Now you see it. (part 5)
Title: Now you see it. (part 5)
Pairing(s): None for now, several to come.
Genre: light angst, comedy, adventure
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Lee Howon leads a seemingly perfect life. He has everything that anyone could ask for - Looks, sports, arts, academics. He was perfect and everyone adored him. However, he finds his life mundane and seeks something more. What is it that he wants to find? Nah, I’m not going to spoil you.
A/N: fic collab with evaa_x3
chapter
five
Howon could only stare blankly at the amount of food in front of him. There was so much luscious food, he swore that he had never seen so much food before in his entire life. There was a variety of dishes - from poultry, to red meat, to fish and to the ever-healthy (but yet, he didn’t like them) vegetables. He tugged on a single piece of chicken, bringing it to his mouth and savoring the taste. It was good, really good.
Everyone was chatting rather animatedly, getting to know one other or just plain stuffing their mouths with the food in front of them (cough, the person sitting next to him, Woohyun, cough). He looked to his side, noticing another first-year Ravenclaw student reach out for vegetables when something appeared out of nowhere, from the bowl of vegetables. He shrieked.
“Hi, welcome to Hogwarts,” the spirit spoke. Howon stopped chewing on his chicken momentarily, gasping slightly at the appearance of the spirit. She was relatively tall, her dark hair only emphasized her pale features. There was the sound of cheers and each Ravenclaw turned back, seeing other spirits float into the room.
It would be considered a freaky sight to any normal person, but Howon shrugged that thought away. He was at Hogwarts, a place of magic. Would such things be impossible? He doubted so. She gave them a shy smile before introducing herself as ‘The Grey Lady’. Howon shifted his gaze to look at Shindong, who was gave him a smile before talking to the man next to him. He blinked. Who was that man?
“Hey, Shinwoo,” he nudged the Ravenclaw senior next to him, putting his fork away. “Who’s that? The person talking to Shindong right now.”
“That’s Professor Jungsu. Head of the Slytherin house.” the senior replied, friendly smile on his face.
“What does he teach?”
“Potions. But everyone knows it’s the Dark Arts he fancies,” the older boy replied, cutting a piece of fish as he spoke. “He’s been after Quirrell’s job for years.”
“Ravenclaws, please follow me. Keep fast.”
Howon followed suit, following the head of the house, going up the seemingly infinite tight spiral staircase. It did have a magnificent and a rather, grand, aura around it as one proceeded even higher. He looked to his back, noting that some students looked green. Maybe, they were claustrophobic.
The people in front of him suddenly stopped, causing him to pause in his tracks as well. He could hear the head’s voice echo. “Ravenclaws, listen up. In order to enter our common room, you’d need to answer a riddle, which is changed every now and then. Listen up for the answer to the current riddle.”
“The correct answer is yes, but if you say that, you would be wrong. What is the question? Would anyone like to have a go at it?”
Howon stared at the back of the person in front of him. He’d never been too good at riddles, but somehow, he felt that he knew the answer to this one. He stared even harder at the black robe, ignoring the hushed whispers from his surroundings. He ignored Woohyun’s constant nudging at him and he couldn’t help but wonder how did Woohyun manage to end up at Ravenclaw.
He was about to raise his hand to give the answer but someone else beat him to answering the riddle. He heard the boy he met on the train ask “Are you silent?”.
Everyone turned to the taller boy, sending him questioning looks when the portrait nodded, the doors at the very top of the staircase started to open. The students at the top started to file in orderly, footsteps resonating.
Howon couldn’t help but feel a warm feeling blossom in his heart after he walked past the wooden doors and enter the Ravenclaw common room. He definitely liked this place more than his relatives’ home. The first thing that caught his eye was the domed ceiling, painted with stars. He couldn’t help but turn to look at the tall and lanky boy from before, wondering if he’d be reaching his hands up again, in an attempt to catch the “stars”.
The windows were gracefully and beautifully arched, blue and bronze (Howon knew that it was the Ravenclaw colors) silks hanging off the walls and the midnight blue carpet. Secretly, he couldn’t help but wish that the carpet was of a purple shade instead, purple being his absolute favorite color.
“Gather ‘round here.” He heard the prefect’s voice and immediately walked in the direction of the voice. He could hear Woohyun’s loud gasps of excitement and amazement and for that moment, Howon really wished he could sock him in the face. “Welcome to the Ravenclaw common room.”
“The girls’ dormitories are upstairs and to your left while the boys’, the same to your right. You’d find that all your belongings have already been brought in.”
Howon leaned against the cement wall, the coldness of it being rather comforting to him. He knew that he wasn’t usually the type who would immerse himself into a period of such peace and serenity, but upon gazing out of the window and staring at the beautiful scenery, he felt so calm. He felt so at peace that he couldn’t help but stay up, looking out of the window instead of sleep.
He traced his fingers on the window. If it were raining, he’d love to blow onto the window and trace random words on it. He had liked it every since he was a child and it seemed to become a habit that stuck.
Everything was so strange now. He sighed, resting his forehead against the glass. Just yesterday, he was the star quarterback of his high school. The guy everyone wanted as their ideal boyfriend. A normal, if not popular, teenager. But now-- now, he finds out from a giant that he was a wizard of all things. A famous one at that. What other surprises were there in store for him, he mused. Staring out through the window.
Soon, he felt his eyelids drooping and he fell into the deepest slumber he had in a long time.
Howon nudged at Woohyun’s side, urging him to hasten his steps as they would be late for their next classif they didn’t hurry. He wasn’t sure since when did Woohyun start to cling to him 24/7, but he didn’t particularly dislike it either. He did enjoy Woohyun’s annoyance at times, especially his funny remarks about the teachers or... Woohyun telling him about how much he loved Hogwarts’ food.
Needless to say, both of them were horribly surprised when they entered the classroom to see no teacher in front of them, but rather, a cat perched on top of the teacher’s desk. Howon didn’t miss that tall boy roll his eyes and shoot them a disapproving look. “Whew, we made it,” he heard Woohyun breathe out in between pants.
“Imagine the look on Professor Gyuri’s face if we were late!” Woohyun and Howon could only gasp when the cat on the table suddenly jumped up and transformed into the Professor, herself. She walked up to them, carrying grace.
“That was bloody brilliant!” Woohyun squeaked.
“Thank you for the assessment, Mr. Nam. Perhaps, you’d be more useful if I were to transfigure Mr. Lee and yourself into a pocket watch? That way, one of you may be on time,” She paused for a second as Howon and Woohyun started to lower their heads in guilt.
“We got lost,” Howon mumbled out.
“Then, perhaps, a map? I trust that you don’t need a map to find your seats.”
For the first time, Howon and Woohyun were already seated in their classrooms. As soon as Howon entered the classroom, he had a premonition that he wouldn’t be enjoying the class. The deep mist that was surrounding the classroom only made him feel like choking and he could tell that Woohyun shared the same sentiments.
The door of the classroom suddenly slammed wide open. Professor Jungsu walked into the classroom, pushing his glasses onto the bridge of his nose. “There will be no wand waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don’t expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art of potion making. However, for those select few, who possess the predisposition, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper in death.”
Howon turned to his back, watching the blond’s intent gaze on the Professor. While he got the creeps, the blond seemed to enjoy the Professor’s words. He was nodding, eyes shining with enthusiasm and excitement. His eyes only shone more when the Professor mentioned about death, causing shivers to go down Howon’s spine. Howon shifted his gaze back to his book, intently writing his notes.
“Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession with abilities so formidable, you feel confident enough to not pay attention.” He stared hard at Howon, who had been busy writing down what the Professor had been saying. The tall boy, Sungyeol, who was seated next to him, resisted the temptation of rolling his eyes and nudged him. Once, twice. To get his attention.
Howon immediately put down his feather pen, putting it to the side as his eyes looked directly into the Professor’s. “Mr. Lee, our new celebrity. Tell what, what would I get if I added powered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?”
Sungyeol raised his hand immediately, enthusiastic to answer the Professor’s question. Howon blatantly shook his head. How would he know?
“You don’t know? Well, let’s try again. Well, Mr. Lee, where would you look at if I asked you to find a bezoar?” Sungyeol had his hand up in the air almost immediately again as Howon shook his head again.
“I don’t know, sir.”
“And what’s the difference between monkswood and wolfbane?” Sungyeol had his hand up once again.
“I don’t know, sir.”
“Pity. Clearly, fame isn’t everything. Is it, Mr. Lee?” As soon as Professor Jungsu said those words, the blond at the back of the classroom started to smirk. Glancing to his front side and giving Howon a mocking smile.
Unfortunately, everyone was too absorbed in the entire “drama” between Professor Jungsu and Lee Howon to notice a certain dark-haired male admiring the smartest boy in the class from the back of the classroom. Everyone missed the smile that formed on his face every time the smartest boy raised his hand up in enthusiasm.
“Now, one of a wizard’s most elementary skill is levitation. The ability to make things fly,” the half-goblin explained enthusiastically. Walking around on his students’ desks. “Now, do you have your feathers?”
Sungyeol raised his lightly to show the fun-sized teacher. Woohyun looked over lazily, rolling his eyes.
“Don’t forget the nice wrist movement we’ve been practicing. Just swish and flick,” he demonstrated.
“Follow me. Just swish and flick,” his students said along with him, waving their wands accordingly, following their professor. “And enunciate. Wingardium. Leviosa. Off you go then,” he urged, giving the students the chance to practice the simple spell.
Howon looked around the classroom, watching his fellow wizards and witches attempt the spell. Sungjong picked up his wand, uttering the spell to no avail. He sneered at the feather, deciding that the feather was defective.
He looked over at his new friend and roommate. Woohyun pointed his wand down at the feather, “Wingardrium Leviosaa!” and proceeded to whack the air above the feather. Until Sungyeol almost got hit in the head.
“Stop, stop, stop. You’re going to poke someone’s eye out.” he reprimanded the older boy, grabbing his hand to stop him. “Besides, you’re saying it wrong. It’s wingadium leviosa. Not Wingadrium leviosaa.”
“You do it then, if you’re so clever! Go on, go on!” Woohyun snapped back, a slight mocking tone in his voice. Sungyeol only raised his chin, reciting the spell, swishing and flicking the wand in his hands. The feather on the table started to float in air as the students in the classroom all had their eyes wide open and staring at the sight. Sungyeol gave Woohyun a look, rolling his eyes before turning his gaze away.
“Well done! Mr. Lee has done it! Splendid!” the Professor squealed. Woohyun only frowned, moving to rest his chin on the stack of books by his side and moving his wand lethargically.
Scowling slightly at the ‘smartest’ kid in class, he tried the spell once more. “Wingardiom Leviosa,” he flicked his wrist the way Professor Ryeowook showed them.
Professor Ryeowook was about to compliment Sungyeol further until a loud ‘Boom!’ could be heard, resonating in the classroom. Everyone immediately turned to look at Woohyun. His hair was sticking up all over, feather burnt and mouth wide open. Sungyeol started to laugh hysterically, wiping the soot off his face. (He didn’t seem to notice the boy sitting on the other side of the room staring at them, almost enviously).
“I think we’re going to need another feather for him, Professor.”
“‘It’s LeviOsa. Not LevioSAA’,” he mocked the muggle-born wizard from his class. Brushing soot off his face as he walked back to the Ravenclaw dormitories with Howon and other wizards from his classes. “He’s a nightmare, honestly! No wonder he hasn’t got any friends!”
He felt a hard shove on the side after he spoke before he and Howon saw Lee Sungyeol storm away. Books in one hand, the other hand wiping at his eyes furiously.
“I think he heard you.”
previous // next
Pairing(s): None for now, several to come.
Genre: light angst, comedy, adventure
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Lee Howon leads a seemingly perfect life. He has everything that anyone could ask for - Looks, sports, arts, academics. He was perfect and everyone adored him. However, he finds his life mundane and seeks something more. What is it that he wants to find? Nah, I’m not going to spoil you.
A/N: fic collab with evaa_x3
chapter
five
Howon could only stare blankly at the amount of food in front of him. There was so much luscious food, he swore that he had never seen so much food before in his entire life. There was a variety of dishes - from poultry, to red meat, to fish and to the ever-healthy (but yet, he didn’t like them) vegetables. He tugged on a single piece of chicken, bringing it to his mouth and savoring the taste. It was good, really good.
Everyone was chatting rather animatedly, getting to know one other or just plain stuffing their mouths with the food in front of them (cough, the person sitting next to him, Woohyun, cough). He looked to his side, noticing another first-year Ravenclaw student reach out for vegetables when something appeared out of nowhere, from the bowl of vegetables. He shrieked.
“Hi, welcome to Hogwarts,” the spirit spoke. Howon stopped chewing on his chicken momentarily, gasping slightly at the appearance of the spirit. She was relatively tall, her dark hair only emphasized her pale features. There was the sound of cheers and each Ravenclaw turned back, seeing other spirits float into the room.
It would be considered a freaky sight to any normal person, but Howon shrugged that thought away. He was at Hogwarts, a place of magic. Would such things be impossible? He doubted so. She gave them a shy smile before introducing herself as ‘The Grey Lady’. Howon shifted his gaze to look at Shindong, who was gave him a smile before talking to the man next to him. He blinked. Who was that man?
“Hey, Shinwoo,” he nudged the Ravenclaw senior next to him, putting his fork away. “Who’s that? The person talking to Shindong right now.”
“That’s Professor Jungsu. Head of the Slytherin house.” the senior replied, friendly smile on his face.
“What does he teach?”
“Potions. But everyone knows it’s the Dark Arts he fancies,” the older boy replied, cutting a piece of fish as he spoke. “He’s been after Quirrell’s job for years.”
“Ravenclaws, please follow me. Keep fast.”
Howon followed suit, following the head of the house, going up the seemingly infinite tight spiral staircase. It did have a magnificent and a rather, grand, aura around it as one proceeded even higher. He looked to his back, noting that some students looked green. Maybe, they were claustrophobic.
The people in front of him suddenly stopped, causing him to pause in his tracks as well. He could hear the head’s voice echo. “Ravenclaws, listen up. In order to enter our common room, you’d need to answer a riddle, which is changed every now and then. Listen up for the answer to the current riddle.”
“The correct answer is yes, but if you say that, you would be wrong. What is the question? Would anyone like to have a go at it?”
Howon stared at the back of the person in front of him. He’d never been too good at riddles, but somehow, he felt that he knew the answer to this one. He stared even harder at the black robe, ignoring the hushed whispers from his surroundings. He ignored Woohyun’s constant nudging at him and he couldn’t help but wonder how did Woohyun manage to end up at Ravenclaw.
He was about to raise his hand to give the answer but someone else beat him to answering the riddle. He heard the boy he met on the train ask “Are you silent?”.
Everyone turned to the taller boy, sending him questioning looks when the portrait nodded, the doors at the very top of the staircase started to open. The students at the top started to file in orderly, footsteps resonating.
Howon couldn’t help but feel a warm feeling blossom in his heart after he walked past the wooden doors and enter the Ravenclaw common room. He definitely liked this place more than his relatives’ home. The first thing that caught his eye was the domed ceiling, painted with stars. He couldn’t help but turn to look at the tall and lanky boy from before, wondering if he’d be reaching his hands up again, in an attempt to catch the “stars”.
The windows were gracefully and beautifully arched, blue and bronze (Howon knew that it was the Ravenclaw colors) silks hanging off the walls and the midnight blue carpet. Secretly, he couldn’t help but wish that the carpet was of a purple shade instead, purple being his absolute favorite color.
“Gather ‘round here.” He heard the prefect’s voice and immediately walked in the direction of the voice. He could hear Woohyun’s loud gasps of excitement and amazement and for that moment, Howon really wished he could sock him in the face. “Welcome to the Ravenclaw common room.”
“The girls’ dormitories are upstairs and to your left while the boys’, the same to your right. You’d find that all your belongings have already been brought in.”
Howon leaned against the cement wall, the coldness of it being rather comforting to him. He knew that he wasn’t usually the type who would immerse himself into a period of such peace and serenity, but upon gazing out of the window and staring at the beautiful scenery, he felt so calm. He felt so at peace that he couldn’t help but stay up, looking out of the window instead of sleep.
He traced his fingers on the window. If it were raining, he’d love to blow onto the window and trace random words on it. He had liked it every since he was a child and it seemed to become a habit that stuck.
Everything was so strange now. He sighed, resting his forehead against the glass. Just yesterday, he was the star quarterback of his high school. The guy everyone wanted as their ideal boyfriend. A normal, if not popular, teenager. But now-- now, he finds out from a giant that he was a wizard of all things. A famous one at that. What other surprises were there in store for him, he mused. Staring out through the window.
Soon, he felt his eyelids drooping and he fell into the deepest slumber he had in a long time.
Howon nudged at Woohyun’s side, urging him to hasten his steps as they would be late for their next classif they didn’t hurry. He wasn’t sure since when did Woohyun start to cling to him 24/7, but he didn’t particularly dislike it either. He did enjoy Woohyun’s annoyance at times, especially his funny remarks about the teachers or... Woohyun telling him about how much he loved Hogwarts’ food.
Needless to say, both of them were horribly surprised when they entered the classroom to see no teacher in front of them, but rather, a cat perched on top of the teacher’s desk. Howon didn’t miss that tall boy roll his eyes and shoot them a disapproving look. “Whew, we made it,” he heard Woohyun breathe out in between pants.
“Imagine the look on Professor Gyuri’s face if we were late!” Woohyun and Howon could only gasp when the cat on the table suddenly jumped up and transformed into the Professor, herself. She walked up to them, carrying grace.
“That was bloody brilliant!” Woohyun squeaked.
“Thank you for the assessment, Mr. Nam. Perhaps, you’d be more useful if I were to transfigure Mr. Lee and yourself into a pocket watch? That way, one of you may be on time,” She paused for a second as Howon and Woohyun started to lower their heads in guilt.
“We got lost,” Howon mumbled out.
“Then, perhaps, a map? I trust that you don’t need a map to find your seats.”
For the first time, Howon and Woohyun were already seated in their classrooms. As soon as Howon entered the classroom, he had a premonition that he wouldn’t be enjoying the class. The deep mist that was surrounding the classroom only made him feel like choking and he could tell that Woohyun shared the same sentiments.
The door of the classroom suddenly slammed wide open. Professor Jungsu walked into the classroom, pushing his glasses onto the bridge of his nose. “There will be no wand waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don’t expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art of potion making. However, for those select few, who possess the predisposition, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper in death.”
Howon turned to his back, watching the blond’s intent gaze on the Professor. While he got the creeps, the blond seemed to enjoy the Professor’s words. He was nodding, eyes shining with enthusiasm and excitement. His eyes only shone more when the Professor mentioned about death, causing shivers to go down Howon’s spine. Howon shifted his gaze back to his book, intently writing his notes.
“Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession with abilities so formidable, you feel confident enough to not pay attention.” He stared hard at Howon, who had been busy writing down what the Professor had been saying. The tall boy, Sungyeol, who was seated next to him, resisted the temptation of rolling his eyes and nudged him. Once, twice. To get his attention.
Howon immediately put down his feather pen, putting it to the side as his eyes looked directly into the Professor’s. “Mr. Lee, our new celebrity. Tell what, what would I get if I added powered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?”
Sungyeol raised his hand immediately, enthusiastic to answer the Professor’s question. Howon blatantly shook his head. How would he know?
“You don’t know? Well, let’s try again. Well, Mr. Lee, where would you look at if I asked you to find a bezoar?” Sungyeol had his hand up in the air almost immediately again as Howon shook his head again.
“I don’t know, sir.”
“And what’s the difference between monkswood and wolfbane?” Sungyeol had his hand up once again.
“I don’t know, sir.”
“Pity. Clearly, fame isn’t everything. Is it, Mr. Lee?” As soon as Professor Jungsu said those words, the blond at the back of the classroom started to smirk. Glancing to his front side and giving Howon a mocking smile.
Unfortunately, everyone was too absorbed in the entire “drama” between Professor Jungsu and Lee Howon to notice a certain dark-haired male admiring the smartest boy in the class from the back of the classroom. Everyone missed the smile that formed on his face every time the smartest boy raised his hand up in enthusiasm.
“Now, one of a wizard’s most elementary skill is levitation. The ability to make things fly,” the half-goblin explained enthusiastically. Walking around on his students’ desks. “Now, do you have your feathers?”
Sungyeol raised his lightly to show the fun-sized teacher. Woohyun looked over lazily, rolling his eyes.
“Don’t forget the nice wrist movement we’ve been practicing. Just swish and flick,” he demonstrated.
“Follow me. Just swish and flick,” his students said along with him, waving their wands accordingly, following their professor. “And enunciate. Wingardium. Leviosa. Off you go then,” he urged, giving the students the chance to practice the simple spell.
Howon looked around the classroom, watching his fellow wizards and witches attempt the spell. Sungjong picked up his wand, uttering the spell to no avail. He sneered at the feather, deciding that the feather was defective.
He looked over at his new friend and roommate. Woohyun pointed his wand down at the feather, “Wingardrium Leviosaa!” and proceeded to whack the air above the feather. Until Sungyeol almost got hit in the head.
“Stop, stop, stop. You’re going to poke someone’s eye out.” he reprimanded the older boy, grabbing his hand to stop him. “Besides, you’re saying it wrong. It’s wingadium leviosa. Not Wingadrium leviosaa.”
“You do it then, if you’re so clever! Go on, go on!” Woohyun snapped back, a slight mocking tone in his voice. Sungyeol only raised his chin, reciting the spell, swishing and flicking the wand in his hands. The feather on the table started to float in air as the students in the classroom all had their eyes wide open and staring at the sight. Sungyeol gave Woohyun a look, rolling his eyes before turning his gaze away.
“Well done! Mr. Lee has done it! Splendid!” the Professor squealed. Woohyun only frowned, moving to rest his chin on the stack of books by his side and moving his wand lethargically.
Scowling slightly at the ‘smartest’ kid in class, he tried the spell once more. “Wingardiom Leviosa,” he flicked his wrist the way Professor Ryeowook showed them.
Professor Ryeowook was about to compliment Sungyeol further until a loud ‘Boom!’ could be heard, resonating in the classroom. Everyone immediately turned to look at Woohyun. His hair was sticking up all over, feather burnt and mouth wide open. Sungyeol started to laugh hysterically, wiping the soot off his face. (He didn’t seem to notice the boy sitting on the other side of the room staring at them, almost enviously).
“I think we’re going to need another feather for him, Professor.”
“‘It’s LeviOsa. Not LevioSAA’,” he mocked the muggle-born wizard from his class. Brushing soot off his face as he walked back to the Ravenclaw dormitories with Howon and other wizards from his classes. “He’s a nightmare, honestly! No wonder he hasn’t got any friends!”
He felt a hard shove on the side after he spoke before he and Howon saw Lee Sungyeol storm away. Books in one hand, the other hand wiping at his eyes furiously.
“I think he heard you.”
previous // next