Barnaby X Reader (Hogwarts Mystery)

Your time spent at Hogwarts was something you'd never forget, of course there were times when you had felt drained of energy, but your friends always made things better.

Unfortunately, you all couldn't stay together after you left.

Almost the instant you left the school, a letter from Gringotts bank had arrived, requesting specially for the Hogwarts curse breaker to come and work for them. Apparently Bill had put in a good word for you with the bank. It was a great job opportunity but you knew you couldn't do it alone. You accepted the job, under the condition that it was as a team of curse breakers. Your friends Rowan and Tulip had quickly volunteered, tulip with her love of mischief and Rowan with their love of knowledge and learning.

Everyone else had also been asked but by then, most of them had already chosen their jobs.

Charlie Weasley had decided to go to Romania to follow his passion for magical creatures and study Dragons. Tonks had signed up with the ministry, training to become an Auror under the instruction of the infamous Alastair Moody. Barnaby and Andre had been signed up to play Quidditch for the Pride of Portree due to their skill and reputation. Penny, with her love of potions had chosen to study further, working with various potions masters. As for Ben, whilst he was no longer the scaredy cat he used to be, he opted for a quieter life as a private Charms tutor.

Even though you're all carving your own paths, you still all strive to keep in touch with each other. However, there are some who you talk to much more frequently than the rest. With you all working together, you, Rowan and Tulip have grown even closer together if that was possible but there was one other person who you always made time for, no matter how busy you were. That person was non other than Barnaby Lee. Since your time at Hogwarts, Barnaby had grown up into quite the man. He'd kept his toned body through vigorous quidditch training but as far as his personality goes, he'd come out of his own shell in a way. Of course he'd never been shy or anything like that, but you could always practically tell that he was keeping something hidden. It was during the school graduation party that he'd finally shown you that side of him. Everyone else had been drinking and partying as much as possible but that's when you noticed that Barnaby had been missing. The party had been held in the Great Hall, so you walked through the big doors trying to find him. After checking a few corridors, you found him sat outside in the courtyard.

You could make out slight sobs coming from the young man ahead of you as his shoulders shook a little.

"Barnaby?" You questioned, the sobbing completely stopped as soon as you spoke,

"Barnaby, what's wrong?" You asked again, genuinely worried for your friend.

"It's nothing Y/n, just go back to the celebration, I'll be fine," you could hear the strain in his voice as he spoke. Clearly he wasn't fine. "I can tell something is wrong, please just tell me, I just want to help." you walked over to him until you were both side by side.

He looked up at you with his Emerald green eyes, clearly filled with tears. "Sorry Y/n, I don't think that this is the type of problem that can be solved over a sandwich or a butterbeer," he tried smirking but it didn't look convincing.

"I know but just talking things over might help you make more sense of things. I promise that no matter what it is I won't judge you." You placed your hand on his shoulder trying to reassure him. For a moment you thought it hadn't worked but then he sighed,

"I'm scared Y/n, I know I shouldn't be. But I am."

"What are you scared of?" You ask curiously.

He sobbed once more before answering, "I'm scared of losing the first real friends I've made. I know I have to return home to look after my family house, but I don't want to be away from you, from any of you. But the thing that's scaring the most is what I'm going to do once we've left, I don't know who would want to hire the child of two notorious death eaters."

"Don't underestimate yourself Barnaby, you're a good wizard. Not only that but you're a great quidditch player and amazing with magical creatures. Not to mention that from what I've heard you're nothing like your parents were, so I know you're going to find a great job. I believe in you!"

"Thanks Y/n" he genuinely smiled a little this time.

"As for losing your friends, I for one won't let that happen. No matter what happens after, I'm determined to keep in contact with everyone and of course that includes you."

What happened next took me by complete surprise, Barnaby stood up next to me and lifted me into a hug.

"Thank you Y/n, thank you so much"

"Ok ok, you're welcome. Now can you put me down again?" You giggle.

With you still held up, his gorgeous green eyes meet yours. Your heart skips slightly at the eye contact as he keeps you there for a moment before carefully lowering you to the ground.

He holds your gaze for a moment longer. Just as he opens his mouth to speak, a high pitch voice calls both of your names.

"Y/n, Barnaby there you two are, you're missing the party!" Penny chuckles as she makes her way over to you with Andre by her side.

"Sorry, we completely lost track of time," I covered for Barnaby assuming that he wouldn't want the others to find out that he'd been crying.

"Yes sorry, shall we head back inside?" Barnaby offered.

"You two go ahead, there's something I need Y/n's advice on." Andre spoke up,

Penny nodded "ok we'll see you both inside," and with one last glance over from Barnaby, they both headed back into the castle.

"What's wrong Andre?" You ask, genuinely confused.

"Oh, nothing's wrong Y/n. It's just that with our time at Hogwarts ending very soon, there's something I've wanted to do. Or rather, there's someone I've always wanted to ask on a date."

"That's so sweet, who's the lucky person?" You question, being careful not to assume anything.

"Well, it's actually Penny..." he trails off looking nervous.

"Penny? I didn't realise you liked her."

"I've tried to make sure no one knew, as I didn't know if I had a chance but since we're all heading off next year, I thought I'd just do it."

"If you've liked her for that long then just go for it. You never know unless you try." Andre smiles and you both decide to head back inside.

Once inside the great hall it doesn't take long to find your group. As you approach Barnaby catches your eye by smiling as he looks over from his conversation with Tulip.

You all continued with the celebrations and after about an hour, it seemed that Andre had finally gained the courage to ask Penny on a date as she was beaming as he lifted her up, spinning her in a circle.

Your group erupts in a chorus of cheers whilst the two beam happily.

The party continued long into the night until everyone decided that it was time to sleep.

The next day, it was time to leave for home and once you'd all left the train, there were several tearful goodbyes.

It wasn't two weeks before you received a letter from Gringotts bank, requesting that the "Hogwarts Curse Breakers" come and work for them. It was soon followed by a letter from Bill Weasley explaining how he'd put in a good word for you all.

After sending owls to all of your friends, only Rowan and Tulip were able to join you as everyone else had accepted jobs of their own.

Over the next few years you traveled all around the world with Rowan and Tulip, working as curse breakers for Gringotts Bank. You wrote and received letter from your friends, especially Barnaby who always wanted to hear about your latest work, along with inviting you to all of his Quidditch games. You attended all of them, earning the title of 'Barnaby Lee's good luck charm' from his fans as his popularity grew.

"Writing to your dearest Barnaby?" Tulip would often tease, or after matches Andre would often joke about how close the two of you were becoming.

No one ever knew about how your feelings for Barnaby had started to grow past that of friends.

The two of you had become almost inseparable when one day everything stops. You'd just received the news from Tonks that a mass prisoner break out had occurred at Azkaban prison. She warned you to stay safe and watch out for death eaters. Not long after you'd showed Tulip and Rowan, Tonks' letter, another one arrived. This time it was from Barnaby.

"Y/n, I'm sorry but we can't stay in touch anymore. Please for the safety of everyone, don't even reply to this letter or you'll not only put yourself in danger but the rest of the Hogwarts curse breakers too.

This is the only way I can keep you safe, even if I can't tell you why. I hope one day you'll be able to forgive me for this. Just know that I'm sorry Y/n.

Love Barnaby."

You couldn't help the tears that spilled up after reading that. Rowan instantly saw the tears and hurried over to you with Tulip following close behind. The two of them sat hugging you until the tears dried up and you all spent the rest of the day relaxing together.

Though it hurt, you knew that you had to listen to Barnaby and not reply. Though you still held onto the hope that he'd explain it all one day.

Soon the second Wizarding war was underway and everyone from your Hogwarts group, apart from Barnaby, had signed up to join the order, to assist Tonks and Bill whenever they needed you. You used your jobs as covers to try and gain support in other countries.

After almost 2 years of doing this, a new delicately decorated letter arrived. It was a delicate violet coloured envelope with beautiful cursive writing on it.

The company of Y/n, Tulip Karasu and Rowan Khanna is requested at the wedding of William Weasley and Fleur Delacour on 1st August 1997.

Your response will be eagerly awaited a.s.a.p.

Kind regards from Mr and Mrs Weasley.

The idea of such a happy occasion happening amidst the war seemed odd at first, but you soon decided that it was exactly what you all needed. It would be a chance to relax for the day so you hastily accepted. Little did you know what someone had planned for that day.

Whilst Bill Weasley was making plans for his wedding, he'd come up with a plan. He'd heard about what had happened between you and Barnaby and decided that he'd try to sort things out.

Taking into account Barnaby's request to not be contacted, he asked Andre to help.

At their next Quidditch game, Andre took Barnaby aside before they started.

"Look mate, Bill is getting married soon and wants you to come."

"Andre, you know I can't. Besides, no one else would want to see me, especially Y/n I know that."

Since he'd told Y/n not to write to him, Barnaby had begun to confide in Andre so naturally he knew most of what had happened.

"Barnaby please, you have to come, for Y/n. She deserves an explanation. She deserves to know at least why, because you may not realise it but Y/n loved you!"

"No there's no way she loved me, we were just friends."

"Oh you can be stupid sometimes man, remember at the Hogwarts leaving party when Penny and I found the two of you outside. I'd already been there a little before she joined me. I saw the way Y/n looked at you, and the way you were looking at her, so don't for a second even try to tell me she wasn't in love with you!" He practically yelled before calming himself down a little. "Man, even the fans knew how much you cared for each other." He sighed, holding up a newspaper article with Y/n's picture on the front. The headline read "Where is Barnaby Lee's Good luck charm?" He then held another up with "Barnaby's sweetheart gone missing!"

Barnaby considered everything for a moment before surprising even himself as tears started to fall. But instead of trying to hide it like he normally did, he just confided in Andre.

"I really miss Y/n, but I don't want to put her in danger." He sobbed,

"Just at least go to the wedding and explain everything. That way it's her decision Barnaby."

Eventually Barnaby agreed with Andre and decided to attend the wedding.

Soon the 1st of August had arrived and you were busy getting ready with Rowan, Tulip and even Penny. Penny and Andre had been together since the leaving party at Hogwarts so when he'd told her about Barnaby coming, she'd decided to help you get ready.

You chose a beautiful electric blue dress paired with matching heels. Penny helped you do your hair and put on a little makeup. Before you helped the other two.

Eventually you were finished and the four of you apparated to the burrow. (Penny had been there before.)

You all walked over to where the wedding was being held. As soon as you stepped through the curtains, it was easy to spot your old group. Instantly you noticed that Barnaby was among them. Bill's brothers Fred and George led you all over to where you were going to be sat. Rowan, Tulip and Penny had been set on one row beside Ben and Andre but you had been placed in the last remaining seat next to Barnaby and other former Hogwarts students.

Once he saw you walking over, his jaw literally dropped.

"Y/n?"

"Barnaby" you responded, fighting to stay calm.

"Y/n, I have to talk..." he began but he was interrupted as the wedding music began.

The wedding itself looked perfect, you could see how in love Bill was with his new wife. Soon the ceremony was done and it was time for the reception.

You spend a while catching up with each of your friends whilst trying to ignore the pleading looks that Barnaby keeps giving you. Eventually you decide that you need to take a break and head outside for a moment of fresh air.

You hadn't even been outside for a minute before you heard someone approaching.

"Y/n?" You recognised his deep voice instantly,

"What do you want Barnaby?" You sighed, trying to stay calm.

"Please Y/n we need to talk,"

"You were the one who decided that we shouldn't stay in touch anymore! And now you want to talk?"

"I know, and I'm so sorry but it was the only way I knew you'd be safe."

"Safe? What do you mean safe?" You ask, trying to keep the concern out of your voice but clearly failing.

"The day I wrote to you, my parents had escaped from Azkaban. I knew that they'd force me to join Voldemort's side when they returned so I didn't want them using you as leverage. If I stayed in contact with you, I knew that one day they'd make you a target to make me do their bidding, especially because you're a muggle born. Whilst to me it's something that makes me love you, my parents are blood pureists. Especially now, they want me to take the dark mark and I wouldn't have wanted you being put in danger from that."

"If it's that dangerous Barnaby then why are you here?" You asked honestly.

"I had to see you one last time Y/n, I had to be near you one more time before they make me take the mark. As after it happens, there will be no chance of us being together."

"Together?" You could feel yourself blushing at the thought of being with Barnaby, but you told yourself that couldn't be what he meant.

He took a deep breath, steadying himself for what he said next.

"Yes, I like you Y/n. In fact I think I've liked you since we first met at Hogwarts but over the years I've ended up falling deeper and deeper in love with you."

You open your mouth to reply but the instant he finished speaking, he stepped forward and kissed you.

The suddenness of it all left you frozen in place, unable to react. The kiss only lasted a moment but it conveyed Barnaby's feelings perfectly. It was sweet and gentle but at the same time, completely full of apprehension.

He pulled away again before you could even decide to kiss back. "I'm sorry Y/n, I... I should... I should probably leave now..."

"Barnaby, wait" you pleaded, placing a hand on his arm as he tried to head back inside. "Please if you meant what you've just told me, please stay with me. I've fallen in love with you too Barnaby and I don't want you to get hurt. If not for me then do it for yourself! If you don't want to be a part of it, then you don't have to."

He thought it over for a second but there's wasn't time to reply as we spotted a bright light in the distant sky, getting larger by the second as it got closer. Once it was close enough to distinguish, you could see that it was a patronus, a Lynx.

It darted through the roof of the tent as you both ran back inside.

"The ministry has Fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming."

Realising instantly the severity of the situation you, Barnaby and several others in the crowd around you reached for their wands. Readying themselves to fight if necessary. For a moment everything seemed still, calm almost and then in an instant the panic hit.

People began apparating whilst others were running around in a haze of movement, clearly trying to find their loved ones before they fled.

You darted into the crowd, quickly trying to find your friends and soon enough you reached them.

Seconds later, Barnaby runs over to you with his own want drawn and a look of pure terror on his face.

"Please everyone, you have to leave. It's not safe." He pleaded, his expression not changing.

"Barnaby, we can't" sighed Tulip.

"Tulip's right, we need to protect the other guests." You added, backing her up.

It's then that you notice several people wearing Cloaks, with their faces hidden behind masks. There are several close by to your group. One in particular heads straight towards your group with a few others surrounding you all as well but with their attention elsewhere.

You turn to face the one approaching but Barnaby steps between the two of you, facing the death eater.

A feminine voice echoed out from further ahead as the death eater continued forward. "Son, move!"

"No Mother!"

"Barnaby, think carefully about what you're doing!" She warned, but clearly he took no notice as he didn't move.

"I won't let you kill the girl I love mother! Or any of my friends." He practically yelled. "Everyone, join hands," he ordered, reaching back to you.

You took hold of Rowan's arm with one hand and once everyone else was ready, you also took Barnaby's hand.

Shock was evident in his mother's eyes as he spoke up again, his voice strained slightly, "I'm sorry Mother." With that, he apparates and you soon find yourself outside of an old looking house. After looking around, you find that you're seemingly in the middle of nowhere which is probably a good thing.

As you all head inside Barnaby speaks up, "We're in the Scottish Countryside" he began, smiling slightly at you, "it was my aunts mother's home and because my aunt had no children, she left it to me. You are all welcome to stay here for as long as you need. My family don't know about this place."

Everyone thanked him and headed off to explore the house further whilst you step forward and embrace him in a hug.

"Thank you Barnaby," you sigh as he hugs you gently back. "Thank you for saving each of us."

"I couldn't let my mother hurt any of you," he sighed, you could tell by his expression that he was clearly fighting to keep back his emotions.

So you take him by the hand and lead him outside to get a little more privacy away from all the others. Once it's just the two of you, he suddenly breaks down in tears whilst you just hug him again, letting him cry for as long as he needs.

"My parents will never forgive me, or at least my father won't" he confessed, stepping back slightly. "My mother cares for me too much to tell anyone about this though."

"I'm sorry that you had to choose between us and your family Barnaby, I really am,"

"Don't worry about it," he smirked slightly but his eyes still gave him away. "It was my parents who made me choose. Not you guys. They just weren't expecting me to go against them. You guys are the best friends I could ever have asked for and I didn't want to loose anyone. Especially you, Y/n you were the one who showed me that I could be my own person and that I could choose for myself what I wanted to do and who I talked to."

"So now that you're with us, does that mean we can pick up where we left off?" You ask shyly, hoping to maybe become more than friends.

"Actually..." he smirked completely this time, "I was kinda hoping we could be something a little more..."

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I'd appreciate any feedback. X