Potter's "Help"

At the Slytherin Long Table, Little Barty's expression shifted from gloomy to stormy.

Before Regulus could even set down his utensils, he sprang up and grabbed Little Barty's arm, afraid he would really charge over there.

"Shut up, you idiot with dungbombs for brains!"

Sirius shot to his feet and seized James by the front of his robes. The two began wrestling, rolling into a heap on the bench.

Lupin turned his face away, looking as though he had never met these two lunatics.

Professor McGonagall's stern voice rang out from the staff table. "Mr. Potter and Mr. Black! Stop this behavior immediately! Twenty points from Gryffindor! Can't you understand me? Stop at once! Fighting during the opening feast! Detention, all of you!"

This sudden farce instantly became the focus of the entire Great Hall.

Rosier and her friends turned to mocking Gryffindor's idiotic behavior, temporarily forgetting to keep staring at Lucretia.

An older Ravenclaw student explained to the first-years, "That's Sirius Black and James Potter. The most notorious troublemaking duo in the school. Don't they call themselves the Marauders or something?"

Lucretia took the opportunity to explain, "I have no idea why Mr. Potter would say something like that..."

A girl wearing a prefect's badge comforted her. "Don't worry. Potter and Black are always like this. They enjoy causing a commotion. They did something similar last year too."

Another older student chimed in, "Exactly, that was too much. They're just looking for entertainment, so don't take it too seriously. We'll help you."

Gradually, everyone's attention drifted away from Lucretia and turned instead to discussing the Marauders' past pranks and Professor McGonagall's harsh punishments.

Taking advantage of the commotion, Lucretia was finally able to eat in peace.

When Little Barty saw this, his tense shoulders finally loosened a little, though his gaze toward the Gryffindor table remained icy.

Potter's shout had unexpectedly helped Lucretia out, but the line about how Sirius's eyes went wide whenever he saw Miss Crouch made him recall the way Black had looked at her during that friendly match. It left an unpleasant weight in his chest.

Regulus said quietly, "Looks like things have taken a turn. I have to admit, my brother can sometimes help even when he's causing trouble. Though he definitely didn't mean to. It was all because that bludgeon Potter had a brain malfunction."

Little Barty gave a soft snort, his gaze still directed toward Lucretia.

"I've always thought there was something off about the way Black looked at her... It was too obvious."

Regulus raised his brows and followed his gaze.

"Sirius has always loved meddling. But don't worry, I don't think he'd dare flirt with his little sister. Besides, with how closely you're watching, I reckon your spell would be flying before he even finished speaking."

Little Barty shot him a glare. "I'm saying I don't trust them. Look at Potter's loose mouth. What if he lets something slip about that day..."

Regulus nodded, his expression turning serious as well. "I understand. Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on her. Besides, she's in Ravenclaw now. It's much safer than Gryffindor."

Little Barty finally looked away from Lucretia and gave Regulus a cold glance.

"Eat your dinner, Regulus."

Regulus shrugged and wisely shut his mouth.

Someone probably had no idea that his current expression could pickle vegetables, but he had better keep quiet for now. Otherwise, Potter's fate might soon be transferred to his own face.

At the Gryffindor table.

After Professor McGonagall had no choice but to come down from the staff table herself and use her wand to pull them apart, followed by a fierce scolding and three days of detention, Sirius and James finally quieted down on the surface. They were still exchanging looks and muttered curses, however.

James complained miserably in a low voice as he rubbed the arm Sirius had pinched purple. "Nice one, Padfoot. I kindly helped you divert everyone's attention, and you hit me that hard."

Sirius glared at him, lowering his voice even further. "Help? You call that help? The entire Great Hall heard you shouting that I liked Lucretia!"

James waved it off and jerked his chin toward the Ravenclaw table. "Oh, come on. Once we cause a few more disasters over the next couple of days, they'll forget all about it. At least Miss Lucretia can eat in peace now. No one's staring at her anymore. And did you see Crouch's face? It looked worse than if he'd lost a Quidditch match. Isn't that exactly the result you wanted?"

Sirius secretly glanced toward the Ravenclaw table. Once he confirmed that Lucretia really was eating quietly now, his expression softened slightly, and he reluctantly admitted, "Half right, half wrong. But next time you're going to be helpful in the worst possible way, give me some warning first."

James grinned and lowered his voice. "And then what? So you can sneak away beforehand? No chance! Honestly, every time I see you and Crouch glaring at each other over a girl, just remembering it is enough to keep me laughing for a whole year."

Lupin cleared his throat and shot James and Sirius a warning look, then tilted his head slightly in Peter's direction.

Peter was eating pudding and seemed not to have noticed their conversation.

James nodded in understanding, lowering his voice even more. "By the way, about what we discussed on the train... Moony, are you free? After lights-out?"

Lupin answered briefly, "Yes. I think we do need to talk."

Sirius rolled his eyes and kicked James. "Before then, if you say one more word, I'll smear pumpkin pie all over your face."

Lupin sighed again. "Could you two settle down for a while first? Professor McGonagall is still watching."

James and Sirius raised their heads at the same time. Professor McGonagall was glaring at them with piercing eyes.

The two immediately lowered their heads and obediently ate, wearing innocent expressions.

After Dumbledore's final speech and the school song ended, the students began preparing to return to their dormitories.

The Ravenclaw prefects stood and called for the first-year students to follow them.

Lucretia had just risen when she saw Little Barty and Regulus walking toward the Ravenclaw table.

Emma whispered excitedly, "It's your brothers! They're coming this way."

Regulus walked in front, naturally greeting people he knew along the way and clearing a path for the two of them.

Little Barty followed close behind, his expression serious and his eyes fixed directly on Lucretia.

The sight of the two arriving together drew quite a few curious glances.

Regulus was the first to speak, wearing a gentle smile as he straightened her robe collar. "Little sister, congratulations on getting into Ravenclaw. I knew the Sorting Hat would recognize how clever you are."

Little Barty stood beside him. Though gentler than usual, he still retained his usual restraint in public. "The sorting result is good. Go back to your dormitory and put your things away first. Regulus and I will come find you in a while. We'll talk then."

Lucretia nodded, the corners of her mouth rising unconsciously. "All right."

Little Barty lowered his voice slightly. "If anything happens—for example, if someone gives you trouble on the way back to the Common Room—remember their name and tell us later."

Regulus cut in brightly, patting Lucretia's hair. "Don't worry, Barty. Little sister will do just fine in Ravenclaw. She'll make friends, excel in her studies, and eventually leave everyone astonished."

"That's right!"

Emma gathered her courage and spoke up. But when Little Barty turned toward her, she instinctively shrank her shoulders. Still, she bravely continued.

"I... I, we'll all take good care of her!"

Little Barty's brows lifted slightly. He studied Emma for a moment before nodding, his expression softening somewhat.

Only after the two boys had left did Emma finally let out a long breath.

"Merlin, the way your brother looked at me just now scared me so much I could barely speak. But he's so good to you."

Lucretia replied with a smile, "That's only how he seems on the surface. Barty is actually very thoughtful."

She lightly touched the collar that had just been straightened, where a trace of warmth still lingered.

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