☆
The day is certainly taking an unexpected turn of events, and everyone currently gathered in the Great Hall agrees without any doubt. An unannounced gathering at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a clear sign that something of great importance and urgency has occurred. The first rumors are already starting to spread, passed between houses, with changed content, of course, causing eager whispers and sounds of surprise, as well as looks of disapproval. Students are filled with curiosity, anxiety, and anticipation as they wait for details. Whatever has transpired is likely to have a significant impact on the school and its community.
Taehyung closes his Study of Magical Law textbook with a heavy sigh, the hardcover making an unintentional bang that makes him wince. His friend and roommate, Jimin, flinches at the unexpected sound, giving Taehyung a judging look.
Jimin's gaze narrows slightly as he observes Taehyung. “Is everything okay?”
Taehyung leans back in his chair and rubs his temples, feeling the weight of his studies pressing down on him. “It's just that I never thought studying magical law would be this challenging.”
“But N.E.W.T isn't until June,” Jimin says, trying to reassure Taehyung as he notices the stress in his friend's eyes. Taehyung nods, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. Jimin's expression softens with understanding. “I get it. It's not easy for anyone. But you've always been great at tackling challenges, Taehyung. You can handle this.”
As if on cue, his eyes meet the boy at the other table, the Gryffindor doesn't seem fazed by Taehyung catching him looking, but while he puts on a stone expression, the other boy has a smirk on his face, neither of them blinking. Jeon Jungkook, his biggest challenge, the challenge to survive the last year of Hogwarts and not let Jungkook ruin it for him.
The Headmaster's loud greeting attracts everyone's attention. Almost, because Taehyung is almost sure that Jungkook's eyes still haven't left him, but he doesn't do anything to confirm his belief. He doesn't want to know that he's right and what it might mean for Jungkook.
“Students, esteemed professors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I stand before you today with great excitement and anticipation. It is my distinct pleasure to officially announce the triumphant return of a time-honored tradition, a spectacle of magical prowess and international camaraderie: the Triwizard Tournament!”
The prospect of witnessing or even participating in such a prestigious magical event filled some of them with enthusiasm and eagerness. Others were more cautious, their expressions expressing a mixture of curiosity and concern. From the stories, they are aware of the danger and challenge of previous tournaments and wonder if this decision was made with the students' safety in mind.
There are also those who exchange knowing glances, their eyes sparkling with a mischievous sense of adventure, seeing this as an opportunity to prove themselves, test their magical abilities, and maybe even gain the glory and recognition that came with being a Triwizard champion - Taehyung feels that Jungkook is one of them. However, this time too, he refrains from testing his suspicions, trying hard not to glance his way.
As for Taehyung, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in his chest. Taehyung's unease lingered like a heavy cloud over him as the Headmaster's speech continued. “The Triwizard Tournament, as many of you know, has a storied history dating back centuries. It has tested the mettle of young witches and wizards, pushing them to their limits and rewarding the bravest and most skilled among them.”
“If one doesn't die, that's what,” Taehyung couldn't help but let a hint of sarcasm and a touch of bitterness escape his lips, though it was meant to be an internal thought. Jimin, sitting beside him, couldn't help but elbow him discreetly in response, a silent warning to be more discreet.
As if the Headmaster heard him, he adds “After a long hiatus due to safety concerns and the tragic events of the past, we believe that it is time to resurrect this incredible tradition. We have taken every precaution to ensure the safety of our participants, and I want to assure all of you that this decision has been made with the utmost care and consideration. Now, let me share with you some key details about the tournament…” The headmaster's words began to fade into the background for Taehyung. The nagging question of whether Jungkook would participate in the tournament weighs heavily on his mind. The Slytherin has noticed the change in Jungkook, and it bothers him deeply. He can’t pinpoint the exact nature of the change — whether it is a newfound determination, a desire for recognition, or something else entirely, but there is no doubt in his mind that Jungkook is likely to throw his name into the Goblet of Fire — and this prospect added to his anxiety and unease
But one thing is certain: he doesn’t like it at all.
And when Taehyung thinks it can't get any worse… “As part of our commitment to fostering international bonds and showcasing the spirit of cooperation among magical schools, there will be a significant change in our traditional housing arrangements,” he’s grappling with the unease of the impending Triwizard Tournament and the possibility of Jungkook's participation, but now this new development seemed to add another layer of complexity to the situation.
“We will be hosting students from our esteemed partner schools. Students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be accommodated in the dormitories of one of our four houses at Hogwarts. The selection of the house will be done randomly to ensure fairness and to promote intercultural interactions. Likewise, our own Hogwarts students will have the unique opportunity to live in the dorms of another of the three houses for the duration of the tournament,” after this announcement, the first overt dissatisfaction can be heard in the great hall, no one is happy with such an interference in their daily rhythm of life. “This arrangement is a wonderful chance for us to learn from one another, to appreciate the magical diversity that exists in our world, and to build lasting friendships across borders. I trust that you will welcome our guests with open arms. By sharing our living spaces and experiences, we will strengthen the bonds that connect us and make this tournament truly extraordinary,” seriously, what kind of idea is this? Taehyung has no interest in all this and is even more irritated by the excessive interference of the tournament in the everyday lives of students who only want peace during their final year at Hogwarts.
“Thank you for your attention, and let us prepare ourselves for the exciting and enriching times that lie ahead. Together, we will make this Triwizard Tournament an unforgettable chapter in the history of Hogwarts.”
The Headmaster of Hogwarts steps forward. He holds a magical goblet filled with slips of parchment, each representing one of the four Hogwarts houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw. “This is time to determine in which Hogwarts house our visiting students from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute shall reside for the duration of the Triwizard Tournament. This selection will be done through a random drawing to ensure fairness and impartiality,” he raises his wand, conjuring a shimmering light that hovers over the goblet. The Headmaster reaches into the goblet and selects the first slip of parchment. Unfolding it, he announces, “Our guests shall reside in... Gryffindor House.”
The Great Hall stirs with a mixture of thrill and curiosity as the first selection is made and everyone begins to process the new housing arrangements. Taehyung can't help the feeling of relief that washes over him. His house, Slytherin, would not host students from Beauxbatons or Durmstrang, and he would not have to share his familiar dormitory with strangers. At least his living space remains untouched by the changes.
However, that newfound sense of comfort is short-lived when he locks eyes with Jungkook once more, who seems incredibly pleased with the arrangement. Gryffindor's pleased expression is hard to miss, and it sends a chill down Taehyung's spine. Jungkook's intense gaze seems to be fixed on Taehyung, and there's an undeniable air of anticipation about him. The idea that Jungkook might be pleased with this arrangement, perhaps even viewing it as a connection to him, gives Taehyung pause. He wonders if he might be overthinking things, but Jungkook's unbroken gaze leaves him with no other option but to consider the possibility.
As the Headmaster dismisses the meeting, Taehyung wastes no time. He's among the first to rise from the table, his determination to escape the confines of the Great Hall and the looming presence of the tournament evident in his swift departure.
He wants to break free from the contemplation and unease that have settled over the students, to step away from the control that the tournament seems to exert over Hogwarts' dynamic.
☆
Taehyung sits on the edge of the bed, observing with a discerning eye as his friend hurriedly gathers his belongings - there is a huge mismatch between the size of the bag and the items that seem to effortlessly disappear into it. Taehyung finally speaks up, his voice tinged with a touch of sarcasm. “Can you tell me what you are doing exactly? You do realize that it's Gryffindor who has to move to other houses, not us, right?”
Behind Taehyung's biting tone there is fear of something that he himself has a premonition of. Jimin sighs, finally giving his friend attention. He sits down across from him on the corner of his own bed, taking Taehyung's hands in his. “Listen, don't be angry… I think you'll even thank me after everything,” Taehyung looks at his friend in disbelief. Jimin knows Taehyung very well and knows that what he hates the most is when someone announces something bad to him in this way. Jimin's words, though well-intentioned, have a way of building tension rather than calming Taehyung's nerves. He knows that Jimin is trying to soften the blow, but his hunches have rarely been wrong, and the unease he's felt since the new housing arrangement was announced only intensifies.
“For my paper on Muggle studies, to do proper research, I got permission to stay in the Muggle world for a while and I'm taking Yoongi with me, which, you know, will help me since his mother is not a witch....” the whole revelation and that he's taking Yoongi with him doesn't come as a complete surprise to Taehyung.
He can't help but roll his eyes in a playful manner, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. “I can't stand it,” Taehyung says, his tone filled with mock exasperation, “you found a way to go on vacation with your boyfriend during the school year under the pretext of studying. That can only be expected from Park Jimin,” despite his playful jesting, Taehyung is genuinely happy for his friend. He understands the importance of Jimin's research and the opportunity to spend time with someone he cares about. Still, the timing couldn't have been more inconvenient, given that the Slytherin was vacating the bed, and that would mean that someone from Gryfindor would come to take his place... and Taehyung has a clearer impression of who to expect.
As the door to the room opens, Taehyung's attention is immediately drawn to the new arrival. His eyes lock onto the proud-looking wizard who enters with an air of curiosity, surveying the Slytherin dormitory as if it were a tourist attraction.
A wave of terror washes over Taehyung and the sight of one and only Jeon Jungkook.
It's one thing to have a hunch, but it's another thing to get final confirmation.
“You've got to be kidding me,” Taehyung can't help but utter those words under his breath as he processes. Taehyung knows that the revival of the Triwizard Tournament has just taken on a new dimension in his life, and he'll have to find a way to navigate this unexpected twist in the days... no, months ahead. Unless... “Tell me it's some mistake, that you got lost and ended up in the wrong room! Or don't say anything, just leave and go where you're supposed to be…” Taehyung's voice carries a hint of desperation as he pleads with Jungkook to make this situation disappear.
Jimin takes advantage of the moment when the two wizards' attention is not on him at all and slips out of the room quietly. So when Taehyung calls his name to explain it to him, he's not there. Well, Yoongi is close to Jungkook, and that would mean that Gryffindor knew exactly that Jimin's bed would be free… Jungkook's ringing laughter fills the room, carelessly throwing himself onto the bed and stretching out lazily on it, revealing a bit of his belly.
Taehyung knows that his final year at Hogwarts will be marked by more than just magical challenges.
Jungkook's response, patting the mattress of his bed and making the comment, “but I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be, Taehyung, beside you,” leaves Taehyung feeling like there might be a hidden meaning behind his words. Despite the casual gesture, Taehyung senses that there's more to Jungkook's presence than meets the eye. Taehyung pulled his wand out of his robe, pointing it at the lying wizard's stomach and with one movement, his shirt suddenly pulled down. Without waiting for Gryffindor's reaction, Taehyung makes his way to the common room.
However, he has a mission and does not intend to give up.
☆
As Taehyung heads to the common room, leaving behind the laughter of Jungkook and the unexpected twist in their living situation, he can't help but feel a mix of emotions. The Gryffindor's apparent knowledge that Jimin's bed would be free, considering Jungkook is close to Yoongi, suggests a level of planning and coordination that leaves Taehyung feeling even more bewildered.
“Wooseok, listen, if you agree, you can choose anything that Jimin gave me from the muggle world, I know you collect those rubber bath ducks, but what if I tell you that I have one with a colored light inside it?” Taehyung's attempt to persuade Wooseok to switch rooms with him is met with resistance, despite the tempting offer. He watches as Wooseok's tough façade starts to crack, only to have his hopes dashed when Wooseok ultimately shakes his head.
“I'm sorry, but I won't switch rooms,” Wooseok says, his tone regretful. “I'm sorry, Taehyung, but I think you're wasting your time-” but Taehyung refuses to give up. With his resolve intact, the wizard continues his search for another person willing to switch rooms with him.
When he finds another potential candidate, before he can even start bribing, the person doesn't even let him start. “Because I like you Taehyung, I'll be honest with you, seriously give it up. Jungkook bribed everyone first much earlier so that no one would switch places with you and believe me, you won't be able to top that…”
Taehyung is left in stunned silence, his mouth hanging open as he processes the information. A mix of emotions swirls within him, leaving him feeling conflicted and unsure of how to react. It's hard to place them when he doesn't know Jungkook's motives. Why would he go to such great lengths to live with him for a few months? The mystery of it all weighs heavily on Slytherin's mind. Taehyung shuts down his thinking when it goes in a direction he doesn't want Jungkook in... again.
The sensation of someone's presence behind him alerts Taehyung before he feels a hand on his shoulder, gently turning him to his side. His gaze fixates on the wizard before him, the one who, for better or worse, often occupies his thoughts and consciousness—Jeon Jungkook. Taehyung can't help but scrutinize Jungkook's expression, searching for any clues or hints that might offer insight into his intentions. The silence between them speaks volumes, and Taehyung remains on guard, unsure of the intricate dynamics of their relationship throughout their years at Hogwarts.
Taehyung, unable to contain his curiosity and need for clarity, finally breaks the silence and asks Jungkook a direct question. “What did you promise them?” he inquires. “Or rather, why would you do that?”As a response, Jungkook gives him an unadulterated smile that catches Taehyung off guard. In that moment, Taehyung glimpses a side of Jungkook that he hasn't seen in a long time - the authentic one, and it stirs something deep within him.
“How did you even know what I was going to try to do?” Taehyung clears his throat. “You know, whatever, I don't need to know,” when Taehyung is about to pass Jungkook, he gets in his way. Taehyung took a step to the side, but Jungkook managed to block it again, and again, and again…
Jungkook has the nerve to look at him shyly while scratching the back of his head as if he wasn't the biggest brat in the world of magic. “You forget how well we know each other…”
Taehyung can't help but react strongly to Jungkook's comment, his sensitive point struck. “Well, knowing this Jungkook, he should probably go throw his name into the Goblet of Fire.”
Jungkook snorts in disbelief. “Do you seriously think that's what I want?” Taehyung shrugs, seemingly considering it obvious. However, Jungkook quickly clarifies.
“Then I must inform you that I have no intention of entering this tournament, which is more trouble than it is worth.”
“Oh,” Taehyung is shocked once again by Jungkook. It's a revelation that challenges his assumptions and leaves him reeling.
“But I'm going to win at something,” Jungkook adds and Taehyung sighs heavily, not wanting to be the butt of the other wizard's jokes.
“And what would it be?” the Slytherin asks, expecting an answer that will remind him why he doesn't get along with Jungkook anymore. Taehyung stares intently into Jungkook's eyes, remembering how they used to be his favorite sight - and Jungkook responds with double intensity. Jungkook takes a deep breath as if he needs to prepare himself before confessing, but when he's ready he looks so happy that it catches Taehyug off guard before he even hears the answer.
“Winning you back.”
At this moment, they both understand that their journey through their final year at the school of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be marked by more than just magical challenges.