Chapter 1: A very busy morning
Chapter Text
The last thing James could remember was a terrible screeching sound before a hot unbearable pain shot through his body. After that there was nothing but darkness. And he was out.
-
It had been a very busy morning, because apparently graduating was important- so much so that even Barty left early. And one thing about Barty Crouch Jr. was that he never. Ever. Left early for anything.
They had eaten breakfast together with Euphumia and Fleamont (James had moved out of his dorm early and so stayed with them right now), then got ready after which Barty and James' parents had left. James had two reasons to stay behind, tho Barty only knew of one. The reason that Barty knew of was that James just wanted a little more alone time to practice his speech more. As the most popular voted student of his year he would hold a speech right after Lily, who had the highest grades. Barty would have had the highest grades but he just had to skip his business class and exam to annoy his father, which resulted in Barty failing that class and Lily being the top student of their year.
The second reason was that James wanted to ask Barty two things that night and he still had to find and bring the key attached to a little raccoon key-chain with him, without Barty noticing. Because James would ask Barty to move in together tonight. James had secretly bought a little house in which he could not imagine living without Barty. It had a lot of windows, was not in the city but not too far away to get to work, had three bedrooms as well as two bathrooms, a kitchen, a living-room, and a backyard. It was perfect and James knew Barty and him could make it their own place, their heart.
Only that James had to ask Barty what exactly they were first.
They had been going on dates for two years, flirted, Barty slept over a lot, as far as James knew didn't have any side business, and slept together. But they weren't official. Didn't have a label or name to slap onto their relationship. And James wanted nothing more than to be boyfriends. Partners. Lovers. Dating.
It sounded like a dream to him.
And so he told Barty he needed to practice his speech and would come after but not late. And after looking at the Polaroid picture of Barty- he had held his middle fingers to look like they belonged to a random raccoon that had randomly sat down watching Barty and Evan as they were hanging at an abandoned place, which was slightly visible in the background of the photograph. Barty had gifted the Polaroid to James a year ago on his birthday because, quote: “He deserved to have a hot raccoon to flip him off” And that the raccoon was hot because “Duhhh I am the raccoon! It's me because its my fingers, and you Potter, deserve to have my hotness around twenty-four-seven.”
Looking at it now James couldn't help but chuckle. It was so stupid, yet so Barty, which made it so perfect.
A deep breathe and a last glance into the mirror later James was on his way, he practically jumped into the car and put his phone in the holder connecting it to the Bluetooth of the car. He put on his playlist and “Damage gets done” by Hozier filled the car with a nice calming and familiar tune. He only came as far as the middle of the song tho, before a call from “Raccoon monster boy” interrupted the song, he accepted the call immediately.
“Hey Barts,” James said cheerfully the second the line connected, “Whats up? Miss my voice already?”
“Yeah I am in the bathroom right now, thought if you talk dirty enough I could use a little fun with your voice and myself. You know how much I enjoy doing that in public toilets.”
“Okay, I need to know if you're being serious, since I happen to know you do like that Barts.” James could feel his face heating up. Barty had never been a person not to expect a lot of blunt sex talk from, but guessing weather the boy was completely joking or dead serious was impossible.
“Potter! I am not your best friend, I am Barty! Your- well I am not Sirius and also not serious. I am standing only about half a meter away from your family and friends so very much not in a toilet to get off. Sadly.” Barty answered quickly recovering from the what is he to James issue.
“Haha.” He deadpanned “Then why did you call? Not that I don't enjoy the lovely sound of your voice, just curious.”
“Because the ceremony starts in 15 minutes and if you're late you'll make a fool of yourself and as much as you know I'd love that, I can't get hard with your parents around on graduation day.” The teasing tone in Barty's voice was hard to miss. Now you may be wondering: Does he ever stop with the sex jokes? And the answer is easy. No. Never. “Where are you right now?”
“Uhhh I am five minutes out. Ten max. Don't worry I wont be late, Loony Raccoony. I'll be there to sweep you of your feet in the blink of an eye.”
“Alright drive safe, you idiotic beam of sunshine. And remember, holding a speech doesn't make you special it makes you-”
“Obnoxious.” James finished the sentence for Barty. “I know I know. And of course I'll drive safe. You know me. Check the mirror ten times and never speed. I will arrive hot, perfect, and completely uninjure-”
James didn't get to finish his sentence as he felt impact followed by a loud crash. His body jerked to the side and his seat-belt cut painfully against his throat as his head smashed into the airbag. His glasses had flown off his face. Everything was blurry but James doesn't believe he would have been able to see much anyway, with how much the insane pain affected his head and hence that his vision. He could vaguely make out screams and shouts for help. Saw a blurry colorful mess of cars and fire. Then he blacked out. He couldn't handle this much pain.
Chapter 2: Line crash
Notes:
I like the length of this chapter but its a rare length, sorry. Anyway have fun reading.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The line just crashed. One moment James was teasing him and the next-
“James? Sunshine idiot? You there?” Barty looked at his phone, the call disconnected, >>great<<. Typical, James probably forgot to charge his phone and it just died. Honestly, how was James allowed to have a phone if he couldn't be bothered to charge it?
With a sigh Barty returned to the group that had gathered. Lupin, Sirius, Dorcas, Mckinnon, McDonald, Evans, Monty, and Effie. “James is five minutes out. Ten max. Tho his phone probably just died, so whoever has something to charge it, he'll need it.”
Euphumia laughed and took a sip of her sparkling wine, “I swear, that boy probably wouldn't even recognize a charger when handed to him. But as long as he is not running late I will forgive him.”
They laughed and time had quickly passed them by without them really noticing. Only when headmistress McGonagall walked on stage to start the ceremony, they noticed how much time had passed without James arriving. Immediately all of them started texting James and trying to call him. Obviously to no avail. Lily had gone up to the stage to be there immediately for her own speech, once McGonagall finished her opening speech and after Marlene had told her to make her speech longer somehow so James has more time to arrive.
“Damn you Jamie boy...” Barty mumbled angrily typing out yet another message he knew would not arrive. The messages hadn't been and no call was even going to the ringing. “You and your stupid charging problem... 'I'll be there in ten minutes, mimimi'. Well where the hell are you?!”
Jamie boy (Sunshine reincarnated)
Last online 1 hour ago
James. Where are you? The ceremony
has already begun. 3:30 PM
Minnie is holding her speech how dare
you miss that? 3:30 PM
JAMES 3:31 PM
JAMES 3.31 PM
POTTER 3:31PM
I won't have sex with you if
you are late. 3:33PM
IGERKJFHKEHJHHWvv 3:33PM
Okay this is ridiculous 3:34PM
sunshineeee boyyyyy 3:35PM
I your phone actually dead? 3:35PM
6 unanswered calls 3:51PM
DUDE 3:52PM
Evans is already on stage. 4:01PM
I told you not to make me horny
by making a fool of yourself 4:01PM
“Why am I da- Why am I halfly committed to this guy?” Barty sighed as he glanced at the parking area yet again. Ten minutes later Lily had finished the official part of her speech and was struggling to continue making time.
“And really I also want to thank the wonderful kitchen staff for truly amazing food we got to eat for lunch... uh and the school property always was a very pretty place to study and be educated in and... uh... well.. okay you guys can probably tell I am done with my actual speech but... if I am honest we have no clue where James is. He said he'd be here by now but he is not...” Honestly Barty could not reasonably blame her for just being honest now. Still he did. He wasn't a reasonable person, never was.
How dare she throw James under the bus like that?! It was rude. Simply rude. And as everyone started mumbling and talking about James Potter being late to graduation, Barty finally began to really worry.
Jamie boy (Sunshine reincarnated)
Last online 1 hour and 30 minutes ago
I know you wont get this but I hate you
for making me worry. 4:19 PM
Now everyone knows you are late 4:19 PM
Looser 4:19 PM
I hope you are okay 4:23 PM
And the thing was? Barty really did hope James was okay.
But James was okay. He was James Potter. Barty had never ever even heard of the guy not being okay. Maybe that was why Barty liked him so much. WELL not like like just like in a “like” way.
He enjoyed the sex. The spoiling. The dates even. Usually Barty did not do dates. But that had changed two years ago and that all just because James Potter did not do sex without a date first.
And the asshole just had to make it a perfect date. But that did not matter now, It didn't. James was late and making a fool of himself and is making Barty worry. Its disgusting. And as McGonagall went on stage to solve the chaos, Barty's phone started ringing. A number he did not recognize. Probably James with the random phone of a stranger to tell Barty just why he is late.
He stood up went away from the ceremony and answered the call. “Hello? James? Is this you, you idiot?”
“No this is Jenny from St. Mungos hospital. Am I speaking with Bartimius Crouch Jr.?”
“Uh yes but its Barty. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Probably one of his ghast family members had an accident and Barty was the only relative close or something, in that case he could quickly tell them off.
“You live with James Fleamont Potter and are his emergency contact. Is that correct?” The lady, Jenny, asked and Barty's stomach dropped.
“Live with-? I uh... I mean sure. Whats wrong with him?”
“Mr. Potter was in a car accident. He was brought in about 45 minutes ago, it took the police a little to identify him, hence why we are only now able to inform you. He is in critical condition an-”
“WHAT?!” Barty couldn't stop himself from getting louder and he definitely wasn't far away enough from where everyone was sitting because everyone started looking at him. Effi, Monty, Remus, Sirius, and Marlene, made their way over, but Barty's thoughts were sprinting. James was in a.. a.. “A car accident? No. No thats impossible. I was- I was on the phone with him and- and he was fine! He is fine you got the wrong guy!”
“I am sorry Mr. Crouch. Very very sorry. But he looked like a very bruised version of the guy on his identification papers and it was his car. Like I said he is in critical condition and we are not yet sure he will pull through.” Jenny's voice was calm. So annoyingly stupidly calm. It felt wrong.
“I am on my way.. I will be there with his friends and parents. I will be there.” Barty hung up and turned around. They had heard his part of the conversation. Looking shocked. Effi was crying. “We have to go. St. Mungos... he is at St. Mungos.”
They were in the car quicker than flash could run, Mckinnon had texted McDonald what was going on and to tell McGonagall and Evans, but no one else cared about that. All they cared about was that James was in critical condition and in emergency surgery.
They sat in complete silence when: “They thought I lived with James... why did they... They said I lived with him... that I am his emergency contact... I- why would he make me his emergency contact that little shit? And why would he state I live- I- I don't...”
“He wanted to ask you to be his boyfriend today” Remus mumbled.
“Yeah and he bought a house just outside of town. Wanted to ask if you'd move in with him. Probably already did all that official stuff.” Sirius chuckled despite the situation.
“He even bought a raccoon key chain because you're his loony raccoony...” Marlene sniffed.
“I- He- What?” Barty couldn't believe anything he was hearing. James wanted to be his boyfriend and to live with him. Wanted to ask him those things but couldn't because he was in a crash.
And the worst thing?
Barty would have said No.
Notes:
I can't belive I posted two days in a row. Don't get used to this guys.
Chapter 3: Running from your problems
Notes:
Alright since I have been asked I am trying to post once a week!
TW
Unintentional Selfharm
Description of wounds and injuries
talk about death
I think that is it, if you find anything else please tell me
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
They waited for what felt like hours as they watched the news that knew more than them for some reason. And Barty couldn't stand this. When the doctor came and told them James was in a coma now and stable. But that he had died for two minutes on his way to the hospital, Barty got up without a word and left.
He couldn't do this. It was too much. Way. Too. Much. He felt like smashing a brick into his head. Or the doctors head for not making James wake up so Barty could yell at him. But he also felt like jumping from a cliff and ripping out his hair. He didn't even notice he was scratching himself the entire way from the hospital to the bus station, to Evan's and Regulus' dorm, since they did not skip a year they had not graduated yet. Only then, when Evan opened the door, and pointed it out he noticed.
“Ye- Barty? What are you doing here? Why are you so mopy? Is everything oka- Hey.” Evan grabbed his wrist and pulled the scratching hand from his arm, a few bleeding scratches had formed. Honestly the scratching looked disgusting.
“Turn on the News, Ev.” Barty mumbled just walking in. The news had been reporting the crash for hours. With Rita Skeeter clinging to every oh so tiny piece of information she could get her hands on, telling it over and over to be the first to bring these news of this oh so interesting tragic thing to the public.
“O-kay? Reg! Turn on the news will ya?” It took a few seconds but the TV turned on and Barty sat down between Evan and Regulus on the Couch.
“And we are back with a few more info's. If you are just now joining us now, today at 3:16 a car accident took place. Jason Harrington a 45 year-old man, crashed with his truck loading and transporting five 3 meter long and 5 centimeter big metal bars, into the car of the 21 year-old James Potter who was in the car and on his way to his graduation. Witnesses claim to have seen how paramedics got James out of his car, and how James had one of the metal bars stuck in his abdomen and was bleeding a terrifying amount. It was described as well that he was unconscious with a bleeding head and even more wounds they couldn't properly see. We now have word from the hospital that James is out of surgery and in a coma, but that his heart had stopped beating for two minutes while being transported. His survival is already a miracle, now all we can hope for is that he'll wake up soon.”
Both Evan and Regulus were staring at Barty when he spoke again, “James wanted to ask me to be his boyfriend and move in with him today. He bought a house. I would have said no and ruined the best thing that ever happened to me and now? Now he is in a bloody coma.”
“Wait. I thought you said you were developing feelings for James? Like blown super crush? So it would be a good thing he wants a relationship? And to move in together? That's amazing especially because you have not found a place yet!” Evan genuinely seemed confused. Barty wanted to strangle him for making him explain.
“Ev. It's me. Barty. You know? The guy who can't do relationships to save his life? If I date James, I'll ruin him. Or go into full on obsessive possessive stalker mode. He doesn't deserve that. And anyway you know what my old therapist said, Relationships aren't made for guys like me.”
“There is a reason she is not your current therapist, Barty. Regulus, who started disinfecting Barty's scratch wounds, chimed in And anyway, you have not been acting like a possessive obsessive stalker in the past two years, and you two have been semi-official, why would that change with a stupid label?”
Barty flinched at the disinfectant, man he hated that sting. “Because I am very possessive over him. Its like every time he talks to anyone else, who I am not 100% sure has no interest in him, I want to kill in horrendous ways. I feel like my brain is melting in fury when he takes even ten minutes to answer me. Living with him would- it would destroy me and if he is officially mine- I am not made for that. My brain would fry me and then my actions would fry him.”
“What's that supposed to mean you maniac?! James loves you. And if he wants to be your boyfriend and live with you that means he trusts you. If you can't trust yourself, trust his judgment. Evan said playing with Barty's hair, And anyway, Barts, if Potter really is in a coma... you'll have some time to think.”
“Yeah, I say visit the house he bought, if it's nice, say yes if not he doesn't deserve you. Regulus, not so helpfully, added after bandaging Barty's arm.”
“Yeah behave like the spoiled brat you are, Barts. And for now its time we eat and then you rest. Lucky you, we ordered too much pizza. I'll heat you a few slices up. Evan said with a pat on Barty's back, before he got up to do as he said.”
Regulus got Barty a blanket- despite it being a hot summer day, and finally turned off the news, it went without saying Barty would stay the night and maybe even longer. Regulus also took Barty's phone away which was currently being spammed by James' friends and family wanting to know where Barty was and why he had left.
But Barty couldn't talk to them right now.
The rest of the evening and night were spent eating pizza and drinking soda, it was an unspoken rule between the three that they weren't allowed to drink when one or all of them were sad. Especially since all three had alcoholic parents, Regulus' father, both of Barty's parents, Evan's mother. And so alcohol was avoided the best it could be whenever something was wrong.
Then Regulus and Evan finally managed to get Barty to fall asleep. They knew better than anyone that the real issues would only start now. Getting Barty to take his meds. Getting Barty to eat. Or in general to do anything. And to get him to not destroy the love he felt and received.
Notes:
As always I hope you've enjoyed this and if you find any grammar, language, or logic mistakes feel free to inform me as I want my wrok to be the best it possibly can.
Have a wonderful day/evening/night and see you next week with a new chapter
Chapter 4: A week later
Summary:
Uhh basically it's been a week, Barty is being avoidant, everyone wants him to stop being like this.
Notes:
Another week, Another chapter.
Honestly I feel like it wwill be each monday an update, the thing is I really want to update twice a week but I know I will burn myself out like that :(
Anyway enjoy I think there are no triggers in this.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It had been a week since the accident.
Barty had moved into Regulus' and Evan's dorm, where they stayed over summer anyway, so that he would not sleep on the street while searching a place to work at as well as a place to live at. Pandora had visited a few times to help deal with Barty's sadness.
It was almost nice.
Barty hadn't visited James at the hospital. Not even once. He avoided Mckinnon, Sirius, Lupin, even Cas. He couldn't look them in the eyes and explain why he wasn't there for James.
Finally Regulus had talked to Sirius, explaining some half lie about Barty not being able to handle seeing James like that. Half lie because, truly, Barty was sure he'd break if he saw his sunshine idiot- or not his sunshine idiot... no, the sunshine idiot, lying there all bruised and not moving.
James Potter did not stop moving. He was an always moving ball of energy and love. He didn't stop moving. He didn't stop being. But now he had... and Barty couldn't accept that, like the selfish boy he was.
Barty was feeling so much it was overwhelming. Worry. Fear. Guilt. Anger. And more guilt about his anger. He didn't get to be angry at James for this. It wasn't James' fault. Still. James had promised him he'd be fine. That he'd arrive soon and uninjured. That he'd drive safe. And yet? He was injured. He wasn't fine. He wasn't safe. And he hadn't arrived. And Barty was so so angry at him for that.
And so Barty didn't visit James, he knew James wasn't awake tho. Because Regulus got updates from Sirius.
"He is still unconscious, the doctors say when- if he'll wake up, he'll be very uncoordinated and probably won't remember what happened." Regulus had told Barty "I am so sorry that I can't tell you any better news."
"It doesn't matter. Even if James wakes up... it will be best for me to just stay away from him. I don't need to get his hopes up to crash them. I might be cruel sometimes but not like that. Not to him." Regulus sighed as those words left Barty's mouth, obviously disappointed. "What?! Do you want me to be cruel to him?!" Barty couldn't help snapping, it was the way his brain worked.
"No. But I want you to give your happiness a try. A chance. I want you to give that chance to James when- if he wakes up. You love him and he loves you, if you communicate your feelings and problems, he'll listen. If you'd only communicate then you two could work out. But you won't even try. You can't succeed if you never try."
"Yeah, but I can't fail and get hurt when I don't ever try either. And that's the goal I am shooting for." Barty mumbled. He knew Regulus had a point. Of course he knew. But that did not matter. He would not ruin James. No matter how much it would hurt Barty himself.
"Honestly, Barty I hate to say this, but you're being really pathetic right now." Regulus sighed, "and I think it'll hurt Potter more if he wakes up and finds out you just left him without a word while he was in a coma." With that Regulus left, leaving Barty to his job applications.
He really should've taken care of all this earlier. Now he was stuck worrying about James while trying to find a job and place. And on top of that he pissed off Reg.
How the fuck did he piss of Reg over Potter? He fucking used to hated Potter!
It was yet another week later - >>Fuck how did time pass so quick yet so slowly?! What the fuck was going on with time?!<< - that Barty had a job interview. It was a thrift-shop close to the hospital. And of course because the universe hated him, he just had to run into Sirius Orion Black on his way. Why not run into the best friend of the guy whose life you're trying to disappear from? Fucking perfect. Just fucking perfect.
"Crouch! Hey! Barty wait up!" Sirius ran up to the younger boy that was very clearly trying to ignore and avoid his presence. When he finally caught up he grabbed Barty's arm. A little too hard, but Barty barely felt it.
"Black. I have a job interview so I would enjoy it if you weren't causing my tardiness."
"A job interview? Good for you. However. I know, that you would struggle to see James but... despite all of us warning him- no offense, about you, he fell in love with you and it'd mean so much to him if you were there when he wakes up. I know that."
"You mean if he wakes up." Barty growled.
"He will wake-" Sirius tried but Barty immediately interrupted.
"Black. I'll tell you this right now. And then never again. I won't visit Potter. I won't be there for him when he wakes up. I never want to see him again. Got it?" Barty knew he was being harsh, but he also knew if he wasn't that he would crack and go to see James. Man. He really was pathetic.
"What? Why?! I thought everything was going well between you two!" Sirius' confusion mixed with his anger and it was obvious, not only through his hardening grip on Barty's wrists, but also the volume and sound of his voice.
"He deserves better than me. You know that. I know that. We all know that. The only one unwilling to accept that is Potter. So tell him some terrible lie that'll make him hate me. I don't care. I have a job interview so good bye." And with that Barty left snatching his own wrist out of Sirius' grip. He felt like crying but he wouldn't.
Not when all of this was because of his own doings. Not when he was about to have a job interview. Not when he knew this was all his own fault.
-
The Interview went well and Barty got hired, he went home after buying chips, monster energy and chocolate. He didn't feel like celebrating, but maybe it would help distract him from everything else. He had a job now. That should have meant something or made him happy.
It didn't.
Back at the dorm they celebrated with the chocolate, chips and energy drinks. On top of that they ordered pizza. Pandora was over and even Dorcas, tho she seemed a little distant toward Barty. Nobody could blame her, really.
“Sooooo Barty, does that mean I get a discount?” Evan asked cheekily.
“Nope. The thrift store is already cheap enough. However your wonderful sister will be the first to know when things she will like arrive.” Barty winked at Pandora who smiled.
“Oh yes that would be great. I will be spending so much money tho... “
“BUT the thrift-shop donates a lot, so it'll be for a good cause, and I am sure Barts- Barty here will make them extra cheap just for you.” Dorcas chimed in, still munching on her last pizza slice- four cheese and mushroom.
Barty stood up without excusing himself to go to the bathroom and Dorcas followed him. “What? Cas, no need to follow me to the bathroom, we both know you are a lesbian. I don't think you'd enjoy me very much,” Barty tried to tease as Dorcas matched his step.
“That's not what I followed you for and you know it. Why do you feel the need to ruin every goddamn good thing in your life?”
“Straight to it huh?” Barty sighed, “Really, the first straight thing about you.” He mumbled the addition under his breath. “Now. I would prefer it if you were to be kinde-“
“Stop the bull-crap, Crouch. You know Potter is the best person you could have found to love you and yet you still decide to drop him, while he is in a coma, unable to even react?! Why. Tell me fucking why?” Dorcas was almost shouting now.
Since starting to date Mckinnon- who was practically James' sister with how long they've been close, Dorcas got protective over James. Apparently that was just something that happened when you were close to someone that was close to James. Even Regulus had been growing protective of Jamie.
And it would be a lie to say he wasn't too. Of course he was tho. That was no secret to anyone. “Dorcas. Think about this. You know me-”
“YES! I know you! Hence why I know you are head over heals in love with the guy! Hence why I know your 'issues' could be less of an issue if you considered trying!” Dorcas exclaimed and Barty could just sigh. Really. Did Regulus and Dorcas just coincidentally make the same points or did they discuss this beforehand?
In the end it didn't matter. They all didn't get it. Didn't get him. “Sure, Cas. I still won't visit him. Now I am going to take a piss, so you can piss off. Unless of course, you decide watching men piss is your new kink.”
“Very funny Crouch. Just-” She sighed, “Just think about it you love James and he loves you.”
Barty flipped her off and went into the bathroom, locking the door, a few tears were quietly shed. He hated crying. So. Much. Yet he cried.
Notes:
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED!!!
As always I am open to critic and to pointed out grammar or spelling mkistakes :)Oh also I am currently working on another fanfic but I am not yet sure wether it should be James/Barty or James/Barty/Regulus/Evan. I am tending more to James/Barty but I wanted to ask you guys if you'd enjoy James/Barty/Evan/Regulus, because then even if it doesn't end up in the next fic i coulf write that some time, or if you'd prefer me staying focused on sunkiller.
That was it, byeee, see you next week.
Chapter 5: Awoken panic
Summary:
James wakes up
Chapter Text
Sirius was sitting at James' bed, Marlene sleeping in the second chair, waiting for Remus and the others to return with some coffee and breakfast. They had just left about a minute ago, finally giving into their hunger and admitting to themselves that their worry did not give them the super power to survive a week without eating. Every week since the accident it had been this way, at some point they had to give into their mortal needs for food and sleep, so most left while two stayed with James. He tried not to lose hope. But the doctors only ever said 'if' when speaking about James waking up. Never about 'when'. Still. So far it had been one and a half months, that was only 41 days. Giving up now would be stupid.
That's when Sirius heard a groan. “Marlene.” Sirius mumbled eyes half closed too tired to really care, “What are you groaning about? We all know the chairs are horrible to sleep in, but if it is that bad, ask the nurses if you can lay in one of the free beds.”
“Barts...” A quiet voice, rough from disuse and confusion whispered. But not just a voice. A voice Sirius had missed so so much. A voice he had started to believe he'd never hear again. James's voice.
“Prongs?!” Sirius jumped up before remembering he was already as close as he could possible get without being on top of James. He sat back down and grabbed James' hand tightly. Trying to anchor them both. “Prongs.. can you hear me?”
James came to himself in pain and with no clue where he was, but he felt someone hold his hand tightly he could faintly hear someone talking. Sirius. Slowly James opened his eyes. The light was too bright. But other than that everything was blurry. Where were his glasses? He wanted to reach for them but movement hurt so much, and Sirius wouldn't let him anyway.
“Wha- Where... Siri-?” He could barely get the words out but still he pushed through, “Glasses... I-I need... glasses a-and... Barts.” While his glasses were immediately sat on his face, James' plea for Barty fell on deaf ears.
“Do you know what happened? What do you remember? Hold on I'll call a nurse.” Sirius pressed the call button. James could see his worried expression.
“I don't... what... what happened? Where's everyone? Nurse.. so this is a hospital.. Why am I...” James could barely think let alone talk, he hated this. He also very much hated that he could not move and that everything ached. And that he couldn't remember anything.
“You were in a crash.. o-on your way to graduation... You've been in a coma since. It was bad. Really bad, Prongs..” Sirius looked at him with so much pity in his eyes. James hated that too.
“How long?”
“Maybe don't focus on that right-”
“How. Long. Sirius?” James interrupted Sirius. He needed answers more than politeness or pity right now.
“One month and a half... 41 days. It was about 960 hours, give or take.”
“Shit... Where.. where is everyone...” James blinked around, Marlene was sleeping in a corner and a nurse had just walked in to check his vitals, smiling brightly at the sight of James awake.
“The others are out right now, getting breakfast... but uhm... Barty he-”
“What happened to Barty?! Is he- OUCH shit, is he okay?!” James was flooded by panic- and by pain because he tried to sit up which didn't even work but did cause a lot of burning pain. So, there was that.
“He is fine but... but he told me, to tell you that he doesn't want to see you again...” Sirius wasn't even looking at James anymore, but as the words left the black-haired boys mouth James' heart dropped and confusion clouded his mind.
“What? No. Why? Did I do something? Did he and I fight before the crash? What did I do wrong?” He knew he was rambling but he couldn't care less. He needed answers. Barty wouldn't just leave him. James must have done something. Something bad or something unforgivable.
“No James I think all of this- the crash, the you wanting to make things official and live together, I think that was too much for him. But you didn't do anything wrong I am sure of that. Ba- Crouch is just a frightened asshole who runs when things get serious or hard. That is in his stupid stupid nature.” Sirius had hoped his words would be comforting, but by the look on James' face he could tell they surely weren't.
“W-What? But I thought I crashed on my way to graduation? Then how could Barty have- Wait. He doesn't want that? But I thought he would want that. Gods I am an idiot!” At James' exclaim Marlene woke up with a startle but James barely noticed. “I am such an utterly stupid idiot! How could I have thought- FUCK!”
“James? You- Holy shit! Jamie! How are you? Are you in pain? Did a nurse check over you already? What's wrong? Can you remember anything from the crash? Holy fucking mother of god! Iamsogladyou'reawake!” At the end Marlene spoke so quickly it all slurred together. While she seemed to notice something was wrong she could not have possibly known that James already had been informed about Barty leaving him.
So James turned to Marlene, guilt washing over his panicked face. “I am sorry for worrying you, Marls.. I didn't-”
“Don't you dare apologize for being hit by a truck James.” Marlene was crying as she gently hugged him, so so gently, as if James would break if she wasn't gentle enough, “That- that was not your fault. Do you hear me? The police said you couldn't have avoided it.”
“I guess. I am a bit hungry right now... where is my phone?”
“Your phone was destroyed in the crash James, and anyway you really probably shouldn't have your face glued to a screen right now.” Sirius mumbled and Marlene nodded in agreement.
“Then give me one of your phones. Please. I just need to text Barty and ask if I can make it right somehow. Tell him there is no pressure to live together or to be official. I just want him in my life. That is all that matters.” Sirius sighed at James' pleading and Marlene left out a pained “Oh”.
“Look, Prongs. I can text Regulus and tell him to tell Crouch you are okay. Or Dorcas can tell Crouch you are awake, but I don't think it will help your recovery to be focusing on him right now. You need to focus on yourself. I mean- You were hit by a truck and had metal stuck in you, for Christ's sake. You were dead for two minutes and then in a coma for over a month.” Sirius let out another pained sigh, “If that doesn't scream focus on yourself for a minute, what does?”
Again Marlene nodded, “I agree. If Bartimius wants to run, let him run. You can't really run after him right now anyway. First focus on walking for yourself again and maybe then you can run after an asshole of a guy.”
James obviously didn't agree or want that but he could feel exhaustion, seep into his bones. Too much exhaustion to argue. Really. here he had been, sleeping for one and a half months and still he was tired and exhausted. Twisted is what it was. Fucking twisted. “He's not an asshole.”
Marls and Siri both let out a sigh before Marlene went to find a nurse and ask her to bring James some soup, Sirius smiled at James, sadly, as if he were a goddamn miracle. James did not feel like a miracle. He felt like a broken piece of nothing. He couldn't move without pain, Barty had left him, Sirius looked like death because of him, and James wanted to puke from huger and pain all at once. If that made him a miracle in Sirius' eyes, he sure as hell didn't aspire being one.
“Prongs I am so so happy that you have woken up. I can't even believe it. You really are a miracle.” Sirius said, tears shimmering in his eyes. James still did not in anyway like that title at all. A miracle was supposed to be a good thing after all.
“Who else was in the crash?”
“Only the other driver- luckily.” Sirius quickly reassured James. The boy knew that no matter that James couldn't have avoided the crash, he would blame himself and that he'd feel more and more guilty for every injured person. James was too good for this world. Really really too good. His heart was too big and bright. Because that was James. Big and bright. Or at least usually it was.
“And the other driver? Is he okay?” James looked scared to even ask.
“He- He died still at the scene. His name was Jason Harrington. He was 41. He had no chance. But he also caused the crash s-”
“FUCK! He died? He- H e is dead? How could I survive? He died and I survived how is that fucking fair?” James was panicking and drowning in self blame. If Sirius were Barty he would slap James to snap him out of it and make the boy listen. But Sirius wasn't Barty.
So instead Sirius took James' hand and squeezed it at tightly as he could until James's eyes focused on Sirius, it had taken a while but at least it had worked. “Alright, you listen to me, Prongs. You are not at fault for this. You are the victim here. You did not kill that guy. You did not do anything wrong by surviving. I beg you please, please, don't blame yourself. Please prongs, Jamie, please. You are not to blame. Okay?” Sirius had never ever been more nervous about how James would react to something, not when he came out, not when he told James he'd drop their literature class in favor of going into art class. Not even when he confessed to James on having used to have a crush on the boy. He had not ever before been just this nervous.
“I don't- I should have driven with you guys instead of driving there later... then this never would have happened... Then Jason Harrington would still be alive today.. did he have kids? Family? What about his friends? They just lost him. They- they lost him and instead I am alive sitting here when I couldn't even- When I couldn't even make Barty happy.” James was spiraling. >>Shit. That's what I was trying to avoid.<< Sirius thought, trying to somehow make the boy understand that he was not at fault or a loser or a bad person. But before he could James already spoke again, “Please call your brother. I need to speak to Barty, to at least try.”
Sirius of course knew this was a bad idea but he also knew that James wouldn't stop asking until he at least tried, so Sirius decided to just comply and call Regulus. Maybe they would be lucky and Barty would be out of reach right now giving James no chance to get hurt. Sirius pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contact list until his fingers hovered over Regulus' contact. >> Please, to whatever gods or god is out there, don't let Barty be there. James can't handle that right now.<<
It rang once.. twice.. maybe Regulus wouldn't pick up. That'd be good. But Regulus did pick up and Sirius quickly explained that James woke up, and that he wanted to speak to Barty. He obviously couldn't say that it was, in his eyes, a horrible idea. James was right there after all, but luckily Sirius knew Regulus would know what Sirius thought of this without him having to say it. Still. Sirius also knew that Regulus wouldn't lie if Barty was there. So the hope that his prayers were somehow heard stayed. As Sirius put his phone on speaker he took a deep breathe. >> Please, please, please be absent.<<
“Potter can you hear me now too?”
“Yes! Hi Regulus, is Barty there? I need to set things right.” James seemed to light up simply at the possibility of 'Setting things right'. Sirius hated this. Hated seeing James treated this way, especially with what he is going through. Fuck Sirius hated Crouch. Sure Barty was going through something, but that wasn't an excuse to hurt James like this. So Barty seriously needed to grow some fucking balls, because James didn't deserve this treatment simply because Barty was scared.
“Potter, first of all I am glad to hear you are conscious. You had us all worried there for a second. Secondly... I am sorry, but Barty is at work. I will tell him you're awake tho and send him over. I promise.” Regulus said. One good thing that came from Barty's and James's... thing, was that Regulus had not only become nicer toward James but started caring about James- which truly is all Sirius ever wanted.
“Oh.. Okay, but it would really be nice if you could actually inform Barty... I really, really need to talk to him. I really need to set things straight. In really can't lose him- though you probably don't care, so I will leave you alone. Thank you Regulus.” James was just ratting out every thought that came to his mind at this point but then again if t didn't go out it would stay stuck and nobody wanted that. So he just talked, even though that was probably annoying. Man why did people stick around him at all? A mystery is what that was.
“I will, but, Potter, don't blame yourself so much. Barty is just... well he is Barty. Bye.” And just like that the phone call was over. And all James could do was hope that he could somehow fix everything.
Notes:
I fell sick and couldn't write anything for three days so I didn't get half of the amount I wanted done- I say as I post the lpongest chapter so far. The thing is i had this chapter prepared but I am super unhappy with the amount of progress I made considering I go on vacation soon and am not sure how much I will get done there.
HOWEVER James is awake and the poor idiot is blaming himself which I HATE but it is necessary, I think. I don't know. I just like torturing him a little so then again that would mean i don't hate it? Idk. I hope the story is üpprogressing at a good speed, if we imagine there aren't only chapters once a week. Like if you read this story in one go as a finished, is it progressing in a good speed?
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed, as always feel free to leave critic and to tell me about mistakes I made in the comments. Also in general I love comments and Kudos they get me so so motivated, thank you for reading, and I will see you next monday <3
Chapter 6: Death
Summary:
And just like that James to Barty is dead.
Notes:
Heyyy late update today because apparently weed affects you longer than I had anticipated- DON'T DO DRUGS GUYS!!!!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Barty was at the shop hanging up new donations when he got a call from Regulus. He declined the call since he was very much at work and very much needed this Job, though Vega wouldn't fire him if he lit up the place. She was a sweet girl, pink mullet, red glasses, a maximalist style- Like really maximalist, she would wear at least five bracelets per arm, always had at least one ring on each finger, around seven thousand necklaces and huge earrings, like sometimes those earrings would be old cola cans the girl drank, cleaned and turned into earrings- Barty found them so cool because duhhh, and other times they would be large golden skeletons of which each joint moved. Her style consisted of layering skirts and wearing clothes on way other than they were intended to be worn. Shirts as skirts, pants as shirts, Skirts as shirts, dresses tied out of ties, scars as shirts or skirts, and the list goes on.
She was 25, so still young, and yet somehow she owned the little thrift shop- Well she opened it to have a good income while working on her career as an author. Her girlfriend, Sybill, was the owner of a small witchcraft shop close to the thrift-shop. The witchcraft store was focused on Hellenic Polytheism. As much as Vega is kind, Barty doubts he would have gotten the job if Pandora wasn't friends with Sybill, since- well Vega hadn't actually been looking for any workers.
Hence why Barty had been even more grateful to get this job. Hence why he would not take calls while he was working. Even from Regulus. He went back to work hanging up clothes and talking to customers. He received donations and sold some things, until Regulus walked in going straight to where Barty stood putting a price tag onto a Tiffany lamp- which they were way under pricing by making it only 21,65 pounds, when the door opened and he soon felt a presence behind him, “How can I help yo- Regulus. What are you doing here?”
Regulus sighed, “Well you wouldn't pick up your phone so I decided to come here. These news are better to deliver personally anyway. Its about James he-”
“I don't care.” Lie. That was a lie. He cared. Oh he cared. His mind was running miles
trying to fathom what could have happened. Because obviously something about James' state had changed. Barty settled on the fact that James must have died. He didn't dare hoping for good news. And he couldn't hear Regulus confirm his thoughts either. So he'd rather live without confirmation.
“Barty please just listen to me.” Regulus tried but Barty merely shook his head and left to go to Vega's office. He needed space. Desperately. So so desperately, so he'd take his break early, he had a flat to look at today anyway. He'd just do that earlier than planned, the women from it had told him to come by whenever was good after all. The longer he'd live with Reg and Ev, the harder avoiding would become. The less weeks he continues living them, the less they could force information on him.
“Vega? Could I take my break early?” Barty couldn't stop the tremble in his voice and immediately Vega looked worried. How she grew to care about him so much, was a mystery to him. Truly there was not a reason for her to care that much about her employee.
“Yes of course. Or no- just take the rest of the day off, okay?” She stood up and put a hand on his arm. A motion of comfort. “Not much is going on today and I can stand in the front. And if you need to talk we can do that. Whatever you need.”
Of course Barty tried protesting, he needed the money of the shifts since the little money he had received after his fathers death wasn't enough to pay rent- Bartimius Crouch Sr. had to let Barty get the state inclined minimum inheritance as he is his son, but beyond that the guy did his best to not leave Barty a penny more and he had spent a lot of money on worthless crap so he had less money to give after his death. The asshole had died two weeks before graduation which obviously hadn't been enough time to save the grades Barty purposely mucked up to annoy the guy- which was insanely frustrating. “No that's not-”
“I insist. I will pay you the full loan of this shift still, so don't worry about money. You matter more than your work, Barty.” Vega interrupted him with a stern look. Barty had learned by now that this meant he didn't get a choice. He didn't have enough energy to really argue right now anyway. Especially with the stubborn witch that was Vega. And it wasn't like this was a thing of inconvenience or evilness. It was kind and generous.
“Alright, thanks.” Barty wrote down his signing out time in the calendar thingy they had and grabbed his things going out through the back, knowing Regulus would still be waiting for him and trying to avoid the boy with the black curls and cold as ice gaze.
He almost ran to the bank and from there to his meeting with the owner of the flat he planned to move into. It was cheap hence why he knew he'd move in no matter what. The tour was quick and it wasn't long before Barty had asked how soon he could move in after he handed over the first three months of rent. He needed this flat. The women, noticing how desperate he was, said he could move in the next day. Perfect.
Barty thanked her, singed the contract and went to Ev's and Reg's dorm to pack up his things. Luckily no one was there, so Barty ate lunch, packed his things into boxes, and went to bed. He wanted to move in as early as possible so that he could move in without being late to work and so he could avoid his friends, he didn't have that much stuff anyway so moving alone wouldn't be that hard.
As he fell asleep he was mourning James. James who was probably dead. James who, from all the people Barty knew, probably deserved to die the least. James who had been his sunshine, tho sure also his idiot, after all he had been his sunshine idiot. Barty shouldn't have let James stay behind. He shouldn't have left him to drive alone and later than them. He should have made James drive with them and told him to suck his nerves up because he'd do great. And then he would have broken James' heart the correct way. The way it was supposed to happen.
Maybe it was selfish to wish he would have gotten to break James' heart because then James would still at least be alive. But he'd been selfish everyday of his life, so really it wasn't anything new.
Though he was starting to wonder if he would have been able to say no had he come face to face with James in the moment of James asking him. He knew the answer was probably that he would have said yes to being official, of living together. And that in itself was worse than anything else. Because he craved it. So much.
Now James was dead and Barty was alive and alone and if Jason Harrington had survived the crash, he would have killed the guy himself. It wasn't fair. But the world was never fair. >>Stupid space rock with stupid capitalist fascist asshole people and enough unfairness to kill even James fucking Potter.<<
Notes:
SO I am not yet sure how long Barty will think James is dead considering I am already bored of it. BUTTTTT I have planned how Barty will find out James is alive and I do not want this story to just move too quickly with too many time skips/ jumps. - That however won't be a problem for now as we have some stuff to build for now.
Other than that I am again very unhappy of how little progress I have made this past week, but at least I gave you all a oneshot a few days ago and a chapter today so I guess it is fine. By the next chapter (AKA the next monday (11th of August)) I will be on vacation which can either be amazing or awful for my writing, we'll see where that goes, won't we?
For now though I thrive off of comments and Kudo's but mainly comments so feel free to leave those and see you next chapter and remember to point out every spelling, grammar, or language mistake (Except for in my notes, I am allowed mistakes in my notes.)
Chapter 7: From believing you'll kill me to not being sure if you're dead or just lost
Summary:
A little back story and Barty loves to avoid.
Chapter Text
7
*
It was a sunny evening as Barty strode up to James Potter. He had overheard Mary Mcdonald talk about sex she had with James and how good it was, Barty knew Potter was hot and kind and pan, so, like any sane person, he decided he wanted to see for himself if the guy was really that good in bed.
He had a smirk on his face as he approached James who was fixing himself a drink at the make shift bar, the music pulsed behind them working exactly in Barty's favor, the party was in full blow. He knew that he himself was an irresistible force when he started flirting- and sometimes even before.“James Potter.” Barty said in a sultry tone his smirk widening as Potter turned around to face him. Potter was wearing tight bell-bottoms and tight red crop top with white writing that said “Kiss the dude's ass” Barty intended to follow those instructions precisely and go further. “I could never mistake that ass.” James chuckled and Barty's smirk grew even more. “Sooo, fancy seeing your mop of hair around here. Enjoying yourself?”
“Very much so, how about you Barty? Is the green new?” James tilted his head with a charming, calculating, curious grin. He probably knew exactly what Barty wanted, though Barty wasn't really trying to hide it anyway. And Potter knowing would make this a lot easier, he assumed.
“Yep. Dyed it yesterday. You like it?” James nodded and Barty sighed dramatically “Though I am not seeming to enjoy myself at this wonderful.. gathering. It's probably because you're dressed and not in my bed. Maybe we could change that?” James laughed full, bright, loud, he even threw his head back. Barty liked that sound.
“Sorry, but I don't do one night stands. Sure I can do the we sleep together once and never see each other again thing, but not without a date first.” James smirked and Barty hated that he was so attracted to this guy as well as so curious to find out if he was that good.
Normally he'd say their loss and move on. But this time- “Fine, then we go on a date, but you plan it and don't you dare expect more than 1 date and one night together. I don't do anything else. And you pay, it is your responsibility. I don't do that shit.” James laughed again, deeply, fully- >>Holy fucking shit. That laugh is ungodly attractive.<<
“Sure Crouch. Today in a week at 9 AM in the parking lot. Bring yourself a bottle of water and wear something pretty that can get wet.” James smirked and Barty's eyebrows arose as his lips parted. Potter winked and walked away leaving Barty with one haunting question: What the fuck was that boy planning?!
-
7 days later at 9 fucking AM Barty stood ready in the parking lot, he had planned on being late but something in him stopped him. Potter stood there at his car with an idiotic sunshine smile and walked over to Barty, “Hey there, glad you could come.”
“Tell me where we are going now?” Barty asked and James shook his head smirking. >>Asshole.<< James led him to the car and opened the door for him like a fucking gentlemen- because of course he did. Inside the car he let Barty pick Music so he picked his playlist filled with Joan Jett, David Bowie, Queen, Black Sabbath, Korn, etc.
Immediately 'Freak on a leash' started playing as they pulled out of the parking lot and Barty tried peeking at the navigator to find out where they're going but James won't let him, leaving Barty to groan. “What are you being so secretive for? Are you planning to bring me to an abandoned warehouse to torture and kill me? Hot image, I will admit that. Though unless you have some weird kinks with fucking dead people, that would not exactly work out with our deal.” He said teasingly.
Potter turned to face him with an expression that couldn't be more serious and answered with a voice that couldn't leave any less room for jokes, “No. I am taking you to a ritual to offer your heart and eat the rest of your body. Honestly, Crouch, I never could have cared less about our deal, all I care about is honoring my lord. My savior. Once I have drowned you in the tears of the hyena's- well not actually drown you as you need to be conscious, I will cut my Lord's symbols into your chest until I shall cut your heart out and offer it up to him.”
Barty shivered “Excuse me?” He wouldn't be scared but the guy looked so serious about it that Barty felt almost desperate to jump out of the car and run as far as he could.
James locked the door and ruined was Barty's master plan. “I will be more powerful than anyone on this pathetic planet and nobody will ever be able to stop me.” James' hand left the wheel and cupped Barty's chin “And all thanks to you, handsome.”
Barty was full on shaking ready to piss his pants now because “What. The. Fuck?! You delusional asshole! I want out no-” He was interrupted by James bursting with laughter. “Why- why are you laughing you freak?!”
“I am kidding, relax. I won't sacrifice, drown or murder you. I just want to surprise you with where we are going.” James laughed even more at seeing how relived yet still suspicious Barty looked. James unlocked the door in a dramatic gesture, “Trust me.” Potter's voice had grown deeper.
“Asshole.” Barty huffed. He stayed quiet for the rest of the ride when they pulled into the parking lot of an amusement park. “An amusement park? Are you kidding me?”
“Think about it. Adrenaline. Fun. Romantic but also exiting.” James smirked. “And since I am paying for everything you won't have to worry about the unbelievable and unreasonable prices.”
“Alright, but I will only be happy if you win something for me, sunshine idiot.” Barty smirked, okay he definitely liked this a lot more than he would have expected. And it hadn't even really begun. Dangerous. Really fucking dangerous.
*
Barty woke up to the sound of his alarm. Time to move out and finally live alone. Hurrah. He grabbed his prepared boxes undid his bed sheets and put them into the final and only still open box then he took the huge raccoon plushy and the small Beetlejuice plushy- James had given it to him and said “I'll be your Beetlejuice, call my name three times and I shall be by your side”, Barty had laughed back then, now there was this longing for it to work- and put them in the box as well before closing it. So with three boxes and one backpack he went to the train station, he didn't have a lot, sure. But he'd buy a mattress and put it on the bed that was already in the flat and a kitchen was already build in as well so he didn't need much.
On the train he got a lot of weird looks, which was understandable, most people did move with a car and not a train, and most people had people with them and didn't do it alone, but meh. That didn't matter though. All that mattered was avoiding everyone that could confirm James' death. Which included all of his friends since they probably knew from Regulus. At least he had his own place now.
He let his head drop against the seat and closed his eyes, how he wished he could go back in time, to that first date. He wanted to experience it all again. For the first time. Appreciate it more. Maybe say from the start that him and James should be official and then this wouldn't- then James would still be alive.
-
Soon he had finished unpacking his little stuff, he had used the empty boxes to make a make-shift closet for his clothes and even hung up a few pictures. With his record player standing on the floor and playing his “Three cheers for sweet revenge” by My Chemical Romance Vinyl- Hang 'Em high playing- he picked a rather simple (At least simple for his standard) outfit. Ripped jeans, a Rob Zombie shirt, a raccoon tail clip on his jeans, jewelry, old battered Dr. Martin's and three belts. He grabbed his keys and send a text to the group chat with Regulus, Evan, Pandora, and Dorcas explaining that he had moved into his new flat this morning and that he was okay, as well as apologizing for not saying anything.
He arrived at the shop- He had to open up today as well as work alone, Vega would be busy planning the final parts of the poetry slam she'd be holding soon as she was part of a feminist group who monthly held parades poetry or song slams etc. Inside he turned on the lights and started the usual opening process when soon the first customers arrived he plastered on a smile and helped where he could.
It was already around 3 PM and he still hadn't taken his break when a woman came in and started looking around throwing interested glances at him from time to time but mainly browsing. He decided to ignore it as he texted with Pandora.
“Uh sorry? I need help with the zipper.” Barty looked up with a start and saw that the woman had taken to trying on the dress. He sighed and got out from behind the counter to assist the lady with the dress, zipping it up as the door opened again and Pandora walked in, just like they had texted Barty five minutes ago they would. Pandora raised an eyebrow at the scene but left Barty to do his job.
“There you go all zipped up.” Barty mumbled already turning to go away and talk to Pandora. When he felt a hand on his wrist. He turned around to find the girl looking at him, “Yes? Is there something else you need?”
“I just wanted to thank you, handsome.” The girl said with a flirty smile and Barty smirked winking at her before going over to Pandora who was clearly waiting with an eyebrow raised.
“Who is that?” They asked as soon as Barty was in reach, so Barty sighed and lead her to the box of new stuff that came in that she might like.
“A customer. Now look at this blouse, Panda. I mean it just screams you doesn't it?” Barty said holding a green blouse that had shoulder pads and a nice pattern in a lighter green. “It's 3 pounds, take it or leave it.”
“OH I love that, holy gods.” They let out an exited squeal, and started rummaging through the box Barty had prepared. Picking piece after piece because Barty had obviously caught just their style. That was at least until she looked back at him “By the way don't think for this I won't be angry that you didn't let me help you move. I won't talk about James as promised but I will talk about your issues with being way too avoidant.”
“Well there is still a lot to do in the flat that you can help me with, Panda. I, for example, am still missing a closet or really everything except necessities such as bed and kitchen which already existed. And I do not have an issue with being avoidant, I actually quite like it if I am being exac-”
“Sorry. I want to pay?” Said the woman from earlier. Barty sighed and went to ring her up after she paid she handed him her phone and after he gave her a confused look she fondly rolled her eyes “My number, I want you to have it. Just in case you... can't sleep. My name is Amber, by the way.” He typed in his number, handed her back her phone and just like that the girl- Amber, left.
Barty turned back to Pandora who raised their eyebrow and sighs “I can't stop girls from flirting with me, Pan. I might be an unhealthy bastard but I am a hot one.” Barty shrugged with a smirk, slipped away from the counter back to Pandora and let out another sigh when noticing she wasn't gonna let him down easy, “Look. I have a therapist to talk about being avoidant. I have you to buy everything in this thrift shop and help me thrift amazing stuff to fill my flat with.”
After a few more moments of sternness Pandora couldn't hold back their smile and started looking around, “You should be happy we are such good friends.”
“Yes, dear, I thank the gods every day.” Barty called back following the fairy like person around the shop. To assist and convince them to buy more. Pandora truly was what he would call a thrift addict and victim. Good for him bad for her.
Notes:
I hate the thing I am working toward for Barty, but it needs to happen. Imagine me crying in agony because of it please. Anyway FINALLY some back story. I was waiting for this. Holy damn I was ITCHING to puplish this because it means the start of the start.
BUT HELLO?! James making Barty believe he will kill him? I loved that ever since I saw a tik tok about it, it was quite the different concept but basically the sacrefice is the same.
As always I would love feedback on writing style, progressing speed of the story, characterizations, writing, grammar, etc.
I am begging on my knees for comments here, it may sound weird but comments encourage my writing SO MUCH.
And can we talk about how active I have been? I mean, sure, this story I update only once a week in fear of burning out, BUT the oneshots?! When I started puplishing this story, it was my only work, AND NOW I have 4 things (Including this) BE HAPPY OKAY? IDK HOW MUCH I WILL POST ONCE SCHOOL STARTS
Chapter 8: I am not a weak patient
Summary:
James is tired of being a hospital patient not allowed to do anything.
Notes:
I am posting this while on the train with my datavolume that I am sharing with my laptop just for this, that's what I call determination lol
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
*
He was well aware that despite acting like nothing could ever scare the boy, Barty Crouch Jr. was scared as they slowly got to the top of the 120 meter tall free fall tower. But James was also aware that Barty wouldn't be caught dead admitting his fear, so he held his hand pout. “I am a little scared,” He said, “Could you hold my hand?” Immediately Barty gripped it and James had to suppress a smirk at the tight and almost desperate grip.
“You should be grateful I am so generous holding the hand of you pussy. I mean how can you even be scared? This is nothing. It's really for babies if you think about it. It's nothing. Absolutely boring and you're dumb for being scared, Potter. Be grateful I entertai- Holy shit why did we stop the circle movement?! This means we drop soon doesn't it?! Maybe we should find a way to get off, considering your fear? Not that I am sca-” And just like that Barty's rambling was interrupted by Barty's screams and James's hand got crushed with how tightly Barty gripped.
And despite the pain and Barty's screams, James had never felt as alive as then. Next to that intriguing boy with the green streaks in his hair.
*
James had never felt as dead as now. He hasn't left the hospital since he woke up three days ago. Not because he didn't want to. No. Oh no, he definitely wanted to leave the damn hospital. He just wasn't allowed to. He wasn't even allowed to leave his bed. When all he wanted to do was fix things with Barty. Instead he was stuck in an uncomfortable bed, eating shitty food, and getting pitying looks from everyone.
And when you don't move. When you don't get tasty food. When you can't communicate with anyone from the outside world- when you're James Potter and you can't communicate with Barty, you feel dead. And the only reminder of his alive being was the never ending pain. And not just 'My poor poor heart is broken' pain. No, there also was the very physical 'I was in a car crash, died, and came back' pain.
“I want to go outside. Just through the hospital garden. I'll go in a wheelchair if I must, but- please. I can't stand this anymore. It's hell on earth and I am not exaggerating I am simply being honest.” He said as soon as the nurse came in. The man gave him a pitying look and sighed, but before he could deny him his very simple wish, he spoke again, “Please. I will go mad if I stay locked in this room for one more second.”
“Alright. I will go to your doctor and ask. But that is all I can do. I can ask. If that doesn't work out, don't blame me.” Nurse Ben said and went to fetch the doctor.
-
The fresh air hit him like a wave of relieve. Finally. Finally he was out and about. Finally he wasn't stuck in that damn room anymore. With his mother pushing the wheelchair for him he knew, now or never. "Mom?" When Effie hummed to show she was listening, he continued, "I was thinking, maybe it's time I get a new phone... I mean, I need to stay connected, right? Know what's going on in the world.... And I mean, I know you don't want my face glued to a screen but... I promise I won't be on it all the time. And anyway, I need to figure out how things will go with work now. I, after all was already supposed to start working, and I need to know when my new first day will be, how it's going with the school, and so on. I have a lot to take care off and I need a phone for it. I am a grown up and so I believe it is only right I have the possibility to stay in contact with the world outside of this hospital." When he finished talking he craned his neck to look at his mother. Who, to his pleasure, seemed to be in consideration of his words.
"I understand your points, Jamie. But you shouldn't deal with all that stress right now. It's not good for you. And it's not like I don't see you as a grown up, or that I dislike Barty, but... I know you will try and contact him and that's- that is simply not what you need your focus on right now." She sighed "I am sorry but I won't get you a new phone."
"Come on. I-I mean I will be focused on the situation with Barts anyway. Not giving me the ability to do anything about the situation, won't change the fact that it's taking over my mind. And I am sure the stress won't be too much. I mean- I can even pay for it with my savings." They had stopped at a bench so Effie could sit down too, Sirius would re-join them soon so James wanted this settled by then. "I need a new phone, mom. Plus I don't even have Barty's number since I don't have it memorized."
With a sigh Effie nodded just as Sirius joined them with strawberries, "I know you hate the hospital food, so you better call me the best of the best for getting you outsider food, Prongs." Sirius said with a smirk.
"Sirius Orion Padfoot Black-Potter-Lupin. I love you so so so so much, You truly are the best on the mountain of the best. And angel ascended to this earth. Thank you for these godly strawberries you call outsider food." Sirius and Effie were laughing and James started stuffing his mouth right after the 'd' from 'food' left his mouth.
"Just a little under the minimum, prongs, but I'll accept it. BUT only because you are in a wheelchair and I am very giving and kind." Sirius was waving his fingers in James' face and speaking as though this was a life or death matter, so James shoved a strawberry in his mouth to shut him up. "HEY! I think you came back possessed or something because you've never been this mean before!" The black haired boy only barely got the words out between hysterical laughter and eating- or more likely choking on a, strawberry.
“Anyway, I have been thinking. I mean the doctor suggested I stay two more weeks, but he said he couldn't keep me here for longer than one week against my will.” James started slowly before eating another strawberry.
“Yes, but you'll stay the two weeks.” His mom said as though that was obvious. And from the look on Sirius' face he agreed.
“I won't. I have decided I can't do more than another week. And I need your support on this. I know me and I know my body, and I will be fine by next week and then I want to finally move into the goddamn house I bought.” Nobody seemed very approving but James didn't care. He was at the fresh air. He would finally get a phone. And he would move into his new house in a week. No matter what. And he wouldn't hear any objections to that decision.
Notes:
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! As always I am begging for comments and kudos but especially comments, whatever those comments are about (Somthing to do with the story pls) Just stay nice :)
Chapter 9: 'Freedom'... Kinda
Summary:
James is out of the hospital and tries to reach Barty
Chapter Text
*
It had been a truly truly wonderful day so far. James could tell Barty had actually been enjoying himself which made James happier than anyone or anything else could. They were currently eating fries and drinking slush's which was obviously very expensive since they were after all in an amusement park. They were sitting in a Ferris wheel, which Barty seemed way less afraid of than the free fall tower- not that he had admitted to being scared despite screaming his lungs out of his throat.
“You know, you idiot made of sunshine- agh that nickname needs work it's too long. Meh. Anyway, you still haven't won me a huge stuffed animal yet. And like I said, I am going to need you to do that, otherwise,” Barty pointed a fry at his face and started moving in circle movements, “I will be very disappointed in you, this date, and my life.” Just like that Crouch plopped the fry into his mouth with a smirk.
“Alright, once we get down from here, you can chose a booth and a stiffed animal and I won't stop until I have it won for you. And after that we will go onto the area 51 water ride, alright?”
“No no. first we go on the water rude and then the stuffed animal, I mean the reason you haven't bought me anything yet is because it shouldn't get wet, so first the ride, then we do a little shopping and then we will do rides where we can put our stuff away before the ride.” Barty reasoned as they got closer to the ground again.
“Reasonable. I like it.” James grinned, if it were up to him, this day should never end.
*
He signed the release papers and his mother wheeled him out to the fresh air. He was very much able to walk on crutches- well kind of at least so for about five or six minutes. So he disliked being wheeled like he was incapable of walking. But at least he was being released from the hospital, since he'd move right outside the city a nurse would drive by every day to check on him. And his parents as well as Sirius and Remus would move in with him, so clearly everything would be fine and he would be under a very scrutinizing supervision. Yay.
When he got into the car he had a shiver running down his back, he remembered a little more about the crash now and getting into a car again made him a little uncomfortable. But it's not like he could walk all the way to his Parents house- where he would stay while the others prepared his house enough for him and the others to sleep and live there. He despised that he couldn't help. It made him feel fragile and useless. But at least he had gotten a new phone so he could take care of things at work and contact his parents or doctors or friends etc etc if anything happened.
The car ride felt like an eternity already, with Sirius holding his hand through it, when the boy started talking about getting furniture for James with the others. Marlene, who sat on the other side of James also clutching his hand, spoke up then, “Cas said that when we need to furniture shop for James that there is a small second hand store close to the hospital that has some nice vintage stuff. It's cheaper and better for the environment, plus let's be real, vintage furniture looks amazing.”
James smiled at that, “Yeah I like that.” Sirius squeezed his hand with a worried look at that. “I am coming. It is about furniture for my house, and there is no way that I will let you decide on what closet I will put into it. I love you, but it is supposed to feel like my dream home, not yours, Siri.” The smile had dropped from his face and his expression had gone stern.
Sirius sighed, “I know you want to, Prongs. But you are recovering and I don't want you to overexert yourself. I love you and I worry about you, and we both know that your stubborn ass can't wait out until you're back on your feed and healed before throwing yourself into things. If you need proof of that, well, you just left the hospital despite the fact that you were supposed to stay for another week.” The look that Pads was giving him reminded him way too much of a scolding mother and way too little of his best friend.
“Sirius, I beg you, leave the mother hen worrying to my actual mother. Be the Sirius Black I know. The stubborn, reckless, fun over sanity and being reasonable, Padfoot I adore. Please.” He sighed, squeezing the hand of the boy with way to many worry lines. “I mean look at you, all this worry is causing you to wrinkle like a grandmothe-” They drove over a bump and James was cut off by a surge of panic and memories clutching Marlene's and Sirius's hand and squeezing his eyes shut, taking in a sharp breathe with his entire body tensing.
Sirius' hand found its way onto his back rubbing it a little and Marlene put her free hand on his thigh and squeezed the hand of James that was clutching her other. “Prongs? Are you okay?” Sirius asked in a hushed voice as to not startle the boy.
“I- Uhm... yes. Perfectly fine.” James mumbled as he opened his eyes and forced his body to relax, “Where was I? Oh right, you are wrinkling like a grandmother with all your worry lines.”
Sirius didn't look all that convinced, but he did laugh a little, “Well we finished school so I need to grow up a little some time, aye?”
“A little, yes. But don't turn into my mother- not that I don't love and appreciate you, mum.” He added, “I love you.”
“Love you too, sweetie. And I agree you should definitely also attend picking furniture, but if you guys are going through thrift shops, maybe wait until you're a little more steady on your crutches, dear. I am not sure a wheelchair is a good option for that.” Euphumia Potter, ever the voice of reason.
“I am stable on my crutches.” He mumbled pouting a little, and when the car broke into mumbles of disagreements he got even more annoyed. “I am!” He exclaimed.
“Son, I love you, but not really.” Fleamont mumbled.
-
James was stuck at home while everyone else got to carry his belongings to his house. But at least he wasn't all alone. Remus stayed with him considering he had knee problems. James had just finished the call with his employer. Luckily Mrs. Miller had decided she would tell the vocational school he was supposed to attend in connection of his training. She also reassured him that the most important thing was for his to get well again and that she would call in two weeks to see how he was healing and when he could start.
To say he was grateful would be an understatement.
So, being done with that, he did what he knew he would do, he typed in the number he had memorized years ago, and called Barty. It rang once. Twice. And then the call was declined. Of course Barty wouldn't just accept random calls. Still James had hoped he would. Foolish, is what it was, he knew that it was. Still he tried like the fool he had been from the start.
Just then Remus walked in, so it didn't even really matter anyway. “Hi, moons. What have you gotten there?” He saw the plates he had but not the food, so he was curious what lovely meal he had prepared.
“I bring noodles, cream sauce, broccoli, mushrooms and an open ear so you can tell me about who you were just attempting to call. “ When James turned from Remus with a cheeky expression the tall boy- no man now, they were after all adults, sighed. “You're not as cheeky as you thought you were, Jamie,” James had to squeeze his eyes shut to stop the emotions threatening to burst. Barty Always called him Jamie.
“Well,” James forced out past the lump in his throat, “At least you offer food. And for the record. I was trying to call Benjy to tell him that I will most likely be starting at work in two or three weeks since he apparently has been worried.” Remus sat down the plates and both of them started eating.
“I don't believe you, Prongs, and you know why.” Remus gave him a look. Or more likely that look, the one James only knew to translate into 'You think I am that stupid? Really?'
“I- Okay maybe I tried calling Barty.” He admitted it knowing full well that Remus knew already, or had guessed in the very least. “But he didn't pick up anyway. It was stupid to even try and I know I should focus on my healing or whatever, but I love him, moony. I love him so much that it hurts and now everything is just- it's complicated and stupid and over. I don't want that. I am fine with just a few dates and sex. I am fine with what he and I had before but it can't just be over...” Remus hugged him suddenly and James melted into the hug immediately. It wasn't often he accepted comfort but right now he couldn't stop himself. “Sorry.”
“Hey. No apologizing. What you are currently feeling is understandable and not anything to be sorry about. This is confusing and painful, and I genuinely want to kick Crouch in the head for making you go through this, probably thinking it's for the best. You deserve love, and care, and proper communication. Barty isn't giving you that.” Remus pulled away to wipe a tear from James' face. He hadn't even realized he started crying. “So, to be honest, I agree with Sirius. Barty doesn't and never deserved you-”
“That's not-”
“-but, then again most of us don't deserve you and I know love goes far beyond deserving or earning. So while I don't like that you are fighting for the scraps Barty has given you in the past and is now refusing to turn into maybe a whole piece for once, I know you love him and I respect that you are willing to do so much for that. But maybe we focus on getting you into your own house and on your own legs again before we focus on your mess of a love life. For now now, as in this moment now, though, let's eat because I am fucking starving and if I am starving you must be too since I am not the one who was forced to eat hospital food for so long.” James nodded and yeah, maybe Remus was right, focus on building himself up again and eating yummy noodles now, win over Barty's heart and with that Barty back again after.
Notes:
Soooooo how are we feeling? James is out of the hospital and although the car ride is a little rough on him he is doing pretty well I'd say. ALSO in case anyone wonders when Peter will join this story, it'll take quite a while still, sorry.
ALRIGHT. School starts this wednsday (Imagine a crying emoji right here) and it is a new school, which on one hand I will be doing my a-levels in fricking literature so expect my writing to improve and I don't have any bullies there, on the other hand tho, I also don't have any friends there, haha.
ALSO listening to Bowie right now, gods I love his musoc, that is magic right there, I have locvved him for years and still I always discover new masterpieces (Songs).
As always, I hope you enjoyed, feedback, constructive critisim, and the pointing out of mistakes is greatly appreciated. Any comment and Kudo as well. Share your thoughts on the story and characters and see you next monday with a new chapter
Chapter 10: Sex and therapy, miracles at work
Summary:
Barty has sex, therapy, and work
Chapter Text
“Well, this was great,” Mumbled Barty as Amber started getting dressed again. To be honest he felt awful, he had hoped this would get him out of his slump, that he'd feel better, but all it did was make him feel a lot worse than before. He felt guilty. Even though he shouldn't. James and him never had been official or something like that anyway and James was probably dead anyway. So why feel guilty? He didn't have anything to feel guilty for. And still the stupid nagging feeling wouldn't go away. Annoying, truly.
“Yeah, I liked it a lot... Maybe we can repeat it sometimes?” She asked sliding into her dress.
“Uh... maybe. I don't know right now just visit me at the shop tomorrow and I'll tell you, okay?” Amber seemed to not hate that idea which was a good sign. She nodded and left, leaving Barty to get dressed and showered- but the other way around obviously. He had therapy after all.
-
He sat in Mrs. Pomfrey's office as the elderly woman gave him a pitying look, “And what if, let's say, you are wrong? What if James is alive?”
“Then it still doesn't matter, and I like to doubt he is.” He sighed sinking into the plush couch he was sitting on.
“And why is that? Why doesn't it matter if he is alive. And what makes you so sure that he must be dead?” Pomfrey asked holding her pen at the ready to take notes.
“Because- I don't... I am not sure. I just... know. Okay? It's that feeling. The one that is never wrong.” He disliked that Pomfrey didn't blieve him. She had to believe him. She just had to.
“What would you do if you walked out of here today and James would be there right now? How would you react? What would you say?”
“I don't know..”
“Try to figure that out and we will talk about it next week.” Pomfrey ended their session.
*
“Ten balls please.” James handed over the money with that shit eating grin and received the balls in return, he turned around giving Barty, who was wrapped in a towel trying to dry- James the asshole had somehow dried way faster than Barty, so he took that as proof that Potter really was the sun.
“Alrighty, kiddo. You need to get three balls in so you can win something, if you did and then get in any more than five you get a middle sized prize, you can win one of the biggest prizes once you got in seven balls. You get in all ten you get two prices one big one middle.”
“You better get all in, you ball of sunshine. I want two prices.” He smirked, he knew Potter would never be able to get all in, these games were almost impossible to win, let alone get all in. But he wanted an excuse to tease Potter about his failure.
“Of course, dear,” James winked and luckily turned back before he could see the flush on Barty's face. >>What is happening to me?!<< Potter got one ball in. Two. Three. Barty's jaw was slowly dropping. Five. Six. Seven. Barty couldn't believe his goddamn eyes.
Eight. “No way...” Nine. Even the man at the booth was staring in utter shock. Ten. “Holy fucking shit! How did you fucking do that?!” Barty has never been this shocked before in his life (maybe a few times).
“What can I say? I like sports including balls- No don't turn this sexual. Point is I am good at these kind of things, now chose your prizes you have free choice.” Potter said and Barty burst out laughing.
“It is sexual, Potter.” Barty smirked. “Hmmm, I will take theeeee raccoon and Beetlejuice.” The stall guy handed Barty the prices and Barty handed them to James “A real gentleman would carry them for me.” He shrugged and smiled as Potter took them, not a single complaint leaving his lips.
*
When he arrived at work two days after therapy, of course he had been at work the day of therapy and the day after but today he knew Dorcas would come over and since he avoided all his friends only not Pandora, he was kind of exited to see her again.
He opened the shop, he talked to Vega who would be at the cash register while Barty would be taking donations, sort through them, wash them (Which not many thrift stores actually do), and decide on their prices, once it would be 12 PM the two would switch, and Vega would take a look at Barty's prices and decide whether their good. He'd take his break around 3 Pm. This day was planned through. Just so nothing could go wrong. Nothing would go wrong.
He was sorting through the donations an elderly man just gave him, cringing internally at some of the shirts. One read “Alpha man” and had a wolf howling at the moon on it while another had two stick figure women doing it. Disgusting freak. Honestly if an elderly woman would have given him the lesbian fetish shirt he would've laughed. But that gross man who probably got off on lesbians just living their lives? No. It was gross and fucking almost enough for Barty to storm after him and punch the guy.
He held back though, because he couldn't just go around pinching donors or customers. Sadly. After that though sorting through donations was pretty boring, given the fact they didn't get many in the mornings anyway. Though one guy donated his guitar. Either a legend was lost or he just decide to be a double legend.
It was right when Vega came to switch that the doorbell chimed announcing the entry of someone. Barty went to the front to see a few people leaving to look around as Dorcas stood there, smirking. “And so she arrived. Aren't you gonna take a look around?”
“Nah the others are already doing that I wanted to talk to you for a sec.” She sad leaning over the cashiering counter as Barty sat down on the chair they kept behind it.
“The others? So that small group of people came with you?” She nodded and Barty chuckled, “Well thank you very much for bringing customers, I love to see the money, you know.”
“Yes, yes I do. I should warn you though, in my group there is someo-”
“CAS! I know we are here for furniture but look at this toppppp. You'd be so pretty in this and- What is he doing here?” Mckinnon's face fell at seeing Barty.
“I work here.” He said at the exact same time as Dorcas faked an innocent expression and said, “Oh, did I forget to mention Barty works here?”
“Cas! You know he can't see him right now he is recover-”
“Whats taking you guys so long? Even on my crutches I am flash compared to you.” Came a voice with a chuckle and a mop of hair. All three things, things Barty would never not recognize. All three belonging to someone Barty had been sure was dead.
“James?”
Notes:
ALRIGHT, I DID IT, I DID IT. YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN ASKING AND LIKE ANY GOOD GENIE YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND.
(Maybe if you didn't want a cliffhanger you should've been more specific with your wish)
Do not, and I repeat do NOT hate on Amber for having sex with Barty. I won't have it.
School started and since then I have written so little I am scared for this story :( But my new school is super cool so there is that!!!
ALSO THE FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE TOUR WITH PARIS PALOMA AS OPENER?! I NEED TICKETS!!!!!!!!!
As always comments with your thoughts, critisism (As long as it is constructive), etc. are greatly anticipated and loved by me as wellas of course Kudos. Bye see you next week!!
Chapter 11: Ghosts
Summary:
The after math of seeeing your supposedly dead ex(?)
Chapter Text
“James?” He barely managed to choke out the name past the lump of shock, guilt, fear, worry and anger. Had Dorcas planned this?!
“Barty? Oh my gods Barty it's-”
“You're alive?” He found himself asking the question before he had even realized that was one of the questions among the flood of questions rushing through his head. And of course it was a dumb question because of course James was alive if he stood right there.
“I- Yes... Did Regulus not...” James seemed hurt, confused, and equally as shocked as Barty.
“No, he didn't-” “Well you wouldn't pick up your phone so I decided to come here. These news are better to deliver personally anyway. Its about James he-” “I don't care.” “Well he tried but I didn't- I didn't let him.”
“Oh... Well it's uhm it's good to see you I've been trying to talk to you an-” James was interrupted by the door chiming. >>Not now, leave stupid customer- OH no... nononononononononononononono!<<
“Amber.” He said turning to the girl who was making her way up to him. “What- what are you doing here?” He tried to keep his voice even but failed completely.
“Well since you weren't replying to my texts I decided to come over and ask if Saturday would be an open day for you to... well repeat our wonderful night.” She obliviously said.
Barty saw the hurt flash across his face as he must've realized what Amber meant. “Oh.. you.. I... I gotta go... I will- I will just wait in the car. Chose whatever furniture you uhm like or I don't know.” And with the the boy fled as fast as his crutches allowed him too.
Barty stood frozen, Mckinnon running after James, Dorcas glaring at him and Amber just staring confused. “You fucking Bastard! Who the fuck do you- You dumb dumb dumb idiot!” Dorcas exclaimed genuinely looking angry before storming deeper into the store.
Barty was panicking, sure since he wanted James to be unwilling and wanting of a further relationship but he was alive. James Potter had survived. And now he probably would hate Barty forever. And he couldn't- he couldn't deal with James hating him. Dislike him, yes he knew James would. But Hate?! No hate wasn't-
Dorcas returned with Lupin and Sirius, Lupin gripping Sirius's arm- probably to stop him from lunging. The three stormed out of the store and Amber spoke up. “Holy shit! Please don't tell me that was your boyfriend- I can't- I can't believe it! I am a homewrecker- I- OH oh my- You used me to cheat on that guy?! I- I never- I don't...”
“He isn't my boyfriend. It's complicated. But you're definitely not a homewrecker!” He jumped to explain but Amber already was making her way out. FUCK.
Notes:
I TOLD YOU NOT TO BLAME OR BE MAD AT AMBER SHE IS JUST A SAINT!!! Also no hate to Barty he is going through a lot right now and he didn't technically do anything wrong.
So sorry for the late up-date, butttt I do have something to say anyway: Given the fact that on Monday's I have schhol, then therapy, then training Monday updates will no longer work for me, SO instead I will be posting Saturday's or Sunday's- whatever fits better for me that week. So possibly (Considering how far I get) You will get two chapters this week.
moon_thestars on Chapter 1 Sun 06 Jul 2025 05:51PM UTC
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