Title: Crossroads
Rating: T
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Remus/Barty
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Word Count: 489
Summary: Barty has a magical way with words.
Notes:
100 Word Prompt Collection Challenge: 10. Key
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: September Event: Back To School Teamwork Event - 9. (word) Future / 47. (dialogue) "Evil and smart." / "Fear it. Embrace it."
Year Long Scavenger Hunt Challenge and Competition: D3. Write about a Death Eater turning to the light or an Order of the Phoenix member turning dark who didn't in canon. (so not Snape or Wormtail, for example)
The Ten Pairings Challenge v2: Remus/Barty
Hogwarts Writing Club: Round 5 - Clam (470-530 words)
Remus always thought Barty was the key to his future. There was something about the Slytherin that simply drew him.
Of course, none of his friends knew about his association with Barty. They'd never understand why he liked a slimy snake so much.
So, Remus kept his feelings and relationship a secret. And despite Barty's Slytherin status, he didn't worry about his lover being inherently evil. After all, his father was a respectable member of the Ministry. Surely, Barty Crouch Jr. would follow in Barty Crouch Sr.'s footsteps, right?
Still, somehow, he was pulled under with Barty. His lover joined the one who killed anyone who didn't follow his ideals.
And he knew exactly what to say to get Remus to think about joining.
"Remus, Love, you're a werewolf, and you'll never be accepted or treated like an equal. The Light will always fear you and see you as nothing more than a mindless beast."
Remus, not yet convinced, crossed his arms. "And you think your Lord will be any different?" he scoffed.
Barty wasn't stupid enough to promise total equality. "Maybe not completely, but he promised rights for your kind. You'll be able to have a job. You'll be allowed basic healthcare. Something the so-called Light will deny you."
Remus hated himself for even thinking about it, but Barty did have a point, and he nearly clammed up at the truth of it all. "Barty..."
"I love you," Barty whispered. "Please, I don't want to meet you at wandpoint, but I can't turn my back on my Lord. Why stay with a side that will never give you even basic human rights when we can be together on the right side?"
Remus swallowed. He thought about the fact that the only reason he was allowed to go to Hogwarts was because his condition was a secret. "My friends accept me," he weakly argued.
"Do they really accept you? Or do they merely tolerate you because you're the best at Charms, and their pranks wouldn't be nearly as good without your brilliant mind."
Remus never thought he would be in this position, but what Barty said made sense to him. No one else accepted him as a child. Why would the Marauders so easily accept him, unless it was to utilize his brain?
Barty cupped his cheek. "I love you, and I'll never use you like that. I'll forever love me. Stay at my side forever. Please."
Barty's words were working their magic. He couldn't help the breathless chuckle. "You've actually managed to make me think about joining a group that murder. Evil and smart."
Barty smirked. "Fear it. Embrace it."
Remus pulled Barty's lips to his for a searing kiss. He hadn't answered Barty with words, but he knew his kiss was a promise to follow his lover to the ends of Earth. Even if the ends of Earth included a Dark Lord bent on a Pure-blood Society.