Most of today, Barty had spent trying not to think about some things. He had focused on his studies and tried to push past whatever negativity still clung to him after Christmas. Concern for his mother, resentment for his father. But today there was a deciding vote, one that could secure his father's position or oust him, depending on how it went.

He had been trying not to think about it. Had done his best to resist temptation to check. But now, as he arrived in the common room and found it almost empty, he sat down opposite Severus Snape and eyed the newspaper he was reading. He couldn't help but wonder. So, finally, he cleared his throat. "Severus? May I borrow the paper, when you're done with it?"