Chapter 6
Later that evening, after the school day had ended, the Ravenclaw common room was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. The space was quiet, filled only with the soft rustling of pages as students reviewed their notes. Lan Wangji sat by the window, his posture impeccable, as he meticulously went over the day's lessons. The tranquility of the room matched his calm and composed demeanor.
The door to the common room creaked open, and Lan Xichen stepped inside, fresh from a rejuvenating bath after a grueling Quidditch practice. His hair, slightly damp, framed his face neatly, and there was a relaxed yet alert energy about him. Spotting his younger brother by the window, Lan Xichen approached with a gentle smile.
"Wangji," he greeted, his voice as soothing as the evening itself. "How was your day?"
Lan Wangji looked up, his serene expression reflecting the peacefulness of the room. "It was productive," he replied, his voice steady. "I attended Potions, Transfiguration, and Flying Lessons. The first two were thorough, though Potions was... less enjoyable." A brief flicker of frustration crossed his usually composed features, recalling the challenges of the day. "But Flying Lessons were... interesting."
Lan Xichen's eyebrows rose slightly, intrigued by his brother's choice of words. "Interesting? How so?"
"A few students received old brooms that malfunctioned," Lan Wangji explained, a hint of amusement in his tone. "It was rather entertaining to watch."
Lan Xichen's eyes widened in surprise. "Entertaining? Something actually managed to entertain you, Wangji? That's quite impressive." A warm smile spread across his face, pleased to see his usually stoic brother finding enjoyment in something.
Lan Wangji nodded slightly, acknowledging his brother's observation. Then, steering the conversation away from himself, he asked, "How was Quidditch practice? Are we prepared for the match against Gryffindor?"
Lan Xichen’s smile grew, a blend of confidence and respect for the upcoming challenge. “The team is in good form,” he began, his tone thoughtful. “We’ve been practicing hard, and our coordination is better than ever. Gryffindor has a strong lineup this year, no doubt about that. But I believe in our team. We won’t take them lightly, but I’m confident we’ll give them a match they won’t forget.”
Lan Wangji nodded in approval, his gaze steady. “The match against Slytherin yesterday was well played. Your leadership on the field is evident.”
"Thank you," Lan Xichen replied, his heart warmed by his brother's praise. The bond between them was unspoken yet profound, and moments like this reinforced it. His eyes then sparkled with curiosity as he asked, "What about your other classes? Any exciting mishaps or unexpected explosions? It seems Flying Lessons had its share of excitement."
Lan Wangji's expression softened slightly as he recalled the Divination class. He hesitated for a moment, then allowed a small smile to form. "Divination was... memorable."
Lan Xichen, ever perceptive, immediately noticed the change. "Oh? You're smiling. That's a rare sight, Wangji. Something particularly amusing must have happened."
Lan Wangji's smile grew a fraction wider. "It was during Divination. My classmate, Qing Yi, had a rather unique approach to tea leaf reading. He saw everything from zombie disciples to a hippogriff wearing glasses."
Lan Xichen's eyebrows shot up, a grin spreading across his face. "Zombie disciples and bespectacled hippogriffs? That's certainly creative. How did Professor Trelawney react to these... unconventional interpretations?"
"She seemed torn between encouragement and bewilderment," Lan Wangji replied, the amusement clear in his voice. "At one point, Qing Yi suggested that the leaves predicted that Wei Ying would 'marry a flute-playing rabbit and have bunny children'."
Lan Xichen's eyes widened in surprise. For a moment, he was speechless, processing the absurdity of the prediction. Then, a soft chuckle escaped him, growing into a warm laugh that he tried, unsuccessfully, to stifle.
"A flute-playing rabbit?" he repeated, shaking his head in amused disbelief. "And bunny children? That's... quite imaginative." His eyes sparkled with mirth as he composed himself. "I can only imagine Wei Ying's reaction to his predicted future."
"He found it hilarious," Lan Wangji admitted. "He said he'd name his first bunny child after Qing Yi."
Lan Xichen chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Well, it sounds like you had quite an eventful day, Wangji. I'm glad to see you finding some enjoyment in your classes."
Glancing at the ornate clock on the common room wall, Lan Xichen's expression turned slightly regretful. "I'm afraid I need to head to the library soon. There's a particularly tricky Transfiguration essay I need to work on."
Lan Wangji nodded in understanding. "Don't let me keep you. Good luck with your studies, brother."
With a gentle pat on his brother's shoulder, Lan Xichen left the common room. Quidditch practice had consumed much of his time lately, and he knew he needed to catch up. The library, with its vast collection of ancient tomes and the soothing quiet that always seemed to settle within its walls, was the perfect place to do so.
Lan Xichen made his way to the library, the echo of his footsteps barely audible on the stone floors. As he pushed open the heavy wooden doors, the familiar scent of aged parchment and leather-bound volumes greeted him, a welcome reminder of the knowledge held within. The soft rustling of pages and the occasional murmur of students engrossed in their studies filled the air, creating a cocoon of focused serenity.
He found a secluded desk near a tall bookshelf and settled down, pulling out his notes and a few reference books. The peaceful environment allowed him to quickly fall into a rhythm, his quill moving smoothly across the parchment as he reviewed the day’s lessons. However, after a while, he realized he needed a specific book to complete his notes.
Lan Xichen rose from his seat and began to stroll through the rows of shelves, his eyes scanning the titles as he searched. As he turned a corner, something caught his eye—a flash of silver in the dim light. Intrigued, he stepped closer and noticed a young student with silver hair, seated at a table near the back of the room. The boy’s intense focus was evident as he poured over a large book, completely absorbed in his studies.
Lan Xichen’s smile softened as he recognized the student. It was the younger brother of Jing Shi, Qing Yi. Though they had only briefly met, there was something endearing about the sight of him so immersed in his work, his dedication shining through as clearly as his silver hair under the soft library lights.
After a while, Qing Yi sighed softly, rubbing his eyes as he glanced around the library. His gaze settled on a particular book high up on one of the shelves. Determined, he stood up and walked over to the towering bookshelf, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to gauge the height. The book he needed was perched just out of reach, taunting him from its lofty position.
“Why do they keep these books so high?” Qing Yi muttered under his breath, a hint of frustration coloring his voice. He stretched up on his tiptoes, reaching as far as he could, his fingers just brushing the bottom of the book’s spine. “Almost there…” he whispered, determination etched on his face as he strained to grab hold of it.
Lan Xichen, who had been observing from a distance, watched with amusement as Qing Yi struggled to reach the book. The younger student’s effort was admirable, but also slightly endearing in its futility. Lan Xichen’s lips twitched into a smile as he decided to intervene.
With a graceful flick of his wand, Lan Xichen quietly cast the Levitation Charm. “Wingardium Leviosa,” he murmured.
To Qing Yi’s surprise, he suddenly felt himself being lifted off the ground, his feet no longer touching the floor. His eyes widened in shock as he realized he was floating upwards toward the book. Startled, he let out a small yelp, his arms flailing slightly before he regained his composure and reached for the book.
“What the—” Qing Yi stammered, his hands finally grasping the book. He quickly pulled it off the shelf, clutching it tightly as he looked around to figure out what was happening.
As he was gently lowered back to the ground, Qing Yi turned to see Lan Xichen standing nearby, wand in hand, a serene smile on his face.
“I thought you could use a little help,” Lan Xichen said, his tone warm and slightly teasing.
Qing Yi, still holding the book close to his chest, managed a shy smile. "Thank you… um, Senior…," he said, bowing slightly out of respect. He hesitated for a moment, recognition dawning in his eyes.
"Oh, you're Jing Shi's friend from the train station, aren't you?" Another beat passed as he made another connection. "And... you're Lan Wangji's brother too, right?"
Lan Xichen's smile widened, a warm gleam in his eyes. "Correct on both counts," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
"We did meet briefly at the train station, but I didn't get the chance to properly introduce myself then." He leaned in slightly, extending his hand for a friendly shake. "I'm Lan Xichen, and it's a pleasure to officially meet you, Qing Yi.”
Qing Yi's eyes widened further as the full realization of who he was speaking to sank in. He accepted the handshake, his smaller hand enveloped by Lan Xichen's. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Senior Lan," he said, voice soft with sincere respect, a slight flush coloring his cheeks.
Lan Xichen smiled gently, his expression warm and inviting. "I hope that book was worth the adventure."
Qing Yi felt his breath catch slightly, mesmerized by Lan Xichen’s smile. There was a gentle elegance to him that was undeniably captivating. As Lan Xichen’s gaze drifted to the title of the book in Qing Yi’s hands, he read it aloud, "The Art of Interpreting the Unseen: Advanced Divination Techniques."
Qing Yi blushed, embarrassed at being caught with such a book. "Ah, yes, Divination isn’t my favorite subject, but I don’t want to do poorly in it either. I thought this might help me understand it better."
Lan Xichen maintained his warm smile, his tone encouraging. "Wangji mentioned that you have a very creative way of predicting the future through tea leaves."
Qing Yi’s blush deepened as he looked away, feeling a mix of pride and embarrassment. "I... I really did see many shapes… and now that I think about it, some of the things I said were pretty ridiculous."
As he walked back toward his table, where a pile of books and scrolls lay scattered, Lan Xichen followed him, his presence calm and reassuring. Qing Yi continued, his voice thoughtful, "But at the time, they didn’t sound too outrageous to me. I was just calling out things as I saw them."
Lan Xichen smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "Divination is as much about intuition as it is about technique. Sometimes the most unexpected insights come from simply trusting your instincts. It’s not about being right or wrong; it’s about understanding the message that’s being conveyed."
Qing Yi looked up at him, his eyes bright with hope. "Yeah, Wangji said something like that too."
Lan Xichen, noticing his determination, offered with a warm smile, "If you’d like, I could help you with some of the subjects you’re struggling with after school hours."
Qing Yi’s eyes lit up with excitement, but he remained humble. "Really? I mean, if it’s not troubling you, Senior Lan..."
Lan Xichen’s smile grew even warmer. "It’s no trouble at all, Qing Yi. In fact," Lan Xichen continued, "would you like some help with Divination right now?"
Qing Yi’s eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly nodded. "Sure... I’d really appreciate that."
Lan Xichen then glanced around the library and noticed a small tea table in the corner, equipped with a teapot and a collection of teacups. He walked over and carefully brewed a fresh pot of tea, allowing the leaves to infuse the water. The soft aroma of the tea filled the air as he carried the teapot and two cups back to the table where Qing Yi was seated.
Lan Xichen poured the tea into both cups, letting a few tea leaves spill into each one, then handed one to Qing Yi. "Why don’t we enjoy our tea first, then afterward, we can see what insights the leaves might hold for us."
As they sipped their tea, Lan Xichen broke the silence, his tone curious yet gentle. "You seem very determined to master Divination, Qing Yi. May I ask why?"
Qing Yi, who had been staring into his cup, looked up, his expression earnest. "I know I can’t be good at everything," he began, choosing his words carefully. "But when I struggle with something, like Divination, it bothers me. I hate the feeling of not understanding or doing poorly in a class. If there's a way to improve, I want to try. Even if it turns out to be futile in the end, at least I can say I gave it my best shot and learned something from the failure."
Lan Xichen listened, quietly impressed by Qing Yi’s determination. The younger student's words revealed a resilience that was hard not to admire. There was something about the way Qing Yi approached challenges that drew Lan Xichen's respect.
"That’s quite impressive," he said, his voice warm with admiration.. "It’s not often you see someone with such strong determination and resourcefulness.You’re turning those qualities into something truly admirable."
Qing Yi felt his cheeks heat up at the compliment, his usual composure slightly shaken. "Or maybe I’m just stubborn and ambitious," he replied with a small, self-deprecating smile. "I don’t like to lose easily."
Lan Xichen’s smile deepened, his expression both understanding and encouraging. "Ambition and resilience can lead to great things when used wisely," he nodded, acknowledging Qing Yi’s words with sincere appreciation.
Qing Yi smiled back, the warmth of Lan Xichen’s praise lingering between them. They continued to sip their tea, sharing thoughts and experiences, each word building a bridge of mutual respect and understanding. The earlier tension melted away, leaving behind a sense of connection that both of them quietly appreciated.
As the last drops of tea disappeared, Lan Xichen gently turned his cup, positioning the leaves. "Now," he said, sliding his cup over to Qing Yi, "why don't you give it a try? Tell me what you see in my cup."
Qing Yi’s expression grew serious as he took Lan Xichen’s cup, his determination clear. He stared intently at the leaves, trying to decipher the patterns within. The longer he looked, the more uncertain he became. His eyes widened slightly as he looked up at Lan Xichen, his voice filled with hesitation. "I... I think I see something, but I’m not sure if it’s right..."
Lan Xichen watched him with patient curiosity, his gentle smile never wavering. "Take your time, Qing Yi. There’s no rush."
Qing Yi’s brows furrowed deeply as he studied the tea leaves, his face a mix of confusion and determination. He glanced up at Lan Xichen, then back at the cup, trying desperately to make sense of the chaotic shapes.
"Well... I think I see... skulls?" Qing Yi’s voice wavered with uncertainty. "And... oh no, there’s a sun next to them. Does that mean... death? But also... happiness? Like, you’re going to have to deal with some terrible losses, but then... you’ll be happy about it?" He squinted harder, his mind scrambling to connect the dots. "Maybe it’s a sign that... you’ll defeat your enemies, but then... have a really great vacation afterward?"
Lan Xichen blinked, momentarily stunned by the bizarre of the interpretation. His usual calm demeanor was visibly shaken as he tried to process what Qing Yi was saying. "Skulls... and a sun?" he echoed, his tone caught somewhere between amusement and disbelief.
Qing Yi nodded, his expression earnest despite the bizarre reading. "Yeah, and then there’s this other shape... it kind of looks like a sword... or maybe a bouquet? So maybe after the... uh, unfortunate deaths, you’ll get married? Or... maybe you’ll have a sword fight at your wedding? With flowers involved?"
Lan Xichen’s lips twitched, and before he could stop himself, a laugh bubbled up from his chest. The more he thought about Qing Yi’s interpretation, the more ridiculous—and strangely entertaining—it became. "So, according to the tea leaves, I’ll experience death, happiness, and possibly a wedding sword fight with flowers?"
Qing Yi looked up at Lan Xichen with the most uncertain expression, his brows furrowed deeply. “Yeah... that’s what I saw.” His voice was barely above a whisper, as if he couldn’t quite believe the nonsensical of his own words.
Lan Xichen tried to maintain his composure, but the corners of his mouth twitched uncontrollably, and before he knew it, warm, genuine laughter spilled out. The sound was rich and infectious, filling the quiet space of the library.
“Wangji wasn’t exaggerating when he said your readings were... creative.” His eyes sparkled with amusement, the rare sight of his unguarded joy lighting up the room.
Qing Yi refocused on the cup, his face a picture of frustrated concentration. His heart pounded in his chest as he stared intently at the tea leaves, trying desperately to force them into a sensible pattern. “I’m sure the sun means happiness, right?” he muttered under his breath, as if trying to convince himself more than anything.
Lan Xichen, still chuckling, nodded with gentle encouragement. “It could, yes.”
The earnestness in Qing Yi’s efforts, despite the absurdity of the situation, brought a warm smile to Lan Xichen’s face. He found himself admiring the young student's determination, even in the face of such a perplexing task. The way Qing Yi’s brow furrowed in concentration, his lips moving slightly as he tried to work out the meanings of the shapes, was both endearing and amusing.
Qing Yi squinted at the cup, his mind racing as he tried to piece together something—anything—that would make sense. “Okay... I think I see…another line here... a snake maybe, but it’s not just any snake. It’s really quiet, sneaky... like it’s lurking in the shadows, waiting. And then... there’s this big, fierce figure, like a guardian, something powerful and protective. And then…there are these... skulls here…hmmm, skulls usually mean... death so…”
His voice grew more animated as he continued, his hands gesturing wildly as if that would help clarify the chaos in his mind. “So, I think... you’re going to face a really dangerous enemy, but don’t worry! You’ll fight them off and win! Though...” Qing Yi hesitated, swallowing hard as the next part of his prediction came out. “You might have to make a really big sacrifice... like... uh, maybe you’ll have to... well, die.” His eyes widened as he rushed to add, “But not for long! There’s this bright sun, so... maybe you’ll come back to life and be really happy? And... I don’t know, maybe there will be flowers involved too? Like, you’ll return from the dead and... there will be flowers. Lots of flowers.”
Lan Xichen’s laughter bubbled up uncontrollably this time, a deep, melodic sound that echoed off the tall library shelves. He was genuinely entertained, and the sheer ridiculousness of Qing Yi’s interpretation was too much to resist. “So, I’ll face a sneaky enemy, die, come back to life, and then be greeted by flowers? That’s quite the adventure, Qing Yi.”
Qing Yi realized just how outlandish his prediction sounded as Lan Xichen repeated it back to him. His face flushed a deep red, his ears burning with embarrassment. He placed the cup down with a sigh, utterly defeated by the unpredictable nature of divination. “Yeah, no. I think divination is definitely not for me.”
Lan Xichen, still smiling warmly, reached out and gently patted Qing Yi’s shoulder. “You might not be the most traditional seer, but you’ve certainly brought a lot of joy to this reading. And that’s worth something too, isn’t it?”
Qing Yi managed a small smile, feeling a bit better with Lan Xichen’s words. “I guess so... but I’m still not sure what all that was about.”
Lan Xichen’s eyes softened as he looked at Qing Yi, the gentle humor still dancing in his gaze. “Don’t worry, Qing Yi. Divination might be mysterious, but you’ve got a unique way of interpreting things. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find your own path in it.”
Qing Yi nodded, a hint of determination returning to his eyes. “Maybe... but for now, I think I’ll leave the predicting to those who are better at it.”
Just then, the gruff voice of Mr. Filch, Hogwarts caretaker, echoed through the library, announcing, "The library will be closing in fifteen minutes. All students must return to their dormitories."
The announcement seemed to bring both Lan Xichen and Qing Yi back to reality. Lan Xichen glanced at the clock and then back at Qing Yi, his warm smile still in place. "It seems our time is up for tonight," he said gently, closing the Divination book that lay between them.
Qing Yi looked up at him, a mixture of gratitude and relief washing over his features. Despite the challenges of the evening, he felt a sense of accomplishment, however small. Lan Xichen’s kindness had made what could have been a frustrating experience into something almost enjoyable.
As they began to gather their things, Lan Xichen placed a hand lightly on Qing Yi’s head, his touch both reassuring and supportive. “Come back here tomorrow after class,” he said, his tone inviting yet firm. “I’ll help you with your homework, and we can continue working on the spells or subjects you’re struggling with.”
Qing Yi’s eyes brightened at the offer, his earlier worries melting away as a genuine smile spread across his face. “Thank you so much, Senior Lan,” he replied, his voice filled with sincere appreciation. “I’ll be here. I really appreciate your help.”
Lan Xichen returned the smile, feeling a warmth in his chest at Qing Yi’s earnestness. “It’s my pleasure, Qing Yi,” he said softly. “I’m looking forward to it.”
With that, they finished gathering their belongings and headed out of the library together, the camaraderie between them growing with each step. As they parted ways at the entrance, Qing Yi offered one last grateful smile before heading toward his dormitory, his heart lighter than it had been all day.
Lan Xichen watched him go, a soft, thoughtful expression on his face. He found himself looking forward to their next meeting, feeling a sense of fulfillment in helping someone who was genuinely trying to improve.
The library had become a familiar sanctuary for Qing Yi and Lan Xichen. Over the past few weeks, their after-hours study sessions had become a routine. Lan Xichen's patient explanations and clear guidance had helped Qing Yi navigate the subjects he had struggled with, and in return, Qing Yi's admiration for his upperclassman had grown steadily. He marveled at Lan Xichen’s calm intelligence, his gentle demeanor, and the way he made even the most complex subjects seem understandable.
One evening, as they sat side by side at a library table, Qing Yi found himself sneaking glances at Lan Xichen more often than he intended. He couldn’t help but admire the way the older student’s brow furrowed slightly in concentration, the soft curve of his smile when he found something amusing in the texts they studied together. Each day, Qing Yi’s heart felt a little lighter, a little warmer, and though he didn’t quite understand it yet, he knew it had something to do with the way Lan Xichen made him feel.
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