Loyalties | Barty Crouch Jr

Barty and the Bludger

September 16, 1978 - Saturday

"Quidditch tryouts are today," Barty announced as he sat next to Leonora for breakfast.

She briefly jumped at the boy's sudden appearance, before turning her head to face him. "I'm well aware," she answered, her words laced with boredom. "It's all Regulus has been talking about."

"I know. I've been thinking of trying out for the team."

Leonora raised her eyebrows. "You want to try out?"

He nodded his head.

"For the quidditch team?"

"That is what I said, isn't it? And" he paused for a moment, eyeing the girl, "I've decided that you're trying out with me."

Her eyes widened as she almost choked on the bite of pancake she had just put in her mouth. "Me?" she murmured with her mouth full, before gulping the bite down and dropping her fork. "There is no way I'm trying out. I'd only make a fool of myself."

"You would not make a fool of yourself, Nora. You're decent enough at quidditch. Please?" he pleaded, his eyes begging.

She shook her head. "No way am I stepping out onto that field, Barty. I'll most definitely support you from the stands though."

The boy groaned. "I suppose that's better than nothing."

"What position are you even trying out for anyways?"

"I think I'd make a fine beater."

"Really?" she asked sarcastically. "A beater?"

"Don't you think I could do it?" he asked, his voice offended. "I'm perfectly capable."

"Of course you are. Don't you think it's just, rather dangerous? I'm only worried you'll get hurt."

The boys stomach instantly filled with butterflies. "You're worried about me?" he asked sweetly.

Leonora playfully rolled her eyes. "Obviously. I don't want a bludger to ram into your head. Leave a nasty dent," she joked.

"I'll be fine," he assured her, though when the girl still looked at him, uncertainty in her eyes, he held up his pinky, offering it out to her. "I promise."

She sighed, but nonetheless, held her pinky up and wrapped it around his. "You better be."

.........................................................

Exactly one hour after breakfast, Leonora found herself besides Barty and Illyria, who she had convinced to come watch the tryouts as well, hurrying down to the pitch. They had left the castle late, as Barty had thought tryouts started at eleven rather than ten.

"Why don't you run on ahead, Barty?" Leonora told the boy, before almost tripping over her own rushing feet. Barty instantly reached out and grabbed her arm to prevent her from falling, receiving a small smile in return. "You don't want to make a bad impression by being late. We'll find a spot in the stands as soon as we get there."

"Alright," he nodded in agreement, before letting go of her arm and running off at a quicker pace.

"Good luck!" Leonora yelled out. Without turning around, Barty held his hand out to the side with his thumb facing up in response. 

The girls slowed their pace down to a simple stroll in order to catch their breath. If they missed anything, it would only be warm-ups, nothing important.