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"Can you remind me, why am I even accompanying you right now?" Changbin asks Jisung one more time the reason behind their impromptu meeting (if younger catching sixth year's forearm and scaring the living daylights out of him after lunch is anything to go by).
"You say this as if thirty minutes break spent with me isn't the highlight of your day." Younger boy jokes but soon recollects himself when Changbin turns to another direction planning on leaving him alone. The Slytherin boy quickly catches his friend's arm again and explains: "Well we both have some free time, right? And my class is on the way to your..."
"Yeah, right. I have Potions and it's in completely opposite direction to your Defence Against the Dark Arts one." Sceptical look makes Jisung reveal the truth not seeing the point of why he even tried to hide something from his close friend in the first place.
"Okay, okay, you got me here. It's just everyone is busy right now... Lixie is skipping his classes with Minho-hyung to get back on time they spent separately during holidays and Innie has Frog Choir..." Jisung draws out.
"And Seungminnie?" Older inquires and turns to the left, the classroom appearing in their vision field.
"He isn't alone." Jisung grits out but he can see that Changbin stares at him quizzically. "He is with Hwang Hyunjin."
"Oh, yeah, your 'mortal enemy'." Gryffindor air-quotes. Jisung wants to say something as they stop close to the classroom door not nearly done with their conversation. "I will never believe that you honestly hate him. I mean you weren't even sorted into different houses to use it as at least some kind of a pretext."
"He is an arrogant asshole." Younger swats Changbin's teasing hand and sighs a bit irritated.
Okay, Jisung doesn't really think of Hyunjin as an arrogant person or something along those lines, but he would never admit it to anyone that he kind of feels intimidated by taller Slytherin and honestly respects how talented he is. It was unfortunate that a first year Jisung didn't know how to express himself better and now it seemed impossible to overstep his principles and image he had accidentally created. Besides Hyunjin took his first attempts of conversation as insult so to try and resolve this misunderstanding now, after so many years, isn't an option for Jisung either.
In Hogwarts it's a well known fact that fifth year Slytherins Han Jisung and Hwang Hyunjin don't get along. It has been going for as long as anyone can remember. They share the same group of friends so they mostly can be civil in each other's company with the smallest fights, but occasionally they get in pretty heated arguments. Luckily it never escalated to physical quarrels. Yet.
"Yeah, yeah... I should head to my class, try to be a good boy and don't fight with Hyunjinnie, okay?" Changbin leaves right after ruffling Jisung's hair, barely avoiding a jab directed to his forearm.
Slytherin sighs and enters the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, which is almost full of fifth year students, and almost instantly spots Hyunjin with Seungmin, who is sitting and waving with gentle smile. The slightly older out of two is leaning on the windowsill and giving him a cold stare so Jisung just scoffs after reciprocating the nice gest he just got from the Ravenclaw boy while pointedly ignoring the other one.
Jisung takes a seat at his usual place, sulkily staring down the empty chair next to him - his Hufflepuff best friend and (almost) birthday twin Felix just left him to fight boredom and loneliness alone.
But he can kind of understand Felix's actions even when he has never had any romantic relationship to treasure. Felix and Minho became a couple no one could expect. Not only because they were from Hufflepuff and Slytherin, but also because of the stereotype that purebloods and muggle-borns shouldn't mix. However, Minho, who is both, Slytherin and pureblood, always had a soft spot for Felix. Jisung could easily make out the heart eyes that were solely dedicated to the freckled boy. And their special affection has started since the very first day Felix entered the Hogwarts school and a second year student Minho saw him sitting down on the chair and excitedly swaying his legs while waiting for the sorting hat to make it's decision (which took only seconds). The pair wasn't predictable, but everyone found it logical in the end.
Not long after the class starts and Jisung comes back to reality as Bang Chan walks into the room from the front door (teacher's office) wheeling what looks like a mirror closet with himself. "Hello, students, I will ask you all to stand up and come closer to me and this lovely closet." As if on cue the furniture rattles and roars, which surprises almost all the students including Jisung whose eyes widen. However, they all follow the order, trusting Chan and not daring to disobey the said teacher. "Today I will introduce you to boggart!" Slytherin boy inclines his head, unsuccessfully trying to find this exact word in his memories. "It's an amortal shape-shifting non-being, that will change his form according to the opponent's greatest fear. I think it will be more valuable to show it now..."
Bang Chan calls out one student to come to the front and questions the girl's biggest fear, which appears to be snakes.
"Ugh, snakes, not a fan of them either..." Teacher shudders but momentarily proceeds. "Now I will ask you to imagine your fear in funny way. Let your imagination run free... Your fear in a shape that you would find amusing." He smiles mischievously and Jisung has no doubts that Chan enjoys his job. "We will practice the charm without wands first. Repeat after me... riddikulus!"
"Riddikulus..." A lot of hesitant voices but it makes a loud sound and unnerves what appears to be a boggart and closet harshly moves in it's place.
"Now take out your wands and repeat my movement... Yes, just like that!" Teacher praises and continues. "And based on your imagination your fear will be replaced with amusement! So say when you are ready..."
And a Gryffindor in her style almost instantly nods and with Chan's wand's light swing the closet's door clicks open.
Jisung anxiously waits in his spot on loose queue, he is closer to the other half so eventually his obvious nervousness gets a reaction from Seungmin, who stand behind him. "It's okay, Sungie, you can do this." However, those words don’t appease shorter boy, but he nods nevertheless and goes back to observing how boggart in front of him with every new student rapidly takes different forms.
The biggest problem is Jisung isn't sure what his biggest fear is. He had a few ideas that makes him frown but not even one of them makes him stiffen in fear, so he doesn't even have a chance to prepare himself. Moreover, the looks he will be receiving in some time only worsens his already disheveled state. He manages to hear a silent 'good luck' when it's his turn to face the creature.
No one could have prepared Jisung for seeing how Snape in classical dress changes into Hyunjin; his silver-green necktie tucked in a grey sweater and formal black pants while black cloak covers his shoulders completely mirroring Jisung's current attire, longer blonde hair pulled up to the small tail and cold stare piercing boy in place. As if it wasn't bad enough the fake Hyunjin starts to speak in eerily similar voice to the real one, which again stops Jisung from quickly coming up with something at least poorly funny but not too offending, that he could use against this creature. "You are not even worth my time, Han. Our friends only hang out with you because they feel pity towards you." Jisung's mind goes blank, he is only able to stand in place and consume every word, feeling as tension gradually becomes more and more suffocating. "They will leave you. One day all together will ignore you-"
Jisung wants to step back but feels how his knees buckle and he falls to the ground as the beautiful figure takes a step forward, leaning down. However terrified student cannot hear more words and his vision is suddenly blocked by a tall figure with arms wide open to shield the boy on the ground.
In any other day every Hogwarts student would laugh if someone said that Hyunjin will stand not against Jisung but in front of him in defending manner; that day apparently came, but the attention of everyone is easily drawn to the two almost identical Slytherins facing each other. The only different feature is hair color but other than that it would be hard for a lot of people to try and tell which one could be the real out of two until the boggart's form smirks slyly and changes again.
Jisung barely sees what is happening in front of Hyunjin, but he shifts a bit hearing other students' gasps and sees an exact copy of himself... Boggart took a form of me? He barely has time to register this new revelation, when he sees how Hyunjin stiffens, hand hesitantly drawing out the wand of his back pocket, ready to defend himself. Defend himself and Jisung.
"And what are you going to do? Turn me into a cup or something?" Jisung shudders hearing his own taunting voice. Does he really sound like that every time in front of Hyunjin? Nevertheless, taller boy doesn't seem taken aback and only rises the wand. "You know you can't use your wand if you know nothing about spells? You have always been so talentless it's honestly pathetic." Jisung's eyes widen as he wants to protest, knowing damn well he has never thought of Hyunjin in that way. To be honest, it was completely the opposite to what boggart said. However, seeing as his 'not really enemy' stumbles and stops completely, Jisung understands that Hyunjin took a bite.
Immediately after that teacher Chan butts in the messy situation. Then step by step Jisung sees how boggart is turning to the honeycomb, that could only mean trypophobia. Chan shouting riddikulus and it momentarily changes into a decent number of buttons that he directs back to the closet and locks it up. He turns to the class and an apologetic smile graces his features.
"Sorry for anyone who was eager to try it out today, you will most probably get a chance in the future! I will end this class right now." He then directs his gaze to the pair and says quieter. "Hyunjin Hwang, Jisung Han, stay in the classroom for a bit."
As soon as Jisung feels a calming hands from behind, Chan quickly wheels the clattering closet out of the class. He can only see his knees and lower legs that are shaking as he tries to normalise his breathing while comforting hand rubs his back slowly. Eventually, he snaps out of his mind jail when he sees someone crouching in front of him.
"Hey, Jisungie, let's lift you up, yeah?" He has never heard Hyunjin speaking in such gentle way, at least not towards him; asking for his agreement, especially using his name with an endearment indicating ending? Jisung, being high on his emotions, still can't lift his gaze above pretty boy's grey sweater's hem, but he nods and feels how the person behind him moves away as Hyunjin hugs him over his chest, under both arms, to lift him up and they together take a few steps reaching one of the front tables, where he lets Jisung rest. As soon as he is leaning against the piece of furniture the warmth of another boy leaves him and Jisung almost misses it. It's not my thoughts, I'm just driven by my emotions after this roller coaster...
"Sungie, how are you feeling?" A comforting voice from the right reaches him and he feels bad for worrying Seungmin, so he turns to him and meets his eyes.
"I-I will be alright. Just sca-red but it will go away in som-metime." Boy hears how badly he stutters, but luckily no one of other two mentions it. However, Jisung surprisingly has the same concern as Seungmin, only directed towards Hyunjin. He takes in deep breath before lifting gaze at his supposed rival, Seungmin siding him. Slytherin boy looks taken aback definitely not expecting this from Jisung.
"Me?" Hyunjin blurts out, unsurely pointing at himself and soon receives a nod from shorter boy. He rises his hand higher now to scratch his nape awkwardly, not knowing what else to do with his limbs. "I'm fine."
"Sungie, you know that it's not true?" Seungmin suddenly asks and Jisung redirects his attention back to Ravenclaw boy, looking at him confused. "What boggart said." That draws an unconscious, distressed sound out of boy to which Hyunjin reacts and takes a hold of his hand almost instinctively. It shouldn't calm him, but Jisung is shocked upon feeling how tension glides down his body like a viscous texture.
"Jisungie, liste-" As curious as Jisung is he doesn't get to hear the end of this sentence as teacher Chan comes back to the classroom.
"I should go..." Seungmin draws out but makes no move, moving his gaze back and forth, from one Slytherin boy to another one as Bang Chan reaches them.
"Don't worry, Seungminnie, I will take care of him." Hyunjin reassures. "And myself too..." He adds to which his friend nods and says his polite farewells to the teacher.
Before closing the door youngest informs. "Sungie, Jinnie, if anything find me." And leaves them completely after seeing the nods from both boys and hearing Chan's "I will make sure everything goes fine, don't worry!"
"Here, take some chocolate!" Chan offers and both boys easily accept the treat. Strangely they find themselves not really minding each other's close presence. In fact, quite opposite; huddled side by side, arms touching, hands still clasped together. "It's first time like that in my class, when students couldn't defeat boggart."
Hyunjin instinctively pushes his shoulder in front of Jisung's, leaning half of his body forward not even understanding that his defensiveness of shorter, that Hyunjin didn't know he had, was taking over him. Jisung can only stand wide eyed not knowing what to do, first time in a situation like that. Should he squeal and shout happily at the prospect of Hyunjin not seeing him as an enemy but rather as a person, who he must protect? Even as Hyunjin doesn't look that threatening, especially while his mouth is full of chocolate, their teacher still lifts his hands in surrender. "I'm not trying to belittle you, not by any means. I don't think I'm in a right place to say, but when someone cannot deal with boggart it means that their fear affects their daily life as well. Even too much which isn't good. I think you should sort it out." They both shuffle in place, Jisung feeling kind of pleasant uneasiness creeping up at the little sparks of imagining how he talks about anything with Hyunjin. He cannot remember them ever having a decent conversation, being the only two participants of it. "I know it can be awkward and require more time and words than you have ever exchanged with each other. But I think you are already heading to the right direction." Jisung flushes furiously seeing how Chan's eyes travels down to their joined fingers as if indicating what he meant by 'heading to the right direction'. However, as if agreed beforehand, neither boy loosens their grip. Their teacher chuckles and takes a short glance at the big clock in the corner. "Would you look at the time? Fourth period is the hardest one, but I need to be a good example for younger generations and carry out my, as a teacher, duty... You two take a rest and maybe... Try out my suggestion?"
Jisung really appreciates their teacher, not only getting a little snack to cheer up but even receiving a friendly advice and him not forcing them to do it; not every teacher is like that.
Jisung and Hyunjin thanks him and, between the third year students, heave their way out. Trudging in one line towards the staircase even though no one knows what is their next step.
Should he ask Hyunjin what are they planning to do now or something? But what if he doesn't want to take Bang Chan's offer and will just go to the last period? Either way, Jisung doesn't want to let go of his hand, he slowly grew accustomed to this and it was less than ten minutes. Is he too affectionate too soon? Too happy with the revelation that their situation isn't as bad as he initially thought? Or maybe it is only temporary. But it was Hyunjin who initiated skinship... So many questions... What should he even say? Think, Jisung, think. Hyunjin's presence shouldn't steal your voice.
"I don't think you are talentless." Jisung states at the exact same time, when Hyunjin stops in his track and says: "What do you think about kitchen?" Jisung furrows his eyebrows, lifting his gaze to Hyunjin's looking for some kind of indication of what his question even means. "Aa... I mean kitchen as a place, where we could talk? Of course, if you are up for that." He hastily adds. "And before or after... We could discuss my talents?" Jisung observes how Hyunjin becomes gradually unsure of his words at the end breaking their eye contact. It's not me, who is making him that flustered, right?
"Ugh, yeah, sure." Jisung agrees stupidly earning a look from surprised Hyunjin. Jisung just sways their hands shyly and tugs him in order to continue their trip to the stairs. Shortly their silence is traded to Hyunjin's blabbering that sounds adorable to Jisung.
"Oh, I hope you are hungry, am I right? We will be in the kitchen and before serious conversation I could cook something!" Hyunjin beams, tugging Jisung down the stairs excitedly. "Kitchen house elves love me and they let me use anything I need there! Ah, I know, I could make you my famous French toasts!" Jisung wonders how could Hyunjin change like that at the flip of a coin; he could easily compare this joyous boy to the one that he saw while entering Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom today. Even that now seems like a fever dream.
"Wait, the ones that Jeonginnie and Seungminnie occasionally have for breakfast?" It makes Hyunjin stumble, but he maintains his balance back.
"Yes, is there something wrong with it?" Jisung sees him gnawing on his lower lip instead of getting angry.
"No, gosh no! They kept gushing over it but never let me try it... I have been wanting to taste those French toasts for ages! Your French toasts..." He softly adds and squeezes Hyunjin's hand for good measure.
"Ah, then we should hope it will live up to your expectations." Jisung doesn't comment on boy's red ears only because he himself feels how his cheeks repeatedly heats up.
They are heading towards the kitchen now with much lighter air even though they aren't talking, but at least it feels more peaceful and deliberate, thoughtfully kept by them to sort out their thoughts. Just as they turn around the corner Minho and Felix exit kitchen stopping only a few steps away from them. Of course, the view of Hyunjin and Jisung together is already shocking; Felix chokes on air as his gaze reaches their intertwined hands. However, the couple can see that the state of the both boys isn't the best. Far from it even.
"Jinnie, Sungie, are you alright?" Felix asks, his worries slipping out.
Hyunjin and Jisung exchange glances, honestly, Jisung didn't really notice how Hyunjin's more than half black locks aren't tied anymore and his black cloak is hanging only on left shoulder. He can only guess that he doesn't look any better after an encounter with boggart, so he answers: "Have been better..." Completely forgetting that the question was voiced by Felix, whose Hufflepuff(ness) is very apparent and he will become anxious in seconds so he tries to lighten the heaviness he just brought with his sentence. "I mean, we will be better, just need..." Jisung loses his trail of thoughts and sees how now not only Felix but also Minho gets progressively concerned.
"We just need a bit time and space to talk. Don't worry about us, if anything we will inform you. Ask for help and such." Hyunjin sounds far more collected. Suddenly Jisung's stomach gurgles which results in taller's light chuckle. "And need to use kitchen." A couple responds in friendly laughter while Jisung's face flares in shame.
"Okay, you know where to look for us." Minho flashes a smile which shortly changes to sly grin. "And we will expect details. From both of you." He vaguely gestures to both of them and leaves with Felix, whose waving hand is accompanied by a shinning smile.
"Let's go, you are obviously hungry." Hyunjin pinpoints filling up the slight awkwardness they both felt instantly after Minho's obscure implication. Jisung can just obediently follow him.
House elves greet Hyunjin and leave him like they are already used to him coexisting in the same space. They both reluctantly let go of each other's hands while slowly getting lost in mini cooking tasks; Hyunjin making French toasts and Jisung boiling water to quickly make something drinkable.
In a few minutes they settle on both sides of square table. Hyunjin stretches his hand as if with intention to hold Jisung's but stops. Jisung understands why, they will need both hands for eating, but he comes up with something quickly. He just shuts his loud thoughts and tries to follow his little want to touch Hyunjin by hooking his ankle around other boy's which earns him a genuine smile and eyes crinkled into crescents that ooze with such warmth that manages to melt the tips of Jisung's frozen fingers.
Shorter boy is actually excited to try the famous French toasts that his friends has been complimenting and basically worshipping. And he knows there was no deliberate provocation so it means the taste has to be out of the world if they couldn't hold in their praises. He looks up at Hyunjin and points at the plate full of just made goods.
"You don't need to ask me for permission." Other boy smiles warmly taking a sip of his steaming teacup. "Don't hold yourself and just dig in!" Jisung easily follows the order; takes only one bite and can't suppress the moan feeling how Hyunjin's French toasts are just right up his alley.
He is not obligated to say compliments; Hyunjin's face seems content enough. But Jisung wants to. And this praise also would really fit as a starter of planned conversation.
"Am I still alive? I think I'm seeing heaven's pearly gates..." Those sentences draw out a series of chuckles from Hyunjin which really make something in younger's stomach to pleasantly tingle. He smiles and finishes his toast piece before continuing. "You are not talentless. And it's not only because of these heaven's French toasts. I have seen how quickly and almost effortlessly you can use spells and not just the easy ones! Believe me, we are sharing too many classes for me not to notice that." His voice not even once hitches and Hyunjin's eyes start to glimmer. "Also, I have seen both versions of you: dancing on the ground and flying on the broom in the sky and let me say you are incredible in both fields and, I guess, many more."
"How much do you even know about quidditch?" Hyunjin scoffs but his pinkish cheeks speak for themselves.
"Not too much, but it only takes hearing occasional points announcements during matches for me to know that you are exceptionally good at it. Actually, I didn't expect it seeing how clumsy you are. I'm not trying to insult you!" Jisung warns just in case, but taller's easy smile reveals that he knows. "But when I saw you dancing as well and all the graceful moves you do in the air on the broom and on your feet while dancing it just makes sense."
"Thank you... It... I believe you and it really means a lot." Jisung appreciates the vulnerability Hyunjin shows and shuffles their hooked limbs a bit, looking how boy lowers his gaze but small smile comes back.
"So how come you are scared of me? It doesn't really make sense to me..." Jisung carefully asks.
"How to word it better?" Slytherin muses for a bit. "I'm more afraid that you think of me in a negative way. Apparently, it's not like that but I always thought that you think of me in the exact same way how you call me... And in boggart’s case it made those words even worse." Jisung looks how Hyunjin starts fiddling with his rings restlessly thinking about how he never called him talentless, but all people have their insecurities that can mess with their thoughts and reality.
"I'm really sorry about it... It's just I'm not that good in leaving first impression and god... I even shouted at you that time when we first met, no wonder it didn't seem like a compliment at all rather looked like I despised you." His words draw Hyunjin's gaze up to himself. "But it's not like that, I was more impressed by your talents but with time running it seemed impossible to fix what has been lasting for years..." At those times he hated his shyness the most.
"Huh? Wait, so you never hated me?" A bit older boy widens his eyes and Jisung barely suppresses the need to coo and pat his head.
"No. I was jealous but never hated you." He replies truthfully without hesitation.
"Okay, but you were scared of me, right? Boggart took my form..."
"Maybe not outright scared of you but something like that." Jisung hesitantly lifts his eyes seeing how Hyunjin's jaw drops. They are not fighting anymore but they should clear up everything. "Just every time before starting some kind of a verbal fight with you I would rethink it too much to the point where I would be a bit scared to even say something..." By the expression that he starts receiving, shorter comes to the conclusion that some things that were unclear for Hyunjin now are unwrapped in front of his eyes after the confession. "To add, your looks are a bit intimidating as well, but now I know that you aren't a bad person and I want to clear up everything from our chaotic start till now." He loses his composure for a bit seeing other boy's hopeful gaze, so he quickly adds. "Also, similarly to you, those words were more scary when it was said by you... But you stepped in to defend me and that changes some things." Changbin would be proud that Jisung is pushing himself and opening up about everything that includes Hyunjin.
"I saw the look in your face and I couldn't just stand and watch how you have to defend yourself alone especially from myself. Well, the version of myself. Those cruel words, those weren’t my thoughts and never will be. You are worth much more than my time and everyone of our friends want to be near you at any time. Now including me…” Hyunjin draws out also choosing the option of being completely honest. “From now on I will make sure you don't fear me anymore." Jisung is caught off guard. He knows his eyes look like saucers, feeling as if his heart is about to burst out of his chest. And the fond gaze that he is receiving from Hyunjin only pushes him forward to say what is on his mind.
"I like it now, how we are talking with each other calmly, without fights or arguments." Surprise is drawn on his companion's face and Jisung's cheeks increasingly change colour but before he can try to save his dignity (by hiding behind his arms) he hears the answer.
"I like us this way too." Jisung can't explain the connection he suddenly starts feeling but it's kind of obvious that he isn't the only one. They share an intense look until it slowly becomes unbearable to hold it any longer. "Gosh, I want to hold your hand so bad, so finish your meal!" Jisung bashfully giggles and quickly finishes two slices of bread while sipping half cool tea, sometimes catching Hyunjin's little cheering chants to eat faster or ankles moving, which always draws a teasing smile from him.
"Eager, aren't we?" Jisung smirks.
"Shut up." Light voice is accompanying those two words. Jisung notes that from now on he should start getting used to this. "Oh, by the way, you mentioned I look intimidating?"
"I think it's mostly your blonde hair combined with cold stare." Which makes me crazy. Left unsaid by Jisung, however thought leaving his face as red as tomato and he knows he has to add something. "Of course, you are effortlessly beautiful, you have your hair tied up messily and even it looks good." Jisung suddenly covers his mouth, instantly regretting his compliments but his eyes don't leave Hyunjin. We only started talking properly and I'm already feeling too comfortable. Good job, Jisung, you will definitely not scare him away. His mind goes blank, seeing how Hyunjin unties his already messy tail and soft-looking black hair frames his face.
"How about now?" Jisung can't look too long at the gaze he is getting from Hyunjin, sentence's borderline flirty undertone repeats in his head, so he just stops thinking all together. He brings his hands up to Hyunjin's hair, takes two strands respectively from both sides and covers his face hiding it for the sake of his own heart's wellbeing. It doesn't take too long before the two of them burst out laughing. Jisung composes himself first and uncovers Hyunjin's face bringing his attention and delicate hands to comb Hwang's hair neatly. His movements halts as he realizes what he is doing. Only Hyunjin doesn't look bothered, in fact his eyes hold stars as he takes one of Jisung's hands and simply says: "Come here so I could cuddle you."
And who is Jisung to deny that kind of offer?
(And if Jisung and Hyunjin barely succeeds in reaching Slytherin common room before curfew, with shy smiles, giddy warmth in their stomachs and hearts with promises, it's only between them to know.)
Cut~