d expected but was too polite to mention his flinch. “Do you not like what I got you? I’m sorry I can get something else…” 

Barty wanted to ignore him or storm off or scream in his face until he realised he was more trouble than he was worth, but when he looked up Evan looked upset as if he was worried that he’d done something wrong. Barty didn’t like the sad expression on his face, it didn’t suit him. 

“Would you like me to eat now?” Barty said slowly avoiding Evans eyes but using that same prim tone he’d been taught. 

“Yeah.” Evan nodded happily, he was too easily pleased Barty noted. Stupid fool, nothing like Rabastan.

Barty nodded, less enthusiastically however. He took a bite into the burger, it tasted like cotton and cardboard but he took another small bite ignoring the chants in his head to stop. 

Evan didn’t speak after that, which Barty should have been happy about as it was what he wanted, but just added to the pit in his stomach. Barty had initially thought it was the familiar feel of hunger but it was still there and odd sensation clogging up his chest. 

Getting into the strange and large vehicle that seemed far too old Evan drove them to the stadium and before he broke the silence again with his stupid comments and helpful opinions they had arrived.

The stadium was large and modern with a sleek white exterior and shiny windows that reflected off the midday sun in full swing, he didn’t think he had ever seen a place more different from the Nest. That very thought send a shiver of fear through his spine, the nest had its problems but there had been rules, hierarchy, lessons to learn. Barty didn’t have years to adjust and learn the new language they spoke, he was in yet another foreign place and he was too old for childish mistakes to be an excuse. 

Evan walked slowly through the empty corridors, it was the summer holiday no one seemed to be here. Weak Barty thought, to give up important practice time, they wouldn’t last a minute in the Nest. 

The door behind them shut with a loud bang as they walked into the coach’s office and Barty did not conceal this flinch half as well. Pathetic, he was getting softer by the minute.

“Wait here, sorry just gotta check something.” Evan said with a small smile before he rushed out the door to get whoever was going to greet them, Barty didn’t care that they were probably talking about getting rid of him due to his inappropriate behaviour. He didn’t care. It didn’t matter and if his head beat furiously and he had to blink away the tears in his eyes that was all due to this blasted environment. 

Barty had not been left there long before he started to panic, he closed his eyes in an effort to prepare himself. 

The door opened softer than before and he had to stop the full body jolt before he twisted his head to take in the pair, he stood up dutifully placing his head down in respect. 

“Hi Crouch it’s wonderful to have you here.” Frank Longbottom said with a tight smile before he put his hand out to shake. Barty took him in, Frank Longbottom had been a good player, a brilliant striker for the captains and a renowned captain. He had a great record going into the pros with a score of 86 when he was only a rookie and scouts had high hopes after he left the trojans and joined a higher league team.

He was 5’11 the average height for a male Exy player and had weighed 152 pounds on the leaner side as he had prioritised speed and razor sharp skill. 

But after sustaining a career ending injury to his left leg only three years into the pros he had returned to the Trojans as assistant manager under Coach Moody. He had done a good job, he was a man worthy of respect. 

Barty ignored the outstretched hand and the the pain in his hips and legs as he knelt onto the floor and placed his head down toward the ground. 

“Thank you Master, my apologies for not coming sooner.” 

Frank had an odd look flicker across his face a mixture of shock and horror. Barty didn’t understand was this not was what was expected of him. 

“Crouch you don’t have to do that,” Evan gently murmured in the silence. 

Barty simply shook his head. 

“It was remiss of me not to do the same when you came to collect me, I was unsure if you’d like that done in public.” Staring up to look into his eyes to convey as much seriousness as possible. “I will take whatever punishment you deem fit.” 

Barty looked back down ignoring the looks the pair were giving each other. Clearly they were deliberating perhaps even picking who got to take the honour. 

“No one here will punish you.” Frank said plainly keeping his voice monotone, he was so clearly displeased. Barty was doing something wrong.

Barty tsked and nodded he was an idiot. He could almost hit himself. 

“Of course.” He said in agreement. “You must leave the punishment to Master Moody.” 

He seemed to have stunned the two into silence, but no one had smacked him in the face so perhaps the Trojans were simply more emotionless than they were perceived. He simply stayed bent down on his hands and knees in his form of surrender, the one he’d been so explicitly taught. 

An unknown hand attempted to touch his shoulder but as it tried to reach him, Barty grabbed it and jumped up prepared for a fight. Evan gulped and Barty realised how close the two were as he leaned over him grabbing the hand that had tried to touch him with one hand and the other arm was on his neck against the wall. 

Barty gritted his teeth. He was so stupid. He was only going to make them angrier.

He collapsed back onto the floor this time in front of his new captain in the hope of gaining his forgiveness for his foolish actions.

“I’m sorry Captain.” He breathed out quickly keeping his head down refutably, if Evan was going to hit his face it hurt less if he was positioned away he knew that. “I don know what came over me.”

It was not a worthwhile excuse but perhaps he might get some leeway as a new addition, they usually got worse as time went on rather than showing their true colours immediately.

“I think it’d be best if you went to see Alice.” Frank said firmly in a steady voice as he motioned for Barty to get going which he did obediently. “She will check you out but I need you to listen and agree to what she says.”

Barty shivered was Alice the real boss around here, someone who he would have to allow to do what she wanted. Putting himself back into the mindset he remembered he nodded as blankly as possible as he listened to his next set of instructions.

He complied though listening to Franks voice as he instructed him to turn left into the team nurses office, Barty didn’t mind. It was surely better to get it over with.

Walking down the hallway he realised it was much too bright and loud. Get a grip. Barty needed to grow up. So what if the woman would make him do what she wanted. What did it matter. Why did he care. Things weren’t going to be different. 

“Hullo” a soft voice introduced themselves, the woman who must have been Alice, had mid length brown hair with bangs a wide smile and freckly skin. She didn’t look threatening, she looked friendly. But didn’t they always.

Again she put out a hand and was polite enough to avoid looking at the bandages when he raised it slightly to shake, she seemed upset about something. She must have already found something wrong. 

“I’m Alice.” She said still smiling, he wondered how her cheeks didn’t hurt. “What would you like me to call you?”

“Pardon ma’am.”

“Oh no need for ma’am” she dutted “I’m not that old yet. No simply would you like to be called Barty or Crouch.”

“Uh” Barty had his mouth open like an idiot he could tell, he was about to say she could pick but there was a firm and steely look in her eyes so uncomfortably strong he chose. “Barty please.”

“Perfect Barty would you mind sitting down on the bed please.”

Alright get it over and done with. She seemed to be a nice person maybe she would listen to his plea.

“Whatever you want to do to me, could you do it after you sign me off to play.” 

He would beg or plead it usually made it worse.

He was embarrassed it wasn’t the first time he had made a request of the sort but being permitted to play was integral and if that was the only way to sign off he would do it. 

“Barty” she said soothingly not dropping his gaze. “All I would like to do is to do a health check and ask you some questions, some are compulsory I’m afraid but anything else you can decline, do you understand?”

Barty didn’t but he figured it was best to nod.

Slowly she sat down on the desk beside the bed, Barty didn’t think that was proper etiquette for a nurse but it didn’t seem the time to mention.

“Before we start Barty I’d like you to know everything here stay’s confidential between me and you, patient and doctor confidentiality. I am not the main nurse that is a woman named Molly but she is currently on maternity leave so I will be the person you can come to for anything over the course of this year.”

That would have been comforting except by this stage he knew people couldn’t really be trusted, it was a nice sentiment though.

“I hope you’ll be happy here at the Trojans, now would you mind telling me of your past medical history? Pomfrey from the Foxes sent over your file but I’d really like to hear from you.” 

Clasping her hands on her lap she gave another encouraging smile, he’d never seen so many people smile in all his life. Was it some sort of contagious Californian thing? Did the sun make everyone insane.

Barty felt like he might burn up under her warm gaze, was it too hot in the room or was he just panicking again. 

“I think I was eleven. Master Riddle got me checked out, I got some more shots I think and he made sure I was in good condition after he collected me. I had a broken arm that hadn’t healed right but they got that fixed quickly.”

Alice only nodded in understanding, completely understanding, he was fairly sure Pandora would have cried.

“How did you break you arm Barty?” She asked jotting something down.

“I broke a window.” 

“Did you fall from a great height.”

Barty scrunched his eyebrows he didn’t understand.

“No that was my father’s punishment for breaking the window, he couldn’t do be too harsh as Master Riddle had begun showing interest and I needed to be able to showcase my ability when he came to take me.”

Alice gave a hmm sound but didn’t interject just still listening. She was a good listener he supposed.

“Did you receive any other significant injuries before the age of twelve.”

“Nothing important” Barty muttered looking away until his eyes dimmed a little, he hadn’t thought of back then in a while. The nest had felt so all-consuming, so final that once he had gotten a hold of himself it was no benefit to dwell on the past. All he’d gotten was smacked around a bit, what did it matter. It all seemed so inconsequential now, like a past life.

“Alright,” Alice said in a far off voice seemingly not put off. “Could you tell me in as much detail as you’d like details of the recent injuries in your file.”

“Doesn’t the official report say a car crash.” Barty deadpanned in the hopes of scaring off her form of questioning.

“Yes it does” Alice said in agreement though she didn’t seem to be finished with the topic. “Would you mind telling me what’s hurting you at the moment, can you describe where it pains the most?”

“I’m fine.”

Barty sat in silence, he knew he was being petulant and unresponsive but Alice didn’t seem to pause or take offence she just breezed past.

“That’s alright if anything changes or gets worse you can come and see me any time though I’m afraid I have to ask some compulsory questions before I let you leave, a simple yes or no will be more than sufficient Barty,” she had the nerve to sound apologetic.

The questions rattled on but Barty answered just as quickly, eager to get this done with.

“Did you have regular doctor’s appointments before the one from Pomfrey?” 

“No.”

“Do you feel in a condition to play Exy?”

“Yes.”

“Are you currently in pain?”

“No.”

She only stared at him before he relented and agreed, she gave him some meds and pills. He made sure they wouldn’t affect his performance.

“May I ask once more if you’ll give any details about past injuries only so I can make sure that you are alright?”

“No.” Barty reaffirmed quietly avoiding her wide eyes that almost made him give in.

“No worries Barty, you can say whatever you’d like and add any more if you ever feel the need.” Standing up and placing down her book where she’d been making notes. “Alright I’ll need to do a full check up that means, vitals, height, weight and a complete blood tests, and probably run a few physical tests as well.”

Barty wanted to retort by grabbing her stupid computer and book and smash the room into pieces. Instead he made a fist with his hands and gave a small nod. 

Alice was very careful with him always asking before she went to touch him and ignoring the perspiration of sweat on his temple and his flinches. Her hands always stayed where she could see him and she chattered mindlessly to herself not even minding that Barty seemed unwilling or unable to return the conversation. 

He stayed sullen as he she read off her analysis, she said that she liked to keep honest communication with her players. 

“Alright so your still 6’5 which is a crazy height I feel tall as a woman at 5’9, your underweight by a lot I’m afraid so I’m going to send over a meal plan do you have a phone.”

He shook his head, the phone he had owned was in bits of pieces at the Californian Airport. 

“That’s alright.” She said sweetly, “I’m just going to speak with Evan and Frank and then you can come in, I hope that’s ok.”

Barty only nodded and sat silently waiting in the seat by the door. They were going to reject him, why wouldn’t he. He’d allowed himself to get in a bad condition with all the resting the foxes had forced him to do. When was the last time he had touched a racquet? 

It was going to be fine. Obviously. God the swirly breathing was back and he was panting against his hammering chest. He’d have to plead his case. Beg. Get rid of his damn superiority complex he’d gained and let them know he’d do anything to play. 

Walking towards the office door heard raised voices and the hush of complaints.

“Stop” Barty burst inside before he could stop himself. “Don’t get rid of me.”

Evan had a stupid fake expression of shock on his face while Frank looked upset, angry.

“I should.” Frank said stonily avoiding the nurse Alice who hit him on the shoulder at the statement. “You lied about your condition, your in no fit state to play-”

“I can I promise.” Barty desperate now was prepared to do anything. Exy was survival, it was the language his brain was wired to speak and even on the brink of death he would defend his goal. “I’ve played in worse conditions.”

Alice the foolish woman gasped, obviously as a nurse on a sub par team like the Trojans she would not be used to the consequences of intense excellence. He knew coming here was a mistake. 

“No you won’t.” Frank swore exasperated. “You will not put yourself or this team at risk. That’s how injuries take you out of the game.”

Barty was furious, how dare the career ending injury from Frank Longbottom as a mediocre player even remotely relate to him.

“I’m not going to give up like you. I’m not a failure. You would not last on a world class team like the Ravens, we do not let the mental idea of injury hold us back.” Barty spat towering over him, uncaring now of hierarchy and fear. At least Rabastan had never tried to take Exy away. 

“Why don’t we calm down.” Evan suggested firmly but Barty ignored him. 

He knew he was goading Longbottom but he felt a small shiver of relief as he imagined him striking him down. At least then he’d know the type of people they were and they’d know not to mess with him. He was so hungry for punishment, it was pathetic. 

Frank seemed to be ignoring him but as he came closer and raised his hand Barty flinched instead of flinging his fists into him as planned and Franks hand went to his shoulder as a tight squeeze instead of a slap. It was all very confusing. What was even more confusing was the expressions on their faces.

“I understand you want to play.” Frank leaned in like they were sharing a secret, like they were old friends as he smiled. “Your the best but we want you to just heal up a little so you can play the whole season you understand. Your an asset, we need to make sure your treated as such.”

He pointed to Alice who nodding along in agreement, he trusted her. She had listened.

“I’ll sign off as quick as I can.” She assured him with an unsteady smile.

“I’ll need time to train before the others come.” Barty said quickly the last remainder of his strength leaving him.

“Let’s go back to the apartment.” Evan interrupted before Frank could protest. “It’s been a long day and you haven’t even seen where you are going to stay.”

“Hang on-” Frank began with his hands on his hips before Alice stopped him with a single look.

“I think that’s a great idea.” She shooed both him and Evan out faster than Barty could argue or grovel.

The drive back to the new campus was somehow more awkward than the drive to the court which he hadn’t been sure could be possible. The greasy food he’d eaten had cause a pit to form in the bottom of his stomach making him feel a little nauseous. He’d already screwed this up which seemed to be the motto for everything he touched. He was neither allowed to play currently, was not in a fit condition and had upset his captain and coach.

The palm trees of California stretched against the darkness of the nighttime sky and the stars which were not clearly seen from here hid. He imagined the sound of his mother’s voice when he felt the hot breeze blow against his face, he wasn’t sure why that was hitting him now, after so long. But this place just seemed like somewhere she would have loved. 

It felt too big and bright and vibrant. Nothing like his childhood manor or the nest or anywhere else he had ever encountered. He didn’t know what he should make of it, if he could adapt. It seemed like too great a challenge.

“I’m sorry,” the voice of Rosier jolted him again out of his thoughts and he turned to see the blonde staring at him. He wondered how long he’d been doing that for.

Barty wanted to ignore him, but he just had to keep rambling on.

“I thought we’d have more time, so we can buy all your stuff tomorrow. Wait now tomorrow is Sunday we’ll go on Monday when everything’s open and I’ll get whatever pills you need and we can start a schedule, a shared one. Sorry I’ll-”

“You apologise too much.” Barty spoke quietly the words coming out too fast before he could stop them but when he saw Rosier didn’t look annoyed just confused.

“Yeah I suppose I do,” he said with a laugh far too sad and self deprecating to leave a man like that’s mouth. Barty didn’t like it, it didn’t suit him, wasn’t quite natural.

“Why?” Barty asked, unsure if he actually cared about an answer or if he just didn’t want him to keep looking like some kicked puppy.

“I guess I feel I have lots to be sorry for…”

“That’s stupid.” Barty said annoyed at the answer until he saw a flicker of something new flash across his face, he thought it was fury. This would be when he would snap. Barty prepared himself, he’d antagonised him in a car which meant he had nowhere to hide but it was fine. It was fine. It was-

And then the fool started laughing.

It was quiet and sweet and infectious and Barty did not join in. But it did make him feel a little better that he’d stopped looking so upset. And if the mad imbecile thought him to be funny it was no different than any other type of insanity he’d encountered since coming to California.

Evan had turned the radio on then and started humming along to another song that played out even joining the guy in to sing parts. Barty didn’t because he wasn’t an idiot, it had nothing to do with the fact he didn’t know the words absolutely not. 

He did the goofy tapping on the steering wheel but it felt less grating and more soothing as he hit to the beat.

And even though Barty was surely never going to admit it to anyone, even at the threat of death, but the song had become a little less annoying and the heat had grown on him.