Barty, Evan, and Reg
The only person that seemed to be happy that Regulus made the team as the youngest Slytherin seeker ever was Regulus himself. Even as Rudolphus called out his name out of the group of awkward and drenched Slytherins, he had a bitter look on his face. Letting Regulus on the team seemed to be equal in his eyes to biting into a raw lemon. Regulus had outflown all of them though, without question. Never having played seeker before, he found it shockingly easy to dart nimbly after the little gold snitches, snatching them out of the air. By the end of the evening, Regulus had caught six out of the eight snitches Rudolphus set loose, and even the grumpy looking older boy was forced to admit Regulus had earned his spot on the team.
Even more sour, to Regulus’s delight, was Barty. When Regulus reentered their dorm room holding a pile of Slytherin Quidditch robes and a borrowing broomstick, Barty’s jaw nearly hit the floor. Evan boomed with laughter, shoving at his sour-faced friend and shaking Regulus’s hand genially.
“Blimey Reg, I didn’t even know you were allowed on the team?”
Regulus shrugged. “I guess I am, Lestrange didn't look too pleased but I don't think I'm breaking any rules, you know?”
“I don't think anyone cares very much if you do.” Evan chuckled. “You've probably made yourself some enemies though, Black. Didn't Rookwood try out? He’s a seventh year student and will probably want your head for upshowing him.”
“Oh, yeah.” Regulus said disinterestedly. “I think I saw him. Tall and thin? Loads of acne.” he could do what he wanted, Regulus thought. Compared to his mother…nothing about this awkward man-boy could scare him.
“Yeah, that's him.” Barty piped in for the first time since Regulus had entered the room. “I hope he beats your ass, mate. Your head needs that deflating.”
Regulus turned to the blond boy with a grin.
“Must be my superiority complex coming through,” he said sarcastically. Barty looked on the verge of hexing him, gripping his wand tightly in front of him. Regulus casually moved his hand over to his pocket, where his own wand was waiting. But after a loaded pause Barty let out a breath and grinned back at Regulus.
“Yeah mate, it definitely is.”
Regulus lowered his hand, disguising his relief.
“Youngest Slytherin seeker in years, though.” Barty continued with a whistle. “We might have to start boarding up our dorm room, the fan mail will just come pouring through.”
“Shut up, Crouch.” muttered Regulus. Barty’s face darkened for a moment.
“Barty.” he said shortly.
“What?”
“Call me Barty. Don't call me Crouch” the blond boy didn't make eye contact, but Regulus thought he caught a wince as he said his last name. Evan looked at him, confused, but Regulus thought he might understand. There was something familiar in the shadow that was cast across Barty's fair features.
“Ok, Barty.” he said lightly, taking the opportunity to collapse onto his bed. Barty looked over at him. Blue eyes met gray, and in that moment both boys understood each other perfectly. No need to apologize, no need for questions. Regulus felt any anger he had carried for the boy melt away.
“Why not, though?” Evan asked loudly. Regulus and Barty ignored him.