Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

"We humans fear the beast within the wolf because we do not understand the beast within ourselves."

- Gerald Hausman 

------

TAEHYUNG

Taehyung woke up to the sound of something exploding.

He shot up, heart pounding, and took in the scene that was unfolding in front of his bed. Jimin and Yoongi were on the floor, holding their stomachs in silent laughter and Jungkook looked like he just had the life scared out of him.

Looking down, Taehyung noticed the cards laying on the floor that were all smoking. They were playing exploding snap? Jimin and Yoongi? And Jungkook? Without him?

“Your face,” wheezed Jimin.

The corners of Jungkook’s open mouth were now being pulled upwards and soon he began to laugh too. This was the first time Taehyung had heard Jungkook’s laugh, and he felt a little tug in his chest.

Taehyung couldn’t help but feel he missed out on something; how did they all get so comfortable with each other so fast? When Yoongi first sauntered in and announced he was their fourth roommate, Taehyung thought for sure Yoongi would be the odd one out. For one thing, he was a third year. And for another, Taehyung was sure the awkwardness between Yoongi and Jimin would last much longer than a few hours.

After a few moments, Yoongi’s laughter died down and he finally noticed Taehyung.

“Oi, look who’s finally awake,” he said, getting Jimin and Jungkook’s attention. Jungkook’s eyes lit up when they landed on Taehyung. Taehyung gave Yoongi a curious look and glanced down at his watch: 12:36 pm. He really had been asleep for forever.

“Are you gonna play?” asked Yoongi, a little awkwardly. This was the first time Yoongi had ever spoken to him, and he seemed nervous. Taehyung hopped out of bed and sat between Yoongi and Jungkook. Sure, Yoongi was a pure-blooded Slytherin, but anyone who Jungkook and Jimin warmed up to that fast couldn’t have been so bad.

—

Taehyung could hardly believe how quickly he became comfortable with Yoongi. But more so than himself, Taehyung was impressed with Jungkook, who was hesitantly making jokes and laughing, even if a little strained at times. It seemed like Jungkook was finally coming out of his shell, at least a little bit.

But there was still something a little off about him…

Jungkook hadn’t taken his gloves off from the moment they first met, even when an exploding card almost caught them on fire. At this point, Taehyung assumed everyone else had noticed it as well.

When Jimin asked him why he wouldn’t take them off, Jungkook tensed up and said he got cold easily. To prove Taehyung’s assumption, Jimin, Taehyung, and Yoongi had all shared a glance. He’s hiding something. It was such an obvious lie that no one questioned it and moved on. Yet, the fear that flashed in Jungkook’s eyes stayed imprinted in the back of Taehyung’s mind the rest of the day.

------

JUNGKOOK

At dinner, he sat with Taehyung at the Gryffindor table; however, both Jimin and Yoongi shot them apologetic looks and made their way to the far end of the hall to the Slytherin table.

“Why can’t they sit with us?” asked Jungkook, annoyed. Who cared about houses? He just wanted to sit will all his friends, including Yoongi. Taehyung looked around as if to check if anyone was listening while Jungkook began to eat, wolfing down his food.

“Jimin’s whole family is pretty famous, like mine. We both got sorted into the houses that rival our family’s, so he’s a traitor to Gryffindor like I am to Slytherin.”

Jungkook twisted his face in disbelief and quickly swallowed his food before talking, “That’s rubbish. They’d really be mean to him just because he’s a Slytherin? And the Slytherins would be mean to you just for being Gryffindor?”

Taehyung gave a joyless laugh. “Basically. And then there’s Yoongi...”

Jungkook gave him a questioning look and Taehyung continued, voice much lower this time, “His father was a lead Death Eater and about sixty percent of the people here had some family member killed by his men, so…I can imagine he’s not very popular.” As if an afterthought, Taehyung added, “He also almost killed Jimin’s dad.”

Jungkook choked on his soup. “What? Really?”

Jungkook vaguely knew about the war due to his father going on about it when he was drunk, but he was so cut off from the Wizarding World in muggle London that it never reached him personally. But he knew about the Death Eaters and how they killed people mercilessly and how they had eventually been defeated by…“Wait, is Jimin’s dad Park Minjae?”

“The one and only,” said Taehyung, mouth full of bread.

Jungkook stared at his soup, stricken. “But then…wouldn’t Jimin hate Yoongi?”

Taehyung gave him a surprised look and Jungkook thought he had said the wrong thing before Taehyung swallowed his bread and all but yelled, “That’s what I thought.” A couple of first-year girls turned their heads in their direction. Taehyung smiled at them and a chorus of giggles followed suit. Shameless.

Taehyung then leaned in to Jungkook, “But when I woke up, you guys were all playing exploding snap. Were they all buddy-buddy when you woke up?”

Jungkook thought back; when he woke up, they were already playing. “I guess so…”

Taehyung looked deep in thought before shrugging and sticking another piece of bread in his mouth.

They drifted into a comfortable silence and Jungkook thought about how easy it was to talk to Taehyung… He pictured himself and Taehyung becoming best friends, studying together, learning about each other…and what else did best friends do? A part of Jungkook said trust them with your secrets, but he quickly berated himself.

He couldn’t get ahead of himself. He could never get that close.

“Hey, Kookie,” said Taehyung, pulling him back to the present, “Come with me, I wanna show you something.”  Jungkook could feel the stares from the Gryffindor table as Taehyung took his wrist and dragged him out of the Great Hall. Jungkook glanced back at Jimin and Yoongi, trying to catch their eyes, but they were talking to Headmistress McGonagall.

“Where are we going?” asked Jungkook, trying not to let his pre-full moon fatigue slow him down. Taehyung’s hand was still on his wrist and for some reason he didn’t want him to let go.

“You’ll see,” said Taehyung, mischief in his voice and hand tightening on Jungkook’s wrist as they ran out of the castle.

------

YOONGI

“Min Yoongi is sitting with Park Jimin.”

If it weren’t for the millions of whispers floating around the great hall repeating that very sentence, Yoongi might not have even believed it himself. In the span of only a few hours, Yoongi had fake napped next to, played exploding snap with, and was now eating alongside the boy who indirectly made his life a living hell for the past three years.

Once Yoongi had woken up from his very short (and fake) nap and found himself roped into playing a game of exploding snap with Jimin, there was barely any real conversation between them. So, sitting alone with Jimin now made him shift uncomfortably. What could they even talk about that wasn’t dealing with how not to get your eyebrows singed off by exploding cards?

Jimin busied himself with his food and Yoongi wracked his brain for conversation starters and finally decided on Quidditch. It would have to do.

“So, you gonna try out for the Slytherin house team?” Yoongi asked as nonchalantly as he could. Jimin stopped chewing and looked to the ceiling. Yoongi cocked his head passive aggressively. Did he just roll his eyes at me?

“Just because my dad was a Quidditch player doesn’t mean I will be,” Jimin mumbled through his food.

“What?” Only Merlin could understand what Jimin just said.

Jimin swallowed his food and banged his fist on the table, a little too aggressively. “I said , just because my dad was a Quidditch player doesn’t mean I will be too.”

Yoongi slowly blinked and took a sip of his tea. Hit a nerve, did he?

Jimin put his head in his hands and Yoongi was unprepared for what was about to come out of Jimin’s mouth next.

“You of all people should understand what it’s like for people to expect things out of you because of your father.”

Once Yoongi moved past the initial shock of Jimin finally bringing up their fathers, he narrowed his eyes. “People expect you to be a good Quidditch player and people expect me to turn into the next Dark Lord. I’m not sure our situations are all that similar.”

Jimin looked up, eyes wide. “I didn’t mean…I didn’t know…”

Already regretting being honest, Yoongi held up a hand, “No, it’s fine. Forget it.”

Jimin pursed his lips, obviously guilty. “I’m sorry, it’s just…” Jimin’s face switched from one of guilt to one of worry, “Do people really think that about you?”

“Seriously, forget it. So, no quidditch. Any reason why?”  asked Yoongi, eager to change the topic. Jimin didn’t look ready to change the subject, but he sighed anyway.

“Sports, heights, and attention don’t interest me.”

“Fair enough, but what about the girls who would go crazy if you were on the team?” Yoongi asked without thinking and internally face-palmed. What in Merlin’s name am I on about?

Before Jimin could answer, a voice came from behind Yoongi, startling him. “Yoongi, could I have a moment with you in my office?” Yoongi turned around and looked up at Headmistress McGonagall. Thankful for the interruption, Yoongi nodded his head.

He stood up and felt the eyes of many students burning holes into his back. They probably all thought he was getting in trouble, which Yoongi couldn’t completely rule out. What reason did the headmistress have to personally seek him out during dinner?

Suddenly nervous, he turned back to Jimin and gave him a short wave before walking away. Yoongi almost felt guilty when he glanced back once more and saw Jimin looking like a lost puppy sitting alone at a table of snakes.

—

Yoongi stood in McGonagall’s office, resigned to the fact he was probably about to be blamed for something he didn’t do. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time.

McGonagall sat at her desk and cleared her throat. “I’m sorry for pulling you out of dinner so suddenly,” she said, staring at him over her glasses. Yoongi held his breath. “I just wanted to personally address your rooming assignment.”

Oh.

“Everyone else is with people from their year,” she continued, “however, you especially were assigned to three first years. I know you must be angry, but you should know I had a reason.”

Yoongi stared at her. A reason?

“These boys…Kim Taehyung, Jeon Jungkook, Park Jimin…I know you will take care of them. I can’t give you the details, but just know they need a friend like you…and you need them.”

That was so not what he was expecting. “I understand them needing me…,” began Yoongi, confused, “but why would I need three first years?”

McGonagall studied him for an uncomfortable amount of time before deadpanning, “You need friends.”

Fucking ouch.

Yoongi could feel his face heating up as he tried to keep it steady. “I have friends,” he lied. Then added, “And even if I didn’t have friends, why would I want three first years?”

McGonagall gave him a cool look. “It’s not about who you want. It’s about who you need, and you need them.”

Before Yoongi could protest, she continued, “One more thing.” Yoongi snapped his mouth shut. “Don’t mention this conversation to them. Now, that’s all I have to say. You are dismissed.”

Once he made it out of office, he ran his hand over his face. How embarrassing. Was it that obvious he didn’t have a single friend?

------

JUNGKOOK

They came to a stadium not far from the castle grounds. It was huge and intimidating and Jungkook didn’t even know if they were allowed to be out of the castle.

“Are we going to get in trouble?” asked Jungkook, panting as they slowed down. Taehyung let go of his wrist as they walked through an entrance onto an empty field. It was surrounded by walls with different colors representing the houses and tall towers with seats on top.

“Nah,” said Taehyung, looking back, eyes sparkling. So, maybe .

Jungkook continued to walk behind Taehyung as they made their way to the middle of the pitch. “What is this place?” asked Jungkook. Taehyung swung around so fast he almost collided with a still-walking Jungkook.

“You don’t know what Quidditch is? Are you sure you’re not muggle-born?”

Jungkook took a step back and felt something inside him flare up. He looked away, chewing on his lip. He couldn’t help he was locked up in his house for the past six years with his muggle dad and no access to the world, much less the Wizarding World. Even before that, his mom wouldn’t have mentioned Quidditch. She hated sports.

Taehyung must’ve immediately realized his mistake because he reached out and touched Jungkook’s arm. “Wait, I’m sorry. That came out wrong.”

Jungkook didn’t like feeling angry at Taehyung, so he forced a tight-lipped smile. “It’s fine.”

Taehyung, who seemed more than ready to turn the mood back around, backed away and dramatically threw out his arms. “This is stadium is used for Quidditch, the best sport in the world.”

Jungkook glanced at the poles towering on each side of the pitch. They varied heights, but they all had a large hoop attached to the top. “So, how is it played?”

Jungkook looked back to Taehyung but found him lying on the ground with his hands over his stomach. Jungkook didn’t know if he should lie down as well, so he settled for sitting criss-cross next to him instead.

Taehyung went over the rules and positions, and Jungkook found himself becoming more and more interested as he went on. “And there’s a tournament every year between the houses for the Quidditch Cup. Sounds fun, right?”

Jungkook enthusiastically nodded. It really did sound fun…flying brooms, being on a team, having people cheer for you. It sounded brilliant, actually.

Too bad he could never do it. The wolf inside him probably wouldn’t like the hostile and competitive environment that came with playing. He couldn’t accidentally hurt someone and get found out. But it would be fun to watch the tournament and cheer for Gryffindor with his friends.

“Well then,” said Taehyung, “you have to try out for the Gryffindor house team with me.”

Jungkook’s eyes strained as he let out a nervous laugh. “I wouldn’t be any good, I’m rubbish at sports.”  Not a lie, considering he’d never even tried one before.

Taehyung sat up. “It doesn’t matter, I can help you! It’ll be fun, I promise,” he urged.

“You’ve played Quidditch before?” asked Jungkook, deflecting Taehyung’s offer.

Taehyung smiled sheepishly, “Well, not really. But still! It can’t be that hard and we can train together. Plus, we even have a flying class this term,” assured Taehyung now pulling on Jungkook’s arm, “Pleeeease?”

Jungkook didn’t really know what to do. One part of him was saying, Tell him you’re afraid of heights, sickly, weak, anything… but no matter how much he knew he shouldn’t, another part of him really, really wanted to at least try playing.

Taehyung pouted while giving him puppy-dog eyes and Jungkook was helpless. He couldn’t make Taehyung sad.

“Okay, fine,” he groaned. He would only practice with Taehyung and purposefully do badly at tryouts. Simple. Before Jungkook could regret his decision, arms were thrown around his neck and he was pushed to the ground.

Taehyung rolled off Jungkook and laid on his back in the grass next to him. “Thanks, Kookie, I swear it’ll be fun.”

Jungkook turned his head to look at Taehyung who was already looking at him. Face flushing, Jungkook looked back to the stars. Jungkook had a thought in that moment that Taehyung, quite seriously, might just be the death of him.

------

JIMIN

Jimin sulked on his way to the Slytherin common area after dinner. His first real conversation with Yoongi had gone less than spectacular, and it was all his fault. Why did he have to get so agitated?

And then Yoongi’s comment about people labeling him the next Dark Lord…did people actually think that?

Suddenly, something grabbed him around the ankles and he fell face first, hands barely catching him before he hit the ground. Jimin heard snickers behind him as he slowly stood back up.

Choosing to ignore the dozens of eyes on him and the malicious laughter, he walked away as if nothing had happened. Then, something grabbed his ankles and he fell forwards, catching himself once again.

This time the laughter grew louder and now every eye was on him expecting him to do something. Jimin looked back to find a couple of Gryffindor upperclassmen laughing into their hands and acting like they did nothing when they were the only ones with their wands out.

Jimin kept his face steady. He should have expected this, yet he had no idea how to counter, so he just stood there.  

“Hey, Jimin,” sneered the one who seemed like the leader of the pack, “We saw you eating with Min Yoongi back in there. First a Slytherin and now buddy-buddy with the next Dark Lord?”

Without thinking, Jimin jerked his wand out of his cloak and pointed it at him.

Their laughter stopped and their eyes narrowed, anticipating whatever he was about to do. Then, a smile spread across the leader’s face, and Jimin understood then that they wanted him to use magic.

Everyone was watching, and if word got back out that he’d hexed anyone on the first day of school, which it most definitely would, the whole Wizarding World would think Park Minjae’s son was truly a Slytherin who liked to attack perfect little Gryffindors, unprovoked.

Wand still up and mind reeling, Jimin could only seethe. He shakily lowered his wand. “It’d be a waste to hex trash like you,” he said calmly as he turned and walked away. He muttered a general defense spell, “Finite Incantatum,” under his breath to stop any more hexes and ignored the stares that followed him.

Suddenly, Jimin heard the same voice shout, “Locomotor Wibbly!” from behind. Gasps came from the crowd, but he just kept walking, knowing he was immune. Then he heard something hitting the ground almost directly behind him. He swung around looked down at a person crumpled over on the ground and immediately recognized the back of Min Yoongi’s silver hair.

Before Jimin could even process what was happening, the pack burst into laughter and the leader spoke again. “Min Yoongi protecting Park Jimin…now that’s something I’d never thought I’d see.”   

Jimin’s heart stuttered as he looked back down and took in Yoongi’s crumpled figure that was now sitting up. “Oh, piss off. At least I don’t hex people from behind, you complete asswipe,” snapped Yoongi. When he tried to stand up, his legs were shaking so bad he couldn’t. Jimin heard more snickers from the crowd.

But Yoongi’s legs weren’t shaking because he was nervous or hurt, Jimin thought as he remembered the incantation of the hex that was intended for him; Yoongi physically couldn’t use his legs. The Jelly Legs Hex.

Realizing this, Jimin fell to Yoongi’s side and wrapped his arm around him to help him stand.

“You’re actually gonna help that Death Eater spawn?” called Alpha Asswipe. Jimin scowled at him as he continued trying to hoist Yoongi up.  

“Just ignore him,” muttered Yoongi, clinging onto Jimin, legs still madly shaking. They must’ve looked like spectacular idiots, but Jimin didn’t care.

It was true, then; people treated Yoongi like shit because of his father’s past. Yoongi was a kind person yet people judged him unfairly for something he couldn’t help. And that thought, more than anything, made Jimin raise his wand, this time with intent.

But before a counter hex could spill through his lips, an unmistakably adult voice yelled, “What is going on here?”

The group of Gryffindors scrambled and the crowd dispersed. No one was in the mood to be caught in a fight on the first day of term, including Jimin. In a burst of adrenaline, he bent down and swept Yoongi up, and speed-walked in the opposite direction of the authoritative voice.

“What the hell, Jimin?” hissed Yoongi, eyes as wide as saucers. Too focused on getting away from everyone, Jimin kept speed-walking and turning corners. Jimin tried hard not to focus on Yoongi’s arms wrapped around his neck.

Finally, an empty hallway.

Jimin put Yoongi down as if his touch had been burning him and Yoongi clumsily grabbed onto Jimin’s arm as he fell to the ground.

“Oh shit! I’m sorry, I forgot you can’t…” stumbled Jimin as he struggled to pick Yoongi back up again.

“Jimin, stop, stop,” said Yoongi as he jerked away from him, face now red. His legs were folded to the side and still trembling. Jimin backed away, not knowing what to do.

“I will not be seen being carried like that,” grumbled Yoongi to himself before looking up at Jimin incredulously, face still burning. “And how the hell are you that strong?”

Jimin tried not to laugh as he sat criss-cross in front of Yoongi, who looked slightly appalled at the new development of their positions. “I’m not strong, it’s just you don’t weigh anything,” he explained. Yoongi’s eyes narrowed either because he thought Jimin was lying or because he took Jimin’s explanation as an insult.

Changing the subject, Jimin folded his arms in lap. “Why did you do that back there?”

Yoongi rolled his eyes. “Like I was going to let a couple of upperclassmen Gryffindouchebags hex a first year.”

Jimin smiled and gave him a look of intent. “And us being friends has nothing to do with it?”

Yoongi averted his eyes. “We haven’t even known each other for a day. Plus, you saw what being my friend entails. I don’t think it’s a good idea for you, or even Taehyung and Jungkook for that matter, to get too involved-”

“Like I care.”

“Huh?”

“I don’t care about what all of those judgmental jerks think, and I know Taehyung and Jungkook feel the same way.”

Yoongi grimaced. “It’s not just them, Jimin…” he pinched the bridge of his nose, “It’s everyone…”

Jimin’s heart lurched. If that was true, had Yoongi really been alone for three whole years? He wanted to hug Yoongi, tell him he didn’t deserve that, but Jimin kept himself still.

“Hey, not many people would take a hex for a friend they’ve only known for a couple of hours. And I think everyone else is an idiot for not taking the time to figure out you’re one of them…” Yoongi glanced at Jimin, “And I don’t want to be friends with idiots.”

Yoongi laughed dejectedly and shook his head. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you…”

Jimin smiled. “It takes a lot more than that to get rid of me. So…” Jimin glanced at Yoongi’s legs. It was only a matter of time before someone came through the hallway.

Yoongi covered his face with his hands, groaned, then got down to business. “I don’t want people to see me like, you know, so I guess you’re gonna have to carry me on your back. The infirmary isn’t that far from here. Is that okay?”

Jimin nodded. He got Yoongi situated on him, and they set off in silence. Once they made it to the infirmary, Jimin knocked on the door and was ushered in by Madam Pomfrey, the nurse.

After getting Yoongi on one of the many hospital beds, Jimin turned to him.

“Want me to keep you company?”

Yoongi shook his head, a smile pulling at his lips. “No, it’s fine. But really, Jimin, thanks…for everything. And I’m sorry.”

“Don’t thank me. We’re friends now and that’s what friends do. And, if anything, I should be thanking you.” Jimin turned around and walked off. Before he got too far, he turned back around.

“Oh, and Yoongi?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t apologize. You really do weigh nothing,” Jimin winked and walked away, only catching a glimpse of the small smile that appeared on Yoongi’s face.

They both knew what Yoongi had really been apologizing for.  

------

TAEHYUNG

It was the first day of classes.

Having come from charms alone, Taehyung got a little lost on his way to potions class, the first class he shared with Jungkook.

When he finally found the correct classroom, it seemed everyone had made it there before him and claimed a seat. But it didn’t matter, because class hadn’t started yet and he spotted Jungkook with an empty space beside him.

He scooted beside Jungkook, expecting him to jump as he hadn’t seen him come in, but Jungkook only turned and gave him a mock scolding look. “You’re late.”

Taehyung playfully shoved Jungkook as the teacher, Professor Slughorn, called the class to attention. The first half of class went by rather slowly, however, in the second half they were to make their first potion in pairs.

Taehyung and Jungkook began putting their gathered materials in the cauldron when suddenly the professor stopped in front of their desk. Taehyung slowly looked up, intimidated, and Jungkook followed. Did we do something wrong?

“No gloves,” said Slughorn flatly, as he eyed Jungkook.

A tiny part of Taehyung became excited to see what Jungkook was hiding under his gloves, but the second he looked over to Jungkook, rigid and eyes wide, he felt horrible for even thinking like that.

“Um, it’s okay Professor. I’ll just put the ingredients in the cauldron for him,” insisted Taehyung.

“It’s a safety precaution for even being near the cauldron. Fire hazard. Gloves off,” he said and walked away, words final.

Beside him, Jungkook took off his gloves under the table, took a deep breath, and got back to work. Taehyung tried his hardest not to look, knowing Jungkook didn’t want him to see whatever it was he was hiding. But Taehyung was trying so hard not to look, he knocked over a bottle of Armadillo Bile with his elbow.

He reached to pick the bottle up before it could spill any more, but so did Jungkook. At the same time.

And Taehyung saw scars. A lot of them…too many of them. Jungkook set the bottle upright and, realizing he had blown the secret of his hands, slowly moved them back to his lap. Taehyung tried to act like he hadn’t seen. He jerked his head away in the other direction and said nothing.

It was silent as they both continued to work.   

“It was a car accident, when I was younger,” explained Jungkook, voice barely above a whisper. When Taehyung turned to Jungkook, who was looking at him so intently, Taehyung could only nod his head and say, “I’m sorry.”  

The rest of potions class was normal after that, but Taehyung couldn’t help but feel that Jungkook was still on edge. “You ready for your first day of flying lessons?” asked Taehyung.

It took Jungkook a moment to register Taehyung’s question. “Oh, yeah, that’s after this right? I’m nervous, but excited.”

“Me too,” said Taehyung. He wondered if Jungkook would be okay…he looked a bit sick the past two days and he seemed to be getting worse by the color of his face and the way he walked around as if he was hurting all over but trying his best to hide it. Which he was doing a fine job of, but Taehyung could tell.

When class was over, Taehyung noticed Jungkook didn’t put his gloves back on. Deciding not to question it, he made his way with Jungkook to the courtyard where flying class was held, a knot forming in his stomach.

Taehyung couldn’t shake the feeling that those scars came from something worse than a car accident. Not because of the way they looked, but from the way Jungkook had looked at him, like he needed more than anything for Taehyung to believe him.

------

JUNGKOOK

Slughorn must’ve not been told.

Jungkook thought his world was crumbling when he had to take off his gloves, but in a stroke of inspiration he came up with a lie that could justify the state of his hands without drawing suspicion. Honestly, he didn’t know why he didn’t think of it before.

Taehyung’s acceptance of his story felt like a huge weight lifting off his shoulders. No one had any reason to suspect anything just from his scarred hands, especially not now with a lie to cover it up. And now he wouldn’t have to wear gloves… Taehyung was like the Band-Aid that needed to be ripped off. If Taehyung saw them, anyone could see them.

Besides, he also needed bare hands to grip the broomstick, he realized.

Flying class was his favorite class, he decided. Flying was not as hard as he thought, although for others it didn’t seem to come as naturally. Jungkook looked down at Taehyung who still hadn’t been able to summon his broomstick on the ground to come to his hand.

Taehyung’s face twisted in frustration and Jungkook resisted the urge to fly down and help him. However, seeing Taehyung frustrated made the urge stronger until eventually, Jungkook found himself swooping down and landing beside Taehyung who was yelling “Up!” Well, more like begging.

When Taehyung noticed Jungkook beside him, his face flushed. “The broom…it must be broken.”

“Really? Can I try?”

Taehyung eyed the broom. “Sure.” Jungkook moved to stand directly beside Taehyung.

“Up!” ordered Jungkook as he held out his hand over the stick. The broom shot up from the ground and landed in his hand. Taehyung tilted his head back and groaned.

Suddenly, Jungkook had an idea. Before fully thinking through it, he grabbed the top of Taehyung’s hand and put his palm face down. “Up!” ordered Jungkook once more, hand over Taehyung’s.

The broom immediately flew up and Taehyung caught it. Taehyung’s eyes were wide as he turned to Jungkook, who was smiling. Jungkook could hear Taehyung’s rapid heartbeat, probably excited about being able to finally fly.

“Come on,” said Jungkook mounting his broom again, “we have training to do.”

Taehyung beamed at Jungkook as he mounted his own broom and took off, a little shaky. He must’ve been embarrassed about his take off, because his face was turning red. Jungkook followed smoothly beside him, giving him pointers.

“I thought I was supposed to be the one teaching you,” mocked Taehyung, face still flushed.

Jungkook smiled, “Well it seems I have a bit more experience seeing as how someone took forever summoning their broom.”

Taehyung eyes narrowed mischievously. “Oh, you’re going to pay for that. Race you to the west tower!”

They spent the rest of the class flying together, chasing each other, and Jungkook couldn’t help but feel as though he didn’t have a worry in the world.

—

Jungkook woke up the next day feeling like a truck had run over him. His bones ached and he felt like he wanted to sleep for days. With a sinking feeling in his gut, Jungkook remembered that tonight was the night; tonight was his first full moon at Hogwarts.

The only thing keeping him going throughout the day was the thought of flying with Taehyung when he felt completely normal and healthy again and the fact no one had mentioned his hands.

However, more than a few people had seen his pale face and asked if he needed to go to the infirmary. But no one asked as much as Taehyung.

They were with Jimin in Defense Against the Dark Arts class when Taehyung asked for the twelfth time.

“Are you sure- ”

“Yes, I’m sure. Please stop worrying, I’ll be fine.”

Taehyung didn’t seem so convinced as he dramatically turned to Jimin, who was observing their conversation from the sidelines. Taehyung motioned to Jungkook as if saying, You tell him.

Jimin sighed. “Taehyung’s right, Jungkook. You don’t look so good. And you’ve been like this ever since the sorting… It might be serious…”

Jungkook felt something stir inside of him. His wolf was getting agitated…or was it just him? Calm down, they’re just worried.

Jungkook guessed it was a good time to finally tell them the lie he had come up with for his monthly sickness.

 “It’s fine. I’m used to this… I have an illness that makes me get sick like this often. But it’s really no big deal.”

Taehyung stared at him in shock. “What is it?”

Jimin elbowed Taehyung in the ribs. “That’s rude,” he hissed under his breath.

Jungkook shook his head. “I got it from my mom and it’s the kind that never goes away.” He left it at that, hoping vague details would be enough. By the look on Taehyung and Jimin’s stricken faces, it was.

Before they could ask any more questions, Jungkook plowed on, ready to get all of his lies out.

“Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you guys. I’ll be away the next few days because I have to go home. My mother is ill and my father is going away on his monthly business trip, so I’ll have to take care of her. I’m leaving tonight.”

The lies slipped out so smoothly Jungkook almost hated himself for it.

“Really? Is she okay?” asked Jimin.

Jungkook didn’t have to force himself to look sad. Telling lies about his dead mother wasn’t his favorite thing to do. Especially when he was lying to hide the fact he was the same as the beast that had killed her.

“She has the same illness as me,” Jungkook repeated, “so it won’t get better.”

Matching looks of sympathy washed over Taehyung and Jimin’s faces.

“I’m sorry, Kookie,” said Taehyung as he leaned forward. Too late, Jungkook realized he was going in for a hug. “I hope you and you and your mom feel better soon.”

Jungkook froze. He had never been hugged by a friend before, especially not in a situation like this, and he didn’t know exactly what to do. Put his arms around him? Pat him on the back?

Before Jungkook could internally combust, Taehyung pulled away and looked at Jungkook brightly. Jungkook prayed the heat on his face wasn’t visible as he stammered out a thanks.

Offhandedly, Jungkook wondered what Taehyung would think if he knew he just hugged a werewolf.

------

YOONGI

Yoongi’s first day of school wasn’t anything special. Whispers and giggles followed him around more than usual, but it wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle. It was so uneventful that Yoongi couldn’t help but feel paranoid. Especially since the second day was almost over.

He walked down the corridors after finishing his homework at the library, stomach growling. Yoongi was used to whispers, giggles, and paranoia, so it bothered him that the only thing that seemed to be throwing him off his game was Park Jimin, who he’d been avoiding in public ever since the hexing incident.

This was his second time waiting to eat dinner until eight o’clock, a time he knew there wouldn’t be a big crowd and, most importantly, no Jimin.

However, there was a good crowd of people out in the hallways at this time of night and it unnerved him.

“Hey, Death Eater spawn,” called a familiar voice, and Yoongi stopped cold.  Byun Baekhyun, Gryffindor, fourth year. The same asshole who hexed Jimin. “Or should I say baby deer Death Eater spawn? You were looking pretty fresh on your legs the other day.”

Ah, here it is.

Yoongi kept walking, not in the mood. But before he could utter a protection spell, he heard “Anteoculatia!” shouted behind him. Then suddenly, there was something growing out of his head.

“I figured if you were going to act like a baby deer, you might as well look like one,” mocked Baekhyun and Yoongi could basically hear the shit eating smile he wore on his face.

Yoongi’s hands flew up to his head and touched— antlers. He had antlers on his head. He swung around and stumbled a little as the antlers added an unfamiliar weight. Yoongi didn’t have to look around to know everyone in the hallways was watching him.

“Baby deer don’t have antlers, you dickhead,” is all he could think to say.

Byun Baekhyun threw his head back and laughed. “Either way, this look fits you,” sneered Baekhyun, eyes turning dark as if something inside him broke, “Deers are hunted and you should be too.”

Yoongi heard the crowd stir. It seemed as though Yoongi wasn’t the only one who thought Baekhyun was going a bit too far and Yoongi said as much, voice small.

“Too far?” asked Baekhyun sarcastically, eyes now a bit manic. “Too far? I’ll tell you what’s too far— my mother being murdered for no reason by your father’s orders. That’s too far.”

Yoongi went cold. The whole hall seemed to hold its breath. That wasn’t…true…was it?

“That’s right,” said Baekhyun, voice trembling in rage. “I bet you didn’t know that did you? Your father probably didn’t tell you about all the lives he took and ruined. He should be in Azkaban and his spawn should be too.”

Yoongi wanted nothing more than to run away. But he couldn’t, so he just stood there, antlers on his hanging head and dozens of students staring at him in hatred. They agreed with Baekhyun, he knew they did.

And for a moment, Yoongi did too. Yoongi thought he knew his father’s past. But truthfully, Yoongi didn’t know. Like Baekhyun had said, his father never told him about the people he had killed. And Yoongi had never asked, too afraid.

Of course, Yoongi knew. He knew there were students here whose families were affected by the war— by his father. But none of them had ever told him outright. Not until now.

But his father was a changed man… He was manipulated by the Dark Lord… Jimin’s dad forgave him… He was an amazing father…but was that enough? Was that enough reason to not loathe his father like everyone else did?

Yoongi felt like he had just been punched in the gut. He didn’t hate his father, or rather, he couldn’t. He just couldn’t. And for the first time ever, Yoongi thought maybe he deserved all the shit he got.

------

JIMIN

It was getting annoying, eating alone. Jimin didn’t mention it to Yoongi, because he didn’t want to make him feel guilty. After all, Yoongi said he had a lot of work to do, so Jimin kept his mouth shut. He also didn’t want to seem like a clingy loser.

However, he decided he needed a book for his charms homework. At eight o’clock at night.

Three minutes later, after figuring out there was no one in the library, Jimin thought maybe the book could wait and he walked back out, disappointed…because of the…book.

Where is Yoongi, then, if not at the library? Did he leave already?

After looking in all of the study rooms, he officially gave up. Yoongi probably already headed back to their dorm.

Jimin was so caught up in his thoughts about a certain silver-haired Slytherin that he rammed into the back of someone. He looked up and opened his mouth to say sorry, but the girl didn’t even turn as she was standing completely still along with everyone else…as if they were watching something. But it was completely silent and Jimin was too short to see what was going on in front of the crowd.

All he could see was… Were those antlers?

Ah, thought Jimin. A fight. Someone had been hexed. Was this a common thing at Hogwarts?, thought Jimin as he turned to walk away, glad he wasn’t the one in the spotlight this time. 

Then he stopped. He didn’t know why, but something made him turn around, maneuver through the crowd, and see what was happening. Or rather, who something was happening to. Because maybe this was a common thing for a certain silver-haired Slytherin he knew.

And when he saw he was right, he stood still, unmoving. Because Yoongi...Yoongi was…

Jimin clenched his hands at his side.

Alone. For three years. Dealing with stuff like this.

By the atmosphere, he would only make it worse by butting in. The Gryffindor upperclassmen, who Jimin recognized as the guy who tried hexing him two days ago, looked livid, as if their fight was personal. As if he had a right make Yoongi look destroyed, like he deserved getting singled out and hexed.

Then, the upperclassman sniffled. Jimin jerked his head back to the left to look at him and immediately faltered. Was he...crying? The upperclassman turned his head away and wiped his eyes before storming off. Jimin looked back and forth from the Gryffindor to Yoongi, because he was definitely missing something.

Because Yoongi had antlers on his head and the person who gave him them walked away crying. And Jimin caught a few other people wiping their eyes as well, as the crowd silently left the scene.

And then it clicked.

Jimin’s resolve came crumbling down as he made his way to Yoongi who stood frozen, head still hung, eyes wide and unfocused. Jimin never realized it was this bad. Bad enough for kids to blame Yoongi for deaths he had nothing to do with. To make him feel like it was his responsibility. His guilt to bear.

When Jimin’s hand touched Yoongi’s shoulder, he flinched so hard that he would’ve stumbled to the ground if it weren’t for Jimin grabbing his arm first. Before Yoongi could get a word out, Jimin wrapped his arms around Yoongi and squeezed.

“You don’t deserve any of this,” whispered Jimin, loud enough for only Yoongi.

Jimin felt Yoongi choke out a breath, as if that was the last thing he expected to hear. Jimin squeezed one more time before pulling away. Yoongi looked as if he just heard the words ‘I love you’ from someone for the first time.

------

YOONGI

He and Jimin walked in comfortable silence to the infirmary. At least, Yoongi hoped the silence was comfortable for Jimin. This was the second time Yoongi was escorted to the nurse by Jimin in three days, except this time instead of not being able to walk, he had antlers on his freaking head.

Finally, unable to bear the awkwardness any longer, Yoongi spoke first. “Byun Baekhyun,” he started, wondering if this was only going to make it more awkward, “His mother was killed by my father’s orders back in the war.”

Jimin nodded his head. “I thought it was something like that. But it’s not your responsibility, you know that right?”

Yoongi kept his eyes trained in front of him. “I know. But I can see why he’d hate me… My father and mother are still alive, and he can’t say the same thing… because of my father.”

Jimin turned to look at Yoongi, eyebrows drawn together. “Mother?”

Tone sarcastic, Yoongi said, “Yes, Jimin, I have a mother.”

“But I’ve never… I thought she was de-”

“I said she was alive and happy, I never said she was around.”

Jimin looked down, the unsaid clear between them.

“So,” said Yoongi, his light voice contradicting the words he spoke next, “you could say she’s dead to us.”

Jimin nodded. There was another silence. Then, “Those antlers look good on you.”

Yoongi shoved Jimin, embarrassed.

When they finally reached the infirmary, Yoongi turned to Jimin a bit too happily. “Well, I’ll see you back in the dorm.” Silence. Yoongi shuffled and averted his eyes. “And…thanks. For…what you told me back there.”

Jimin’s face softened. “I only told you the truth.”

Yoongi nodded awkwardly. He really sucked with feelings. And words. And first years who he was supposed to hate.

—

Madam Pomfrey was not in the infirmary, and neither was any other student.

Relieved, Yoongi walked to the mirror at the very end of the hall. When he took in the damage, he winced. Of course Jimin had to see him at his worst while looking like this.

Defeated, Yoongi walked to the bed nearest him and hopped on a bed, his antlers hitting the wall behind him. He would wait until she came back. Simple. He pulled the curtain closed, in case anyone else came in.

However, after a few minutes, without warning, his eyes shut and didn’t open again. Yoongi had fallen asleep. In the back of the infirmary, with the curtains drawn, Madam Pomfrey didn’t see him the first time she came back. Or the second.

Or at all.

------

JUNGKOOK

After entering a secret passageway through the Whomping Willow, Jungkook walked through a dark tunnel with Madam Pomfrey, bones creaking and muscles sore. After a few minutes, slivers of light shined at the top of a flight of stairs, outlining a door.

Madam Pomfrey entered first and then Jungkook followed behind.

“This,” said Madam Pomfrey as she gestured to a small room, “is the Shrieking Shack. It’s abandoned and the villagers think it’s haunted, so they won’t think anything of any…noise you may make.”

Jungkook’s heart fell. The room was made up of a bed covered with a fancy duvet, a mahogany cupboard in the corner, and inappropriate velvet curtains framing an appropriately barred window. It was far too nice for him…for what was going to happen. Jungkook turned to the nurse who was looking at him in concern.

“This is all too…it’ll all be ruined,” said Jungkook, voice small and eyes trained on the floor. Didn’t they know he would turn into a ravenous beast tonight?

“Oh, it’s fine dear, McGonagall just wanted you to feel comfortable. Also, we’ve never had a werewolf at Hogwarts before so-”

Jungkook tuned her out as something began tugging at his skin and his hands began to shake. It was time.

“Um,” he interrupted, “I think you should…go.” Jungkook tried to ignore the crack in his voice as he clenched his hands and turned his face away, not knowing if his eyes were starting to change or not.

Madam Pomfrey jumped and backed away. “Oh! Oh, of course. I’ll come and get you in the morning. Goodni- Ah, um. Be safe, dear.” She swiftly turned around and all but slammed the door, locked it, and Jungkook could hear her footsteps running down the stairs. He tried to make himself not care, but his father’s words echoed in his mind.

You’ll always be a monster to them.

He mechanically took his clothes off as he tried not to think about what was about to happen and set them neatly in the cupboard. There was no mentally preparing himself for the pain that was to come. He knew he would never get used to it.

Naked, Jungkook dragged himself to the bed and fell atop the navy blue duvet. He traced his fingers across the white pattern that wrapped around it, and he felt his throat tighten. He could see his nails starting to sharpen and grow.

Then, as if an invisible string was pulling his head, he looked towards the window. The moment he saw the moon, his world sharpened and everything became pain.  No other feeling could reach the surface; embarrassment, shame, guilt, hatred. No, his skin was beginning to rip apart, his bones were changing, and his insides were shifting. Pain and a way to stop it were the only things that mattered, so Jungkook screamed and screamed and screamed.

Until, at last, his world became black and white and his screams turned into howls.

—

Jungkook opened his eyes to the color red and pain so severe he thought he was going to die.

He didn’t have to look down to know his body was mauled. Looking around, he felt nauseous as he took in the smell and sight of his blood and urine covering almost every part of the room. And then came the tidal wave of embarrassment.

The duvet was ripped apart, its pieces scattered across the room. The velvet curtains were in the same state, tattered and torn off their rods. The room was utterly destroyed and it was his fault.

But before Jungkook could think about that any further, there was a knock at the door. “Jungkook? Can I come in?” called Madam Pomfrey and Jungkook could hear the fear in her voice.

Jungkook couldn’t speak. He didn’t want her to see. There was nothing he could do to stop the whimper that came from the back of his throat, and to his disappointment, the door creaked open. He shrunk in on himself, despite the excruciating pain. He was naked and bloody and tattered and scarred. And most of all, a monster.

That much was going to be obvious to her when she saw the state of the room. And sure enough, Madam Pomfrey’s breath sharply hitched. “Oh dear…” she said to herself in something softer than a whisper, but Jungkook could hear. He could hear her thundering heartbeat, fast and clear. He could smell the disgust rolling off of her in waves.

Jungkook curled up even further, refusing to see her face. He swore in that moment he would never, ever, ever let anyone else see him like this.

------

YOONGI

Yoongi woke to the sun shining through the linen curtains and the sound of someone hissing in pain.

“I’ve never seen such,” said a voice Yoongi recognized as Madam Pomfrey. “Every moon is this bad?” It sounded like she was only a few beds down.

“No,” said a small, familiar voice,  “this was worse than usual. The…the wolf didn’t like his new cage.” The words became smaller as the voice spoke, so Yoongi strained to hear.

Yoongi’s furrowed his eyebrows. Did he just hear that correctly?

The person hissed again, this time louder.

“All right dear, that should be good,” announced Madam Pomfrey. “You should heal a bit faster, but still, these wounds are very deep. You might have to stay in here a few days.”

“What about my face? The scars?” asked the voice in a panic. Scars on his face? Was that…? Did it sound like…?

Yoongi could’ve sworn the voice was Jungkook’s.

“I have healing potion for those, but it can’t get everything. It’ll get the big ones though, so don’t worry, dear.”

Silence.

“I,” started the voice, “I’m sorry.”

“For what, dear?”

“The room,” choked out the voice.

“Oh, don’t be. You can’t help what you are,” insisted Madam Pomfrey.

“A monster?” asked the voice, resigned.

“Of course not, dear. Being a werewolf doesn’t make you a monster,” said Madame Pomfrey awkwardly, “It just means you’re a…wolf.”

Loud and clear. Yoongi laid stiffly in his bed, eyes wide.

“Now, I’m going to give you something to make you sleep, okay?”

Yoongi sat there, knowing he had just heard something he should have not. Finding a way to leave without getting caught should’ve been at the forefront of is mind, yet all he could think was There’s a werewolf at Hogwarts, along with, Their voice sounds a lot like Jungkook’s.

Then he heard the sound of heels coming closer and Yoongi tensed up even more. He held his breath, but then the footsteps retreated.

Yoongi listened, wondering when he was ever going to get out or if he was just going to stay and act like he was asleep. If at all possible, he had to leave. Then, he remembered the antlers on his head. He’d have to leave and then come right back, but when to sneak out was the part he was now struggling with.

Until he heard snoring, the click of Madam Pomfrey’s heels retreating even further, and the door opening and closing. Silence. Yoongi slowly sat up, murmured an invisibility and silencing charm on himself, and then hopped up. Instead of focusing on running out of there, he tried spotting a closed curtain.

He needed to get out, but he also needed to see.

Once he found the bed he was looking for in the middle of the room, Yoongi walked over and barely pulled back the curtains.

Immediately, he backed away in shock.  

Blood. Gashes. Bruises. Bite marks.

Scars. Gloves. Sickness.

Yoongi couldn’t breathe.

Werewolf. Jungkook.