Barnaby Lee x Reader - Year 6

Whomping Willow

"So you're gonna call your brother?" Barnaby asked, sticking with Lana as she headed to the lake.

"Yeah, I need to talk to him. He might know something." the girl said, before pulling out her wand.

'Vermillious!' she cast.

"Pip?" Jacob's concerned voice came from behind her, "What's wrong? Has something happened?"

"It's Hogwarts, Jacob. Something's always happening." Lana sassed, "Especially with Rakepick and her dark wizard brood trying to pursue the final vault."

"I told you to leave Rakepick to me. She's my responsibility."

"And I told you we're in this together."

"Ever since you were a nipper you've never listened. You're more stubborn than an Abraxan!" Jacob chuckled, "I'm the one who started this whole mess with Rakepick. Why won't you back off and let me deal with this alone?"

"It's gonna take both of us to win against that witch. So let's compromise. We both keep fighting against her. If you stop her first, that's brilliant, but I can't quit trying either." Lana explained.

"See, stubborn as an Abraxan. Guess that's good. Means you're a fighter." her brother said proudly.

"I learnt it from you."

"Still, I'm supposed to be the big brother here, but looks like you've grown up a lot since I was gone."

"Did the great Jacob just admit defeat?!" Lana asked, mocking shock.

"Let's just say I won't stand in your way. The truth is you looked for me even when no one else bothered. And you didn't hesitate to free me when you found me either. And we're together now because of you." Jacob smiled, "How's Beatrice? I hated having to leave before knowing if she was alright."

"She's better. I'm glad you came when I called tonight 'cause we need your help." Lana said, linking her arm with Barnaby's.

"We? Oh sorry, mate, I didn't mean to ignore you." Jacob said, looking at Barnaby, "Hang on, I've seen you before..."

"In Knockturn Alley, yeah. I'm Barnaby Lee." the younger boy smiled.

"Jacob Riviera...but I suppose you already know that." Jacob laughed, "I'm here for you, Pip. So tell me what I need to know!" he told his sister.

"So it turns out the whomping willow may be a message exchange centre for the darkest organisations of the wizarding world!" Lana said, "If it's true, there's bound to be clues to how to find 'R' there."

"If you go to the willow you'll be whomped and stomped for sure! What good is finding a clue if you're crushed before you can use it to find 'R'?" Jacob asked.

"I'm betting I can use the shield charm to protect me while I find what I need and was hoping you'd practice with me."

"You'd be surprised at how many witches and wizards can't even conjure a proper shield charm." Jacob smirked.

"Rakepick taught it to her in secret." Barnaby said.

"Did she now? Look at that, little Pip. You're full of surprises."

"It was way before I knew she was only using me to unlock the buried vault."

"And you're betting that Rakepick taught it to me for the same reasons?" Jacob asked.

"Am I wrong?" Lana asked, raising a brow.

"As usually, you're spot on. And I bet I'm better at it than you are." her brother chuckled.