For the Ultimate OTP Competition (Round 2, main piece, prompt: Polyjuice Potion)
Bellatrix sits across from you, a strange smile on her lips. "What do you think of Barty?" she asks.
Your brows raise in confusion, and it takes a moment to process her question. "He's okay," you answer carefully, inching back in case this is the wrong answer.
Your cousin leans closer. "Just okay? I've seen the way you look at him. Seems like you think he's a little more than okay."
A smirk pulls at your lips as you catch on. Leaning back in your chair, you fold your arms over your chest, a hint of a shrug tugging at your shoulders. "I only look at him because I'm surprised the bastard is still alive. Poor bloke thinks he can fit in, but it really isn't working, is it?"
"What?"
You nod, enjoying the color that creeps into her cheeks. "Don't know why you're so interested, Bella," you continue, trying to keep a straight face. "He really doesn't seem worth it."
She rises to her feet, fists slamming against the table almost childishly. "I'd better go."
"Probably. I'm sure that Polyjuice Potion will be wearing off soon, Barty."
"I- How did you know?"
"The day Bellatrix comes in asking about my romantic interests is the day Albus Dumbledore joins the Death Eaters. Narcissa, maybe, if we were about six years younger," you explain.
Barty, still in Bellatrix's skin sits again, scowling at the table with a rich blush. He doesn't speak.
"Really, Barty, what are you, twelve? You couldn't have asked me outright what I think of you?"
"You're very intimidating."
That makes you laugh, a light, genuine laugh. Intimidating? Not a word you'd ever apply to yourself. "Now, if you want to know how I really feel, come back when the potion wears off."
"Why can't you tell me now?"
"Because I'm a bit uncomfortable confessing my love to the spitting image of my cousin."