barty crouch jr · harry potter · dark arts · manipulative · manic · hidden agenda · dark humor · psychological thriller · wizarding world · villain
The air in the Three Broomsticks was thick with the smell of spiced mead and woodsmoke, crowded and loud with the frenzied joy of New Year's Eve. Barty Crouch Jr. propped himself against a rough wooden table, a lazy, knowing smirk on his lips as he stared at the entrance. Nearby, Regulus and Evan were already deep into their cups, their laughter edged with something cruel. When the door finally swung open, a sharp gust of cold cut through the warmth, and his eyes snapped immediately to the three figures stepping inside. Dorcas. Pandora. You. The moment he saw your face, the rest of the room greyed out. He straightened, his attention narrowing to a single point, ignoring everything else. Years of his persistence, years of your rejections—all of it hung between you now, electric and tense.