Lead the Way

Taehyun feels just a tad bit sick as he stares at a tall man with an uncomfortably large beard watching him. They were in front of the entrance to his school, the black sky behind the man makes the pit in Taehyuns stomach deepen. Why did he have to leave late today? He should've gone home with Youngji when she asked.

With a swallow and a brave face, Taehyun speaks.

“Hello, can I help you?” he talks slowly, taking a cautious step back to try and seek refuge in the school behind him. “Kang Taehyun, yes? I've heard a lot about you! you're shorter than I imagined, your mother is tall, but you look like you're full of magic and power!” 

Is he being hit on right now? “So sorry, I think you have the wrong person- um I'm just going to leave now, see you-” as Taehyun turns to sneak away, the hoodie of his top is latched onto by- nothing. His hoodie is pinched as if somebody is holding onto it but there's nothing there.

Before he can scream, Taehyuns body is ascending off the ground and he stares down with bulging eyes as the world gets smaller the higher they go. It's not long before his school is the size of his thumb. 

“So incredibly sorry for these extremities however you were most certainly about to run away from me.” Taehyun looks forward and screams when he sees the man in front of him, hovering as if this is completely normal.

“Do you know your mother at all, son?” 

“my- oh my god I'm going to puke- my mother?” Taehyun feels queasy as he glances at the ground below again. “She was a student of mine a few years ago and she's recently gone missing. When's the last time you saw her?” 

“I never met my mother, she abandoned my father and I when I was born.” The man's eyebrows, long and curling at the ends, furrow together in confusion, “that can't be, she sent me pictures of you often.” 

“I think I'd know if my mom left or not.” Taehyun grumbles. He's scared of heights, held thousands of feet above the ground, and a random guy is questioning the likeness of his mommy issues.

“apologies again, allow me to properly explain.” 

Taehyun screams as his body is stretched and yanked and he's pulled down to the sweet surface of the earth once more. He stands on shaky legs, taking wobbly steps backwards to put distance between himself and the man. 

“please explain who you are and why you know me.” he finally forces out, calves hitting against the lip of a bench. He lets himself fall down, sitting as his jello legs regain sensation. 

“As I said, your mother was a student of mine at a school called Hogwarts. Have you ever heard of it?” Taehyun shakes his head. He's too dizzy to think about the rational decisions he should be making right now- like calling the police or running away, so instead he answers the man's questions. 

“Your father was a muggle, I suppose it makes sense he wouldn't know what to say or how to say it. Hogwarts is a school. A place for witches and wizards to grow and learn about spells that muggles here,” the man gestures around, “could not understand.” 

“Okay sure- wizards and magic, that's cool. What's your name and how do you know me?”

The man seems annoyed as he sits down on the bench directly in front of Taehyun, at least he's keeping distance. 

“I know your parents so of course I know of you. as for who I am? I'm afraid I can't tell you. Most think I'm no longer alive. your mother was one of my best students but once she was pregnant with you, she quit her job at the ministry and moved here to live with your father. she sent me letters monthly about how you were with stories on your adventures. It's been three years since the last letter. I haven't heard from her since.”

Taehyun bites his lip, “and what does this have to do with me?” 

“Well, you were supposed to be at Hogwarts three years ago but without your mother… I didn't know what to do without her here. I met with your father recently and he thinks you should go to hogwarts. it's where you belong. It's what she would've wanted for you.” 

Taehyun closes his eyes and leans his head forward, hitting it against his knees. “Yeah, okay. my dad wants to send me to a magical school, that's awesome. can I leave- can i go home?” 

“Of course.” Taehyun sighs a breath of relief and stands up, beginning to quickly walk back in the direction leading to his house. the man stands up and grabs his arm, “hold your breath.” 

“what?” 

Taehyun gags and coughs as ash fills his mouth and his head hits hard rock. fireplace- they're in his fireplace. 

He ducks down and steps out, screaming in shock when his dad grabs him by the arms and starts patting the ash away. 

“Dad! What the hell is going on?” 

“Language, Taehyun. This is,” he looks over at the bearded man, “an old friend of your mothers. He introduced me to her a long time ago. Now come on, let's sit down so I can explain what's happening.”

~~~

The talk with his father was short. He was direct and to the point, as he always has been since Taehyun was born. “your mother was a witch, she attempted to live her life in the Wizarding world while visiting me back here. Then we had you. she gave up her life of magic and stayed back here with me to raise you. I… lied when I said she left once you were born. She stayed till you turned two and one night I woke up and she wasn't there. Her stuff was gone and no note was left behind, I assumed she had run back off to the ministry…”  

Taehyun blinks and looks between his father and the man. Is this a two way prank? Are they both in on this?

“I get the feeling you're still not one hundred percent sold on this story, right?” Taehyun exhales harshly through his nose “would you be?” 

“You won't believe it till you see it, Taehyun. Saying that, go pack your things. the year starts tomorrow and you don't even have a wand yet.” his father laughs lightly and pulls Taehyun in for a hug, “mom would be ecstatic if she could see you now…” 

Taehyuns lips part as he takes in his dad's expression. He's being completely serious. 

“wait- are you really going to let this weird magic man take me away to some boarding school?” “You'll understand when you see it, Taehyun. I'll see you again during Christmas, be good till then.” 

“Are you seriou-” before he can finish his sentence, Taehyuns surrounded by another cloud of ash. He spits out what flies into his mouth and groans in annoyance, “no warning?” “We do not have time. that,” the man gestures down to a small town full of people in long robes and sticks in their hands, “is Hogsmeade. Here's a list of everything you need to get. this is the end of our journey together now, one of the teachers will be waiting for you at the school gates,” the man points past the village and higher up a mountain where the most ridiculous view Taehyun has ever seen greets him. 

 A tall castle stands mighty and menacing against the cliff's edge, high mountains curving the edges. Creatures Taehyun has never seen before are flying around one of the highest peaks of the castle, he can just barely make out the shape of a human on its back. He turns back to the strange man, “you're leaving me?” 

“I must. Please, keep my identity hidden for now. I'll speak to you soon, Taehyun. Good luck.”

Taehyun turns his head to look at the man but is met with a cloud of green swirling up into the air before dissipating away, “is this a joke.” 

 ~~~~

Taehyun wanders around aimlessly, reading the words on the list with a growing sense of frustration. What the hell are these things? “J Pippins Potions.. mongrel fur.. this is ridiculous.” Taehyun balls up the paper and shoves it in his pockets, hands buried deep in his sweater. 

he feels eyes on him as he walks around- many eyes. it's not the feeling of being judged but rather the feeling of confusion oozing out of their gazes into his body. Taehyun looks down at his clothing then around at the people. He yanks out the paper ball and squints, reading the name of a-hopefully-clothing store. 

He glances around him and sees a building with a large sign, the same as the one written down on the page. He pockets the paper once more and runs forward, climbing up the stairs two at a time, desperate to get in clothing that's at least appropriate for the place he is. 

Gladrags Wizardwear

The sign reads in bold colour. 

Taehyun pushes the door open, startling as a teacup flies into his hand, a spoon holding two cubes of sugar zips by him before turning around, almost as if it was going too fast, and falls into the cup, stirring the tea till the sugar melts.

“Hello there! Oh my, a new face! May I ask who you are, young man?” Taehyun looks up at a man dressed in flamboyant clothing, “my name is Kang Taehyun. I'm a new student at Hogwarts I suppose.” 

the man curves a perfectly trimmed eyebrow, “you suppose? How old are you? To be a new student and that mature… unusual.” 

 “I just found out my mother was a witch today. I'm sixteen.” the man's jaw drops and he shakes his head as if he couldn't believe it, Taehyun couldn't either honestly.

“starting in the fifth year!? unheard of! Who is your mother? wait! don't tell me…” the man squints and leans closer till his chest hits the counter in front of him, “Godric's heart! You must be joking!

“what is it?” 

“you're her son! Mrs Kang! I haven't seen that woman in ages but I know her eyes when I see them! How is she? she used to be in here all the time begging me to alter the school uniform to be a brighter colour! I told her time and time again no, but she was ever the persistent child!” 

Taehyun smiles, his mother liked bright colours just like him. He feels a sense of ecstasy having learnt something new about his mother, however it quickly drains away when he's brought back to reality. “I never got to meet my mother before she disappeared.” 

the shopkeeper's smile fell and he stood up straight, “what in the name of Merlin could you mean? Mrs Kang? disappeared? surely not…” 

Taehyun smiles awkwardly, “unfortunately it's true. I was raised by my father only.” the shopkeeper makes an expression close to a pout and he turns around, rummaging through the drawers behind him. 

“aha! here, you take this. it was your mother's.” Taehyun takes the cloak and holds it up right. his mother was as tall as he was, it explains where his height came from since his father was an average height.

It's predominantly black with an occasional pop of a lime green with stripes of white sprinkled around the collar. He squints at the symbol at the front. 

 “a snake?” 

“House of slytherin, she was! I wonder if you'll follow in her footsteps.” Taehyun smiled and shrugged the coat on, wrapping it tightly around his body.

“as stunning as you look,” the man clears his throat and gestures his hands forward vaguely towards taehyun, “your clothes..” Taehyun glances down at his pants and hoodie, “it's not the most fitting, is it?” He asks jokingly.

“Certainly not. here, let's try these!” the man raises up a stick- presumably a wand- and flicks it in the air. a pair of black pants and a gray sweater appear instantly. With another flick of the man's wrist, Taehyun feels a rush of wind and suddenly the clothes previously floating are now on his body, his old clothes folded on the counter. “much better.” 

“how much do I owe you?” Taehyun asks as he glances in a mirror. His reflection will take some getting used to. 

“It's on the house. You're Mrs Kang's child, I couldn't possibly.” Taehyun hums, uncertain, “I wouldn't want to use my mother as a way to get free things..” 

The shopkeeper laughs and swirls his wand once, “just say thank you!” and suddenly Taehyuns being pushed back as the teacup is pulled from his grasp and the door shuts in his face.

“It was nice meeting you!” He shouts before turning around. his clothes are stashed under his cloak and the paper is back in his hand. 

As long as Taehyun pretends this is normal and everything is fine, he won't have a meltdown and make Hogwarts experience its first ever Kang Taehyun panic attack meltdown extravaganza.

As his nose is buried against the yellowing paper, Taehyun feels himself collide against the back of another student wearing the same cloak as his own. 

“sorry! I wasn't looking where i…” he trails off as he looks up and locks eyes with the most gorgeous boy he's ever seen in his life. 

“it's not an issue. you're a slytherin? I don't believe we've met!” Taehyun shakes his hands in front of his chest, his head following the motion, “no! sorry for the confusion- I'm not anything yet, actually. this was my mothers.” 

“you're new? I don't want to be rude but…” 

“I'm starting in fifth year.” 

“what!?”

Taehyun ends up doing the rest of his shopping with the gorgeous man- his name is Yeonjun.

~~~

“thank you again, hyung. I would've never found all of this stuff without you.” He had been told- rather, demanded- to make himself comfortable with Yeonjun, slipping into a more casual tone mere minutes after meeting. 

Yeonjun smiles and bumps their shoulders together, “anything for a new friend! What's left on the list? ah! a wand- the most important. I'm curious to see what type of wand picks you.” 

Yeonjun laces their fingers together and pulls him down the winding rock pathways, across small bridges and around sharp turns until they're at one of the older looking establishments. 

As soon as the door creaks open, Taehyuns met with the sight of many young wizards and witches running around trying to find the wand that's right for them. 

an older man stands in the middle of it all with a wide smile and a proud glint in his eye. 

“Gerbold!” Yeonjun beams excitedly, bounding over with long strides. Taehyun can't help but watch the way Yeonjuns thighs constrict against the fabric of his tight black pants as his robes are pulled and stretched, allowing him to just barely make out the muscles Yeonjun was hiding beneath his slytherin robes.

The Wizarding world seemed like it was going to be a great place for boy-ogling, Taehyuns favourite activity. 

 Focusing back on reality, he watches as Yeonjun pulls the old man in for a hug which is quickly returned with a happy call of Yeonjuns name.

“I've missed you all summer! I can't believe it's your second last year… Ollivander won't be the same without you around helping out.” “I'll stop by of course! you can't get rid of me that easily. year eight will just be too much work to juggle a job in the mix as well.” the shopkeeper smiles with pity but understanding, “make sure to take care of yourself, but i'll hold you to those visits! ah?” 

Taehyun startles when they make eye contact, “who's that? a friend of yours?”

“This is Taehyun,” Yeonjun wraps an arm around Taehyuns waist and pulls him closer, “my new best friend. isn't he a cutie? He's a new student, and get this.” Gerbold leans closer, “what is it?” 

“He's starting as a fifth year!”

gerbolds jaw drops and he stares at Taehyun with wide eyes, “oh my, well isn't that extraordinary… you need a wand?” 

Taehyun nods and looks around, “how do you pick?” Yeonjun giggles, “you don't! the wand picks you.” 

“huh?” 

Before anything else can be explained, a box clicks open and a wand flies down from the higher floors straight into Taehyuns hands. 

“oh- um. hello?” Yeonjun laughs, resting his head on Taehyuns shoulder as he giggles himself breathless. his hair tickles at Taehyuns chin and he does his best to behave as normally as possible.

“hello? Who says that to a wand?” 

Taehyun blushes and pushes the boy off, “stop teasing! I know nothing about this Wizarding stuff.” 

“Seriously?” 

Taehyun nods, “my mother wasn't around to teach me and my father doesn't know anything about,” he gestures around, “all of this.” 

“you're a half blood?” Taehyun nods slowly while his gaze hardens into a squint, “that sounds derogatory but I think that's right.”

Yeonjun squints for a moment before sighing, “just try not to tell people that- especially Slytherins. This house is well known for its pureblood obsession. I don't view it that way at all, so don't worry.” 

Taehyun shrugs, “I'm not ashamed of my father. I'm more ashamed of my mother for abandoning me really. why should I not talk about it?” 

Yeonjun frowns, “I'm sorry for overstepping.. but it's really not a good idea. anyways! give the wand a try.” 

“I don't know any spells though.” Taehyun rolls the wand on his hand, studying the woodwork.

“I'll teach you one, it's super easy. it's called luminous, give it a go just like this!” Taehyun watches Yeonjun carefully, a hunger to learn is biting at his stomach. He replicates Yeonjuns actions, shouting in shock as the wand rips out of his hands and fireworks appear around him. 

gerbold sighs, “this is trickier than I thought it'd be. wait a moment  please.” Taehyun nods, peeking out from where he had hidden behind Yeonjun. His left hand is holding Yeonjuns forearm and his right hand is holding Yeonjuns hip. He feels his face exploding in different shades of embarrassment as he stares at his traitorous right hand. 

Yeonjun, either not noticing or not caring, jokes with a soft giggle, “did you just use me as a human meat shield?” Taehyun bit his lip, “no- I would never.” Before Yeonjun could retaliate, Taehyun finally lets go of him and moves so they're stood side-by-side just as another wand makes itself home in Taehyuns hand. 

“do I..” “give it a go!” Yeonjun encourages. Taehyun replicates the same action as before and this time the wand's tip glows a bright light. 

his jaw dropped as he stared at the white tinted gleam, eyes darting between Yeonjun and the wand, “how is this stick doing that?” 

“It's not a stick, it's a wand. That's how it's doing that. you really don't know anything at all?” Taehyun shakes his head, watching as the light fades away once his concentration switches to the conversation with Yeonjun. 

“That's… unfortunate. it won't be easy starting as a fifth year if you don't know the basics at all.” Taehyun smile sours, “thank you for the encouraging words, hyung. I feel ready to do all of this now! Why don't we just go to classes early? reckon i'm about ready for the final exams too, lets watch me fail and probably accidentally blow somebody up.” 

Yeonjun laughs lightly and shakes his head, “I'll teach you the most I can tonight, you can crash at the slytherin dorms with me, you'll look like you belong with that thing anyways.” Yeonjun smiles, taking the collar of Taehyuns cloak into his hands, smoothing it down gently. 

Taehyun blinks, stomach churning. This guy is seriously dangerous. with a polite smile, Taehyun pushes Yeonjuns hands away and instead loops an arm with the older boys, “lead the way?”

Yeonjun pays the shopkeeper before Taehyun can protest, and then they're walking down the road paths again. Yeonjun weaves between buildings until they're on a more narrow pathway, one carved out by the footprints of people walking across the grass so much it had died. 

“Is that the school? like- the whole castle?” 

“impressive isn't it?”

“understatement of the year. trying to wrap my head around all of this is becoming more difficult with everything new I see.” 

Yeonjun hummed, slowing to a stop, “want to fry your brain completely?” 

Taehyun parted his lips before sighing with a shrug, “fuck it, let's do it.” 

Yeonjun smiled and lifted his wand, summoning a broom from- Taehyun doesn't know where, and then Yeonjun threw a leg over it, sitting in the seat shaped divot. 

“a broom-” Taehyuns cut off as Yeonjun floats off the ground, feet in the air as he sits on the broom. 

of course. witches fly on brooms, why wouldn't wizards?

“Let's take a ride to Hogwarts, it'll be much faster.” 

“how do I even begin to get on?” Taehyun whines, watching as Yeonjuns feet connect with the ground again and he holds a hand out for Taehyun to take, “just hook a leg over it like I did, it's really easy! have you ever ridden a horse?” 

“I live in Seoul Korea! when would I have ever done that?!” yeonjuns smile is almost blinding, “well, just pretend!”

Taehyun visualises the broom as if it was a horse, throwing his leg up and over the wooden pole until he's sat behind Yeonjun, arms wrapped around the others waist the moment their hands disconnected. he's annoyed that Yeonjuns dreadful advice actually worked.

“hold on tight, Taehyun-ah. I'm quite fast on this thing.” “How fast could a broom possibly g-” Taehyuns once again cut off as his body surges back, nearly falling right off the broom if it wasn't for Yeonjuns hand holding onto his arm. “I warned you!”

with a glance down, the surface grows further and further away as they ascend higher and higher. Taehyuns hair whips around in the wind as he leans closer, pressing his chest against Yeonjuns back, “what the fuck!” He screams over the wind hitting his ears. 

They reach the castle quickly, Yeonjun showing off as he manoeuvres them up and under bridges, through small gaps, and over the top peak of the highest tour.

with one final scream, Yeonjun tips the broom downwards and they fall towards the field in the front of the school. 

tears force their way up and out of his tear ducts, flying off his face before they even have a chance to wet his cheeks. 

Just before they make contact with concrete, Yeonjun pulls up and they float mere inches off the ground. 

“How was that?” 

“you were right- my brain is completely fried.”

the older slytherin grins proudly, “fantastic. there won't be many students around, especially any younger years, so it'll be easy enough to sneak in undetected. here, take this just in case!” Taehyuns vision blackens as something soft covers his head. 

Yeonjun laughs from in front of him and Taehyun quickly pulls the fabric off, shouting in shock as he looks down and sees his hands and forearms missing as well as no sign of the material he knows he's holding.

“What the hell?” “invisibility cloak! when you wear it you'll be completely invisible to anybody around. If we see any professors, please throw it on. I'm not sure how, but they remember the faces of all eight hundred and fifty of us.” Taehyun hums and waves his wand, watching as the cloak turns into black fabric. 

“lead the way.”

Taehyuns head can hardly stay still as he looks around at all of the things. staircases that move, paintings that talk, ghosts! It's ridiculous how much information he's absorbing without fainting. 

to go from a completely mundane normal life- to this? 

“hyung… that painting is watching me.” Yeonjun looks over, laughing, “that one's really just a painting.” Taehyuns lips part and he huffs, “I knew that.” 

“of course you did- oh we're here!” 

Taehyun screams as a snake slithers out from the ground and arches to make the shape of a doorway. He hides behind Yeonjun, peeking from around his back. “Is that real?” 

“Yes, but don't worry. Come on! I'll show you my room!” Taehyun shrieks as he's yanked forward and leads down a spiral of stairs. 

They reach the bottom and Yeonjun happily pushes open the door, giving greetings to everyone in the room. 

“hyung? who's that?” a pretty boy with blond hair asks curiously, glancing up from his book to look Taehyun up and down. “This is one of the new students!” 

“a bit old to be new?” the boy states but it comes out as a question, polite. 

“He's starting as a fifth year.” 

“what?” the boy sits up fully now from where he had been seemingly melting into the couch. “a fifth year? What's your name?” 

“Taehyun. it's nice to meet you." Why is everyone in this school beautiful? 

“I'm Zhanghao. I assume you've snuck him in, hyung?” Yeonjun gives a sly grin and a thumbs up. “Is he staying in our room?” Yeonjun gives another thumbs up. 

“He can sleep in my bed, I'm going over to the Huffle dorms to visit Bin.” Taehyun looks between the two. Zhanghao smiles, “Hanbin is my boyfriend. it was nice to meet you, I hope you like it here and actually join us in slytherin!” 

boyfriend? 

taehyuns brain feels as if it may explode. is there no homophobia in the Wizarding world? now that would be magical.

Yeonjun pulls Taehyun away after that, not leaving any room for longer discussion. “He was nice.” Taehyun comments absentmindedly as they walk up stairs and turn down hallways. 

“Just wait till school starts back up, then he'll get snippy.” Yeonjun giggles. Taehyun feels a bit worried, he's never been too academically gifted, never putting in the energy necessary to get good grades- or even study. “Are the classes hard?” “for me, no. for hao? yes.”

“I heard that you bitch!” a voice booms from beside Taehyuns head and he shouts in shock, crouching down and covering his ears. 

“sorry Taehyun!” a voice booms again. Taehyun looks up, seeing a white lighted- almost spirit looking- panda. “hyung what is that?” Taehyun asks carefully, standing up and watching as the panda retreats back the way they came. 

“it's a spell that hao somehow managed to perfect even though he still can't do the spells we were taught in third year!” Yeonjuns yelling, presumably so Zhanghao will hear. 

“What's the spell called?” “expecto patronum.”

Taehyun sounds out the syllables to himself as they continue forward. 

“we’re here!” 

“expecto patronum-” Taehyun shouts in shock as his wand moves and a blast of blue expels from the tip. 

“what the-” Yeonjun stares down at the ground where a small cat sits, its tail flicking back and forth with disinterest.

“Did you just do that?” Taehyun stares down at the creature, cooing softly. “I think I did? oh my god it's so cute.” He bends down and picks the cat up, rocking it. 

“how did you do that?” Taehyun shrugs, “I don't know. I just said the words you said then that happened.” Yeonjuns eyebrows furrow, “how peculiar. I have a feeling you're going to be pretty good at spell casting. wait, try this one. say; Immobulus.”

“immobulus?” Taehyun watches as his wand lifts again and another light flashes from the tip. Yeonjun stands completely still, eyes wide. 

“hyung, how do I reverse this?’ Taehyun asks, hands feeling clammy as Yeonjun stays uncomfortably still. 

“hyung?” there's no response and Taehyun feels like he might throw up. “Oh my god, did I paralyse you? Can you hear me? Yeonjun hyung, did I just kill you?”

Before Taehyun can spiral any further, he hears latin words spoken from behind him and then Yeonjuns moving again, laughing loudly. 

“I totally should've told you the reversal spell before having you try it. thank you, Yoon, for the save.” 

Taehyun glances behind and sees a pretty girl with long red hair standing with her arms crossed and a wide smile spread across her face. 

“oppa, you owe me one don't you?” Yeonjuns laughter fades away, ”what do you want from me?”

“seeun unnie. get me a date with her.” Taehyun looks over at Yeonjun who's copying Yoons position, arms folded and eyes narrowed, “and if I don't?” 

yoon shrugs and raises her wand, “I know a fun little spell I could use. "How much do you like your hair?” 

“fine! I'll try. Seriously though, yoon? the hufflepuff?” 

“She's adorable and everything to me, don't even try to suggest she's less than that.” Yeonjun raises his hands, “okay lover girl. She's in the library now if you want to get out of mine and Taehyuns hair?”

“who the hell is Taehyun- oh! hey! sorry, I didn't even notice you. My name is Yoon! I'm a fifth year.” Taehyun smiles and takes the outstretched hand, shaking firmly, “Taehyun, fifth year as well.” 

“oh? I've never seen you around, dude. How are you in your fifth year?” Yeonjun coughs loudly as he steps between them, shooing yoon away with a wave of his hands, “that's not your business, go see seeun!” 

With the mention of the other girl's name, yoon grins and turns around, running out of the room, shouting over her shoulder “don't forget that you owe me!” 

“as you can see, the people here are all super friendly and definitely aren't assholes.” 

Taehyun laughs, “she seemed nice. she saved our asses, at least.” Yeonjun nods, “that's unfortunately true. shame seeun got pulled into this, poor girl hasn't had a moment of peace since yoon set eyes on her.” 

Taehyun chuckles and finally takes the time to look around at the room. “woah, holy shit! those beds are huge?” Yeonjun laughs brightly and walks forward, jumping up and into one of the green covered beds. “this one is mine, Haos is right beside me over there.” Taehyun follows the direction of Yeonjuns outstretched finger. 

“can I really just make myself at home? feels a bit improper to lay in another person's bed.” Yeonjun shrugs, “people have been doing that for years.”

“huh? oh- hyung!” Taehyun throws a pillow over, bursting into laughter as it hits Yeonjun right in the face. 

“oh you're so going to regret that, kid.” 

Taehyuns never had a sleepover before, but he imagines the night he spent with Yeonjun was pretty much what he had been missing out on. 

The spells casted were an extra benefit though. 

“Taehyun, wake up.” Taehyun groans as his body is shaken and he raises a hand, swatting the person away. “Kang Taehyun, get up.” 

“five more minutes.” Taehyun grumbled  snuggling back into the most comfortable mattress he's ever had the privilege to lay on.

“that's it,” Taehyun feels the tip of a wand press against his spine and he immediately sits up, flying off the other side of the bed to duck down, just barely missing the foul smelling curse he was about to be hit with. 

“you're disgusting!” Yeonjun smiles mischievously, “well it worked didn't it? you're up! Here, you can borrow some of my clothes for the ceremony. 

Taehyun stands up, using the bed as a means for support as he leans down till his head hits the comforter, “can't we just sleep? why is this thing so early anyways?” 

“Usually it's later, but everyone had already arrived and the headmaster pushed it to now. now come on, put these on!” 

Taehyun glances down at the clothes and frowns, “won't these be big?” “oh just put them on, we're going to be late!” 

Taehyun sighs and shrugs his shirt off. Before he can pull Yeonjuns shirt on and over his head, he's stopped by a gasp. “What is that!” Taehyun freezes, “is there something behind me?” “no! on you!” 

“get it off!?” “I don't know what it is!” Taehyun shuffles closer to Yeonjun, completely useless as he's caught in his shirt. “man up and get it off me!” 

“man up!?” 

“Just do it!” Taehyun cries, stomping his feet in a fear induced tantrum. 

he feels cold fingers touch the centre of his chest, a gentle swat at his skin. 

“Did you get it?” 

“no! it won't move!”

Taehyuns mind clears and he suddenly laughs, “is it black?” “yes!” “that's my tattoo, weirdo.” 

“your what?” Taehyun finally gets free of the shirt, pulling it on to cover the tattoo on his chest. 

“It's my tattoo. I didn't actually mean to get it, but I woke up last year and there it was. Probably something I did after a party with friends.” 

“you got that willingly? it looks like a curse mark.” Yeonjun lifted the shirt up, squinting as he examined the black lines, tracing a finger across them. 

Taehyun feels goosebumps erupt all over his body and he quickly pushes Yeonjuns hand away, pulling his shirt back down. “just a tattoo.” 

“Well it didn't have any traces of dark magic so I guess you're fine. what is it?” “they're vines, that tattoo actually started back here,” Taehyun turns around and lifts up his shirt just a bit, showing the marking that begins at the base of his spine, crawling up it and expanding over his shoulder. 

“It's kind of pretty.” Yeonjun mumbles, reaching forward to poke at Taehyuns skin. with a startled gasp, Taehyun lets the shirt fall and turns back around. “I don't think I can wear those pants, by the way. can't I just wear my jeans?”

Yeonjun sighs, “I guess. the Slytherins may be a bit mouthy about it.” “doesn't matter to me. lead the way?” 

Taehyun pulls on his pants and starts to walk out the door before he stops, turning to glare at Yeonjun, “I don't know the way.” 

Yeonjun laughs brightly and walks forward with that devastatingly long stride of his. He wraps an arm around Taehyuns shoulders and drags him out of the room and down the hallways till they enter the common room. Yeonjun flicks his wrist and Taehyun watches, stunned, as magic flows from the tip of his finger and coils around Zhanghaos waist, tugging him closer. 

“You didn't use your wand?” 

Yeonjun turns his head to Taehyun, smirking coyly, “wandless spells. not many people can do them at this age.” Taehyun blinks with wide eyes, finding the older boy cool. Yeonjun must notice, because he stands up straight like a peacock showing off its feathers. 

Zhanghao, seemingly used to being lassoed by magic, keeps his face buried in his book as they walk. “Jun, grab me my robes would you?” Yeonjun grabs his wand out of his pocket and flicks it behind his head, watching Taehyuns amazed expression as the robes fly forward and place themselves over Zhanghao. The ribbon even ties against his abdomen.

“stop showing off in front of the newbie, you weirdo.” Zhanghao grumbles, finally tucking his book into his sleeve where it hangs against the fabric. Taehyun tucks that knowledge away for later, the sleeves are huge pockets. 

Yeonjun giggles and bumps his shoulder against Zhanghaos, “don't act like you didn't do the same thing to Hanbin back in second year.” 

The blond boy smiles brightly at the memory, leaning into Yeonjun as they walk, “yeah. the good old days.” 

“and look at you two now! snogging on the common room couches while the rest of us try to study.” Zhanghao pulls away as if he'd been burnt. He slaps Yeonjuns arm and leans forward so he can lock eyes with Taehyun, “he's lying. I'm a very innocent and sweet boy.” 

A bark like laugh rips out of Yeonjuns throat and he rolls his eyes so hard Taehyuns a bit worried they may fall out of their sockets.

“as if.” 

“oh, we're here already.” Zhanghao giggles as he looks up, taking in the large doorway to the cafeteria. Yeonjun uses his wand to push the doors open enough for them to walk through. 

Taehyuns eyes scan the large room. He sees a tall boy in the middle of the hufflepuff table laughing his head off with his friends, dark brown hair covering his eyes. 

His gaze shifts to Ravenclaw where he notices a boy surrounded by others trying to talk to him but he looks as if he can't hear them, his concentration focused entirely on the newspaper in his hands. He has long brown hair that touches his shoulders and curls prettily around his ears. 

with another glance, Taehyun locks eyes with a gryffindor. their gaze quickly shifts away, staring at the table as if it's the most interesting thing on the planet. The boy is sitting alone, nobody beside or in front of him. He has light blond hair that he smooths down, it looks like a subconscious decision. 

Eventually Taehyun focuses back on Yeonjun who's pulling on his arm, leading him towards the slytherin table tucked against the right wall. 

The table is loud and there are a lot of spells being cast left and right. Taehyun has to duck his head to avoid being hit by another one of those smelly spells. Yeonjun laughs at him and pulls him down onto the bench. Taehyun ignores the way their thighs are touching. He definitely ignores the warmth he can feel from Yeonjuns body sticking to his own, crawling up his leg to his cheeks, blooming them a light pink. 

Zhanghao looks between them and he seems to notice Taehyuns internal dilemma. He smirks and turns to Yeonjun, “hyung! how'd that date with that boy go?”

Taehyuns heart beats fast and heavy against his chest. boy?

Yeonjun deflates, leaning his head down against the table with a groan, “he thought I was a girl.” Zhanghao laughs loudly and reaches across the table, petting Yeonjuns hair down, “I told you that you should cut it. Your face is too feminine to have long hair too.” 

“It's not even that long! And I don't even really look like a girl!” he sits up straight and turns to Taehyun. he grips his shoulders and brings their faces so close Taehyun swears he can feel Yeonjuns heart beating against his own chest. 

“Taehyun, how do I look? And be honest! Do I really look like a girl?” 

yeonjuns eyes are wide and his eyebrow are pinched together as if this is the most serious question on the planet right now. 

Taehyun opens his mouth to speak but his voice dies against his throat as he watches Yeonjuns tongue poke out to lick against his bottom lip.

“pretty.” is all he can croak out, which seems to make Yeonjun freeze as well. they're stuck in that position for a few moments before Yeonjun pouts and pulls back, crossing his arms, “so you think I look like a girl too.” 

Taehyun blinks away the gay fog that had clouded his vision and he shakes his head, “Boys can be pretty.” 

he watches as a small smile tugs at the corners of Yeonjuns lips. 

Before they can discuss this apparently-very-important- topic anymore, a loud voice booms from the front of the cafeteria. Taehyun finally notices the chairs with teachers sitting in them.

Taehyun is kind of, sort of, not really listening to the speech until he hears his own name. 

Yeonjun pushes him up and pats his butt before shoving him down the aisle. Taehyun walks on jelly-like legs until he's sitting down in a chair and a hat is placed atop his head.

he listens as the hat, yes the hat is talking, hums. “and what should be done with you? you have the heart of a lion, the kindness of a hufflepuff, the dedication of the raven but I can feel something deeper, hidden below it all. A longing for recognition and the means to get it however you can as best as you can.” The hat hums again before inhaling and shouting 

“SLYTHERIN!” 

Taehyun looks up as he hears Yeonjuns scream of excitement. He watches as the older boy stands up from his seat and claps his hands, whistling loudly. He's the one who gets the table chanting and shouting. Taehyuns face feels warm as he stands up and shuffles back to his seat, smiling and laughing as students sitting at the slytherin table land joyful pats against his back, some people even ruffle his hair and give him congratulatory hollers.

As soon as he reaches his spot, Yeonjuns tugging him down and into a tight hug, rocking them back and forth with a wide grin spread across his face. “I knew it! I knew you belonged with us!” 

Zhanghao scoffs from across the table, “let the boy go, you weirdo! he's turning purple.” Yeonjuns grip loosens but he keeps one arm wrapped tightly around Taehyuns waist. 

“a slytherin.” he sighs wistfully, looking at Taehyun with stars in his eyes, “isn't that just wonderful?”

–

After the heart stopping exchange they had in the cafeteria, Taehyun was whisked off his feet by a flurry of students from all of the houses. Two Hufflepuffs, at least twenty ravenclaws, three Gryffindors,and a couple Slytherins are all asking him questions. Their curiosity is endless as they interrogate him about who he is, where he came from, and why he wasn't here the last four years. 

He can feel Yeonjuns' thinning patience shaking the otherwise innocent energy around them. He reaches a hand back through the crowd and locks it onto Yeonjuns forearm.He uses Yeonjuns body as a support system to pull himself out of the crowd. He gives short answers until he's sprinting out of the cafeteria, Yeonjun dragged behind him.

The older slytherin laughs manically, sprinting with Taehyun down endless corridors, up and down an ungodly amount of stairs. As Taehyuns laughing, not entirely sure why he's even still running, Yeonjun takes the lead and drags him towards a small hallway. He presses his unoccupied hand against the moving painting's face and she scowls angrily, whipping her head to the side. The painting shifts and morphs, revealing a hidden entrance. 

Taehyuns jaw drops as he's tugged inside, the painting closing behind them. 

“What the hell? Passageways!?” He feels giddy, his brain unable to really catch up with everything happening around him. 

Yeonjun finally slows their pace in the narrow hallway. He's leaning against the wall, chest heaving and eyes staring at Taehyun with those same stars as before. Taehyun feels breathless, and not from the mini marathon they had run. 

“Now That's the slytherin way! You're a natural already.” Yeonjuns giggling, the best sound Taehyun has ever heard in his life, and he's straightening his posture, pushing himself up and off of the wall. “Are you hungry?” 

Taehyun giggles back, nodding, “yeah, but didn't we just leave the room full of food?” Yeonjun smirks, fuck Taehyuns life, and slips his hand up till their fingers are tangled together loosely, “let me show you the best spot in Hogwarts.” 

–

Taehyun looks around at the small creatures fussing around the kitchen. They have all sorts of vegetables and fruits in their tiny arms and Taehyun watches as they float above their heads, slicing into even pieces which are then dropped in a silver pot nearly the size of them. 

Taehyun, feeling a bit rude, glances up at Yeonjun and tugs at the sleeve of his robes, “What are…” His words trail off, not sure how to ask his question without being ignorant sounding. Yeonjun seems to catch on as he chuckles, walking further into the kitchen, “these are house-elves, though I suppose these particular ones are castle-elves,” Taehyuns lip twitches upwards at the lame joke, “they kind of do… everything? Cooking, cleaning, gardening, just about everything. They take care of the house- er, castle- they live in.”

Taehyun nods slowly, sitting down when Yeonjun pushes at his shoulders. He realizes they are sitting in the far back corner near a large window facing the back garden of the castle. 

His mouth forms the shape of an O and Yeonjun grins, sitting down in front of him. A house-elf appears beside them and Taehyun nearly jumps out of his skin, knee bumping against the table. Yeonjun bites his lip, holding back a laugh,as he talks to the elf. Taehyun can't hear them as he's too busy clutching his knee and whining.

Once the elf is gone, Yeonjun cackles and reaches his hand under the table, rubbing over Taehyuns aching knee. Suddenly the pain is gone and instead Taehyuns face flushes red and he turns his head to stare out the window. 

Yeonjun follows his gaze and smiles, resting his chin in the palm of his hand, “it always looks the best this time of year.” 

As they talk about the weather, of all things, Taehyuns startled again by a plate appearing in front of them. Yeonjun grins and he calls out a happy thank you. An elf rolls its eyes at him and Taehyun giggles, “you seem close with them.” Yeonjun grins again, wider this time, and nods his head. “Oh yeah, we’re like family!” A house-elf walking by sighs loudly, “Mr. Choi, we would be most appreciative if you were to spend your meals elsewhere, with the other wizards perhaps?” Yeonjun placed a hand over his heart, “ouch? I call you my family and you tell me to sod off?”

The house-elf's eyes widen and she shakes her head, “that is not!” Yeonjun giggles and shakes his head back, “I'm only joking Filk, don't worry. I'm not upset.” She sighs and shakes a tiny fist at Yeonjun before disappearing from sight.

“After we finish eating, I'll show you around to your classes?” Taehyun, mouth full of food, nods and reaches into his backpack which lays at his feet. He pulls out a piece of paper with his classes and teachers listed. Yeonjun happily takes it from Taehyuns hands and squints as he reads it over, his face slowly morphing into one of disgust. 

Taehyun slows his food and sighs, “am i screwed?” “Well every fifth year has the same classes but… I don't know how they can expect you to do any of this when you don't know anything  about magic?” Yeonjun sounds a bit bewildered as he stares down at the page. He sighs, rubs his face, and rolls his neck back. Taehyun watches as Yeonjuns eyes slip closed and his shoulders roll forward as well. He looks away quickly when Yeonjun straightens his posture and reopens his eyes, “okay, we can do this.”

“We? This?” -- Taehyuns brain feels like it might actually open up the top of his head and run away screaming and crying- taehyun might run away screaming and crying. Yeonjun has made them comfortable in the library, tucked faraway in the back of the very-large-room. 

Stacked up on the tables around them are at least three shelves worth of books. Yeonjun had created a chalkboard out of thin air and had written down whatever he was able to remember from years 1 to 4.

CHARMS

• Mending charm

• Reparo

• Levitation charm

• Wingardium Leviosa

• Unlocking charm

• Alohomora

There were about fifty billion other things written down but Taehyuns eyes couldn't focus on anything long enough to actually read what it said. 

After a few silent minutes of pretending to read a textbook, Taehyun makes a sound of defeat and flips the book shut, leaning down till his forehead is pressed against the cover of the old binding. “This is brutal.” Yeonjun sighs, full of pity, and sits back down, rubbing Taehyuns back. “This is too much isn't it? But you've done great so far. You've already mastered a few spells and I think you know more about Herbology and Astronomy than I do.” Taehyuns lips quirked up into a smile at that. Yeonjun was really, really, bad at astronomy.

“I don't think I know more than you- rather you just don't know anything. ” Yeonjun gasps and crosses his arms, pouting. “I'm here spending my last day of freedom helping you, and you’re bullying me?” Yeonjun scoffs and shakes his head, “should i just leave you to flounder about on your own? Hm? Is that what the ever-wise herbalist-astronomer’ would prefer?” Yeonjuns voice becomes higher pitched and he purses his lips, making a nasally prim-proper voice. Taehyun giggles and raises his head up from the book he was still leant against, “what ever could i possibly do without you?” He mocks Yeonjuns tone, who cant help but laugh. “See, now you're getting it! Now hurry up and focus, this year is actually pretty important for you. It determines your future.”

Taehyuns face falls and he stares at Yeonjun with an expression that could only be described as pure unadulterated horror. Yeonjun winces, “sorry, that was super pressuring wasn't it?” “Is this actually going to make or break my wizarding future?” Yeonjun purses his lips, awkwardly scooting his chair away from Taehyuns, “uh,” he drags the sound out the entire time he cowardly scoots away, “kinda?” “Im utterly fucked.”  "...Indeed.”  -- It's around three in the morning and Taehyun is lying in bed staring up at the canopy. His mind is moving a thousand thoughts per second and he's a bit worried he might actually throw up soon. 

His mother is missing and now he's in a new freaking world where magic, witches, and wizards alike are normal . Christ sakes, he's a wizard! A failing wizard! He knows nothing, absolutely nothing about anything. He feels a bit of anger towards his mother, a lot of anger towards his father, and a truck load of loathing towards that weird old guy he met two- right, it's 3 AM- three days ago.

Not to mention, he's been here three days and has already gone and gotten a crush on the first boy he met. Right-on Taehyun, great decisions as always.

And now he's mocking himself in his own head.

He's lost his mind. 

Sighing, he wiggles out of the covers and crawls to the foot of his bed, he was moved into it earlier today- he can't believe how badly he misses Yeonjun already. Anyways- crush aside, Taehyun pulls open the trunk at the foot of his bed and pulls out the cloak there. The invisibility cloak Yeonjun had gifted him on his first day here. He wasn't actually sure if it was a gift or if he had just stolen from Yeonjun, but Taehyun slips it on and quietly walks out of the dorms.

He walks across the grated flooring, watching the water passing below. Once he reaches a set of stairs, he lifts his head and pauses, staring at the scene in front of him. Laying on the couches surrounded by books was a very tired looking Yeonjun who was chewing absentmindedly on the tip of his wand while his index finger traced along a page of his textbook.

Taehyun slides the cloak off and quietly walks down the stairs and towards Yeonjun. He slides into the armchair in front of Yeonjun, leaning his head back against the cushion. 

Yeonjun doesn't startle which makes Taehyun frown, “you heard me coming?” “I think the entire world could hear your breathing. Not used to breaking the rules?” Taehyun hums, closing his eyes, “I'm just not used to how big this building is- I've got to start working on my stamina.” 

“Just wait till sixth year, you've got at least one thousand steps between your first class and your second.” Taehyun groans, raising his arm to cover his eyes. “This is inhumane.” “I'll show you all of the shortcuts, don't worry.”

Taehyun smiles and pulls his arm back, sitting up straight as he peeks at Yeonjuns notebook, “what's that? An Essay?” Yeonjun nods, “I'm going over all of my notes from year five.” Taehyun sighs and stands up, walking closer till hes knelt down in front of the couch. He closes Yeonjuns textbook and pulls his notebook off his lap, “up you get.” He says as he wraps his hands around Yeonjuns wrists, pulling him up to his feet. 

Yeonjun whines the whole way back to his dorm room. Even when he's shushed with Taehyuns pale finger pointing at Zhanghaos bed. Yeonjun continued to whine until he pushed into his own bed and tucked in.

“You're being mean to me again when I'm just trying to help you.” Taehyun rubs his face, growing a bit annoyed, “I learned a new spell recently, want to see it?” He asks innocently, holding up his wand.

Yeonjun, unsuspecting, nods enthusiastically. “ Silencio .” Yeonjun immediately begins pouting, crossing his arms and rolling over so his back is to Taehyun. “Come to my room in the morning and i'll take it off.” taehyun giggles, patting yeonjuns shoulder before leaving the dorm, quietly shutting the door behind himself.

He shrugs the invisibility cloak back on and sneaks up the stairs and out of the slytherin dormitory. 

–

Sneaking around the castle this early in the morning was completely and utterly thrilling . Every time he heard a noise, a piece of Taehyun died in his throat, however climbing up the never ending staircases, getting lost more times than he could count, and nearly pissing his pants every time a ghost passed by - nobody had warned him about those! It was all worth it when he was able to sit down and stare out at the view from the top of the astrology tower

He sat right against the railing, legs dangling off of the platform ,arms resting on the bottom railing as his eyes scanned the surrounding area. It wasn't cold, but it wasn't warm either. His nose was tingling as the cool wind whipped against, more aggressive this high up.

It isn't until he hears a floorboard creak and somebody's voice hitch in their throat that Taehyun realizes, sorrowly, that he isn't alone.

He tilts his head back, hooking his chin on his right shoulder, and locks eyes with that blond gryffindor he had seen during the sorting ceremony. “Hello.” He greets casually, watching as the Gryffindor tenses, shoulders hunching forward. “H-” the boy's words caught against his tongue, choking on the rest of the word before it could reach his lips. His face flares all sorts of colours, red- embarrassment, green-nausea, white-mortified. Taehyun has to hold back a giggle as he scoots backwards, pulling himself up to his feet. “My names Kang Taehyun, and yours?”

The boys mumbles and Taehyun tilts his head, taking a few long strides forward until the tips of their shoes touch. “Pardon?”

“Choi Soobin.” Taehyun realizes as he lifts his head and tilts back, and back, and back to see Soobins eyes that this guy is tall. He takes a step back so his neck isn't as strained, “nice to meet you! I wasn't expecting to see somebody else up here so early.” Soobin nods, seemingly not trusting his own voice.

“Were you mapping the stars?”

Soobin nods again, his breath hitching when Taehyun walks by him, their shoulders bumping lightly. Taehyun leans down, peering through the lens. 

“Woah, this is an incredible telescope! The ones in Korea can hardly see Cassiopeia.” He can basically feel the curiosity oozing off of Soobin as he pulls on his fingers and shuffles closer, standing a little off to the side, “Cassiopeia?”

“It's a muggle constellation.” Soobin gasps, covers his mouth, and tilts his head forward in an apology, “that was rude, I'm sorry.” Taehyun isn't sure what exactly was rude about that so he forgives Soobin quickly, “don't worry about it. What's this constellation called?” He pulls back from the scope, making room for Soobin to crouch down so he can answer.

“This one is my favourite, it's called Draco. A boy in your house was named after it many years ago.” Intrigued, Taehyun jots that down in his ‘ ask Yeonjun about it later ’ mental cabinet. “It’s beautiful.” Soobin nods in agreement, leaning back and standing up, “What year are you in?” He grins, a little stupidly, when Soobin speaks first. 

“A fifth year, you?” “Seventh.” Taehyun nods, “same as Yeonjun Hyung, do you know each other?”

“Choi Yeonjun? I've seen him around but he doesn't- we dont- no.” Soobin finally answers, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. Taehyun raises an eyebrow, seems like there's more there than Soobins willing to share. Deciding to tease a little, Taehyun nods along, “oh really? I'll introduce you some-” Taehyuns cut off by Soobins hand over his mouth. He's expecting Soobin to strongly protest the meeting but instead, when he looks up, Soobins eyes are wide with fear and he has a finger pressed up to his own lips. 

Sh. 

Taehyun listens carefully, hearing the footsteps of somebody approaching. Ah, it's against the rules to be out this late. Werent Gryffindors supposed to be brave? Taehyun giggles to himself, much to Soobins dismay, and he pulls his- Yeonjuns? Cloak out of his bag and drapes it over Soobins shoulders, pulling the hood over his head. “I'm new so I wont get in as much trouble. Just stay quiet, okay?” he assumes Soobin nods because he hears a ruffling sound and feels as the tall Gryffindor brushes past him, standing nearly directly behind Taehyun. 

Taehyun faces the entrance to the platform as a teacher walks in, long robes getting caught around their legs as the wind immediately attacks them. “Professor.’ Taehyun tilts his head forward in a greeting, watching as her expression shifts from shock to delight. “Ah! Kang Taehyun, our newbie!” She bounds forward and picks up Taehyuns hands, shaking them excitedly, “welcome to hogwarts! I suppose nobody gave you a rundown of the rules yet?” Taehyun shakes his head, using his best ‘im completely innocent and could never intentionally break the rules’ look. 

It must work because she tuts and shakes her head, “I told them that we should watch out for you, they couldn't even do that. It must be hard for you, being thrown into the middle of your school career like this- ah, and during such an important year too. Please, feel free to come find me if ever you need help or extra tutoring, my classroom is always open for questions. Hm, it's almost the end of curfew so you can stay here, i won't tell anybody. But tomorrow the rules will apply to you as well, alright?”

Taehyun nods, “yes, Professor. Thank you.” She finally lets go of Taehyuns hands and pats his shoulder before smiling and leaving, humming a tune to herself.

Taehyun turns around, holding his breath when he feels his nose brush against Soobins adam's apple. 

he takes a step back and reaches his hands up, pulling the hood down. “safe.” Soobin blinks, eyes as wide as an owl, and nods slowly. “..safe.” 

–

The two had spent an extra up there, taking turns looking through the telescope. Taehyun listened while Soobin rambled on and on about his favourite constellations, showing Taehyun maps of stars he wouldn't need till next year.

Taehyun absorbed every word like a sponge. Soobins voice was like a siren,Taehyun was completely entranced everytime the Gryffindor opened his mouth. Taehyun was a little entranced by Soobins lips as well.

Huh? 

Taehyun pauses, staring down at his hand which had traveled up to his own lips. 

He pulls his hand back and slaps it, shoving it deep into his pockets. 

Great. Two crushes. 

Taehyun walks back down to the Slytherin dorms and slides into his bed before anyone has woken up. His head hits the pillow and he falls asleep instantly.

--

He's woken up entirely too soon by hands on his back, shaking him back and forth roughly. 

Oh right, he had silenced Yeonjun last night. He giggles before he's even opened his eyes, just imagining Yeonjuns expression is funny. When he finally cracks his eyes open and rolls over to face the other boy, he barks out a laugh. Yeonjuns eyes widen and he covers Taehyuns mouth., eyes darting around the room. Taehyung crosses his eyes to look at Yeonjuns hands.

They Are smaller than Soobins, more tan and delicate looking. He wonders what they'd both look like against his own skin. 

Taehyun pushes Yeonjuns hand away quickly and sits up, avoiding eye contact so Yeonjun can't see his pink cheeks as he beelines for the bathroom. 

By the time he comes out with brushed teeth and clean hair, Yeonjun is sitting criss-crossed on his bed with narrowed eyes and furrowed eyebrows. He points at Taehyun, his wand, and then his own mouth, scowling.

Taehyun lifts his wand and quickly casts the counter spell, watching as Yeonjun lets out a puff of air, nodding when it makes a noise. “Good, I'm going to get ready for classes now, meet me in the common room so I can kick your ass.”

The threat is empty, they both know that, but Taehyun fakes a shudder and dramatically hides behind his hands when Yeonjun walks by him. He can see the way the older boy smiles as he leaves the room.