Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Here’s the thing.

Han Yoojin’s life at Hogwarts is calm and quiet in the sense of how normal hormonal witches and wizards are. Some people gravitate more towards Quidditch and thrive in a blood-thirsty sport done thirty meters up in the air. Others excel in handling deadly material and brewing potions that could melt your bone the moment you have skin contact.

Now, his affinity is magical creatures and beasts. Ever since he first read Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and became fascinated, Han Yoojin knew he wanted to be a Magizoologist. When he accidentally wandered into the gamekeeper’s hut as a first-year and befriended every living being there, Han Yoojin’s dream was reaffirmed. In fact, all the teachers recognize his calling – it’s why he’s allowed to take Care of Magical Creatures early and help the gamekeeper every so often. He might experience some special treatment, but he’s just like any other advanced student.

Han Yoohyun isn’t calm, quiet, or normal. In his first year, he found the sorcerer’s stone the headmaster was protecting and hid it in his trunk until the end of the term because “I could hide it better.” His second year, he somehow opened the Chamber of Secrets and killed the Basilisk living in it. His third year is a little better if you don’t consider the time a swarm of dementors went after him in the middle of a Quidditch match and he cast a corporeal Patronus to ward the off.

Han Yoojin wishes Han Yoohyun can experience a peaceful and fun year at Hogwarts, but the statistics are not looking good.

“This year, we will be hosting the Triwizard Tournament!” the headmaster proudly announced at the welcoming banquet.

And that statistic is looking uglier by the second.

“The heads of the participating schools, as well as the Ministry of Magic, have agreed to impose an age restriction on contenders this year. Only students who are of age – that is, 17 years old or more – will be allowed to put forward their names for consideration.”

Okay, the statistic just rises a bit.

Han Yoojin shoots a look at Han Yoohyun – there’s a reason why he always chooses a seat that allows him to get a clear view of him, even from two tables away – and the latter had his chin on his palm, staring in boredom at the headmaster. He doesn’t look too interested in the prospect of the tournament and with the age restriction, Han Yoojin doubts he would get into much trouble this year.

Han Yoojin relaxes and chooses to tune in to the conversation at the table. It seems they’re discussing the tournament itself.

“Yoojin, are you going to sign up for the tournament?” Someone close to him asks.

“No, I don’t really see the charm in entering.” Han Yoojin shrugs.

“Yeah, you’re probably more interested in sneaking into the Forbidden Forest to observe the creatures, aren’t you?” Someone jokes, setting off laughter from the others. Han Yoojin flushes and tries to defend himself, though it’s for naught. Everyone knows he’ll already be going to the Forbidden Forest at least once by the end of the week.

“Yoohyun-ah, you’re not going to enter the Triwizard Tournament, right?”

“Of course, I wouldn’t, hyung. You know I’m thinking of taking some advanced classes this year.”

“Just making sure. Promise me you’ll have fun this year?”

“I promise. Hyung should worry more about himself, I know you skipped lunch today.”

“For a good cause! The Bowtruckles finally allowed me to enter their island and witness their eggs hatching! I can’t miss that!”

The months leading up to October are filled with excitement. Many students are looking forward to signing up for the tournament – for reasons Han Yoojin can’t comprehend. However, a lot more are looking forward to the arrival of the participating schools. They wonder what the students are like, what the uniforms look like, and who will stay at their beloved school for half the year.

The gamekeeper told Han Yoojin he’d enlist his help to take care of some of the creatures the school will bring. So far, Han Yoojin knows Beauxbatons will be arriving using Abraxan winged horses, but apparently, there will be more. He suspects some of these ‘creatures’ would be utilized in the tournament itself.

“I heard that Durmstrang students are more likely to sit at the Slytherin’s table.” Han Yoojin muses as he walks with Han Yoohyun towards the Great Hall. The two brothers are a common sight, even if some still find it weird a Hufflepuff and a Slytherin are together. “If you happen to sit close to them, maybe you can befriend some.”

“I’ll try, hyung.” Han Yoohyun promises earnestly. “I heard that Sung Hyunjae might come this year. Maybe I’ll ask him how professional Quidditch teams train.”

“Sung Hyunjae…?” Han Yoojin tries to remember where he’s heard of the name before. Seeing as Han Yoohyun had mentioned Quidditch, he must be a player?

“He played in the Quidditch World Cup, hyung.” Han Yoohyun reminds. Although the two brothers had watched the game, he knows Han Yoojin has problems with remembering the players’ names and who plays what. “He’s the Chaser who scored the most in the match – if it weren’t for him, the other team would’ve won since they caught the Snitch.”

Han Yoohyun’s story sparks Han Yoojin’s memory. He soon remembers the young blonde that people were swooning over. He remembers being impressed with Sung Hyunjae’s flying skill; despite using a broomstick, he looked like he was gliding gracefully – weightless and unburdened.

“Oh, he was the youngest player, right? Is this his final year then?”

“Second last, I think.”

Han Yoohyun bids him goodbye as they reach the Great Hall and goes to Slytherin’s table. As always, Han Yoojin waits for Han Yoohyun to find his seat before finding his own.

Beauxbatons’ arrival was filled with a theatrical flurry of glittery fabrics, ribbons, and flying paper dragons. One of them flew above the Hufflepuff’s table, raining down golden sparks that evaporated instantly once it hit a surface. At the end of the line, just in front of the headmistress, walked a tall, beautiful woman with short, dark hair and bright eyes. She had an easy, confident grin on her face, and she walked through the hallway like she owned the place. Unlike the other students, whose beauty tends to appear in a softer manner, she was of sharp and harsh edges. Han Yoojin can easily imagine her participating in the Triwizard Tournament.

Durmstrang enters with less flourish and more momentum. The students swarm in while slamming long staffs to the ground, twirling them uniformly as they walk. Small bursts of flame and lightning spout from the staffs’ ends, flickering brightly for a second before dissipating. Alike the Beauxbatons, the headmaster of Durmstrang enters last, though he wasn’t walking alone. Beside him, clad in Durmstrang deep red and a furry cape hanging from one shoulder is unmistakably Sung Hyunjae.

The sight of Sung Hyunjae’s immaculate blonde hair and deep, golden eyes has the students tittering with glee and bashfulness. His posture is perfectly straight, as is the Durmstrang’s characteristic, however, his entire body is relaxed, almost casual. He saunters into the hall with an unhurried grace and a small, well-trained smile.

Later, when the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students sit amongst the Hogwart’s students, Han Yoojin finds himself occasionally stealing glances at the Slytherin table where Sung Hyunjae has chosen to settle over. Reluctantly, he admits to understanding why so many fawns over his looks.

Han Yoojin huffs and goes back to his dinner.

True to the headmaster’s words, there truly is an age restriction for the tournament. To sign yourself up, you simply write your name on a piece of paper and put it inside the Triwizard Cup. However, the man had put an age line barrier around the cup to restrict anyone underage or below seventeen years from reaching the cup.

Han Yoojin hears some people try various spells and potions to age them up, but none succeeds in going past the barrier. In his trust of the tournament’s rules and the headmaster’s casting abilities, Han Yoojin relaxes all too soon. Watching with bated interest as the headmaster conjures the Goblet of Fire, Han Yoojin gets swept into his housemate’s excited chatter.

“No doubt Sung Hyunjae will be chosen.”

“Yeah? Wonder who’ll they pick for Beauxbatons and Hogwarts.”

Inwardly, Han Yoojin thinks the Durmstrang student who Sung Hyunjae hangs out the most with, Song Taewon, has a fair shot of getting chosen. For Beauxbatons, Han Yoojin can only imagine the sharp student, Riette, getting chosen. For Hogwarts though, now that’s an unpredictable one to guess.

“From Beauxbatons,” the Goblet’s flame burns red, and a small slip of parchment bursts out. “Riette Luire!”

Loud, excited cheers and claps arise from the Beauxbatons students as Riette makes her way to the front of the room, proud and tall.

“From Durmstrang,” the Great Hall quiets down. “Sung Hyunjae!”

The Durmstrang students break out in deafening roars and claps as Sung Hyunjae walks to the front, relaxed but alert.

“Finally, from Hogwarts,” the voices died down, this time from thrumming anticipation. “Moon Hyuna!”

The Hogwarts students scream in excitement, the Gryffindors rising to their feet, while the Slytherins only clap politely, evidently disappointed that the Hogwart’s champion isn’t coming from their house. Moon Hyuna grins as she heads up to the other victors.

“Excellent!” the headmaster called happily as the celebration dies down. “We now have all three champions. I am confident that all of you, including the remaining students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, to give the champions all the support you can give. By cheering your champion on, you will contribute greatly to–“

Suddenly, the dormant, bright blue fire in the goblet turns red and it spats out another parchment.

Han Yoojin feels dread in his abdomen. Please don’t let it be what he thinks it will be.

The headmaster catches it and stares at the written name for a dreadful, tense, long moment.

“Han Yoohyun.”

Fuck.

To those who don’t know Han Yoohyun well, they would’ve thought he’s unbothered by how calm he looks. But Han Yoojin spends almost his entire life taking care of Han Yoohyun, he knows that the slight burrow of his eyebrows and lightly pressed lips that he’s shocked and completely overwhelmed.

Someone forces Han Yoohyun up to his feet and he slowly makes his way forward to the utter pin drop silence of the Great Hall. Han Yoojin springs out of his seat, ignoring his housemate’s shocked cries, and rushes over to Han Yoohyun’s side. He reaches him just as he arrives in front of the heads of the schools and the Ministry’s official assigned to watch over the tournament – a bit farther, the three chosen champions are watching with barely concealed interest and bewilderment.

“No.” Han Yoojin sternly rejects, standing in front of Han Yoohyun and blocking his way. “My brother didn’t sign up for this tournament – there must have been a mistake.”

“I’m afraid the Goblet of Fire doesn’t make any mistakes.” The headmaster darkly states, looking both cross and sympathetic. “It would not release a name that isn’t already put inside it.”

“As his legal guardian, I forbid Han Yoohyun from entering the tournament and demand he is forfeited.” Han Yoohyun tenses behind him. No one is supposed to know that Han Yoojin is his legal guardian, especially since he himself is not yet of age. The only reason Han Yoojin can claim guardianship is if he files for early emancipation – something that the two brothers have decided to keep a secret from everyone.

The ministry’s official raises an eyebrow and stares Han Yoojin down in scrutiny. “Unfortunately, those whose names are called out by the Goblet of Fire must participate in the tournament, lest they end up losing their magic.” He then shakes his head, face arranged in faux pity. “I’m also afraid, as being of age is this year’s requirement to participate, Han Yoohyun will now be recognized as a legal wizard by the Ministry and Magic. Your guardianship of him will no longer be valid as of now.”

Han Yoojin gapes at the man. He shakes in fury and barely feels Han Yoohyun’s attempt to calm him down. Shaking off Han Yoohyun’s hand off his shoulder, Han Yoojin storms right up to the ministry official and snarls, “He’s fourteen, you–“

Han Yoojin’s speech is halfway cut when the Hufflepuff’s head house firmly grabs his shoulder. The next second, Han Yoojin feels his body swirl and his stomach churn. He staggers and when he comes to, he’s in the Hufflepuff common room. His head house stares him down, stern, but not unkind.

“Han Yoojin,” she warns when Han Yoojin glowers. “You are not helping your brother.”

“He’s fourteen!” Han Yoojin explodes. “He’s only in his fourth year! not supposed to be fighting for his life in an unjust competition!”

His headhouse doesn’t budge and Han Yoojin’s trembling, hands fisted so tightly his nails catch on his palm. “I can’t let him be in danger!”

“Do you want him to lose his magic then?”

Han Yoojin tenses. His answer is clear as a day even with his lips tightly pressed together. “What am I supposed to do then, professor?” his voice nearly breaks. He realizes the dreadful feeling weighing down his stomach is fear. “He’s my younger brother. I can’t lose my family.”

“You do as your headmaster says.” His headhouse says, voice softer in the face of Han Yoojin’s glassy eyes. “You give the champions all the support you can give.”

Most of the school is shunning Han Yoohyun. Gryffindors are the most vocal about him – mouthing him off and outright harassing him outside of the classrooms. The Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students don’t make it a mission to go after Han Yoohyun, but they keep a wide berth from him while staring at him in barely concealed contempt.

After Han Yoojin made an oath in front of the Hufflepuffs that Han Yoohyun’s participation was an outsider’s doing –

(“I solemnly swear on my Magic that I do not have any intention nor doing in encouraging and helping Han Yoohyun enter the Triwizard Tournament. So mote it be.”)

They make it a mission to help Han Yoojin defend his brother. Hufflepuff’s loyalty goes a long way, especially for families.

The Slytherins, at least, put a united front for the whole school, closing and tightening ranks around Han Yoohyun. However, inside the dorms, the support all but dissipates. After all, Han Yoohyun was never the most popular, even as a stereotypical Noble Pureblood.

A few weeks later, the Professor for Care of Magical Creatures asked his help after dinner. Han Yoojin bids goodbye to his dormmates and heads toward the gamekeeper’s hut. The gamekeeper, a half-blood giant, is already waiting for him, dressed in warm robes, and holding two lanterns.

“Hold this, this one’s for ya.” The man hands Han Yoojin one of the lanterns and starts walking. Beside him, his hound follows obediently. “Off we go, to the Forbidden Forest.”

Han Yoojin doesn’t think there’s anything weird at first, he often ventures out to the Forbidden Forest. He starts to realize something is amiss when they walk further inside the forest and they’re able to hear a lot of noises – roars and human voices.

They walk through thick shrubs and Han Yoojin stops dead in his tracks at what he sees.

Dragons.

Multiple dragons in large, spacious cages, with dragon tamers bustling around, carrying various equipment. A bit further from the cages, are multiple carts with what seem to be large nests. Han Yoojin bets those nests have eggs inside them.

“Why are there dragons?” Han Yoojin breathlessly asks.

“The professor’s thinking of introducing them to the final years.” The gamekeeper nervously says. “Luckily, the dragon tamers are willing to lend out a dragon or two.”

“The professor wants to give students access to dragons?” Han Yoojin repeats slowly, fully in disbelief. The man doesn’t even want the students to see Tarantulas in person, and they’re living in the Forbidden Forest.

“Er… yes.” The gamekeeper unconvincingly says. “Come on, now. A lot to help here.”

Han Yoojin follows the half-giant with excitement. Dubious reasons aside, this is an extremely rare opportunity to see and observe dragons up close, Han Yoojin never thinks he can do this in Hogwarts! They reach a man clad in full armor, yelling out various commands to the other dragon tamers and overall overlooking the entire place. The Creatures Care professor is standing near the man.

“Why is there a student here?” the man, he must be the head tamer, pauses to appraise Han Yoojin suspiciously. “This is a dangerous place!”

“Ah, Han Yoojin! Glad to see you here with us.” The professor turns to introduce him. “He’s a treasured student of mine. Outstandingly amazing with magical creatures and beasts he is. I figured this opportunity will be a great chance for him to interact and study the dragons in person.”

The head tamer frowns, though not hostile to Han Yoojin. “We don’t need an amateur to slow us down.”

“He won’t. This is his calling, you see.” The professor says with all the confidence in the world. “You’ll understand once you see him.”

After an intense, critical lookover and half a minute of consideration, the head tamer gives Han Yoojin a set of gloves. “Wear this at least. You’ll hurt yourself without proper armor.”

Han Yoojin accepts the gloves and heads over to the direction he’s pointed off to. The dragon tamers all look at him in confusion, but lets him help, though it’s only to move some of the equipment. Han Yoojin steals glances at the dragons, four in total. One is sleeping, curled up around something, while two others are awake and alert, but still. The remaining one is struggling against the binds of ropes and chains, snarling, and growling through the muzzle wrapped around its mouth.

“What’s wrong with that one?” Han Yoojin asks a nearby tamer.

“Oh, that one.” The tamer heavily sighs. “We didn’t want to restrain her, but she nearly tries to kill us all. Dangerous, amazing beast she is.”

Han Yoojin can’t help but note that the tamer sounds more reverent than scared.

“Is that a Hungarian Horntail?” Han Yoojin recognizes the features from the books he’s read. “Why is she angry?”

“Well, we wanted to give her back her nest,” the tamer nods to the cart placed several meters away in front of the cage. On the nest, are several eggs. “But she wouldn’t let us near the nest, nor does she allow us near her cage. Completely rages when we try to do either of the two.”

The tamer then leaves to deal with some other matter, bidding a goodbye Han Yoojin barely hears. Instead, Han Yoojin studies the dragon’s behavior. The dragon isn’t happy, but she’s not really fighting against her restraint – if she did, she could easily escape. Her eyes are completely set on her nest, burning protectively and in slight anger.

Distantly, Han Yoojin is reminded of himself on the night the Triwizard Champions are chosen. He remembers how angry he is with the world, how he feels as if he can burn the whole world down if it means he can protect Han Yoohyun.

Maybe that odd sense of kinship gives Han Yoojin the courage to walk close to the cage. He walks slowly to the cage, showing both hands as to prove that he’s harmless. Once he’s safely away from the cage, close enough to be standing before the dragon, but far away from any of her reach, Han Yoojin slowly bows deeply, keeping his hands in the air.

The dragon’s ever-increasing snarls suddenly stop, and she releases a harsh huff of breath. Han Yoojin considers this as a sign to slowly straightens up and as he does, his eyes locked against the dragon.

Instantly, Han Yoojin disappears into his mind. The hustle-bustle of the tamers quiet down and the forest fades away until what’s left is a completely white landscape with only Han Yoojin himself and the dragon – free from the cage and chains.

Must protect them. My litter, have to keep them safe.

Protect. Safe. Defend.

“This lowly one humbly greets you.” Han Yoojin softly says.

The dragon stops her mutterings and rises. Without any restraints, she’s free to move around their shared mindscape. “A speaker?” the dragon curiously inquires. “No. You do not understand my language.”

“Many call me an Empath.” Han Yoojin offers to the dragon. “A valuable skill from my bloodline – it allows me to converse with magnificent creatures like you.”

The dragon looks around. “Are we inside your mind then? I haven’t seen a wizard with your ability in a long time.”

“This isn’t my mind, just as it isn’t yours. It’s just a place.” Han Yoojin smiles. “May this one ask what troubles you?”

“I do not trust you.” The dragon snarls. “It is your kind that takes me away from my home, steals my precious eggs away from me.”

“I’m sorry that you have to experience that.” Han Yoojin genuinely apologizes. “They wish to return your eggs to you, however, they’re afraid that you would hurt them.”

A violent, guttural laugh escapes the dragon’s throat. “What’s the point of taking them away in the first place then? Why subject me and my children to unnecessary harm?”

Han Yoojin has a good guess. “I understand your anger and stress.” They’re taking all four dragons for the Triwizard task, something that brings a healthy dose of fear into Han Yoojin’s spine. The thought of Han Yoohyun having to face any of the dragons terrifies him. “They’re forcing my younger brother to participate as well.”

“Brother? Your littermate then?”

Han Yoojin nods. He knows that dragons aren’t terribly protective of their littermates, but they acknowledge one another as families regardless. “I’ve been taking care of him for a long time. To me, he’s as much of a littermate as he is my own.”

“They willingly put another of their kind in danger?” the dragon sounds a lot more curious now. She slowly lowers her head so she can look at Han Yoojin’s eyes – no longer posing threateningly. “Why?”

“I don’t know.” Han Yoojin smiles pitifully, feeling extremely pathetic about himself right now. “All I want is to protect my brother, but I can’t do much for him right now. However, I can help you protect your eggs. If you let me, I promise to return your eggs safely to you.”

“You’re a stranger, an outsider.” The dragon tenses. “I cannot trust your promise easily.”

“Feel free to look inside my mind then.” Han Yoojin shrugs, spreading his arms wide. “This connection works both ways, you can understand me just as I understand you. Look for yourself whether I’m trustworthy.”

The dragon quiets down and stares at Han Yoojin contemplatively. A second later, Han Yoojin feels something poking inside his mind. He willingly drops all his guard and put through all his emotions forward. The feeling of wanting to protect Han Yoohyun and shield him away. The feeling of genuinely wanting to help out, just because he understands. He understands and can help and if he doesn’t do it, then how can he expect to receive any help when he’s the one who needs it?

The mindscape fades as time passes and Han Yoojin’s brought back to the Forbidden Forest.

To those around them, barely a minute passes, but for Han Yoojin and the dragon, a sense of understanding is borne.  Han Yoojin gets his permission, and he knows exactly what he needs to do.

Han Yoojin walks closer to the cage and the dragon has stopped struggling. It takes him a few minutes, but Han Yoojin manages to release some of the restraints and the muzzle. The dragon can escape through the rest of the restraint on his own.

Miraculously, none of the dragon tamers realize what goes on until Han Yoojin unlocks the cage. The creak of the metal, as the cage opens causes everyone in the vicinity to freeze and sharply turn towards the voice. Dread fills every single one of them as they see a now freed dragon, in an open cage, and the much smaller and frail student standing fearlessly in front of it.

Then the dragon breathes out a large ring of fire around them, effectively blocking the rest of the dragon tamers from reaching them. But then, it doesn’t move. It doesn’t attack Han Yoojin. It doesn’t even growl. It rises gracefully and stares down at Han Yoojin calmly.

And Han Yoojin – he doesn’t tremble in front of death incarnate. Instead, he turns around, shows his back, and walks to the nest on the cart.

“What are you all doing? Quickly put the fire out!” a dragon tamer hisses, his voice kept from screaming so as to not spook the dragon. The head tamer stops anyone else from moving, instead tensely watching as Han Yoojin slowly pulls the cart closer to the dragon.

All of them watch with bated breath as Han Yoojin safely deposits the cart on the entrance of the cage. Then, he steps further away as the dragon moves the nest from the cart inside the cage. With a flick of its wrist, it flings the now empty cart away, where it hits a tree high up and breaks.

Everyone flinches as Han Yoojin huffs out a soft laugh. Once done adjusting the nest in a way that she prefers, she lengthens her neck and lowers her head to Han Yoojin’s eye level.

Fearlessly, with a huge smile on his face, Han Yoojin strokes the dragon reverently.

Everyone freezes.

Unaware of the turmoil he’s created, Han Yoojin closes his eyes and rests his forehead upon the dragon. Their minds, though no longer connected, still understand one another. The dragon pulls away first and curls protectively around her eggs.

Han Yoojin politely steps away but doesn’t close the gate. He stares at the nesting dragon for a long time, but sensitive and high-strung as he is, he feels the stare directed at him like a sensitive alarm. Han Yoojin abruptly turns towards the direction of the gaze and –

– looks right into golden eyes.

Han Yoojin’s heart skips a beat as he stares at an unflinching Sung Hyunjae, whose eyes are all but smoldering as he gazes past the flames onto him. He wonders what Sung Hyunjae sees, standing in front of a dragon and washed upon by her fire’s warm glow. Does he find him foolish or something else?

Someone finally gathers enough wit to douse the fire with a heavy stream of water. Heavy smoke billows from the dissipating flames, blocking off Han Yoojin’s vision.

When Han Yoojin manages to blink the smoke away from his red eyes, Sung Hyunjae was no longer there.

Of course, Han Yoojin tells Han Yoohyun immediately the next day.

“Dragons?” Han Yoohyun echoes. “We’re fighting dragons?”

“I don’t think you need to necessarily fight them,” Han Yoojin bites his lip. “But you will face them. How are you going to prepare?”

“I have some ideas.” Han Yoohyun says after a moment but doesn’t divulge. Instead, he asks, “Won’t you be in trouble for telling me this?”

Han Yoojin snorts. “I wouldn’t worry too much about it. I saw Sung Hyunjae and Beauxbatons’ headmistress in the forest. At least I have a reason to be there.”

Han Yoohyun nods slowly, then stops abruptly. “Hyung, did you help take care of the dragons?”

“… Yes.”

“Hyung, did you connect with any of the dragons?” Han Yoohyun asks again, more urgently this time.

“You know, I just help out the dragon tamers a bit. They got all of the dragons in cages you see, and um,” Han Yoohyun doesn’t look impressed by Han Yoojin’s ramblings. His rescue comes in the form of one Moon Hyuna who walks into the courtyard with her group of friends. “I got to go, I have to talk to Moon Hyuna about something.”

“Hyung!”

Han Yoojin all but ignores Han Yoohyun and speed walks to the group of Gryffindors. The group quiets down as he comes near. “Moon Hyuna, can I talk to you for a bit?”

One nastily scowling Gryffindor opens her mouth, obviously about to mouth off at him, but Moon Hyuna stops any comments by nodding. “Alright,” she turns to her friends. “I’ll catch up with you guys.”

They walk to the edge of the courtyard, somewhere a little bit more private. They stopped near a tree and Han Yoojin immediately blurts out, “You’ll be facing dragons in the first task.”

Clearly, Moon Hyuna never suspects Han Yoojin to say this. It seems, she really is the only one left who doesn’t know. She’s speechless for a long moment, then her shock turns to suspicion. “How did you know this?”

“I saw them in the Forbidden Forest.” Moon Hyuna obviously wants to ask why, so Han Yoojin simply continues. “Look, you’re the last one to know about it. I want to give my brother a fair shot and that means leveling the playing field for everybody. When my brother succeeds in his tasks, I don’t want anyone to accuse him of only doing so because he has an edge over other champions.”

Moon Hyuna mulls over the information seriously. Her usual Gryffindor bravado is gone, replaced with something sharper and more critical, as she assesses Han Yoojin’s demeanor. He stares right into her eyes, unflinching, and that must have convinced her because she nods.

“Dragons, huh. Should’ve suspect they’ll go all out in this tournament.” She murmurs, more forlorn and with a little bit of fear. “Thank you for the information.”

Han Yoojin watches Moon Hyuna walks over to her waiting group of friends. Her confident smile and cheerful swagger are set in place by the time she reaches them. He doesn’t know what she tells them, but they move on without looking back at him.

“You’re awfully confident in your brother’s ability.” Han Yoojin jumps and instinctively looks up. His heart skips a beat when he sees Sung Hyunjae, perched high up in one of the tree’s branches, partially hidden by the thick leaves. “With his inexperience, wouldn’t keeping information from other contenders be the best?”

Han Yoojin tries to calm down his beating heart and narrows his eyes. “Eavesdropping is rude.” An irksome feeling rises in him as Sung Hyunjae casually smiles. “And I think you’ve heard my reasons already.”

Turning around on his heels, Han Yoojin’s about to storm off when he hears the rustlings of the leaves and a thud behind him. He turns around instinctively and has to step back once he sees Sung Hyunjae right in front of him.

“Do you sneak up on everyone like this?” Han Yoojin gasps. Infuriatingly, the same smile is still placed on the other’s face.

“You show a very interesting ability last night. I wonder if your brother possesses it too.”

Han Yoojin narrows his eyes in lieu of an answer. A long, silent moment passes between them, only broken when they hear the distant twittering of Sung Hyunjae’s ever-growing group of fangirls.

“Their tracking skills really are amazing.” Sung Hyunjae drawls, glancing at the female students crowding across the courtyard. Han Yoojin thinks he looks displeased.

“Were you hiding from them?” Han Yoojin asks. In the tree goes unsaid. “You did pretty good until you decided to jump down.”

Sung Hyunjae’s smile widens ever the slightest. Han Yoojin threw his glance sideways, unwilling to recognize his warming cheeks in the view of a slightly more sincere smile from the other.

“I’m leaving.” Han Yoojin announces. “I don’t want to get caught up in between your admirers.”

“I’ll see you around, Han Yoojin.”

Han Yoojin only walks faster out of the courtyard.

The day of the Triwizard Tournament’s first task comes around. They do have to face dragons – more precisely, they have to steal a fake, golden egg hidden amongst the dragon’s real eggs.

The first to go is Riette Luire, who faces the Welsh Green dragon. Apparently, she’s of a dragon descendant, which shows when she half shifts into a dragon herself. She tries to communicate, but the mother dragon finds the presence of another dragon close to her nest threatening and attacks. Riette leads the mother dragon on a wild goose chase and manages to steal the golden egg amidst the flurries of movement. Though she isn’t unscathed, she’s hit by a few fireballs which might have been lethal if she was a normal witch.

The second contender is Moon Hyuna, who faces a Swedish Short-Snout. She casts a protective shield around the eggs and then charms the dragon into blindness and deafness. The disoriented dragon panics and moves away from the next. Had Moon Hyuna not cast a shield, the dragon would have crushed the egg in its haste. Han Yoojin’s glad she has the foresight to do so. Moon Hyuna manages to grab the golden egg unharmed, though she took longer than Riette.

Sung Hyunjae goes third and faces a Chinese Fireball. The crowd promptly screams when he appears on the field. He taunts the dragon to leave the nest and once she did, he casts various binding spells. Chains material out of thin air and wrap around the dragon. As if restraining her to the ground isn’t enough, sparks of electricity run through the chains, shocking the dragon into howling for several long minutes.

Han Yoojin is horrified by the needless violence and a quick glance at the dragon tamers shows that they’re displeased as well. Sung Hyunjae manages to take the golden egg quickly after that and the judges give him the most points – putting him in the first place. The crowd seems to love the performance, but Han Yoojin just feels sick.

Han Yoohyun is the last to go and he faces the Hungarian Horntail Han Yoojin had connected. On her own, she’s the most dangerous dragon out of the four. But from his experience, Han Yoojin knows she is incredibly protective of her clutch and that just makes her an even more formidable opponent. As soon as he’s on the field, Han Yoohyun summons his broomstick and he flies around the dragon. Taunted, she roars and gives chase to the flying Han Yoohyun.

There are times when the dragon nearly catches Han Yoohyun with her fire or claw, but then something surprising happened. She almost bites Han Yoohyun, her snout ending mere inches from his broomstick when she abruptly stops. Han Yoohyun flies a safe distance away, but the dragon still doesn’t move. Instead, she takes a deep breath and then looks around the field. She finds Han Yoojin, who freezes when their eyes locked.

A thought enters his mind.

I will return your kindness.

Then the dragon files back to the field, she lands next to her nest and lays calmly. Han Yoohyun hesitates and slowly flies closer to the nest, but the dragon makes no move. Even when he reaches a hand into the nest to grab the golden egg, the dragon only releases a huff of displeasure but lets him take it without a fight. Once Han Yoohyun flies away with the golden egg, the dragon moves to curl up around her nest.

The judges seem as shell-shocked as the tournament’s viewers, but snap into attention soon enough and promptly give Han Yoohyun enough points to put him in second place. Han Yoojin is the first to rise to his feet and cheer. Others soon follow his lead, showering Han Yoohyun in thunderous applause as he exits the field.

Chapter Text

After the first task, Han Yoojin makes it clear that he’s avoiding Sung Hyunjae. They don't share any classes, but nothing is stopping Sung Hyunjae from approaching him outside of a classrom. Which happens more often than Han Yoojin likes.

It starts when Sung Hyunjae sits next to Han Yoojin at breakfast after the task. He saunters over to the Hufflepuff table and everyone’s more than happy to give him the space to sit next to Han Yoojin.

“Can I help you?” Han Yoojin asks to be polite, slightly unsure and with a hidden bite.

“The Hungarian Horntail.” If Sung Hyunjae picks up his hostility, he doesn’t make note of it. “That’s the one you communicated with that night. That’s the one your brother pulled.”

“Yes…?”

Sung Hyunjae puts an elbow on the table and turns his body to halfway face Han Yoojin. “I wanted to know how you did it.” He inches closer, causing those around the two to gasp. “You did it more successfully than Riette and she’s actually a dragon.”

“I don’t think I need to tell you.” Han Yoojin bites out, still remembering the other’s action in the First Task. “Lest you go torture another dragon with the knowledge.”

Sung Hyunjae seems mildly surprised by the retort as if he doesn’t think Han Yoojin has the guts to talk back. “I took measures I deem necessary to safely solve the task.” He says, though not defensively. He seems to understand that Han Yoojin dislikes his show of electrocuting the Chinese Fireball dragon. “The dragon wouldn’t have hesitated to burn me to dust if given the chance.”

“Because you were intruding her territory and being a threat to her clutch.” Han Yoojin finds it important to point out. “You were already restraining her to the ground – that should be more than enough for you.”

Sung Hyunjae’s smile widens, looking disturbingly amused. “I’m starting to think you’d rather I get hurt than the dragon.”

“I wonder where you get that idea.” Han Yoojin scoffs, grabs his book bag, and leaves.

Han Yoojin’s doing his homework in the library when Sung Hyunjae accosts him next. The latter arrives with another Durmstrang student, Song Taewon, and several Slytherins. He says a few things to them and then goes towards Han Yoojin.

“Shouldn’t you try to decipher the clue for the second task?” Han Yoojin asks without looking up. The golden eggs each of the champions had to retrieve are clues for the Second Task, however opening it only results in a long, ear-splitting shriek. Han Yoojin was there when Han Yoohyun opened it – it wasn’t pretty.

“What other place to do it best than here?” Sung Hyunjae waves to motion the room they’re in. Han Yoojin notes he isn’t holding any books. Oddly enough, there isn’t any group of students trailing behind him either. “It helps that you’re here too.”

Han Yoojin pauses and tilts his head to the side. “Why would you need my help?”

Seeing that he finally gets Han Yoojin’s interest, Sung Hyunjae leans closer and lowers his voice, as if he’s speaking about some confidential topic. “I think the voice originates from a creature.”

“You think it’s a language?” Han Yoojin is already thinking of various creatures whose language involves shrieking and screaming.

“I want to translate it.” Sung Hyunjae nods. “But I need to know what the creature is first.”

Han Yoojin has several good guesses. He has to check them out and tell Han Yoohyun – no way is he going to let Sung Hyunjae know first. He gathers his parchments and utensils into his bag and then stands up.

“None of your friends can help you?”

The other table’s occupants are sneaking glances at them curiously, save for Song Taewon who’s completely focused on his own book. Sung Hyunjae follows behind as Han Yoojin makes several stops at various bookshelves, returning his borrowed books and taking out other titles.

“It just so happens that none of them are as masterful in the field as you.”

“You’re awfully confident in my ability,” Han Yoojin echoes the words Sung Hyunjae once said to him. He then shoves two books into Sung Hyunjae’s chest. “Here. These might help you.”

As Sung Hyunjae looks after the books’ titles, Han Yoojin takes the chance and leaves the library.

The announcement of the Yule Ball brings another wave of excitement to the student body. Everyone is suddenly talking about what robes they’re going to wear, who they wish to go with, and oh, what if I can get together with my crush? Rather than his own self, Han Yoojin is focusing more on Han Yoohyun. Despite his necessary attendance in the ball, he seems overall disinterested. At least he seems to do well in his dancing classes.

“Do you really not have anyone you want to ask to the Yule Ball?” Han Yoojin asks Han Yoohyun on their way to the Quidditch Field. Even though there is no Quidditch Cup this year, the teams still insist on having training sessions. Right now, the Slytherins and Gryffindors are to have a ‘friendly’ practice match.  “You have to open the ball and you need a dancing partner for that.”

“Don't worry, hyung. I’ll ask someone out before the ball.”

“Well, don’t do it at the last minute! I have to put in orders for new robes and I don’t want the colours to clash with your partner.” Han Yoojin sternly reminds, just in time as they reach the field. Han Yoohyun laughs and agrees good-naturedly.

The stands are half-filled with students, most from Hogwarts, but there are some Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students. Han Yoohyun excuses himself to meet up with his team and Han Yoojin chooses not to point out that he’s obviously avoiding the conversation. He huffs and goes up to the stands where some of his friends are already sitting around.

The seats aren’t as normally packed as they would be in an actual match. There are many empty spaces and people don’t have to sit too close to each other. There’s a small group of Durmstrang students sitting in front of Han Yoojin’s friends. He waves to them as he goes and sits down next to Yoo Myeongwoo – a close roommate of his.

“What did I miss?” Han Yoojin asks, only to receive awkward, half-hearted responses from them. He frowns at their strange demeanor. “Why are you guys acting weird?”

Yoo Myeongwoo not so subtly points at the Durmstrang students in front of them. Han Yoojin’s eyes trailed over their tall, broad frames, and stops once he catches sight of familiar blonde hair. He could have waved it off as someone similar or even just outright ignore it, but then the person actually turns around, and Han Yoojin’s faced with Sung Hyunjae’s smiling face.

“Hello, Han Yoojin.” At Sung Hyunjae’s greetings, the other Durmstrang students also turn around. Han Yoojin barely registers their curious faces and the surprise of his fellow Hufflepuffs. He huffs and crosses his arms.

“Are you keeping track of me?” he bluntly asks, making sure his voice sounds unimpressed. From his peripheral vision, he sees others gaping at his rudeness.

In this situation, Sung Hyunjae could have denied the accusation outright or laughed it off. But in an increasingly familiar attitude, instead of giving a clear answer, he tilts his head and hums cryptically. “What would you think if it was true?”

“I think you’re way too intense.” Han Yoojin responds without missing a beat. “I don’t believe fate is so carefree she’d have the time to arrange us constantly meeting each other.”

“Coincidences then.” Sung Hyunjae offers, just as quickly and unbothered by Han Yoojin’s sass. Before Han Yoojin can come up with a retort, the whistle goes off, signaling the start of the game. He bites his tongue and focuses on the game instead. The others follow his lead, though their incredulity at the situation hasn’t disappeared.

Yoo Myeongwoo elbows him and tries to voice his confusion with mouthed words and exaggerated hand gestures. Han Yoojin rolls his eyes and huffs. “Let’s just watch the game.”

With Quidditch Cup gone, the Quidditch players consider the practice matches as real matches, made evident by their ferociousness during the play. The Beaters hit the Bludgers too strongly and the Chasers taunt one another too viciously for it to be a friendly practice. Han Yoojin tries to watch and join in his friends’ hushed discussion but gets distracted from time to time when he becomes hyperaware of Sung Hyunjae’s presence.

The Durmstrang students barely move as they watch the game with, frankly, quite disturbing intensity. There are moments where they grunt when a player gets hit by a Bludger or click their tongue when a Chaser misses a goal or shook their head when the Keeper fails to defend the goal posts, but they’re quiet. Seeing how invested and critical of the game they are, Han Yoojin guesses they’re all Quidditch players.

On the 17^th minute, they finally released the Snitch. Slytherin has Han Yoohyun playing as a Seeker, while Gryffindor decides to sub in their newest player, Bak Yerim, to familiarize her with the game. Bak Yerim is fast, and she moves like she’s eager to win, but it’s clear that she’s quite inexperienced with trying to track down the Snitch. Han Yoohyun circles around the field slowly as he tries to find it, barely moving as if to conserve energy.

Suddenly, Han Yoohyun zooms to a certain spot, flying past Bak Yerim as he does. Caught off guard, the latter chases after him, certain that he’s seen the Snitch though she fails to do so. Han Yoohyun maneuvers around the stands and goal posts, avoiding other players and flying balls while always keeping himself in front of Bak Yerim. Frustrated, the witch forces her broom to fly faster and finally overtakes Han Yoohyun – only to be hit by a Bludger.

The impact causes her to topple over, though she manages to hang on to the broom before she can fall. Immediately, Han Yoohyun turns around and swiftly flies over to the other end of the field. There, he begins a wild goose chase to capture the real Snitch. Just as Bak Yerim manages to pull herself up on her broom, Han Yoohyun catches the Snitch and ends the game with Slytherin in the lead.

Han Yoojin springs up to his feet, cheering loudly for Han Yoohyun. His friends follow at a more sedate pace, showing their support for Han Yoojin’s brother. Grinning, he turns to Yoo Myeongwoo. “Come on, I want to congratulate Yoohyun.”

If only Han Yoojin looks back, he would have seen Sung Hyunjae staring after his giddy figure, only stopping when Song Taewon coughs. He turns to smile innocently, convincing no one of his actual innocence.

“He’d appreciate moderation from you.” Song Taewon says, not necessarily chiding, but certainly judging. Sung Hyunjae chuckles light-heartedly and waves off his words.

Hogwarts offers elective courses for students who want to pursue Magizoology, however, because of the limited interest, the classes for the advanced courses aren’t separated by year – thus Han Yoojin takes Creatures Anatomy and Magical Civics with the fifth and seventh years. He expects some Durmstrang or Beauxbatons students to be interested in the course, but he doesn’t expect to see Song Taewon in Magical Civics.

Normally Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students sit with their own schoolmates, but today the professor decides to change up the seating and forbids them from sitting with a housemate (for Hogwarts students) and a schoolmate (for other schools).

In an awkward twist of fate, Han Yoojin ends up sitting with Song Taewon. The latter politely nods at him when they’re about to sit, then proceeds to say absolutely nothing unless directed to. Han Yoojin’s unsettled, and perhaps fidgeting a bit, because he can’t take the silence and he’s also not sure what the other thinks of him. Some Durmstrang students hate him because of his rudeness to Sung Hyunjae and others pity him for catching his attention. Now, which group is Song Taewon more likely to be in?

Mid-class, Han Yoojin stares intensely at the side of Yoo Myeongwoo’s – his usual seatmate – head, willing him to turn around. When he does, Han Yoojin gives him the most pathetic and exaggerated-looking pleading face. Yoo Myeongwoo grimaces and offers him a well-meaning thumbs up that isn’t effective in the slightest. Han Yoojin’s face falls and he turns to the front again.

The class continues in this manner and Han Yoojin nearly jumps out of his seat when Song Taewon calls his name. Han Yoojin freezes, half-rising from his seat with the aborted motion of slinging his school bag over his shoulder. “Yes?”

The other stands up and Han Yoojin finds himself straightening up too. Though, with their proximity, he still has to crane his neck. “About Sung Hyunjae,” Song Taewon starts, sounding somewhat grim. Han Yoojin braces himself for… something. “Just continue as you are.”

“…”

The two stare at each other in silence. Han Yoojin blinks a few times before the words register in his brain. “Eh?”

“If you’re uncomfortable, just ignore him. If you’re annoyed, just plainly tell him. If he continues to bother you, just make a fuss in public so everyone knows you’re not interested.” Song Taewon lists off, continuously adding to Han Yoojin’s confusion. “The more you mouth off to him, the more he’s going to bother you.”

“Sorry, um.” Han Yoojin coughs awkwardly. “Isn’t Sung Hyunjae your friend…?”

Song Taewon’s face turns impossibly even more flat, even somewhat displeased. He stares at Han Yoojin for a long time before sighing. “I suppose.” He doesn’t look too happy to say it though. “He’s bothersome, calculative, and can be somewhat villainous. But he’s not evil.”

Unsure of how to reply, Han Yoojin keeps silent.

“He’s not the type to physically hurt others for fun,” Song Taewon stresses. “Be it humans or other creatures.”

A glint of irritation enters Han Yoojin as he realizes Song Taewon’s referring to the First Task. “You don’t need to explain or justify his action.”

“I’m not.” Song Taewon is quick to answer. “Because there’s no need for it.” He tilts his head to the side and sharpens his gaze. “Han Yoojin, I heard creatures can easily be fond of you. I think that makes you forget others don’t have the same ability. If we face a dangerous beast, there’s no chance we could talk our way out of the situation safely. We either take every cautionary measure to make sure we come out alive or else we don’t.”

Han Yoojin frowns, stuck between wanting to retort and reluctantly accepting there’s some truth to Song Taewon’s words. His friends and professors sometimes say the same thing and while he can see why, he doesn’t fully relate to them. He shares his mind with creatures, an invisible action that’s no less dangerous than facing them in real life. He knows how deadly they are, but unlike others, he can see past those to marvel at the beauty of the creatures.

In the end, he says, “I’ll think about it.”

Han Yoojin forgoes eating lunch in the Great Hall to check on some of the beasts in the gamekeeper’s barn. He hasn’t checked on all of them for a while now since he’s been busy helping Han Yoohyun. He’s thinking of having a picnic with some of the beasts on the grass field outside of the pen.

“Hi, everyone!” Han Yoojin loudly greets as he opens the door to the obnoxiously large barn. His cheer dissipates when he sees a familiar figure standing in the middle of the barn.

“What are you doing here?” Han Yoojin scowls, walking up to Sung Hyunjae.

“Hello, Han Yoojin.” Sung Hyunjae smiles. “I wanted some peace, and no one ever bothers me here.”

“Because students aren’t supposed to be here.” Han Yoojin sighs and opens a pen. Inside this particular one are Peace and Chirpie. The baby flame-horned lion is clearly excited when he sees Han Yoojin and pounces on him as soon as he gets near. Meanwhile, the baby bird-like creature flies in circles on top of Han Yoojin’s head.

“I’m sorry I didn’t check on you sooner.” Han Yoojin hugs the creature close, rubbing a hand through his fur placatingly. Peace purrs and nuzzles Han Yoojin’s neck, tickling the bit of skin as he does. Han Yoojin laughs good-heartedly and pulls Peace away. To Sung Hyunjae, he asks, “So this is where you’ve been every time you skip lunch?”

“I find other places, but this is my favourite.” Sung Hyunjae seems fascinated by Peace’s sticky demeanor towards Han Yoojin. “I’ve never seen it so docile before.”

Han Yoojin stares at Sung Hyunjae contemplatively. None of the beasts seem particularly vicious or offended by his presence. They’re clearly unwelcoming to him, but none of them attempts to escape their pens or burn down the building to maim him. That treatment's a lot better than what most of the people who decide to come here get.

“Trust me, you’re doing pretty good for yourself. Come on.”

Han Yoojin exits the barn with Peace and Chirpie and heads to the grass field outside. He puts a small pouch on the ground and taps it once with his wand. The pouch collapses and in its’ place now exists a picnic mat with prepared dishes and bowls of food.

Peace jumps out of Han Yoojin’s arms and heads to the bowl filled with meat and finely ground magic crystals. Han Yoojin chuckles at the sight and sits down. Chirpie lands next to him, staring inquisitively at the open dishes.

Sung Hyunjae stands still a few meters away, curious and fascinated by the setup if a little unsure of what to do. Han Yoojin rolls his eyes. “Well? Sit down. Might as well join us since you’re here.”

“You’re not angry with me anymore.” Sung Hyunjae observes as he sits down. “Why?”

“The creatures trust you, to a certain degree, and I trust their judgment.”

A moment of silence passes between them. Sung Hyunjae raises an eyebrow as if saying That’s it? Something about it makes Han Yoojin feels a bit sheepish as well as annoyed.

“They wouldn’t be that docile to people with bad intentions.” Han Yoojin finds himself explaining. “They sense people’s inherent hostility and cruelty. They think you’re a trespasser, but they recognize that you don’t wish harm to them.”

“Plus…” Han Yoojin glances down at the mat, remembering Song Taewon’s words. “I guess my original anger is a bit unjustified. I shouldn’t blame you for taking cautionary measures against a dangerous dragon.”

Silence pass between the two. Not tense, but certainly awkward – or at least, it is to Han Yoojin. Peace and Chirpie pick up his discomfort and stop eating. They cuddle up to him and make questioning noises. Han Yoojin pats their back to calm them down.

“You’re very good with them.” Sung Hyunjae says at last. “Durmstrang students’ aren’t allowed to be near magical creatures.”

Han Yoojin gratefully accepts the change of topic and replies quite enthusiastically. “Really? Your school produces some famous Magizoologist though.”

“Durmstrang does offer courses for it, but most students interested in pursuing the field have to gain experience by shadowing professionals outside of the school term.” Sung Hyunjae kindly explains. “The school just likes to claim their success as a result of their teaching.”

“Like your success then?” Han Yoojin does his own bit of research, and he finds that Sung Hyunjae’s more often associated with Durmstrang than he did with his national quidditch team in the news. He suspects that if Sung Hyunjae manages to win the tournament, Durmstrang would jump at the opportunity to claim the victory as theirs themselves.

“I can afford to share my success.” Sung Hyunjae shrugs. “Especially after I win the Tournament.”

“Ha! Aren’t you being a bit too sure of yourself? It’s only the First Task so far.”

“I’ll keep the lead.” It’s irritating that Sung Hyunjae can say all of these things, but still don’t come off as cocky. He says them without any grandeur as if it’s something to be expected or something that’s already bound to happen. A type of confidence only seen in people who’s done nothing but excel their whole life.

Briefly, Han Yoojin’s reminded of Han Yoohyun and wonders if this is how he’ll become. He doesn’t know if he likes the comparison.

“Have you figured out anything about the Second Task, yet?” Han Yoojin changes the subject.

“The books you suggested were helpful.” Sung Hyunjae admits, staring curiously as Chirpie shakes out his wing, evidently done with his meal. “I think there’s a great chance the creature is a water-based one.”

Feeling a sudden pang of hunger, Han Yoojin begins picking at his lunch as he thinks. He decides to be polite and pushes several untouched bowls toward Sung Hyunjae. The kitchen elves always provide students with too much food – something Hufflepuffs have made use of by sneaking often to the kitchens and personally requesting packed meals.

“Water-based, huh… well, if we’re looking locally, the Hogwarts Lake has grindylows, mermaids, and the giant squid. It’s possible that they enlist their help, but they’re not really friendly creatures, you know? I’m actually surprised they let the Durmstrang ship stays in the lake for the year-“

Han Yoojin’s words are cut halfway when Chirpie suddenly flies up. To the shock of the two students, the baby bird lands atop of Sung Hyunjae’s head. Chirpie shifts, making himself comfortable, then settling down as if he’s in his own nest.

“Chirpie! Get down here!”

Sung Hyunjae keeps his head still while his eyes flicker upwards. He can’t see the creature, but he can feel the small weight rested upon his head. He moves his eyes and sees Han Yoojin covering his mouth in surprise, looking oddly mortified and embarrassed by the sudden twist of events. Sung Hyunjae’s lips quirked up.

“Does this mean I’m a saint then?”

Han Yoojin’s mortification fades away and his face turns twisted as if he’s bitten something sour. Peace, finally done with his food and unaware of his surroundings, crawls into Han Yoojin’s lap and curls up sleepily.

“I found a partner for the Yule Ball.” Han Yoohyun says in the middle of their Hogsmeade trip. They’re absentmindedly looking around the shops, trying to do some early Christmas shopping for their friends. Han Yoojin doesn’t say, but he’s already ordered a custom engraved lighter that can act as a two-way communication device and form into a sword – the latter he adds because it sounded cool, but he sure hopes Han Yoohyun won’t use it in school grounds.

Han Yoojin drops the book he’s perusing in shock and excitement. “Really?! Who?”

“Bak Yerim.”

The name causes Han Yoojin to blink in disbelief. “The Bak Yerim you tricked into getting hit by a Bludger?”

“That should teach her not to fly after her opponent recklessly.” Han Yoohyun shrugs nonchalantly, though the faint smile on his face shows he isn’t as apathetic to the matter as he’d like to show. He picks up the book Han Yoojin dropped. He makes an interested noise as he flips open the book. “And to have a better awareness for the field.”

“Putting the Quidditch advice aside. How did that happen? After the match, she looked like she wanted to hit you with a Bludger.”

Han Yoohyun sighs, closes the book, and puts it back to the stand. He softly pulls him to another market stall – this one selling enchanted garments. “She keeps bugging me to have a rematch – a fair one, she said – and wouldn’t leave me alone. I agreed to have one if she accompanies me to the Ball.”

Stunned by the retelling of events, Han Yoojin struggles to come up with a response. “And why did you offer that exchange….?”

“I’m not excited about the rematch and she’s not excited to be my dance partner. It’s fair and convenient. I also don’t have to figure out a way to invite someone without misleading them into thinking I have feelings for them.”

A moment of silence befell the two siblings which Han Yoohyun breaks by adding an afterthought. “Oh, she said she’s wearing blue.”

Unsure if Han Yoojin should be glad Han Yoohyun can at least find a partner or be worried about his future love life, Han Yoojin settles for a grin and patting his shoulder in congratulations. “I’ll put in the order for the robes.”

Han Yoojin makes sure to tell the tailor to create a more intricate robe for Han Yoohyun this time, dedicated to making sure he looks his best for the ball. He doesn’t even hesitate when the tailor announced the exorbitant cost since the ball takes place on the same day as Han Yoohyun’s birthday. Meanwhile, he asks for a simpler, more moderate design for his own robes. He wants to maintain the family’s image, but he isn’t the main character of the night.

In a surprising turn of events, several people come and ask Han Yoojin to be their date to the ball: a handsome male Beauxbatons student, an older female Ravenclaw, and a male Gryffindor in his year. Han Yoojin doesn’t have anyone in mind to be his date, but he’d like it if he can have a long, proper conversation with his partner. Since he doesn’t know any of them that well, he rejects all three. All of them look disappointed but are quick to accept his rejection as if they’ve expected it. Han Yoojin doesn’t think much of it as he continues to study normally.

One day, he steps out of his class to see Sung Hyunjae leaning against the wall in front of the door. The latter straightens when he sees him and immediately goes to his side. “Yoojin, may I walk you to your next class?”

“Um, sure?” Han Yoojin’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He briefly looks back to see an equally shocked Yoo Myeongwoo and motions for him to walk ahead. He turns back around to see Sung Hyunjae smiling at him. “Were you waiting for me? Do you need anything?”

“I admit I have something I want to talk to you about, but I do enjoy the time our paths cross one another.”

It should say a lot that Han Yoojin is used to Sung Hyunjae’s flattery by this point, but it’s a shocking progression for the student body to see him not refuting him sharply or outright ditching him. More than several students do double-takes when they see the two walking side by side and talking amicably.

“Oh, is it about the golden egg? Did you finally figure out which creature it is?”

“No, and not yet.” Sung Hyunjae answers both questions. Han Yoojin cocks his head, staring at Sung Hyunjae curiously to hear what he has to say. “I wanted to ask you about the Yule Ba-“

Han Yoojin is earnestly listening to Sung Hyunjae, but then the two pass the courtyard and he completely loses focus. Because in the middle of the courtyard, surrounded by a small group of younger students, is Peace.

And he does not look happy to be fawned by the giggling children.

Han Yoojin immediately runs, missing the latter part of Sung Hyunjae’s question. The latter startles slightly, eyes following Han Yoojin’s form as he rushes over to the now snarling Peace. Just as the baby creature looks like he’s about to pounce, Han Yoojin reaches him. Immediately, Peace does a 180 and howls happily. He jumps into Han Yoojin’s arms excitedly.

“Peace!” Han Yoojin squeals, almost falling on his backside if Sung Hyunjae hadn’t suddenly appeared behind him to straighten him. Han Yoojin glances back and blushes at their sudden proximity. With his back practically flushed against the other’s front, Han Yoojin gets a personal, up-close view of Sung Hyunjae’s handsome face.

Han Yoojin immediately brings his head forward and starts admonishing Peace instead. “What are you doing here? How did you get out of the barn? You know you can’t roam around the school!”

While unable to see Han Yoojin’s face, Sung Hyunjae can see his red ears. His earlier irritation of having been cut off dissipates while fondness sinks in. He chuckles, fully aware the sound would reverberate down his chest and to Han Yoojin’s back. True enough, Han Yoojin suddenly jolts forward as if he’s shocked.

Han Yoojin coughs and looks down at the starry-eyed children, Peace now nuzzling his neck and licking his cheek. He tells them off for approaching a flame-horned lion, even as a baby, Peace is still more than capable of severely hurting even the oldest students. After seeing how dejected the younger students are, Han Yoojin caves in and tells them they can see him more if they take the Care for Magical Creatures elective.

Meanwhile, as Sung Hyunjae watches Han Yoojin tells off the younger students, he suddenly feels a new weight settling on top of his head. The creature is small, barely noticeable, and Sung Hyunjae would normally cast a spell on it, but he recognizes the little shuffling it does and lets Chirpie settles down.

When Han Yoojin finally sends off the younger students he turns around and freezes. He gapes in disbelief and slight mortification when he sees Chirpie, once again, on Sung Hyunjae’s head. The baby creature nuzzles against the blonde locks.  “Chirpie, no! We talked about this!”

Amused, Sung Hyunjae assures Han Yoojin it’s fine and he doesn’t mind having Chirpie resting on his head. “Don’t we need to return them to the barn?”

Han Yoojin bits his lip and nods. “Yeah, they really shouldn’t be anywhere close to the students. I have to check if any other creatures have escaped.”

“Well, let’s go then. I’ll accompany you.” Sung Hyunjae casually rests a hand on the small part of Han Yoojin’s back and gently guides him out of the courtyard. Chirpie, magically, is unbothered and unmoved by his movement. “If we hurry, you won’t be late for your class.”

“Wait, don’t you have any classes?” They start to walk in the direction of the gamekeeper’s barn. Han Yoojin doesn’t seem to notice Sung Hyunjae’s hand is still placed on his back.

“Not for the afternoon.”

“Oh.”

The two walk in silence, garnering attention and whispers from everyone they pass. Why wouldn’t they? It’s not every day you see the youngest professional Quidditch player with a bird on his head gently guiding a student with a baby lion in his arms.

They’re halfway to the barn when Han Yoojin remembers their earlier conversation. “Oh, right. What did you want to ask me earlier?” It wasn’t about the Tasks and Han Yoojin heard something about the Yule Ball earlier.

“About that.” Sung Hyunjae suddenly stops walking. Han Yoojin stops too, curiously looking back. Sung Hyunjae leans down, bringing their faces together close enough that Han Yoojin feels a bit flustered. When he talks, Han Yoojin feels a soft breath hitting his ear. He unknowingly holds his breath.

Peace croons in confusion.

“Han Yoojin.” Sung Hyunjae starts, his voice carrying a tone Han Yoojin never heard before. “Can you be my partner for the ball?”

...

What?

Chapter Text

Everybody seems to have heard the news by the end of the day. That Sung Hyunjae has asked Han Yoojin to be his partner for the Yule Ball. That Han Yoojin, in his fluster and surprise, has unthinkingly agreed.

Han Yoohyun accosts Han Yoojin before dinner. He just straight up pulls Han Yoojin away from his Hufflepuff friends and into an empty corridor. Han Yoojin’s protests go unnoticed by the younger teen.

“Hyung, you’re going with Sung Hyunae? I thought you didn’t like him!” Han Yoohyun whispers-yells, looking slightly dishevelled and lightly panting as if he’s been running before.

Han Yoojin groans and buries his face into his hands. “It just happens.” He says through his palm, voice only slightly muffled. “And I don’t not like him.”

“I thought you would’ve after what he did in the First Task.”

“Well…” Han Yoojin lifts his head and rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. “I think I might’ve overreacted about that.” Han Yoohyun frowns, suddenly looking unsure and suspicious towards Han Yoojin. The latter sighs and plants both hands on the former’s shoulder. “Look, I realized that it was a very dangerous situation, a life or death one, and while I’m glad you came out of it unscathed, it couldn’t always be the case for everyone. If you’d done what he did I know I wouldn’t hold it over you for long.”

“But I didn’t.” Han Yoohyun refutes. “And I’m your brother.” Sung Hyunjae isn’t, goes unsaid.

Who is he to you? Han Yoohyun’s eyes seem to say. That you’d forgive him so easily?

Unsure how to answer the silent questions, Han Yoojin shrugs in what he hopes comes off as nonchalant. He doesn’t know if he knows the answer to that and he isn’t sure if he’s able to say it even if he does know. “We just end up talking a lot and – well, he won’t be a bad company for one night.”

Han Yoohyun stares at Han Yoojin for a long time, eyes sharpening with every moment passing. Finally, he gives up and turns his head. “You won’t spend the whole night with him, right?”

Relieved Han Yoohyun’s decided to let the matter go, for now, Han Yoojin bravely steps closer and wraps his arms around the other. “Of course not! I’d be really mad if you don’t come and steal me for a dance or two.”

Han Yoohyun opens his mouth, but Han Yoojin beats him to the chase by adding. “And no, you can’t ditch Bak Yerim for too long.”

Han Yoohyun grumbles out a weak protest and returns the hug.

It’s the day of the Yule Ball and Han Yoojin’s already waiting in front of the Slytherin’s dorm by midnight. He’s hidden behind a pillar, cautious to not let the school guard find him outside of the dorm after curfew. He doesn’t have to wait long; the door opens to reveal Han Yoohyun carefully tiptoeing out and Han Yoojin silently rushes over to him. The two make their way up to a slightly more deserted corridor, one that conveniently has a large window to let the moonlight shine beautifully.

Han Yoojin casts a privacy ward around them and several spells to alert them if anyone’s nearby. It gets easier with every year they do this, and Han Yoojin finishes all his spells in no time. Then he pulls out a box of cake from his enchanted pouch, the candles already stuck on the cake instantly lit up when the box is opened, bathing the two in the faint, warm, glow.

“Happy birthday, Yoohyun-ah.” Han Yoojin grins.

A large, happy smile breaks out on Han Yoohyun’s face. He looks inside the box, on top of the cake, in the shaky drawing of frosting, is Han Yoohyun flying from a dragon, with ‘Happy Birthday’ written on top and several candles around it. On one side of the cake is a drawing of several elves cheering.

“The elves that made the cake wished you a happy birthday as well. They want you to know they’ll be cheering for you in the Second Task.”

“Did they really say that?”

“Of course, they did! They like you more than the other contestants, you know.” Han Yoojin whispers conspiratorially, earning a short laugh from Han Yoohyun. Han Yoojin smiles and nudges the box closer. “Come on, blow the candles and make a wish.”

Obediently, Han Yoohyun does so, barely pausing before he blows. When he looks up, there’s mirth in his eyes and a happy flush on his cheeks. It’s an increasingly rare expression for him to have, ever since he’s gone to Hogwarts and puts on the reserved, perfect student persona for all the others. It's been especially bad this year, with how distrustful the student body had been to Han Yoohyun, he’s kept to himself even more and puts up a tighter guard. It’s a welcomed sight for Han Yoojin and brings him delight every time he manages to make Han Yoohyun shows his happiness openly.

Han Yoojin’s determined to let Han Yoohyun experiences a lot of happy things today when the festivity is high in the air, and they can afford to forget about the ever-looming danger of the Triwizard Tournament.

They don’t stick around to eat the cake together as they would’ve last year. Instead, Han Yoojin gives Han Yoohyun his birthday gift, tells him to share the cake with his dormmates, and then walks him back. Outside of the Slytherin dorm, Han Yoohyun gives Han Yoojin one last hug before going in.

Han Yoojin makes his way back to the Hufflepuff dorm silently, brewed in his own happiness and excitement for the day. He promises himself to get several more hours of sleep before he’s inevitably pulled in the chaotic preparation for the ball.

It’s an interesting change for once, to see the school’s interiors decorated and everyone dressing up so nicely. Han Yoojin himself is wearing a silk black robe with Chinese-style collars. The front of the robe reaches only to his waist while the back trails down to the floor, the inner fabric a deep, dark red. He received a pinkish-red flower this morning that he pins to the robe’s side lapel.

When Han Yoojin arrives at the Great Hall, he sees Sung Hyunjae with the same flower pinned to his own robe. Sung Hyunjae’s wearing a black velvet outer robe, left open to show a red shirt and black trousers. The robe's hems are embroidered with elaborate golden stitching, the pattern enchanted to ripple accordingly to Sung Hyunjae’s movements.

Sung Hyunjae makes a terrific sight, and Han Yoojin freezes in his track, too stunned by the view. He stares for far too long, unconsciously blushing as he rakes in the view of Sung Hyunjae dressed up. He takes several deep breaths, and stares up at the ceiling in a brief prayer, before making his way to the other.

Sung Hyunjae’s conversing with Song Taewon – dressed in a black and white dress robe with a classic cut – when he notices Han Yoojin. He pauses and stares, looking up and down at the other, stopping a moment longer at the pinned flower. Han Yoojin feels both flattered and amused that he isn’t the only one to be affected by the other.

“Yoojin, you look amazing.” Sung Hyunjae greets, meeting Han Yoojin halfway with a pleased smile, and offers a hand. “I’m glad the flower came to you in time.”

“I almost didn’t wear it – it didn’t have a sender’s note, you see.” Han Yoojin teases, putting a hand on Sung Hyunjae’s palm. His next words are stopped when Sung Hyunjae brings his hand up and briefly brushes his lips over his knuckles.

Han Yoojin falters and knows with great certainty that the stupid blush has risen again. He clears his throat, almost pulling his hand away, but Sung Hyunjae straightens up just before he does. The other’s smile now has a touch of satisfaction that Han Yoojin can’t even find annoying.

“Shall we?”

They line up with the other Champions in front of the doors of the Great Hall. They’re standing by ranking order, so Sung Hyunjae and Han Yoojin are in front. Behind them are Han Yoohyun and Bak Yerim – dressed in complementary shades of blue and black – then Riette, who goes with a fellow Beauxbatons, and Moon Hyuna, with a handsome male Ravenclaw.

Han Yoojin looks back and gives Han Yoohyun and Bak Yerim an assuring grin. Thankfully, the two don’t seem too nervous and they return his smile.

At last, the doors finally open and the entourage walk in. The Great Hall is decorated in a winter wonderland theme and the large dining tables are gone, replaced instead by round, formal dining tables. The Champions, their partners, and the schools’ headmasters are seated at one table at the very front for the Yule Ball Formal Dinner.

The food is delicious as always and Han Yoojin attempts to have a conversation with Sung Hyunjae but finds himself occasionally disturbed by the Durmstrang headmaster who interjects whenever he dislikes the path of the conversation.

(“How’s the Durmstrang castle like?”

“Well, we do have a castle, though not as big or comfortable as yours. Our grounds are larger though, what with the lakes, forest, and mountains–“

“I think that’s enough, Sung Hyunjae. Don’t go spilling our school’s secrets to strangers now.”

…

“What electives do you take in Durmstrang?”

“Durmstrang actually has quite a lot of variety. Mostly basics in every field, but there are advanced classes. This year, I was supposed to be taking Demonology, Rituals, Curses, and Politics–“

“All courses that Durmstrang students are free to learn about.”)

Han Yoojin’s more than a bit annoyed by the time the last plate clears and Sung Hyunjae must have noticed because he guides him away as soon as he’s able. The tables and chairs vanish, leaving the Great Hall a large, open space for dancing. The four Champions and their respective partners take place in the centre of the hall, waiting patiently for the music to start in the starting positions.

“Breathe, Yoojin.” Sung Hyunjae says, lightly squeezing Han Yoojin’s waist. “Just focus on me. Don’t think of anyone else while we’re dancing.” Han Yoojin finds himself doing what Sung Hyunjae says, relaxing both his mind and body as he does. “Good boy. Make sure to not step on my foot.”

“Just for that, I’ll purposely target your foot.” Han Yoojin glares, though it lacks heat.

Amused, Sung Hyunjae pulls him closer. “You’re welcome to try.”

And then the music starts.

For having never danced together before, the two fit almost perfectly. They move in sync, with each other and the music. Sung Hyunjae guides him gently, but firmly, through the dance, bringing him into spins and lifts as effortless as breathing. Han Yoojin won’t admit it, but he feels his heart flutter when Sung Hyunjae lifts him up, doesn’t even feel fear or doubt that he’d drop him. Then his feet are on the ground and they’re off dancing to another untouched part of the Hall.

True to Sung Hyunjae’s words, Han Yoojin doesn’t think of anything else during their dance.

He also fails to step on his foot – next time, Han Yoojin vows.

The two dance together a lot more after that. On the third dance, Han Yoojin gets stolen away by Han Yoohyun for a few dances, but then Moon Hyuna hunts down the latter and berates him for leaving Bak Yerim too long on her own. Then, Han Yoojin’s dormmates swoop in and rope him into dancing with each of them, laughing rambunctiously the entire time. Surprisingly, even Song Taewon comes up to him and asks for a dance, albeit a bit stiffly, but overall, smoothly.

Then Han Yoojin returns to Sung Hyunjae and they dance for the rest of the night. An hour before the Yule Ball ends, the two sneak out of the Great Hall for some much-needed air. Some couples have decided to explore one another in empty classrooms, dark corners, and behind columns, so they make sure to avoid all those places, ending up in an empty corridor.

“I didn’t think getting some fresh air would be this tiring.” Han Yoojin jokes as he leans down to adjust his shoes.

Sung Hyunjae looks over him in concern. “Are you alright?”

“Hm? Yeah. I’m fine.” Han Yoojin says distractedly. “My feet are just a bit sore since we’ve been dancing and walking around for hours.”

Han Yoojin yelps when he’s suddenly lifted off the ground. Sung Hyunjae deposits him on one of the arched openings along the walls, the height of the ledge making Han Yoojin of similar height to the other for once. He’s about to protest when Sung Hyunjae kneels down and carefully takes off his shoes, then his words die down.

Han Yoojin’s feet are a bit red from where the shoes are pressing into his skin, but there are no blisters or torn skin. He tenses when Sung Hyunjae’s fingers press on a sore spot then unthinkingly groans when he kneads on it lightly. Han Yoojin clamps on his mouth, flustered by his own reaction

“We should let them rest for a bit.” Sung Hyunjae looks a touch bit amused as he lets go. He stands next to Han Yoojin and leans on the wall. Han Yoojin thanks him quietly, earning him a closed-eye smile.

“… It’s peaceful.” Han Yoojin says after a moment of silence, looking down at his lightly swinging feet. “We don’t get a lot of that here. There’s just always something chaotic happening, you know?”

“Durmstrang’s the same.” Sung Hyunjae offers, looking out at the castle’s courtyard. “Though, I suspect for different reasons. All of the students are very competitive, and the teachers encourage it, so there’s always been an undercurrent of hostility.”

“Must be tiring to have been on your guard all the time.”

“Not really.” Sung Hyunjae hums. The two turn around to look at each other, gently washed by the silvery light of the moon and the slight breeze of the wind. There’s a fragile sense of honesty in between them, one that makes them speak quietly, as if afraid of breaking the moment. “I’ve always been the best in everything and somewhere along the way, everyone just stopped thinking of me as a rival, and accept that the competition is now for the second place. Everyone else is fair game to try and take down, but I’m untouchable.”

“What about in Quidditch? You are the youngest in the national team. Did none of the players ever try to haze you?”

“I wouldn’t call it hazing. Some weren’t happy that they pick a young player over more experienced ones, but I helped bring them to victory and no one would protest after a win.”

Curious, and in slight disbelief, Han Yoojin cocks his head. “No one really ever thought about fighting you?”

A secretive smile forms on Sung Hyunjae’s lips. “You’re the first in years.”

Unsure how to respond, Han Yoojin looks down again, this time at his clasped hands. He can still feel Sung Hyunjae’s stare boring on the side of his head. After some thinking, he takes a deep breath and finally says, “My family has a legacy of Legilimens. It comes easy to us, as it’s in our bloodline, just like the Blacks and their Metamorphmagus.”

Sung Hyunjae makes a noise of interest and Han Yoojin knows without looking that his entire attention is upon his words. “I was the first in generations to be a natural-born, though my skill doesn’t translate to other humans. Instead, I found out that my connection’s really with the magical creatures. One eye contact and I have the option of opening my mind to them, allowing me to understand and bond with them.”

Han Yoojin glances at the other and cracks a smile. “Though, that’s not why I choose to pursue Magizoology. It’s certainly a helpful skill, but I adore the creatures and I wish to learn everything about them.”

“Are you thinking of travelling then? After you graduate?”

“Not right away. I’ll wait until Yoohyun graduate and settle down, but I’d love to travel and see more creatures in real life.”

“You should come to visit me in Europe.” Sung Hyunjae suggests. “You’ll always have a friend if you ever find yourself there.”

It’s a nice thought to have. Han Yoojin smiles and only then does he seem to notice their proximity. Some time in their conversation, both unconsciously inch close to one another. By the time Han Yoojin realizes, his shoulders are already pressed to Sung Hyunjae’s own.

Sung Hyunjae’s handsome and intense – a bad combination for Han Yoojin’s heart. However, all alone, with only the moon and stars to watch them, Sung Hyunjae loses his sharp bearings and almost looks fond. Their eyes lock on one another and Han Yoojin’s heart starts beating faster.

Han Yoojin closes his eyes instinctively. He tensely waits for what seems to be hours, but really, only seconds, for Sung Hyunjae to do something. He feels Sung Hyunjae comes closer and sucks a deep breath in anticipation. Then Sung Hyunjae suddenly pulls away and Han Yoojin opens his eyes.

“Wai-“

His words are cut off when a pair of lips press against his own. A large hand comes to cradle his neck and shifts his head just so, then their lips lock more firmly than before. Han Yoojin’s eyes are open and staring right into Sung Hyunjae’s own – who’s darkened and lost some of his gentlenesses.

It’s chaste, only a touch of their lips, but when they pull away a second after, they’re both breathing heavily. Han Yoojin’s heart is beating wildly against his ribcage as if it wants to escape. He unconsciously has hold on to Sung Hyunjae’s robes, who likewise, has his hands on his neck and waist.

“We should head back…” Han Yoojin whispers, slightly struggling with his words. “The Ball should be over now.”

“We should.” Sung Hyunjae agrees but doesn’t move nor release the other.

Han Yoojin finds that he doesn’t mind when the other pulls him into another kiss.

The answer to the riddle of the egg comes from Moon Hyuna, who pulls him aside one afternoon. “It’s water,” she says. “You have to open the egg underwater to hear the clue.”

“Mermaids,” Han Yoojin breathes out in realization. He has the urge to hit himself for taking so long to figure it out. “Of course. Their words only resonate in water. Through the air, they sound like shrieks.”

“Feel free to tell your brother. Just think of it as me returning the favour for the First Task.”

Han Yoojin nods gratefully and rushes to tell Han Yoohyun, who promises to check at night and clues him in the next day.

“Where are you going to find a tub?” Han Yoojin curiously asks, the dorms’ bathrooms only have shower stalls and toilets. The only ones to get a bathtub are Prefects, which none of them are.

“Some of the older kids installed tubs in the Slytherin dorms some years ago.” Han Yoohyun says half distractedly. At Han Yoojin’s confusion, he chuckles and adds, “We love luxuries. If Hogwarts won’t provide us, then we’ll do it ourselves. The Slytherin dorms have a lot of additions put in over the years.”

They meet up the next day in the Great Hall. Han Yoohyun has opened the egg underwater and finds that the clue turns out to be another riddle, one in the form of a song:

Come seek us where our voices sound,

We cannot sing above the ground,

And while you're searching ponder this;

We've taken what you'll sorely miss,

An hour long you'll have to look,

And to recover what we took,

But past an hour, the prospect's black,

Too late, it's gone, it won't come back.

“A treasure hunt?” Han Yoojin theorized. “You have to figure out a way to breathe underwater.”

Han Yoohyun doesn’t seem pleased with the prospect. He’s always been more inclined with the fire element; water will be a disadvantage to him and his magic. He also hasn’t learned any helpful spells for it in his classes either.

“I’ll figure it out,” Han Yoohyun promises with a new set of determination. “Don’t worry, hyung. We have time.”

In the end, it’s Yoo Myeongwoo who gives a solution. Han Yoojin’s hanging out with his Hufflepuff friends in the courtyard, and he accidentally drops his notebook. When Yoo Myeongwoo picks it up, he sees Han Yoojin’s hastily written down theories.

“Why don’t you just use the bubblehead charm?” Yoo Myeongwoo asks after Han Yoojin explains the situation.

“Yoohyun never learned it yet and there’s not enough time for him to master holding the spell for so long.”

“Well, if you want to breathe underwater for a long time, you can use gillyweed.” Yoo Myeongwoo suggests once he’s read through Han Yoojin’s other notes. “I think you can find some on the school grounds.”

“That’s genius!” Han Yoojin gasps. “Would you help me find them?”

“Sure.” Yoo Myeongwoo agrees easily, though there’s a contemplative look on his face. “Shouldn’t you let Han Yoohyun figure it out on his own, though? For the sake of learning and stuff.”

Han Yoojin’s about to reason, but then, Sung Hyunjae suddenly appears in the courtyard with other Durmstrang students, and his words die down. A furious blush appears on his face as Han Yoojin thinks back to their kiss and how he’s been largely avoiding being alone with the other. Sung Hyunjae notices him but doesn’t try to approach him, instead of sending him a smile – one so pleased, it’s almost a smirk – and a wave.

Han Yoojin chokes on air as his face grows hotter. He grabs his notebook and pulls Yoo Myeongwoo up. “Let’s tell Yoohyun right now and we can find it together!” He’s not running away, Han Yoojin swears to himself. Though his friends tease him that he did later that day.

Despite a large amount of preparation done, the Second Task is quite anticlimactic. At least for Han Yoojin. On the day of the Second Task, right at the break of dawn, he’s called into the Headmaster’s office. There are others in the room as well: Bak Yerim, Song Taewon, and a Beauxbatons student named Noah – all in similar states of confusion like him.

The ministry’s official greets them with excitement, though the headmasters look a bit grim. “Welcome! The four of you have been carefully selected to help and participate in the Second Task.”

All four students tense, instinctively feeling that something’s off.

“I’m sure the four of you have been told by either of the Champions of the clue for the Task. All of you must have gotten some sort of idea of what the Task will be.”

A moment of silence, broken by the blonde Beauxbatons student. “We've taken what you'll sorely miss.” Noah quotes, voice tinged with a slight accent, eyes narrowed.

“Exactly!” The ministry’s official says, with a cheer no one else shares. “Song Taewon for Sung Hyunjae, Han Yoojin for Han Yoohyun, Bak Yerim for Moon Hyuna, and Noah Luire for Riette Luire. The four of you will be the objectives for this Task, held captive by the merpeople in the water, the Champions will have to safely rescue you in limited time.”

“Of course, no harm will befall any of you.” The Hogwarts headmaster pipes in, hoping to dissuade the tenseness in the air. “We will put you in stasis until either the Champion retrieves you or the time for the Task runs out. The merpeople have agreed to keep you safe and return you if any of the Champion fails.”

While displeased with the idea, none of the four objects. After some assurance and some more explanation, they’ll start the procedure right away. Han Yoojin notices Bak Yerim looks a bit tense and nudges her arm. When she turns, there’s a hint of fear in her eyes, and Han Yoojin tries to give her his kindest smile in assurance. The girl gives him a smaller, shakier smile, then everything turns to black.

When Han Yoojin wakes up, he accidentally swallows a gulp of cold water and almost drowns. He’s cold and disoriented and someone has an arm wrapped around his chest, used to pull him through the water. He limply follows, still not feeling any of his limbs yet, and then he’s hoisted up to dry ground. A warm, thick blanket is wrapped around his shoulders and Han Yoojin desperately burrows himself under it in search of heat.

Cold, yet familiar hands rest upon his cheeks and Han Yoojin’s now staring into Han Yoohyun’s concerned, yet relieved face. There’s a hint of fury in his jaw and eyebrow that Han Yoojin recognizes. His brother’s soaking wet and shivering, but he doesn’t seem to care in his haste to make sure Han Yoojin’s alright.

“You’re freezing.” Han Yoojin struggles to say through chattering teeth. Han Yoohyun must have saved him and succeeded in completing the task. “How, how’s the score?”

Han Yoohyun snorts and wryly smiles. “We’re first.” He says as if it’s the work of their teamwork and not his own effort. It’s cute.

“Great, that’s good.” Han Yoojin clumsily praises Another blanket is wrapped around him. Then the school’s nurse is ushering the two of them to the medic tent while the watchers cheer as another contestant bursts out of the water. The ministry’s official tries to congratulate Han Yoohyun, but he just throws him the nastiest glare he can conjure.

Once in the medic tent, the nurses charm their clothes dry and spell the blanket to get warmer, then gives them a mug of hot drink each. Han Yoohyun, perhaps still spooked over the threat of losing Han Yoojin, clings to him like glue.

Not long after, Moon Hyuna comes in with an arm wrapped around a shivering Bak Yerim, both covered in several layers of blankets. Then Sung Hyunjae and Song Taewon march in, only shivering slightly and not quite disturbed as the others despite having been swimming in the same sub-freezing lake as the others. The last to enter are Riette and Noah, the former looking displeased and the latter muted.

As all eight students get themselves warmed up and sorted, Han Yoojin sneaks a glance at Sung Hyunjae and gives him a small, shy smile. Sung Hyunjae returns it and Han Yoojin feels a flutter in his stomach – one he doesn’t try to deny or reason as something else.

Chapter Text

After the Second Task, Han Yoojin seems to gain a new bout of fame. Suddenly, everybody wants to know about his captivity by the merpeople and whether he feels anything during his near-death experience. He has to explain multiple times that he’s unconscious during the entirety of it and that he’s not in any actual danger since the headmaster has put him in a very secure stasis charm.

On the other hand, he seems to have gained an enemy in half of the female student population after the Yule Ball. A good half of them are convinced he’s taken unsavoury methods to capture Sung Hyunjae’s attention and affections, despite it being well-known that Sung Hyunjae was the one to pursue him first.

It certainly doesn’t help that the Triwizard Tournament gets a lot of attention from the media. All the events and Tasks so far were covered by journalists, and various magazines and newspapers have done several pieces on it. One article, in particular, has written about the Champions and their dates for Yule Ball, and the writer deems it necessary to expound on a great length about Sung Hyunjae and Han Yoojin.

Normally, it wouldn’t have bothered Han Yoojin. But the article's written for an international magazine and that means Sung Hyunjae’s fan clubs have caught wind of him.

It happens during breakfast one day when Han Yoojin receives an unsigned letter from the school’s mailing owl. The envelope is inconspicuous, with his name written in fancy inkwork across the back. Han Yoojin doesn’t suspect anything before he opens it and has the letter explode in his bare hands.

Han Yoojin yelps and drops the burning remains of the letter. His scream of pain has captured the entire Great Hall’s attention, but he’s too busy cringing over his wounds to care. Through the tears in his eyes, Han Yoojin can see the bloody, charred skin of his trembling hands.

The letter's ashes fall down and cut words onto the dining table.

“Keep… your hands… to yourself...” Yoo Myeongwoo slowly reads out. The leftover ashes draw a burning broom on the table. His face immediately darkens and the table quiets down in righteous anger. One of their roommates curses when he hears it.

“Let’s go to the hospital wing.” Yoo Myeongwoo gently pulls Han Yoojin up, while the rest of their friends form a ring around the two, shielding Han Yoojin away from sight. Some other students try to sneak a look at the table or Han Yoojin and get a hard shove for their nosiness.

Sung Hyunjae meets the group at the doors, concern etched into his face. He tries to call for Han Yoojin, but the Hufflepuff in front pushes him back. “I think you’ve done enough.”

Han Yoojin’s eyes are too blurry to see Sung Hyunjae’s expression, but he tries to give him an assuring smile. “It’s okay. I’ll be fine.” He doesn’t know if it works, but Sung Hyunjae doesn’t follow the group.

Han Yoojin swallows his tears and whimpers as they walk to the hospital wing. The school’s nurse is surprised to see them but immediately goes to work once she sees the state of his hands. After depositing him in one of the beds and kicking out everyone else, she pours a pain-killing potion down Han Yoojin’s throat that causes him to get woozy. Then she starts casting diagnosing and healing charms on his hands.

“Hyung!”

Han Yoojin looks up to see Han Yoohyun rushing in. The latter is pale with worry and fear. The nurse lets him in because she knows of their relationship. Han Yoohyun almost grabs Han Yoojin but changes his mind midway and hovers around the nurse healing Han Yoojin.

By the time she’s done Han Yoojin feels strangely tired, and she tells him to rest for a few hours.

“You should head to your class.” The nurse frowns at Han Yoohyun.

“In a few minutes.” Han Yoohyun insists. The nurse sighs at his insistence and lets him be.

“What happened, hyung?” Han Yoohyun sounds like he’s barely keeping in his anger. “Why did someone send you cursed mail?”

“Someone’s unhappy, I guess.” Han Yoojin shrugs. He really isn’t in the mood for conversations. “Yoohyun-ah, I’m really tired. I’m going to sleep for a bit, yeah?”

Han Yoohyun looks conflicted, but Han Yoojin must have really sounded exhausted because he relents. Han Yoojin lays down and Han Yoohyun helps tuck him under the blanket. “I’ll visit you at lunch, okay, hyung?”

Han Yoojin nods silently. Han Yoohyun stands around for a few seconds, as if unsure what to do. Finally, he pats Han Yoojin’s shoulder and leaves. Han Yoojin listens to Han Yoohyun’s footsteps and closes his eyes.

After Han Yoojin wakes up, the nurse checks his hands for the last time before clearing him. A few hours have passed, and Han Yoojin guesses it must be an hour or two before lunch. Not really in the mood to go to class or back to the dorm, Han Yoojin decides to visit Peace and the others.

Since most people are in class, the hallways are empty save for some stragglers. No one comes to bother Han Yoojin, even if he takes his time walking around. When he arrives at the barn, the creatures instantly perk up in excitement. Han Yoojin makes his rounds through each pen, checking to make sure the creatures are all right then petting them for several minutes.

Han Yoojin releases some of the more affectionate creatures and then sits down with a small crowd of them around him. Peace, Chirpie, Blue, Whitey, and Blackie immediately cling to him, stickily nuzzling at the parts they can reach. Han Yoojin smiles softly and runs a hand through their fur.

“You know,” he starts. Tiny heads crane up to look at him. “Something really annoying happened today.”

Han Yoojin huffs. “Some people thought themselves so important they could tell me off. I mean, who gave them the right? I don’t even think Sung Hyunjae know them and they’re acting as if they own him. Who even are they? Sung Hyunjae’s bodyguards? Family members? No!”

Seconds, minutes, maybe hours pass by. Han Yoojin continues to rant to the baby creatures, growing more and more irked with every word. While they don’t understand his words, the creatures give appropriate responses at the right time, fueling Han Yoojin’s fire even more.

“I don’t even care if they want to fight me! At least face me properly instead of sending some anonymous letter like a fuc- freaking coward! We’ll see who’s more deserving that way, yeah?!”

Han Yoojin’s tirade is disturbed when the creatures perk up, alert and cautious. He immediately frowns. “What’s wrong?” when he turns around, Sung Hyunjae is standing a few meters away, looking uncharacteristically grim for half a second. The cold, flat look on his face immediately morphs into a placid smile, leaving Han Yoojin to wonder if he sees it wrong.

“Hyunjae, are you a spy? Stop staring and come sit with me.” Han Yoojin scoops up Blue and moves her, leaving his side empty and free. He looks at Sung Hyunjae expectantly until the other finally moves. Satisfied, Han Yoojin faces forward as Sung Hyunjae settles down next to him.

“How are your hands?”

“Our school’s healer’s really good at her job.” Han Yoojin claims, raising both hands and spreading his fingers. “They’re fully healed, see?”

Sung Hyunjae stares silently at Han Yoojin’s hands, then suddenly reaches out and grabs one of them. Surprised, Han Yoojin instinctively tries to pull them away, but Sung Hyunjae just intertwines their fingers together and pulls them to his lap. “I’m glad.”

Han Yoojin can’t help the blush rising to his cheeks. Between Sung Hyunjae’s unbearably soft gaze to his large hand completely dwarfing his own, Han Yoojin doesn’t know which one embarrasses him more. Peace, originally slumbering in his lap, stares curiously at them. The others follow suit, Whitey and Blackie even clamouring over to sniff at their hands.

“I didn’t think anyone would attack you.” Sung Hyunjae confesses. “I thought Hogwarts would be safe for you.”

“It normally is.” Han Yoojin says. “But this year’s a special case – figures there would be exceptions.”

The hold on his hand tightens. Han Yoojin’s gaze flickers to it briefly, then back to Sung Hyunjae’s now wry smile. “Normally, I would like ‘special’. Though, I find that I don’t like today’s exception.”

A moment of silence befalls them. Evidently Blue has gotten bored and playfully swipes at Peace. Taking the bait, Peace begins to chase Blue around, inciting Whitey and Blackie to follow. Only Chirpie stays, half-buried in Han Yoojin’s robe pocket.

The two watch the creatures' playful chasing, the silence now broken by their howls and hoots. A moment later, Han Yoojin scoots closer to Sung Hyunjae’s side and drops his head to the other’s shoulder. Sung Hyunjae pauses, and Han Yoojin half expects the other to politely shrug him away, but he relaxes and adjusts his body so Han Yoojin can lean more comfortably against him.

Pleased, Han Yoojin closes his eyes. “We’re magic,” he says. “Special and exceptions are our norms.”

It’s not a reassurance, but Han Yoojin doesn’t say it to be one. In a way, it might be acceptance, one that causes Sung Hyunjae to say his next words, “I’ll make sure it won’t happen again.”

It’s a promise if Han Yoojin ever hears one. He nods and closes his eyes.

“And that the people who sent that letter receive consequences.”

Han Yoojin’s eyes snap open. He has a thought of protesting but realizes that he really doesn’t care what would befall the unfortunate people, and decides to close them again. He makes a noise of assent. “Sure, knock yourself out.”

Han Yoojin doesn’t know if Sung Hyunjae really does anything. But the professors decide to use better detection spells for the school’s mails, and everyone is overall more careful when opening their letters and packages now. Another new development is that now Sung Hyunjae always sits next to him during breakfast.

Han Yoojin lets Sung Hyunjae checks what he receives and makes sure they’re safe before opening them. Sometimes, Sung Hyunjae would try to feed him, and Han Yoojin would embarrassedly reject it. However, if he’s feeling particularly grateful to Sung Hyunjae or mischievous to the rest of the student body, he’ll take the offered bite. The first time Sung Hyunjae tries, a handful of people choke, and when Han Yoojin finally accepts, a group of girls shed a tear. Nowadays, though, Han Yoojin does it to see the way Sung Hyunjae lights up.

“This is the worst thing to happen to me!” Han Yoojin wails a week later. Yoo Myeongwoo sympathetically pats his shoulder.

One of their friends incredulously mutters, “You just got attacked last week…?”

Han Yoojin ignores him and face plants to the table. “They won’t even let me visit Peace or Chirpie! They’re just babies! What if they forget about me the next time I see them?”

“Yoojin, they won’t forget you.” Yoo Myeongwoo patiently consoles. “How could they? They love you a lot.”

Han Yoojin’s current dilemma starts when after one particular Care of Magical Creatures class, the professor asks Han Yoojin to stay behind. Thinking he’s about to be asked for some assistance, he happily stays behind. Instead, the professor told him heartbreaking news.

“Until the tournament is over, you’re not allowed to visit nor assist in caring for the creatures.”

Any attempts of Han Yoojin in sneaking into the pens and the Forbidden Forest automatically alert the gamekeeper or the professor and result in having Hufflepuff's house points taken away. The Head Boy and Girl have to personally sit him down and tell him to stop botching their chance of winning the year’s House Cup. Then they appoint his friends to tail Han Yoojin 24/7.

“Well, at least that tells you something,” someone says. Han Yoojin lifts his head. “The Third Task will involve some of the creatures held in the pens and Forest. That’s why you’re not allowed visitations – they’re afraid you’ll tip off the Champions.”

“We do learn a lot about dangerous creatures this year.” Yoo Myeongwoo mulls over. “Remember the Skrewt and Acromantula?”

“We all know the Third Task will be a maze, but it couldn’t be an empty one, right? They need to keep it interesting and dangerous – what better way to do it other than setting loose monsters in it.”

They’re trying to cheer him up. Han Yoojin knows this, and while a part of him is quite pleased to gain possibly helpful information for Han Yoohyun, he still isn’t thrilled. “But they’ll get hurt.” Han Yoojin sullenly mutters. “We don’t have healers for creatures here. What if they die?”

Yoo Myeongwoo, originally thinking Han Yoojin was worried for the Champions, is about to reassure him they’ll be more than capable of defending himself. After hearing Han Yoojin’s words, he closes his mouth and just continues patting Han Yoojin’s shoulder.

With both his hobby and work taken away, Han Yoojin finds the passing days dreadfully boring and slow. He doesn’t realize how much of his schedule is reserved for creatures and now spends a lot of his time just sitting around and doing nothing. Han Yoojin tries to spend more time with Han Yoohyun or his friends, but assignments and tests have piled up and they’re understandably swamped.

Han Yoojin walks out of his Herbology class with a faint sense of gloom, already dreading the coming hours he’ll uselessly pass away. That’s why it takes him by a pleasant surprise to see Sung Hyunjae waiting outside of the class. He’s leaning against the wall across from the door and a small group of passing students have crowded him with excited questions about the Tournament.

Sung Hyunjae vaguely answers each question, using a picture-perfect smile he probably uses often for interviews. When he finally sees Han Yoojin, his smile turns more genuine, and he dismisses the group with barely a goodbye. “Yoojin.” He greets, falling into step next to said person.

“Hyunjae,” Han Yoojin greets with a touch of amusement and the odd sense of déjà vu. “How is it that I never actually see you with schoolwork?”

Every time Han Yoojin sees Sung Hyunjae, it’s always the latter lounging around, without a hint of having been in a class or the intention of going to one. He also doesn’t carry around his books and homework, unlike Han Yoojin and the rest of the population.

“I’m very good at shrinking and expanding charms.” Sung Hyunjae offers. To prove his words, he shoves a hand into one of his many uniform pockets and magically pulls out a roll of parchment. He puts it back and his pocket doesn’t even show any sign of bulging.

“That is very good.” Han Yoojin agrees, dutifully impressed. “Are you going to offer to walk me to my next class?”

“Your next class isn’t for a few more hours.” Sung Hyunjae says and it doesn’t even surprise Han Yoojin that he knows his schedule. “I’d like to walk you to wherever you want to go, though.”

“I don’t really have anywhere in mind right now.”

After six years of schooling, Han Yoojin already traversed through the entirety of Hogwarts and while it never gets boring, there’s nothing new to see. The only thing he hasn’t seen in Hogwarts land is probably the Beauxbatons temporary floating dorm and the Durmstrang ship parked in the Great Lake.

Han Yoojin suddenly pauses, Sung Hyunjae following out of reflex. He isn’t allowed to visit any of the creatures in the barn and the Forbidden Forest, but he knows of one living in the lake and the professor didn’t forbid him from going there. “Do you want to meet another of my baby?”

In the face of Han Yoojin’s sparkling eyes, how can Sung Hyunjae say no?

“Lead the way.”

Wherever Sung Hyunjae envisions Han Yoojin’s ‘baby’ to reside, he certainly doesn’t expect the Great Lake. Neither does he expect Han Yoojin to be so enthusiastic to wander into the water, despite having only been imprisoned in it not even two weeks ago.

The small handful of students spending their day outside keeps a wide berth away from the lake. Han Yoojin though, walks right to the edge and starts stripping. Sung Hyunjae blinks, glued on his feet as Han Yoojin takes off his robes, vest, shoes, and socks, leaving him in a thin, white undershirt and school pants. What snaps Sung Hyunjae out of his stupor is when Han Yoojin drops his wand onto the pile of clothes.

“Not that I don’t enjoy the show you’re giving, but I thought we’ll be meeting one of your creatures, Yoojin.” Sung Hyunjae is by Han Yoojin’s side in a flash, grabbing his arm before he can wade into the water.

“What show.” Han Yoojin splutters, cheeks pinking. “Anyway, I’m gonna call out Inky. You do want to meet him, right?”

Sung Hyunjae glances at the Great Lake’s water. “I don’t see why you would have to swim into the lake without your wand.”

“It’ll be a hassle if I drop my wand in the lake again. Besides, I’ve trained enough to send a bit of magic from my hands – Inky will recognize my magic if I do it underwater.”

Resisting the sudden urge to sigh from Han Yoojin’s seemingly lack of caution, Sung Hyunjae finds it important to point out, “There are grindylows and merpeople in the lake – both very aggressive creatures – and you’re going in with no way to protect yourself.”

“Oh, that’s what you’re worried about? Don’t worry, they don’t venture out to this part of the lake.”

Sung Hyunjae reluctantly lets go of Han Yoojin, who steps into the lake. Once the water reached Han Yoojin’s collarbones he concentrates and conjures some of his magic to trickle out from his fingertips. He wills the flow to venture deeper into the lake and keeps a constant supply until he feels a vibration in the water.

It takes a few minutes, but then Han Yoojin feels a large appendage wrapping around his body. Suddenly, he’s lifted up halfway and the water in front of him parts as a large head peeks out. Han Yoojin brightens and happily greets the Giant Squid. “Inky! How have you been? I’m sorry I didn’t check on you sooner.”

Han Yoojin coos, adopting the overindulgent tone he only uses for his creatures. Sung Hyunjae guesses ‘Inky’ is at least centuries old, but the creature doesn’t seem to mind being talked to as if he’s a small child. It’s almost a comical sight, Han Yoojin’s barely as big as the gaps between the creature’s eyes, but he’s fearlessly talking to it as if they’re longtime friends.

“Oh, right. Inky I want you to meet Hyunjae!” Seemingly done with their catching up, Han Yoojin motions to the edge of the lake. Inky blinks slowly and Sung Hyunjae casually waves. The creature moves closer to the edge of the lake, gently depositing Han Yoojin next to Sung Hyunjae. He comes closer and stares at Sung Hyunjae with unblinking, dead eyes for a long moment. Suddenly, he flicks up a tentacle, spraying water on the two.

“He likes you!” Han Yoojin crows in delight, grabbing Sung Hyunjae’s elbow in excitement.

The other students lounging around finally notice the appearance of the Giant Squid and make their hasty retreat. Someone screams in fright, while another complains, “Han Yoojin! Stop summoning monsters from the unknown!”

Sung Hyunjae doesn’t retreat nor scream. He casts a quick-drying spell on the two of them, takes off his fur cloak and drapes it around Han Yoojin’s shoulder. Although the weather is now warmer and the water is no longer freezing cold, it’s still quite chilly. Han Yoojin looks up in surprise upon feeling the sudden warmth.

“That’s great.” Sung Hyunjae says, surprisingly genuine. “Nice to meet you, Inky.”

Han Yoojin beams at him and pulls the cloak tighter around his body.

To the surprise of many, Han Yoojin and Sung Hyunjae’s relationship continues to flourish. The two can be seen together every day now, familiar and affectionate in their interactions. In public, they’re relatively chaste, but in private, they’d occasionally sneak in kisses, eager to recreate the events of the Yule Ball.

Han Yoojin can now admit he’s caught in a whirlwind romance with the Quidditch golden boy, but it also feels like a summer love – a spark that’s quick to burn and die down. He doesn’t really know if what they have right now will be sustainable once the year ends and Sung Hyunjae returns to Durmstrang. He thinks he doesn’t mind pursuing a long-distance relationship with the other, but he doesn’t know if the sentiment is returned.

Right now, Han Yoojin’s stuck in an oddly pleasant limbo. He’s content with what he currently has and is only occasionally reminded of his lack of stable footing. Most of the time though, Han Yoojin just feels happy when he’s with Sung Hyunjae. Even when the other is being particularly challenging or annoying, Han Yoojin finds his remarks amusing.

It’s yet another Hogsmeade day – the last one before the Third Task – and Han Yoojin spends it with Sung Hyunjae. After hours of window shopping, the two retreat to a café, more than happy to rest their feet and continue their conversation in a more private setting.

“Why do you want to enter the tournament?” Han Yoojin asks after taking a sip of butterbeer. The sweet taste explodes pleasantly in his mouth. “You never talked about it.”

Sung Hyunjae’s nursing his own mug, though he admits to not being so fond of the drink. “Why do you ask?”

“I don’t see you entering for any obvious reasons.” Han Yoojin admits. “The tournament promises wealth, glory, and fame – all you already possess. You’re not really the type to fulfil others’ expectations either, so I know you’re not doing it to appease Durmstrang or anyone else.”

Sung Hyunjae leans forward, a faintly eager glint in his eyes. “Guess.” He challenges.

Han Yoojin lifts an eyebrow, tapping his fingers on the table as he considers the other. Sung Hyunjae’s expression doesn’t reveal anything except the amusement and curiosity for his answer. “Honestly?” Han Yoojin starts, deciding not to think into it too much and says the first thing he thinks of. “I’d say you’re bored.”

A laugh escapes Sung Hyunjae. He leans back against his chair, absentmindedly nodding. Han Yoojin finds the need to add to his words, “It’s not a bad reason. I wouldn’t say you’re not as motivated as the others – you are risking your reputation to be here. You’re just… more ready to accept whatever will happen in the future.”

“You think I’ll accept anything other than victory?” Sung Hyunjae questions.

Han Yoojin can tell he’s not offended, but Sung Hyunjae’s steadfast, and always so sure of himself, that it shuts him up. He ends up taking another sip of his drink. “Your confidence is really something.” He looks up, catching Sung Hyunjae’s gaze and smiles innocently. “Though, I’ll tell you that Yoohyun has a pretty good chance of beating you. He is ahead of you in the current rankings.”

“If I have to rescue you in that lake, I’d be properly motivated as well.” Sung Hyunjae retorts quickly and Han Yoojin nearly short circuits. “It’s unfortunate that they put my date into such danger.”

“Really? Your date?”

“You don’t like that term? What about sweetheart? Darling would work too-“

“Stop talking.” Han Yoojin lifts up a hand to stop the other, but Sung Hyunjae shamelessly continues.

“I can think of several other namesakes, but they all say you’re mine.”

“Aren’t you getting a head of yourself?” Han Yoojin sputters. “There’s something you need to do before you can call me yours, you know.” The words slip past Han Yoojin’s lips before he realizes and immediately, he looks like he wants to take it back. “You know, um, I mean-“

“Han Yoojin,” Sung Hyunjae interjects, seemingly happy with the turn of conversation. “Do you want me to ask you out?”

“Well… you don't have to.” Han Yoojin shyly starts. “But I would... like… that.”

Sung Hyunjae smiles. “Okay". He agrees easily. He then leans across the table and gently grabs one of Han Yoojin’s hands. “Not here, though. Not now.”

Here and now probably means out of the blue, unplanned, in the middle of a crowded café where anyone can easily overhear and document them. Sung Hyunjae strikes Han Yoojin as the type of person to be excessive when making formal declarations and probably prefers privacy, what with his fame. So, while trying to contain his giddiness, Han Yoojin nods.

They move to safer, simpler topics for the rest of their stay.

The day for the Third Task finally arrives and the whole school is buzzing with excitement. Students wear clothing and paint their faces with certain colours to show their support. The Beauxbatons wear blue for Riette, the Durmstrangs and a good portion of Hogwarts wear gold for Sung Hyunjae, while the rest are divided between wearing red for Moon Hyuna and green for Han Yoohyun.

Han Yoojin himself is wearing mostly green, with streaks of it painted neatly on his cheek, but his eyes are lined with gold. It takes him fifteen minutes to draw the golden wings on his eyes, but it’s worth it. Han Yoohyun only pouts a bit when he notices the gold on Han Yoojin, more than pleased that the green still overpowers the gold.

The Champion tent is slightly more crowded than the previous tasks. The champions’ relatives and close friends are allowed to visit and wish them luck before the Task starts. Of course, Han Yoojin comes to check on Han Yoohyun first, spouting off some random advice and giving him some tight hugs. Han Yoohyun has to sit him down and told him in slow, pointed words, that he’ll be okay, and that he needs to relax.

“I know you’ll do great, it’s just a bit nerve-wracking.” Han Yoojin slowly breathes out, wringing his hands around. “You don’t seem nervous at all.”

Han Yoohyun looks amused, and a touch flattered. “I think hyung already worries enough for the two of us.”

Han Yoojin stops wringing his hand and pouts. “Don’t tease me! For all we know, you’re about to face some very dangerous creatures in a magical maze!”

“I swear I’ll be extra careful, hyung.” Han Yoojin huffs, body relaxing slightly at Han Yoohyun’s earnest promise. He then looks around the tent, mentally cataloguing the people, and frowns when he misses one.

“Where’s Hyunjae?”

“That guy was called out by his headmaster earlier.” Han Yoohyun briefly looks around the tent, as if he only realizes Sung Hyunjae’s lack of presence. “We’re starting soon, so he’ll probably come back soon.”

“Oh, okay then.” Han Yoojin wants to wish Sung Hyunjae luck too, but he hasn’t had the opportunity to see him at all that day. He frowns slightly. If the other doesn’t show up soon, Han Yoojin won’t be able to talk to him before the Task starts. “Yoohyun-ah, hyung’s going to go first, okay? I need to hurry to get some good seats.”

“Okay, hyung. I’ll see you after the Task.”

Han Yoojin hugs Han Yoohyun one last time and walks out of the tent. Just as he's outside, the entrance curtain flapping close behind him, Han Yoojin finally catches sight of Sung Hyunjae, the Durmstrang Headmaster behind him.

“Hyunjae!” Han Yoojin calls out, eyes lit up and a smile forming. He walks several steps, stopping right in front of Sung Hyunjae. “I didn’t see you at all today, where were you?”

The other’s face is blank, eyes cold and flat, and no smile visible. Han Yoojin unconsciously tenses and feels a jolt of uneasiness through his spine. “Um, never mind. You were probably busy with preparations,” he says pathetically, feeling discomfort as Sung Hyunjae continues to stare silently at him. “Er… I wanted to tell you good luck.”

Sung Hyunjae continues to keep mum and Han Yoojin starts feeling that something is wrong. He hesitantly reaches out, putting his hand on Sung Hyunjae’s arm lightly. “Hyunjae, are you okay-“

Han Yoojin feels a zap jolting through his hand and instinctively pulls away. He stares at his hand and then at Sung Hyunjae in disbelief. Though it barely lasted a second, Han Yoojin recognizes the feeling of being shocked. The surprise far outweighs the pain and Han Yoojin loses all of his words. Sung Hyunjae barely reacts, standing straight and silently as if he’s a statue.

Then the Durmstrang Headmaster is ushering Sung Hyunjae into the Champions tent, in the process shoving Han Yoojin aside. The side glance the man gives to Han Yoojin can only be described as contempt. Ever since the Yule Ball, Han Yoojin knows that the Durmstrang Headmaster doesn’t like him. In fact, he doesn’t seem particularly fond of anyone not from Durmstrang, but the man seems to take a particular dislike for him. The man’s never done anything worthy of suspicion or wariness though.

Until now, that is.

“Move away, boy.” The man hisses. “We don’t need you distracting Sung Hyunjae from his victory.”

A protest is already on the tip of Han Yoojin’s tongue, but Sung Hyunjae doesn’t look back. He doesn’t turn nor smile nor tease him, just walks inside the tent as if nothing has happened. The apathy shuts Han Yoojin up and he’s left staring at the closed tent for several minutes, mind racing in confusion and disbelief.

When the commentator opens the show and the cheers start, only finally does Han Yoojin walks away. He only realizes his hands are fisted tightly once he reaches the seat his friends have reserved for him.

“Yoojin, are you okay?” Yoo Myeongwoo worriedly asks once he notices Han Yoojin’s silence.

“… I’m fine.” Han Yoojin manages to say. “Just nervous.”

Yoo Myeongwoo nods understandingly and pats Han Yoojin’s shoulder.

The commentator starts explaining the Third Task. The Quidditch Field has been transformed into a giant maze, with tall walls made of hedges. Set loose inside the maze are various creatures and obstacles the Champions have to overcome to find the Triwizard Cup hidden in the centre. Several large screens are hung around the field, each one supposed to be showing different Champions while inside.

The crowd cheers as the four Champions make their appearance on the field. Han Yoojin gulps, staring intently at them, trying to find any irregularities. All of them are tense, bodies poised to move at a moment's notice, eyes trained solely on the entrance of the maze.

The pressure they’re emanating from far away is threatening and frankly, terrifying.

Han Yoojin wishes nothing will go wrong.

The commentator counts down.

The cheers increase in volume.

A loud bang resonates and the four Champions rush into the maze.

Chapter Text

Within minutes in the maze, the Champions are separated from each other, taking different turns, and having their previous access blocked off by the ever-shifting maze. It’s a good thing there are screens displaying each Champions because the viewers can’t see past the tall hedge walls into the maze.

Han Yoojin watches the screens with trepidation, heart thudding loudly, growing nervous with every obstacle Han Yoohyun finds, and cheering whenever he defeats or evades them. The obstacles inside the maze are proven to exceed everyone’s expectations. The level of danger not only terrifies the viewers but also sheds light on how powerful the Champions are.

Though Han Yoojin’s main focus is on Han Yoohyun, occasionally he’d watch Sung Hyunjae’s screen. He seems focused, clearing through the obstacles in a rather, frankly, frightening straightforward manner. He bulldozes through each obstacle with brute force.

Sung Hyunjae’s fans are all very excited to see him at work, but Han Yoojin just keeps remembering his aloofness before the Task. It’s odd and uncharacteristic of him. Han Yoojin can’t help but feel the slightest worry after the blatant disinterest Sung Hyunjae showed him. At the very least, he’s relieved Sung Hyunjae can still follow through with the task with minimal visible difficulty.

The first to reach the center of the maze is Riette, having flown up and past the maze's walls, followed by Han Yoohyun, who uses a guiding spell. Once the two see each other, they fire spells at each other, forcing them to duck and hide, lest they got hurt.

As they hide, Moon Hyuna appears from the other side, and likewise got sent some nasty spells after her. Stuck in a standstill between the other two Champions and the Triwizard Cup right in the middle, the three are furiously racking their brain to gain an upper hand.

A few tense minutes fly past, with the occasional spells thrown. The viewers hold their breath alongside the Champions.

The moment is broken when a long trail of chain materialized out of nowhere, cutting through the hedges. In a quick second, the maze's walls are cut down, revealing the Champions' hiding places. The three instinctively cast protective and shield charms, just in time before an explosion spell comes after them.

The source of the attack comes from no other than Sung Hyunjae, who has his wand out and an offensive stance.

"Hey, now. That was real nasty." Riette sneers, her shield charm partially crumbling after the blast. Moon Hyuna's in a similar state, but Han Yoohyun's crumbled completely. The youngest Champion is quick to charm another shield, in case another blast comes.

Sung Hyunjae spells away the chains. Riette makes use of the brief second to rush towards him while casting her own attack. Sung Hyunjae casts a counterattack charm and moves away.

While the two are occupied, Moon Hyuna tries to make a run for the Cup, but Han Yoohyun sends a small fire spell at the ground in front of her, stopping her tracks. In retaliation, Moon Hyuna successfully sends a binding spell to Han Yoohyun’s legs, knocking him to the ground.

Han Yoojin winces, there's a good chance Han Yoohyun might have sprained his ankle from the fall.

The center of the maze became a battleground for the four. In a matter of minutes, the surrounding maze is torn down as the Champions battle one another. It's a bloodthirsty fight, an all-out battle royale with everyone trying to tear down the others.

The viewers ooh and aahs at the display, but deep inside, many are feeling cowed. They can't help but feel relieved the Cup didn't choose them as Champions if these people were their adversaries.

While Han Yoohyun is down on the ground, Riette successfully casts a levitating spell on Sung Hyunjae, raising him high up into the air with the intention of dropping him. In her concentration on making sure the spell doesn’t dissipate midway, she notices the growing vines from the ground beneath her too late. Riette tries to escape the vine's grip but ends up freeing Sung Hyunjae.

As Riette is occupied with the vines, she misses the chance to set up a protective shield for the cutting charm Sung Hyunjae sends her. The red sparks hit Riette on her shoulder and a large, deep gash appear from her collarbone to her upper arm. To everyone’s horror and shock, a large quantity of blood spurts and flows out of the wound. Riette hisses in pain, instinctively reaching up to press against the wound.

Sung Hyunjae flicks his wand, and the vines throw Riette far away. The latter hit the ground harshly, jostling her shoulder badly and knocking her head on the ground.

“Hey!” Moon Hyuna steps in, slightly pale but righteously angry. “You can’t use those spells! This is just a competition!”

“Says who?” Sung Hyunjae asks, tilting his head to the side. Fast as a blink, he sends several dangerous-looking hexes consequently. Moon Hyuna manages to shield most of them, but two hit her shin and elbow. She crumbles down to the ground with a loud outcry, her two limbs now bent at an unnatural angle.

Alarm and wariness start to spread around the spectators. Concerned cries rise as they watch Sung Hyunjae knocks out the two Champions. Han Yoojin’s breath hitches when Sung Hyunjae turns towards Han Yoohyun. Terror runs through his spine as the former makes his way towards the latter.

Han Yoohyun has only just released his own legs from Moon Hyuna’s binding spell. He glances at the two badly wounded witches than to Sung Hyunjae. His golden eyes are apathetic, but glint ominously in the shadow, trained on him with a frightening focus of a predator.

Deciding to go on a tactical retreat, Han Yoohyun casts a smoke screen spell. Dark grey smoke appears from his wand, filling the field and obstructing everyone’s view, including the camera. The smoke gets thicker and thicker until finally it’s blown away by a wind spell by Sung Hyunjae. Once the smoke clears away, the only one left standing in the field is Sung Hyunjae.

Everyone expected Sung Hyunjae to grab the Triwizard Cup. With Riette and Moon Hyuna incapacitated, and Han Yoohyun missing, nothing is stopping Sung Hyunjae from reaching the Triwizard Cup. To the shock of everyone, he doesn’t grab it. Instead, he casts a tracking spell and walks out of the center.

“O-oh, it seems we have a surprise! Despite having a clear path to victory, Sung Hyunjae chooses to walk away! What is he planning to do?” the commentator slightly stumbles as he narrates the event.

Either Sung Hyunjae doesn’t hear or simply doesn’t care, he walks inside the maze instead. People murmurs and whisper in befuddlement, not understanding Sung Hyunjae’s intention. Han Yoojin, who’s been studying Sung Hyunjae intently and has his eyes trained on the screens the entire time, realizes what he’s about to do.

“… He’s going after Yoohyun.” Han Yoojin croaks out, feeling his hackles rise in dread. “He’s hunting down the Champions.”

“What? Why would he do that?” Yoo Myeongwoo asks in disbelief, immediately straightening up with wide eyes. He watches the screen as well, sees Han Yoohyun running on one screen and Sung Hyunjae walking briskly on another, and realizes the latter is chasing the former.

Han Yoojin’s frozen in disbelief and terror. He feels a nagging feeling in the back of his mind he can’t make out of from the sheer panic he’s feeling. He sees what Sung Hyunjae did to Riette and Moon Hyuna; he doesn’t want to see what he’ll do to Han Yoohyun. The other professors seem to share his sentiment, even though they start to look discomforted by the events happening. The only one to not look unnerved is the Durmstrang’s Headmaster, who’s been angrily shouting at Sung Hyunjae to turn around.

“Forget the boy! Get the cup!” the man hollers, red-faced and frustrated. “Claim your victory!”

The answer hits Han Yoojin like a brick wall. Han Yoojin’s up on his feet the next second and is already running towards the professors’ seats, ignoring his friends’ concerned shouts. He has an idea of what’s happening, and if it’s really true, then he really can’t let Sung Hyunjae reach Han Yoohyun.

“Professor! We have to stop the competition!” Han Yoojin yells as he reaches the professors' side of the bleachers. “We can’t let this go on any further!”

“What nonsense are you spouting, boy?” the Beauxbatons’ Headmaster frowns. “The competition is underway.”

“As I’ve told you many times, young man. The Task can’t be stopped midway, otherwise, the Champions will lose their magic.” The ministry official impatiently reminds, visibly annoyed at Han Yoojin. “I understand you’re worried about your brother, but he’s faring very well, and I don’t think he’d appreciate you sabotaging him out of concern.”

“No! It’s not about that!” Han Yoojin grits his teeth, frustrated and slightly angry. A glance at the screens confirms that Sung Hyunjae is getting closer and closer to Han Yoohyun. “Sung Hyunjae’s under a mind spell!”

That catches all of the professors’ attention, including Durmstrang’s Headmaster. He finally stops trying to shout at Sung Hyunjae and directs his anger at Han Yoojin instead. “How dare you make such an outrageous claim! Who would use such a dark spell on a Triwizard Champion?”

“Now, Han Yoojin. I understand Sung Hyunjae might be acting a bit differently but making this type of accusation is dangerous.” The Hufflepuff’s Headhouse tries to dissuade the situation, at the same time stepping in front of Han Yoojin to shield him from the other Headmaster.

“I’m not lying! Sung Hyunjae’s not in his right mind!” Han Yoojin insists. “Check on him! You’ll see I’m right!”

“Hah! You want to stop the entirety of this Task just to confirm your shameless accusation?” the Durmstrang’s Headmaster sneers. “No, boy. I see right through you. You seduced my student to gain information on him and now want to sabotage him just as he’s moments away from victory.”

Han Yoojin seethes and glares at the man – the most likely culprit to brainwash Sung Hyunjae. He remembers how Sung Hyunjae acts before the Task after he’s called out by the man. “What victory? He’s more interested in hunting down my brother than the Triwizard Cup!”

“Enough!” Han Yoojin’s own Headmaster finally speaks up. His voice cuts through the arguments and quiets them. “Han Yoojin, I trust you know the Champions better than us and that you won’t make any accusations if you don’t fully believe in them. But as was said before, interfering with the Tournament will break the oath and causes all four Champions to lose their magic.”

Han Yoojin feels so helpless, that tears appear in his eyes. He’s certain that Sung Hyunjae’s not in his right mind – he knows him; knows that he wasn’t this ruthless, bloodthirsty warrior. He dreads him finally reaching Han Yoohyun and finding that he can’t do anything but watch.

Just as complete, utter despair’s about to engulf Han Yoojin, the Headmaster turns to the Care of Magical Creatures professor. “If I remember right, you’ve put a boggart inside the maze?”

“Yes, Headmaster. None of the Champions have come across it.”

The Headmaster nods readily, eyes glinting with a grim severity. “Can you move the Boggart to make sure Han Yoohyun will come across it?”

Everyone in the vicinity has to do a doubletake. The ministry official is stuttering out protests and the other professors don’t seem too keen on the idea. However, the Magical Creatures professor seems to understand. He glances at Han Yoojin then at the screens and nods. “I’ll do it right away.”

“What is the meaning of this! Do you want my student to lose his magic?” the Durmstrang’s Headmaster roars out in anger. “No one should interfere with the Task while it’s underway!”

“I know the rules.” The Hogwarts Headmaster coolly says. “If anyone tries to stop or help any of the Champions then it’ll be considered an intervention. However, what we are doing is merely adjusting the field – amping up the difficulty for the Champions is not breaking the rules of the Tournament.”

Turning to Han Yoojin, the man says in an assuring tone, “I admit I don’t know Han Yoohyun and Sung Hyunjae much, but I believe I know them enough. By doing this, we can prove whether or not your theory is correct.”

Han Yoojin doesn’t understand but seeing the Headmaster so certain in his mysterious ways calms him down slightly. He swallows the lump in his throat and nods, deciding to trust in the man’s plan. His Headhouse comes to his side, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder as they watch the chase in the maze continue.

It takes several minutes, but the Magical Creatures professor must have been successful. Han Yoohyun arrives at a small clearing where a large wardrobe is in the middle of it. Han Yoohyun comes to a stop as the wardrobe opens on his own, the doors creating a rickety sound as they swing open.

Han Yoohyun has his wand out, stance ready to either cast a shield or offensive charm depending on the emerging creature. He has the spell on the tip of his tongue, but the words die down in his throat as the bloody figure of Han Yoojin stumbles out of the wardrobe.

The real Han Yoojin gasps. The sight of his own body so badly wounded he’s losing some limbs and covered in blood, looking steps away from death unsettles him. Even if he knows it’s just an illusion Boggart created, it seems so real.

“H-hyung?” Han Yoohyun, pale and stricken with horror, calls out.

The boggart creates a gurgling, half-choked sound, the voice distorted due to its wrecked throat. Blood bubbles out of its mouth. “Y-you…” it weakly raises a hand, finger pointing at Han Yoohyun. “It’s your… f-fault.”

After that, the boggart falls down, like a puppet whose strings have been cut. Han Yoohyun screams at the sight of Han Yoojin’s dead, bloody body. His brother, dead, and apparently, because of him. Logically, Han Yoohyun should know something is wrong. He hasn’t seen Han Yoojin since he enters the maze, and he knows the other is safely up in the stands. But the mere sight alone strikes a terror so deep it renders him trembling and screaming.

In Han Yoohyun’s distress, he misses Sung Hyunjae stepping into the clearing behind him. He raises a wand, a deadly spell on the tip of his tongue when his eyes finally land on Han Yoojin’s lifeless body. Sung Hyunjae freezes in his track and slowly lowers his wand.

Han Yoohyun falls to his knees and crawls his way to Han Yoojin’s body. His hands hover over the body hesitantly, as if he’s afraid of hurting the other. When he finally dares to touch the body, he feels a sickening squelch of the blood and the cooling skin.

Han Yoojin feels his heart wrench in pain as grieving tears fall from Han Yoohyun’s eyes.

Suddenly, Sung Hyunjae stumbles. He grabs his head tightly, dropping his wand in the process. A groan escapes his lips as he bends down. His hand instinctively shoots up to grab the maze wall to steady himself.

The sound alerts Han Yoohyun. He turns around and stands protectively in front of the Han Yoojin’s illusioned body. His tears still fall down freely, but his stance is determined as he points his wand to Sung Hyunjae’s form.

Sung Hyunjae stops shaking. He slowly straightens up, blinking rapidly as he does, as if he’s just woken up. Han Yoojin sighs a breath of relief when he sees Sung Hyunjae’s confused, yet clear eyes in the cameras. No longer does he look apathetic or bloodthirsty and Han Yoojin knows this means Sung Hyunjae manages to pull himself out of the Imperius curse.

“… not real.” Sung Hyunjae whispers, voice slightly hoarse. “That’s not Han Yoojin.”

“What are you talking about?” Han Yoohyun is bewildered and overwhelmed by the chain of events.

“That’s a boggart, Yoohyun.” Saying so, Sung Hyunjae reaches down to grab his wand and chants a simple ‘Riddikulus’. The dead Han Yoojin on the ground disappears and standing in its place, a softly grinning Han Yoojin, face pleasantly flushed in happiness, wearing the same clothes he wore on the Yule Ball. His eyes shine as he stares at the two, a single beam of light in the darkness of the maze.

The boggart fades away and goes back to the wardrobe, the doors closing firmly.

Han Yoohyun’s frozen on his feet, broken away from his trance only when Sung Hyunjae takes a few steps closer. Han Yoohyun steps back and Sung Hyunjae stops. “Wake up. It’s just an illusion. The boggart shows you your darkest fear.”

Han Yoohyun draws a shaky breath and nods. He wipes his face and straightens up; the only sign of his breakdown is his red-rimmed eyes. “What happened to you?” he asks, hand curled tightly around his wand.

Sung Hyunjae smiles thinly and shrugs. He looks a bit unsettled and shaken as if he’s still trying to put himself back together. When he raises a hand to brush his hair back, it trembles slightly. “Greed happens.” He says as if it’s a joke. He then turns sideway, stepping back a bit, leaving a clear path for Han Yoohyun to where he came from. “You should get going.”

“What are you doing?” Han Yoohyun asks, defiant and unbelieving. “You know the only place I’m going to is to get the Cup.”

“I know.” Sung Hyunjae nods. “Go, Han Yoohyun.”

He sees Han Yoohyun’s still hesitant, and adds, “Riette and Moon Hyuna are still back there. Either of them can wake up and have a clear shot to the Cup.”

That seems to do the trick. Han Yoohyun runs out of the clearing, his form soon hidden away by the maze’s wall. Left alone in the clearing with only the boggart-infested wardrobe, Sung Hyunjae stands around for a few minutes. Once he can’t hear Han Yoohyun’s footsteps, he walks over to one of the hedges and leans back against it. He folds his arms in front of his chest, cool as ever, and simply relaxes.

While everyone is wondering what Sung Hyunjae’s doing, the Durmstrang’d Headmaster is yelling about him throwing away the Tournament. He’s so angry, his entire face is red, and his veins are bulging.

Just then, Sung Hyunjae’s voice can be heard. “I’m not becoming your puppet.” He says loudly to the air. The camera moves to focus on his face and Sung Hyunjae smiles kindly as if he’s wishing someone good luck. Han Yoojin sees the smile and can only think that he’s downright angry. “If you want the Cup so bad then go get it yourself, Headmaster.”

It’s a confirmation of Han Yoojin’s theory and a sentence all at once. The Durmstrang’s Headmaster finally stops yelling, realizing that he’s been exposed. The other professors round-up at him instantly, immobilizing him before he can cast anything.

The other screen shows Han Yoohyun finally arriving at the clearing. Moon Hyuna and Riette are still down. Han Yoohyun runs to the Cup. The moment his fingers curl around it, fireworks and confetti pop off. He disappears from the maze and appears in the middle of the open field, holding the cup tightly in his hands and slightly disoriented from the apparition.

Loud cheers broke out, the loudest coming from the Slytherin House, as the band and choir begin playing a victorious song. Han Yoojin sighs in relief and joins the cheering crowd, yelling out Han Yoohyun’s name as loud as he can.

On the field, finally gathering his bearings, Han Yoohyun raises the Cup proudly.

In the maze, still leaning against the maze’s wall, Sung Hyunjae smiles and closes his eyes.

.

.

.

The Silent Support of The Triwizard Tournament’s Champions

This year’s Triwizard Tournament is set to get the entire Wizarding World talking – for all the good and bad reasons.

After previously being banned from having a high death rate, the three schools – Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, and Hogwarts – decided to test their luck by hosting the first Tournament in decades. To try and minimize the risk of any deaths, an age limit had been set for the participants, in the assumption that older wizards are more capable of protecting themselves. In a surprising turn of events, Han Yoohyun, a fourth-year Hogwarts student and the youngest participant of this year’s tournament came out victorious. This overall result has incited a debate over the effectiveness of this new rule, especially in consideration of the Tasks the Champions had to face.

The Tournament still maintained its level of danger, setting up the Champions to face dragons, merpeople, boggarts, and various other dangerous creatures to claim victory. In fact, during the Second Task, the Tournament enlisted the Champions’ closest and loved ones as hostages underwater. Fortunately, the four Champions were all very adept at protecting both themselves and their assigned captive. One of these hostages was Han Yoojin, the older brother of Han Yoohyun.

A deep, touching bond between two siblings, forged after a lifetime of love and trust. Other students have testified and affirmed the two’s closeness and protectiveness towards each other. It’s a well-known story today, that Han Yoohyun was wrongly submitted for the Tournament by an unknown assailant, however, not many outsides of the school are aware that Han Yoojin had tried to fight this decision, challenging the professors, Headmasters, and the ministry. According to many at Hogwarts, this is a “surprising, but not at all unexpected” action from the sixth-year student – an action he’d repeat along the course of the Tournament in his attempts at supporting and helping his brother.

“I wish hyung would be more mindful of himself [regarding my sake],” Han Yoohyun said, both fond and slightly exasperated. “He’s always been selfless like that when it comes to those he cares about. I feel very fortunate every day that Han Yoojin is my family. Even when I feel as if the world is against me, I know that I always have him with me.”

What makes Han Yoojin an interesting subject, is that he’s not only linked to the True Champion, Han Yoohyun, but also the Wizarding World’s Golden Boy, Sung Hyunjae. As a brother to the former and a lover to the latter, Han Yoojin becomes a silent, supporting pillar for both. He can be seen helping the Champions in solving clues and preparing for the Tasks themselves. Even when faced with scorn and attacks by the Champions' haters and fans, he remained steady.

Everything came to its climax during the Third Task. The Champions were set loose in a maze filled with dangerous magical creatures. Not only do they have to fight the obstacles, but also each other to obtain the Triwizard Cup. While many were expecting an exciting battle, certainly no one expected the amount of bloodshed that night. The battle turned into a one-sided hunt when Sung Hyunjae suddenly attacked the other Champions grievously, severely injuring the Beauxbatons Champion, Riette, and Hogwarts Champion, Moon Hyuna, before chasing down Han Yoohyun to deliver similar blows.

While many were too horrified and distracted by the gruesome events, Han Yoojin quickly realized something was amiss and came to the professors of his suspicion. He repeatedly asked for the Tournament to be stopped or for some help to be deployed as he claimed that Sung Hyunjae “wasn’t in his right mind”. Though he’s faced with incredulity at first, his suspicion’s proven to be correct when Sung Hyunjae himself admits it after finally breaking free of mind control.

In his thirst for glory and victory, the Durmstrang Headmaster had put Sung Hyunjae under an Imperio Curse, ordering him to “destroy the other Champions” and “claim his victory”. This prompted an investigation where other nefarious deeds were too uncovered. It seems that other being a lover of the Dark Arts and an avid follower of past Dark Lords’ beliefs, the man has also been stealing from the Durmstrang school funds. The man has since been put in custody and stripped of his position as a Headmaster.

When asked about his experiences under the Imperio Curse, Sung Hyunjae chose to stay silent, citing that “he’s said everything necessary to the people of law.” However, he spoke about how he’s able to escape the Unforgivable Curse.

“When the boggart was showing Han Yoohyun’s greatest fear, it [the sight of Han Yoojin’s body] awakened me. It’s shocking and unsettling and it gives me the drive to really break past that man’s curse.” Sung Hyunjae said, in a bittersweet tone. He takes a moment to rethink the memory. “Fortunately, that dreadful image is easy to banish.”

Sung Hyunjae himself stepped down to cast a Ridikkulus to banish the boggart. The illusion of Han Yoojin dying and bloodied was changed into a gently smiling one, dressed in beautiful robes and glowing under the moonlight. As the Ridikkulus changes the Boggart’s image to the caster’s imagination, it’s apparent to everyone that Sung Hyunjae thinks very favorably and fondly of the other.

“I’m just relieved that no one lost their lives at the Tournament,” Han Yoojin said when approached. Reportedly, Riette and Moon Hyuna were healed without a scar after the Tournament ends. “I’m thrilled that Yoohyun won. He’s a talented and hard-working wizard; I think that he could’ve still won without my help. I just hoped he could do it without being faced with such a traumatizing show.”

After the Tournament, the Champions were treated for any physical and mental wounds. Fortunately, all four have been declared healthy and allowed to resume any previous activities. Moon Hyuna and Riette are both preparing for their graduation and have expressed their intentions to join their respective country’s magical security forces. This summer, Sung Hyunjae is set to continue playing for the National Quidditch Team, while Han Yoohyun is thinking of starting a business with the Triwizard Tournament’s prize money.

When asked about his relationship with Sung Hyunjae in the future, Han Yoojin shrugged and smiled secretively. “Let’s see what fate holds for us.”

Han Yoojin claims he’ll continue supporting the Champions to the best of his ability.

“I’ll be so angry if you don’t send me letters.” Han Yoojin tries to be stern, but his pout makes him look more huffy and cute. Indulgent and amused, Sung Hyunjae gathers Han Yoojin into his arms. Han Yoojin falls into the embrace pliantly, burying his face in his boyfriend's chest to hide his teary eyes.

"You could have the busiest week and you should still send me at least a letter."

"Then Yoojin should also return all of my letters."

"That's a given." Han Yoojin mumbles.

Sung Hyunjae laughs and pulls back. Han Yoojin follows his cue, raising his head but not stepping away. 

Han Yoojin's reluctant to part with Sung Hyunjae. They might have made their relationship official, but it's only been a few weeks and now they're going to be separated for a year. With next year being their final one, it's hard to tell if they can scrounge up enough time with how busy they will be. Neither of them can visit the other during summer either, with Sung Hyunjae being in the Quidditch National Team and Han Yoojin having his internship.

They're in front of Hogwarts gates, right before the docks to Durmstrang's ship and the pathway to Beauxbaton's carriages. Students surround the two, caught in their own sad goodbyes with their respective close ones. Sung Hyunjae and Han Yoojin act like they're the only two people in the place. Their own friends, already used to the two's antics, leave them to their own devices. The euphoria of the early honeymoon stage and the dread of being separated in the near future made the two inseparable and frankly, sickening to the bystanders.

"I'll visit you if any of my games are in your area." Sung Hyunjae offers, brushing Han Yoojin's bangs to the side.

"No, you'll be too busy with the game's preparation." Han Yoojin shakes his head. "I'll buy the tickets and come visit you instead."

"My little lover doesn't need to buy tickets. I'll send you some." Sung Hyunjae negotiates.

Han Yoojin narrows his eyes and lightly slaps Sung Hyunjae's chest. "I'm not little." He protests. "Those tickets better be the best seats in the house."

"I won't let you settle for less." Sung Hyunjae promises. Then the two leaned closer as if they were about to share a kiss. They’re stopped midway by Han Yoohyun, who, quite literally, comes between them. He physically separates the two, a grimace on his face.

“Hyung, we’re still on school grounds.” Han Yoohyun feels the need to point out. “And this isn’t a final goodbye. You’ll still be able to see… your boyfriend,” Han Yoohyun says this as it pains him. “Sometime in the future.”

“Of course.” Han Yoojin nods seriously, face pinking slightly, apparently embarrassed at having been caught by Han Yoohyun. The shame fades away soon after when he bites his lips and stares wistfully at Sung Hyunjae’s face again. “I still wish the future comes soon.”

“Me too.” Sung Hyunjae smiles sweetly.

It’s still kept a secret by the couple, but the two have agreed to take some time off after graduation and travel together to other countries. Han Yoojin is very excited about listing out all the magical creatures they can possibly run into and Sung Hyunjae is very excited about indulging Han Yoojin. Other than that, the two are also very excited to be able to spend some time together after a year of separation.

In their musing, the two are enveloped in their own personal bubble yet again. Han Yoohyun sighs and miserably looks up to the sky. The couple’s moment is cut short when Song Taewon comes and claps Sung Hyunjae’s shoulder.

“We have to line up to enter the ship.” He says to Sung Hyunjae. To Han Yoojin and Han Yoohyun, he briefly offers a courteous bow as a greeting. “We’re running late.”

The other Durmstrang students are already making their way to the front of the ship. Some of them are already in line. Han Yoojin can’t help but frown. He knows that they can’t prolong their goodbye anymore. Sung Hyunjae knows this best and stiffly nods. “Of course.”

“Han Yoohyun, it was an honour to fight against you as another champion.” Sung Hyunjae politely says. He then turns to Han Yoojin and visibly softens. “Han Yoojin, I will see you again soon.”

Han Yoojin’s eyes turn glassy, and he blinks several times to dispel the tears. He takes a deep breath. A determined smile is on his face as he stops in front of Sung Hyunjae. Han Yoohyun and Song Taewon have politely stepped back.

“Soon.” Han Yoojin echoes. Then he loops an arm around Sung Hyunjae's neck and stands on his tiptoes. Sung Hyunjae lowers his head and the two delve into a kiss.

Someone, probably a fan of Sung Hyunjae, notices them and makes a heart-breaking noise. This catches other students' attention, who either cheers and hollers for them or make similar sad trills at seeing their idol in a lip lock with another. Emboldened by the sounds, Han Yoojin kisses Sung Hyunjae harder.

When they part, Sung Hyunjae whispers a sweet declaration, centimeters away from Han Yoojin’s own lips.

“You’re the greatest prize I’ve ever earned.”

And Han Yoojin knows they’ll be okay.