As we made our way through the throng of people, mainly students and those that Slughorn could reach on such short notice, I kept on glancing at Barty. He had an almost goofy grin stamped into his features, the image of lost hope all but gone. I had held back long enough. I just had to ask him.
"What brought this on?" I asked eventually, my curiosity getting the better of me once more. He cocked an elegant eyebrow in sardonic amusement.
"What?" He pulled me in close and cupped my cheek, almost tenderly.
"Why did you ask me that? Where did your sudden insecurities come from?" He laughed and pulled back slightly.
"I am not insecure. I am cautious, witch. In the beginning, you were an enigma. A contradiction. You still are. But, you were so hesitant towards me, yet oh so ready for me. It's a complete contrast to now, as you have indeed professed your love for me to my face. It worries me to say the least, goddess. What ever am I to do if you decide 'no'? Fated bond or not, the thought frightens me." He confessed.
"Who are you and what have you done with my fiancé? Relax, Barty. Why must you be so proper and formal all of the time? Have some fun every once in a while."
"Tell me what changed!" He hissed, demanding to know. I pursed my lips as he gripped my arms tightly, and he loosened his grip reluctantly. My gaze softened slightly.
"You let me in. Not much, but just enough. I still don't entirely trust you yet, but I trust you enough to let you have possession of my heart and minimal control over my life. I just don't know enough about you yet, Barty."
"What? Of course you do!"
"No, I don't, Bartemius Crouch Junior. I don't know any of your small quirks and habits. I don't know any of the small details. I won't know until you let me in all of the way, trust me in return and actually tell me that you love me in return, to my face." He frowned and leaned in, his hard mouth soft as he pressed it against my ear as we danced slowly. I was finally able to grasp the concept of what the Patil twins had told me when they said that if you love someone completely, the entire world just fades away until all that is left is just you and your lover. I never imagined feeling this with anyone at all, especially with the future lapdog of Voldemort. Barty's arms were a solid comfort for me, as cheesy as it sounded. I pressed my body up against his own, smiling up at him softly. He caressed the signet ring on my finger and smirked mischievously.
"I do love you sweet goddess, but I'm afraid that you'll be taken away from me by that manipulative bastard Dumbledore. I don't trust him as far as I could throw him, bring him back, torture him a couple of times, throw him again and then kill him." I gulped nervously. The beginning of the sentence had been fine until his psychotic tendencies took over.
"Say it again." I whispered. He grinned once more.
"I love you, my one. Mya." He had a small but true smile written into his handsome features. It made me exceedingly giddy. Our small moment was unfortunately destroyed by Slughorn's booming voice.
"There you two are! The very guests of honour! Well done once more, m'boy! A fine catch indeed…" I cleared my throat and Barty schooled his expression once more.
"It's good to know that you will finally get to experience some happiness, Barty!" Slughorn jeered, elbowing him. I laughed and Barty scowled. Slughorn beamed at the two of us and beckoned the resident photographer over to us to take a photo. As I stood in Barty's embrace, I couldn't help sigh dreamily. It felt right. The image in my head that I had of relationships was pessimistic, as I always believed that I would have to sell myself short by choosing Ron.
"Wonderful! You two do truly make a lovely couple. I'm sure that your future children will be beautiful." I went red and Barty laughed nervously, loosening the neck of his dress robes. As Slughorn left us alone, I glanced up at Barty who only smirked back at me.
"Merlin, could he have been any more blunt about it?" I snarked into Barty's shoulder. Barty chuckled darkly and tilted my head upwards, kissing me hungrily. I wrapped my arms around his neck, loosing myself in the kiss.
"Perhaps we should go practice?" He leered laviciously, grinning eagerly against my mouth. I slid my hands down his chest, smiling up at him, ignoring everyone surrounding us. As he kissed me once more, a camera flash brought us apart. We scowled in unison and the photographer took another one, much to our annoyance.
"I'm going to hex him."
"You'll have to get through me first, goddess." He growled harshly, clenching his fists at his sides in anger.
"A dance for the happy couple!" Slughorn announced in a feeble attempt to intervene, wanting no hexes to be thrown about tonight. I blinked, getting a hold on my anger. I didn't like dancing at other people's 'request', I'd rather do it myself and at my own pace. I blinked, getting a hold on my anger. I turned to Barty and smiled up at him kindly. He schooled his anger and nodded once. I felt nervous as he stepped back, bowing to me, ever the aristocratic wizard. I felt so minor compared to him. As he took my hand and placed his other on my waist, I blushed. We'd done more than this, much more than this, but I couldn't help but blush. Barty smirked arrogantly, holding me close. I groaned as all of the other guest stepped back and watched us dance. Barty's hands held me to him as I urged him to step back from the center of the room. I didn't want to be the center of attention more than necessary. I was used to being overlooked under these situations, and I preferred it that way.
"Please, Barty, I don't like it." I pleaded.
"Purebloods do not back down, Mya. You may not count yourself as one as your parents are muggles, but you do come from the purest bloodline, so you are one nonetheless." He answered haughtily as he tightened his grip on my waist. I huffed, my eyes flashing with anger and allowed him this one time. I didn't feel like being paraded about like a trophy in front of the entirety of Slughorn's 'elite' club. Answering questions was all well and good, as nobody else tended to concentrate on me when I did so. But now, I was being followed by the eyes of every person in the entire room.
"You must learn to be comfortable in a setting such as this." He murmured into my hair. I pulled back slightly, my nostrils flaring as a result of my anger.
"Why, Barty? So that you can show me off to all of your bloody Death Eater friends, and your Master?"
"You will not disrespect my Master! He has been kind to me where others have not!"
"How? By cursing you into delirium? Oh yes, very nice man." I drawled sarcastically.
"You understand nothing!" He hissed.
"Neither do you!" I retorted. He narrowed his gaze and spun us around in front of Slughorn. He seemed surprised by the action, choking on some of his mead.
"Barty, what is it?" He rasped, trying to clear his throat.
"My fiance isn't quite yet ready for her to be the centre of attention outside of academics. I'm afraid that she's a tad shy. This has been wonderful, Professor, but I'm going to take her back to the Head Dorms." Slughorn gave a disappointed sigh, but conceded.
"She'll have to get used to it, Barty. After all, she'll be the wife of a Pureblood such as of functions to attend to my dear boy. Galas organised by the Ministry and such." I stiffened and Barty nodded crisply, picking me up like he did on my first night here.
I squeaked as he dropped me down on his bed as he took his cloak off. I glanced up at him, worry in my eyes. I froze as he locked the door, his eyes glinting with mad fire in the darkness.
"Why must you press my anger, Hermione? We both know that you know the state of my sanity thanks to my darling father. Why must you aggravate me? Do you want me to harm you?" He snarled, lowering his body on top of mine. I was scared, and it was easy to see why. I brought my hand up to his cheek, caressing it softly, leaning up to kiss his forehead. He opened his eyes lazily, our eyes meeting. I smiled and he smiled back. We had a silent understanding. His muscles relaxed as he laid his head down on my chest, wrapping his arms around my waist. I stroked his hair softly, humming. I wasn't humming anything in particular, but it soothed him.
"No one will ever touch you but me. Not if they wish to live unharmed. Not even my Master will be allowed that privelge." He vowed. I chuckled softly and Barty smiled into my chest.
"Possessive much?" I commented. He looked up at me.
"yes." He stated bluntly, pulling his arms out from underneath me. I flushed as he traced his lips down to my cleavage, his eyes dark with lust.
"You love me?" He whispered. I nodded, wary of what he wanted and where this conversation was heading.
"You wish for me to let you in, I have conditions, witch."
"Yes? What are they?" He smirked arrogantly, nuzzling against my chest softly. My heart was thumping. I gasped as his fingers climbed up my thigh teasingly.
"I have three conditions. Would you like to hear them?" He purred seductively.
"Yes please." He chuckled and whispered them into my ear.
"Love me, never leave me, and- never betray me."