he called me a wanker (and i fell for him)
►recipient: sunnyjjang
►title: he called me a wanker (and i fell for him)
►pairing: baekhyun/kyungsoo, mentioned!chen/zhang liyin, hinted!chanyeol/kai and draco/harry
rating: pg-13
►word count: 5308
►warnings: mild language, poor taste of humor
►summary: It is bad idea to get into detention with your worst nemesis and to dare the said nemesis into drinking unknown potion. But it's way worse to stupidly drink the unknown potion just to prove your "bravery". Seriously, don't do that.
►author's notes: HEY SUNNYJJANG. I hope you like what I have here and I'm so sorry if it's bad and not as you imagined. Please excuse my failed british english and the slight drarry. I just couldn't help my drarry shipper self. Also, thank you to J.K. Rowling and her detailed description on the magical world of Harry Potter (lol).
The thing about Potions class was neither the location-which was in dungeons-nor the professor, which, in Baekhyun’s opinion, was really, really, fit and good looking, but rather more was one of fellow students that he unfortunately hated for five years. Probably more, but that was beside the point. It was just really infuriating and frustrating him to be working with a sodding Ravenclaw who seemed to be more fitting in Slytherin especially in this fifth year. He couldn’t handle-
“Oi, wanker.”
-the git. They had to take their O.W.L soon and he needed to focus on getting a minimal E grade for Potions to continue on the N.E.W.T level. He wanted to be an Auror, after all. He was outstanding in D.A.D.A class but to be an Auror he also needed N.E.W.T for Potions, so he needed to focus and-
“I don’t know how mutton-headed you can be but you need to sodding pass me the powdered porcupine quills or else it will fail. And please don’t tell me you don’t know which one is the powdered porcupine quill.”
“Sod off,” Baekhyun snarled, pouring the ingredient that he snatched blindly to the cauldron a bit too excessively, ignoring the surprised look from Kyungsoo. “I may not be a Ravenclaw but I’m not as mutton-headed as you think I am. Gryffindors are famously known as-”
“-big talkers, I see.” Baekhyun didn’t know how Professor Zabini suddenly stood tall in front of him but there he was, and Baekhyun clenched his jaw, cursing Do Kyungsoo in his head six ways to Sunday. “And your Draught of Peace is turning into dark grey steam… which could only mean one thing.” Professor Zabini smirked and Baekhyun’s face fell. “It’s failed, and the two of you are required for detention after class for a week for talking throughout my class.”
“Class is dismissed.” Professor Zabini deliberately hissed as he pivoted and swished his robe elegantly-something that Baekhyun always found amusing-before Baekhyun or Kyungsoo could say anything. And almost immediately, after Professor Zabini was gone, they turned their heads toward each other. Baekhyun glared, not wanting to back down from Kyungsoo who was already glaring (or maybe it was just his big eyes).
“This is your sodding fault, Do.”
“My fault?” Kyungsoo hissed and Baekhyun regretfully took a step back. “If it was not for your big mouth and incompetency on differentiating ingredients we wouldn’t have a failed Draught of Peace you sodding wanker.”
“Or maybe if you weren’t such an insufferable git I wouldn’t have to pour the darned powdered porcupine quill so excessively.”
Kyungsoo had the audacity to scoff. Baekhyun scowled. “It was powdered moonstone that you were pouring and I’m sorry for not understanding your troll-level logic here, Byun. But you were clearly being unhelpful and seriously incompetent whilst I did all of the work. You were spacing out the whole time thinking about Merlin knows what.”
Baekhyun opened his mouth and took a step forward, ready to protest, but Kyungsoo raised his hand and sighed. “Look, I’m sorry to break this down to you but, unlike you, I have future to look forward to. I have dreams that I want to achieve. And in order to achieve my dreams, I need to pass Potions class with grade O. So Merlin helps me, if you’re planning to be unhelpful throughout the fifth year, I’ll ask Professor Zabini to change partner. I can’t afford to fail, Benjamin Byun. Especially not because of you.”
Baekhyun didn’t know what threw him off, was it the part that he was accused of being unhelpful or incompetent or being called with his English name or Kyungsoo wanting to change partner, but one thing for sure; he was really, really angry he didn’t realize his magical outburst that somehow managed to break his cauldron… and some other students’ cauldrons. And probably some ingredients. And some vials. And definitely Professor Zabini’s patience, who just came back from the classroom’s dungeons. What sodding timing, Baekhyun thought bitterly.
“For the love of Merlin,” Professor Zabini took a deep breath, looking around the mess that was his classroom, and most likely to count backward from ten before he glared daggers at Baekhyun and Kyungsoo. “You will both come to Professor Weasley’s office immediately after this lesson.”
“Get lost, you lot.” Professor Zabini pivoted and swished his robe again, muttering profanities as Baekhyun walked out the classroom, not caring a tad bit about Kyungsoo who was still shaking in front of his broken cauldron, trying to reason with angry Professor Zabini. Served the wanker right in his arse, Baekhyun thought.
Scowling, he walked slowly to the headmistress’ office and was a least bit surprised when Kyungsoo was already walking beside him a minute after, looking about to cry. Baekhyun was a bit relieved at the fact he wasn’t going to face the headmistress alone. But still, it was Do sodding Kyungsoo’s fault that they were called to the headmistress’ office at the first place.
“This is your fault, Kevin Do.”
“For once in your life, Benjamin Byun,” Kyungsoo sighed. “Shut up.”
Baekhyun did.
“I heard you two were fighting in classroom again,” Professor Weasley said, her tone conveying disappointment and tiny bit of amusement. “Look, I’m very well aware about the animosity between the two of you. But must I remind you, you both are in fifth year and need to focus on passing your O.W.L.s.”
“I’m sorry, Professor,” Kyungsoo said with his head bowed down and Baekhyun had to suppressed his urge to scowl. That would do him no good.
“I’m sorry too, Professor,” so Baekhyun said, ignoring the scowl from Kyungsoo and the line that deepened at the side of Professor Weasley’s mouth, like she was holding back her smile-which she probably did but that was not important-and he suppressed his desire to jump on his foot and scream that Kyungsoo started it, that Kyungsoo called him wanker first, etc. etc. “I’ll try to be more mature and not get into any fights in the future.”
Professor Weasley finally cracked and smiled, and shook her head before she sipped her tea. “You know,” she began, but paused to offer Baekhyun and Kyungsoo some biscuits and ate one herself. “You two are a lot like my friends when they were still in Hogwarts.”
Baekhyun slowly and reluctantly munched his biscuit, wondering what Professor Weasley was trying to tell them.
“You know Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy?”
“Yes of course,” Kyungsoo said hesitantly whilst Baekhyun looked up to the previous headmasters’ portrait. “Professor Potter teaches D.A.D.A, why?”
“You see, when they were still in Hogwarts they hated each other.” Professor Weasley sipped her tea again and the china clinked softly when she put it down. “And as you two know, there was war. Those were really bad times, if I can be honest.” She shook her head, “Anyway, they both were on the opposite sides. So you can imagine how hostile they were toward each other. There was even an accident…”
“Never mind,” she smiled to herself and leaned back in his chair. “What I’m trying to tell you is you two need to learn to get over your animosity like they did. It will take a long time, probably years, but it’s not impossible. It wasn’t easy for the two of them either but they managed. And you both will.”
Professor Weasley sipped her tea again and winked. “Now off you go, I believe your next class is starting soon and there will be a detention waiting in the dungeons after.”
“Bollocks,” Baekhyun scowled, slamming his books onto the table as he sat down beside Chen on Charms. Professor Spinnet raised her eyebrows at that, but Baekhyun could care less. He was seething mad and this was all Kyungsoo’s fault. “I swear to Merlin that midget lives to torture me.”
“You’re exaggerating,” Chen said simply, “and it was your fault as much as his.”
“I was not,” Baekhyun raised his voice but quickly toned it down when he noticed that Professor Spinnet was already walking to his direction and hissed instead. “You supposed to support me. Not him. Me. Not-”
“Open page 416,” Professor Spinnet said calmly, “and after you have mastered stunning spell you’re free to talk in my class.”
“Bollocks.” Baekhyun whispered after Professor Spinnet was gone. Chen rolled his eyes. “But seriously, he started it. I didn’t do anything to rile him up.”
“Of course,” Chen hummed. “I believe you.”
Baekhyun scowled. “Are you making fun of me?”
“See,” Chen sighed, flipping page per page sluggishly, before he stopped at one particular page and smiled like a dullard at something written there. Baekhyun jabbed him but Chen didn’t budge. Wanker. He knew Chen was reading notes from his seventh year girlfriend Liyin-or also known as Lynn, because apparently it was easier than to pronounce Liyin correctly-but he could have waited. His best mate was in deep shite but all he cared was his girlfriend. Baekhyun had had enough listening to Chen talking about his girlfriend and her endless achievements.
(“Liyin is brilliant, I tell you. She’s really smart.” Chen sighed dreamily. “Baekhyun, have I told you she’s brilliant?”)
“So I heard Chandler Wolpert was going to ask Liyin out. Just saying, mate.”
“No way,” Chen scoffed. “You’re only saying that to get my attention. Anyways,” he finally moved on to the right page and patted Baekhyun’s shoulder. “Stop being so sensitive all the time. No one’s making fun of you.”
“I’m not-”
“Liyin is not even as sensitive as you on her period, you know,” Chen giggled-he fucking giggled-and Baekhyun barely resisted the urge to smack his supposedly friend’s face with Charms book. “I think you’re only arse over tit for Kyungsoo. Or obsessed. Or something along those lines. Besides, do you even realize how many times you say bollocks on a day? That could mean something, don’t you think?”
“Fuck you, I’m not-”
“Hush, Professor Spinnet’s heading this way.”
Baekhyun could only scowl for the rest of the class. He absolutely was not arse over tit for Kyungsoo. He was not.
After Charms found Baekhyun in D.A.D.A classroom, sitting next to Chanyeol who recently just broke his right arm from quidditch and liked to exaggerate the pain just to get the girls’ attention. Chanyeol was a Gryffindor like him and was one of his best mates in Hogwarts. He was also the Chaser for the team and he was considered excellent at it.
“Good afternoon class,” Professor Potter greeted with his trademark lopsided grin and leaned forward against his desk before Baekhyun could rant anything to his friend. “Today we’re going to learn Patronus Charm. As you all know, this charm is ancient and mysterious. It conjures a magical guardian, a projection of all your most positive feelings and generally takes the shape of the animal with which they share the deepest affinity. This charm is difficult, and many witches and wizards are unable to produce a full, corporeal Patronus so don’t be disheartened if you fail to conjure a Patronus at the first try. Now please open your book page 390 and we’ll start from there.”
Baekhyun begrudgingly opened his book and sighed when Chanyeol, yet again, faked a painful moan to get attention next to him.
“Shut up,” Baekhyun snarled, “or I’ll hex you and no Skele-Gro or healing charms can heal you.”
“Feisty,” Chanyeol laughed and pushed his book to Baekhyun. “Please open the book for me, my left hand is weak and my right-”
“Is broken, I know.” Baekhyun scowled. “You’re not actually disabled, you know. You’re just lazy. And I just happen to be really nice.”
“Yeah, of course,” Chanyeol rolled his eyes and picked his charmed quill, writing (or drawing) something on his parchment that Baekhyun suspected as love letter. “Anyway, do you know Kai from fourth year? The seeker for Ravenclaw, do you know him? I’m thinking of asking him to the Yule Ball. Do you know he asked for Ravenclaws’ girls to keep an eye of me? He’s worried. How cute.”
“So that’s why you fake painful moans all the time? You’re pathetic. And I don’t know any Ravenclaws,” Baekhyun said. “They are nonexistent to me. I also didn’t know you fancy blokes.”
“Well that’s actually old news. I fancy blokes since forever. And you don’t know any Ravenclaws except for one, apparently. Smooth, mate, smooth.”
“Shut up, don’t say-”
“I think I owe Chen five galleons because clearly you’re arse over tit for Kyungsoo.”
“I’m not!” Baekhyun screeched, belatedly realizing that he was not alone in the classroom and Professor Potter was right in front of his table. Buggering fuck, he thought.
“Ten points from Gryffindor.” Professor Potter said, looking at Baekhyun and Chanyeol with an expression that clearly screamed, “I expected better from both of you.”
“And Mr. Park,” Professor Potter said again, “I’d appreciate it if you stop doodling in my class and start learning.”
Fuck Kyungsoo, fuck Chen, fuck Chanyeol, fuck everything everyone loves-Baekhyun sighed dejectedly and bit his lower lip. “I’m sorry, Professor.”
Chanyeol sniggered quietly beside him when Professor Potter was back to his desk. “I definitely owe Chen five galleons. Bugger.”
“Sod off, Park.”
“Bollocks,” Baekhyun snarled, barely resisting the urge to throw the empty vials to the wall. His day had been bad enough and now he was stuck to clean the cauldrons and sort the endless vials onto the shelf, all because of Do sodding Kyungsoo. He scowled and turned around to look at Kyungsoo who looked calm and collected, sorting the vials into the right shelves without complains and it just didn’t help calm his rage. “This is your fault!”
Kyungsoo sighed and shook his head, not even looking back to Baekhyun. “I’m going to be the bigger person here so,” he said, “yes, this is my fault. I’m sorry.”
Baekhyun seethed, not liking how Kyungsoo was mocking him and subtly insulting him-well it felt like that to him-as immature because it really wasn’t his fault. If the git didn’t call him wanker at the first place he wouldn’t have done anything he did in the potions classroom. He wouldn’t have poured powdered moonstone instead of porcupine quill into the cauldron. He wouldn’t have done anything stupid if the ponce didn’t. start. it.
“Bugger,” he scowled, and snatched one vial without thinking. “We’ll see if you really are a bigger person than I am… which I doubt immensely… fuck, drink this potion!”
“Are you serious right now?” Kyungsoo asked; his eyes wide. “What are you? Five? I’m not going to drink a vial of unknown potion to humor your childish needs, Byun.”
“I’m not childish,” Baekhyun hissed. “I’ve just had enough of you and your maturity acts when clearly you caused all this! If you didn’t call me wanker-”
“You called me wanker all the time.”
“Shut up!” Baekhyun stomped on his foot and mentally noted to Obliviate Kyungsoo after detention. “I called you wanker because you deserve it. You’re a bloody wanker, and-”
“What is it that you want, Byun?” Kyungsoo stepped forward and Baekhyun, yet again, regretfully took a few steps back. “You want me to drink this potion to prove how I’m a bigger person than you are? Well, let me tell you what, you wouldn’t dare to drink this if you were in my position because-”
Baekhyun saw red, and without thinking, downed the potion in one shot. He shut his eyes tightly as he was suddenly hit with a wave of something-he wasn’t sure if it was pain-and crouched down to try to breathe; to not be intoxicated with a pleasant smell of citrus mixed with pine trees and freshly mown grass coming from in front of him. He couldn’t hear anything but loud buzzing and his skin felt on fire as Kyungsoo shook his body frantically.
“-you’re bloody daft, Byun. Fuck, if you’re dead I don’t want to take-”
Baekhyun looked up, and he knew right then and there that he was fucked. He wanted to kiss Kyungsoo. He wanted to kiss the round and plump and very pink lips of Kyungsoo. He was utterly, deeply, fucked. It was so not happening. He whimpered and shut his eyes again.
“-you fuckwit! Don’t you dare die on me, Byun!”
“Kyungsoo,” he croaked. “Kyungsoo, I think I love you. You smell so good, fuck.”
“What the fuck?” Kyungsoo gasped in horror and pushed Baekhyun away. “What the fuck?!”
Baekhyun shook his head and smiled sheepishly. “I don’t know,” he shrugged, standing up and stepping closer to Kyungsoo, “but I have this fluttering feeling on my stomach. Like I’m-like I’m infatuated with you! Maybe Chen and Chanyeol were right all along, you know? Maybe I am arse over tit for you. I just didn’t realize it before.”
“Gods,” he laughed and cupped Kyungsoo’s face with his hands. “I’m in love with you. Always have been and always will be. I-”
“Madam Abbot,” Kyungsoo hissed and stepped back, trying to control his breathing. “I’m taking you to Madam Abbott now.”
“So take me,” Baekhyun spread his arms wide and grinned. “Take me wherever you want to go.”
“Fuck,” Kyungsoo raised his wand and Baekhyun whimpered again, taking steps closer to Kyungsoo. Now they were just too close and Kyungsoo smelled too good. “Fuck, fuck, fuck. Don’t step any closer, fuck. I will hate you forever if you step any closer, you fuckwit.”
He frowned and whimpered, staggering as he took yet another step closer. “Soo, Kyungsoo,” he buried his head on Kyungsoo’s neck and he moaned. Kyungsoo stiffened and stopped talking, looking down to Baekhyun with a flushed face. “Fuck Soo, I want to kiss you.”
Kyungsoo’s gasp was the only warning before he was stunned and levitated all the way to the infirmary.
Baekhyun’s head felt heavy and there was loud buzzing in his ears as he slowly closed his eyes to restrain himself from thinking about Kyungsoo’s lips or the warmth from where he buried his head in before he was stunned. He was fucked, he knew, because now he wanted to run to Kyungsoo. He wanted to hug him and kiss him until he’s just too tired to do anything anymore.
Was he really arse over tit for Kyungsoo? Or was this just potion talking? Thinking?
“-kids nowadays! Back when I was still in Hogwarts no one was stupid enough to drink unknown potion.”
He vaguely heard Madam Abbott’s nag and low bustle of cart wheeled around, and he indulged himself in the citrusy scent. He smiled; he knew Kyungsoo was right beside him.
“I don’t even understand why he’s so foolish,” he heard Kyungsoo said. “He dared me to drink the potion like a five year old, so I challenged him back. I didn’t know he’d drink it right away.”
“Boys,” Madam Abbott grumbled, looking at Kyungsoo with gimlet eyes. “Always give me headache.”
Kyungsoo sighed. “What did he drink?”
“Amortentia,” Madam Abbott scowled. “Help me lift him up; I’m giving him the antidote.”
Baekhyun whimpered when Kyungsoo lifted him up and he desperately wanted to reach back; to hug back. But as Madam Abbott had spoken, he was induced with amortentia, so what he was feeling for Kyungsoo was not legitimate. It was not real. It was amortentia. He didn’t like Kyungsoo.
“Release him from the stunning spell, or else he won’t be able to swallow the antidote.”
“No,” Kyungsoo said quickly, “he’ll be all over me if I do.”
“I’m here and I have the antidote,” Madam Abbott said, “he will have no chance to be all over you, dear. Now please release him from the stunning spell and hold him tight while I give him the antidote.”
Kyungsoo looked at Baekhyun dejectedly, and Baekhyun looked back with admiration written all over his face.
“Don’t you dare touch me, Byun.”
I won’t, Baekhyun thought, I’ll not do things you don’t want to.
Kyungsoo sighed. “Finite incantatem,” he murmured, and Baekhyun balled his hands into fists as soon as he was released from stunning spell. He would never, ever, do something Kyungsoo didn’t want. “Open your mouth and drink the antidote.”
He did as Kyungsoo told and swallowed the antidote, and pressed back the urge to throw up as the bitterness washed over him. It felt horrible and really sickening, and he clung onto Kyungsoo’s robe as he whimpered pathetically.
“Bloody hell,” he said, wincing as he slowly sitting up and still clinging onto Kyungsoo’s robe. “What the fuck was that?”
“Antidote for amortentia, Mr. Byun.” Madam Abbott said, pressing the back of her hand to Baekhyun’s forehead. “Do you still feel infatuated with Mr. Do?”
Baekhyun looked down to his hands that were still clinging tightly to Kyungsoo’s robe and felt his face flushed. “Uh, no,” he said, looking up to Kyungsoo as he let go. He could still smell the citrusy scent of Kyungsoo and the sight of Kyungsoo’s pink and plump lips still made him dizzy. Maybe he was still infatuated. Maybe the antidote would take time to completely heal him. “N-no, I think.”
“You think?” Madam Abbott raised her eyebrows and casted a scanning spell on his body. She hummed interestedly but didn’t say a word. “You’re alright. You are free to leave the infirmary and don’t get into any more trouble.”
She pivoted and swished her robe as she walked away-Baekhyun wondered if that was a trend within the staff-leaving Baekhyun and Kyungsoo alone in awkward silence.
“So, uh,” Baekhyun rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. “I’m sorry.”
“I didn’t know you were so daft until then, Byun,” was the only thing Kyungsoo said before he left Baekhyun alone in the infirmary, not giving Baekhyun any chance to speak.
“Fuck.”
Chen and Chanyeol were lounging in the common room, playing exploding snap with a few others when Baekhyun walked in the Fat Lady’s portrait. He felt like shite and he could not understand why he was so miserable of the memory of Kyungsoo walking away, which replayed continuously like a broken tape in his head.
He dropped down in front of the passage and buried his head in between his knees.
“Fuck,” he sighed, and he was reminded with Kyungsoo’s big eyes. “Fuck I’m dying.”
“What are you saying, mate?” Chen shook his head and waved his right hand dismissively, and Baekhyun belatedly realized that everyone was staring at him. “You’re not dying. You’re just having a dramatic episode again.”
“No,” Baekhyun shook his head and some of the girls were looking at him worriedly. “I am dying. I just went to see Madam Abbott.”
“He looks pale and sickly,” a girl-Liyin-said, and Chen was right by his side in seconds. The wanker only listened to his girlfriend, Baekhyun thought bitterly.
“Bloody hell mate,” said Chen. “Are you really dying?”
Baekhyun nodded and his head felt heavy. “I feel sick.”
“What did Madam Abbott say?” Liyin asked, and Chen hoisted him up to the couch. “Did she tell you what you’re suffering from?”
Baekhyun swallowed the lump in his throat and his eyes were brimming with tears. “Yes,” he croaked. “But I think she doesn’t know what to do either.”
“Oh gods,” Liyin worried her bottom lip and rubbed his arm. “What’s the name of your disease? Maybe I can help research it or something.”
“You can’t,” Baekhyun shook his head and laid his head on Chen’s shoulder. “This is not something curable. Or researchable. It’s a hopeless case.”
“Is it that bad?”
Baekhyun nodded and looked up to meet everyone pitying gaze. “I’m in love with Kevin Do. Do Kyungsoo. The tiny Do. The sodding Ravenclaw.”
A card exploded in the background and Chen patted his back, whilst Liyin sighed and stifled a laugh.
“Chanyeol,” called Chen. “You owe me five.”
So Baekhyun wasn’t dying or anything close to it. He was only-not really-deeply and hopelessly arse over tit for Kyungsoo. He blamed the amortentia but after numerous visits to Madam Abbott that ended with a threat (“Don’t come here if you’re not sick!”) he was positive that he wasn’t under influence of love potion. It was himself. And somehow it brought him back to the same situation that started-or more like revealed his true feelings-all this.
He was back in Potions class, this time working on invigoration draught, with Kyungsoo and he couldn’t keep calm. He badly wanted to say something to Kyungsoo but he had no idea. “You’re good with your hand” would be too inappropriate and “I don’t need invigoration draught. Looking at you is enough” would be way too corny. In the end he decided to keep quiet.
“Byun, hand me the powdered moonstone.”
“Call me Baekhyun,” he said as he handed the powdered moonstone. “My Korean name.”
Kyungsoo only looked at him funny and said nothing. He was back to his potion making in no time and Baekhyun was desperate to find a good thing to say to Kyungsoo. He rapped his knuckles on the desk and subtly scooted closer to Kyungsoo, inhaling the citrusy scent as he looked over the cauldron.
“What do you think you’re doing, Byun?”
“I’m…” Baekhyun pulled himself away and nervously pointed the cauldron. “Looking at it.”
“Don’t bother me.”
“I’m not,” Baekhyun frowned. “I’m your partner anyway. I’m allowed to bother you.”
Kyungsoo sighed. “I don’t know what you’re playing at, Byun. Just please don’t bother me.”
“Fine,” Baekhyun snapped and began writing about the potions, trying hard not to look at Kyungsoo’s way or smell the citrusy scent.
“He hates me,” Baekhyun said dejectedly and began doodling on his parchment. “I hate my life.”
“You hated him,” Chanyeol shrugged and focused on what Professor Potter was saying in front of the class. “You need to show him you’re changed so he will notice you.”
“But how? I tried to be nice to him today but all he said was ‘don’t bother me, Byun’.”
Chanyeol shrugged. “Try to get to know him? Try to get to know what he likes and what he hates, and then avoid doing what he hates.”
“You make it sound so easy and simple.”
“It’s actually not. At all.”
Baekhyun groaned. “I’m so fucked.”
“Yeah, you kind of are.”
Baekhyun tried to get to know Kyungsoo. And although he was often brushed off by the latter, he managed to learn that Kyungsoo loved his tea sweet and didn’t like coffee, more of a dog person-although Baekhyun believed otherwise-and had a dog in his childhood. Kyungsoo liked to pretend that he came from USA all the time but in all reality he loved his hometown, Seoul. He was just a dork, Baekhyun thought, smiling. Kyungsoo was also insecure of his height, and Baekhyun made a mental note to apologize because he dissed Kyungsoo’s height once on their first year. He realized now how much of a jerk he really was now he got to get to know Kyungsoo.
Baekhyun learned a lot of things about Kyungsoo and he realized a tad bit too belatedly that Kyungsoo was an amazing and very determined person. He always wanted to be number one and now he was focusing himself to pursue a career as a healer after Hogwarts. Baekhyun never knew… never realize how much of an amazing person Kyungsoo really is. Despite all his cold stares and cold gestures, he was actually a very sweet person underneath. Baekhyun kind of regretted not to learn about it sooner.
(“If you hurt him,” Hyunshik-as known as Harry-Kyungsoo’s friends since infanthood and also from Ravenclaw, had cornered him the other day, “I’ll not hesitate to hurt you and give you twice the pain you inflicted on him.”)
“I know I’m going to find you here,” Baekhyun said, sitting down right beside Kyungsoo and grinned lopsidedly. “It’s not good to skip breakfast all the time, you know. You need it to give you energy for the whole day.”
“I need to focus, Byun, so if you can shut up that will be greatly appreciated.”
“Baekhyun,” he frowned and passed Kyungsoo the croissant he picked from the Great Hall. “And I’m here to bring you breakfast. And to study, of course.”
Kyungsoo looked at him funny. “We can’t eat in the library. Madam Pince will be angry.”
“She won’t if she doesn’t know,” Baekhyun winked and passed the croissant to Kyungsoo again. “Just take a bite, please. You need to eat.”
Kyungsoo’s face flushed and he quickly looked away, snatching the croissant as he did. “Oh bugger,” he muttered, taking a bite. “If I get caught you better take responsibility, Byun.”
“Baekhyun.”
“Whatever.”
Baekhyun knew Kyungsoo no longer hated him-well, he hoped-but he also knew that Kyungsoo wasn’t feeling the same way as he did. And that was alright. At least now they no longer hated each other and fought all the time like a couple of second years. At least now they were leading toward something like… friends? Baekhyun was happy with it.
“I never hated you, you know.” Kyungsoo suddenly said. Baekhyun hoped he wasn’t thinking out loud. “You were really infuriating, true, but I never hated you.”
“Um,” Baekhyun bit his lower lip. “I thought I hated you. But I didn’t. I… never hated you, too. I’m sorry, I guess? For calling you names and all.”
“Forgiven,” Kyungsoo chuckled quietly and Baekhyun couldn’t quite control the grin that was growing bigger on his face. “I think you’re passable as a friend.”
“I can be a great friend,” Baekhyun shrugged and his face flushed. “Well, that if you give me a chance. Um, you know.”
Kyungsoo grinned and his mouth turned into heart shape, and Baekhyun felt his knees weakened. “You’re daft,” said Kyungsoo, “Of course you have the chance to be my friend. I’ve forgiven you, haven’t I?”
“Haha,” Baekhyun rolled his eyes, resisting squealing and weeping from overwhelming feelings. “Yeah of course.”
Epilogue
“Good afternoon class,” Professor Potter greeted with his trademark lopsided grin and leaned forward against his desk. “Today we’re going to try casting Patronus Charm. It’s a very complicated charm so please don’t be disheartened if you fail at the first try. It also took me several tries until I finally succeeded. Now, who wants to give the first shot?”
Baekhyun raised his hand and Chanyeol shot him an amused look. “I’d like to try, Professor.”
Professor Potter beckoned him to the front and Baekhyun nervously stood in the front of his class.
“Now, Mr. Byun, think of something that makes you really, really happy. Something that will make you smile and gives your heart a warm feeling.”
“Uh,” Baekhyun tried to think of something happy. “Expecto patronum.”
It failed and Baekhyun’s face fell.
“It’s alright, Mr. Byun. Let’s give it another try. Think of something else. For example, if I were to cast patronus charm, I’d think of my wedding day. I’d think how charming my husband looked that day and how happy I felt when I finally tied the knot with him. So, give it a try.”
Baekhyun sighed and closed his eyes. He thought of the day when he danced with Kyungsoo at the Yule Ball and heard him sing for the first time, and he thought of how they kissed that day. It wasn’t spectacular and a bit messy but it felt right, and Baekhyun smiled just by the thought of it. He was happy just by thinking of Kyungsoo.
He opened his eyes and breathed.
“Expecto patronum!”
The class gasped in awe as a nightingale flew around the room and Baekhyun laughed. It was yet another happy day for him.
►title: he called me a wanker (and i fell for him)
►pairing: baekhyun/kyungsoo, mentioned!chen/zhang liyin, hinted!chanyeol/kai and draco/harry
rating: pg-13
►word count: 5308
►warnings: mild language, poor taste of humor
►summary: It is bad idea to get into detention with your worst nemesis and to dare the said nemesis into drinking unknown potion. But it's way worse to stupidly drink the unknown potion just to prove your "bravery". Seriously, don't do that.
►author's notes: HEY SUNNYJJANG. I hope you like what I have here and I'm so sorry if it's bad and not as you imagined. Please excuse my failed british english and the slight drarry. I just couldn't help my drarry shipper self. Also, thank you to J.K. Rowling and her detailed description on the magical world of Harry Potter (lol).
The thing about Potions class was neither the location-which was in dungeons-nor the professor, which, in Baekhyun’s opinion, was really, really, fit and good looking, but rather more was one of fellow students that he unfortunately hated for five years. Probably more, but that was beside the point. It was just really infuriating and frustrating him to be working with a sodding Ravenclaw who seemed to be more fitting in Slytherin especially in this fifth year. He couldn’t handle-
“Oi, wanker.”
-the git. They had to take their O.W.L soon and he needed to focus on getting a minimal E grade for Potions to continue on the N.E.W.T level. He wanted to be an Auror, after all. He was outstanding in D.A.D.A class but to be an Auror he also needed N.E.W.T for Potions, so he needed to focus and-
“I don’t know how mutton-headed you can be but you need to sodding pass me the powdered porcupine quills or else it will fail. And please don’t tell me you don’t know which one is the powdered porcupine quill.”
“Sod off,” Baekhyun snarled, pouring the ingredient that he snatched blindly to the cauldron a bit too excessively, ignoring the surprised look from Kyungsoo. “I may not be a Ravenclaw but I’m not as mutton-headed as you think I am. Gryffindors are famously known as-”
“-big talkers, I see.” Baekhyun didn’t know how Professor Zabini suddenly stood tall in front of him but there he was, and Baekhyun clenched his jaw, cursing Do Kyungsoo in his head six ways to Sunday. “And your Draught of Peace is turning into dark grey steam… which could only mean one thing.” Professor Zabini smirked and Baekhyun’s face fell. “It’s failed, and the two of you are required for detention after class for a week for talking throughout my class.”
“Class is dismissed.” Professor Zabini deliberately hissed as he pivoted and swished his robe elegantly-something that Baekhyun always found amusing-before Baekhyun or Kyungsoo could say anything. And almost immediately, after Professor Zabini was gone, they turned their heads toward each other. Baekhyun glared, not wanting to back down from Kyungsoo who was already glaring (or maybe it was just his big eyes).
“This is your sodding fault, Do.”
“My fault?” Kyungsoo hissed and Baekhyun regretfully took a step back. “If it was not for your big mouth and incompetency on differentiating ingredients we wouldn’t have a failed Draught of Peace you sodding wanker.”
“Or maybe if you weren’t such an insufferable git I wouldn’t have to pour the darned powdered porcupine quill so excessively.”
Kyungsoo had the audacity to scoff. Baekhyun scowled. “It was powdered moonstone that you were pouring and I’m sorry for not understanding your troll-level logic here, Byun. But you were clearly being unhelpful and seriously incompetent whilst I did all of the work. You were spacing out the whole time thinking about Merlin knows what.”
Baekhyun opened his mouth and took a step forward, ready to protest, but Kyungsoo raised his hand and sighed. “Look, I’m sorry to break this down to you but, unlike you, I have future to look forward to. I have dreams that I want to achieve. And in order to achieve my dreams, I need to pass Potions class with grade O. So Merlin helps me, if you’re planning to be unhelpful throughout the fifth year, I’ll ask Professor Zabini to change partner. I can’t afford to fail, Benjamin Byun. Especially not because of you.”
Baekhyun didn’t know what threw him off, was it the part that he was accused of being unhelpful or incompetent or being called with his English name or Kyungsoo wanting to change partner, but one thing for sure; he was really, really angry he didn’t realize his magical outburst that somehow managed to break his cauldron… and some other students’ cauldrons. And probably some ingredients. And some vials. And definitely Professor Zabini’s patience, who just came back from the classroom’s dungeons. What sodding timing, Baekhyun thought bitterly.
“For the love of Merlin,” Professor Zabini took a deep breath, looking around the mess that was his classroom, and most likely to count backward from ten before he glared daggers at Baekhyun and Kyungsoo. “You will both come to Professor Weasley’s office immediately after this lesson.”
“Get lost, you lot.” Professor Zabini pivoted and swished his robe again, muttering profanities as Baekhyun walked out the classroom, not caring a tad bit about Kyungsoo who was still shaking in front of his broken cauldron, trying to reason with angry Professor Zabini. Served the wanker right in his arse, Baekhyun thought.
Scowling, he walked slowly to the headmistress’ office and was a least bit surprised when Kyungsoo was already walking beside him a minute after, looking about to cry. Baekhyun was a bit relieved at the fact he wasn’t going to face the headmistress alone. But still, it was Do sodding Kyungsoo’s fault that they were called to the headmistress’ office at the first place.
“This is your fault, Kevin Do.”
“For once in your life, Benjamin Byun,” Kyungsoo sighed. “Shut up.”
Baekhyun did.
“I heard you two were fighting in classroom again,” Professor Weasley said, her tone conveying disappointment and tiny bit of amusement. “Look, I’m very well aware about the animosity between the two of you. But must I remind you, you both are in fifth year and need to focus on passing your O.W.L.s.”
“I’m sorry, Professor,” Kyungsoo said with his head bowed down and Baekhyun had to suppressed his urge to scowl. That would do him no good.
“I’m sorry too, Professor,” so Baekhyun said, ignoring the scowl from Kyungsoo and the line that deepened at the side of Professor Weasley’s mouth, like she was holding back her smile-which she probably did but that was not important-and he suppressed his desire to jump on his foot and scream that Kyungsoo started it, that Kyungsoo called him wanker first, etc. etc. “I’ll try to be more mature and not get into any fights in the future.”
Professor Weasley finally cracked and smiled, and shook her head before she sipped her tea. “You know,” she began, but paused to offer Baekhyun and Kyungsoo some biscuits and ate one herself. “You two are a lot like my friends when they were still in Hogwarts.”
Baekhyun slowly and reluctantly munched his biscuit, wondering what Professor Weasley was trying to tell them.
“You know Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy?”
“Yes of course,” Kyungsoo said hesitantly whilst Baekhyun looked up to the previous headmasters’ portrait. “Professor Potter teaches D.A.D.A, why?”
“You see, when they were still in Hogwarts they hated each other.” Professor Weasley sipped her tea again and the china clinked softly when she put it down. “And as you two know, there was war. Those were really bad times, if I can be honest.” She shook her head, “Anyway, they both were on the opposite sides. So you can imagine how hostile they were toward each other. There was even an accident…”
“Never mind,” she smiled to herself and leaned back in his chair. “What I’m trying to tell you is you two need to learn to get over your animosity like they did. It will take a long time, probably years, but it’s not impossible. It wasn’t easy for the two of them either but they managed. And you both will.”
Professor Weasley sipped her tea again and winked. “Now off you go, I believe your next class is starting soon and there will be a detention waiting in the dungeons after.”
“Bollocks,” Baekhyun scowled, slamming his books onto the table as he sat down beside Chen on Charms. Professor Spinnet raised her eyebrows at that, but Baekhyun could care less. He was seething mad and this was all Kyungsoo’s fault. “I swear to Merlin that midget lives to torture me.”
“You’re exaggerating,” Chen said simply, “and it was your fault as much as his.”
“I was not,” Baekhyun raised his voice but quickly toned it down when he noticed that Professor Spinnet was already walking to his direction and hissed instead. “You supposed to support me. Not him. Me. Not-”
“Open page 416,” Professor Spinnet said calmly, “and after you have mastered stunning spell you’re free to talk in my class.”
“Bollocks.” Baekhyun whispered after Professor Spinnet was gone. Chen rolled his eyes. “But seriously, he started it. I didn’t do anything to rile him up.”
“Of course,” Chen hummed. “I believe you.”
Baekhyun scowled. “Are you making fun of me?”
“See,” Chen sighed, flipping page per page sluggishly, before he stopped at one particular page and smiled like a dullard at something written there. Baekhyun jabbed him but Chen didn’t budge. Wanker. He knew Chen was reading notes from his seventh year girlfriend Liyin-or also known as Lynn, because apparently it was easier than to pronounce Liyin correctly-but he could have waited. His best mate was in deep shite but all he cared was his girlfriend. Baekhyun had had enough listening to Chen talking about his girlfriend and her endless achievements.
(“Liyin is brilliant, I tell you. She’s really smart.” Chen sighed dreamily. “Baekhyun, have I told you she’s brilliant?”)
“So I heard Chandler Wolpert was going to ask Liyin out. Just saying, mate.”
“No way,” Chen scoffed. “You’re only saying that to get my attention. Anyways,” he finally moved on to the right page and patted Baekhyun’s shoulder. “Stop being so sensitive all the time. No one’s making fun of you.”
“I’m not-”
“Liyin is not even as sensitive as you on her period, you know,” Chen giggled-he fucking giggled-and Baekhyun barely resisted the urge to smack his supposedly friend’s face with Charms book. “I think you’re only arse over tit for Kyungsoo. Or obsessed. Or something along those lines. Besides, do you even realize how many times you say bollocks on a day? That could mean something, don’t you think?”
“Fuck you, I’m not-”
“Hush, Professor Spinnet’s heading this way.”
Baekhyun could only scowl for the rest of the class. He absolutely was not arse over tit for Kyungsoo. He was not.
After Charms found Baekhyun in D.A.D.A classroom, sitting next to Chanyeol who recently just broke his right arm from quidditch and liked to exaggerate the pain just to get the girls’ attention. Chanyeol was a Gryffindor like him and was one of his best mates in Hogwarts. He was also the Chaser for the team and he was considered excellent at it.
“Good afternoon class,” Professor Potter greeted with his trademark lopsided grin and leaned forward against his desk before Baekhyun could rant anything to his friend. “Today we’re going to learn Patronus Charm. As you all know, this charm is ancient and mysterious. It conjures a magical guardian, a projection of all your most positive feelings and generally takes the shape of the animal with which they share the deepest affinity. This charm is difficult, and many witches and wizards are unable to produce a full, corporeal Patronus so don’t be disheartened if you fail to conjure a Patronus at the first try. Now please open your book page 390 and we’ll start from there.”
Baekhyun begrudgingly opened his book and sighed when Chanyeol, yet again, faked a painful moan to get attention next to him.
“Shut up,” Baekhyun snarled, “or I’ll hex you and no Skele-Gro or healing charms can heal you.”
“Feisty,” Chanyeol laughed and pushed his book to Baekhyun. “Please open the book for me, my left hand is weak and my right-”
“Is broken, I know.” Baekhyun scowled. “You’re not actually disabled, you know. You’re just lazy. And I just happen to be really nice.”
“Yeah, of course,” Chanyeol rolled his eyes and picked his charmed quill, writing (or drawing) something on his parchment that Baekhyun suspected as love letter. “Anyway, do you know Kai from fourth year? The seeker for Ravenclaw, do you know him? I’m thinking of asking him to the Yule Ball. Do you know he asked for Ravenclaws’ girls to keep an eye of me? He’s worried. How cute.”
“So that’s why you fake painful moans all the time? You’re pathetic. And I don’t know any Ravenclaws,” Baekhyun said. “They are nonexistent to me. I also didn’t know you fancy blokes.”
“Well that’s actually old news. I fancy blokes since forever. And you don’t know any Ravenclaws except for one, apparently. Smooth, mate, smooth.”
“Shut up, don’t say-”
“I think I owe Chen five galleons because clearly you’re arse over tit for Kyungsoo.”
“I’m not!” Baekhyun screeched, belatedly realizing that he was not alone in the classroom and Professor Potter was right in front of his table. Buggering fuck, he thought.
“Ten points from Gryffindor.” Professor Potter said, looking at Baekhyun and Chanyeol with an expression that clearly screamed, “I expected better from both of you.”
“And Mr. Park,” Professor Potter said again, “I’d appreciate it if you stop doodling in my class and start learning.”
Fuck Kyungsoo, fuck Chen, fuck Chanyeol, fuck everything everyone loves-Baekhyun sighed dejectedly and bit his lower lip. “I’m sorry, Professor.”
Chanyeol sniggered quietly beside him when Professor Potter was back to his desk. “I definitely owe Chen five galleons. Bugger.”
“Sod off, Park.”
“Bollocks,” Baekhyun snarled, barely resisting the urge to throw the empty vials to the wall. His day had been bad enough and now he was stuck to clean the cauldrons and sort the endless vials onto the shelf, all because of Do sodding Kyungsoo. He scowled and turned around to look at Kyungsoo who looked calm and collected, sorting the vials into the right shelves without complains and it just didn’t help calm his rage. “This is your fault!”
Kyungsoo sighed and shook his head, not even looking back to Baekhyun. “I’m going to be the bigger person here so,” he said, “yes, this is my fault. I’m sorry.”
Baekhyun seethed, not liking how Kyungsoo was mocking him and subtly insulting him-well it felt like that to him-as immature because it really wasn’t his fault. If the git didn’t call him wanker at the first place he wouldn’t have done anything he did in the potions classroom. He wouldn’t have poured powdered moonstone instead of porcupine quill into the cauldron. He wouldn’t have done anything stupid if the ponce didn’t. start. it.
“Bugger,” he scowled, and snatched one vial without thinking. “We’ll see if you really are a bigger person than I am… which I doubt immensely… fuck, drink this potion!”
“Are you serious right now?” Kyungsoo asked; his eyes wide. “What are you? Five? I’m not going to drink a vial of unknown potion to humor your childish needs, Byun.”
“I’m not childish,” Baekhyun hissed. “I’ve just had enough of you and your maturity acts when clearly you caused all this! If you didn’t call me wanker-”
“You called me wanker all the time.”
“Shut up!” Baekhyun stomped on his foot and mentally noted to Obliviate Kyungsoo after detention. “I called you wanker because you deserve it. You’re a bloody wanker, and-”
“What is it that you want, Byun?” Kyungsoo stepped forward and Baekhyun, yet again, regretfully took a few steps back. “You want me to drink this potion to prove how I’m a bigger person than you are? Well, let me tell you what, you wouldn’t dare to drink this if you were in my position because-”
Baekhyun saw red, and without thinking, downed the potion in one shot. He shut his eyes tightly as he was suddenly hit with a wave of something-he wasn’t sure if it was pain-and crouched down to try to breathe; to not be intoxicated with a pleasant smell of citrus mixed with pine trees and freshly mown grass coming from in front of him. He couldn’t hear anything but loud buzzing and his skin felt on fire as Kyungsoo shook his body frantically.
“-you’re bloody daft, Byun. Fuck, if you’re dead I don’t want to take-”
Baekhyun looked up, and he knew right then and there that he was fucked. He wanted to kiss Kyungsoo. He wanted to kiss the round and plump and very pink lips of Kyungsoo. He was utterly, deeply, fucked. It was so not happening. He whimpered and shut his eyes again.
“-you fuckwit! Don’t you dare die on me, Byun!”
“Kyungsoo,” he croaked. “Kyungsoo, I think I love you. You smell so good, fuck.”
“What the fuck?” Kyungsoo gasped in horror and pushed Baekhyun away. “What the fuck?!”
Baekhyun shook his head and smiled sheepishly. “I don’t know,” he shrugged, standing up and stepping closer to Kyungsoo, “but I have this fluttering feeling on my stomach. Like I’m-like I’m infatuated with you! Maybe Chen and Chanyeol were right all along, you know? Maybe I am arse over tit for you. I just didn’t realize it before.”
“Gods,” he laughed and cupped Kyungsoo’s face with his hands. “I’m in love with you. Always have been and always will be. I-”
“Madam Abbot,” Kyungsoo hissed and stepped back, trying to control his breathing. “I’m taking you to Madam Abbott now.”
“So take me,” Baekhyun spread his arms wide and grinned. “Take me wherever you want to go.”
“Fuck,” Kyungsoo raised his wand and Baekhyun whimpered again, taking steps closer to Kyungsoo. Now they were just too close and Kyungsoo smelled too good. “Fuck, fuck, fuck. Don’t step any closer, fuck. I will hate you forever if you step any closer, you fuckwit.”
He frowned and whimpered, staggering as he took yet another step closer. “Soo, Kyungsoo,” he buried his head on Kyungsoo’s neck and he moaned. Kyungsoo stiffened and stopped talking, looking down to Baekhyun with a flushed face. “Fuck Soo, I want to kiss you.”
Kyungsoo’s gasp was the only warning before he was stunned and levitated all the way to the infirmary.
Baekhyun’s head felt heavy and there was loud buzzing in his ears as he slowly closed his eyes to restrain himself from thinking about Kyungsoo’s lips or the warmth from where he buried his head in before he was stunned. He was fucked, he knew, because now he wanted to run to Kyungsoo. He wanted to hug him and kiss him until he’s just too tired to do anything anymore.
Was he really arse over tit for Kyungsoo? Or was this just potion talking? Thinking?
“-kids nowadays! Back when I was still in Hogwarts no one was stupid enough to drink unknown potion.”
He vaguely heard Madam Abbott’s nag and low bustle of cart wheeled around, and he indulged himself in the citrusy scent. He smiled; he knew Kyungsoo was right beside him.
“I don’t even understand why he’s so foolish,” he heard Kyungsoo said. “He dared me to drink the potion like a five year old, so I challenged him back. I didn’t know he’d drink it right away.”
“Boys,” Madam Abbott grumbled, looking at Kyungsoo with gimlet eyes. “Always give me headache.”
Kyungsoo sighed. “What did he drink?”
“Amortentia,” Madam Abbott scowled. “Help me lift him up; I’m giving him the antidote.”
Baekhyun whimpered when Kyungsoo lifted him up and he desperately wanted to reach back; to hug back. But as Madam Abbott had spoken, he was induced with amortentia, so what he was feeling for Kyungsoo was not legitimate. It was not real. It was amortentia. He didn’t like Kyungsoo.
“Release him from the stunning spell, or else he won’t be able to swallow the antidote.”
“No,” Kyungsoo said quickly, “he’ll be all over me if I do.”
“I’m here and I have the antidote,” Madam Abbott said, “he will have no chance to be all over you, dear. Now please release him from the stunning spell and hold him tight while I give him the antidote.”
Kyungsoo looked at Baekhyun dejectedly, and Baekhyun looked back with admiration written all over his face.
“Don’t you dare touch me, Byun.”
I won’t, Baekhyun thought, I’ll not do things you don’t want to.
Kyungsoo sighed. “Finite incantatem,” he murmured, and Baekhyun balled his hands into fists as soon as he was released from stunning spell. He would never, ever, do something Kyungsoo didn’t want. “Open your mouth and drink the antidote.”
He did as Kyungsoo told and swallowed the antidote, and pressed back the urge to throw up as the bitterness washed over him. It felt horrible and really sickening, and he clung onto Kyungsoo’s robe as he whimpered pathetically.
“Bloody hell,” he said, wincing as he slowly sitting up and still clinging onto Kyungsoo’s robe. “What the fuck was that?”
“Antidote for amortentia, Mr. Byun.” Madam Abbott said, pressing the back of her hand to Baekhyun’s forehead. “Do you still feel infatuated with Mr. Do?”
Baekhyun looked down to his hands that were still clinging tightly to Kyungsoo’s robe and felt his face flushed. “Uh, no,” he said, looking up to Kyungsoo as he let go. He could still smell the citrusy scent of Kyungsoo and the sight of Kyungsoo’s pink and plump lips still made him dizzy. Maybe he was still infatuated. Maybe the antidote would take time to completely heal him. “N-no, I think.”
“You think?” Madam Abbott raised her eyebrows and casted a scanning spell on his body. She hummed interestedly but didn’t say a word. “You’re alright. You are free to leave the infirmary and don’t get into any more trouble.”
She pivoted and swished her robe as she walked away-Baekhyun wondered if that was a trend within the staff-leaving Baekhyun and Kyungsoo alone in awkward silence.
“So, uh,” Baekhyun rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. “I’m sorry.”
“I didn’t know you were so daft until then, Byun,” was the only thing Kyungsoo said before he left Baekhyun alone in the infirmary, not giving Baekhyun any chance to speak.
“Fuck.”
Chen and Chanyeol were lounging in the common room, playing exploding snap with a few others when Baekhyun walked in the Fat Lady’s portrait. He felt like shite and he could not understand why he was so miserable of the memory of Kyungsoo walking away, which replayed continuously like a broken tape in his head.
He dropped down in front of the passage and buried his head in between his knees.
“Fuck,” he sighed, and he was reminded with Kyungsoo’s big eyes. “Fuck I’m dying.”
“What are you saying, mate?” Chen shook his head and waved his right hand dismissively, and Baekhyun belatedly realized that everyone was staring at him. “You’re not dying. You’re just having a dramatic episode again.”
“No,” Baekhyun shook his head and some of the girls were looking at him worriedly. “I am dying. I just went to see Madam Abbott.”
“He looks pale and sickly,” a girl-Liyin-said, and Chen was right by his side in seconds. The wanker only listened to his girlfriend, Baekhyun thought bitterly.
“Bloody hell mate,” said Chen. “Are you really dying?”
Baekhyun nodded and his head felt heavy. “I feel sick.”
“What did Madam Abbott say?” Liyin asked, and Chen hoisted him up to the couch. “Did she tell you what you’re suffering from?”
Baekhyun swallowed the lump in his throat and his eyes were brimming with tears. “Yes,” he croaked. “But I think she doesn’t know what to do either.”
“Oh gods,” Liyin worried her bottom lip and rubbed his arm. “What’s the name of your disease? Maybe I can help research it or something.”
“You can’t,” Baekhyun shook his head and laid his head on Chen’s shoulder. “This is not something curable. Or researchable. It’s a hopeless case.”
“Is it that bad?”
Baekhyun nodded and looked up to meet everyone pitying gaze. “I’m in love with Kevin Do. Do Kyungsoo. The tiny Do. The sodding Ravenclaw.”
A card exploded in the background and Chen patted his back, whilst Liyin sighed and stifled a laugh.
“Chanyeol,” called Chen. “You owe me five.”
So Baekhyun wasn’t dying or anything close to it. He was only-not really-deeply and hopelessly arse over tit for Kyungsoo. He blamed the amortentia but after numerous visits to Madam Abbott that ended with a threat (“Don’t come here if you’re not sick!”) he was positive that he wasn’t under influence of love potion. It was himself. And somehow it brought him back to the same situation that started-or more like revealed his true feelings-all this.
He was back in Potions class, this time working on invigoration draught, with Kyungsoo and he couldn’t keep calm. He badly wanted to say something to Kyungsoo but he had no idea. “You’re good with your hand” would be too inappropriate and “I don’t need invigoration draught. Looking at you is enough” would be way too corny. In the end he decided to keep quiet.
“Byun, hand me the powdered moonstone.”
“Call me Baekhyun,” he said as he handed the powdered moonstone. “My Korean name.”
Kyungsoo only looked at him funny and said nothing. He was back to his potion making in no time and Baekhyun was desperate to find a good thing to say to Kyungsoo. He rapped his knuckles on the desk and subtly scooted closer to Kyungsoo, inhaling the citrusy scent as he looked over the cauldron.
“What do you think you’re doing, Byun?”
“I’m…” Baekhyun pulled himself away and nervously pointed the cauldron. “Looking at it.”
“Don’t bother me.”
“I’m not,” Baekhyun frowned. “I’m your partner anyway. I’m allowed to bother you.”
Kyungsoo sighed. “I don’t know what you’re playing at, Byun. Just please don’t bother me.”
“Fine,” Baekhyun snapped and began writing about the potions, trying hard not to look at Kyungsoo’s way or smell the citrusy scent.
“He hates me,” Baekhyun said dejectedly and began doodling on his parchment. “I hate my life.”
“You hated him,” Chanyeol shrugged and focused on what Professor Potter was saying in front of the class. “You need to show him you’re changed so he will notice you.”
“But how? I tried to be nice to him today but all he said was ‘don’t bother me, Byun’.”
Chanyeol shrugged. “Try to get to know him? Try to get to know what he likes and what he hates, and then avoid doing what he hates.”
“You make it sound so easy and simple.”
“It’s actually not. At all.”
Baekhyun groaned. “I’m so fucked.”
“Yeah, you kind of are.”
Baekhyun tried to get to know Kyungsoo. And although he was often brushed off by the latter, he managed to learn that Kyungsoo loved his tea sweet and didn’t like coffee, more of a dog person-although Baekhyun believed otherwise-and had a dog in his childhood. Kyungsoo liked to pretend that he came from USA all the time but in all reality he loved his hometown, Seoul. He was just a dork, Baekhyun thought, smiling. Kyungsoo was also insecure of his height, and Baekhyun made a mental note to apologize because he dissed Kyungsoo’s height once on their first year. He realized now how much of a jerk he really was now he got to get to know Kyungsoo.
Baekhyun learned a lot of things about Kyungsoo and he realized a tad bit too belatedly that Kyungsoo was an amazing and very determined person. He always wanted to be number one and now he was focusing himself to pursue a career as a healer after Hogwarts. Baekhyun never knew… never realize how much of an amazing person Kyungsoo really is. Despite all his cold stares and cold gestures, he was actually a very sweet person underneath. Baekhyun kind of regretted not to learn about it sooner.
(“If you hurt him,” Hyunshik-as known as Harry-Kyungsoo’s friends since infanthood and also from Ravenclaw, had cornered him the other day, “I’ll not hesitate to hurt you and give you twice the pain you inflicted on him.”)
“I know I’m going to find you here,” Baekhyun said, sitting down right beside Kyungsoo and grinned lopsidedly. “It’s not good to skip breakfast all the time, you know. You need it to give you energy for the whole day.”
“I need to focus, Byun, so if you can shut up that will be greatly appreciated.”
“Baekhyun,” he frowned and passed Kyungsoo the croissant he picked from the Great Hall. “And I’m here to bring you breakfast. And to study, of course.”
Kyungsoo looked at him funny. “We can’t eat in the library. Madam Pince will be angry.”
“She won’t if she doesn’t know,” Baekhyun winked and passed the croissant to Kyungsoo again. “Just take a bite, please. You need to eat.”
Kyungsoo’s face flushed and he quickly looked away, snatching the croissant as he did. “Oh bugger,” he muttered, taking a bite. “If I get caught you better take responsibility, Byun.”
“Baekhyun.”
“Whatever.”
Baekhyun knew Kyungsoo no longer hated him-well, he hoped-but he also knew that Kyungsoo wasn’t feeling the same way as he did. And that was alright. At least now they no longer hated each other and fought all the time like a couple of second years. At least now they were leading toward something like… friends? Baekhyun was happy with it.
“I never hated you, you know.” Kyungsoo suddenly said. Baekhyun hoped he wasn’t thinking out loud. “You were really infuriating, true, but I never hated you.”
“Um,” Baekhyun bit his lower lip. “I thought I hated you. But I didn’t. I… never hated you, too. I’m sorry, I guess? For calling you names and all.”
“Forgiven,” Kyungsoo chuckled quietly and Baekhyun couldn’t quite control the grin that was growing bigger on his face. “I think you’re passable as a friend.”
“I can be a great friend,” Baekhyun shrugged and his face flushed. “Well, that if you give me a chance. Um, you know.”
Kyungsoo grinned and his mouth turned into heart shape, and Baekhyun felt his knees weakened. “You’re daft,” said Kyungsoo, “Of course you have the chance to be my friend. I’ve forgiven you, haven’t I?”
“Haha,” Baekhyun rolled his eyes, resisting squealing and weeping from overwhelming feelings. “Yeah of course.”
Epilogue
“Good afternoon class,” Professor Potter greeted with his trademark lopsided grin and leaned forward against his desk. “Today we’re going to try casting Patronus Charm. It’s a very complicated charm so please don’t be disheartened if you fail at the first try. It also took me several tries until I finally succeeded. Now, who wants to give the first shot?”
Baekhyun raised his hand and Chanyeol shot him an amused look. “I’d like to try, Professor.”
Professor Potter beckoned him to the front and Baekhyun nervously stood in the front of his class.
“Now, Mr. Byun, think of something that makes you really, really happy. Something that will make you smile and gives your heart a warm feeling.”
“Uh,” Baekhyun tried to think of something happy. “Expecto patronum.”
It failed and Baekhyun’s face fell.
“It’s alright, Mr. Byun. Let’s give it another try. Think of something else. For example, if I were to cast patronus charm, I’d think of my wedding day. I’d think how charming my husband looked that day and how happy I felt when I finally tied the knot with him. So, give it a try.”
Baekhyun sighed and closed his eyes. He thought of the day when he danced with Kyungsoo at the Yule Ball and heard him sing for the first time, and he thought of how they kissed that day. It wasn’t spectacular and a bit messy but it felt right, and Baekhyun smiled just by the thought of it. He was happy just by thinking of Kyungsoo.
He opened his eyes and breathed.
“Expecto patronum!”
The class gasped in awe as a nightingale flew around the room and Baekhyun laughed. It was yet another happy day for him.