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Jaemin would describe himself as someone who’s exceptionally patient and laid back, as proved in his six years stay at Hogwarts. He had the ability, or rather, gift of being able to control his emotions even when everybody else around him was panicking. He remained calm during his first Potions exam, unlike his friends who let the nervousness take over their bodies resulting in an unqualified disaster (Renjun and Donghyuck couldn’t get their potions to thicken; it eventually blew up on the teacher’s face and he scribbled something that looked like a zero on his notebook). When principal Mcgonnagal interrupted his astronomy class and asked to share a word with him privately, he was serene. So serene that his friends wondered if he was a robot in disguise, a comment that made him laugh like never before. He had to remind his friends he came from a highly prestigious pure blood family and that robots were a stupid, useless muggle invention.
Jaemin had indeed a high tolerance almost for everything, except for three things:
First, butterbeer.
Actually, Jaemin couldn’t understand why his fellow wizards seemed to love it so much. It tasted like rotten sugar and dirty water taken out of a pond. Not to add it also left a bittersweet taste in mouth and only made him thirstier than before. If he had it in his way, he would have banished butterbeer all over the magic world.
Second, losing.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that prefect and most hardworking slytherin Na Jaemin hated watching his certainties crumble down in front of him. It happened only once, when a Hufflepuff named Mark Lee got a higher grade and Jaemin just couldn’t accept someone did better than him. He begged the teacher to mark the tests again, even bribing him with a humble amount of money, but all he got in return was ten points deducted from his house and a threat of being expelled if he were to do it again. Pushing the delusion away, he promised himself to work faster and harder in order to be at the top of his classes and be better than everybody else.
Third, tied for last, Gryffindors and muggles.
Coming from a conservative family meant that he had inherited both the attitude that was that of the Slytherins, ambitious and proud, and also a particular and unfounded hatred towards Gryffindors. It’s not that Jaemin despised each and every single person that had been sorted into that house, he knew better than to judge someone without having talked to them first. Truthfully, Jaemin (like any other slytherin, that's just how it is) wasn’t particularly fond of Gryffindors, but their presence never hindered his existence.
On the other hand, muggles were intolerable. How could they go on living their useless lives, completely unaware of magic? Quite honestly, Jaemin thought they were stupid.
Basically, Jaemin didn’t vibe either with Gryffindors and muggles- and Jeno Lee, much to his dismay, just happened to be both (technically, Jeno was a muggle born, but to Jaemin it was the same thing).
Jeno was the epitome of Gryffindor: brave, determined, daring, and a real-life knight in shining armor. Along with that, he also seemed to catch the attention of the slytherin, who regarded him as nothing more than an arrogant and pointless hero.
Jeno’s true persona was concealed under a layer of lies and pretense, at least Jaemin believed. He was ruthless, rude and a know-it-all. He would always correct the slytherin in class and do everything to get on his nerves (needless to say, he succeeded each time).
Jaemin wasn’t quite innocent on his part.
It had started in the first year at Hogwarts, when Jeno, who had been exposed to the mundane world for all his life, was still pretty much inexperienced with terminology and couldn’t wrap his head around the thought of magic. Professor Sprout had asked to sew Venomous Tentacula. It wasn’t a hard task, the only things needed were water, terrain and a seed. Yet something went completely wrong in the process, and Jeno realized too late that the plant he’d helped grow wasn’t what the teacher had asked for, but a Stinksap.
The room was filled with laughter coming from all the students. Jeno sinked in his seat, head low as he let failure swallow him alive. Dealing with non-successes was still new to him, the fear of letting his parents down was too strong to let him make any mistakes.
“Lee Jeno, am I correct?”
The boy was too afraid to open his mouth, so he just nodded. “Are you trying to impress your classmates by sewing a Stinksap? It’s a bloody smelly plant! Students are required to wear nose plugs during the process because the smell could kill people! Your jokes aren’t accepted in this class, Lee.”
“Sir, wait. I took the seeds from your desk like everybody else! Please trust me, I don’t even know what a stinnap is… I’m innocent, I swear.”
Professor Sprout wasn’t even given the chance to analyze the situation further when a loud, obnoxious laugh broke in the room. All heads turned in the same direction, curious as to why the young boy found Jeno’s words so funny. That’s how the Gryffindor meets Na Jaemin, the rich and handsome Slytherin whose names had been on everyone’s lips since he stepped in Hogwarts.
“It’s Stinksap, you idiot. It’s not hard to pronounce.”
Ideologically, Jeno wasn’t sensitive, or contentious, but there was a fine line between calm and restlessness that had long been crossed. He had lost his composure, under a dozen pairs of curious eyes that were watching each and every single one step he took.
Jaemin’s eyes widened almost comically, both because he wasn’t used to people snapping back at him but also loving the reaction he got. When he mixed up the different seeds together, he wasn’t expecting the quiet and lonely Gryffindor to grab the wrong one. His aim was to create drama- and well, that’s exactly what he got.
“Haven’t your parents taught you that insulting strangers is wrong? Did you perhaps grow up in a jungle to be this rude?”
“Lee, Na, I suggest you two stop before I call the principal.”
And oh, Jaemin loved drama. “It’s not my fault you planted the wrong seed, is it? All I wanted to do was correct you. I guess they’re right when they say all muggles are quite useless in this world. You couldn’t even tell the seeds apart. Very bad, Lee. Didn’t you know the stinksap seed is the smallest one you’ll find at Hogwarts? You should’ve realized something was wrong when the plant turned out white and smelly.”
“Wh-What did you call me?”
Jaemin smiled. “A muggle.”
“Kids,” Professor Sprout was running out of patience.
“You dipstick, I’m not a muggle! Why would I be here, then? You have two brain cells left, at least use them correctly.”
“Merlin’s beard!” If Jeno was furious, the professor was fuming, face and ears red as he clenched his fists. His voice was enough to quiet the room, even though Jeno was sure it echoed in the whole castle and forest.
“Na Jaemin, how do know so much about stinksaps?”
That was the moment Jaemin realized he was doomed. “My sister is planning on taking up Herbology, Sir. She always talks about plants and whatever and I’m learning things passively.”
“Rule number one, and please remember it for future references, never lie to a professor.” Jaemin’s cheeks irrevocably flushed red. Jeno, on the other hand, still looked confused. “You should know better than to lie. Your family is well known, Na. You don’t have a sister, nor a brother. It’s just you, your father and your mother.”
“Sir, I can explain-”
“I won’t report you to the principal, this time. However, next time you try to create confusion in my class by mixing different seeds, I’ll take action and call your parents. Clear?” Jaemin nodded in a swift action, breath getting stuck in his throat. “About you, Mr. Lee, congratulations on growing a Stinksap. Most third years don’t succeed in their task. Ten points to Gryffindors.”
The room cheered and Jaemin witnessed the scene with a chin that almost touched the ground. Jeno turned his head, sending him a glare.)
After that, it was war.
-
Flashforward to their sixth and final year, Jaemin still can’t stand the Gryffindor.
“Na, this is the last time I’m asking you nicely. Get the fuck out of my way, I have places to be and people to meet.”
Jaemin let out a chuckle, a hand running through his hair as he laid his back again against the door. “Stop talking as if you have friends and your life isn’t boring. Also, I have no idea what you’re talking about. If anything, you’re meddling in my business.”
Jeno pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.
No one believed their bickering would last so much. The teachers thought punishing them with detention not once, but thirty times in just one semester would ease the stiffness between the two. Little did they know, it did nothing but accentuate the rivalry and ruin what’s left of their respective houses’ reputation. Jaemin was never too tired to pester Jeno, calling him stupid names and making fun of him as if his life depended on it (it did).
The gryffindor was equally as bad: he knew how to make Jaemin shut up, which was already an accomplishment since the boy didn’t let himself get pushed around by anyone, except, of course, Jeno.
Jaemin wasn’t easily susceptible, but there was nothing more rewarding than seeing his feature dramatically switch to a frown whenever Jeno corrected him in class. Out of everyone at school, only Lee Jeno seemed to have this negative effect on him.
“For your information, I’m actually pretty popular. My housemates love me, my teammates think I’m cool and I have been referred to as the hottest guy at Hogwarts. I’m content with what I have, unlike you. Seriously Na, get over your emotional constipation.”
“Pft,” Jaemin snorted louder than he intended. “No way you’re the hottest guy here. That should be me. I have no competition in this stupid school. I have the looks, a good personality and money. What do you have?”
“A heart, something you lack.”
Jaemin gasped, breaking his composure and taking out his wand in defense. “Take back what you said!”
The gryffindor didn’t flinch when the wand touched his throat. He learned to expect the unexpected, especially if the threat comes from a 5’10″ orange haired Slytherin who has never once experienced or received love in his entire life.
“Dimwit, please let me go. I’m running late because of your stupid ass.” Jeno pushed his head back, exasperating his last words and hoping it would trigger Jaemin’s common sense, if that even existed.
The slytherin spared him one last glance, withdrawing his wand and turning aside to make way for Jeno. The latter grumbled something under his breath, then took a few steps ahead without even muttering a goodbye (he couldn’t care less about being polite to Na Jaemin).
He pretended to walk for a few seconds and when Jaemin expected it the least, Jeno turned around and shouted a loud ‘Diffindo!’.
“Did you just tear my fucking cloack?” Jeno shrugged and the Slytherin clenched his fists. “Do you know how much this material costs? You’re done, Lee. You’re fucking done when I get my hands on you!”
“Oh Merlin’s beard, I fear for my life.” Jeno, who stood a few metres away, held up his hands almost as if to make fun of Jaemin. The latter couldn’t stand the way he’d pronounced those words, with mockery and unwanted sarcasm that made his blood boil in his veins. Truthfully, Jaemin had no reason to react that way, he was filthy rich and another simple piece of clothing certainly wouldn't make his family broke. Jeno brought out his irrational and most hidden side, completely shadowing what was left of his patient self.
It wouldn’t come as a surprise that Jaemin began chasing Jeno around the castle, feet running fast on the floor but never too close to the Gryffindor (he would never admit Jeno was more athletic than him, he was too proud). Somewhere in the chasing, Jeno turned to look at Jaemin, a grin making its way on his lips. Then, his body stumbled on none other than Principal McGonagall.
They both ended up in detention the same afternoon.
-
“Here he comes, the one and only Na Jaemin, straight out of his umpteenth detention of this semester.” Donghyuck announced as the door of his room flew open. Renjun was sitting on the raven haired boy’s bed, looking as if he’d been waiting for Jaemin as well instead of spending his afternoon in the library like he usually did. Jaemin didn’t dwell on Donghyuck’s words, repeating the same old walk of shame, marching up to his bed with his head low.
Once peacefully sprawled on his bed, he shut his eyes close and let out a sigh he’d been holding all day. He was overall frustrated, exhausted, but mostly angry at himself for letting Jeno win once again. Even worse, his phone lit up with twenty missed calls from his mother. Poor woman had no idea her son’s days revolved around fighting with a Gryffindor, trying to assert dominance. The thought sounded even dumber in his mind, so he groaned and sinked his head deeper into the pillow.
“What happened to you? You aren’t even wearing your cloak.”
“Lee Jeno happened.” Jaemin’s muffled voice made his friends giggle. “He spelled a diffindo charm on me and tore my precious cloak. So, of course, I started chasing him, but he’s a dumbass who can’t run in a straight line. Then the principal appeared out of nowhere and-”
“You both got detention again.” Donghyuck finished the sentence for him.
Jaemin nodded on his pillow. “I hate him, I hate him, I hate him!”
“Sure you do,”
Jaemin lifted his head just to glare at Renjun. “What sorry?”
“People tend to avoid those who they hate, but you seem to be doing the exact opposite.”
Jaemin thought Renjun was babbling nonsense. The slytherin hated Jeno and that was final.
“Renjun, you got it all wrong.”
“Let me explain, at least.” The older interrupted him. “Take me and Yanyang as an example. Since we share a true feeling of hatred, we tend to avoid one other a lot. We communicate only when needed, which is when teachers pair up together for a project. You and Jeno are different, though. First of all, it seems like you two come in a pair. I know it sounds weird but hear me out: there’s no Jaemin without Jeno and vice versa. Second of all, you’re always together. You two were in detention together just a few minutes ago! You chose to chase him, fully aware of the consequences it could bring. So, in a way, you chose to spend more time with him. Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if Jeno knew you better than me, your roommate and best friend of six years. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Gryffindors but I think you two should sit down and start from scratch.”
Jaemin was still for a few seconds, his mind slowly processing and going over his friend's words. A profound laugh echoed in the room right after- one that had Jaemin almost cry and massage his stomach to ease out the burning sensation.
“Those muggle shows are getting to your head, Renjun. None of what you said is true. But either way, you have no right to get in my shoes and tell me how things really are, that’s just your point of view.”
“Then show me.”
“Show what exactly?”
Renjun stood up from the bed. “That you can stay away from him. That you hate him.”
Suddenly, the air in the room became tense. Jaemin had to physically stop himself from widening his eyes, completely surprised by Renjun’s sudden request. Jaemin had created an image of the older in his head, of a patient, understanding young man who never acted irrationally. It was the first time Renjun raised his voice at him, but even more, Jaemin hated that they were fighting over Jeno. The latter had surely snuck in Jaemin’s life, making it a complete hell. First his parents, who were distressed about their son’s reckless behavior at school, then Donghyuck and Renjun, his friends and also the people he cherished the most, who claimed a stranger was closer to him than they were.
“What do I gain from this?”
“Better grades at the end of the year. At this rate, with all the detentions you scored, it will be hard for you to find a job in the future. Also, a new cloak.”
Jaemin was standing in front of an aut-aut. He could tell his parents the truth, that a Gryffindor he’d long been fighting with ripped his cloak, or choose the easy way. He pondered about it for a second, then shook Renjun’s hand.
“It’s always a pleasure doing business with you.”
-
Jaemin showed no signs of giving up the day after the agreement. Not because he’d actually had a thought about it, but rather, because Jeno was nowhere to be seen. It was almost as if the boy had suddenly disappeared and no one seemed to notice unless the Slytherin himself.
When he sat down in astronomy class, he’d expected to receive the usual flying paper ball with a bunch of insults written on it (usually just dimwit or loser, so that Jaemin knew it was from Jeno and that he wasn’t being bullied; the Gryffindor wasn’t completely an asshole). The first ten minutes passed by with no signs of crumpled paper, and the moment Jaemin turned around, he was quick to notice Jeno’s seat was empty. The whole classroom seemed to be quieter, too. The tips of his lips turned downwards unconsciously.
Herbology class rolled around. It was Jeno’s favorite class, at least Jaemin guessed by the way his eyes would usually lit up in the greenhouse. Jaemin had to slap his cheeks at the realization that yes, he had been paying attention to the other boy. A part of him hoped Jeno did the same thing.
The Gryffindor skipped herbology class as well.
Jaemin shouldn’t have been worried, the boy could've been hit by a sudden cold or fever for all he knew. Winter was slowly approaching and the temperatures were getting colder day by day. Still, Jeno was never absent. He always attended his classes, whether he had a high fever or painful stomach ache, that was his philosophy. He glanced over at Donghyuck, who flashed a smile and gave him a thumbs up. Jaemin mimicked his action, hoping his features didn’t give away the concern for Jeno.
Once again, he pinched his skin and told himself to stop thinking about him.
He turned his back one last time during third period, transfiguration, but Jeno was still nowhere in sight. His desk was occupied by two girls who were giggling to each other as they wrote down something, perhaps their phone number, or worse, the numbers of their rooms. Jaemin felt uncomfortable. He sinked in his seat, letting out a sigh that got everybody’s attention on him. He loved being in the spotlight, he thrived off attention, but not today.
He excused himself and left the classroom, infinitely grateful he didn’t share transfiguration with Renjun and Donghyuck.
His feet moved unconsciously to the bathroom, where he splashed cold water on his face and hoped to return back to normalcy as fast as possible. He had been feeling jittery all day, uncomfortable. but also lost without someone he’d grown so accustomed to (he still hated Jeno though).
A faint whisper interrupted his train of thoughts.
“Do you think Jeno hyung will get mad at us if we skip class to visit him?”
It was Jisung, one of Jeno’s friends and also the best keeper out of all the houses, objectively speaking. Jaemin had heard a lot about him, but never approached the young boy. He had no reason to do it.
“Of course. You know how he is, he’ll start a tirade against us! He doesn’t like it when people take care of him, or skip school because of him. We can always visit him after lunch, Ji. The infirmary is always open.”
Two heartbeats. That’s what it took for Jaemin to swing on his feet and make his way over to the infirmary. Was he being irrational? Yes. Would he regret it later on? Also yes to this question. Jaemin figured there was nothing to lose either way, already rejecting the idea of going back to class.
The walk to the infirmary was quiet and Jaemin thought about aborting the mission and going back to his room approximately three hundred times. He made it there eventually, hands sweaty as he ran a hand through his orange hair.
“Jaemin? What are you doing here? Are you sick perhaps?”
Doyoung, also Jaemin’s cousin and first best friend. He was four years older than him, a bit broader and smarter. The only thing that pooled them was their signature bunny smile and big bright eyes. Doyoung, much to his parents’ delight, dreamed of becoming a doctor, and what other place would he choose to put his knowledge into practice if not Hogwarts?
“Hey hyung, I’m not sick. Actually I’m here to umh… see Lee Jeno? He skipped class today so I was wondering if I could visit him real quick?” Saying it out loud made Jaemin’s stomach twist.
Doyoung gave him a perplexed look. “You should be in class, too.”
“Can you please let your favorite cousin in?” Jaemin fluttered his eyes and a small pout replaced the straight line of his lips. He thought he looked quite ridiculous at that moment, and he hoped no one else witnessed it.
“Disgusting, never do that again.” His cousin rubbed his eyes in desperation. “I know you and Jeno don’t get along well. So if you try to put up a fight against him, I’ll kick you out. No violence in my office, that’s my policy.”
He always got what he wanted. The Slytherin nodded and Doyoung turned sideways to make room for a smiling Jaemin. A smile that soon vanished at the sight of a very much unconscious Jeno on the bed.
“His roommate brought him here last night, they said they found him unconscious on the bathroom floor. Nothing to worry about, luckily. It’s just a high fever. With the right potions and treatments, he should be discharged this afternoon. I’ll leave you guys alone.”
Jaemin sat down on the chair next to his bed, still bewildered and not quite processing everything yet. Jeno looked so pale, so fragile. Even though they hated each other, Jaemin still felt sorry for the other boy. Not seeing his usual bubbly and defensive self was surely a slap to the Slytherin’s face. He brought his shaky hands to his forehead which was still burning. Jaemin doubted the fever would go away soon.
He looked away, realizing he’d been staring at the sleeping boy. He grabbed a cloth and dunked in cool water, then laid it on Jeno’s forehead. Jaemin once read that muggles do it to make the fever go away quickly. Jeno hummed something under his breath, his body merily moving as he opened his eyes.
“I’m sick and you suddenly care about me?”
The Slytherin was still for a second, not knowing what to say. His plan was objectively good, but it didn’t involve communicating with Jeno. So he tried playing it cool, snorting as he rolled his eyes,
“I don’t care about you.” Jaemin didn’t understand why his voice was so shaky. “I’m here to beat your ass.”
Jeno laughed softly, eyes closing once again. “I always knew you had a soft spot for me.”
“What?!”
“Please lower your voice, my head hurts.”
Jaemin cleared his throat. “Shit, sorry. What makes you think I have a soft spot on you?”
Jeno locked his gaze with the younger boy. Although his eyes were watery, and less alive than usual, Jaemin’s heart filled with a sense of comfort. “The fact that you’re here right now, taking care of me the same way my mother used to do it, in the muggle way. Did you search it up just for me?”
“That is absolute bullshit, you’re not special, Lee.” Jaemin had to suppress the urge to slap him playfully on the arm. He reckoned the boy was too weak.
“Okay, but I’m very sick as well. My mom would also cuddle with me when I was sick, could you do that too?”
“You’re out of your bloody mind.”
Jaemin couldn’t tell if the boy was simply joking or if the potions had gotten to his brain. Either way, he didn’t like the way his heart skipped a beat and or the way his cheeks flushed a faint shade of red.
“I’ll throw a tantrum if you turn down my offer.” Much to Jaemin’s dismay, the Gryffindor was serious about wanting to cuddle.
“My answer is still no. I hate you.”
“I hate you too, dimwit, but that doesn’t change the fact I’m sick and in need of urgent cuddles. Please? No one has to know. We could ask Doyoung not to let anyone enter the room, too.”
“Are you really that desperate?”
Jaemin spotted a faint nod. He pondered about for a few seconds, torturing the inner of cheeks as a train of thoughts traveled in his mind. Eventually he gave up under the older’s weak stare. “Okay, but just until you fall asleep.”
He laid on the bed, body still far from Jeno and arms unsure of what to do.
“Get under the covers, Na. I’m not going to eat you alive.”
The Slytherin followed the orders and when he least expected it, Jeno stretched his arm out and linked it around Jaemin’s waist, successfully bringing their bodies close so that he could snuggle against his neck.
His body was stiff for a second, for a reason he couldn’t quite pinpoint, then he relaxed against the other boy’s embrace. Jaemin was glad the Gryffindor was fast asleep, otherwise he would’ve made fun of his palpitating heart.
-
Jaemin goes back to his ‘Avoid Jeno’ plan quickly.
Two weeks passed by and Jeno seemed to have completely disappeared from Jaemin’s life. Of course the slytherin was happy, it meant the bet was almost over and Renjun would finally buy him the cloak as promised. Still, there was a sensation of bittersweetness hanging at the top of Jaemin’s tongue every time his eyes landed on Jeno, whose curious but confused eyes were already fixed on the Slytherin. It had become a routine: Jaemin would turn around in class and take a peek at Jeno, the other would notice quite quickly resulting in Jaemin getting embarrassed and focusing back on the teacher’s words.
Embarrassed of what, Jaemin didn’t know. He just knew his cheeks had flushed red too many times in the span of two weeks, surely the Gryffindor’s fault. If cuddling with him wasn’t embarrassing enough, bumping into him in the hallways or at lunch and not being able to mutter a single word (Jaemin wanted to win the bet at costs) certainly created a certain tension between the two boys.
What’s worse is that everyone seemed to notice it too. Renjun was delighted, as expected. He congratulated his friend on the first week mark, neglecting the way his friend’s eyes seemed to get more and more lifeless as the days went on. Donghyuck, on the other hand, preferred to meddle in Jaemin’s business and analyze the situation from a third person point of view. Quite atypical, since the two roles were usually switched.
Jaemin had gotten used to glares coming from the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables at lunch, lifting his head just to see Chenle and Mark’s furrowed eyebrows and overall a look that could kill Jaemin, only if that was possible.
The slytherin glanced at Jeno more times than he wished to admit. There was a constant feeling in his chest, a burning sensation that hadn’t left his body since the day at the infirmary, the last time he talked to the Gryffindor. It was this occasion that made Jaemin realize how dependent he’d become to Jeno, always looking forward to seeing him at school just so they could bicker and spell some charms on each other. It was ridiculous, but a part of him wished Jeno had grown accustomed to Jaemin’s presence as well.
His body moved unthinkingly, standing up and making its way out of the Great Hall. Truthfully, Jaemin had lost all his appetite. Donghyuck and Renjun were engrossed in some kind of conversation which Jaemin had no will or energy to listen to, and Jeno was nowhere to be seen. There was no reason for him to stay in the Great Hall. He muttered an excuse with a voice not louder than a whisper and before his friends could reply, or convince him to stay, his feet were already moving on the ground.
He didn’t know where he was headed, or why he felt so many emotions all of sudden. The only thing he was sure about was that he needed to be alone, somewhere he could sit down and try to find an explanation as to why his eyes were welling up with tears. There was no better place than the girl’s lavatory on the second floor, a bathroom which had long been abandoned and also a nice location to run off to if you didn’t want to be found.
He took a few steps inside, but soon stepped when he heard a familiar voice.
“Dad, I don’t think I can come home next week. The principal hardly ever lets students leave school during exam week. Plus, I need all my energy to get a full score on each test. You know how worn out I get after visiting mom…”
“But it’s her anniversary, you never missed it.” Jaemin figured the man on speaker. “We could go to your favourite restaurant right after or binge watch the Iron Man saga. Don’t worry about getting full scores, I know my little man is smart.”
The Gryffindor sighed and rubbed a hand on his eyes. “Do you really think so?”
“I know so. Grades don't define someone’s intelligence.”
For the first time in his life, Jaemin wished he’d grown up in such a supportive family like Jeno’s.
“I could ask Principal McGonnagall for a permit, no promises though.” The chuckle he let out stopped as soon as his gaze flickered on Jaemin. “Hey dad, I’ve got to go. I’ll call you tonight, okay?”
Jeno stood up quickly, his lips pressing into a thin line. Jaemin stared at him, quietly and with tears that were threatening to roll down his eyes. The Gryffindor didn’t look any better, he figured. His hair was messy and it seemed like he had been crying too- eyes puffy and red and tears stains on his cheeks.
“If you’re here to make fun of me, please don’t. I have no energy to put up with you today.”
“I didn’t know you were here. I’m sorry I… I needed some time alone.” He made it to walk away, but the boy’s voice stopped him.
Jeno chuckled. “Guess we’re both having bad days, mh? Come sit down with me.”
Jaemin gave him a puzzled look, but accepted the offer anyway. He sat down on the floor, not far from the Gryffindor but surely putting some distance between their bodies. Bringing his knees under his chin, he sniffled.
“Why are you avoiding me?” The question is direct and frank. Although Jaemin expected to hear it sooner or later, it was surprising to him how Jeno went straight to the point. Perhaps the latter had noticed a certain absence in his life as well.
“I made a stupid bet with my friends. He said he’ll buy me a new cloak if I avoid you.” The Slytherin realized how stupid the bet sounded only when he said it out loud.
“Your friend sounds like a dick.”
“He has good intentions.” It sounded more like Jaemin was convincing himself. “We always end up in detention because of each other. That won’t look great on my curriculum.”
The Gryffindor nodded. “I guess he’s not that bad. I thought you were avoiding me for other reasons.”
“Such as?”
“I don’t know, maybe after we cuddled you realized your undying love for me? That sounded very plausible. You keep looking at me with doe eyes, it would make sense.” Jeno’s attempted joke successfully eased the tension between them.
“You dimwit!” Jaemin gasped and for a second everything seemed to be back to normalcy. A comfortable silence loomed over them, none of them speaking, too afraid to ruin the calm atmosphere.
The Slytherin glanced at Jeno, his eyes rapidly spotting the little frown on his forehead. Unsure of what to do, he cleared his throat. “I’m sorry I overheard your conversation, I didn’t mean to. I can pretend this never happened, if you want.”
It was the first apology Jaemin meant. He was way too proud to admit his mistakes, too proud to even mutter a sorry. This time, though, he felt the irrevocable need to apologize. Judging by the way Jeno’s eyes widened when he first spotted him, Jaemin understood it was something he was not meant to hear.
“There’s no point in pretending you didn’t hear, I might as well tell you the truth since we’re here.” His voice didn’t show any signs of disappointment. Rather, he was glad he’d finally have the chance to vent to someone, even if that someone was none other than Na Jaemin.
“Next week it’ll be five years since my mother’s death. Ever since then, my father and I visit her grave each year on her anniversary. Seeing the name of the person you cherished the most carved on a gravestone is without doubt the worst feeling in the world. I always think I’m over it, but when I visit her, it just gets worse and worse.”
Jaemin’s heart squeezed in his chest. Never in his life did he think he would witness a Lee Jeno so devastated and heartbroken to the point he would feel bad for him. But here he was, eyes welling up with tears once again, but this time for a completely different reason.
“Do you miss her?”
Jeno nodded. “Of course I do, she was my best friend.”
At this point Jaemin wasn’t thinking clearly, grabbing the Gryffindor’s hand and caressing it as if to make the pain go away. “Grief never ends, but it changes. It’s hard to see the people you loved the most gone, but it gets better eventually. The darker the nights, the brighter the days right?”
The world seemed to stop when Jeno’s shiny eyes flickered on Jaemin, bewildered but mainly astonished. Anxiety washed over the Slytherin, who hoped his words were motivational enough to cheer up the boy. The faint hint of a smile on Jeno’s lips was proof that he had indeed succeeded in his intention.
“You’re not so bad when you aren’t casting weird spells on me.”
“I still hate you.”
Jeno smiled. “I hate you too.”
-
Everything went back to normal. Jeno seemed to take the hint and avoid Jaemin as well, just for the sake of his bet (the Slytherin was more than glad).
Luckily, no one noticed the stolen glances between the two. It was an unsettled agreement, a quiet shift that made Jaemin question the fine line between friendship and hatred.
One day, when Jaemin was discussing Quidditch positions for their game the same night, Jeno walked over to his table and took Jaemin by surprise (quite literally).
“Good luck on your game tonight, Na. You’ll need it.”
Jaemin must’ve been sick to consider that attractive.
“‘Good luck on your game tonight, Na. You’ll need it’. Are you serious, Lee?”
Jeno and Jaemin had been spending their lunch together in the girls’ bathroom, another unspoken agreement between the two. As much as it hurt him to admit it, Jaemin was starting to warm up to the other boy and would prefer spending time with him rather than lie to his friends.
Jeno inched his eyebrow. “So? I’m the best player in the Gryffindor team. I’ll beat your ass tonight.”
“That won’t happen, not now, not in a thousand years. I’ll beat your ass. Slytherins are going to win tonight.”
“Let’s make a bet. If I win, you’ll grant one of my wishes. Same thing goes for you, though I doubt your team will win tonight.” The Gryffindor stretched out his arm.
“What did you take me for? The genie of the lamp?” Jaemin snorted, but still shook his hand. “Deal.”
-
Jaemin would be lying if he said he wasn’t anxious for the game.
Matches against Gryffindors weren’t rare, but everyone seemed to avoid them because of the extreme rivalry between the two houses. Luckily, Jaemin had never been distressed about a friendly match, perks of being the best player in the team (Slytherins had also won ‘Best team’ for two consecutives years and they were aiming for a third). However, partly because of the bet he had with Jeno and because he’d been feeling weird all day, Jaemin was seriously starting to question if his team would win that night.
He cleared his throat, with the aim but mostly hope of getting rid of all the pent-up tension in his body. His eyes wandered unconsciously from his teammates to his rivals, ultimately fixing on Jeno’s figure. It was only on that occasion that Jaemin realized how well proportioned Jeno’s body was. Long legs, slim waist and muscles that overall stood out under the yellow and red uniform. On top of that, a gradually growing smirk that was the equal of a slap to the face.
Much to Jeno’s dismay, Jaemin was even more stubborn than him. Although he noticed his eyes had been lingering on the opponent, he kept staring at him with confidence and cockiness.
“Good afternoon fellow wizards! This is Chenle and I’ll be your commentator for today’s match. Please give it up for our teams, Gryffindors and Slytherins! May luck be with you today.”
The game started not long after.
Jaemin gripped his own broom and flew around in search of the Golden Snitch, but it was raining and the visibility had dropped drastically. Amazing.
“Jaemin, look out!” At the sound of Donghyuck’s voice, the boy squinted his eyes and saw a quaffle running straight in his direction.
He tried to turn his broom and fly in the other direction, but his body wasn’t cooperative. It seemed like his limbs were frozen, not because of the low temperatures but rather, because of clumsiness and fear.
His eyes closed, almost instinctively, as he got ready for the impact. One second passed, the two, three. Nothing had hit him.
Heart palpitating in his chest, he opened just one eye out of fear. Nothing could’ve prepared him for the sight of a very much wet Jeno, water dripping from his hair and cheeks flushed for some reason he couldn’t understand.
“Get hold of yourself, Na. The quaffle was about to hit you.”
Jaemin was quick to notice the shortness in his breath, like he just went through a marathon. Then, it all clicked in his mind. The way he was trying to catch a breath, the red in his cheeks. It made sense. Jeno sprinted from the other side of the pitch just to save him.
“Thank you.”
The gaze Jeno gave him was stern, making him shiver. “Pay attention, dimwit. Are you trying to end up in the hospital wing?”
The Slytherin opened his mouth to answer, but he caught a sight of something goldenish in his peripheral vision. Jeno noticed the Golden Snitch too, but before he could sprint in that direction, he inched closer.
“There’s a party at the Gryffindor common room tonight. Come find me after I win.”
-
As expected, everyone blamed Jaemin for the missed victory.
“The Golden Snitch was right in front of your eyes and you didn’t catch it!”
The boy didn’t say anything, only lowering his head and zoning out when needed. It was true, his House didn’t win because of him. Surprisingly though, he wasn’t mad at himself, or ashamed. Perhaps, losing once in a while wasn’t as terrifying as he made it out to be. Perhaps, he’d been thinking about Jeno too much to worry about the defeat. Truth is, their relationship silently switched from pure hatred to something more placid, occasionally teasing. The fine line between friendly teasing and flirting had become blurred. Jaemin couldn’t understand if Jeno was only joking, but he played along either way. He didn’t seem to mind it one bit, Rather, he welcomed the new revelation in his life with open arms.
So, there he was, standing outside the Gryffindor door just like Jeno had told him.
“Password.”
Jaemin scratched the back of his neck. “Am I supposed to know? Come on Fat Lady, there’s a party going on inside. Just let me in.”
“Password.” The Fat Lady was immune to Jaemin’s charm.
“Uh.. Pure blood?”
“Incorrect. That’s the password for your House.”
“Give me a hint?” The Slytherin was genuinely running out of imagination.
The fat lady sighed. “It’s actually easier than-”
“Caput Draconis.” The new voice, deep and silky, startled both Jaemin and the lady in the portrait. Jisung, in all his beauty and grace, stood behind him in casual clothes, hair pushed back and lips stretched into a lazy smile. It was the first time being face to face with the famous Park Jisung, whose name seemed to be on everyone’s lips (Jaemin also played against him the same day but he was too busy staring at Jeno to notice Jisung too).
The Fat Lady clapped her hands in joy. “Correct! Enjoy the party.”
She swung her picture backwards, allowing the two boys to enter through the portrait hole. As soon as they got in, Jaemin, who had been taught politeness comes even before rivalry, turned around to thank Jisung.
“Ah, don’t even mention it. I would’ve loved to see you struggle a bit longer, though I’m guessing someone is waiting for you inside. Do you want a drink?”
Jaemin was amazed at how friendly and brutally honest Jisung was, in contrast to his angelic and pure appearance.
The Slytherin shook his head. “No thanks, I don’t drink.”
“Cool. By the way, I think Jeno is upstairs.”
Breath got stuck in Jaemin’s throat. “W…what? What makes you think I’m looking for him?”
“Look,” Jisung takes a sip from the red cup. “You two have been skipping lunch for quite some time. I don’t think it’s a coincidence.”
Jaemin had to admit they weren’t being so transparent. If Jisung noticed, there was a high chance that Renjun and Donghyuck did as well, and Jaemin just couldn’t lose the bet. Perhaps he would still get a cloak if he came clean, but that was a worry for his future self.
“Whatever, just don’t tell anyone.”
He muttered a quiet ‘see you soon’ and made his way upstairs, avoiding people left and right as if his life depended on it. He walked and walked, not sure when or where to stop and only trusting his senses. At some point he could almost swear he saw Donghyuck and the Hufflepuff he once fought with, Mark, a little too close and giggly. He pushed back the thought. His friend never mentioned being friends with the boy.
“I was starting to think you ditched me.”
The younger was glad no sound left his mouth after being startled- scratch that, scared to life. “You deserved it, especially after you stole the Golden Snitch from me.”
“Just admit I’m the better seeker.” The Gryffindor raised his eyebrow and laid his back against the wall, lips stretching into a familiar provocative smirk Jaemin was starting to get accustomed to.
“Never in a thousand year, asshole.”
“So now I’m an asshole for winning the game?” Jeno huffed out a breath, hand on his chest as he pretended to be hurt. “Just when we were starting to get along, it’s a shame…”
“You know what else is a shame?” Jaemin didn’t know which demon possessed his body to make him inch closer to Jeno, noses dangerously close and lips just a few inches apart. Jeno also titled in his head to the right, either curious about the answer or with the mere intention of playing along.
Jaemin would like to believe it was neither.
The gryffindor’s eyes wandered from his eyes to his lips, then back up. Jaemin was glad lights didn’t quite reach the hallway where they stood, otherwise Jeno would’ve noticed the faint red slowly making its way to his cheeks. It was wrong, and the exact opposite of what he’d promised Renjun, but he couldn’t stop himself..
“What?” Jeno stared at him with big, bright eyes.
“The fact that I can’t kick you in the ass right now.”
He expected the Gryffindor to push him away, call him one of their stupid nicknames. It wasn’t the first time and it wouldn’t be the last as well. That was how their unusual teasing worked: one would push buttons, the other would tell him to stop. It happened during their first fight in herbology class, then on the Quidditch field and inside the bathroom. It had become a routine.
But none of that happened.
“Jaemin,” He felt Jeno’s shaky breath on his lips. “Remember our bet? I won, you’ve got to grant one of my wishes now.”
There was a moment of silence, until Jeno spoke again. “Kiss me.”
Jaemin didn’t think twice before leaning in, too intoxicated by Jeno’s presence to form a coherent thought. When their lips touched for the first time, all the tension and stiffness in Jaemin’s body vanished away with it. Jeno pulled him closer, if possible, one hand on his waist and the other on his cheek.
He wondered if it was possible to feel all those years of teasing and constant going back forth through a kiss. His question was soon answered when Jeno slightly opened his mouth, deepening the kiss. Jaemin completely shut off.
It was messy at first and Jaemin didn’t know what he was doing, but he loved the feeling of Jeno’s body against his, the way their lips seemed to brush together perfectly like puzzle pieces. Jeno was the first to pull away.
“Jaemin,” His ear perked up. Jeno had always called him dimwit, or dumbass, but never by his name. “I like you.”
“Jeno-”
“I know you don’t feel the same way.” He huffed out a breath. “But it’s finally time I stop dancing around it. I like you, Jaemin. The truth is that I have liked you for a while. I’m sorry I’ve been mean to you, I regret each and every brutal thing I said about you. Fighting was the only way I’d get you to notice me.”
“After everything that happened, I still can’t get over this huge crush. What I want to say is that I really like what we have now, meeting up in the bathroom and talking to each other like civilized people, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I hope my confession didn’t ruin it, because I want to be friends with you. I want to get to know you. Properly, this time.”
“Jeno.” Jaemin’s voice had never sounded so stern. “Who says I don’t feel something too?”
The Gryffindor didn’t mutter a word, only stared at Jaemin, a hint of hope flashing in his eyes.
“I didn’t like fighting with you either. I took out my frustrations on you thinking it would fix my problems at home. How could you even like me after everything I’ve done? I was an absolute dick. There are far better guys out there.”
Jaemin didn’t realize he’d been crying until Jeno cupped his cheeks and brushed the tears away. “You’re not rude, that’s just a facade you built up. I’d like to think you’ve changed. Either way, I believe everybody deserves second chances.”
“I actually look forward seeing your stupid face every day, you know?” Jaemin chuckled. “I don’t know what this feeling is, but I feel so giddy when I see you, like nothing bad can reach me. I’ve never felt this way before. Ah Lee Jeno, what are you doing to me?”
His heart almost burst out of his chest when Jeno lowered his head to place a chaste kiss on his forehead.
“If you want, we could try-”
Jaemin didn’t let him finish the sentence. “Yes, I want to.”
Never in his life did he think he would see Jeno smile so brightly because of him. Still, he leaned it and kissed him on the lips one more time.
“Let me take you out on a date.”
-
The look on Renjun’s face was just priceless when Jaemin finally announced he and Jeno were somewhat of a couple now. His eyes widened astronomically, jaw almost hitting the floor in complete and utter disbelief. He’d thought about keeping it a secret, but Renjun and Donghyuck were his best friends at the end of the day. He couldn’t keep such a huge part of his life away from the people he cared about the most.
“I’m sorry?”
“We realized fighting wasn’t for us.” Jaemin bit his lower lip, cheeks flushing. “We’re going on a date tonight. I think I really like him.”
Donghyuck suddenly stood up. “I told you!”
“I didn’t know he would fess up this quickly, Hyuck.”
“I’m sorry?” Jaemin tilted his head to the side, not quite understanding the conversation his two friends were having.
“Honestly Jaemin, it was quite obvious you two had a crush on each other. It seems like you were the last person to find out. Jeno has never tried to hide it. You, on the other hand, you got it bad, my friend. You blush every time he’s around, it’s adorable in a way. Unbearable, sometimes, but I love you anyway.”
“I do?”
Jaemin turned on his back instinctively, eyes fixing on a certain Gryffindor at the table in front of him. The latter was chatting loudly with his friends, but when he noticed a pair of lovely eyes staring at him, his lips turned upwards into a grin.
The Slytherin turned around back to his friends and hid his face under his hands. “Oh Merlin, I do.”
Renjun giggled, clearly enjoying seeing his friend so flustered.
“Wait.” Jaemin suddenly lifted his head. “What about our bet? You promised you’d buy me a new cloak if I managed to stay away from him, and I did the exact opposite.”
“Your new cloak is already in your room. Take it as an early Christmas gift.”
-
Three hours later, as promised, Jeno stood outside of the Slytherin common room waiting for Jaemin. The latter would be lying if he said he wasn’t anxious. Sure, he’d been on countless dates, but none of them were serious. None of the previous people he went out with managed to make his heart race in his chest like Lee Jeno did.
“Hogsmeade?”
Jeno nodded, hesitating before intertwining their hands together. “I know you don’t like butterbeer, and Hogsmeade is basically known for it, but there is so much more we could do there. Skating, shopping, those are just a few options.”
“How do you know?” His voice quivered. “That I don’t like butterbeer.”
“Third year. The principal brought us here after winning a quidditch game against another school. You didn’t touch your butterbeer once.”
Jaemin stopped dead in his tracks. “Lee Jeno.”
“What, did I do something wrong?”
The Slytherin shook his head, then placed a lovely, chaste kiss on his forehead. A warm feeling engulfed his body, the smile on his lips only growing as the seconds passed.
“I didn’t think anyone would notice it.”
Jeno ran a hand through his hair. “You wear your heart on a sleeve, Nana.”
Their first stop was small shops that sold delicious candies. Jaemin bought an incredible amount of sweets for his friends, as a thank you for the cloak, and for Jeno, whose eyes kept going back to a red and white candy cane ever since they stepped inside. He thanked him with a kiss on the cheek and a promise to return the gesture soon.
They went skating after that. Jaemin struggled at first, losing balance every two seconds and having to clutch on Jeno so he wouldn’t fall.
The latter complained. If anything, it gave him one more reason to hold Jaemin’s hand tightly and never let it go.
After twenty minutes, the Slytherin managed to stand on his feet without anyone’s help, and of course, he just had to show Jeno— skates scraping the ice underneath and he made a turn, eyes completely hidden under a thousand giggles.
Perhaps this was the moment when Jeno realized there was no turning back. Being with Jaemin, enjoying couple stuff together and being able to kiss him whenever he wanted, he wouldn’t mind doing it for a long time. It felt right, and Jeno was willing to fight and make their relationship work.
Skating over him and avoiding a bunch of kids in the way, he placed his cold hands on Jaemin’s waist. The latter responded by sneaking his arms around his neck and pulling them closer, foreheads touching and synchronized breaths.
For a minute, maybe even an hour, it was just them. There were no kids crying on the ice, no moms shouting at their children to be careful and open their eyes. It was just Jeno and Jaemin, two boys apparently so different, but united by the same intoxicating yet lovely feelings of belonging and love.
Jaemin was the first to speak. “I hope you want to stay for a very long time, because I really like you.”
Hogsmeade is no longer cold when Jeno steps forward and kisses him just like he means it.