Jealousy, Jealousy || Jegulus & Rosekiller

13. Artemis

Evan

Evan knows from the noise that the party downstairs is already in full swing. He's on the bed reading, not really eager to see Barty and Regulus celebrate the victory.

The door suddenly opens. "Evan, what are you doing reading up here?", says Barty.

"I'm a bit tired. I'm not really in the mood for a party".

Barty sits on the bed beside him. "But we won, against Gryffindor! Come for at least five minutes to make a toast with me and Reg", says Barty cheerfully.

"I will in a little bit".

"Do you want me to bring you some butterbeer up here? And Reg. I can also bring Reg to you", smiles Barty.

"No, you should be celebrating. Don't mind me", smiles Evan.

"How can I not mind you? And we can't celebrate without you with us", says Barty. "Do you want a hug? Do you want me to bring you something to eat here? It will give you some energy".

"No, thanks. Don't worry. I'm coming down".

"I'm still going to give you the hug", Barty smiles, opening his arms. Evan moves into his arms and hugs him back.

Evan lets Barty take his hand and lift him from the bed.

The common room is already packed. Regulus runs towards him. "Evan, finally. Come drink something with us!"

All the players, together with Marcus and Rodolphus, are downing drink after drink, cheering to the victory in between each. Rodolphus thrust some Firewhisky into Evan's hand. "To Slytherin!", he cries. "To Slytherin!", they all repeat and drink. Barty smiles at Evan, and he smiles back.

"To our Captain", cries Marcus. They all toast.

"Captain, we want a speech!", shouts Zabini.

"Yes, Reg, you have to!", says Avery.

"No, guys, please", says Regulus shyly. Barty squeezes Regulus' hand, shares a look with him, and climbs on the table.

Barty raises his arms. "Guys, I just want to say a few words. You have confirmed to be the most marvellous and talented players in the entire world. It would have been difficult to win without you. I mean, I could have done it, but it would have been harder- Hey!", the others are throwing cushions at him.

"No, but seriously", continues Barty, "I want to commend each and every one of you. Avery, thank you for passing me the quaffle that made me score". Avery throws a plastic cup at him.

"Zabini, you've been amazing at being hit by the bludger. You took it very stoically. Greengrass, you managed to hit Finn without making him lose the quaffle. That is true talent in action". Rodolphus proposes a toast to each player Barty mentions, and they all drink.

"Montague", proceeds Barty, "you successfully managed to block the access to the hoop to our Griffyndor adversary. Pity that he was the wrong one, and he didn't have the quaffle", grins Barty.

"And, finally, Regulus", says Barty as he grabs him and lifts him up on the table. "Light of my life, you were the only exceptional player out there. You didn't miss a beat and led us to victory. To our Captain!", says Barty as he raises his glass. Everyone cheers.

Bad Moon Rising starts to play. Barty takes Regulus' hand and makes him do a spin, as they both laugh.

Evan looks at the decorations. There are green banners all over the walls, with all kinds of enchanted drawings.

Rodolphus cries, "But let's not forget our Barty, who has succeeded in proving his value, which was questioned this morning, and scored more goals than anyone else today!"