Lead the Way

Taehyun has been at Hogwarts for about two weeks now. his mornings were spent doing two things;

classes 

studying with Yeonjun 

for a year seven, Yeonjun seemed to have a lot of free time that he used entirely on helping taehyun catch up with- well.. everything.

and his nights were spent in the astrology tower with Choi Soobin, who he was quickly becoming attached to. 

The Gryffindor was endearing, annoyingly so. He was awkward and anxious and he hardly asked Taehyun questions, a nice welcome from the onslaught he received from every other person in this school. 

Soobin was tall, taller than he must've realized since he often hit his head off door frames or low raised ceilings. He pouted when Taehyun laughed at him and he sulked when Taehyun teased him. 

But when Taehyun gave him a compliment? or sent him a simple word of praise?

Choi Soobin lit up like a Christmas tree. He pulled his fingers, sputtered over his words, and blushed red and pink, all while avoiding eye contact with a beautiful smile on his face. 

that was quickly becoming one of Taehyuns favourite things to do. 

Walking up the never ending staircase, Taehyun planned what compliments he would give Soobin today. Maybe he'd say Soobin had a nice smile, or Soobins hands looked delicate and beautiful.

However, when he reached the top platform, Soobin wasn't there. Taehyuns eyebrows furrowed together as he glanced around, feeling a ping of worry tug at his chest. If Soobin wasn't here, where was he? 

the rational side of Taehyuns mind was grumbling at him, ‘probably sleeping, like we should be.’ 

but on the other side, the infinitely louder side was screaming, saying something is wrong and he needs to look around for Soobin. 

He turns on his heel and is about to march back down the stairs when a noise makes him freeze. 

He paused and listened. 

crying? 

a quiet sniffle. Taehyun turned back around and walked towards the staircase in the middle of the platform, leading down to a small storage room. 

Sat against the far wall with his long legs tucked up and pulled tightly to his chest was a shaking Soobin. 

Taehyun bit his lip and took a few steps closer, “Soobin?” he calls quietly, watching as the Gryffindor stiffens and reaches a hand between his legs and chest, rubbing at his eyes. 

he looks up and Taehyun frowns. there's no beautiful smile and those eyes Taehyun was obsessed with were dull and full of tears. 

“What's wrong?” 

soobins lip wobbles and he places his head back down, forehead on his knees. Taehyun breaks the distance between them and kneels in front of Soobin, hands on his shoulders. He wasn't sure what to do, what soobin would want him to do.

“Do you… want to talk about it?” He already had an idea what was wrong, he knew Soobin was homesick and missed his mom so badly, it's why he was always up in the tower. He felt if he was high up enough, he could look out at the ever expanding view and maybe, just maybe, he'd be able to see his childhood home. 

Soobin sniffles and his legs straighten out in front of him, nearly knocking Taehyun over. He moves so they're sat side-by-side and lays a hand on Soobins knee, providing a comfort he couldn't verbally give without Soobin confiding in him. 

“I hate being in Gryffindor.”

The answer was unexpected. Taehyun thought for sure he was missing his mom again but apparently he wasn't. 

“Why?”

Soobin raises his hands and covers his face, sighing, “I don't belong. I'm not brave, I don't have any courage, I'm not charming or determined. I'm a coward, I'm awkward, I can't bloody talk to people. I don't belong there.”

Taehyun shakes his head, “I think you're brave. Sure, you may get scared easily but you put yourself in situations you know would scare you. That's pretty big determination as well, I’d say. Your awkwardness is charming. You may not look like the textbook definition of a gryffindor running into the fire with a smile on their face but you,” Taehyun raises his hand from Soobins knee to his hands, pulling them away from his face. Once Soobins hands have fallen into his lap, Taehyun cups his cheeks and wipes his tears with his thumbs. 

“You are a gryffindor.”

Soobins lip wobbles uncontrollably and his tears fall fat and heavy over Taehyuns hands. He leans forward until he's in Taehyuns arms crying into his shoulder. Taehyun holds him tightly and runs his fingers through Soobins hair. He begins to hum the lullaby his father used to sing to him when he had a bad dream. He can feel as Soobin begins to relax, feeling the vibrations of Taehyuns vibrato soothe his tense body. 

“Where did the sudden insecurity come from?” Taehyun asks softly. Soobin was sat by his side again, head leant down on Taehyuns shoulder while they stared forward. Soobins fingers twitch where they are laced with Taehyuns. 

“Got picked on yesterday.”

Taehyun bristles up, shoulders tensing and jaw clicking as his teeth clench together. “Picked on.” He repeats, slow and irritated.

Soobin, unaware, nods, sniffs, and plays with Taehyuns pinky. “Just some petty hexes but..” he trails off, biting his lip.

“Who?” Taehyuns aware he sounds right pissed off, he just hopes Soobin knows it's not because of him, but for him.

“Just another Gryffindor.” Soobins words are mumbled and he squeezes Taehyuns pinky finger between his index and thumb.

Taehyuns eyebrow twitches and he breathes through his mouth, “What's their name?”

“It's nobody, dont worry about it.” Taehyun, patience running thin, squeezes Soobins hand, “please tell me.”

– 

“Hyung,”  Yeonjun looks up from the book his nose was currently buried in- taehyun was pretty sure Yeonjun was so close to the pages he couldn't even read it.

“Yeah?” “Do you know a Charlie Parati?” Yeonjuns face shifts into a scowl, “unfortunately. Why?” “He picked on a friend of mine.” Taehyun mutters, the anger laced into his tone isn't lost on his own ears, and Yeonjun seems to catch on as well, raising a perfectly plucked eyebrow up into his fringe, “picked on?”

Taehyun nods,  book discarded beside him as he stares across Zhanghaos bed, which he was sitting on, into Yeonjuns. Yeonjun sits up, purses his lips, and leans forward, “do you want to get revenge?” “I learnt a funny spell that I'd like to use.” Yeonjuns other eyebrow raises, joining the left one in his fringe, “oh?” 

Taehyun picks his textbook up and flips it so Yeonjun can lean closer, squint, and read the text. 

“oh.” he grins wickedly and stands off of his bed, reaching into his trunk to pull out a map. 

Taehyuns curiosity is peaked as he stands up as well, dragging his slipper covered feet against the ground gill he's pressed against Yeonjuns back, leaning more to his right to look at the paper. 

“woah? Does this track people?” 

“they're every move, and it seems Parati is enjoying some quidditch.” Taehyuns eyebrows pinch together,“What the hell is Quidditch?” 

–

Taehyuns jaw drops as he looks up, watching wizards and witches zip past him on their brooms. Quidditch seeks to be air soccer- but more complicated, and a lot more fun. 

Yeonjun is walking beside him, their arms linked together, and he's whistling excitedly. 

once they reach the middle of the pitch- this place is huge- Yeonjun looks straight up, inhales, and,

“Oi! Parati, you prat! get your arse down here!” Taehyun bites back a giggle, Yeonjuns accent coming out fully with his yelling. 

The older slytherin lowers his head till their eyes meet and he giggles, bumping taehyuns shoulder with his own. 

An older Gryffindor lands in front of them, hopping off his broom and tucking it under his arm, “Yeonjun? what's up, dude? we haven't talked in a long time, why am I a prat?” 

The dickhead, Taehyun really doesn't like him, is laughing as if he and Yeonjun are best buddies. 

“Choi Soobin,” Yeonjun says, shocking Taehyun, “you bullying him again?” Paratis face falls and he looks guilty, cupping the back of his own neck, eyes staring at the grass, “err..” 

Yeonjun raises his wand and tilts it forward, “seems we need a repeat of year five then, huh?” Parati opens his mouth, probably to beg for forgiveness, but Taehyun raises his wand at the same time, both himself and Yeonjun casting their own spells. 

Yeonjuns turns the Gryffindors hair a bright neon green while Taehyuns makes his tongue inflate and hang out of his mouth. 

Yeonjun snorts loudly and rehooks his arm with Taehyuns, turning them around, “go beg on your hands and knees for Soobins forgiveness, then we'll unhex you. you know I've mastered my spells to be undone by me and me alone. Though.. I am curious how you will speak.” The tone is playful as Yeonjun turns to look at Taehyun, raising his hand for a fistbump. Once he's given one, he hooks their arms together and turns around, skipping back up the grassy pathway with Taehyun at his side, singing a song as they get further away and closer to the grand doors of Hogwarts.

–

“how'd you know it was Choi Soobin?” Yeonjuns song cut off and he lulled his head to the side, staring at Taehyun from over his glasses, “you think I didn't know you were sneaking out every night? I was watching you on that map the first couple days to make sure you were okay. Soobins name being up there was a shock the first day and then it made sense. He always loved that bloody tower.” 

Taehyun thinks back to what Soobin had said two weeks ago, frowning. don't know each other my ass.

“Are you curious?” “Yes,” Taehyun answers bluntly, leaning back in the chair he was sitting in, “but I won't push you to talk about it if you don't want to. Soobin didn't.” 

He spares a quick glance to Yeonjun, seeing him smiling sadly, eyes lost watching the way the flames flicker back and forth in the fireplace. They had reached the Common room a few minutes ago and settled into their usual spot.

“We used to date.” Taehyun sits up straight, jaw dropped. “What?” 

“well- kind of? we were- we definitely did ‘couple things’ together, he was my first kiss, but we never officially got to ‘boyfriends’ before it was over.” Yeonjun laughs but it sounded irritated. His eyebrows furrowed together and his top lip curled up, angry. 

“what happened?” Taehyun pushes gently, watching as Yeonjun sighs loudly and leans down till he's laying on the couch, feet dangling off the armrest on the other side, “he just called it off and started avoiding me. I tried, for a year, to get him to talk to me, look at me, think about me- anything! but the stubborn bitch-” Yeonjun sighed, rubbing his face, trying to calm himself down, “he's always been stubborn as hell. Very Gryffindor of him, determined to avoid me for whatever stupid reason he conjured in that pretty little head of his.” 

Taehyun hums, getting lost in his own thoughts. 

He should feel jealous right now, shouldn't he? He likes both of them and Yeonjuns talking about his two crushes dating somebody else- each other. But, oddly, Taehyun doesn't feel much except sad, for Yeonjun and Soobin. And maybe a desire- that he doesn't really understand- is bubbling in the back of his mind. 

“Taehyun?” He's pulled out of his thoughts by Yeonjuns nervous tone. “hm?” 

“It doesn't bother you right? I know you know Zhanghao is gay but we never talked about how you… you know..  feel? about that? Is me liking boys going to be a problem?” 

Taehyun could laugh, really hard, if it wasn't an inappropriate moment to do so. Instead he shakes his head, smiles, and points at himself, “I do too.” 

Yeonjuns eyes widen and a pink brush spreads across his cheeks and down his neck, “Okay. That's… that's good.” 

Taehyun hums, leaning back in his chair, “yeah.” 

–

Taehyun huffs as he reaches the last step of the astrology tower, taking a second to stretch his back out and breathe in the crisp air of the night. “Taehyun.” Taehyun looks forward and smiles brightly at Soobin. His smile quickly falls when he notices Soobin looks angry. 

“Hi, Soobin.” he tries to act nonchalantly, stepping out of the staircase and onto the platform. 

“Did you tell Choi Yeonjun about Parati?” A pang of guilt bites at Taehyuns heart. If he knew they used to date he wouldn’t have said anything to Yeonjun, so.. technically this is Soobins fault for not telling Taehyun the truth. 

He goes to move past Soobin, “You know, i saw the coolest thing in my textbook yest-” Taehyuns cut off when he's grabbed by the shoulders, spun around to face Soobin, who doesn't let go, grip tight and keeping Taehyun trapped in place. 

“Did you tell him?” he's never heard soobin sound like this before. He wasn't even aware he could.

Taehyun stares up at Soobin, lips parted. Soobins really angry. 

“Well- I didn't intend to! Actually I never even said your name. I asked him if he knew a Parati and said he was bothering a friend of mine. He put it together himself, which isn't that shocking seeing as you two dated.” Taehyuns shocked by his own tone, accusing. 

Soobins anger falls, morphing into fear. “He told you?” Taehyun rolls his eyes and raises his own arms, resting his hands on Soobins hips, “he told me. so don't act like you're mad at me, okay? you're mad at yourself.” 

Soobin groans and leans forward till his forehead is pressed against Taehyuns shoulder, “how do you know what I'm feeling better than I do?” The slytherin chuckles and shrugs his shoulders, resting his head against Soobins. 

“Are you done being mad now?” soobin hums, “I don't think so. I'm annoyed Yeonjun was the one that got to tell you about us… I was going to tell you… eventually.” Taehyun huffs and lightly pushes soobin away, “uh-huh. sure.” He turns on his heel and walks over to the telescopes, crouching down, “I wasn't lying before, help me find this constellation?” 

Soobin stands next to Taehyun and looks through the scope, “What were you trying to find?”

–

Taehyun lays in Yeonjuns bed, watching him pace the room. “Choi Soobin- ex boyfriend- first love- wants to talk to me? Why? Is he mad at me? I mean I didn't do anything wrong, right? I just helped you with charlie- though I guess that's imposing on his personal life?”

“Hyung,” Taehyun lays his head back and closes his eyes, hands over his stomach, “do you still like Soobin?” 

He can hear Yeonjun sputtering, acting scandalized and caught off guard, “me? Liking him still? When he left me? I'm not-” his resolve seems to die, the bed dipping as he sits down, “You never stop liking your first love, right?” Taehyun hums and raises his right arm, laying it across the pillow. Yeonjun accepts the wordless invitation, laying down beside Taehyun, his arm across the younger boy's waist, “have you ever had a first love?”

Taehyun hums again, “I've never been in love. I've had crushes but it's always been superficial.” Yeonjun lays his head on Taehyuns chest, “maybe you’ll find somebody here.” 

A smile spreads across taehyuns face, “maybe.” 

–

The library was becoming Taehyuns least favourite place in all of Hogwarts. There were too many books, too many subjects, and not nearly enough time. He rests his forehead against the table and sighs quietly, feeling his own heartbeat thumping against his skull. He was exhausted. Entirely exhausted. 

With another drawn out sigh, Taehyun raises from the table and stretches his arms over his head. He decides to walk around, get the blood flowing back in his legs. With small steps, he takes his time exploring the endless shelves, tracing his index finger along the spines. If this was a muggle- when did he get used to calling regular people muggles?- library, the shelves would be covered in dust and probably dead bugs, but here? everything is spotless.

As Taehyun reaches the other side of the library, he sees the same ravenclaw he had seen during the sorting ceremony. His hair is long and a soft brown, and he’s just as concentrated now as before.

Curiosity peaks his interest and Taehyun walks towards the Ravenclaw, peeking over his shoulder to see what had him so entranced.

He freezes when his mothers name and picture, a picture that moves, stares back at him. He reaches his hand forward and rips it out of the ravenclaws hands, reading it. “What the hell? Hey! Give that back-” The ravenclaws voice trails off when they meet eyes, “why the hell are you investigating my mother?” 

The boy's mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water. “Kang Taehyun?” he finally asks, voice dripping with shock, confusion, sadness?

Taehyun scowls and grabs the rest of the newspapers scattered around the table, storming out of the library while the Ravenclaw stumbles over his words, begging him to sit down and talk. Taehyun will not sit down and talk, thank you very much. 

He slams open the library doors, nearly squishing Yeonjun against the wall. “Tyun-ah? Where are you off to in such a hurry- woah! Hey, what's wrong?” Yeonjun runs after Taehyun, who was speed-walking down the staircase and towards the Slytherin dungeons. Yeonjun finally catches up and wraps his hands around Taehyuns arm, planting his feet firmly on the ground to lock them both in place. 

“Tell me what's wrong?” Yeonjun tries to sound demanding but it comes out warry and questioning. The younger slytherin groans and turns around, handing the newspapers to Yeonjun, “I caught some ravenclaw researching my moms disappearance, look at what that article says!” He can hear his own aggression but he can't help himself. He wasn't really mad at the Ravenclaw, a bit weirded out but not mad. However, he was mad at whoever the hell the “Daily Prophet” is. 

The Missing Auror? 

Mrs. Kang

Disappeared or Murdered?

Muggle married Auror has been missing for nearly 15 years- kept secret by the ministry? What happened to her? Did she run away to reunite with her muggle husband and mixed blood son? Or was she killed? 

Yeonjun frowns and stops reading, looking up at a shaking Taehyun, “lets go to the dorms, i don't want people to see you like this.” Taehyun nods and allows himself to be led towards the dungeons, guided down the staircase and into the Common room.

Yeonjun is rubbing his arm comfortingly while they dodge the Slytherins sitting in the common room trying to strike up a conversation with them. Yeonjun flicks his wand and the door to his dorm pushes open and shuts behind them. He points his wand at his bed and it's quickly made, curtains pulled shut after they crawl into it. He casts a quick muffling and warming charm as well, for Taehyuns comfort.

Taehyuns sat against the headboard with Yeonjun in front of him. They're sat cross legged, knees touching. “I haven't asked many questions because it’d obviously be a..” Yeonjun trails off, lost on what word would be appropriate to use. 

“Touchy topic?” Taehyun supplies, smiling a little when Yeonjun nods. “It is. I keep finding out new things about her here but back home, in seoul, i didn't know anything about my mom. All I know is she left me and my dad behind and went somewhere on her own. I always thought she got married and ran away to start a new family but then I came here and I found out she was a wizard- apparently an important and good one? Who loved me and wrote letters about me to her teachers and bosses. Now there's talk about her being murdered? And her boss isn't telling anybody what happened to her? It's too much. I hate not knowing what happened since I can't help but think the worst. What if she was murdered? Why? Will the same people come after my dad? Me?” Yeonjun reaches his hands forward, taking Taehyuns into his own, squeezing reassuringly. “Nothing can happen to you here. Do you know why that ravenclaw was looking at these? Maybe they know something?”

Taehyun pouts, “Why wouldn't he just come talk to me? Why read all of it by himself?” Yeonjun bites his lip, shrugging, “maybe he was worried you'd get mad?”

Taehyuns face flames red and he pouts, “you should be on my side.” The older slytherin giggles as he leans forward, pulling Taehyun in for a huge, “i am, you goofball. Which is why I tell you my opinions.”

Taehyun continues to pout but nods regardless, “thank you. I may not appreciate it entirely right now, but I will when I'm less pissed off.” “That's what matters.” 

“Can we go get dinner? I'm starving.” Yeonjun giggles and nods, pulling back, “let’s go.” 

–

Taehyun doesn't even get one minute of peaceful eating before somebody is sitting beside him and knocking his fork out of his hand. 

“Listen to me speak this time.”

With a slow turn of his head, Taehyun meets eyes with the Ravenclaw from the library. He’s still pretty ticked off, amplified more by his dinner being interrupted rather rudely. 

“Why should i.” The ravenclaw rolls his eyes! Taehyun scoffs and turns his attention back to Yeonjun, who's glaring at the ravenclaw. 

“Yah, choi beomgyu. Who told you you could sit at the Slytherin table?” “Back off, Yeonjun. Nobody needs permission to sit anywhere.” Yeonjun scowls and goes for his wand, a hex ready on his tongue. Beomgyu is faster though, flicking his wand under the table, “Silencio.” he whispers, smirking when Yeonjun tries to cast his own spell, no sound coming from his mouth. 

He crosses his arms over his chest and stares daggers through Beomgyus' face. The ravenclaw turns back to Taehyun, “listen to me now?” “Spit it out.” He grumbles, still not looking at the long haired boy. 

“My parents were friends with your mom. I'm looking up everything I can about her disappearance because my mom thinks it wasn't an accident and is looking for her. I have more resources here than she does back at home.” Beomgyu speaks too quickly and Taehyun thinks he may have missed half of his sentences. “Your parents know my mom?”

Exasperated, Beomgyu sighs and nods. “I didn't know you were here, otherwise I would've just asked you myself.” “my name was announced during the sorting ceremony?” Beomgyu seems to at least look embarrassed at that, his gaze shifting to his hands, “i was a bit distracted and didn't hear any of it.”

Yeonjun kicks the table so they both look at him. He rolls his eyes really dramatically, “Hyung is saying you're an idiot.” Yeonjun nods aggressively. 

Beomgyu scoffs and stands up, “Well. Thanks for listening. I'll make my leave.” “Wait, Beomgyu.” Taehyun reaches a hand out, wrapping his fingers around the ravenclaws wrist. Yeonjuns eyebrow raises. 

“What is it?” Beomgyu sounds almost excited as he turns around, staring down at Taehyun with curious eyes. “Undo the Silencio.” Beomgyus excitement falls and he nods once, pointing his wand at Yeonjuns face. A small burst of magic flicks the older slytherin right in the middle of his forehead. Yeonjun startles, “yah! You did that on purpose!”

“Let's meet at the library next tuesday.” Taehyun says, stopping any bickering about to start. Beomgyus excitement reappears, nearly doubled. “Really?”

“really.” 

– 

Yeonjun sits down in the library chairs, he’s lent as far back as possible, legs kicked up on the table.

Taehyun sits down beside him and slaps his ankle, scowling at his shoes on his workspace. With a whine, Yeonjun pulls his legs back and flicks his right hand forward, casting a cleaning charm. “You could've just asked instead of hitting.” he pouts, rubbing his ankle while Taehyun sets up his textbooks. 

“Soobins joining us today, mind your manors.” 

Yeonjun sits up fully, “who? joining where?” “Choi Soobin, your ex boyfriend, is joining us today. I'm overstepping my boundaries here because I think you're both idiots.” “Does he know I'm here? because I'm pretty fucking certain he's going to bolt the second he catches sight of me.” “he won't be able to, I'm prepared. The ravenclaw,” Yeonjun raises an eyebrow, interrupting, “Choi Beomgyu?” 

“the Ravenclaw will be joining too.” 

“Well, look at you, invite the whole school next time, why don't you.” Yeonjun crosses his arms and leans forward, pressing his cheek against the wood. He watches as Taehyuns pen scratches against his notebook page, studying for his upcoming charms test. 

“How are your classes going, by the way?” “pretty smooth. so far everything's been fairly easy, bit nervous for what finals- owls? will be like.” Yeonjun nods before stiffening, hearing Beomgyus voice. “Beomgyus here.” 

Taehyun glances forward, “Soobin too.” he rests a hand on Yeonjuns thigh, offering a bit of support despite the fact Yeonjuns anxieties were completely and entirely Taehyuns fault. 

“Taehyun-ah.” Soobins voice calls before his breath hitches in his throat, gaze landing on Yeonjuns slumped over body. his eyes rush to Taehyun, wide and betrayed. 

Taehyun casts a quick muffling charm around their table, “sit down. You're both working on your,” Taehyun pauses, the words trapped behind his lips.

“I shut him up. You’re already finished your muggles essay, right?” Taehyun glares at Yeonjun, kicking his shin. The eldest shouts in pain, reaching his hands down to rub at his tibia. Beomgyu laughs and pulls out his own notebook, turning it to face Taehyun. 

“Anyways- fuck that hurts, Taehyun. Are you wearing metal shoes? Anyways, Soobin,” The Gryffindors eyes shift across the table, not sure where to focus, “you can relax, this isn't an ambush or anything. I didn't know we’d both be spending this pleasantly dreadful time together- otherwise I would have joined Wooyoung for a quidditch match.” Taehyun goes to kick him again but Yeonjun grabs his ankle, holding him in place, “stop kicking me, you prat!”

Taehyun glares and points his finger at his notebook, 

“UNHEX ME!”

Yeonjun presses his wand to Taehyuns shoulder, huffing. “I'll get you back for that.”

“It’s payback for that night in the dorms!”

“You two seem close.” Taehyun pauses, glancing at the Ravenclaw who was smiling at them. Soobin looked a bit uncomfortable, hands tucked in his lap and eyes glued to the table, exactly where Yeonjuns hand was still holding Taehyuns ankle under it. 

UI

Taehyun pulls himself free and sits properly in his chair, clearing his throat, “we’re not.”

“Yah!” 

Beomgyu smiles brighter and pulls out a few old newspapers that have turned yellow with age. 

“What are those?” Soobin asks curiously, leaning closer. Taehyun quickly pulls them away, glaring at Soobin, “you need to work on your essay. Stop being nosey, you gryffindor.” Soobin pouts and Yeonjun watches the exchange with a raised eyebrow, “you’re not done yet? You’re usually quick to finish muggle studies work.”

The Gryffindors face flushes a light pink and he turns his attention back to the table. He mumbles his answer, too quiet for anyone to hear. 

“What was that?” “He said he fell asleep yesterday before he could finish it.” Beomgyu looks at Taehyun with a bewildered expression, “Did he? It sounded more like nonsense to me, how did you hear real actual.. words?”

Taehyun glares at him, “Maybe you should research how to use your ears.” The ravenclaw narrows his eyes, “I know you're still mad and I respect that, however I don't think I have much patience for insults left in me.”

Taehyun shrugs, “not my problem. Deal with it.”

Yeonjun snickers beside him and scoots his chair closer till he can wrap an arm around Taehyun's shoulders, “I like this new sassy side of yours, it's hot.”

The table goes silent and Yeonjun freezes, lips parted as if he's shocked by his own words. “Thats- i meant- oh whatever, sod off. It is attractive.” “Believe the word you used before was, what was it? Ah-” Beomgyu sticks his index finger up, as if an idea has struck him, “Hot.” 

Taehyun kicks his foot forward, landing it against Beomgyus shin this time. The ravenclaw cries out, kicking his leg out in retaliation. Taehyun spares a glance at Soobin, trying to see what he's feeling. The Gryffindor is as red as a rose and his attention is on the papers in front of him. 

He can't see any jealousy, or anger, just a flush. Maybe embarrassed?”

Taehyun turns to look at Yeonjun next, laughing out loud. Yeonjuns face is a mirror of Soobins, bright red and pinched in an unreadable expression. He slumps back in his chair and pushes Taehyuns face away by his cheek, “don't look at me, I'm mortified.” “In-between the mortification, do you think you should work a bit on your essay?” 

Yeonjun scowls and hunches forward, pressing his face against the desk, angrily mumbling the instructions out loud. 

“Show me what you have so far,” Taehyun says to Beomgyu, standing up and bringing his chair to the head of the table so they could read off the same pages. He can feel Yeonjun watching him, maybe Soobin too, but he ignores them both. 

“So far I've found records on this,” Beomgyu points at a heading in his notebook labeled MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT?

–

They spent three hours there quietly talking to themselves while Yeonjun begged Soobin for help and Soobin ignored him. 

“Thank you.” Beomgyu raises an eyebrow, smirking, “thank you…” He trails off, implying he's expecting more. Taehyun glares at him, “I'm not saying it again.” “No, no, what's the name of the person you're thanking?” The glare shifts to a grimace and Taehyun pulls his bag up higher on his shoulder, linking arms with Yeonjun who guides them out of the library. “You’ll have to say it one day!” “Maybe on your deathbed?” Taehyun wonders, giggling when Beomgyu throws a balled up piece of paper at his back. They get a few glares and aggressive shhh’s before they're out the doors and standing at the end of the stairs. 

“Did everyone have a good time? Can we do this again?” Taehyun asks their little group of misfit houses, giggling at his own thoughts. Soobin smiles brightly at him, “It wasn’t too bad. Though next time I want you to fill me in on what you and Beomgyu were doing.” Yeonjun huffs and leans his head down till it hits Taehyuns shoulders, “I don't like how i have to share you now. You were supposed to be my weird little friend, not everyones. Next thing I know, you're going to be bringing a bloody hufflepuff around.” Taehyun laughs and rubs their heads together, hair frizzing, “don't act like you'd mind, you love hufflepuffs.”

Yeonjun smiles wistfully, “That I do. They're so curious aren't they? Weird little creatures who are always happy and smiling, right freaky too.” Beomgyu snorts and shakes his head, “Sounds like you just described yourself there.” “Hop off it Choi.” 

Taehyun laughs lightly, “that does not work as well when three of you have the same last name.” Soobin nods in agreement. They bicker for a few more minutes until the night is cut short by Beomgyu yawning, waving goodbye, and disappearing down the corridors to the Ravenclaw tower. 

Soobin awkwardly bows his head as goodbye to Yeonjun and pulls Taehyun in for a tight hug. “See you later tonight?” Taehyun nods and bumps their shoulders together lightly before waving like a maniac as Soobin speed-walks away in embarrassment.

Yeonjun walks forward until his arms are wrapped tightly around Taehyuns waist, head on top of Taehyuns, “home?” Taehyun smiles and laughs softly, “Home? Is that what you call the dorms?” “We’re there all the time and, what's that muggle saying? Home is where the heart is? Or something like that.” Bewildered, Taehyun huffs a weak laugh and turns around till they're so close their noses touch, “it wasn't too bad, right? Being there with Soobin?”

The air shifts to a more serious tone and Yeonjun shakes his head lightly, his bangs tickling Taehyuns forehead, “no, it wasn't. He still has the same stupid mannerisms that make my chest hurt and my heart races so fast I'm scared it might make a hole through my chest and run away,” Taehyun chuckles, “But it wasn't bad. I… I liked seeing you two together. You’re both very important people in my life.”

Taehyun swallows the lump forming in his throat, clearing his voice as he takes a quick step back, raising his eyes till their gazes lock, “let's go home?” He offers with a small smile and Yeonjun laughs, letting his arms fall from where they were still wrapped around Taehyun. He holds a hand out for Taehyun to take, swinging their arms back and forth as they descend further down in the castle till they reach the snake-made arch. 

“Are you going to go see him now?” The who is obvious. Taehyun grins and nods, “I have to make sure he isn’t completely messed up from today.” Yeonjun laughs loudly and nods, pressing a quick kiss to Taehyuns cheek. He pulls back, eyes wide as if he didnt mean to do it. Taehyuns lips part, a light blush spreading across his cheeks. “You know, I’m starting to think you belong in gryffindor.” 

Yeonjun scowls and pushes Taehyun by the shoulder, sending him stumbling towards the stairs, “go see Soobin.” He disappears behind the door before Taehyun can tease him further. He turns his head forward and runs up the stairs two at a time. He pulls the invisibility cloak out of his backpack, slipping it on as the clocks ring, curfew starting. 

As he covers his hand, somebody latches to his side, hiding under the cloak with him, their arms tightly wrapped around his left. “Sorry, I'm sorry. I got enchanted by a book in the library- lost track of time. Can you bring me to the Hufflepuff dorm?” Taehyun looks up, startling when a boy his age stares back. “Oh!” Taehyuns eyes widen and he reaches his left hand up, covering the boys mouth. His eyes widen back, shifting to track the hallways. A professor is walking down, a lantern clutched tightly in her hand. 

Taehyun drops his hand and leads the hufflepuff to the side, pressed to the wall while the professor walks by them. The Hufflepuff breathes a sigh of relief once she turns down the hall. Taehyun mimics him, leaning his head back till it hits the wall. “Where are the Hufflepuff dorms?” 

He allows himself to be dragged around the castle till they’re near the kitchens. The hufflepuff stops at a stack of barrels, stepping out of the cloak and reaching his hand forward with a closed finger, index finger slightly jutted out as his knuckle taps against a barrel in the second row. Tap-tap tap-tap-tap. Taehyun watches with a dropped jaw as the barrels split open to reveal a long staircase made of a soft honey coloured wood. The Hufflepuff whispers something towards the split barrels and Taehyuns eyes widen further as the stairs transform into a slope. The Hufflepuff sits down at the top, throwing his backpack down. “See you around, Taehyun!” Then he pushes himself forward.

Taehyun listens to the fading giggles, a laugh of bewilderment leaving his own lips. The barrels snap back into shape. He turns around and makes his way back up the staircases, sighing. He's going to be the size of a hippogriff before he graduates. 

–

“Taehyun-ah,” Soobin calls from the top of the tower, having heard Taehyuns footsteps and heavy breathing. He sounds worried, anxious, and all sorts of disturbing tones Taehyun wasn't pleased to hear in Soobins voice. 

“Soobin, what's wrong? I'm almost there.” He's walking faster now, switching to two stairs at a time. Is somebody up there with Soobin right now? Was it Parati? He's running now, nearly tripping when he reaches the top step. He slams face first into Soobins collarbone and he groans, rubbing his forehead. “Woah!” Soobin wraps an arm around Taehyuns waist before he can fall back down the stairs. Taehyun regains his composure and stands on his tiptoes, peering over Soobins shoulder so his eyes can scan the platform. Nobody is there. He breathes out a sigh of relief and falls back down on his heels, leaning his head down on Soobins shoulder, “oh good.” “Wh-” soobin laughs, caught off guard, “why'd you start running?” “You sounded different, i was worried something up here was startling you.”

Soobin laughs again, harder this time, and Taehyun rolls his eyes, still catching his breath against Soobins supportive frame, “next time I think you’re in trouble, would you prefer I walk up nice and slow?”

“This is a hypothetical, you know? Nothing- or anyone- was up here. I was worried because you were late.”

Taehyuns huffs and finally raises his head, side stepping Soobin to walk out on to the platform, sitting against the edge with his feet dangling down. “A Hufflepuff had me escort them to their dorms. Poor thing seemed right scared. Curfew and all.” Soobin sits down beside him, a bit more cautiously, side eyeing the railing as if he doesn’t trust its ability to hold steady if he touches it.

“A Hufflepuff out past curfew?” “I know right?” 

“Yeonjun hyung” Taehyun starts slowly, staring down straight across the never ending expanse of land, “was it hard for you to be there with him today?” Soobin hums, kicking his feet back and forth slowly, “no? It was just.. Nostalgic almost. The way you two joke around reminds me of Yeonjun and I a few years ago. It was… nice. I like that you two are close, honestly. And… Seeing Yeonjun again, seeing him smile… yeah. I like that too.”

“Do you mind telling me why you really ended things with him?” Soobin sighs, leaning back till his head hits against the wooden platform, completely laid down, “I was wondering when you’d ask. Some kids in my house aren't too fond of boys liking boys, gives them the creeps. I was fine dealing with it alone, i always was fine with that but.. Yeonjun hyung is sensitive, even if he acts like he isn’t. He cares what other people think about him, he cares how they look at him and how they treat him. If a bunch of Gryffindors started calling him names in the hallways or making comments in the locker rooms after Quidditch… He’s sensitive.”

Taehyun nods along slowly, “you know… hyung is out now right? His entire house knows, and most of the others.” Soobin nods, “mhm.” “And he’s doing just fine isn't he?” A more hesitant and distant sounding mhm is the only answer he gets. 

“Do you regret it?”

A pause. 

“Every day.” 

–

Taehyun stifles a yawn behind his hand as he listens to Professor Ronen drawl on and on about a new charm he had discovered- completely off the records from their lesson that day. He feels as somebody elbows him softly in the side. Taehyun glances to his left and gasps out loud. 

“Taehyun Kang? Anything you’d like to share with the class?” Taehyuns gaze shifts to the professor and he apologizes with a shallow bow of his head, “no professor, sorry professor.”

The hufflepuff beside him is giggling quietly, a mischievous hufflepuff!

Taehyun pouts his lips and crosses his arms, turning his attention back down to his notebook, ignoring the way the Hufflepuff tilted his head down at the same time, following Taehyuns movements with wide-curious eyes and a bright friendly smile. 

Cunning too, this Hufflepuff is more Slytherin than he is. 

Taehyun does his best to ignore the tall boy, opting to rather aggressively write down every single word that left Professor Ronens mouth.

“Huening kai,” The hufflepuff raises his head, “is there a reason why your eyes are glued to Kang and not my brilliant demonstration?” “Because I find this Slytherin quite charming, sir!”

The room goes quiet, and then explodes with laughter. Taehyun lets his head fall forward till it hits the desk, ink splattering beside him. 

Huening Kai, the Hufflepuff, is the devil reborn, Taehyun decides. 

–

He looks to his left and up, staring at Huening who's got his arms tightly wrapped around Taehyuns right arm and he's beaming a bright smile. “Taehyun-ah, should we go to hogsmeade together today? It’s friday you know, you don't have to study all night in the library- i swear i see you in there all,” Huening stretches out the word so long Taehyun can still hear it ringing around his head when the hufflepuff continues the conversation, “day and night! Have you ever been to hogsmeade? Do you know what hogsmeade even is?” 

Before Taehyun can respond, an angel descends from heaven to rescue him. 

Yeonjun runs down the stairs, excitedly calling Taehyuns name.

“Taehyun-ah!” A scowl sets over Taehyuns expression as Beomgyu walks towards him from the left. 

“Taehyunnie!” Comes Soobins voice from behind and Taehyun feels emotions he doesn't know how to explain filter through his body like when you quickly flip through the pages of a book you’re not interested in. 

In a matter of seconds, Taehyuns surrounded and everyones looking at Kai curiously. “The hufflepuff?” Soobin asks, eyeing the boy up and down. Taehyun notices that he's more quiet now, almost nervous looking. He’s a lot less extroverted than Taehyun first had thought. 

“Yeah, Huening Kai.” Yeonjun sticks his hand out, waiting for Kai to shake it before introducing himself, “hi! Choi Yeonjun, seventh year Slytherin.” “Huening Kai, you can call me Kai, fifth year Hufflepuff.” Beomgyu raised his hand, waving just his fingers, “hiya, Choi Beomgyu. Sixth year Ravenclaw.”

Attention turns to Soobin who's still watching Kai wearily, “Soobin… Gryffindor…”

“His name is Choi Soobin, he's in his seventh year as well.” Yeonjun properly introduces Soobin and then they all stand in awkward silence.

“Well, this is just dreadful.” Beomgyu snorts, “library?”

Kai groans loudly, introverted personality washing away at the mere thought of studying, again. “Any better ideas, Hufflepuff?” “Hogsmeade! Please! Let's go there!” Yeonjuns eyes sparkle, “shopping?” Kai nods excitedly, “shopping!”

–

Taehyun sighs, for the umpteenth time in the last twenty minutes it's taken. He's been sitting on the steps outside of Hogwarts, leading up to the main door, waiting for everyone to get ready and meet here. As he inhales, readying another sigh, the door creaks open and Beomgyu walks out. He's wearing a pair of dark brown slacks and a cream coloured cardigan. Taehyun assesses him, “those are clothes.” He’s still playing cold, enjoying the way Beomgyu gets annoyed. 

The Ravenclaw groans and sits down next to Taehyun, elbowing him hard in the side, “my outfit is amazing, thank you.” 

The door creaks open again and Taehyun tilts his head all the way back till he's nearly upside down, staring up at a giggling Soobin and Yeonjun. Yeonjun has his hand on the small of Soobins back and Taehyun grins, “close now, are you?” Yeonjun looks down at him, rolling his eyes. He lifts his leg, the point of his shoe meeting the back of Taehyuns head, raising his leg up till Taehyuns head is properly facing forward. He wacks at Yeonjuns ankle, scowling as he brushes his hair with his hand. He notices Soobin perform a quick cleaning charm and smiles in appreciation. 

“So.. where's that hufflepuff? Invited us but he's late, awfully rude.” Beomgyus voice feels smooth like butter as it hits Taehyuns ears. They're entirely too close. He stands up and turns around to face the large doors, “should we go to the Huffle common room?” Beomgyu grimaces, “absolutely not, One Hufflepuff is already too much for me to handle.” Yeonjun nods in agreement. 

Before the conversation can continue, there's a shout of Taehyuns name muffled by distance and wind. He turns his head and sees Kai waving at them from further down the field to the right. “What the hell is he doing all the way over there waving his arms like an idiot?”

Taehyun squints, “what!?” He shouts back, startling when his voice sounds louder than he expected. Soobin smiles apologetically, “should’ve warned you, sorry. Sound raising charm.”

They all watch as Kai jumps around, still shouting words they can't really hear. “I suppose we should go over there?” 

Beomgyu sighs, nodding, “‘spose.”

Taehyun and Soobin walk side-by-side, Beomgyu and Yeonjun equally as close behind them. The walk is nice, Taehyun hasn't experienced outside air in, well, a few weeks actually- excluding the astrology tower. The nearing October chill is already apparent in the wind as it whips around, biting ruthlessly at his nose, but it’s still welcome nonetheless, better than the air inside of the castle at least. 

As they get closer, its easier to understand Kais words, 

“Oh, Merlin, finally! Can you guys go any faster?” 

Taehyun shifts his gaze to Soobin, smirking at the competitive way the Gryffindor looks back at him. Before they can speak, Yeonjun is bursting past them and sprinting the rest of the way to Kai. Taehyun scowls and runs after him, casting a quick “leviosa!” to halt Yeonjun midair. The slytherin shouts out his protests, squirming around. Taehyun runs past him and reaches Kai first, grinning happily. Beomgyu is standing beside Yeonjuns still levitating body, and he's pulled off his shoes, tickling the bottom of his sock covered feet. Yeonjuns screaming, begging for mercy as he attempts to swim away mid air.

Soobins laughing so hard tears are flowing down his cheeks and he’s gripping onto Huening Kais shoulder, who looks ready to fold over and laugh his heart out any minute.

Taehyun looks at all of his friends and lets himself laugh so loud and hard his ears ring. 

–

Hogsmeade isn't at all what Taehyun remembered. The streets are infinitely more busy and the sound of laughter is bouncing off every building. He watches as books fly around above them and wizards younger than himself sprint around, chasing a small ball flying midair. He believes it is called a Bludger. It seems to actually be chasing the young wizards, rather than the other way around. 

He watches, hardly able to conceal his laughter, as one of the boys gets hit in the back and thrown into a pile of leaves. His friend erupts into hysterics, pointing and laughing, until he's hit as well and thrown into a pile beside the other. 

“There usually aren't many kids around here,” Yeonjun, who had made himself at home on Taehyuns back, complaining that his feet hurt from the fall when Taehyun removed the leviosa, was speaking in a quiet whisper. “Why’s that?” “Hasn’t been safe around here the last couple months.” Beomgyu answers, apparently having left Soobin and Kais loud debate to instead listen in on Yeonjun. 

Taehyun turns to look at the ravenclaw, eyebrow raised, “what?” He can hear the way Yeonjun is charading at Beomgyu to ‘shut the hell up’ but the Ravenclaw pays him no mind, “There have been rumors of Voldemort's return.”

The entire alley falls into silence.

“Who?” 

–

“Oh- right, you wouldn't know about him.” Beomgyu seems undisturbed by the glares thrown their way as he starts, rather loudly, explaining the long history of a dark wizard, a baby he was crossed with- bit weird- and some things called Death Eaters. 

Taehyun nods along as they slip into stools lining the bar of “The Three Broomsticks.” He orders whatever Yeonjun gets, and asks BEomgyu a few questions, “so.. Why exactly did that guy have an issue with a baby? Isn’t it a bit..” Taehyun trails off before huffing, “lame? To consider an actual infant baby your arch nemesis and the one who’s going to foil your plans of evil… evilness?” 

Yeonjun snorts so hard that a few other patrons turn to look at them curiously. “I have never, in my life, heard somebody call old Voldy lame.” “And I have never in my life heard somebody call him ‘Old Voldy.’” Beomgyu exasperates, shaking his head.

Kai shakes his head from where he’s sitting beside Yeonjun. “I still can't believe Beomgyu said he-who-shall-not-be-named name!” Beomgyu smiles cheekily, “The rumors can't be true, that old fart is as dead as dust. His soul was shattered, his body lies buried somewhere unbeknownst to us, and he’s gone. That's it. Voldemort! Voldemort!” Beomgyu shouts, throwing his hands up in the air, “come get me, baldy! See? Nothing-” Beomgyu is cut off by the doors flying open, slamming against the wall loudly. 

Kai makes a sound of distress, unable to turn around to see what- or who– had done that. Taehyun leans back till he can see past Yeonjun and Kai. As he opens his mouth to tell the others what he sees, a hand wraps around his neck, cutting him off. 

Taehyuns eyes widened and he reached his arms forward, pushing at the man's shoulder, trying to break away. “Taehyun? What the hell are you doing? Woah- why are you turning purple?” Yeonjuns head pops into view, directly between the man's chest. Taehyun opens his lips, trying to respond, but he can't, the fingers around his throat tighten and he can feel his eyes starting to roll back. 

“Disrespecting the dark lord when your mother is with us? It’d be within your best interest to think before you do anything further.” 

The hand releases and the doors slam shut. Taehyun falls off his stool and crumples to the ground, taking in as deep of breaths as possible. He can feel Soobins shaking hands rubbing his back. Distantly, he hears multiple voices talking to him, and an older woman screaming and hitting somebody- possibly Beomgyu? 

–

Yeonjun is smacking Beomgyus arm repeatedly while he shouts at him, “you! You just had to go and insult him! Didn't you! MAde the Old bat roll in his grave and try to kill Taehyun!” “I didnt- i-” Beomgyus cut off everytime he tries to speak, either by Yeonjuns hand landing another painful wack  to his body, or yeonjuns shrill voice interrupting his own. “For a Ravenclaw, you are possibly the stupidest bitch i've ever met!” “Yeonjun hyung, stop yelling, come on. We need to bring Taehyun back to Hogwarts to see Madam Pomfrey!”

That seems to snap him out of it and Yeonjun quickly casts a leviosa, lifting Taehyun into the air. The other Patrons are all cowering further in the back, whispering and murmuring amongst themselves. Yeonjun casts them a quick glare, a child gets hurt and they all bugger off? 

He turns on his heel and leaves The Three Broomsticks with Soobin, Kai, and Beomgyu close behind. 

The journey back up the long winding path is unfortunately long. Nobody talks, everyone's attention is too focused on a now unconscious Taehyun. Kai is holding one of his hands while Soobin is using the sleeve of his jumper to dab away at the beads of sweat forming and rolling down his forehead. 

“Taehyun-ah, can you hear me?” Beomgyus talking to him, which is irritating Yeonjun. He is the reason Taehyun can't talk to them- He is the reason Taehyun is hurt!

The main entrance doors slam open and Soobin finally looks up, flinching when he sees swirls of dark green magic pulsing around Yeonjuns body. 

The hallways go quiet, everyone making haste to remove themselves from a pissed off Slytherins path. Pissed off isn't even half of what Yeonjuns feeling. If anybody even looks at him wrong, he feels as if he could cast a dark curse. 

Yeonjun glances down at his hands, watching as they shake and fire-like magic bursts from his fingertips. He inhales deeply and hurries down the corridors. 

When they reach the Hospital Wing, Yeonjun opens the door with more care this time, not wanting to startle any other patients. Madam Pomfrey glances up from where she was standing beside a bed near the back of the room. “Yeonjun? What is up my dear- oh my.” She takes long strides towards them, pushing Yeonjun down into a bed while her magic takes over, curling around Taehyun and guiding him to the bed beside Yeonjuns own. 

“What happened?” “Something-” Soobin clears his throat, sounding raw and choked up, “something happened at the Three Broomsticks. We… think it may have been…” “The dark lord.” Beomgyu fills in, sitting on Yeonjuns bed, who kicks his thigh. 

“Beomgyu, I think you should come over here.” Kai takes Beomgyus hand and leads him to the bed opposite Taehyun, where Soobin is already sitting. Beomgyu plops down and pulls at his fingers anxiously, watching as madam Pomfrey does.. Whatever it is, healers do. Beomgyu can't focus. Logically he knows it's not his fault that this happened- and he still believes it isn't the dark lord- his cult following perhaps but not the man himself, but he can't help feeling guilty regardless. 

Soobin places a hand comfortingly on his back and Kai makes no move to untangle their fingers. 

They all watch in silence as potions are poured down Taehyuns mouth, a calming draught later handed to Yeonjun who’s magic is still protruding from him anxiously and full of anger. 

“He should wake up soon. His airways were crushed and he nearly didn’t make it-” Soobin gasps, Kai chokes on a cry, and Yeonjun growls, gripping the blankets around him so tightly they start to sear where his fingers touch. Madam Pomfrey shoots him a look, a quick Repairo charm fixing her singed blankets. “He nearly didn't, but he did. He will wake up soon but I want him to spend the night here. You boys will have to leave before curfew, but you’re welcome to stay till then. Head Mistresses will be arriving shortly to question you all about the events of today.”

She leaves with one final tight-lipped smile, turning her back and muttering, “it's like Potter all over again.”

Soobin stands from the bed and moves closer to Taehyun, sitting at the foot of his bed and frowning down at him, “do… do we think this has to do with his mother?” Yeonjun and Beomgyu both looked at him shocked, “he told you?” “no,” The gryffindor shakes his head and smiles sadly, “but it was easy enough to figure out.” 

Beomgyu bites his lip and sighs, cradling his head with his hand that wasn't still attached to Kais, “I think she’s been taken by death eaters.” The room grows quiet, the other patients listening in on their conversation as well. Yeonjun glares at all of them, green flames surging again as he casts a strong muffling charm around them, pulling the curtains shut around the front as well. 

Soobin looks at him and smiles, motioning him to come over with his hand. Yeonjun kicks the blankets off and walks forward, sitting opposite of Soobin, their shoulders touching as they both stared down at Taehyun. 

“Do.. Do you like him?” Soobin asks quietly, his fingers lightly tracing the veins twisting and winding down Taehyuns wrists. Yeonjun watches Soobin carefully, “why do you ask?” “Because I think you do,” He turns to look at Beomgyu and Kai before turning back to Yeonjun, “I think we all do.”

Yeonjun blinks once, twice, then laughs lightly, leaning his head down till it rests on Soobins shoulder, “you always were quick to figure out how people were feeling. Let's not tell the others a word of this though, okay? They’re still young.” Soobin nods in agreement. 

“Hey so what the hell was that?” Beomgyus voice is booming, annoyed by a secret shared between the eldests. Soobin looks at him and smiles, shaking his head, “it was nothing.”

Beomgyu goes to protest but the doors are opened and Head mistress McGonagall's voice fills the room, “Choi Soobin, Choi Yeonjun, Choi Beomgyu, and Huening Kai, would you all mind explaining what happened?” 

They're sat in chairs beside Taehyuns bed now, Mrs. McGonagall standing before them with Pensieve bottles clasped in her hands. “Thank you, boys, for offering to give me these. I'll make sure the ministry investigates this thoroughly. Has Kang woken up yet? His memory may be the most useful.” Kai, closest to Taehyun, reaches a hand forward, brushing his hair back gently. No reaction. “He’s still sleeping.” Yeonjun peels back loose skin on his lip, blood pooling to the surface immediately. Madam Pomfrey said he'd be awake soon, it's been hours now and curfew is getting closer and closer. 

“When he awakes, please make sure you come find me in my office.” Soobin nods, promising, and walks her to the door, bowing in farwell. He turns back to the group, frowning, “if Mrs. McGonagall is giving those to the ministry then…” Beomgyu sighs and leans back in his chair, “she thinks it's death eaters.” 

Yeonjun turns his head to Beomgyu and lays a shaking hand on his knee, “no more saying that name.” Beomgyu nods, “no more.” The slytherin smiles and pats Beomgyus knee, pulling his hands back into his lap after. 

“What do we do if he doesn’t wake up before we leave?” “I'll go get his invisibility cloak and spend the night here.” Beomgyu scoffs, “of course he has a cloak.” 

–

When curfew is fifteen minutes away, they unwillingly stand in the entranceway, not wanting to leave without knowing if–when– Taehyun will wake up. “How many days of detention do we get for staying out past curfew?” Soobin asked, anxiously shifting from foot to foot. Beomgyu hums, “detention, point deductions, revoked privileges, suspension, being expelled.” “That's worth it.” Soobin shrugs, walking back to Taehyuns bed. Yeonjun huffs out a laugh and grabs him by the back of his neck, pulling him back to the door, “You’re always a stubborn Gryffindor whenever you really shouldn't be. I'm going to come back and sit with him, he won't be alone.” “Can't we all share the cloak.”

Yeonjun groans and rubs his face, “I can fit maybe one more person, but I'm not listening to you three knuckleheads argue over who it’ll be.” Soobin tries to turn his head to look at Taehyun again but Yeonjun keeps his grip tight, Soobins head locked in place. “Hurry up, stubborn Gryffindor. Go to your tower.” He turns to Beomgyu and Kai, smiling reassuringly at them, “You two as well. I promise I'll come get you if something happens.”

Kai sighs and nods, hugging them all goodbye before he leaves. 

Beomgyu loops around Soobins, guiding him towards the Gryffindor towers. Yeonjun uses his wand, visualizing the cloak tucked safely away in his trunk. He slips back into the hospital wing and smirks as the cloak falls into his hands. He slips it on and sits on Taehyuns bed. Leaning back against the footboard, “you're going to be okay, Tyun-ah.”