#43 One Two Step
Title: One Two Step
Summary: Baekhyun thought that having no Quidditch for a year was the worst thing that could happen, only to be proven wrong when tradition calls upon a ball to take place in Hogwarts. Not to mention that the man he idolizes is also in attendance of said ball.
Pairing: Baekhyun/Chanyeol
Rating: R-13
Word count: 5874
Disclaimers (if any): I do not have the rights to nor do I claim to own anything related to EXO & Harry Potter.
Author's note: Slightly awkward characters I guess. I tried to make them sound as British as I could, but as I am not British myself, I failed quite amazingly. And it's so painstakingly slow, and for that I apologize.
10:30 am
King’s Cross Station
Platform 9 ¾
Another year, another set of adventures.
That’s how Kim Jongdae liked to think of it. There was so much to look forward to: new subjects, new classes, new 1st years to tease, his being prefect, and, rumour had it, a Triwizard tournament on the horizon. He was beyond excited and couldn’t wait to share it with his friends, and possibly show off his shiny new prefect’s badge.
Just as he had slid the door open to the compartment his friends settled for, he heard a high-pitched squeal escape said compartment. Looking down, he noticed the boy he had the joy of calling his best friend. Byun Baekhyun was a spry boy at 15, smaller than a lot of guys, but it was the speed of said small male that he had going for him. Baekhyun was the Seeker for Gryffindor, an achievement Jongdae was proud of the moment the brunette became a starting player in his third year.
As much as he loved Baekhyun, platonically of course, Jongdae could not for the life of him understand Baekhyun’s love and obsession with Park Chanyeol. There was the definitely an appeal, one that came when the man you admired was not only good looking but also represented his country as a Seeker, but for Jongdae it drew just that, admiration, and not the level of obsession his own best friend had. Baekhyun was his best mate nonetheless, and he would never take it against Baekhyun, but no one said he couldn’t openly complain about it from time to time.
“Seriously, Baekhyun? The school year has yet to even start and you’re already fanboying about him?” Jongdae said, taking a seat across the brunette who was squealing at the fresh copy of the Seeker Weekly.
“He set a new record again, Jongdae! Another record! Not to mention the new technique he displayed at the friendly match with Germany. He is the quidditch player of our generation, Jongdae!” Baekhyun said, not once taking his eyes off the short interview Chanyeol had given the publication. He then turned the copy in his hands around to face Jongdae, a silly grin plastered on his face.
Jongdae could barely make the words from the interview as it scrunched up in Baekhyun’s hands, but the photo was clearly visible, left purposely untouched, as Jongdae was sure Baekhyun would frame up later. It was a picture of Chanyeol giving a small smile and a few nods at the photographers, looking as if about to leave.
“Yes well, I’ve got something pretty exciting too,” Jongdae said, pushing down the article in front of his face so he could try and get Baekhun’s attention. “You know how my dad likes to report everything about work to my mum? Well he came home one day and his mouth was absolutely shut, but you could tell he was really excited about something. So sometime after supper, as I was headed upstairs to my room, he let slip what he was keeping secret, thinking I was already too far away to hear. Boy was he wrong cause I heard everything and it seems like they’re planning-”
“A triwizard tournament, right? Mum couldn’t keep shut up about it either. Told me she’d burn all the hair off my body and throw me out of the house if I even thought about joining,” Kyungsoo said, closing the book in his hands before turning towards Jongdae and Baekhyun.
“Can you believe it, Baekhyun? We’ll be hosting the Triwizard Tournament! Classes will be cancelled so we can see the events, but think about all the excitement, the glory that the winner would have! Not to mention, we’d be having guests from different magic schools come stay throughout the year! Think about all the possibilities!”
“Less classes mean more time to practice, our captain would say,” Baekhyun said, sighing as he thought about the rigorous training the captain would put them through with less classes. “Well, at least that means more quidditch.”
“Actually, Baekhyun, if we really are hosting the Triwizard Tournament, that means Quidditch will be cancelled too. All the professors would be too busy with the tournament to organize the cup,” Kyungsoo said, scooting away from Baekhyun and raising his arms, preparing himself for the outburst Baekhyun would have.
“What do you mean no quidditch!? How am I supposed to catch up to Park Chanyeol if we lay off an entire year!?” Baekhyun exclaimed, dejection clear on his face.
“Well you could always join the tournament so you can stay in shape,” Jongdae joked, chuckling at the idea of Baekhyun in the Triwizard Tournament.
“But there’s always the possibility that the tasks end up being more of a test of wits and brains rather than physical ability,” Kyungsoo chimed in.
Groaning, Baekhyun buried his head in his arms, holding the back of his head while his friends chuckled.
“Oh come on, Baekhyun, there’s so much more to be excited about! We’re in our fifth year! The world is slowly opening up to us, and what a magical world we have!” Jongdae said, ignoring Kyungsoo’s snort at his failure of a pun.
“We also have our O.W.L.S this year, remember?” Baekhyun was slowly slipping into a spiral of grief that seemed to never end.
“Well then think about it this way, no quidditch means more time to study. More studying means more chances of passing O.W.L.S and having the freedom to choose our paths in the future. More freedom means you can pursue quidditch and Park Chanyeol at your own leisure!”
At the mention of Chanyeol, Baekhyun perked up.
“You’re… right, Jongdae. You’re absolutely right! This means I have more time to pursue him in the end! Yes, this will work!” Baekhyun started bouncing on his seat with joy, slowly slipping into his own fantasy of the future.
“I sure hope he means pursuing him career-wise,” Kyungsoo said, moving to sit beside Jongdae instead, steering clear of the mass of energy that was known as Byun Baekhyun.
“I think we both know he means more than just career-wise,” Jongdae said, watching his best friend all the while shaking his head at his antics.
Kyungsoo could only sigh and open his book to the page he bookmarked, noting that this was going to be a long year ahead of them.
~
Up until they reached the castle and sat down for the start-of-term feast, Baekhyun could not stop talking about Park Chanyeol, but they were all slowly getting used to it. They had to, if they wanted to keep their sanity for the rest of the year.
“I have a few announcements to make before we can all dig in,” the headmaster started, standing at the center of the Great Hall as he usually did.
“This year, Hogwarts will be home to not just all of you, but to a long-standing tradition. This tradition has been passed on for years, an opportunity to claim glory for oneself as well as represent the school from which they hail.”
As soon as the headmaster mentioned glory, all the students were abuzz, excited for what could be in store for them.
“Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event… the Triwizard Tournament!”
“Real glory is winning the Quidditch Cup,” Baekhyun said, leaning his cheek on his hand. “No matter what anyone says, that is where true glory lies.”
“There’s always next year, Baek” Kyungsoo said, patting his crestfallen best friend.
“Now, let’s not keep our guests waiting, shall we? Please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies from the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and their headmistress…”
“Oh great… an all-witch academy. Want to bet how long it’ll take to hear one of them wanting to run away from our lovely castle?” Jongdae snickered, hiding his ever-wide grin behind his hand. Kyungsoo turned to watch the entrance the witches made with boredom evident in his eyes. Baekhyun on the other hand was still inconsolable at the loss of the Quidditch Cup.
“Now, our friends from the north. Please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang!”
Baekhyun immediately turned his head towards the entrance to the Great Hall.
“Durmstrang!? They’re part of this too!?” he exclaimed, hurriedly pushing off of Kyungsoo’s shoulders to stand and get a better look.
“Baek-ow, what’s with Durmstrang?”
“You haven’t been paying attention to his ramblings on the train, have you?” Jongdae said, sighing at the sight of Baekhyun making a fool of himself.
“He’s in Durmstrang, Soo! Park Chanyeol’s from Durmstrang!”
Sharing a look with Jongdae, Kyungsoo could only withstand the pushing Baekhyun was doing on to his shoulders.
Durmstrang’s entrance was just as flashy as Beauxbatons, if not flashier. Baekhyun could hardly care though, as he waited to see the only one that really mattered in his eyes. Just as he was about to lose hope that Park Chanyeol came along, Baekhyun saw a shadow of someone towering above the rest, making him hold on tighter to the disgruntled Gryffindor beside him. Park Chanyeol was a good head or two above the rest of his schoolmates, and definitely taller than his own headmaster. How Baekhyun could have thought Chanyeol would be anywhere else other than beside the headmaster, the place of honour only those worthy could hold, was beyond him.
As the headmasters of the three schools continued to greet each other, Baekhyun could only look at one person in the entire hall. His side view alone could turn Baekhyun into a puddle of goo. The thick coat the Durmstrang students wore covered much, but it could not hide how large Chanyeol’s physique was. Slightly turning, Chanyeol unknowingly gave Baekhyun a glimpse of broad Chanyeol’s back (and thus chest) was.
“The Goblet of Fire,” the headmaster spoke, drawing Baekhyun’s gaze reluctantly away from Chanyeol and on to the golden cup in the middle of the hall. “Anyone interested may write their name on a piece of parchment and throw it into the fire by this hour on Thursday night. Do not do so lightly. If chosen, there is no turning back. As of this moment, the Triwizard Tournament has begun.”
Murmurs broke out amongst the students yet again, some excited whispers, goading their friends to enter their name. In Baekhyun’s mind, only one man deserved the honour and glory of being called Triwizard Champion, and that was Park Chanyeol.
Just as he turned to gaze upon the spectacle that was Chanyeol, said man turned just in time to catch the eyes of Baekhyun. Swiftly turning back to his plate, Baekhyun started shoving spoon upon spoon of food on to his plate.
“Didn’t know you were that hungry, Baek,” Kyungsoo stated, watching Baekhyun continue to make a mountain on his plate.
“I-I must have forgotten to eat something before getting on the train.” Baekhyun was shocked that he had enough strength to blurt out a single word, let alone a full sentence. Chanyeol had caught him staring. Park Chanyeol had caught him staring at him. How embarrassing could their first meeting be?
Baekhyun grabbed a chunk off of the mountain in front of him and spooned it into his mouth, biting on the spoon afterwards. He could feel his heart thumping wildly as he fought off the urge to smile widely.
Then again, they did say that you’re only caught staring at someone if that certain someone stares at you too.
~
It was on a particularly cloudy day that Baekhyun decided to practice out on the Quidditch Field. Thanks to Hogwarts hosting the distinguished Triwizard Tournament, many of his classes were cancelled. He had lost count how many times his professor would excuse himself from class for a faculty meeting.
“Whatever they’re planning for the champions must be pretty big.” The three of them had been on the way to DADA when a fellow Gryffindor had run across them, telling them that they’re class was yet again cancelled.
“That just means more time for Quidditch!” Baekhyun stretched his arms up, taking in a few breaths of air as he stood in the middle of the field. It had been a while since he had step foot in it, considering that the last time he was there, Gryffindor had lost to Ravenclaw by one goal, and lost the Quidditch Cup. Jongdae may have been right with saying that this tournament was a blessing in disguise. Baekhyun had more time to train himself and it also provided the chance to train the new Seeker they got last year.
Just as he was about to get on his broom, he heard a faint “Hey”, making him turn around to the entrance of the pitch. He nearly fell down on his butt, his hand loosing grip of his broom as he watched his idol briskly walk towards him.
“Mind if I join you?” It was only then that Baekhyun saw the broom in Chanyeol’s hand.
“I-uh, I um-sure?” Baekhyun garbled, his eyes still as wide when he had first seen who exactly had called out to him. “I mean, y-yes, of course!”
Baekhyun straightened out, almost saluting the man in front of him.
“I’m nowhere near as good as you are though,” he said, his voice growing softer with each word that escaped his lips.
“You don’t need to be as good as anyone to play Quidditch. It’s all about just having fun,” Chanyeol said, slapping Baekhyun on the shoulder and mounting his own broom.
It took more than a handful of seconds for Chanyeol’s words to sink in and for Baekhyun to snap out of his stupor. Picking his broom off the pitch, he quickly mounted and flew up to Chanyeol.
Whoever was in-charge of his luck, Baekhyun wanted to curse and thank.
~
“Congratulations!”
Chanyeol stopped drying his hair, turning curiously to the brunette in front of him.
“Champion! I mean-on becoming champion,” Baekhyun said, nearly swearing as he had again connected eyes with Chanyeol. Anymore of that and he wasn’t sure how long he would be able to keep from embarrassing himself.
“Oh! Haha, I almost forgot about that.”
Baekhyun almost let out a moan from hearing Chanyeol laugh.
“Eternal glory really suits you. Not that you aren’t glorious enough as it is. Truly, you are. I mean, how many can boast to competing on the national team at the mere age of 15!”
“Well it’s not all that people make it out to be,” Chanyeol said, chuckling as he made to sit down on the grass. Baekhyun swore, even through the flutters that beat at his chest, that Chanyeol looked more solemn than cheery, even if his smile said otherwise.
“I skipped a lot of the process by going straight into professional Quidditch. I lost the chance to chase my dream and instead simply jumped right into the dream. As great as that sounds to most, it’s not the same, and to me, it isn’t any better,” Chanyeol said, leaning on his arms behind him to stare up at the sky. “Sorry, I don’t mean to ramble-”
“You lost the thrill; the uncertainty. You didn’t get the ‘what if’s and rather, got the ‘here and now’,” Baekhyun said, looking up to the sky as well. “You didn’t get to partake in the journey.”
Chanyeol turned to stare at Baekhyun, watching the boy intently.
“Sorry! I was just rambling! Don’t know what got over me-”
Laughter cut Baekhyun off mid-sentence. Not just the small chuckles and giggles he had previously heard, but true and heartfelt laughter. Baekhyun owlishly blinked at the Durmstrang boy in front of him, a blush creeping unto his cheeks once he realized that Chanyeol could only have been laughing at him.
“I-I’m sorry-”
“Let’s do this again.”
Chanyeol looked into Baekhyun’s eyes, Baekhyun seeing the sincerity in them.
“Yeah...I mean any time!”
‘Who knew that smiling could be so contagious,’ Baekhyun thought, returning Chanyeol’s wide grin.
~
“The Yule ball has been a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament since its inception. On Christmas Eve night, we, and our guests, gather in the Great Hall for a night of well-mannered frivolity. As representatives of the host school I expect each and every one of you to put your best foot forward, and I mean this literally, because the Yule Ball, is first and foremost a dance.”
Groans could be heard from one side of the room, while excited chatter filled the other.
“And here I thought having no Quidditch was the worst part,” Baekhyun grumbled, leaning back on Kyungsoo’s legs.
“It can’t be all that bad,” Kyungsoo replied, unconsciously messing up Baekhyun’s hair.
No, it couldn’t be, was what ran through Baekhyun’s thoughts. Then again, dances meant having partners, which meant that they all, more or less, needed dates to the dance. So there was definitely the problem of who to ask and how to ask. Not to mention, what to wear and how to act throughout the entire ordeal.
“No, but it’s definitely more trouble than it’s worth,” Baekhun groaned, closing his eyes as he rubbed the temples of his head.
“Speaking of trouble, I’m glad that my mum didn’t cause me any with my dress robes. Can you imagine how much of a nightmare the dance would have been if she had sent some ancient scrap of cloth?” Jongdae said, leaning back like Baekhyun to look up towards Kyungsoo.
“I just can’t believe mine actually sent me white dress robes. Everyone knows its black that makes us look taller,” Kyungsoo whined, frustration clear on his face.
“What colour you wear should be the least of your problems, Soo. There’s the more pressing matter of who to bring to the dance.” Baekhyun knew that that was the problem weighing on him the most.
“Oh, I already have someone in mind.”
Silence fell on the trio, with Baekhyun and Jongdae turning to Kyungsoo.
“What!?”
~
“I will never live that down,” Jongdae said, burying his head in his hands.
Baekhyun glared at Jongdae from where he was sitting. “At least you just had to dance with her. Don’t forget I was used as the guide for ‘not what to do during the dance’.” Baekhyun shivered as he remembered the incident that took place an hour ago.
“Well you did interrupt her with your outburst.”
“It’s not our fault you had to go and surprise us like that! And speaking of surprises, when exactly were you planning to tell us that you already had a date to the dance?” Baekhyun could only agree with Jongdae’s sentiments, as said Gryffindor threw a pillow at Kyungsoo.
“Ow! I didn’t think it would surprise you guys so much. I did send an owl to you guys about meeting the son of my mum’s friend during the summer,” Kyungsoo defended, grabbing the pillow Jongdae had thrown at him to hug.
“So you’re telling me, Mr. Tall-dark-and-handsome asked you to be his date to the ball?”
“Well they have been talking a lot more, recently.”
Honestly, Baekhyun just couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that Kim Jongin, the shy Hufflepuff Keeper, had it in him to ask his friend out so boldly. Not to mention, so early.
“Good for you, Soo. I wish I didn’t have to bother with looking for a date anymore,” Jongdae sighed, grabbing another pillow to hug for himself.
“Do you have anyone you want to ask in mind?”
Humming, Jongdae looked up to the ceiling. Baekhyun knew that his friend was quite picky with men, almost always picking out their flaws.
“I can think of one person but I’m not quite sure I’m satisfied with him as my choice,” Jongdae replied, rolling on to his back. “Guess you’ll just have to wait for the ball to find out.”
Shaking his head at Jongdae’s antics, Kyungsoo turned to Baekhyun. “What about you, Baek?”
~
The question had rung through his head multiple times that day. On so many occasions, he would run head-on into a door or trip on a step or two. It didn’t surprise him anymore that even while he was out training on the pitch, he would lose focus again and miss dodging a quaffle to the face, sending him falling to the ground.
“Baekhyun!”
Right, Baekhyun thought, I’m not alone.
Groaning as he sat up, Baekhyun rubbed his face, thankful to find that nothing was broken.
“Are you okay? I’m sorry! I didn’t think it would hit you, especially not in the face,” Chanyeol said, climbing off his broom once he landed near the brunette.
“I’m fine. I was just a little distracted.” Baekhyun grabbed the hand Chanyeol was offering and pulled himself up with the Durmstrang’s help.
“Little? I think you meant a lot,” Chanyeol joked, checking for himself if Baekhyun was seriously injured in any way. “And here I thought I would be the one distracted, given the dragons I had just faced.”
Noticing that Baekhyun was still as distracted as he was on his broom, Chanyeol grabbed Baekhyun by his shoulders. “Okay, what’s going on, Baekhyun?”
Shaking his head, Baekhyun grabbed Chanyeol’s wrists and pulled himself away from the taller boy’s grasp. “It’s nothing serious. Everyone’s excitement for the ball just rubbed off on me.”
Even with the laugh Baekhyun had let out afterwards, Chanyeol was unconvinced; the smile failing to reach the boy’s eyes was proof enough that something else was bothering him.
“I understand that we just met, but I had hoped we had become better friends,” Chanyeol sighed, walking towards his broom and the rest of his stuff. “I think we should stop for today. Wouldn’t want you to fall off your broom again.”
For some odd reason that Baekhyun could not figure out, watching Chanyeol pack his stuff and just about ready to leave made him nervous. Biting his lip and clenching his hands into fists, Baekhyun gulped down the nerves that had been sitting in his throat the entire day.
“W-who’s your dance partner?”
Halting in the middle of packing his stuff, Chanyeol turned around. “Pardon?”
“I mean… who-who are you bringing to the Yule Ball?” Silence engulfed the both of them before Baekhyun hurried to take back what he had asked. “Sorry. It’s none of my business.” He then turned around, hiding his flushing red cheeks from the Triwizard champion.
Laughter filled the air between them, causing Baekhyun to want to run even farther away than he already did.
“That’s what’s got you like this?” Chanyeol let out, stifling his laughter as much as he could. “You only needed to ask, Baekhyun.”
Hearing that come out of Chanyeol’s mouth had Baekhyun sweating from his forehead to his clenched fists.
“You don’t really mean that, do you?” Baekhyun said, turning back around to face Chanyeol.
“Why of course I meant it! I find helping you look for a date hardly any trouble at all!”
Suddenly, Baekhyun didn’t feel so happy with receiving Chanyeol’s help.
“Oh… Of course.”
Noticing Baekhyun’s sudden drop in mood, Chanyeol furrowed his eyebrows. “Is that not what was truly bothering you then?”
“No, no. It was. I guess I’m just not accustomed to the idea of being forced to ask someone,” Baekhyun muttered. “You never did say who you were bringing to the ball.”
“Oh,” Chanyeol replied, letting out a nervous chuckle. “Too many of the people asking want it for the attention. You can practically see it in their eyes. The ones who don’t ask… well let’s just say their intentions are just about the same as the ones who do.”
Looking at him now, Baekhyun couldn’t help but feel guilty. A few months ago, he too would have been like the people Chanyeol described. He had been, after all, just a fan; one that wanted to be so much like him. If he had never gone to practice Quidditch this year; never agreed to practicing with Park Chanyeol, he would be in the same boat as any of the rest of his fans.
“What if-What if I asked you?” The silence that ensued afterwards felt like it was choking Baekhyun. His eyes could only linger on Chanyeol for a short while before he dropped his gaze on to the floor. He could still see the shadow that Chanyeol cast on the floor of the pitch, his sheer height making the shadow that much longer. Even just from his shadow, Baekhyun could notice the wide expanse of Chanyeol’s chest.
“Yes.”
Baekhyun looked up, spotting splotches of red on Chanyeol’s face. “If you did ask, I would say yes.”
His eyes widening a fraction, Baekhyun continued to observe Chanyeol’s ever reddening face.
“I wasn’t quite sure how to ask you myself. I understand if you would prefer asking someone else, this was all very hypothetical, of course. My offer still stands, that you can be sure of. I will help you look for someone to bring to the ball. It’s the least I could-”
It was Baekhyun’s turn to laugh, his body racking with fits of laughter.
Taking in Baekhyun’s brown curls, his fingers that were quite small in all honesty, but big enough to grasp the Quaffle readily in his hand and throw with all his might, Chanyeol could only smile back before laughing alongside the brunette as well. It had only been a few months, but those few months meant more to him than any other, because he had met enigma that was Byun Baekhyun.
~
Baekhyun stood atop the stairs leading to the entrance hall, fidgeting with the dress robes he was wearing. Thankfully, his mum had sent him plain black dress robes, something that Kyungsoo had cursed him for, but it felt too plain to wear when he was the partner of Park Chanyeol that night. He had definitely earned a scolding from Kyungsoo on being happy he at least looked taller in his robes.
Slowly descending the steps, Baekhyun observed each and every student dressed up in what he assumed was their best attire. Many of the girls wore gowns that showed off their beauty; their hair pinned up in ways unknown to Baekhyun. Many of the blokes were in their best suits, with some poor souls having to wear ghastly ancient robes sent to them by their families.
Up until the last minute, Jongdae had refused to say who he had asked to the ball. Even Kyungsoo had joined in on the inquiry whenever he could, irritated that even he was not informed, and something Jongdae took great pleasure in.
“Would you please stop fidgeting, Baek? You look great. So stop fussing about and stay still!” Kyungsoo reprimanded. Standing beside him was Kim Jongin, Kyungsoo’s summer pen pal and now close friend. Jongdae had alluded to them being more than just friends on numerous occasions, but Kyungsoo had never affirmed it. Baekhyun had a feeling it was because he knew he would never hear the end of it from Jongdae if he did.
“Hullo,” Jongin greeted, smiling and extending his hand to Baekhyun. He shook it, smiling back at the Hufflepuff. He may have been on an opposing team, but Baekhyun had always found Jongin kind for a Keeper. Must be why he’s in Hufflepuff, he thought.
“You can all stop guessing, now,” Jongdae greeted, popping up behind Kyungsoo and Baekhyun. “The mystery’s over so you can all stop begging me for answers.”
“You haven’t exactly told us who it is, Jongdae.”
“He does love his theatrics, doesn’t he? I apologize for whatever he’s put you through,” Baekhyun and Kyungsoo turned, finding that the source was none other than Hogwart’s champion, Kim Minseok. Both their eyes widened at this fact. They both knew that Jongdae would never have gone with just anyone, but neither expected that he would have the guts to ask their upperclassman.
“Hush, you. If you keep being such a pushover, you’ll never win the tournament!” Jongdae then poked Minseok’s side.
“You really don’t need to apologize,” Kyungsoo said, his eyes still wide with shock.
“Honestly I feel like we need to apologize. Jongdae’s our friend after all. God knows what he put you through just to get you to bring him to the ball,” Baekhyun laughed, earning a glare and a smack on the head from Jongdae. Minseok could only laugh at the antics of the trio.
“Like you’re any better. Where’s your date, Byun Baekhyun? I daresay a champion shouldn’t be late to a tournament’s event.” Jongdae could never truly stay mad at Baekhyun, but a little false anger never hurt. Baekhyun immediately shut up, nerves suddenly getting the best of him. It’s true that he had yet to see Chanyeol even once that night. Not even a glimpse. He didn’t want to assume the worst, but it wasn’t impossible that Chanyeol had gotten sick with something and decided not to go. Or he could have been elsewhere, with a date that suited his stature more than Baekhyun ever could.
Baekhyun would never blame him if he did, it could have been a choice forced upon him by his headmaster, or even of his own volition. He would just have to suck it up and breeze through the night as a single and lone wolf, or run up to the dorm and feign ill.
“Right here,” Chanyeol said, clasping an arm on the shoulder of Baekhyun. He leaned down to whisper into his ear, “Sorry I was late. The suit was a lot more trouble putting on than it seems.”
Baekhyun caught a glimpse of the red suit that all the Durmstrang boys had worn, but what really gave him goosebumps was the warm breath blowing on the skin below his ear. It was sending shivers down his spine, and in a good way.
“Thank you for taking care of my date, but I do believe it’s time for us to get ready,” Chanyeol chimed, smiling at the Jongdae, Kyungsoo, and their dates before whisking Baekhyun off to the entrance of the Great Hall.
“Getting ready for what, exactly?” Baekhyun internally swore at the heat that was gathering where Chanyeol had placed his hand on his back.
“I may have forgotten to mention that we need to lead the dance at the start of the night.”
Baekhyun felt his legs turn into stone, completely immobile from the spot he was on. “Wait, leading? I-I may not be a bad dancer, but in no way does that make a great one. I can’t lead the dance, Chanyeol!”
Grabbing Baekhyun’s arms, Chanyeol leaned his forehead on Baekhyun’s. “Hey, you can do this. I’ll be right there with you every step of the way.”
Baekhyun couldn’t help but to reflect Chanyeol’s contagious smile as the giant led him to the entrance.
~
Chanyeol himself may not have been the best dance partner, but he was able to lead Baekhyun enough to eventually forget his nerves. How could he focus on such a measly thing when there were so many other unbelievable things to focus on? Chanyeol’s stare felt like it was peering into his soul. Baekhyun could feel the warmth of his hands seeping through the skin of his own hand, and even through the layers of suit on his waist.
Chanyeol’s smile was as contagious as ever, making Baekhyun smile throughout the entire dance, and even through the numerous songs that followed. Baekhyun had caught a glimpse of Jongdae and Kyungsoo with their respective partners through the night, but his eyes never lingered for too long, Chanyeol’s own calling to his.
When the songs started speeding up and the informal dance and jumps started coming, Baekhyun asked Chanyeol if they could take a breather, something the giant was more than willing to oblige to. He had gone ahead and exited the Great Hall, Chanyeol soon following after he had gotten them both a drink.
Compared to the Great Hall, the entrance hall was far less white, but still very much decorated to match the festivities. Christmas ornaments hung from the ceiling and throughout the many corridors of the castle, leading to rooms that were decorated more than the halls that led to them. The Gryffindor common room was one such room. With the house colours matching those of the holiday’s, it was only fitting that their common room be filled with as much joy and festivity, as was appropriate for the ever fun-loving Gryffindors.
Baekhyun could feel his heart thumping wildly in his chest, almost as if in time with the drums that beat behind him. He gratefully took the cup that Chanyeol offered him, sipping to quench some of the thirst that was burning him.
“As expected of a Quidditch player, you have quite the stamina,” Chanyeol joked, taking a sip from his own cup. Baekhyun chuckled, taking a jab at him in return. “Well you’re not so bad yourself, Mr. Champion. Not one of your many magazine interviews said you were such a great dancer.”
Baekhyun continued to feel warmth rising to his cheeks. The festivities and the joy he felt was keeping him warm and more than happy, and from the looks of it, Chanyeol returned the sentiments. They continued to whisper amongst themselves, content with just the company of each other until the fast songs slowly faded into slower songs.
“You know, I never did thank you for being my partner,” Chanyeol chimed, leaning on the wall, empty cup still in hand.
“I think I should be the one thanking you for that,” Baekhyun replied, thinking back to his nervous-filled invitation at the Quidditch pitch.
“That might be true,” Chanyeol laughed, his shoulders shaking with the act. “But I also need to thank you for other things. Coming here to Hogwarts for the tournament, meeting you was the least of my expectations, but it’s certainly the most eventful thing to happen to me.”
“You sure about that? I think the dragons might just give you a run for your money,” Baekhyun joked, his laughs growing more silent as Chanyeol continued to stare at him earnestly.
“I do mean it, Baekhyun. Meeting you has been the best thing to happen to me, and that includes in whatever manner the tournament concludes.”
Suddenly, Baekhyun felt like his cheeks were warming up from more than just childish fun. “Meeting you has been the best thing to happen to me too.”
Chanyeol’s smile grew even warmer, if that was even possible, Baekhyun thought. Suddenly, everything else just seemed to blur until it all felt irrelevant. Chanyeol’s brown eyes bore into his, unflinchingly, and ever so sincere. He had barely caught Chanyeol’s whisper of “Mistletoe”, and a glimpse of the magically growing above their heads before closing his eyes as warmth engulfed his lips.
Baekhyun wasn’t exactly sure how everything led up to this moment, but he was more than thankful at the ever slow dance that they both seemed to have partaken in from the moment their eyes connected that night back at the start of the year.
Wrapping his arms around the giant’s neck to get a better angle of the kiss, Baekhyun smiled unto Chanyeol’s lips as he felt the other wrapping his own arms around his waist.
Definitely more than thankful.