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Barty hadn't seen James as much as he'd have liked during the day. A major downside to being in different years, and taking different NEWTs, he supposed. Still, all that meant was he just wanted to see him sooner and for longer. So far he'd checked two of the three favourite spots for James to disappear too.
The abandoned classroom on the fourth floor, which had a wonderful view of the grounds from the windows and a chalkboard they could entertain themselves with, and a secret passageway that he liked to hide away in sometimes. He hadn't been there, so either he was in the astronomy tower, or James wasn't out yet. Either way, Barty always saved the Astronomy Tower for last. He liked it, but climbing up it was a nightmare, and really not worth it.
Barty poked his head in, no class was on that night he already knew, but it wasn't a guarantee James was alone and their relationship was exactly known yet. James was alone, sat out on the balcony. He had a blanket from the cupboard wrapped around him and he was looking out to the stars.
He knew that James found an escape in the cold night air and the stars. Usually he'd sit in the middle of the room, with a book or his sketchpad, and look towards the door. James c;early hadn't had a very good day. Barty could have gone in then, sat beside him and held him, or he could go down to the kitchens and pick up a hot chocolate and maybe some cake for him.
Barty did the second one. He didn't like the climbing up to the tower more than was necessary, but really hot chocolate for James was a necessity. Anything to help James was a necessity really. Barty was careful not to disturb the elves as he made the hot chocolate himself. There was a tin in the fridge, property of Peter Pettigrew written on top. Peter wouldn't mind him stealing a few of the cupcakes inside for James, so he did just that.
He considered floating them all the way to the tower but decided to grab a tray. Sure it would be worse for him if he got caught out past curfew by a teacher, but it was worth it for James. Halfway to the tower he remembered what James had said about liking multiple blankets when he was out on the balcony, and preferring his own, so he made a detour to the Gryffindor coom room.
There were a few students still up in the common room, some of which gave him odd looks. He just glared and continued up to James' dorm room. He knocked, well more kicked, at the door a few times before pushing it open.
"James isn't here," Sirius said.
"I know," Barty said. "I stole a couple cupcakes Pete, hope you don't mind."
"All good," Peter said, offering him a smile.
"Honestly Worms, he gets to steal cupcakes and I don't?" Sirius asked. Barty shook his head slightly, carefully placing the tray onto James' bed before he rummaged through his trunk for his favourite blankets. Remus sighed, but Barty just decided to ignore the lot of them. It was easier that way. Eventually he found James' two favourite blankets and he threw them over his shoulder.
"Where is James anyway?" Remus asked.
"Astronomy tower, balcony," he answered. The trio nodded slightly in understanding. With that, he grabbed the tray and left. The halls stayed deserted as he made his way up to the tower, which he was thankful for. Barty wouldn't mind getting into a verbal fight with a teacher, but he'd prefer not to when he was doing this for James.
By the time Barty had gotten back, James hadn't moved. He was still sat out on the balcony, staring up at the stars. Barty made as much noise as he could without it being seen as weird as he came in and went over to him.
"Hello love," he greeted, carefully sitting beside him. The Marauders Map was sat in front of him, but Barty knew he hadn't been looking at it.
"Hi," James said quietly.
"I come baring not just my wonderous presence, but Pete's baking and hot chocolates," Barty said. James hummed.
"Thank you," he muttered. Barty moved the map out of the way and placed the tray in front of them. James' eyes fell to it, and after a moment he picked up a mug. Barty kissed his cheek, and stole the Astronomy Tower blanket which earned him a glare.
"I bring instead, your two favourite blankets!" he said dramatically as he swung them of his shoulder. James smiled slightly, but took them and wrapped both around them.
"I appreciate you," James said.
"I appreciate you too," Barty said, smiling at him as he rested his head on his shoulder. James hummed as he wrapped his arm around him.