Archive of Our Own

Yoongi had been eagerly counting down the days until Christmas break. Not because of the gifts, or the parties, but because he would be getting some much needed alone time. There might have been a very small part of Yoongi that was a tad disappointed to be spending Christmas alone. Very small. Extremely small. But truthfully, Yoongi loved the peace and quiet, and the thought of having Hogwarts all to himself for three whole weeks was very attractive to him.

Jimin didn’t think so, though. He sat across from Yoongi on the Slytherin couch, pouting and mumbling about how sad it was that his hyung would be spending Christmas alone. What Jimin really meant to say was how tragic it was that Yoongi would be spending Christmas without him.

“I’d ask you to spend it with me, but my aunt is coming over and she loves to crush people’s self-esteem. My uncle is also coming and, well, you know what he’s like.” Yoongi nodded. He remembered Jimin’s uncle getting drunk off his ass and accusing everyone of stealing his pocket watch he lost almost ten years ago. Yoongi didn’t even know the man ten years ago.

“Jiminie, I’ll be fine. Really. It’s the perfect opportunity to read ahead and get some work done.”

Jimin ruffled his hair. “You should have been in Ravenclaw, you keener.”

“Or maybe I’m just a good student, unlike you,” Yoongi countered. Jimin pretended to be offended by Yoongi’s comment and shoved him, whining dramatically as he did so. He muttered something about how Yoongi was a cruel hyung, always bullying him.

Yoongi just smirked, snorting at Jimin’s dramatic exit. He heard the young Slytherin’s whines until the door to the boys’ dorm shut behind him. He shook his head fondly and settled deeper in the couch. With Jimin gone, the only noise was the crackling of the fire and the calming sounds of the Black Lake. Yoongi smiled to himself. He was looking forward to having three weeks of just this. Just him and the warm fire and the sound of the water.

He would admittedly miss Jimin a little, and Jungkook too, but Yoongi always did well being alone.

--

Later that day at dinner, Jimin came to Yoongi with some gossip, as he often did. He slid into the seat next to him with a smug grin that could only mean trouble. Yoongi cringed. He assumed it was just the latest update on the Hogwarts dating scene. Jungkook, of course, eagerly held onto every word, Yoongi only half listening to the chatter as he ate.

“-so it looks like you won’t be completely alone-” At this, Yoongi’s head shot up.

“What?” he asked through a mouthful of food.

Jimin just rolled his eyes, sighing in exasperation. “Were you even listening, hyung? I said, a student from Hufflepuff is staying over break too. So you won’t be completely alone.”

Yoongi frowned, mouth sliding into a pout. He was really hoping for some peace and quiet. Instead, he was going to be stuck in the castle with a complete stranger. Who, given that this student was not a Slytherin, probably already hated him. Alternatively, since they were a Hufflepuff (known for being nice to literally everyone), they might try to annoy Yoongi with happiness and rainbows for three whole weeks. Yoongi shuddered. He hoped this Hufflepuff wouldn’t bother him. He didn’t want to feel compelled to spend time with some student, especially someone he didn’t know.

Still, Yoongi wanted to know which annoying Hufflepuff would be ruining his break, so with a heavy sigh and slumped shoulders, he turned to Jimin and asked, “who?”

“Jung Hoseok.”

Oh. Oh.

Yoongi knew that name. Yoongi definitely knew that name. Jung Hoseok. Fifth year Hufflepuff, chaser on the house’s Quidditch team, rumoured to be next year’s captain. Exceedingly bright and popular, always surrounded by other students as he would tell one of his many thrilling stories. There was a part of Yoongi that was jealous of the guy, not that he would ever admit it (especially not to Jimin). Yoongi was never good with people, but it seemed to come naturally to Hoseok. Sometimes, Yoongi wondered if he only liked being alone because he didn’t know how to act around people.

Hoseok was also truthfully very beautiful, Yoongi hated to admit. He caught himself on occasion staring at Hoseok for longer than he should have. Yoongi dismissed as simply appreciating Hoseok’s nice features. Nothing more than that. Just objective appreciation.

(He prayed to every deity that Jimin never picked up on his lingering stares.)

“Anyway, maybe you two could hang out over break or something. It’d would be good for you to have someone to keep you company.” Jungkook nodded in agreement, both of them looking at Yoongi expectantly.

Yoongi just rolled his eyes and waved his hand dismissively, “I don’t need anyone to keep me company, I’ll be perfectly fine by myself.” Jimin just shrugged before looking around to make sure no one was listening. He leaned in closer, Jungkook doing the same, eagerly awaiting the next bit of gossip and effectively caging Yoongi in.

"He's also pretty cute."

Yoongi knew exactly where this was going. "Jimin,” he groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Don’t say it. Don't finish that thought. Just don't even go there." Jimin grabbed his arm and shook it. Jungkook was smiling behind his hands.

"But Yoongi-hyung,” Jimin whined, “It'll be the perfect chance to get to know somebody new. And he seems really nice. Everybody loves him."

Yoongi snatched his arm from Jimin’s grasp. "No. It'll be the perfect chance for me to have some peace and quiet. Something I definitely don’t get enough of." Jimin pouted, huffing and crossing his arms before settling back into his seat. Yoongi could tell he wanted to press the issue more, but ended up dropping it. You can only get so far with Yoongi.

--

Yoongi walked Jimin and Jungkook to the front doors of the castle. He didn’t walk them to the train station since it was “way too fucking cold”. He hugged each of them tightly, telling them to have a good break and not to worry about him. As he was saying his goodbyes, he glanced over Jimin’s shoulder and caught his eye, the Hufflepuff’s. Hoseok. Hoseok looked at him with kind, brown eyes and a soft smile. It was only for a moment before Yoongi quickly averted his gaze. Yoongi’s heart skipped, which he thought was odd and unwarranted, but quickly dismissed it because Jimin was excitedly chatting away about something.

Before he had a chance to figure out what it was, the younger boy wrapped his arms tightly around Yoongi’s neck, pulling him in for another hug. It lasted longer than the first and Yoongi could feel Jimin’s concern. Yoongi just patted his back and told him not to worry. Jungkook joined the hug, wrapping his long arms around them, snuggling in close.

Their group hug lasted a few moments before Yoongi was detaching himself from the two boys. “Alright, alright. Now, don’t worry about me, okay? Enjoy your breaks, eat a lot, relax. Alright? I’m going to be fine.”

Jimin pouted but agreed, kissing Yoongi’s cheek before looping his arm through Jungkook’s. They waved back at him before disappearing into the crowd of excited students.

Yoongi shoved his hands into his pockets, feeling a pang in his chest that he hadn’t anticipated. Sighing to himself, he turned around and walked back in the direction of the dungeons. Weaving through the chaos, he completely missed the gaze of a certain Hufflepuff as he disappeared around the corner to the Dungeons.

--

The first day was peaceful. Quiet. Just as he had hoped. He stayed in the Slytherin dorms for most of the day, enjoying how still it was without the other students around. He went for a walk around the castle, not seeing a single soul as he strolled the hallways, only the occasional ghost who simply said a friendly “hello” before floating away.

Yoongi liked it. Having a huge castle all to himself. Well, not all to himself. Hoseok was surely wandering around somewhere, but Yoongi never bumped into him and he was perfectly fine with that.

The second day was also relaxing. He got a lot of work done, more than he really needed to, and he pushed away the slightest hint of boredom he was starting to feel.

It was mid-morning on the third day when he really started to feel it. As nice as the quiet was, there was nothing to do. He’d finished all his school work, even a few of his textbooks.

He let out a deep sigh, letting his open potions book drop onto his chest, crinkling the pages. Yoongi glanced at the clock on the wall, deciding that he may as well go for a walk around the grounds before having lunch. What else was he going to do?

He threw on his winter coat, wrapping a thick scarf around his neck. Jimin and Jungkook always made fun of him for getting cold so easily and needing several layers of clothing to stay warm. Yoongi shook his head, the unfamiliar ache in his chest at the thought of his only two friends.

He had thought of stopping at the Owlrey before his walk since there was a good chance Jimin had already written to him, but he figured he would space out his activities. That way he wouldn’t die of boredom after only a few days.

Yoongi was in the midst of pulling on his mittens as he pushed open the front doors of the castle with his back, when he smacked into someone else. Yoongi gasped, startled, having not been in contact another human for the past two days. The other nearly slipped on the stone steps, but Yoongi automatically reached out to grab their elbow tightly.

Yoongi’s wide, startled eyes met Hoseok’s surprised ones. It took a moment for Yoongi to register what had happened. Once he realized who it was, he immediately let go of the Hufflepuff’s arm and stiffly moved his own to his side. Neither said anything for a moment, and Yoongi found himself staring.

Hoseok looked frozen, despite being wrapped up in a thick coat and woolly scarf. His face was flushed, cheeks stained a light pink and nose an (adorable) shade of red from where it peaked out from over his scarf. The brightness of the sun and the sharpness of the cold made Hoseok’s features seem more vivid and contrasting. The brightness of his eyes, the gold in his skin, the shine of his deep, chocolate brown hair. Yoongi didn’t think the word beautiful could describe him.

He blinked, blushing furiously at his train of thought.

Though, Hoseok didn’t seem to notice Yoongi staring. The younger simply offered Yoongi a bright smile and giggled. “Sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

“That’s okay. It was a safe assumption that no one would be around.”

Hoseok laughed again, head thrown back and the pleasant sound echoed quietly throughout the courtyard. “That’s true.”

There was a moment’s pause, and Yoongi took this as his cue to leave, nodding his head at Hoseok before moving out of the way to let him in. He moved past the Hufflepuff, inadvertently brushing their arms together. A strong hand reached out to grip Yoongi’s arm, stopping him. The grip was firm, but not painful, more urgent.

“I- uh, I’m Hoseok by the way.”

Oh no.

“I’m Yoongi.” Hoseok offered a hand to him, which Yoongi hesitantly took. Their mittens prevented Yoongi from feeling Hoseok’s skin, but he could feel the warmth radiate through his firm, yet gentle grip.

Hoseok’s lips quirked into a small smile. “I know.”

Yoongi wondered what he meant by that, but also really wanted to go on his walk. He didn’t want all his effort of putting his winter clothes on to go to waste.

Hoseok must have sensed this because he abruptly let go of Yoongi’s arm, nervously glancing down at the ground. “Erm, enjoy your walk! Careful, the stone can be a bit slippery sometimes. Obviously.” He chuckled and gestured to himself.

Yoongi laughed quietly too, before thanking Hoseok and turning away. He felt a bit guilty for shrugging him off. He hoped Hoseok wasn’t hurt by his actions. Yoongi let out a quiet sigh, noting how he didn’t hear the front doors close until he was out of sight.

--

Yoongi hadn’t realized how beautiful the grounds were. He was usually overwhelmed by all the students running around and shouting, throwing snowballs, and being a general nuisance. But now, everything was still. The snow was still pristine and undisturbed, save for two trails of footprints, which he assumed were Hoseok’s. It was nice, Yoongi decided.

The lake was only partially frozen and the trees of the forest were white with a light dusting of snow. Yoongi watched as the snowflakes sparkled in the sunlight as they fell to the ground.

Yoongi sat on a rock by the lake, letting the silence sooth him. The brisk air was merely an afterthought, the cold biting his cheeks. He was much too relaxed to worry about the cold.

He would have stayed longer had it not been for the rude growling of his stomach. He decided he should go for lunch before he starved to death and turned into a human popsicle.

For the past couple days, Yoongi had eaten his meals alone. He would go get his food from the hall and take it to his room. Each time he went to the Great Hall, he saw Hoseok sitting at one of the tables, back to him. Yoongi tried to be quiet so as not to attract the attention of the Hufflepuff boy. He didn’t want his presence at meal times to be an invitation for Hoseok to speak to him.

But that day, Yoongi didn’t really feel like eating in his room again, having spent so much time there already, so he filled up his plate and sat down at the Slytherin table. He brought along his charms book, reading it as he ate to give him something to do. He was used to having Jimin and Jungkook around to fill him in on the day’s events and the school’s gossip. But it was just silence, and Yoongi hated to admit it, but he felt a little lost.

He was so preoccupied with his thoughts and half reading his textbook, that he hadn’t noticed someone standing on the other side of the table with a plate full of food.

"Mind if I sit here?"

Yoongi, startled, looking up from his book. His brows furrowed in confusion as he took in the cute, nervous Hufflepuff boy in front of him.

"You want to sit with me?" Yoongi asked. Hoseok just shrugged, biting his bottom lip.

"I just thought," Hoseok trailed off before gathering his thoughts and starting again, "I saw you sitting by yourself, and we're the only two staying here over break so I thought you might like some company."

"Aren't Slytherins the sworn enemy?" Hoseok laughed.

"I don't think so. Besides, you seem harmless to me." Hoseok winked and Yoongi wasn't sure if he should be flattered or insulted, but he gestured for Hoseok to sit anyway. He might have found the boy interesting and Yoongi surprised himself when he realized he actually didn't want Hoseok to leave. He was used to everyone being afraid of or intimidated by him, so it was refreshing to have someone like Hoseok in his company. Or maybe he just felt guilty for dismissing the younger earlier.

"You're here for the break, then?" Obviously, Yoongi. Great star.

"Yeah, my parents decided to go on a vacation for their anniversary and my sister is on her honeymoon, so I figured I would stay here. You?"

Yoongi chuckled. "My family is having a family reunion." Hoseok sent him a confused look. "They’re alright, individually, but when they're all together, it's an absolute nightmare. There are tears, something always breaks, people are drunk, and it's just a loud mess. And I like quiet and clean."

Hoseok laughed. “Well, I guess I'll let you be then." On instinct, Yoongi reached out and grabbed Hoseok's wrist before he could leave.

"No, it's okay. You can stay." Hoseok considered it for a moment, glancing down at the hand gripping his wrist. Yoongi hastily let go, flushing in embarrassment, feeling the lingering warmth on his palm.

"Okay I'll stay. But you can tell me if you want me to leave, I won't be offended."

"Okay. And you can tell me if I'm being a jerk," Yoongi joked and Hoseok laughed. A pleasant sound.

"Deal, hyung. But you don't seem like that to me." Yoongi was surprised. Everyone told him he was too aloof, too cold and unapproachable. Yoongi figured that was their problem, not his.

"Well I'm glad. I don't want to scare you away."

"You won't." Hoseok smiled and Yoongi returned it, feeling strangely nervous. His hand trembled slightly as he held his fork. Hm. That was new.

The rest of the meal consisted of the two making small talk. Yoongi talked about classes in 6th year, Hoseok chatted about his overwhelming fear of failing his O.W.L.s.

“If you want, I could, um,” Yoongi stuttered when Hoseok looked up at him. “I could help you out a bit with your O.W.L.s? I mean, I don’t remember much but I can give you some pointers if you want?”

Hoseok’s face lit up. “Hyung, oh my god, you are literally going to save my ass. Thank you so much, you’re the best!” He clapped his hands before reaching out for Yoongi’s. Yoongi’s first instinct was always to pull away from physical affection, but he let the Hufflepuff boy hold his hands for a moment. He shuddered when the younger boy’s fingers skimmed over his palms.

That was certainly new.

--

They ended up spending the rest of the afternoon together. Yoongi helped Hoseok prepare for his O.W.L.s., textbooks and notes sprawled across the table in front of them. They were huddled close together with hot chocolate and cookies the house elves graciously gave them. It was nice being able to study in the library when there were no other students around. Also, Yoongi found it very comfortable, sitting next to Hoseok in big, cushy chairs, surrounded by books and the smell of hot chocolate and sweets. If Yoongi could bottle a feeling, this would be it.

Yoongi was surprised at how much Hoseok knew already. He was much more prepared for his exams than Yoongi had been. That semester had been a bit of a blur for Yoongi.

They started with history, one of the subjects Yoongi despised the most aside from Divination (he still maintains that the tea leaves don’t look like anything). Hoseok was actually really good at remembering people and dates, and Yoongi realized this was because Hoseok had come up with weird songs to remember them. Yoongi wished he had just half the motivation and enthusiasm Hoseok had. It would have made studying for his O.W.L.s so much easier. Honestly, he didn’t even think he could even help Hoseok that much.

After finishing their hot chocolate and almost all the cookies, they had moved on from history, and started reading through Hoseok’s Defence Against the Dark Arts notes. It was no surprise to Yoongi that Hoseok excelled at that subject as well. He got stuck on a couple of charms, but they were difficult spells, so Yoongi understood. He watched as Hoseok tapped his chin with his quill, brows furrowed (cutely) as he tried to make sense of his notes.

Yoongi waited for Hoseok to ask for his help, which he did after a long, exasperated sigh. “What is this?” He asked, tapping the spell in question.

"It’s a kind of binding spell." Hoseok’s lips twitched.

"Kinky."

"Hoseok."

"Sorry, sorry! I'm totally kidding!"

"Fuck. What the hell,” Yoongi grumbled. Hoseok just giggled, laughing into his palm. His eyes were bright as he peered at Yoongi, body shaking with laughter. “Binding spells are used to paralyze the person or creature you want to capture. Not for whatever your pervy mind is thinking of.”

Hoseok just giggled again and Yoongi’s heart skipped. “Okay, okay. I’ll only use it in times of danger.” Yoongi nodded once, satisfied. “Geez, this… Vindictus Viridian guy knew a lot about spells. Do I really have to read his entire book? It’s so long.”

“Yeah, unfortunately. You never know what they’re going to test you on so you have to know everything.”

“Jerks.” Yoongi snorted.

They ploughed through Defense Against the Dark Arts (Yoongi was fairly certain Hoseok would be an Auror if it weren’t for his adorableness and inability to harm literally anything).

When they were finished, Hoseok flipped his textbook shut and turned to face Yoongi, exasperated. “No more studying. Please.”

“I thought you wanted to-”

“I think I’m okay for now. We can study more tomorrow, maybe?” Yoongi nodded. “Because I want to get to know you, hyung! I don’t know anything about you, but you seem cool and I need to verify it.”

“Can’t you just take my word for it?”

“Nope. I want the details.” He leaned forward, whispering the last part to Yoongi. Yoongi shuddered when Hoseok’s breath ghosted across his face, slightly embarrassed since Hoseok’s gesture was purely innocent. Hoseok smiled at him, leaning back to sit cross-legged in his chair. “I want to know everything. What’s your favorite subject?”

“Potions.”

“Ah, a true Slytherin.” Yoongi chuckled and asked Hoseok the same question. “Hm, that’s hard. I love Astronomy. And Care of Magical Creatures is really fun. Those are probably my two favourites.”

It didn’t really surprise Yoongi. From the little information he had gathered about Hoseok, he pegged him for a romantic, someone with a soft spot for animals. He probably snuck into the forest to feed the unicorns and hippogriffs.

Adorable.

They spent what little was left of the afternoon talking. Hoseok spoke excitedly about the creatures he found close to the edge of the forest – unicorns and hippogriffs, as Yoongi suspected. He would often venture into the forest to pet them and feed them apples. Hoseok had frowned when he said it took the unicorns a while to warm up to him (“unicorns are more responsive to women,” he had said), but is smile returned when he said he had finally won them over. He had made friends with them, and he swore one of the younger ones recognized him, always running up to him as soon as he was in sight.

(Yoongi felt dizzy. His heart raced and he found himself giggling for no reason.)

Yoongi let Hoseok continue to talk about his encounters with the creatures of the forest, gesturing wildly, even as they walked back to the Great Hall for dinner.

Yoongi sat down on the bench of the Slytherin table and Hoseok slid into the spot next to him, bumping his shoulder as he did so. Yoongi’s breath hitched at the close proximity, but Hoseok didn’t seem to notice and kept chattering excitedly about unicorns.

Hoseok was in the middle of a particularly endearing story of how he was almost impaled by a unicorn’s horn, when the house elves brought them dinner. It was a comparatively smaller feast since it was just the two of them, but it was still a lot of food. Hoseok’s eyes widened and he graciously thanked the elves. They filled their plates with food, and Hoseok asked if Yoongi would prefer to eat in the Astronomy Tower.

“Professor Sinistra lets me go there whenever I want, which is pretty cool,” Hoseok said after Yoongi shot him a confused look. He agreed, figuring it would be nice to have a change of scenery.

--

It might have been a mistake, eating dinner in the Astronomy Tower. Yoongi almost fell countless times climbing the ridiculously long stairs to the top. Not to mention the struggle of trying to balance his food as he moved, nearly dropping a precious powder donut in the struggle. Hoseok, of course, didn’t seem to have any difficulty as he gracefully climbed the steps with a bright smile on his face.

Skirting around the model solar system, Hoseok brought them to the opening that gave them a view of the courtyard where they had met earlier that day. From their vantage point, they could also see the Black Lake, relatively still and calm, asleep like everything else, with only the moon’s reflection rippling with every gentle breeze.

Yoongi could definitely get used to this.

He turned to Hoseok, not realizing the younger had already sat down. Hoseok smiled and patted the step next to him. Yoongi sat down, balancing his overflowing plate of food on his knees. He had never gone to the Astronomy Tower much, except for when he had class. Astronomy never really interested him, the constellations and movements of the planets were too complex. More to the point that Astronomy class was always late at night for obvious reasons, making Yoongi miss out on very valuable sleep.

But it felt different now. It was earlier in the evening, and he wasn’t stuffed next to eager students frantically scribbling down constellations. It was just him and Hoseok. And even though they had only formally met mere hours ago, Yoongi felt oddly comfortable with him, as though he had known him for much longer.

They ate dinner in relative silence, but a comfortable one. The clanking of their utensils echoing throughout the otherwise silent tower, Hoseok stopping occasionally to point out a star.

(Cute, Yoongi thought).

They set their plates aside when they were finished, Hoseok letting out a satisfied sigh as he patted his belly. Yoongi chuckled and Hoseok settled back onto his elbows, looking at the sky thoughtfully. They settled into another comfortable silence, both of them watching the stars twinkle in the sky.

Yoongi tried not to think about how romantic it was. How he for some reason had a strong urge to reach out and hold Hoseok’s hand, lean his head against his shoulder, kiss him-

No.

Keep it together, Yoongi. It’s only been a few hours.

Yoongi silently chastised himself, scowling at the floor. Hoseok startled him out of his thoughts when he tapped his arm and pointed to a constellation. But Yoongi didn’t follow the younger’s gaze. His eyes caught sight of a faint freckle on Hoseok’s lip, and Yoongi had the overwhelming urge to kiss it.

“Isn’t that neat?” Yoongi’s eyes snapped up to meet Hoseok’s when the younger turned to him. He flushed in embarrassment, praying the other hadn’t caught him ogling his lips. If Hoseok had noticed, he didn’t give any indication, so Yoongi nodded stiffly and swallowed the lump in his throat. Hoseok beamed at him, oblivious, and resumed pointed out stars and constellations.

Yoongi tried to keep up, he really did. But the sky was so big and all the stars looked the same to him. He lost track of where Hoseok was pointing, and ended up staring at one particularly bright one while Hoseok continued to ramble on.

He didn’t realize Hoseok had stopped speaking until he heard a chuckle and a gentle hand pat him arm.

“Are you even listening?” Hoseok didn’t sound angry, more amused. He looked at Yoongi with sparkling eyes and a lopsided grin.

Yoongi took a beat too long to respond, and scrambled to throw together a coherent sentence. “No, no, no. I was! I just… how can you possibly remember all it? There are so many, and they all look the same and they always move during the night. How do you do it?”

Hoseok tilted his head thoughtfully, staring out into the lake. It was quiet for a while and Yoongi worried that he had offended him.

“I don’t know. I guess it’s just easy for me? Like how Potions is easy for you.” Yoongi nodded. Hoseok turned to look at him and smiled. “I guess I just love Astronomy. I mean, I don’t know. The stars are just so pretty. And they’re so far away, but it feels like I can just reach out and scoop them up.” Hoseok gestured with his hand, moving it across the sky as if to catch them. “I love that people have told their stories through the stars. Looking up at the sky is like reading a book, you know? It’s like the sky is preserving the stories we’ve told. Stories about victory, tragedy, love. I just love looking at a star and realizing that someone else has looked at it, gave a name to it, hung their story on it. It feels like every night the stars are screaming their stories. And I want to listen.”

Hoseok falls silent, turning back to gaze at the stars. Yoongi is left staring at the boy in awe. He hadn’t really thought of the stars in that way. He always saw them as annoying balls of light that kept him from sleep, just another subject he was forced to learn about.

“I never thought about it like that.” Hoseok looked at him with bright eyes. Yoongi realized he may have jumped to unfair conclusions about Hoseok. He wasn’t annoying, or loud. He just had lots of stories to tell, and all he wanted was for people to listen. Just like the stars he loved so much.

(No, Hoseok was much brighter. More beautiful than any star.)

Hoseok shrugged, smiling shyly, “but that’s just my opinion.”

Yoongi toyed with the hem of his sweater, thinking that maybe he shouldn’t have been so quick to dismiss certain things as annoying, or uninteresting. He shifted, moving to face Hoseok who was lounging casually on the steps. Hoseok didn’t catch him moving, too distracted by the stars. “Tell me more. I’d like to learn,” Yoongi said softly.

When Hoseok turned to face Yoongi, smile brighter than ever, Yoongi had to swallow the thick lump in his throat.

“You know, you’re a lot different from what everyone says.” Yoongi blinked, confused. “Here, I’ll make it a bit easier,” Hoseok said, changing the subject. Any questions Yoongi had were forgotten when Hoseok scooted closer to him, resting his chin on the elder’s shoulder. Hoseok reached down to grab Yoongi’s hand, raising it to point out the stars and constellations. Yoongi shuddered when Hoseok’s larger hand wrapped around his own. He felt a spark run down his spine, Hoseok’s breath fanning his neck. Yoongi’s eyes slipped shut for a moment, enjoying the warmth of Hoseok’s body pressed against his own, the gentle grip of the younger’s hand, and how his deep, dreamy voice would point out the constellations and tell their stories.

Yoongi couldn’t help but wonder why Hoseok hadn’t stumbled into his life sooner.

--

Later that night, when the two boys retired to their dorms, Yoongi was kept awake by the memory of the Hufflepuff’s warmth, the smoothness of his hand, his beautiful, bright smile, and the way he shone brighter than any star ever could.

--

The next day was much the same; Yoongi helped Hoseok study, not that he really needed it. The house elves kindly provided them with lots of snacks and sweets again, which Hoseok loved. Yoongi found it endearing, watching Hoseok stuff his face with cookies as they sat huddled together by the fire.

They ate their meals together and Yoongi found it strange that they never seemed to run out of things to talk about. Normally he found himself scrambling to say something to fill the silence (or flat out avoiding interactions for that reason), but he never had to do that with Hoseok. In fact, he wished for more hours in the day so he could talk to Hoseok for longer.

He enjoyed Hoseok’s presence more than he thought he would. The younger brought a more innocent kind of joy into his life. (Jimin’s joy derived from tormenting Yoongi so it was a nice change). Yoongi eagerly held on to every word of Hoseok’s stories, like the time his friend, Taehyung, snuck a doxy into the Hufflepuff dorm and then lost it. Hoseok’s eyes widened when he recalled how it bit a first year and they had to take her to the Hospital Wing. Of course, that was followed by a very stern talking to from the Headmaster and Hoseok laughed when he said he almost passed out. (“I’m a good student! I never get in trouble; I was so scared!”).

Somewhere during the midst of their “study session”, Hoseok’s feet ended up in Yoongi’s lap and Yoongi didn’t even mind. He wondered how he could go from barely knowing someone to letting them put their feet in his lap.

It was an unnerving realization, albeit not surprising, that Yoongi found himself falling. Hard.

“What do you think, hyung?”

Oh shit. “Hm?”

Hoseok laughed, eyes crinkling. “I said tomorrow’s Christmas Eve. Did you want to spend it with me?”

Yoongi was a bit taken aback. He just assumed they would be spending the day together. “Of course.”

Fuck.

--

"Wanna go to Hogsmeade, hyung?" Hoseok's breath was warm against his cheek and he struggled to gather his thoughts to form a coherent response.

They had just finished eating breakfast in the Great Hall when Hoseok sprung the question on him. "Hoseok, we could get in a lot trouble for that."

"C’mon hyung, it'll be fun. And I want candy. I have my invisibility cloak so no one will even notice us. Plus, we're not in our uniforms so no one will even look at us twice. I won't get you into trouble, I promise." Hoseok was looking at him with those big, doe eyes, his bottom lip jutting out ever so slightly in an adorable pout. Yoongi thought he was going to have a heart attack.

"Fine. But if I get expelled, you'll have to answer to my parents."

"Fair enough. I'll just use my irresistible charm on them." Yoongi scoffed. "What? It worked on you."

Yoongi was about to protest, raising his hands defensively, but Hoseok just grabbed his hand and pulled him off the bench out into the hallway.

It was nice. No loud students, no teachers barking at them to slow down. Just him and Hoseok, holding hands and bolting down the hallway towards the Hufflepuff common room. Yoongi was surprised Hoseok stopped just outside the kitchen and tapped a barrel in the hallway. Yoongi frowned. That’s weird. The barrel opened and Hoseok winked at Yoongi before disappearing into the opening.

So that was the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room, Yoongi thought. Weird.

Hoseok wasn't long, emerging a moment later with the cloak neatly folded over his arm. He grabbed Yoongi's hand again, whispering "let's go", the younger’s lips brushing lightly over Yoongi’s ear as he did so.

They waited until they were in hallway with no portraits (they were tattle tales; nothing better to do when you're a painting, Yoongi figured) and draped the cloak over the both of them, rendering them invisible.

They had to stand very close, close enough that their shoulders were squished together and Yoongi struggled not to step on Hoseok's feet. Hoseok, though, was as graceful as ever, gliding down the hallway and managing to keep them both covered by the cloak.

Yoongi had to admit, he was curious about this secret shortcut to Hogsmeade. Also, the idea of sneaking out with Hoseok was exciting to say the least.

Hoseok came to an abrupt stop and Yoongi nearly tripped over his own feet. Hoseok laughed next to him, his breath coming out as a light puff against Yoongi’s ear. Yoongi flushed in embarrassment, hoping Hoseok wouldn’t notice in the dimly lit hallway.

“Here we are.” Yoongi frowned, glancing around. There was nothing in the corridor, save for a creepy statue of a hunched over witch. He turned to Hoseok, confused. Hoseok winked at him and Yoongi felt his face heat up again.

He didn’t have much time to be embarrassed, though. Hoseok whispered, “Dissendium,” and the witch’s hump opened, the harsh sound of stone grating against stone echoing the otherwise dead silent corridor. Yoongi watched nervously, hoping the noise wouldn’t attract the attention of a ghost or a janitor.

Hoseok turned to Yoongi and winked, "pretty cool, huh?" Yoongi just nodded, at a loss for words. He pulled off the invisibility cloak, tugging Yoongi towards the entrance. “It’s basically a short slide to the underground passage. I’ll go first and you can hop in a few seconds after, okay?”

Yoongi nodded stiffly. Hoseok reached out for his hand, clasping it in both his own. Yoongi shuddered, looking from their joined hands to Hoseok’s face. He looked at Yoongi with a soft expression, one that made the elder’s heart skip a beat.

“Are you scared?” Hoseok’s tone wasn’t condescending, but rather quiet and concerned. Yoongi hastily shook his head, no. “Because we don’t have to go. Only if you want to.”

“I want to. I’ve just- I’m just worried about getting in trouble.” Hoseok smiled, moving one of his hands to Yoongi’s shoulder.

“I thought you were a Slytherin? Don’t worry, I promise I won’t get you into trouble.” The hand on Yoongi’s shoulder moved to his neck to reassure him. The touch was warm, and Yoongi’s eyes fluttered shut for a moment. He felt a rush of heat to his cheeks when Hoseok’s hand lingered. The younger’s fingers absentmindedly toyed with the hairs at his nape, his thumb grazing Yoongi’s jaw ever so slightly, a touch so light Yoongi thought he might have imagined it.

Hoseok was standing close to him now. Close enough that all Yoongi would have to do is tilt his chin up to join their lips. But Yoongi didn’t want to move, the hand on his neck too warm and comforting. He was grateful when Hoseok didn’t move either, fingers leaving a trail of feather light touches on his neck. Yoongi shivered.

But Hoseok pulled Yoongi closer, not for a kiss but to whisper in his ear, “c’mon. Let’s go.”

--

It crossed Yoongi’s mind that it was strange how Hoseok knew about this shortcut, but he didn’t mind so much. The underground path was convenient, quiet, a little creepy but Hoseok held Yoongi’s hand the whole time so he really couldn’t complain.

They spent most of their time in Honeydukes, Hoseok buying an obscene amount of candy ("it's because I'm so sweet") and Yoongi even bought a couple of things, mostly because Hoseok's excitement was contagious.

They walked around Hogsmeade, weaving around people, Hoseok's arm linked through his as he ate some cotton candy. He was chatting excitedly about his classes and Yoongi listened intently. It was refreshing, he thought, to have the ball of sunshine that is Hoseok in his life, and he was glad he had him to spend Christmas break with. It was much better than being alone.

They stopped for a butter beer, expecting the waiter to kick Hoseok out for being too young, but the guy didn't seem to care. He barely even looked at them when he took their order.

At some point, Hoseok had reached across the table to hold Yoongi’s hand. Yoongi’s heart leapt in his chest, but the gesture didn’t seem to faze Hoseok, and they went back to drinking their butter beers in comfortable silence. Yoongi was distracted the rest of the time, however, Hoseok’s thumb absentmindedly rubbing gentle circles on the back of Yoongi’s hand.

Hoseok downed the last of his drink, sighing contently and looking at Yoongi thoughtfully. "What do you want to do now?"

Yoongi shrugged. "Want to go for a walk?"

Hoseok nodded eagerly and they put enough money on the table to cover their drinks before exiting the bar. Hoseok's arm found its place around Yoongi's bicep, clinging tightly as they moved through the packed streets.

"I know somewhere we can go," Yoongi said, leading the way through the crowd, smiling to himself when Hoseok rested his head on Yoongi's shoulder. It felt nice, comfortable even, despite Hoseok being taller than him.

Yoongi continued to lead the way, Hoseok never letting go even when they had escaped the crowds. They wandered into a small wooded area, enough trees to shield them from the town. The path wasn't busy, only a few sets of footprints in the snow, but that was why Yoongi liked it. It was quiet.

They walked for a little while longer before they reached a clearing. Yoongi reached for Hoseok’s hand and pulled him towards a rock in the centre. They sat down, butts freezing cold on the snow covered stone, but Yoongi never felt so happy. Hoseok was hugging his arm, cheek pressed into Yoongi's shoulder. Hoseok hummed contently, gently rubbing Yoongi's arm as he did so.

"Thank you for taking me here, hyung." Yoongi hummed in response. "And thank you for letting me spend time with you. I don't do well alone." Yoongi covered Hoseok's gloved hand with his own.

"I like having you around. It was nice to have company."

He felt the weight disappear from his shoulder when Hoseok hesitantly lifted his head.

"Hyung," Hoseok murmured. Yoongi turned to face him, surprised at how close they were. He could see each of Hoseok’s eyelashes and a few faint freckles he hadn’t noticed before. He swallowed thickly, feeling nervous when Hoseok’s breath ghosted across his face. "Can I- can I try something?" Yoongi nodded stiffly. "You can stop me if you don't want to." Yoongi tensed as Hoseok slowly leaned in, not wanting to fuck it up, and when Hoseok's lips finally brushed against his, he nervously reached for Hoseok's other hand.

The kiss was cautious, Hoseok obviously not wanting to push Yoongi or overstep any boundaries, but Yoongi was all too eager, having wanted to kiss Hoseok since the first time they spoke. Maybe even before that.

Hoseok trailed his hand up Yoongi's arm until it was resting on the elder's neck. He moved closer, pressing their lips together more firmly, enjoying the taste of cotton candy on Hoseok's lips. It was sweet. Just like Hoseok.

Yoongi didn't know how long they had been kissing. Minutes? Hours? Either way, it didn't feel long enough when Hoseok pulled away. He immediately missed the warmth on his lips.

"I kind of really like you, hyung," Hoseok giggled nervously, cheeks tinged pink.

Yoongi leaned forward to give Hoseok another quick kiss. He pulled away only the slightest bit, letting their lips brush as he spoke, "I kind of really like you too, Hoseokie.”

--

During the break, a few of the long tables in the Great Hall were removed, only a couple small tables in their place with some large comfy chairs by the fireplaces. Yoongi plopped down in one of the chairs and pulled Hoseok down on top of him. The chairs were large enough he could lay lengthwise, his legs dangling over the arm of the chair and his head resting against the other. Hoseok was curled up against his side, half on top of him with his head tucked under Yoongi's chin. The younger slung his arm across his waist. It was comfortable and Yoongi felt warm. The heat from the fireplace and Hoseok's body thawing his thin, frozen form. He held Hoseok close, arms wrapping around his shoulders and pressing his lips into his soft, brown hair as the younger boy hugged him tightly back.

"I don't want Christmas break to end," Hoseok mumbled into Yoongi's sweater. Yoongi chuckled and pulled him closer, nuzzling into his hair.

"Me neither, Hoseokie."

Neither realized how long they had been there until someone, a janitor most likely, told them to hurry off to bed. They jumped apart, Hoseok almost tumbling onto the floor. If the man noticed how close they were, they didn't show any indication of it.

When the janitor exited the Great Hall, Hoseok pulled Yoongi up off the chair, but the younger didn’t let go. He held Yoongi close, sneaking an arm around his waist to pull their bodies flush together. Yoongi's breath hitched and his face grew hot under Hoseok's gaze, no longer feeling the need to be so close to the fireplace.

"I'll walk you to the dungeons." Yoongi nodded and Hoseok slipped his hand into Yoongi's.

They walked in comfortable silence to the dungeons, never letting go of each other’s hands.

At the entrance to the common room, Hoseok stepped directly in front of Yoongi, barely leaving and inch of space between them. "Good night, Yoongi-hyung," Hoseok said, gaze flickering down to Yoongi's lips. Yoongi surprised him by cupping his cheek and whispering a "goodnight" against his lips before pulling Hoseok into a kiss. It was more intense than the one they had shared earlier and Yoongi melted into it.

He pulled away from Hoseok, resting his forehead against the younger's and letting their noses brush together. "I’ll see you in the morning."

Hoseok pecked him on the lips, "I can't wait." Hoseok pressed another quick kiss to Yoongi's lips before skipping down the hallway, glancing over his shoulder to flash a charming smile and waving at him before disappearing around the corner.

Yoongi didn't sleep much that night, too preoccupied with thoughts of Hoseok and his soft hands and even softer lips.

--

When Yoongi arrived at the Great Hall the next morning – Christmas morning – it was empty. Hoseok was nowhere to be seen. It was unusual since Hoseok was usually the one who was up first. Yoongi figured it was because someone as energetic and happy as Hoseok probably couldn’t sleep for more than 7 hours, max.

Yoongi shrugged to himself, trying not to feel too disappointed.

He took a seat at the table and spooned a heaping pile of various foods onto his plate. For the first time in a few days, he ate by himself.

Too preoccupied with eating, Yoongi didn’t notice the body sliding into the spot next to him and he nearly jumped out of his skin when they tapped his shoulder. Yoongi cursed and clutched his chest, trying to will his heart to calm down. Hoseok just giggled and kissed his cheek. “Merry Christmas, hyung.”

Yoongi returned the sentiment, still startled, and turned to face the Hufflepuff boy. Hoseok didn’t move away, he was still leaning into Yoongi with a soft smile and warm eyes. Hoseok leaned forward, closing the gap and joining their lips together. It was a gentle, closed-mouth kiss that made Yoongi’s heart beat fast again.

“For you.” Yoongi blinked, confused, until Hoseok placed a small wrapped present on the table.

“Oh Hoseokie… I’m sorry, I didn’t-”

“I don’t give to receive. I didn’t expect you to get me anything. You’ve already given me a lot. This is more of a “thank you” gift than Christmas present.” Yoongi frowned in confusion as he held the small box in his hands. “For spending the break with me. I don’t do well alone. Now, come on, open it!”

Yoongi slowly unwrapped the gift. Inside was a few small phials, for potions of course, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, and a chocolate frog. Yoongi felt his chest tighten. He really hadn’t expected anything from Hoseok. And honestly, Hoseok could have given him anything and Yoongi would still keep it forever.

“Thank you, Hoseokie. Merry Christmas.” Yoongi held one of the small phials in his hand, thinking how he actually really needed more of these.

“Sorry I couldn’t give you more. I didn’t really have time to shop for you.” Hoseok winked.

Yoongi laughed. “You really didn’t have to get me anything. But thank you, I’m definitely going to use these.” Hoseok smiled brightly.

They finished breakfast together, Yoongi resting his hand on Hoseok’s thigh as the younger spoke. He was talking about how his Ravenclaw friend, Namjoon, had written to him. Hoseok also let slip Namjoon’s weakness for a certain 6th year Hufflepuff prefect, Seokjin. Yoongi recognized that name. He’d had many classes with Seokjin, although he didn’t interact with him much. He seemed nice enough, though. And he had Hoseok’s stamp of approval.

“Oh my god, hyung. You should hear the poetry Namjoon’s been writing. Honestly, I don’t know how I’m going to survive having to listen to his pining all the time. I wish they would just get together already. I can’t take much more of this.”

“I’m sure it’ll work out for them. Maybe all they need is a little push.”

When Hoseok looked at him, Yoongi could practically hear the gears turning in his head. He just hoped whatever plan Hoseok was devising didn’t require his services.

“You’re right, hyung. I’ll have to make that my New Year’s Resolution.” Yoongi chuckled. Hoseok reached for Yoongi’s hand, giving it a squeeze. “But I guess I shouldn’t complain about Namjoon’s pining. That would make me a hypocrite.”

Yoongi raised an eyebrow at him. Hoseok just laughed. “I may have done some pining of my own lately.” Yoongi blinked at him. “I’ve been talking to Namjoon, and Taehyung, a lot about you.”

Yoongi was stunned. He had not been expecting that. “I’d always see you around, with Jimin and Jungkook, who are adorable by the way, and I don’t know. There’s just something about you. Maybe it’s your blond hair, or your cute face, or your bad-boy, Slytherin attitude – which I’m starting to realized is just a facade. I don’t know. I just took a liking to you.”

Yoongi thought he must be dreaming. Never in his 16 years of life did he expect Jung Hoseok, an actual angel surely sent to earth to save mankind, to compliment him in such away, much less actually like him.

His mind was a mess and had he been thinking properly, he would have taken time to say something thoughtful and nice, not the word vomit he ended up spewing. “I always thought you were so beautiful and smart and funny and nice, and I really, really like you.” It came out in a rush and Yoongi’s face flushed in embarrassment before he was even finished.

Hoseok’s smile was soft, and he reached up to cup Yoongi’s cheeks. His fingers brushed a few of Yoongi’s blond locks out of his eyes and Yoongi shivered at the touch. Hoseok brought their lips together for a chaste kiss, letting his bottom lip slide between Yoongi’s. Yoongi sighed contently, reaching forward to clutch the front of Hoseok’s sweater.

Hoseok pulled away, resting his forehead against the elder’s. “Go get your coat and meet me at the front doors. I want to take you somewhere.”

--

Yoongi wondered where Hoseok would be taking him, and he scrambled to put on his winter gear, eager to find out.

He beat Hoseok to the front doors, practically bouncing on his feet. This was certainly new for him. The excitement, the energy. He liked it.

Hoseok appeared a couple minutes later, bundled (cutely) in his winter coat and scarf. Yoongi smiled and reached out to push open the front doors, but a hand on his wrist stopped him. Yoongi turned to Hoseok to ask why, but Hoseok was looking at something else above their heads. Yoongi followed the younger’s gaze and spotted a familiar green plant with a small red ribbon tying the twigs together. Hoseok caught Yoongi’s eye, mouth twitching as if he was about to laugh.

“Mistletoe.”

“How very-” Yoongi was cut of by Hoseok pulling him in for an eager kiss. Yoongi kissed him back with the same enthusiasm, enjoying the feeling of Hoseok’s soft lips against his own.

Yoongi’s hands were fisting the front of Hoseok’s coat, while Hoseok’s found their way to Yoongi’s neck. The elder sighed into the kiss, parting his lips when Hoseok’s tongue trailed along his bottom lip. He had expected Hoseok to kiss him again, but the younger pulled away from him, looking as breathless as Yoongi felt.

Yoongi pouted, missing Hoseok’s warmth, and the younger chuckled, stroking Yoongi’s cheek with his gloved thumb. “Let’s go, before I forget what I wanted to show you.”

Hoseok reached for Yoongi’s hand and held it tightly as they trudged through the snow. Hoseok was taking him to the forest, and Yoongi started to feel nervous. “Hoseok, I don’t think we should be here.”

The younger was leading Yoongi through the woods, stopping only for a brief moment to wink at Yoongi over his shoulder. He seemed to know where he was going, which calmed Yoongi’s nerves, but only a bit.

Yoongi, never really one to venture into the great outdoors, kept tripping over branches and rocks. Hoseok giggled and held his hand tighter each time. Yoongi wanted nothing more than to stop and kiss him.

Hoseok lead them to a clearing, only a few leaf-less trees and a small creak a few meters away. It was a nice spot, Yoongi decided, some sunlight filtering through the tree branches above them.

They waited for a moment. Hoseok wasn’t saying anything, just looking around the open space. He held Yoongi’s arm tightly, squeezing occasionally when he was excited.

It was a few minutes before anything happened. Yoongi trusted that Hoseok had a reason for bringing him into the woods so he waited quietly and patiently. He didn’t notice the movement at first, until Hoseok gasped quietly beside him and held his arm tighter. Yoongi followed Hoseok’s line of sight and his gaze landed on a small unicorn emerging from the trees.

Yoongi blinked a few times, making sure he wasn’t imagining it. He had never actually seen a unicorn before and he wanted to make sure his mind wasn’t playing tricks on him.

The young foal moved cautiously towards them, likely recognizing Hoseok but feeling suspicious of Yoongi. Yoongi stayed as still as possible and watched the unicorn move closer. Its fur was snow white, pure and clean. It shimmered when the light hit it a certain way and Yoongi couldn’t tear his eyes from the sight. Its silver horn jutted out from between it’s eyes, the most beautiful tone of silver he had ever seen. The creature looked almost unreal, the colours seeming too vivid and magical to be from this world. Yoongi was in awe.

The unicorn inched closer, staying on Hoseok’s side, eyeing Yoongi cautiously. Hoseok held out his hand and the unicorn quickened its pace to meet the Hufflepuff. Yoongi watched as Hoseok gently pet the foal’s head, and he noticed that Hoseok purposefully avoided the horn.

Hoseok spoke in a low, soft voice to the small unicorn, and Yoongi couldn’t tell what he was saying. Hoseok grabbed Yoongi’s hand to slowly pull him closer, both Yoongi and the unicorn looking afraid.

“It’s okay,” Hoseok said in a sweet voice. Yoongi couldn’t tell if Hoseok was speaking to him or the unicorn.

Hoseok slowly brought Yoongi’s hand to the unicorn’s neck. The foal flinched, but hesitantly allowed Yoongi to pet him.

“They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” Hoseok let go of Yoongi’s hand to pet the unicorn behind it’s ears. Yoongi nodded and Hoseok leaned his head on the elder’s shoulder. “I named him Mickey.”

“That’s a cute name.”

They stayed with “Mickey” for a while, Hoseok cooing softly at the foal and Yoongi couldn’t help the warm feelings bubbling in his chest.

Eventually, they moved to sit under a tree, Hoseok rummaging through his bag for a couple of apples which he tossed in Mickey’s direction. Mickey ate happily as the two boys watched. Hoseok leaned against Yoongi, holding his gloved hand.

“Thank you for bringing me here.” Hoseok hummed and nuzzled into Yoongi’s shoulder. With his eyes shut, Yoongi thought Hoseok might fall asleep. He held Hoseok tightly, deciding that feeding unicorns with Hoseok was a pretty great way to spend Christmas.

--

In the afternoon, they found themselves a large, comfy chair at the back of the library. They knew there was a very slim chance of anyone actually finding them, but they still wanted privacy from any ghosts or portraits.

Yoongi lay lengthwise in the chair, Hoseok lying half on top of him like they had the night before. They held each other’s gaze for a moment, Yoongi’s hand on the back of Hoseok’s neck, tangling his fingers in the hairs at his nape. The younger boy’s eyes fluttered shut and he closed the gap between them. The warmth of Hoseok’s mouth sent shivers down Yoongi’s spine.

They kissed, slow and languid, Yoongi’s hands gripping the younger’s hips tightly. Hoseok’s hands explored Yoongi’s body, alternating between gripping his sides and trailing his fingers down Yoongi’s chest. Yoongi shivered as he felt Hoseok’s blunt nails scratch against his sweater.

He felt Hoseok melt into the kiss and Yoongi didn’t fail to notice the eagerness with which Hoseok kissed him. He knows, they both know, that it’s much too soon to do anything else, but he can’t help the heat pooling in his gut.

They separate for a moment, catching their breath. Hoseok looks utterly spent, and Yoongi feels much the same. But he craves Hoseok, so he pulls him down again. He parts his lips and lets Hoseok drag his tongue along his bottom lip, hesitantly dipping into the elder’s mouth. Sensing the other may be asking for some kind of permission, Yoongi deepens the kiss, pressing his mouth firmly against Hoseok’s. Hoseok responds immediately, licking into Yoongi’s mouth with such intensity and desperation, Yoongi feels dizzy.

Their tongues tangle together, and all Yoongi can taste, can feel, is Hoseok. Just Hoseok. His hands wander to the small of Hoseok’s back and he presses their bodies together as close as possible. Hoseok whimpers above him, but doesn’t stop. Instead he moves to straddle the elder, thighs on either side of Yoongi’s hips.

Yoongi shudders when Hoseok’s hands trail up his body to tangle in his hair. He feels Hoseok tug gently at the strands and Yoongi lets out an embarrassing whine. Hoseok, however, doesn’t seem to notice and lets Yoongi tug his bottom lip between his own.

They kiss for what seems like hours – and actually turns out to be hours – and they realize it’s time for Christmas dinner. Hoseok pulls Yoongi out of the chair, both of them somewhat dazed, but Yoongi’s still aware enough to notice Hoseok slip his hand into his own.

They head to the Great Hall, Hoseok clinging to him and surprising him with kisses on his jaw, his cheek, his neck. Yoongi quivers with each touch and he wants nothing more than to push Hoseok against the nearest wall and kiss him.

They eat dinner together, a feast of bulgogi and rice cake soup, among other delicious foods. Hoseok’s hand rests dangerously high on Yoongi’s thigh. He talks about Christmases with his family, and Yoongi listens. He’s surprised to find out that Christmas with the Jungs is a quiet affair. Hoseok recounts how they spend the entire day in their pyjamas, watching a marathon of Christmas movies. And, of course, there’s lots of food.

Yoongi tells Hoseok about his family’s Christmases. He enjoys it (although, he has to admit, this Christmas has been his favorite). It’s one of the few occasions where his family agrees to avoid sensitive subjects – Yoongi’s fascination with muggle music, for example – and they don’t argue. It’s nice.

After they finish eating, they move to one of the comfy chairs in the Great Hall, too full to move much more than that. He can tell Hoseok is starting to doze off so he lets him.

They sit by the fire for an hour, feeling lazy and full. When Hoseok wakes up from his brief nap, he suggests they go to the Astronomy Tower again, and Yoongi agrees.

It starts off with Hoseok showing Yoongi more stars and constellations. Hoseok is behind Yoongi again, and when the younger breaths against him, Yoongi doesn’t even try to hide the shiver that runs through his body. Hoseok notices and cups Yoongi’s jaw, turning his head so that they are facing each other. Hoseok kisses him, and Yoongi feels the way he had earlier that day. Warm, content, safe.

He feels Hoseok shift, and the younger is straddling him again. Hoseok gently pushes him onto his back, his fingers lightly wrapping around the elder’s wrists to hold them above his head. He slots their fingers together and Yoongi whimpers. He lets Hoseok pepper kisses all over his face before capturing his lips again and kissing him underneath the stars.

Definitely Yoongi’s favorite Christmas.

--

The rest of the break passes more quickly than Yoongi had hoped it would. He hadn’t expected to enjoy himself so much. Then again, he hadn’t expected to fall for someone over break so that was probably why he had such low expectations.

Yoongi couldn't help but feel sad that what were quite possibly the best two weeks of his life were coming to a close. He didn’t want the students to come back. He just wanted it to be him and Hoseok. He wanted to run through the hallways holding each other’s hands, sit at the same table together, kiss out in the open without the prying eyes of their peers. It was selfish, he realized. He wanted Hoseok all to himself.

When the students return, that meant Hoseok’s many friends would also return. Yoongi didn’t have anything against them, but he knew it would be difficult to find time for just the two of them. There was also the problem of Hoseok being a Hufflepuff and Yoongi being a Slytherin. Slytherins were the only house that didn’t really date outside of their fellow housemates, and Yoongi hoped Hoseok wouldn’t be the target of ridicule from others. Yoongi was a Slytherin, and not a well-liked Slytherin at that.

He told Hoseok about his worries over lunch one day. Hoseok had reassured him there was nothing to worry about and held the elder’s hand tightly in his. The younger brushed his lips lightly over Yoongi’s knuckles, promising him that nothing would change.

But Yoongi wanted to spend every waking minute with Hoseok like he had during the break.

Even when Yoongi was studying (because he really did need to study), Hoseok would be there with his own textbooks and notes. Hoseok was always freaking out about his O.W.L.s, and Yoongi helped him if he needed it. Typically, their study sessions were very productive for about the first two or three hours, then Hoseok would start to get bored and doodle on Yoongi’s notes, prompting Yoongi to swat his hand away – he usually held his hand instead, but, minor details. By the end of their study session, they were all over each other, Yoongi quizzing Hoseok on charms and potion’s ingredients between kisses.

Later, when they both returned to their respective common rooms, Yoongi would pull out his notes to study, but would always end up staring at the drawings Hoseok made in the margins. He would thumb over the cute cartoon animals, unflattering caricatures of some of their professors, and his favorite, little cartoon figures of the two of them. Sometimes “cartoon Sobi”, as Hoseok affectionately named them would go on mini adventures, Hoseok drawing a new scene on every page. Their most recent adventure of fighting off a dragon was “to be continued” because Yoongi didn’t get far enough in his notes for Hoseok to complete the story.

It was adorable. It was so fucking adorable Yoongi thought his heart would burst. It was times like these that Yoongi couldn’t believe they’d only really known each other for less than two weeks. They were doodling in each other’s notes, spending every waking moment together, even making plans for the summer. Hoseok had once asked Yoongi if he would like to spend a month at his family’s cabin over the summer break. Yoongi had stared blankly at Hoseok, surprised.

“You don’t have to, I just thought I’d offer. I’ll be there, but my family won’t be for the first month, working you know, so I just thought-”

“Yes.” Yoongi interrupted Hoseok before he could continue. “I’d love to.”

Hoseok seemed overjoyed by this, smile lighting up the whole room as he held Yoongi’s hand tightly in his. His thumb grazed over Yoongi’s knuckles as he leaned on his free hand and to look at Yoongi.

“I can’t wait.”

--

The professors started arriving a few days before the students. The large tables replaced the comfy chairs in the Great Hall, preparing for the return of hundreds of students. Yoongi couldn’t help the obvious pout on his face when he went for breakfast.

Hoseok had pulled him down into the spot next to him and they ate breakfast in silence. Yoongi could tell Hoseok was thinking the same thing as Yoongi. Neither wanted the break to end.

Hoseok rested his head on Yoongi’s shoulder. Yoongi held his hand tightly.

--

Jimin and Jungkook walked through the front doors of Hogwarts, arms looped together, chatting excitedly about their holidays. Jimin was giggling at something Jungkook had said, but stopped immediately when he peered into the Great Hall. He saw Yoongi with the Hufflepuff. Hoseok.

“Holy shit,” Jimin whispered. Jungkook followed his gazed and cursed when he saw them. Yoongi and Hoseok were sitting together, straddling the bench so they were face to face. Hoseok had his back to the door, but the two Slytherins could see Yoongi smiling brightly at the younger Hufflepuff boy. Jimin and Jungkook stared in awe for a few moments, noting how close the two were sitting, when they heard whispering from behind.

It was a couple of Hufflepuffs, Jimin recognized them as Hoseok’s friends. They, too, were looking at Hoseok and Yoongi huddled close, and Jimin swore he saw one of them (the one with the boxy grin, brown hair, and doe eyes), smile at the sight.

Jimin didn’t have much time to dwell on it, when Yoongi looked up and caught his gaze. The elder smiled and waved, then whispered something to Hoseok before giving his thigh a squeeze and making his way to his friends. Hoseok waited a beat, then got up as well and skipped towards his own Hufflepuff friends.

“Yoongi-hyung!” Jungkook shouted, practically pouncing on Yoongi when the elder was close enough. Yoongi stumbled a bit, but didn’t let go of Jungkook. Jimin joined in and the three hugged each other tightly.

When they separated, Yoongi barely had time to breath before Jimin and Jungkook launched into an excited spiel about their holidays. Yoongi tried to listen, he really did, but both were talking a mile a minute at the same time. He had to smile, though. He had missed them.

--

It was their first dinner back and the Headmaster had given some speech about the new year, new semester. It sounded familiar to the speech they’d heard last year, but Yoongi actually believed bits of it this time. He could tell it was going to be a good year.

When the food appeared on the table, Yoongi hadn’t realized that he’d been starving the whole time. He loaded up his plate and let Jimin chatter away. Yoongi caught Hoseok's eye from across the room and he couldn't help but smile, even more so when Hoseok returned it. Yoongi looked back down at his food, still smiling like an idiot, completely oblivious to the confused, but excited glances between his friends.

Yoongi hadn’t realized that Jimin noticed him looking at Hoseok until he practically shrieked. "Hyung, oh my god. You have to tell us everything!"

Yoongi brushed them off with a shrug, but the red blush on Yoongi’s cheeks was all Jimin needed.

The younger shrieked again, earning some confused and irritated glances from some of the other Slytherins at the table. Yoongi tried to cover his ears with his hands but Jimin grabbed them tightly, giggling like a maniac. Even Jungkook looked confused.

“Kookie!” at his name, Jungkook leaned forward. Jimin leaned in to whisper to the younger. “Yoongi and Hoseok are together.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened and a big, bunny smile bloomed on his face. Yoongi braced himself.

Jungkook grabbed Yoongi’s other arm and started shaking him. He was strong, definitely stronger than Yoongi, so it was hard for the elder to stay still. He chanced looking up, hoping he could catch Hoseok’s gaze. The Hufflepuff was looking at him, laughing behind his hand, and Yoongi just gave him an exasperated look. He had one kid shrieking at him and the other practically throwing him off the bench.

(But as much as he hated it, he kind of loved it.)

--

Yoongi changed his mind. It may have been cute at first, but now Jimin and Jungkook were all but interrogating him about him and Hoseok. Through all the questions, he had remembered when he had told Hoseok about the two Slytherin boys.

(“Don’t let their adorableness fool you, Hoseok. I’m pretty sure they’re the spawn of Satan. At least Jimin is.”

“Aw, hyung, they seem sweet.”

“That’s what I thought too, and now look where I am. I’m probably stuck with them for life.”)

Still, Yoongi indulged them. He told them about most of the things he and Hoseok had done over break. Studying, eating, feeding unicorns, going to Hogsmeade. He left some details out, of course; making out with Hoseok several times in the library, for example.

“You two went to feed unicorns together?” Jimin’s eyebrows were raised so high they disappeared into his hair.

Yoongi nodded, “Yeah.”

“Interesting,” Jimin muttered, but Yoongi could see the smug grin on his face when the younger turned to look at him.

“Shut up, Jimin.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Yes, you were not saying anything very loudly.”

Jungkook was watching him with a smug grin that matched Jimin’s. Yoongi scowled, but was relieved when they didn’t ask him anymore questions. Instead, they chatted excitedly about potential date ideas for Hoseok and Yoongi, and Yoongi swore he heard something about a fucking wedding.

At that point, Yoongi decided it was best to tune out completely. He stared out the window of the Slytherin common room, watching as some fish swam by and enjoying how the lake tinted the whole room green.

Hoseok would like that, he thought. He smiled.

--

A week into the new semester, once everyone was settled into their new schedules, Yoongi and Hoseok finally had some time alone. Hoseok had waited for Yoongi by the Dungeons, earning a few suspicious glances from some of the Slytherin students. Hoseok hadn’t told Yoongi where they were going, he had just approached the elder after lunch, asking if he wanted to do something. (Yoongi had pointedly ignored the snickers from Jimin and Jungkook). He agreed, of course. It had been much too long since he’d been with Hoseok, and Yoongi was starting to really miss him.

Hoseok took Yoongi into the forest to feed the unicorns again. The younger held Yoongi’s hand the whole way, surprising Yoongi with kisses from time to time.

The two boys sat under the same tree, holding on to each other tightly. It wasn’t as cold as the first time they were there, but it was still pretty fucking cold.

“I asked my parents if I could spend the first month of summer with you, and they said okay. I think they’re glad I’m actually talking to other students, not just Jimin and Jungkook.”

Hoseok laughed. “Good, I’m glad.” He lifted his head to face Yoongi, placing a quick kiss on the elder’s lips. “I can’t wait. It’ll be just like Christmas break. Except warmer.” Yoongi nodded, brushing his lips against Hoseok’s. He captured the younger boy’s lips for another brief kiss.

“Just the two of us."