Chapter Text
“Sicheng, have you heard?” Ten asked when he sat on Sicheng’s right in the long table of Ravenclaws.
Most of his mornings are like this, Ten just suddenly sitting beside him during breakfast and talking about random gossip he acquired so early in the morning.
They are cousins. Doesn’t seem like it, but they are. They share a grandmother Veela, making them a quarter Veela. It was quite obvious to everyone in the magical world. Their beauty exudes different energy among the others, almost unattainable.
“Heard what exactly?” Sicheng inquired as a signal to Ten to start talking before taking a bite from his sandwich with magnificent marmalade as a filling. 'Tastes awfully great with a toast of bread. He thought.
Pondering on news that he never heard of would be useless, much as well let Ten do the talking. To be honest, Sicheng doesn’t care about current events happening around; quidditch team standings, dating rumors, and made up mysteries. He’s utterly oblivious about Hogwarts news to be exact.
“A first year muggleborn wanted to drop out but the headmistress is talking to the parents of the kid at the moment,” Ten filled the news from him.
Sicheng paused from eating his breakfast. He immediately thought it was that kind of gossip that no one should be talking about as it is a personal matter. Slightly disappointed in his cousin, but decided to hear the whole thing first.
“–only heard it from Professor Flitwick’s office when I snuck in my paper that was supposed to be passed yesterday. Anyways, yeah I heard that and I thought you should know, just in case you have not, because they’re in Ravenclaw and you are a prefect,” Ten said, stabbing the sausage in his platter with his fork before eating it.
“Do I have to intervene? I mean, even with that? That’s a personal matter, don't you think?” Sicheng queried.
“Yes and no, actually,” Ten answered, motioning the fork in his hand as if there were ‘yes’ and ‘no’ buttons to be pressed up in the air. “Yes, if you will offer to tell her your experiences as someone who has muggle hobbies and yanked into this whole magical thing going on. Or no, if you’ll just scare them away but you obviously won’t so go on.”
Sicheng honestly didn’t think Ten would tell him that. For a split second, he considered Ten telling him something awfully stupid about it. Maybe making fun of it, considering he is a Slytherin. But he was proven wrong about his cousin countless times, actually.
Ten once told him that he might be a Slytherin but he’s not that vile and cruel. Everyone’s just terribly stupid and I’m clever enough. Besides you’re not everyone, you’re my cousin. But here he is, doubting him again. Maybe he should have been in Slytherin.
“I’d think about that. What was the kid’s name you mentioned?”
"Zhou Yiyuan."
—
Sicheng thinks that being born in this world is already hard enough. He is born wizard with an ancestry of Muggle and Veela on opposite sides. Growing up, he did not really feel much different from any other magical kids he had met. They are mostly his cousins and a few other family friend’s children.
Having a massive age gap with his older sister adds to the struggle of being the only child in their huge manor. His only fun was visiting their grandparents during weekends where he can play with Ten; real name Li Yongqin.
Because of that, he resorts to reading some books from their library and sometimes from his Dad’s study when he later learned wandless magic.
Sicheng taught himself how to be a prim and proper young man by watching his father closely during family galas and dinner. Surrounded by many higher ups Ministry employees, he was fascinated at the way they are different from the people he watches from the muggle television at home.
At home he read tales and history all day, practicing magic and learning magic. His parents thought that he was growing old too fast but Sicheng begged to differ.
It wasn’t until he attended a muggle school (only for a while) that he felt different amongst all of the children attending the school. He didn’t expect all the imodestity of all other seven-years old that surrounded him.
Sicheng complained to his mother once that it would not be possible for him to attend another year in that school after what he had witnessed on his first day.
His Dad was amused by how much the young man was bothered by other children acting like the child that they are. His Mum laughed it off but gave him a talk that night before he slept.
It was not a lecture exactly on why he should not loathe kids but more on why everyone thinks differently even as a child. The next day, he loosened up a bit and made a friend.
"Oi Sicheng, are you alright there?" Kun asked him as he was flying towards his direction.
Currently, he is watching a few of his friends practice quidditch whilst he is reading an alchemy book. Contemplating on whether he should take it next year as it contributes to his passion in potions. It could be handy and a lot at the same time. He's still thinking about it though.
"Just bothered. Been thinking about the first year girl, actually," He states putting down the book on his side before standing to lean on the railings.
Qian Kun is a senior who took his favoritism aside from Ten. Funny thing is that they always bicker around being in the same year and around Sicheng a lot. As Kun was chosen to be this year's head boy, Ten constantly beats around the bush when they are around each other. Quite shaken at the thought that Kun might deduct house points though Kun is not that petty.
"Ahh. Gave her a small talk earlier this morning when I assisted her parents in the headmistress' office. I must say she's totally baffled about the whole thing going on here. Hang on, how did you know about it?" Kun says before calling five to his teammates to go talk longer to Sicheng.
"Ah. Ten heard it from Professor Flitwick's office. But see; Ten thinks that I might be helpful since I know this muggle and magic thing but I don't think I should, I dunno, intercept?" Sicheng confines to Kun.
"Oh… I did not really think about that but he is right. I think you should. You know, not persuading her really but just like lessening her confusion? Sorting things out."
"Didn't you say you spoke to her? You didn’t tell her that?"
"Oh, yeah... Was scared of me, being the head boy. Didn’t really listen the entire time."
Sicheng didn’t talk after that and Kun noticed that he had been contemplating about it. He’s not entirely responsible or even involved for the whole situation, really. He can definitely contribute to make it better but Sicheng doesn’t have to if he cannot do it.
—
He first learned about his Veela lineage when he took an interest in dancing. First graders had an activity where they were taught how to dance. Later that day he borrowed a book about dancing in the school library. Not even finishing the entire book, he asked his Mum if he could learn ballet, being the dance that piqued his interest the most, became his favourite thing. Again, later that night his Mum talked about him having a Veela ancestry in his blood. He had read about it a couple of times so he seems to understand most of it.
It didn’t bother him at first when he was learning at a small studio in their suburban hometown. His teachers and mentors praised his dance and constantly says he is a natural. The effect of his Veela lineage was highly noticed when he started performing with an audience. He didn’t think that his Veela blood would affect muggles on a large scale when it’s just a quarter of his blood. Watchers are enamoured by his innocent face and the swiftness of his body when dancing.
—
Sicheng knocked on professor Slughorn's office later that afternoon, around quarter past three. He just finished his Herbology class and was asked to meet professor Slughorn after.
He was not sure why the professor wanted him in his office. Sicheng thought it might have something to do with the Slug Club but instead he was greeted by a fellow sixth year student, Jung Jaehyun, when the door of the professor’s office was opened.
"Ahh. Mr. Dong is here. Come in, come in. Sit down, would you? While I prepare tea for you two."
He knew Jaehyun for a really long time but they never really talked about anything other than lectures in the same class they have. Sicheng could not even categorize him as an acquaintance, just a fellow of the same age would do.
"It's okay, sir. I'm not very fond of tea," Sicheng said.
Although growing up with Chinese decency, Sicheng hated drinking it but sometimes, with honey as sweetener it was tolerable enough to digest. If he has a choice not to drink it, he probably wouldn't.
"Oh, I didn't know that… Well then let's discuss the reason for your presence here with Mr. Jung," professor paused for a moment to sit down. "Mr. Jung here reached out to me, and said he wanted to be better at potions because his OWLs result didn't meet his expectations. He's thinking of becoming a healer after graduating, aren't you?"
"Uhh. Yes, sir," Jaehyun answered but he looked like he wasn't actually okay with the situation.
Given the thought of it now, Sicheng doesn’t really picture Jaehyun as a healer. Sure, he never talked to Jaehyun but it doesn’t mean he never saw him as a student. This habit of his seems a contradiction to his obliviousness, but Sicheng has this interest of picking on students whom he figured to be interesting characters. One of these was Jaehyun, in third year. Jaehyun is popular for being a quidditch beater of the Gryffindor. Sicheng presumes he would continue that career after hogwarts. Obviously, Sicheng wasn’t watching him close enough.
Jaehyun on the other hand seems to be uncomfortable with the situation. Sicheng thought Jaehyun was not expecting him to be here and that is exactly the case. He thought asking the professor for extra credits was asking him for extra lessons and maybe some assignments to help his understanding of the class.
"I figured, you could help him out since you are the student in Potions we got. Would it be okay with you Mr. Dong?"
Sicheng was quite taken aback by such a statement. The compliment was too much but it was flattering. If he's confident enough he would take pride in it but it's still a pressure.
"I am?"
"Oh, yes. Quite gifted you are. So would you help Mr. Jung here?"
"Uhh, sure if it's okay with Mr. Jung, sir."
"Great, then. Go on, you two."
Sicheng and Jaehyun got up from their respective seats and stride for the door. They were awkwardly standing in the hallway after professor Slughorn closed the door of his office.
Sicheng supposed they could talk about it for a bit today and maybe get some useful books from the library to help him but Jaehyun seems off with this idea. Maybe contemplating whether or not on speaking his mind away from Sicheng.
“Go ahead, say it,” Sicheng urged him to do so.
Jaehyun blinked at him a few times before opening his mouth for the words to come out.
“Well, I thought the professor would give me extra lessons or homeworks like essays but I think we were not getting across. I only got ‘Acceptable’ at my OWLs last year. It’s a passing grade, I know, but OWLs are nothing compared to NEWTs next year and I’m thinking if my OWLs were barely passing, I’m afraid I’d fail my NEWTs. I’ve got it all covered, ya know, the other subjects. It’s just Potions,” There’s a pregnant pause after he admitted himself to Sicheng.
Confiding about Jaehyun's grades were not on his list of topics that he can discuss with Jaehyun. He barely knew the boy but Jaehyun spoke with full honesty to him about his concerns.
To be honest, Sicheng has quite a lot on his plate right now. He wallowed in the idea of talking to that Ravenclaw kid all morning. He's still picking subjects to take that are useful to his NEWTs. Thinking of adding more extracurriculars to his currents. And probably thinking about something that went wrong years ago or just a few days ago.
It's a lot but Sicheng is too kind. He cannot say "no" in different situations he was thrown into.
“Listen, you do not have to do this if you are not up to it.”
“Do you not want to?"
"Want what?"
Sicheng frowned as if confused that Jaehyun cannot point out the obvious. "Ace Potions,” he answered.
“Absolutely, yeah. But it wou--” Sicheng cuts him off.
“Well then it’s settled. Let’s go to the library.”
Jaehyun didn’t speak any more when they were heading to the library. He is trailing behind Sicheng who is quick on his feet like it has its own brain and knows the way they were headed to. Sicheng knows the Hogwarts map by heart and obviously knows where’s the shortest route to the first floor library from Slughorn’s sixth floor office.
Jaehyun on the other hand rarely goes to the library, let alone different routes to go to the library. He only visits there when he has papers due and his friends do not have the book from the library borrowed. But from that moment he knew he would have to frequent the library for borrowing books and readings.
It’s a fine afternoon yet there was no one walking in the corridors. Most of the students are still and class and sixth years are the only group of students with a lot of empty slots and yet, they are nowhere to be found. It’s also the reason why Jaehyun is using most of it to study his weak subjects.
“Before we go in there, please do not make any disturbing noise--”
Jaehyun knitted his eyebrows heavy before cutting him off. “Yes, I know.”
“No, you surely do not understand. Do not whisper or stomp your feet or even gasp. Do you have a spare parchment and a self-inking quill with you?” Sicheng asked. “In fourth year, Youngho barged in there looking for Ten and he was stomping his feet heavily. Madam Pince was livid and hexed him before he could find Ten.”
Jaehyun had a moment of realization when Youngho (sometimes goes by Johnny), had been avoiding going to the library with him for sometime in fourth year. The summer after that term, washed it but he’s still a bit scared of going to the library until now. He had never heard of this before. Slightly grinning to himself he took out a small parchment paper and small self-inking quill, showing it to Sicheng.
“Good. Now, do not use it unless you are not speaking rubbish,” Sicheng said before going into the library.
It was a bit of an exaggeration on Sicheng’s part because Madam Pince actually adores him. He could make the slightest mistake and the librarian would actually forgive him quickly. But since he is with a Gryffindor who’s friend pissed her off, he has to be cautious. It’s not well to taint Sicheng’s picture perfect image in Madam Pince's mind. It’s quite handy sometimes, he cannot afford to lose it.
Sicheng grabbed books from the first year sections and a couple of others more in the potions’ main section. It was five books in total. Two of them are actually for herbology and three more for elementary potions books. The compilation of books seems like it was for a child but it is handy, especially to people who are interested in understanding the depth of Potions.
They headed to Madam Pince's table to check out the books. Usually, they have a month before they can return or it’s overdue and they can never borrow the copy again.
Sicheng knocked the table to get Madam Pince’s attention before speaking, “Uhh, sorry, excuse me, my friend here would like to borrow these books, please?”
“Ah, Dong Sicheng,” She said, slightly beaming at the younger. Madam Pince still looks absolutely scary to Jaehyun but he cannot deny that the woman adored Sicheng. Although he has a wincing smile on and not his usual sweet grin. “And Mr. Jung Jaehyun.”
Jaehyun gave her a tad smile for the acknowledgement without affection. He thinks it’s better than no acknowledgement at all like what Johnny had experienced.
“Are you sure you want to borrow this a lot?” She asked, wrote his name down and the books he’s checking out.
“Uhh, yeah. Studying potions,” Jaehyun was nervous.
“You’ve got the best student as a teacher, I see. Sicheng’s really good at it. He had the best Potions remarks in OWLs last year I heard.”
Jaehyun darted a look at Sicheng real quick before grabbing the books off the table. Not an hour with Sicheng, he had been already told twice that he’s the best in Potions. He must have been incredible at it, along with the fact that the two of the least lovable staff adore him so much. Maybe he indeed got lucky.
Sicheng ushered Jaehyun to the door, grabbing him by his cloak, before Madam Pince could talk about more of him. “Thank you, Madam Pince. I’ll be reminding him to return the books.”
Utterly embarrassed by the things going on, Sicheng straight up dragged him to the next door study hall where mostly sixth years are sitting. Some were chatting and some were eating. It’s understandable since it’s just the start of the term.
“Start with these but you have to read all of it. But do not just read them, try to understand them. Jot down notes. I don’t know, how do you study? Maybe if you find them interesting you can go buy your own copy so you can write on them,” Sicheng said, putting the One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi at the top of the Ingredient Encyclopedia copy before looking at his wrist watch.
“Merlin, I have to get on going. I’m meeting Dejun and a couple of other fifth year students. If you have questions, just ask me later at dinner or I’ll be back here around half past six.”
Sicheng was running through the corridor before Jaehyun could thank him. Two of his friends crept beside him taking a look at books he had within his hand.
“Man, are you going back to first year herbology?” Yugyeom said, skimming through the pages of the books.
“Was that Sicheng? You’re acquaintances with him? You’re a lucky scum,” Bambam pointed out.
“No, you egg. This is for Potions,” He said, batting Yugyeom’s hand away from the books he borrowed. “We’re not. Sluggy asked him to help me.”
“Yeah, we heard you talked to Sluggy. But this book is for first year herbology, look.” Mingyu nodded towards the first year studying at the nearest table. They’ve got the same book with contrasting wrappings. His were worn out with dark yellowing pages and the kid has got a book in a pristine condition.
Bambam chuckled, “A Ravenclaw got you good, man.”
—
Dejun, with Guangheng and Minhyung, bumped into Sicheng at the Great Hall stairs. All three of them are prefect from their respective houses and were tasked to look out for the first year Ravenclaw that was having a problem. It is not like they are guarding her around but more like monitoring her from afar. Earlier, after he talked to Kun, he asked Dejun if they could get him to talk to the kid. But the kid wasn’t with them.
“Where’s Yiyuan?” Sicheng asked, frowning at the trio.
“She was just eating at the hall but she disappeared the minute Kun hyung talked to us. We’re trying to find her before you can get here,” Minhyung answered, rubbing the back of his neck.
“What?”
Guanheng was trying to play it cool by smiling and chuckling a bit, afraid that Sicheng or Ten would get mad at all three of them (seriously, Ten would get mad for Sicheng in any situation). “Cheng-ge, I think I saw her go that way,” he said pointing to his back, the changing staircase, where he just came from.
The creases of Sicheng’s forehead became more prominent because of the lying. However, he brushed it off his mind, remembering he was the one who asked for favor.
“Nevermind, you three go on your way,” Sicheng said before scurrying off to find the girl.
Honestly, he doesn’t know where to look for the girl. He has no idea what are hot spots for first years, let alone a kid who doesn’t want to be here. He started taking down mental notes on what rooms are free to all younger students and listing off the rooms that could be swarming with people, all whilst walking towards the fountain courtyard. Library could be scary to the first year considering Madam Pince, a lot of kids would be studying in the study hall at this moment. She just disappeared from the Great Hall. She couldn’t be in Ravenclaw tower because most Ravenclaws stay there. The only places he could think of are the second floor girls’ bathroom (where Moaning Myrtle is, though chances are fifty-fifty), spots around the Great Lake and Owlery.
He checked the second floor bathroom first, although he has to deal with Moaning Myrtle. Just to be sure , he reminded himself before entering the loo. He was opting to just peek around a little and listen to the sounds, if there are people in there. But he was spotted by Myrtle before he could even look around.
“Wait a second!” the ghost shrieked when he was seen. “You are Dong Sicheng! You deceived Jung Jaehyun. Why would you do that?” accusing him like he did an atrocious crime.
“What? I did not!” he talked back and the ghost became even more furious.
Moaning Myrtle, having a history of liking multiple boy students in the school, has taken a liking to Jaehyun. He doesn’t know how or what are the circumstances but the boy is very good looking. Most students from all sorts of houses liked him.
“You’re lying! You gave him Herbology books when he’s asking to get better at Potions.”
Sicheng for the first time that day rolled his eyes, losing his temper. The wizards and witches above must have been kidding him. Could this day get even more ridiculously stressful? He cannot possibly believe that everyone around him are below stupid this day. As cruel as it sounds, Sicheng would have to spoon feed everyone information to understand what he meant.
“Good Godric, herbs and fungi are used in Potions! That wasn’t taught but it’s generally known!” Sicheng explained out of frustration.
Myrtle started wailing when Sicheng screamed at her. He sighed with his hands on his hips, the cloak pushed back slightly draping his forearms. A posture he makes when he’s exhausted. He added even more fuel to the fire.
“Uhh, sorry, I didn’t mean to yell at you like that. I’m sorry,” he said when he realized he had his anger off the hook. “But, uhmm.. Have you seen a first year ravenclaw roam around here?”
“N-no…” she sobbed. “B-but a k-kid went to cry here t-t-the other day.” She said and hid in the second bathroom stall, still moaning.
“Listen, Myrtle, I really am sorry. I was just--”
“No! Get out!”
With that, Sicheng scampered off the bathroom. A year away from graduating from Hogwarts, he managed to piss off a ghost. Could his sixth year get more interesting? This entire day was more eventful than his first five terms here, seriously.
Sicheng collected himself while walking to the Owlery. He starts rethinking his decisions throughout this day. Maybe if he had a time turner he could change a bit of details today to make the current situation different. Maybe he shouldn’t have agreed to help Jaehyun. He was helping the boy yet he thought of him really badly and even shared it to ghosts (maybe Myrtle just heard from eavesdropping but whatever, he’s livid).
Before Sicheng could enter the Owlery, he checked for the owl treats from the side pocket of his bag. He’s in the owlery now, might as well spend time with his barn owl, Roofer. He peered one of the lower windows of the tower before going up to the entrance. He saw a silhouette of a small figure with long locks of hair. Sicheng wished it was the first year kid because if not he would be wanting to leave Hogwarts along with that kid. He believes that crossing out one of the growing list of his problems would save him from being entirely intolerable for the next whole week.
He exaggerated his steps when he entered the Owlery to alert the kid of his presence. She whipped her head to Sicheng to see the person she’s about to cross with. Her eyes were not fresh from crying, but they were sad. The kid is radiating with sadness, maybe even too sad for her age. She’s still a kid, who should enjoy her life. He didn’t point it out, though.
“Hi,” Sicheng greeted awkwardly. He was never a conversation starter. This is all strange to him.
“Hello,” the kid answered quickly. Her voice is very mature compared to her age. It seems like she has no room for chitchat. He noticed he was petting an owl near Roofer.
“Is that your owl?” he asked, walking towards Roofer’s nesting. Sicheng took out some treats to give to Roofer.
He never frequented here because of the stink of the owl droppings. He would take out Roofer with him if he has time to spend with the owl or there are no letters for him and it has been a month since. Owls get lonely too, especially if they don’t get to see their owners from time to time.
“No, he just took a liking to me.” The kid looked up to him still caressing the bird.
“Huh, you do not have an owl, then?” Sicheng was trying to expand the conversation but he wasn’t pushing it too much.
“No, I have a cat,” she answered and watched Sicheng take his owl by its feet and feed it some more. Sicheng felt the stare of the girl a bit intrigued by what he was doing.
“Do you want some?” He offered some spare owl treats. “For your friend right there?”
“Okay.”
She took some treats from Sicheng’s hand but did not feed it to the owl. Obviously doesn’t know how to feed the owl and hesitates to move her hands near the owl’s beak.
Sicheng placed back Roofer to its nest, rubbing the neck before helping the kid. He crouched beside the girl and held out his hand with excess treats. “Just hold your hands like this. It tickles a bit but they don’t bite. Don’t stiffly stick it out, just be relaxed.”
She did what she was told to. She giggled from the funny feeling and even beamed at Sicheng. When the owl was almost finished eating, she suddenly spoke to him. “I’m Yiyuan. Zhou Yiyuan,” and turned to face Sicheng. “I’m in Ravenclaw too.”
“Oh you’re Chinese too. I’m Dong Sicheng.” He introduced himself.
“What are you doing here? I’m sorry but you said you do not have one and it’s stinky here so, why would you be in such a place?” He asks even scrunching his nose because he’s still not used to the smell.
“Uhh, Nothing. I was just looking around.”
“Oh… Okay. Uhmm, I have to go now. It’s curfew soon. I think you should return too.”
Sicheng was playing a game of conversation. They had met each other but the conversation was too short. It was the most comfortable she had felt when conversing with other wizards and witches. She obviously doesn't want to let an opportunity slide.
“Gege, Wait!” Yiyuan tugged at his robes, trying to stop him from leaving. “Can I accompany you back to the castle?”
“Oh, sure. Come.”
Honestly, Sicheng does not have any idea on how this thing is going smoothly when his day was absolutely chaotic.
They walked to the grounds awkwardly, side by side. They were walking slower than Sicheng’s pace. Not because the kid’s footsteps are small but because the atmosphere around her is heavy.
“Wait, uhmm… sorry, we talk for a bit here?” She asked when they reached the fountain courtyard and pointed to the stone railings of the covered walkways.
“Okay.”
Sicheng didn’t sit but Yiyuan did, dangling her feet since she could not reach the grasses on the ground. He just leaned on the stone railings, admiring the fountain and the green trees. It was relatively quiet. Majority of the students are on the other side of the castle right now. It has been an hour since the class hours have finished.
“I wanted to leave this place, y’know,” she bluters out.
“I know,” Sicheng admitted.
It wasn’t because he was too guilty to lie but if Sicheng is gaining her trust, might as well be honest to her. He figured it might put him in a distrustful position but there’s really nothing to lose here. They are not even friends yet.
“Kun, the head boy, is my friend and another friend of mine heard too. They said the situation reminded them of me,” Unable to look at the girl, he continued watching the leaves of the tree sway from the blowing of the wind.
“Remind them of you?”
“I did terribly hate Hogwarts when I was in first year too. I practically begged Mum to remove me from the school and we fought. I was too inclined with my muggle hobby and felt like this whole magic thing is ruining it,” Sicheng paused trying to feel the pulse of the conversation. The darker shade of blue begins to blanket the yellowish sky as Sicheng speaks.
When he felt Yiyuan was listening open mindedly, he continued telling his story. “I loved ballet but for some reason I cannot continue it anymore. International Statute of Secrecy in 1692. We have to conceal our identities and live in this double life, well then if you do not have muggle ancestry, you're in luck. But since my Mum is a half-blood we have to appease her muggle relatives. I liked it, all those muggle stuff, the technology and inventions. But truth to be told and looking back at it now, the only thing that is connecting me to my muggle craze is my passion for ballet. I’m still too immersed in that thing.”
“I don’t understand…” The little girl says, confused at the whole thing going on.
Sicheng grinned a little before clearing things up. “Muggle stuff, y'know the people, food, technology, etcetera. Etcetera. Made my hobby seem normal. In the wizarding world, it’s odd to witches and wizards to have a muggle hobby. Well not to everyone, but most of those people who are still prejudiced towards muggleborns and muggle stuff. I do not genuinely hate this amazing place, it was just a vent for not being able to get what I want. Ballet.”
Sicheng batted his eye on the kid after he finished his monologue. Tears are almost welling in her eyes. It’s true. Even if Yiyuan had not told her story yet, he knew what she was feeling. There are times when muggleborns feel like they are not worthy to begin with.
Sicheng is right. Yiyuan is mature for her age but that doesn’t disregard the fact that she’s still a kid who gets confused at things. She still needs someone to tell her what her options are or at the very least, guide her in the process of learning.
“I do not think you hate Hogwarts. Even if we have a terrible school song,” he cracked to Yiyuan and she giggled a bit. “You’re a muggleborn, it's okay to feel out of it. It’s understandable. You just need time to adjust and someone to talk to.”
“Sorry, I just miss my Mum. And everyone’s eyes feel too heavy on me. I do feel like I have to be perfect because I’m not pureblood.”
“What are you saying? The moment you perform your first magic, you are perfect enough to be a witch. You just have to go here to learn how to properly control it, after that you can go on your merry way.”
“Eughh, I’m sorry. I was too confused about what has been going on here and I’m not used to it. Even my parents could not help me.” She said trying to control the snot on her nose.
Sicheng gave her a hanky to blow on. “Yeah. I hope you can figure out what you really want.”
They continued staring out in the darkening skies whilst waiting for Yiyuan to regain herself from crying. Sicheng doesn’t know what she was thinking and he does not want to know. But by the jist of her actions after she returned to her normal state, she seemed to be more bright than she was earlier. Her eyes offer a new perspective about things around her.
They walked towards the Great Hall for dinner, where few students are still eating dinner. Kun and a handful of prefects are eating together. He didn’t spot Sicheng but Minhyung did and told him, suddenly whipping his head in their direction. Sicheng just smiled and nodded at him, apparently telling them that it went okay.
They were about to sit in the long table to eat peacefully when a fellow Ravenclaw, followed by a couple of other Hufflepuff, approached Yiyuan, telling her they were looking for her everywhere to eat dinner. She turned to Sicheng, mouthing thank you before going with her friends. With a new sense of belongingness, Yiyuan felt comfortable talking to other first years whom she’s building a friendship with.
Sicheng ate alone quietly. His prefect friends are having a small unconfidential meeting on the Gryffindor table with the head boy and head girl. Guanheng and Dejun were contemplating on whether they should sit with Sicheng but Kun did not let them. He obviously knows that Sicheng was severely exhausted from today’s events.
Sicheng absolutely doesn't mind being alone for dinner. He’s just glad he crossed off a disaster for today. Though, he’s pissed at Jaehyun. Luckily, it’s friday and they don’t have to cross paths at least for the next two days. That arsehole.
—
Later that evening, he decided not to continue his plans on the Study Hall. He thought Jaehyun would not need him to be there so there would there’s no other reason to go at all. Besides, it’s friday night, a few more hours of sleep wouldn’t hurt. He can finish his assignments over the weekend.
He couldn’t sleep though. He had shifted multiple positions already, and tried counting muggle sheeps. He even tried counting his own breath. Something is bothering him but he doesn’t know why.
Maybe he missed dancing more than ever. Something in the conversation with Yiyuan triggered a memory. He had never talked about it for a long time, not even with Ten or Kun. Of course he misses it every time he hears classical music playing. The urge to tip toe on his feet is too strong.
He remembered that his Dad was the first to notice that things were getting strange when he was quickly rising to fame. Local muggle newspapers were calling him wunderkind and gained attention in a small portion of half bloods and muggleborn in the wizarding community as well. They had to put an end to it when his Dad consulted a Muggle Liaison on how they should handle the situation. It was concluded it is the best to keep their name off of fame to conceal their world. It will eventually lead to a breach against the Statue of Secrecy.
He was saddened by the news that his Dad broke to him. Sicheng was 10 at that time, nearly getting his first Hogwarts letter. Crying, he flooed to Ten’s house that day. Complained about why he was a wizard when he could have been a muggle all along. Sicheng loved dancing and grew an indescribable happiness in a short span of his time.
They had to put on a show on why Sicheng would discontinue his ballet career. They stated that his feet got badly injured whilst practicing at home and he probably cannot dance ballet again. He cried when his parents were talking to the studio staff.
It was the first time he performed magic out of rage, accidentally lighting a bush on fire when he ran out of the studio. It spread quickly on the grass and neighboring bushes, luckily firemen came and they were able to extinguish the place before it reached the actual property. Sicheng was also sent to the hospital for smoke inhalation when the fire surrounded him.
The end of his ballet career was bad. He couldn’t even bear to visit the studio. He felt like he was a menace to such a sacred place for dancers.
With guilt and longing eating him up, he fell asleep with eyes seeping with tears and heavy breathing.