A Dark Reputation
James
Barty Crouch, I knew who he was, of course, I doubt anyone in second year or above didn’t know who Barty Crouch was. When you have a reputation like Barty’s word gets around but I never thought much of him till today. When I noticed Regulus pull him in like that, dancing with him I just felt off, like that should have been me. I suppose he is good-looking, though I never would have pictured him to be Regulus’ type, I always pictured Regulus with someone more like Remus, he and Sirius were much more alike than either of them liked to admit after all.
I noticed a crowd starting to form near the dance floor and went to see what was up. Turns out Regulus and Barty were the cause, they’d begun an intricate dance routine they seemed to have practiced quite a lot. I suddenly felt another pang of jealousy but this time there was something more, there was a protective instinct. I wanted to get Barty away from Reggie not just so he could dance with me but, to keep Reggie’s heart safe from the notorious heartbreaker he seemed to have gotten mixed up with. I guess I really did see him as a little brother, I wanted to protect him just as Sirius did.
I watched as they finished up and clapped along with a few of the others when they stopped before heading off, I wandered around a bit before spotting Peter alone, confused I headed towards him. “Hey Pete, thought you said your boyfriend was coming tonight, what happened? Do I need to hex somebody?” He shook his head quickly.
“No it's okay James, he’s still coming but a housemate of his twisted her ankle on one of the fake steps, he’s just helping her out, she’s only a first year so she doesn’t really know anyone yet. No hexes required, though I wouldn’t say no to some company till he gets here, ‘specially from one of my best mates.” I smiled, Jasper was a nice boy but I was always worried about Peter, he was so tentative, he rarely stood up for himself, fierce if you said something about his friends but timid if it was just his pride on the line. I just got so worried someone would realize that and walk all over him.
“‘Course I’ll stay with ya, I know you’re not as big into the parties as the rest of us. I’m just gonna run and grab some of Remus’ punch, you want any?” Peter nodded and I made my way to the punch bowl. As I grabbed a couple glasses I noticed Regulus approaching. “Well, well if it isn’t Baby Black! Seen your brother did ya?” I teased. “Y’know I saw you and Barty out on the floor, you get him tied down did you?”
“Potter, I think it’d be wise of you to take your glasses and leave, you’re really getting on my last nerve tonight.” He replied with a scowl. “Besides what do you care if I did it’s not like you’re my brother.”
“Still touchy I see, fine go bring your boy toy some punch but don’t come to me if he floats away on you, Barty doesn’t settle Reg, you should know that better than most.” I walked off heading back to Peter.
When I reached him I handed off his glass of punch. “Did you see Regulus, he brought Barty tonight. They were dancing a few minutes ago. Hope Sirius doesn’t find out, ‘specially if Barty does what he usually does, the guy’s not really my friend but I’d hate to see a pretty boy like him end up like that.” Peter shrugged.
“I couldn’t care less, it’d be what he deserves, doing what he does, Y’know Jasper spent a night or two as one of Barty’s favourites, absolutely broke him until we found one another the way Barty dropped him. I’m sure he’s not all bad, Regulus is friends with him after all, but he’s definitely hurt people. Regulus will probably be alright though, he actually knows Barty after all.” I nodded.
“Yea I suppose you’re right, Regulus is smart and he knows Barty well, I shouldn’t worry too much.” I debated silently in my head whether I should tell Peter about the jealousy I’d felt seeing Reg dance with Barty that way but decided against it, best if I just rode it out, for now, see if anything came of it. I noticed the light-haired boy approaching from the corner of my eye. “I believe that’s my cue, see ya later Pete, evening Jasper, try and get Pete to have a little fun tonight will ya?” Jasper smiled at me.
“Will do James, have a good night, thanks for keeping him company.” I smiled back at him before heading off. As I continued mingling I couldn’t keep my thoughts from wandering back to Barty and Reg. I didn’t want to hurt Regulus but I couldn’t deny the jealousy I had felt. Barty was known for switching partners rather quickly maybe if it happened to him Reg would realize that Barty was a wild card who couldn’t be tamed. I just wanted to get Reggie away from him, although the time spent with him would not be unwanted. I knew what I had to do, sure it might hurt Reg at first but it was for his own good.
I watched the two of them from afar the rest of the night. Regulus never stayed for the whole party like Barty did so I knew I'd get an opportunity sooner or later. Eventually, Evan joined the duo and after chatting with him for a little while Regulus said his goodbyes and headed off to the dungeons. While Evan headed for the punch bowl I strolled up to Barty.