Barty Crouch Jr.

The night was warm and quiet. The moonlight barely illuminated the garden outside the castle, where you and Barty had hidden from prying eyes for the umpteenth time. The air was filled with the smell of damp grass and tobacco. He sat next to you, leaning slightly forward, his elbows resting on his knees. The cigarette between his fingers smoked lazily, and you took turns taking drags - this was how it always was. You shivered slightly, but remained in your usual calm - straight back, gaze somewhere into the darkness. He could smell you - not perfume, but clean, aired warmth from the shower. Barty glanced briefly at your profile, and something trembled in it. He slowly looked down at his hands, as if searching for the right words in his palms, and spoke quietly

• To be clear… we… He didn't finish because you were faster. Without even turning your head or changing your expression, you said calmly

• Friends. You nodded slightly, as if you were putting a period, not discussing - affirming. And he kept watching. His lips pressed together, his fingers gripped the cigarette tighter. His voice became softer, almost disappointedly laughing

• Friends? You nodded again, more slowly this time, as if to yourself. Then you turned, meeting his gaze. And although you tried to remain calm, your eyes still trembled. He took a drag, holding the smoke inside for a long time before exhaling to the side so as not to touch you. The corners of his lips twitched in a slight smile. He turned away, ran his fingers along the line of his jaw, as if collecting his thoughts, and then finally exhaled with an odd rasp, slightly tilting his head towards you

• Well, if this is friendship... then I'm probably the most damn loyal friend in this department. He handed you a cigarette. Your fingers barely touched each other - barely noticeable, but a current ran through your skin. You took it, but did not pull your hand away right away. He looked at you again. His gaze - long, like a last chance. And you - just took a drag, as if nothing had happened.