A/N: I love these two messed up kids so much, honestly. Like, why did it take me so long to find this pairing? Also, bonding moments finally.

x.X.x

"Ginevra," Barty calls and Ginny rolls her eyes, continuing to walk. His footsteps become louder behind her as he catches up to her. His long strides work far better at speeding up than ever her determined stomps.

She doesn't like giving up, but even she knows she can't escape him. "What do you want, Bartemius?"' Ginny snaps.

Barty looks as tired as she feels. Trying to take down the rebellion is hard work and it's taking a toll on both of them.

"You lied," he says in a whisper, staring at her intently. "Why?"

She doesn't mean to soften. She doesn't because he's Bartemius Crouch, but he's also her partner and she knows things about him that he wouldn't tell anyone and she knows all his passion and the way his faith is pushing him into madness.

"You know why," she states and he nods exhaustedly, reaching over to grab her shoulder.

"Ginevra," he says, his hand a burning presence on her shoulder. "We're partners. If you go down, you'll pull me down with you."

"Then get a new partner," Ginny states, pushing his arm off. It falls in between the curves of their bodies. His breathing is the noise in the room.

Barry smirks, insane and passionate, and Ginny shouldn't feel used to that either but she is. "We swore an oath, Ginevra. I can't exactly abandon you now."

Ginny smirks right back. Two can play this game. "Well, your downfall will still be on you then. Get used to falling deep down the rabbit hole."

Barty's eyebrows rise in surprise. He didn't expect her to let him join so easily but it's not like she could stop him. They swore to guard each other's backs and it'll be a lot easier if she doesn't have to kill him. A partner would be useful.

"Thanks," he says sarcastically. "I'm glad to be of service."

"Sure you are." Ginny states and walks away. She'll talk to him when she needs to but not any more than necessary.

(Once Upon A Time, two people young enough to be children swore to guard each other as they fought for the Dark Lord. It's a different side now, a different path, but this oath has nothing to do with Lords and everything to do with partnerships)

(People don't fall alone)