Chapter 13
The Hogsmead Field Trip (Part 3)
The bell above the door of The Three Broomsticks jingled merrily as Qing Yi, Jiang Yanli, Jiang Cheng, and Lan Xichen entered. The warm, inviting aroma of butterbeer and freshly baked treats enveloped them, a stark contrast to the crisp autumn air outside. They found a cozy booth tucked away in a corner, settling in with their butterbeers and an assortment of sweets.
Qing Yi stared morosely into his butterbeer, his reflection rippling in the golden liquid. His brow furrowed, emerald eyes clouded with worry. "I can already hear the rumors spreading," he groaned, his voice barely above a whisper. "By tomorrow, the whole school will know about the 'Great Love Potion Fiasco' at Koh's Elixirs."
Jiang Cheng's eyes lit up with mischief, a grin spreading across his face as he leaned forward eagerly. "Oh, I can't wait to hear what they come up with!" he exclaimed, rubbing his hands together. "Maybe the Drama Club will put on a special performance: 'Love Potion Gone Wrong: A Tale of Unrequited Love and Accidental Kissing'."
"Jiang Cheng!" Jiang Yanli chided, though her lips twitched with amusement. She placed a comforting hand on Qing Yi's arm, her voice soft and reassuring. "I'm sure it won't be that bad. After all, it was just the effects of the love potion. Everyone knows Jin Zixuan wasn't in his right mind."
Jiang Cheng wasn’t about to let his sister’s optimism go unchecked. "Come on, Jie," Jiang Cheng scoffed, taking a big bite of his Cauldron Cake. "This is Hogwarts we're talking about. The students here are more dramatic than Moaning Myrtle on a bad hair day. They'll turn this into an epic saga by lunchtime tomorrow."
Jiang Yanli fell silent, worry creasing her brow as she absently stirred her butterbeer. Her eyes darted to Lan Xichen, silently pleading for help in changing the subject.
Lan Xichen, ever perceptive, sensed the tension. He leaned forward with a conspiratorial whisper, his warm brown eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know, we could always use Obliviate on everyone who was in the store..."
Qing Yi's head snapped up so fast he nearly knocked himself dizzy. Hope blazed in his eyes, momentarily banishing his earlier gloom. "Brilliant idea, Senior Lan!" He jumped to his feet, nearly knocking over his butterbeer in his enthusiasm. "You take the front of the store, I'll handle the back—"
Lan Xichen's warm, melodious laughter cut him off. He gently pulled Qing Yi back down, his hand lingering on Qing Yi’s wrist, perhaps a moment longer than necessary. "Sit down, Qing Yi. I was only joking. We can't go around using spells on our fellow students."
Three pairs of eyes turned to Lan Xichen, their eyebrows arching in perfect synchrony. The irony of his words wasn’t lost on any of them, given that he had just used Stupefy on Jin Zixuan moments earlier.
Lan Xichen coughed, a faint blush coloring his cheeks as he realized his mistake. "Well, you know... unless it's absolutely necessary," he amended, a sheepish smile playing on his lips.
"This IS necessary!" Qing Yi wailed, throwing his hands up dramatically. His silver hair caught the light, giving him an almost ethereal glow as he continued his lament. "It's about my reputation! My dignity!"
Jiang Cheng snorted into his butterbeer, causing foam to spray across the table. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he fixed Qing Yi with a sly grin. "What dignity? Everyone already knows you lost that with how you moon over La—"
Qing Yi lunged across the table with the speed of a Seeker spotting the Snitch. He slapped a hand over Jiang Cheng's mouth, his face flushing a brilliant red that could rival a Gryffindor banner. "Look! Your Treacle Tart is here!" he exclaimed, voice unnaturally high as he shoved the dessert at Jiang Cheng's face. "Eat up, Jiang Cheng! Isn't it delicious? So very, very delicious that you can't possibly talk while eating it, right?"
Jiang Yanli, watching the interaction, couldn’t help but smile, a knowing look crossing her face. The way Qing Yi had reacted was all too telling, confirming her suspicions about his feelings toward Lan Xichen. She glanced over at Lan Xichen, who met her gaze with a soft smile, as if silently acknowledging that they both understood the situation.
Qing Yi, catching this exchange, felt his stomach drop. His earlier embarrassment morphed into a familiar cocktail of jealousy and resignation. His eyes narrowed, transforming into their signature dagger-like glare. He abruptly stood up, nearly toppling Jiang Cheng (who was still wrestling with the unexpectedly aggressive Treacle Tart).
"I need some air," Qing Yi announced stiffly, his voice tight with barely contained emotion. Without waiting for a response, he marched towards the door, his shoulders tense and his steps quick.
As the bell jingled again, signaling Qing Yi's exit, Jiang Cheng finally managed to swallow his mouthful of tart. "What's his problem?" he asked, oblivious to the knowing looks Jiang Yanli and Lan Xichen were exchanging. Confusion and concern warred on his face as he looked between his sister and the Ravenclaw prefect. "And why does my Treacle Tart taste like desperation and denial?"
Lan Xichen sighed softly, his eyes lingering on the door through which Qing Yi had disappeared. A mix of fondness and worry played across his features as he contemplated following the silver-haired Slytherin. Jiang Yanli, noticing his hesitation, gave him an encouraging nod. With a grateful smile, Lan Xichen rose from his seat.
"I'll go check on him," he said softly, before heading out into the crisp autumn air.
Qing Yi stepped out of The Three Broomsticks, the cheerful jingle of the door's bell a stark contrast to his tumultuous emotions. His heart raced, and he could feel the heat rising in his cheeks—a mix of embarrassment from Jiang Cheng's near-slip and simmering annoyance at the exchange between Lan Xichen and Jiang Yanli. He took a deep breath of the crisp autumn air, hoping it would cool his flushed face and calm his nerves.
As he walked, leaves crunched under his feet, their earthy scent mingling with the sweet aroma of caramel apples from a nearby stand. Qing Yi found himself heading towards the quieter back alleys, seeking solitude to sort out his jumbled thoughts.
Rounding a corner, he stumbled upon a scene that instantly set his teeth on edge. Wen Chao and his ever-present lackeys, Ashford and Bignal, loomed over a cowering figure. It took Qing Yi a moment to recognize the trembling Hufflepuff as Wen Ning.
Wen Chao's voice cut through the air, dripping with disdain. "Thought you could give me the slip, little cousin?" His lips curled into a sneer as he leaned closer to Wen Ning. "You're my responsibility for this trip. I can't have you scampering off and getting me in trouble."
Wen Ning's eyes darted around, looking for an escape route as he stammered out a reply. "I-I just wanted to visit Koh's Elixirs for some herbs," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You said you didn't want to go, so I thought—"
"You thought?" Wen Chao scoffed, his eyebrows shooting up in mock surprise. He exchanged amused glances with Ashford and Bignal before leaning in menacingly. "Since when do you do that? Keep your mouth shut unless you want a reminder of your place."
Qing Yi felt his earlier frustrations crystallize into a sharp, familiar anger. Without fully realizing it, he found himself striding forward, his emerald eyes flashing. "Seriously, Wen Chao?" he called out, his voice carrying a hint of exasperation. "Is bullying the only hobby you have? Maybe try collecting Chocolate Frog cards instead—less pathetic and might actually improve your personality."
Wen Chao whirled around, surprise evident on his face before it morphed into something more complex. His eyes widened slightly as they took in Qing Yi's casual attire—the white sweater that complemented his silver hair, the Slytherin scarf that brought out the vibrant green of his eyes. For a moment, Wen Chao seemed at a loss for words, his mouth opening and closing without sound.
Qing Yi noticed the odd reaction but chalked it up to being caught off guard. He raised an eyebrow, waiting for the inevitable comeback.
Finally, Wen Chao found his voice, though it came out slightly strained. "Koh? Are you stalking me or something?" He attempted a sneer, but it looked more like a grimace. "Got a crush you want to confess?"
The absurdity of the accusation hit Qing Yi like a Tickling Charm. He burst into laughter, the sound echoing off the nearby buildings and drawing curious glances from passersby. "Oh please," he managed between chuckles, wiping a tear from his eye, "don't flatter yourself. You're about as much my type as Filch in a bikini."
He gestured for Wen Ning to come closer, his expression softening as he looked at the frightened Hufflepuff. Wen Ning hesitated for a moment before scurrying over, positioning himself behind Qing Yi despite being slightly taller.
Wen Chao's face turned an interesting shade of puce, a vein throbbing in his forehead. His fists clenched at his sides as he spat out, "Who'd want to be your type anyway, you nosy, pale-haired freak?"
The amusement drained from Qing Yi's face, replaced by a cold anger that made his emerald eyes seem to glow. "Watch your mouth, Wen Chao," he said, his voice low and dangerous, "unless you want another broken nose to match that broken ego of yours."
Wen Chao's nostrils flared as he stepped closer, trying to use his slight height advantage to intimidate Qing Yi. "Big words from a little snake," he snarled, his breath hot on Qing Yi's face. "Maybe I'll be the one rearranging your face this time."
Qing Yi didn't back down an inch. Instead, he tilted his chin up, a smirk playing on his lips. "Aww, look at you, all grown up and making threats," he cooed mockingly. "And here I thought you were still running to daddy every time you got a paper cut."
Something flickered in Wen Chao's eyes—a mix of rage and something else Qing Yi couldn't quite place. He closed the distance between them, their noses almost touching. "I'm warning you, Koh—"
"Or you'll what?" Qing Yi challenged, his emerald eyes locking with Wen Chao's dark ones.
For a heartbeat, the world seemed to stand still. Something shifted in Wen Chao's expression, his eyes widening as if truly seeing Qing Yi for the first time. His breath hitched audibly, and Qing Yi felt a strange jolt at their proximity. Confusion momentarily replaced his anger as he tried to decipher the unfamiliar look in Wen Chao's eyes.
"What do we have here?" a serene voice cut through the tension like a knife through butter. Both boys jerked back, turning to see Lan Xichen approaching, his hands casually tucked into his jeans pockets. His smile was pleasant, but his brown eyes were sharp as they assessed the situation. "I don't believe the festival committee intended for the back alleys to be part of the celebrations. Perhaps you'd all enjoy the festivities more in the main square?"
Ashford and Bignal, who had been watching the exchange with a mix of confusion and concern, tugged at Wen Chao's sleeves. "Come on, Wen Chao," Ashford muttered, eyeing Lan Xichen warily. "It's not worth it. Let's bail before we end up scrubbing cauldrons again."
Wen Chao hesitated, his eyes darting between Qing Yi and Lan Xichen. A myriad of emotions played across his face—anger, confusion, and something that looked almost like regret. Finally, he stepped back, trying to muster a sneer but only managing to look conflicted. "Watch yourself, Koh," he said, his voice lacking its usual venom. "Next time, you might not have your knight in shining armor to save you."
Qing Yi's emerald eyes flashed as he shot back, "Or maybe next time, you'll be the one needing a knight to rescue you, you overgrown flobberworm!"
As Wen Chao and his lackeys retreated, Lan Xichen approached Qing Yi and Wen Ning, his serene smile tinged with concern. "Are you both alright?" he asked, his eyes scanning them for any signs of distress.
Wen Ning, still half-hidden behind Qing Yi, peeked out and replied softly, "Y-yes, thank you. And thank you, Qing Yi, for intervening."
Qing Yi turned to Wen Ning, his fierce expression melting into a warm smile. "Don't mention it! I'm just sorry you got paired with that prat. I can't believe they trusted Wen Chao to be responsible for a first-year. It's like making a Niffler guard your jewelry."
Wen Ning's lips twitched in a small smile, but then he sighed. "I should probably go back to him, though. If he gets in trouble with the teachers, it'll just mean more problems for me."
Qing Yi immediately shook his head, his silver hair catching the light. "No way! If anyone calls you to the office, tell them to send for me too. I'll set the record straight faster than you can say 'Quidditch'."
Wen Ning's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, I... thank you. You know, I always heard Slytherins were all bullies, but you're nothing like that."
Qing Yi puffed up a bit, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. "Well, someone's got to stand up to that good-for-nothing troll bogey. Wen Chao might look big, but he's about as magical as a broken wand. Just hit him with a Stupify, snap his wand, and run like you've got a horde of Hippogriffs on your tail!"
Lan Xichen's smile wavered slightly, his brows furrowing. "Qing Yi," he said gently, "while your intentions are admirable, that's not exactly the best way to handle conflict."
Qing Yi's grin turned sheepish as he glanced up at Lan Xichen. "Well... it's just for self-defense, you know? To make a quick getaway. I'm not saying he should go looking for trouble... much."
As they began walking away from the scene, Lan Xichen found himself watching Qing Yi with growing admiration. The younger boy's spirit, his fearlessness in standing up to bullies, and even his over-the-top confidence were undeniably endearing.
"You know," Lan Xichen said, his voice warm with amusement, "for someone so small, you certainly have a talent for finding big trouble, Qing Yi."
Wen Ning, emboldened by the lighthearted mood, voiced a question that had been nagging at him. "Speaking of small," he began, his eyes widening as he realized he might be treading on sensitive ground, "I've always wondered... Qing Yi, why do you seem to be the shortest first-year I know? Have you been, um, underfed or something?"
Lan Xichen watched as Qing Yi's emerald eyes narrowed, a flash of frustration crossing his face. It was clear this was a sore subject for the young Slytherin.
"No!" Qing Yi exclaimed, his voice rising slightly. "I eat a lot, just so you both know!" Then, as quickly as it had come, the fire in his eyes dimmed. His shoulders slumped, and his brow furrowed in disappointment. "I just... don't grow," he admitted softly.
Lan Xichen felt a sudden urge to comfort the boy. There was something incredibly endearing about Qing Yi's vulnerability, a stark contrast to his usual bravado. He could see Wen Ning's expression softening as well, clearly regretting his unintentionally hurtful question.
"You're still growing, Qing Yi," Lan Xichen said gently, placing a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder. "Your body is still developing; you're just not growing as fast as some of your peers. Everyone develops at their own pace."
Wen Ning nodded eagerly, relieved to have a chance to make amends. "Yeah, yeah! I heard that men don't stop growing until they're twenty-four or twenty-five. You've got plenty of time!"
Lan Xichen watched as Qing Yi's expression brightened, the encouragement seeming to lift a weight from his shoulders. A smile spread across the young Slytherin's face, and Lan Xichen felt his heart skip a beat at the sight.
"Aww, thanks guys," Qing Yi said, his usual confidence returning. "But you know what? It's okay. I'm not ashamed of my size. I actually rather like how I look." He struck a dramatic pose, causing Wen Ning to giggle. "Just because I'm small doesn't mean I'm weak. Good things come in small packages, after all!"
Lan Xichen couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head in fond exasperation. "Right you are, Qing Yi," he said, his voice warm with affection. "Right you are."
As they continued their walk, Lan Xichen found himself paying closer attention to Qing Yi. The young Slytherin's resilience and the way he bounced back from moments of vulnerability with such flair was truly remarkable. There was a depth to Qing Yi that Lan Xichen hadn't fully appreciated before - a complex blend of bravery, insecurity, humor, and kindness.
Qing Yi chattered on, his hands gesticulating wildly and his eyes sparkling with mischief. Lan Xichen found himself completely entranced. He listened, laughing at all the right moments, all the while thinking that he could happily spend hours just watching Qing Yi be himself. The autumn sun caught Qing Yi's silver hair, making his emerald eyes shine even brighter, and Lan Xichen felt a warmth spread through his chest.
This growing fondness both thrilled and slightly unsettled him. As they approached The Three Broomsticks, Lan Xichen resolved to keep these feelings in check for now. After all, Qing Yi was still young, and there was plenty of time. For now, he would content himself with being a friend and mentor, cherishing these moments and looking forward to watching Qing Yi grow into the remarkable person he was clearly destined to become.
As Lan Xichen, Qing Yi, and Wen Ning approached The Three Broomsticks, the bustling sounds of Hogsmeade enveloped them. They spotted their friends waiting outside — Lan Wangji, stoic as ever, stood beside a grinning Wei Wuxian, while Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli chatted animatedly nearby.
Wei Wuxian's face lit up as he saw them. "Well, well! If it isn't our wayward adventurers!" he called out, his voice carrying over the crowd. "We were just discussing a daring expedition to the Marauder's Maze. Care to join us in our quest for glory and possibly detention?"
Qing Yi's emerald eyes sparkled with excitement. "The Marauder's Maze? I've heard whispers of its challenges! Count me in!" He turned to Lan Xichen and Wen Ning, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. "What do you say? Shall we brave the labyrinth?"
Lan Xichen's lips curved into a warm smile. "An adventure shared is an adventure doubled. I'm in."
Wen Ning, however, shifted nervously from foot to foot. "I-I don't know," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Puzzles and riddles aren't really my strong suit. And I've heard... well, I've heard the maze has a mind of its own."
Qing Yi draped an arm around Wen Ning's shoulders, his voice reassuring. "Come on, Wen Ning! Where's your Hufflepuff spirit? We've got a whole gang of brilliant minds here. If we stick together, we'll conquer that maze faster than you can say 'Quidditch'!"
Wei Wuxian's second-year partner, Marcus Flintwood, cleared his throat. "As tempting as possible peril sounds, I think I'll sit this one out. The street parade beckons, you know."
Lan Wangji's partner nodded in agreement. "Same here. You lot can have the glory — I'll stick with the safer entertainment."
As the group made their way to the Marauder's Maze, excited chatter filling the air, they spotted two familiar faces near the entrance — Nie Huaisang and Wen Qing.
"Jie!" Wen Ning called out, a rare smile lighting up his face.
Wen Qing's usual stern expression softened as she saw her brother. "Wen Ning! Nie Huaisang and I were just about to enter this deathtrap — I mean, delightful maze. Care to join us in possible doom?"
The group approached the towering structure of shimmering, ever-shifting hedges. A weathered sign creaked ominously: "Enter if you dare, but beware – the maze has a mind of its own!"
As they stepped inside, the air thickened with magic, the walls pulsing with an otherworldly glow. Lan Xichen's voice cut through the eerie atmosphere, "Remember, we must stay together. The maze is notorious for its trickery."
Their first challenge appeared — a riddle etched in glowing letters on a stone pedestal:
"I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, but no trees. I have water, but no fish. What am I?"
The group huddled together, whispering theories. Qing Yi's brow furrowed in concentration, while Nie Huaisang frantically fanned himself, muttering about the pressure. Wei Wuxian opened his mouth, likely to suggest something outlandish, but Lan Wangji silenced him with a look.
Finally, Jiang Yanli spoke up, her voice soft but confident, "A map! The answer is a map."
The pedestal glowed green, a path materializing before them. As they ventured deeper, solving more puzzles, an eerie silence settled over the group. Suddenly, a voice pierced through the quiet.
"Wei Wuxian! Help me!" The voice, eerily similar to Marcus Flintwood's, echoed through the maze. "I'm lost! I changed my mind about coming, but now I can't find you!"
Wei Wuxian's head snapped up, his eyes wide with surprise. "Marcus? Is that really you?" he called out, his brow furrowed in confusion.
The voice responded, sounding closer now. "Yes! Please, I need your help!"
Without hesitation, Wei Wuxian spun around. "I'm coming, Marcus!" he shouted, his hand still gripping Lan Wangji's shirt. Before anyone could stop him, he pulled the stoic Ravenclaw with him. In a blink, they both vanished into thin air.
"Wei Wuxian! Lan Wangji!" Jiang Cheng's voice echoed in the suddenly empty space, panic evident in his tone. He took a step towards where they had disappeared, but Lan Xichen's firm hand on his shoulder stopped him.
Lan Xichen's calm voice anchored the group. "Focus, everyone. The maze is trying to separate us. Don't turn around, no matter what you hear."
They pressed on, nerves frayed, jumping at every rustle and whisper. As they tackled a particularly devious puzzle involving shifting runes, a familiar voice rang out.
"Huaisang! Where are you?" It was the stern, commanding voice of Nie Mingjue.
Nie Huaisang's eyes widened in fear, his fan freezing mid-wave. "Big bro?" he squeaked, instinctively grabbing onto Wen Ning's arm.
"Huaisang?" Wen Ning asked, confusion evident in his voice.
"Wait, don't—" Lan Xichen reached for them, but it was too late.
Nie Huaisang, still clutching Wen Ning's arm, spun around to face his brother's voice. In an instant, both of them vanished.
"The maze is dividing us," Lan Xichen warned the remaining group — Qing Yi, Wen Qing, Jiang Cheng, and Jiang Yanli. His brown eyes scanned their faces, noting the fear and determination. "We must resist its illusions. Stay close, and keep your eyes forward."
They solved the next riddle and moved on, but the whispers grew more insistent, more personal. Each of them heard voices they recognized – friends, family, loved ones – calling out in distress. As they approached another puzzle, a voice that sounded exactly like Nie Huaisang called out,
"Qing Yi! Help! I'm stuck!"
Qing Yi hesitated, his emerald eyes wide with concern. "Huaisang?" he called back, his voice wavering.
"Qing Yi, don't—" Lan Xichen reached for him, his voice urgent, but once again, it was too late.
Qing Yi turned, and in a blink, he was gone.
Lan Xichen's usual calm demeanor cracked visibly. His brown eyes, wide with concern, remained fixed on the spot where the young Slytherin had been. A tight knot formed in his chest as he realized Qing Yi was now alone in the maze.
"Qing Yi..." he murmured. Unlike the others who had at least disappeared in pairs, Qing Yi was on his own. The thought of the small, silver-haired boy facing the maze's tricks alone made Lan Xichen's heart clench painfully.
Jiang Cheng kicked at the ground in frustration, his face a storm of emotions. "Damn it!" he exclaimed, running a hand through his hair. "We made it clear not to turn around. Why doesn't anyone listen?"
Lan Xichen took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. He needed to stay calm for the group, despite the worry gnawing at him. "We must continue," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his eyes. "The more puzzles we solve, the more passages will open. We might find some of our missing friends that way." But in his mind, he added silently, 'And hopefully, we'll find Qing Yi first.'
"Great," Jiang Cheng grumbled, his sarcasm barely masking his own concern. "Whose brilliant idea was it to enter this blasted maze anyway?"
Jiang Yanli chuckled softly, though her eyes betrayed her worry. "It's a bit late for that, A-Cheng. We all agreed to do it, so it doesn't really matter whose idea it was." She placed a comforting hand on her brother's arm, feeling his tension.
Lan Xichen's mind raced as they continued through the maze. He couldn't shake the image of Qing Yi's wide, emerald eyes just before he vanished. 'Please be safe,' he thought, his concern growing with each step.
Meanwhile, in another part of the maze, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji found themselves facing their own set of puzzles. Despite the situation, Wei Wuxian's irrepressible spirit shone through.
"Ooh, look at this one, Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed, examining a glowing riddle with childlike enthusiasm. His eyes sparkled with excitement, momentarily forgetting their predicament. "What has keys but no locks, space but no room, and you can enter but not go in?"
Lan Wangji raised an eyebrow, his stoic expression softening almost imperceptibly as he watched Wei Wuxian's antics. "A keyboard," he answered, a hint of fondness in his voice.
"Aww, you're no fun," Wei Wuxian pouted, though his eyes danced with amusement. "Thanks for coming with me, by the way."
"You pulled me with you," Lan Wangji pointed out, his tone matter-of-fact but lacking any real reproach.
Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes dramatically, a grin spreading across his face. "Goodness, Lan Zhan, can't you tell I wanted us to be alone?"
"In an enchanted maze?" Lan Wangji deadpanned, though a glimmer of something soft appeared in his eyes. "We might be trapped forever, you know."
"So?" Wei Wuxian's grin widened, his heart skipping a beat at the thought. "At least we're trapped together, you and me."
A small smile tugged at Lan Wangji's lips, barely visible but there nonetheless. "Mn. That might not be too bad," he mumbled, looking at Wei Wuxian with gentle eyes that spoke volumes.
Wei Wuxian felt his cheeks heat up under Lan Wangji's gaze. "Stop it, Lan Zhan. I'm gonna need dinner and a movie first," he joked, trying to cover his sudden shyness with humor.
"I don't think we can find a good restaurant or a movie theatre in this maze," Lan Wangji replied seriously, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice.
Wei Wuxian deflated, but his eyes sparkled with mirth. "Lan Zhan, you sure know how to kill the mood."
In another section of the maze, Wen Ning and Nie Huaisang found themselves surrounded by towering, shimmering hedges that seemed to shift and move of their own accord. The air was thick with the scent of leaves and magic, and the faint echo of Nie Mingjue's stern voice still seemed to linger around them.
Nie Huaisang let out a dramatic sigh of relief, fanning himself vigorously. "Oh, thank Merlin! For a second there, I thought we were actually going to run into my brother. I'd rather face these creepy, moving hedges than explain to him why I'm lost in a magical maze instead of studying."
Wen Ning glanced nervously at the rustling leaves. "Really? I'd take your brother over these shape-shifting shrubs any day. At least he's not likely to swallow us whole."
"You clearly haven't seen him when someone messes up his perfectly organized quill collection," Nie Huaisang muttered, eyeing a particularly ominous-looking branch. "He'd transfigure us into hedges just to keep everything in order."
As they rounded a corner, the hedges parted to reveal a small clearing. In the center stood a delicate wrought-iron table with two chairs and an ornate teapot, all seemingly growing out of the grassy ground.
"Oh great," Nie Huaisang groaned, eyeing the setup suspiciously. "I was hoping for a nice cup of tea to calm my nerves, but not like this! What fresh horror has this sentient shrubbery cooked up for us now?"
Wen Ning approached the table cautiously, leaves crunching under his feet. "There's a note here," he said, picking up a piece of parchment that was partially wrapped around a twig. He read aloud:
"To progress, a future you must see, Hidden in the depths of your tea. But beware, for the leaves may lie, Choose your path, but don't be shy!"
Nie Huaisang rolled his eyes so hard it looked painful. "Seriously? Divination? Because apparently, this hedge maze hasn't tortured us enough already. I can barely read my own Herbology notes, let alone tea leaves!"
"Look on the bright side," Wen Ning said, trying to sound optimistic as he gingerly sat down on the leaf-covered chair. "At least if we fail, we'll be stuck here forever and never have to take another Divination exam. Or face your brother's wrath over misplaced quills."
"Yes, because being eternally trapped in a maze that thinks it's a tea shop is so much better," Nie Huaisang retorted, reluctantly taking the other seat.
The teapot magically filled their cups. They drank, and the leaves settled at the bottom.
Wen Ning peered into his cup, squinting. "Is that... a hippogriff? Or maybe Professor Binns after a particularly wild History of Magic lecture?"
Nie Huaisang leaned over, his fan momentarily forgotten. "No, no, it's clearly a... um... a very lumpy cloud? Or perhaps Hagrid's rock cakes come to life?"
"How is that supposed to help us progress?" Wen Ning sighed, turning the cup this way and that. "Maybe if we stare at it long enough, it'll rearrange itself into a map."
Nie Huaisang suddenly brightened. "Oh! I think I see something! It's... it's... a fan!" He proudly held up his own fan for comparison.
Wen Ning looked skeptical. "Huaisang, I think that's just a clump of leaves that vaguely resembles a semicircle. Though, to be fair, it could also be Slughorn's nose from the right angle."
"Well, what's your grand interpretation then, O Chosen One of Divination?" Nie Huaisang retorted, waving his fan indignantly.
Wen Ning studied his cup again. "Maybe... maybe it's a sign we should... fan the flames of our determination? Or perhaps it's telling us to leaf our troubles behind?"
There was a moment of silence before both boys burst into laughter.
"That's it," Nie Huaisang declared, standing up. "We're officially the worst at Divination. Let's just pick a direction and go. It can't be worse than sitting here staring at wet leaves all day."
As they stood, the table vanished into the ground, and three hedge archways appeared in the clearing.
"Eeny, meeny, miny, moe?" Wen Ning suggested weakly.
Nie Huaisang shook his head. "No, no. We need a foolproof method." He closed his eyes and spun around three times. "The direction I'm facing when I stop is the way we'll go!"
He spun, wobbling slightly, and came to a stop facing the leftmost archway. "Ta-da! Left it is!"
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