A/N:Sorry it took me so long to get a chapter out! It's been a busy few months and I've struggled to find the time (and motivation) to really iron out the direction of this. I've started chapters, then stopped to realize I wanted to include more stepping stones leading up to certain events.

With that said, I hope you enjoy!

Year 9

Early Fall, 1998

The sound of music thrummed through the old house, walls quaking with the swell of a guitar, effortless and smooth. Barnaby could recognize Alanza's playing anywhere- a light and eccentric melody filling the air. The sound of voices drifted above as Barnaby made his way down the winding steps.

Damp stringy hair tickled his eyebrows as he shook it away like a wet dog. Salazar's soul, he had to start spending more time with actual people instead of the hounds. Soon enough, he'd start barking and begging for scraps. Penny had nearly fainted when she saw him arrive in his work clothes; jeans ripped and jacket covered in dirt and dried dog drool. Picking a twig out of his hair, she ordered him to clean up and change immediately before their party guests arrived.

By the sounds of it, the party had already started.

The voices grew louder... almost too loud. How many people did Penny invite to this thing anyway? He swallowed nervously, shoving his hands in his pockets, feeling the small package in his jacket for the tenth time tonight, making sure it was still there.

Penny had practically begged to throw a housewarming party to celebrate their new-found accommodations. It was an easy decision as Barnaby quickly agreed. A place that had been so dull and depressing for so long was now filled with music and laughter. It was an odd feeling, as if he were a stranger in his own home. The colorless walls, mounds of clutter, the choking claustrophobia had been transformed entirely like a blank canvas; walls covered floor to ceiling in colorful curtains, artwork, mismatched chairs, pillows, and knick-knacks. It was beautiful chaos.

There had been one condition of course. The portrait of Barnaby's Grandmum hung with honor above the large mantel, a constant look of disapproval on her wrinkled face. The old hag would scold them; nagging Tulip to sit up straighter, ordering Merula to chew with her mouth closed, pointing an accusatory finger at Barnaby to tuck in his shirt. But on rare occasions, Barnaby would spot the shadow of a smirk on her wrinkled jowls as she looked upon her grandson, a hint of pride in her grey eyes.

Thankfully, the group had learned to find the cranky old witch almost endearing. Barnaby found himself smiling, a warm feeling washing over him at this familiar yet unfamiliar home that had not only become his but his six closest friends.

A swell of cheers erupted as he stepped down on the landing.

"There he is! The master of the house!" Alanza announced, her fingers delicately dancing across the stringed instrument. "Looking handsome as ever might I add." she winked, bold and unabashed as always.

Barnaby blushed, swiping his hair nervously as he turned to Penny. "I thought you said this would be a small gathering..." he pressed quietly through a clenched smile, offering a wary wave to a few others he recognized from school. There had to be at least twenty people here... maybe more. Probably more.

"This is a small gathering!" She assured. "It's just a few of our closest friends... and their friends, and their friend's friends..."

"Mhmm." Barnaby cocked a thick brow at her, amused (and not at all surprised) to learn Penny Haywood had let the guest list explode like it had.

"Sorry", she deflated, offering a meek smile.

A light chuckle escaped him as he patted Penny on the shoulder. "More the merrier."

Her grin widened, matching his own.

"You haven't seen Arah by chance, have you?

Barnaby scanned the foyer for the familiar silver-haired girl. A crop of short white hair caught his attention as he recognized her brother, Jacob, engaged in an animated conversation with Bill Weasley. Olivia, his previous DADA professor, stood close by his side, fingers intertwined with his. Barnaby made a mental note to ask Arah about that later.

Penny rubbed her chin thoughtfully, "I think I saw her heading to the kitchen not too long ago."

Barnaby muttered a quick thanks before navigating through the large home, dodging clusters of people as he made his way to the kitchen- hand drifting to the small package in his pocket again. He glanced down the dim hallway, spotting Jae and Chiara chatting softly, Jae leaning close as Chiara giggled shyly. Merlin, those two really ought to get together already. Everyone could see it.

The smell of pumpkin pasties and treacle tart wafted toward him as he entered through the large archway leading into the grand kitchen. Sure enough, there she was- the silver-haired girl wrestling with a giant keg of fire whiskey, nearly half her size, to get the last few drops. Of course he could have helped her, but it was far too amusing to watch as she grunted under the weight of the barrel, cursing like a Jarvey and tipping the last precious bits of liquid into the pint.

"OY!"

Arah jumped, knocking over the drink as she clutched her heart in panic. "Helga's saggy tits, you wanker!" She gasped, biting back laughter. "Do you know how hard I worked for that last pint?!"

Barnaby struggled to catch his breath between the fits of laughter. "Did using magic ever cross your mind?"

Arah crossed her arms haughtily, "You know, sometimes doing hard things without magic can be more rewarding." She tossed her silver hair back flippantly. "Has that never crossed your mind?" Arah mocked in the best impression of him she could muster. Cute.

"Well consider this for a reward." he grinned, tossing her the little bundle from his pocket. Arah caught it with the grace of a Chaser, likely from the years playing as one on the Gryffindor team.

"What's this about?" she eyed the messily wrapped gift curiously. It was more tape than wrapping paper. Believe it or not, it was the best he could do after dozens of other failed attempts.

"Happy birthday." he offered a warm smile, shoving his fists deep in his pockets.

She peered up at him, brows furrowed in confusion, "But my birthday isn't for another week."

Barnaby shrugged, "Yeah, well- sometimes we go weeks without seeing each other so I figured I'd give it to you while I can."

Arah bit her lip, eying the gift eagerly as if trying to divine the secrets hidden under the soddy wrapping job. "Do I have to wait? I'm so bad at waiting," she whined, looking at him with such an adorable plea that reminded him entirely too much of a Mooncalf. How could he possibly say no to that?

"Well, go on then." He gestured, giving her permission as she beamed, clawing at the paper hungrily, revealing a small velvet box.

Arah eyed him skeptically as she gently pried open the case, revealing a remarkable silver bangle, smelted in the shape of a winding Occamy. A small gasp escaped her lips as she picked up the gift delicately, twisting it around to study the immaculate emerald gems incrusted in its scales, magnifying the incredible details and carvings that went into the piece.

"Barnaby, it's... beautiful." She breathed.

The corner of his mouth quirked as he leaned back on the marble counter. "It was my Grandmum's- made from the silver of an Occamy egg. I found it while sorting out the house."

"I can't possibly keep this." Arah protested, "It's much too-"

"Special? " He interrupted, "That's exactly why I kept it. I saw it and immediately thought of you." Barnaby's cheeks grew hot at the boldness of his words.

Arah's golden eyes met his, her lip giving a short quiver before she threw herself against him, melding into his arms at the thoughtful sentiment. Flutters erupted in his gut like a flock of mad pixies. Barnaby did his best to tamper it down, failing miserably.

"Thank you." her voice muffled into this chest, wrapping her arms around his large frame. "This is... the best gift."

"Happy 20th, Arah." He muttered into her hair, squeezing her tight.

"Hey Arah, I wasn't sure if you liked chocolate or strawberry so I got both -" A husky voice echoed from behind, the Glasgow accent unmistakable. Barnaby turned to see a tall young man staring at the two of them- two cupcakes in hand. "Oh. Sorry. Am I interrupting something?"

"Not at all!" Arah beamed, stepping away from Barnaby, his torso growing cold where she once had been. "Callum, this is my best friend, Barnaby Lee. Barnaby, this is my coworker, Callum."

A brief glint of skepticism passed over the bloke's eyes as he looked over Barnaby a moment before snapping his fingers in recognition.

"I remember you! You were that first year that ate the poisonous doxy eggs on a bet!"

Barnaby chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. "Yeah, that was me."

Merlin, he was such an idiot back then. The foolish things he'd done in some pathetic attempt to prove his strength. His bull-headedness found himself in many stupid predicaments, all done purely in vain. In the end, it had definitely not been worth the week-long stay in the Hospital Wing. He shuttered at the thought.

"Oche, that was rich! You were green for days." he laughed heartily.

Barnaby smirked, studying Callum for a moment. He looked vaguely familiar... but not enough to recall much about him. Callum seemed to pick up on this as he continued on.

"I was in Slytherin before transferring to Ivermorny in my 6th year. I was a 5th year when you lot started which is probably why you don't remember me much."

Callum McClintock. The name came to him suddenly, recalling the way he and his friends used to taunt the younger ones, and the many whispered rumors of his late-night snogging sessions. That was years ago, though. Barnaby wouldn't hold it against him, people change. He would know, he'd been a completely different person back then.

"It's a pleasure to meet you again," Barnaby said politely, offering his hand. Callum grasped it firm and forceful.

"Likewise." He plastered on a charming grin, shaking his hand enthusiastically.

Arah cleared her throat, plucking the chocolate cupcake Callum had brought. She'd always preferred chocolate. "Barnaby works in the Magical Creatures department at the Ministry." Arah shared, "He's quite gifted with creatures."

"Aye?" His brows shot up and disappeared behind the black hair that hung over his head, "So let's say I've got a pesky infestation of Garden Gnomes in my yard... you can be the mate I call?" he winked.

Barnaby smiled courteously, brushing off the slightly offensive remark. "Sounds more like a job for Magical Maintenance to me." He joked lightly. He could hardly feel bad knowing the job title was most likely a front... at least Barnaby thought so. Arah had made that much clear to him the last night he'd gone over.

Callum's mouth curled into a crooked grin, "Cheeky bloke. I like you." he pointed decidedly.

"Barnaby is actually the head trainer for the Albino Bloodhound pack in the Nogtail division," Arah boasted proudly. Barnaby's ears reddened at this.

"Ah, so you can help me housebreak my little crup pup then?" he challenged with a smug lopsided smirk—the prick.

Arah slapped his arm, "Callum." she chastised under her breath.

"What? I'm only joking. You know I'm joking with you, right mate?" Callum slapped him on the back, his laugh beginning to grate at his ears.

Barnaby forced a hollow chuckle. "Yeah, it's all good, mate." The words soured on his tongue.

"Arah Annon! I have been looking everywhere for you." Tulip appeared in the doorway, a shit-eating grin plastered on her fair skin. Thank Merlin too, Barnaby wasn't sure how much longer he could entertain this conversation. "I need you to test one of my latest inventions and tell me what you think." Tulip chattered excitedly, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

The basement had been transformed into Tulip's laboratory for all types of experimental inventions as she continued to work under the tutelage of Bilton Bilmes, owner of the notorious Zonko's Joke Shop. For the last month, a permanent glow of pink haze oozed from the crevices of the basement door. Sometimes it was best not to ask questions.

Arah turned to Callum apologetically, "Do you mind? I promise I'll be just a moment."

"Not at all," the man assured with subtle charm, "I'll catch up with my old Slytherin mate here in the meantime," he said lightly, clasping Barnaby's shoulder.

Salazar help him.

Arah gave Barnaby a silent plea—the things he would do for her. "Sure, but a quick word of advice- take a deep breath before going down there. Trust me."

"Wha-" Arah's eyes widened as Tulip clutched her hand and practically dragged her away, leaving the two young men alone in the kitchen.

Callum chuckled softly, dark eyes following Arah, lingering well after she disappeared behind the door. Something about it bothered Barnaby- as if his gaze overstayed its welcome.

"So... Lee is it?" Callum broke the silence.

Barnaby busied himself by filling two pints of Butterbeer. "I prefer Barnaby. Lee was what my father went by." he corrected, handing the mug to the dark-haired man.

"Cheers," he smirked, accepting the drink. "That's a pure-blood name, is it not?"

It was a fair question and a common topic discussed amongst fellow Slytherins. Barnaby answered it unbothered.

"It is, but I never cared much for the status."

"Good on you." Callum lifted his mug taking a gulp. "Did your parents raise you to think that way?"

Barnaby scoffed, "Quite the opposite. Their obsession for it landed them in Azkaban when I was nine. They have been there ever since."

"I'm sorry to hear it," Callum said sincerely.

"I'm not."

Callum snorted coldly, taking another swig. "I guess you could look at the bright side. If they were still around, you'd probably be forced to marry some first or second cousin, popping out little pure-blooded babies as soon as you graduated."

It was a dark thing to imagine but easily could have been a reality for Barnaby. Even now, he could recall the utter disappointment his parents had felt when the Malfoy's had birthed a son instead of a daughter. He had only been seven.

It wasn't an uncommon practice for pure-blooded families to have arranged marriages. In more extreme and dire circumstances, parents would marry off their children to other extended family members, desperate to preserve the bloodline. Barnaby was more than aware of the rumors that had swirled around the school regarding his own upbringing. Students had teased Barnaby's slowness as a direct result of incestual relations within his family line. Wilfred Levi spent three days in the Hospital Wing with jelly legs for mocking Barnaby about it in their 2nd year. No one dared bring it up after that, but... the whispers stuck with him and the worry that came with it. What if it were true?

Barnaby took a drink, keen to change the subject. "So I take it you're Arah's mentor for Magical Maintenance?"

"Aye, that I am. That witch is... something else."

There it was. That look again- fleeting yet unmistakable. It was the same way he'd looked at Arah all these years. One of longing, evident and deep.

Barnaby swallowed the venomous bite of jealousy that beat at his chest. "That's one way to put it."

"Stubborn as a Hippogriff. And I don't care what anyone says, but her bite is absolutely worse than her bark." Callum whistled as a genuine laugh burst forth from Barnaby. At least it brought him a little comfort knowing Callum's charm wasn't enough to protect him from being on the receiving end of Arah's wrath. It was a scary sight to see.

"I'll drink to that," Barnaby smirked, glasses clinking together.

The crowd dwindled as the party died down, leaving just their closest friends remaining. They sat around the sitting room, a cozy fire casting the walls in flickering light. Barnaby tried to enjoy the company of friends, but he found himself distracted - his gaze drifting to Arah and Callum time and time again.

He didn't miss the way Callum sat close to her, arm hung loosely over the couch giving an illusion of intimacy. Or the way his hand lingered on her back, taking any excuse to touch her. Or how he leaned in close to her ear, murmuring something only she could hear as a smile crept on her lips. There was a flush to her cheeks- if from the Fire Whiskey or the charm of Callum, he could not say.

Watching them, a pit formed in Barnaby's stomach like a pile of rocks. To make matters worse, their friends adored him.

Andre had practically shrieked with excitement when Callum offered to bring him some fine Lotus silks next time he found himself traveling through Albania. Of course the bloke would be a world traveler.

Tulip oozed with gratitude after Callum recommended combining Ashwinder powder with a Dungbomb to make the eruption dark as night for an easy getaway. She was already fervently sketching out ideas in her notebook.

He and Bill chattered excitedly about his upcoming trip to Egypt (of course he'd been there too), he gave Ismelda some pointers on plant toxins and antidotes, made a joke that involved someone's Mother and a Troll that got Jae and Jacob to spit out their drinks in laughter, and had shared a new Quidditch move he had invented when he played on the Slytherin team to Murphy McNully.

By the end of the night, the friends were clambering for Callum's attention. Barnaby could hardly blame them. The man was kind of the shit; charming, interesting, good-looking, experienced, mature, comedic, talented. All of things Barnaby was not.

A deep ache hollowed his chest, an empty feeling that robbed him of all pride. Like he'd lost his own sense of belonging.

The fire had dulled to glowing embers. One by one, the house emptied, sleepy goodbyes murmured well into the night as friends gradually departed. Out of habit, Barnaby offered to apparate Arah home before Callum stepped in nobly to volunteer like a true gentleman. She obliged, taking him by the hand, and was whisked away with a deafening crack. The sound reverberated through Barnaby's core, leaving him standing alone in the dark foyer.

A/N: Let me know what you thought of this chapter! Do we feel for Barnaby? Do we wish to shelter his heart, or find his insecurities selfish? Flawed characters can be so difficult to write. Anyway, much love to you all, and thanks to those who take the time to leave a kudos / review!