Chapter 5
Regulus adored Evan, but sometimes the spontaneous things that he did, made Regulus hate him. Firstly there was the entire plan to seduce Potter. It made Regulus feel different whenever he spoke to Potter, not that it happened often. When Potter had walked up to him in the hallway, Regulus had nearly passed out. The only reason that Potter would normally be speaking to him was if it had something to do with Sirius, which often wasn't something positive. So of course he had felt incredibly disappointed when that was exactly what they had spoken about. Though Regulus felt like Sirius hadn't been the reason he came to him, he hasn't seemed particularly interested in Regulus' answer either. Maybe Potter had just wanted to talk to him? But then again why on earth would he want to?
Regulus had noticed an increase in times he would catch Potter looking at him. He wasn't exactly sure if he liked that fact, or if it just made him question everything even more.
When Evan had walked up, Regulus had felt relieved, because he was always slightly nervous when speaking to Potter. He hadn't been able to pinpoint why though. When Evan had invited him to their halloween party he wasn't sure how to feel. He had expected it of course, but then it would mean even more encounters like this.
There was also the fact that if Potter were to show up, Sirius would definitely be right there beside him. This would force them all into speaking, which Regulus wasn't very fond of. He had been excited about one thing, and that was what kind of costume Potter would be wearing if he decided to show. Though he hadn't even planned his own.
It wasn't necessarily because Regulus didn't think that it was fun how Evan was trying to seduce Potter, but god was it annoying. He would ramble on about how fun it would be if they were to actually start dating. This made Regulus particularly annoyed. Wasn't he just doing this to see if it could actually happen? He hadn't mentioned if he actually fancied Potter, he'd only spoken about how fit he was. Besides, none of them were sure if Potter actually fancied guys in the first place.
“But Regulus” Evan said in a desperate tone “But what?” Regulus was trying to look through his charms essay, but Evan had not stopped rambling on about Potter since they sat down “You know exactly what. I am asking you if you think he meant something by it. I mean I am sure he wouldn't just smile like that after i winked, if he didnt even fancy me a little bit. Right?” Regulus signed before answering “Evan, my dear friend. Have you even decided if you are actually trying to date Potter? As in falling in love and all of that. Or if you are simply curious to see if you would be able to actually succeed at it, because Potter is well fit?”
Evan opened his mouth to respond, but quickly closed it again, knowing that he wasn't actually sure. Regulus had been able to tell that from the start of this idiotic plan. Evan was the type of person to do something drastic ,and often idiotic, just to spice up his life. He rarely ended up finishing these plans, which was why Regulus was just intrigued to see whether or not he would see it through this time.
“I just feel like if I were to succeed at this, maybe it'll be a good thing. And who knows, I might actually fall for the bloody Gryffindor. What do you think, Barty? Because Reg is clearly looking to see me fail” Even had now turned his head over to Barty who had his nose buried in a book that he clearly hadn't been reading. Barty looked up, his expression turning slightly serious, as he looked at Evan “I'm not so sure you would actually wanna hear my honest opinion Evan” he simply said, earning a confused expression on Evans face “Of course I would want your opinion Barty. You are one of my best friends, I very much value your opinion” Evan explained, making Bartys look softened just a tiny bit, before turning serious once again “Alright then, I think this plan is absolutely ridiculous. You are smart enough to know that Potter is clueless. This means if he were to fall in love with you, it would only break his little heart. Which puts you in a terrible position, because like you said you aren't even aware of what your intentions are yet. So i think you set yourself up for failure, and it's simply dumb. Like most of your plans” Barty chuckled slightly at the last part, knowing he had successfully pissed off Evan. Evan looked at Barty for a second, thinking how he could possibly defend himself in this situation “You know what Barty? I am well aware that some of the things i have attempted might be dumb. But at least I contribute to the events in our friend group. Instead of someone like you, who only sit and judge the rest of us”
This of course led to an argument, lasting almost an hour between the pair, and continued on back in their common room.
Regulus had a realisation. It was like one of those drawn light bulbs were hanging above his head, but wouldn't quite light up all the way. Of course there had been times in the past where Regulus thought he was onto something. But it had been this year, particularly since the day Evan came up with his stupid plan. Of course all three of them had thought that the plan was dumb. But Barty had especially shown his annoyance every chance he got. He would roll his eyes, whenever Evan would bring it up. The times that Evan had approached Potter, Barty had been the only one who wasn't paying attention. Always had his head in a book, which Regulus was sure he was never actually reading in.
It had been subtle things, Regulus had thought he was just being delusional. That was until a couple of nights ago, at their dorm when he had been alone with Barty.
“We all know he's gonna drop it in a few weeks, I wouldn't worry about it” Regulus had told him “But it just worried me you know? Right now the Gryffindors could easily be sitting around, making fun of him” Barty said concerned “And also I still really dont get why he would even attempt this in the first place. He said he doesn't fancy Potter. Why not go after someone who he genuinely has an interest in instead? Or someone who he knows likes him back” Barty said, having laid on his back, head hanging off the end of his bed.
If that conversation had not confirmed it for him, the one at the library definitely had. The amount of jealousy that had been in every word coming out of Bartys mouth, just proved to Regulus that he was for sure in love with him.
He had actually been a bit relieved, as he had put the pieces together. Regulus knew that Evan were to find out, he would finally realise that he had feelings for Barty as well, and Potter would be back on the market. Not that this meant anything at all to Regulus of course.