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Jackson Wang. 7th year Gryffindor, House Prefect, Beater and Quidditch Captain was most definitely not having a panic attack.Now if he could only convince his body of that.Today had started off bad and had snowballed to worse. Between waking up late, missing breakfast, and somehow getting caught in between whatever prank war Peeves and the Bloody Baron had going on Jackson found himself in Transfiguration unable to perform a simple spell. Okay it might have been Advanced Transfiguration, and a decidedly not simple spell, but it was one that he had done countless times so after the third or fifth or fiftieth time of it not working Jackson knocked the cup over in frustration.“Wr. Wang are you finished?” Jackson looked up sheepishly at Headmistress McGonagall who stared him down tight lipped and disapproving. “I’m really sorry Professor.” Picking up the cup Jackson stared at it feeling the tell-tale signs of tears prick at his eyes. “I’m really sorry.”“Minus five for the outburst Mr. Wang,” Jackson hung his head low trying not to hear the hourglass in the wall take away the house points. Squeezing his eyes closed he tried to calm his racing heart. “Mr. Wang,” Headmistress McGonagall’s voice was close enough she could whisper, “Jackson.”“Yes ma’am?” Jackson didn’t look up. If he did he would start crying and he didn’t want to do that in front of the classroom while they all stared at him.“Take your bag, you are excused for the day.” Jackson nodded clenching his teeth. “You need to take a break Jackson. I don’t want to see my star pupil burn out before he’s graduated.”“I won’t let you down ma’am,” Jackson slung his bag over his shoulder. “I’ll take a nap during my free period and makeup my work tomorrow.”“That’s my boy,” Headmistress McGonagall smiled smally. For as waspish and unforgiving as the woman was she truly wanted to see her students succeed.Jackson had made it out the door with his head held up and about half a hallway down before the little control he had left shattered and he found himself nearly on his knees trying to breathe past the constricting pain in his chest.
Meow!
Jackson blinked. Sitting in front of him was a ball of orange fluff with big green eye purring loudly.
Meow!
The cat stood up to wind between his legs purring louder. Jackson closed his eyes a moment to take a steading breath and when he opened them again another three cats had appeared.“What the hell?” The four cats all looked up at him expectantly. “I don’t have any treats for you, I’m sorry.”“You look like shit.” Jackson could only blink in surprise. Leaning on the wall next to him a man in Hufflepuff robes had a cat on his shoulder, one in his arms, and what looked to be a kitten in a pocket. “You keep taking on more stuff, I’m surprised you lasted this long.” Jackson wanted to laugh but the remnants of panic was still clawing at him. “You look like you need some tea. C’mon.” This was the Hufflepuff, Jackson realized, that everyone had dubbed ‘the Hogwarts Cryptid’ for his uncanny ability to be surrounded by no less than ten cats at any time and have no end of food. “Can I?” Jackson looked down at the hand held out in the air between them. Tentatively he uncurled the fingers clutching at the front of his robes and took it. “Jackson right?”“Yeah,” the cat on the Hogwarts Cryptid’s shoulder sniffed the air a few times before making the small jump to his. “Oh?”“That’s Jasmine. She’s a third year’s cat but likes to hang around with us,” the man smiled. “She doesn’t usually take to strangers. It took me a few days to get her to let me pet her.” As if just to spite the man Jasmine rubbed her head against Jackson’s cheek. “Ready?” “Yeah,” Jackson let himself be lead down the corridors, blushing slightly as he realized the man still held his hand firmly in his. Every so often Jackson found that the Cryptid - he really needed to learn this man’s name - would glance over and give a soft smile. “What’s your name?”“Jaebum,” as they turned the corner a few cats broke off from the group only to be replaced by a waiting set. “You can call me JB.”“Where are we going JB?” Jackson liked the feel of the man’s name on his tongue. It wasn’t a secret he was gay, a particularly embarrassing incident in his third year had outed him, so while he was mostly definitely checking out the Cryptid of Hogwarts that everyone failed to mention was hot as fuck, he tried to keep his eyes on the floor in front of him.“We’re going to the kitchens. Though Twinky will have my head if I bring the cats in again,” JB frowned. “Too many kids with allergies to allow them in where the food is stored you know?”“I didn’t even think of that,” Jackson almost tripped when JB stopped suddenly. “A painting?”“Most people don’t think about it. I certainly didn’t.” For the first time since they started walking JB pulled his hand away. With a heart broken look JB set the cat in his arm down, took the kitten from his pocket and stepped close making Jackson’s heart thud in his chest. “ - the pear.”“What?” Jackson couldn’t hear past the rush of blood in his ears. He knew he was blushing because even as JB removed Jasmine from his shoulders a sly smile worked its way across his face.“I said,” JB leaned into whisper into his ear, “to get in you tickle the pear.”Jackson swallowed thickly before answering breathlessly. “Right. Tickle the bear.”“Pear,” JB pulled back slowly looking up and down Jackson’s face. “Tea is getting cold.”***“What the fuck.” Jackson circled the Gryffindor dorm for the thirty-fifth time, much to Youngjae’s amusement. “Oh my god he’s so hot what the fuck. How did no one tell me?”“I don’t think I’ve seen you this fucked up since the time we met up with Namjoon in Hogsmead,” Youngjae laughed.“We DO NOT talk about the Hogsmead incident,” Jackson ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m still not entirely convinced he’s forgiven me for outing us.”“Trust me, if Kim Namjoon hated you, you would know it,” Youngjae laughed. Namjoon went to Beauxbatons, though with his brain he could go to any magical school in the world and they would throw flowers at his feet. Namjoon preferred the quiet of Beauxbatons to the noise of Durmstrang and the string of cursed shit that happened at Hogwarts. “So tell me about your date with Mothman.”“You’re hanging out with the American too much. What’s his name? Mark?” Jackson snorted.“I’m dating Mark,” Youngjae shot back haughtily.“I thought you were dating Jinyoung?” Jackson turned tilting his head.“I’m…” Youngjae seemed to shrink a bit, eyes darting around, “I’m dating both of them.”“Oh thank god,” Jackson sighed in relief. “I thought something happened with you and Jin and I was going to spend the whole year hearing about it. HEY!” Jackson nearly fell over when a pillow connected with his head. “You’re terrible now tell me about your date with Mothman.” Youngjae accept his pillow back as Jackson sat down.“He’s really fucking hot,” Jackson fanned himself.“You say that again and we’re no longer friends,” Youngjae hit him in the shoulder with the pillow again making them laugh.“Okay. So his name is Jaebum and likes to be called JB,” Jackson leaned back on his arms. “He’s apparently adopted nearly every cat on campus except these two that just won’t budge and it drives him crazy.”“I will bet money those are Bambam’s,” Youngjae grinned. “Bambam? Sixth year Slytherin? White hair?”“OH!” Jackson knew exactly who the younger meant now. “The ‘Thai Weasley’ that McGonagall is always bitching about.”“Slughorn loves him,” Youngjae snorted. “But I’m pretty sure that’s because he’s a protege at potions. Anyway his cats don’t like anyone but him.”“I’ll have to pass that on to JB when I see him again,” Jackson grinned then stopped a little melancholy. If it took seven years to meet him this time what were the chances of seeing him again? “If I see him again.”“I swear to god if you spend this whole year pining I will actually let Jinyoung murder you,” Youngjae glared. “I can already see it. Ugh. Put a silencing charm up when you go to bed. For me.”“That was on-”“It was more then once you menace,” Youngjae glared.“Okay fair,” Jackson let himself drop onto the bed. “He’s a little...odd. But like, a good odd. We spent most of the time talking about the cats and how he’s failing everything but Care For Magical Creatures and Herbology. He didn’t make me talk about anything. I dunno it was just. Nice to not be Golden Boy Jackson Wang.”“He’s failing...the year just started. We’re not even a month in,” Youngjae pinched the bridge of his nose. “Yugyeom was right.”“That’s the really fucking tall Hufflepuff right? Afraid of owls because of the noises?” Jackson searched his brain. There were only a few people that he hadn’t met over the years here and while it meant he met everybody it also meant he met everybody. Despite his best efforts some people just didn’t stick, but their habits or idoscycies did.“Yeah. I told him about that silencing charm idea you had and he about cried. It makes breakfast so much easier for him now that he can put a little bubble around himself and close his eyes,” Youngjae smiled. “He’s also dating Bambam so naturally he’s got the entirety of Slytherin in his back pocket and doesn’t even know.”“Oh he knows.=,” Jackson finally remembered the face to the name. The two had been dating since third year? Probably third year. “Just because he’s a Puff doesn’t mean he’s not a sadist. You know the shit he pulls in Potions? Where if you fuck around you get paired with him and then the asshole does all kinds of stuff to sabotage and kill you?”“Mark got paired with him the other day and I’m pretty sure that took five years off his life,” Youngjae fell over laughing. “He complained for hours after we got out.”“Anyway speaking of Mark I hear he made seeker like, two days into the school year,” Jackson frowned. “I’m going down to the pitch next week to watch them practice. I want the cup since this is my final year.”“He’s going to kick your ass and I’m living for it.” Youngjae smiled at his scandalized look. “Hey now, I can support both you and him.”“We’re your house!” Jackson pressed a hand to his heart with mock indignation.“And you wrote the cheers for all of the house so bleh,” Youngjae stuck his tongue out. It was true, in his first year Jackson had written Quidditch cheers for each of the houses and that was a bone of contention for a while considering the level of competition the game inspired. Jackson just wanted everyone to have fun and after a few years any grumbling that remained was kept within the small groups that didn’t like him anyway so he didn’t worry about it.“Tomorrow is an early morning and I have to go cryptid hunting,” Jackson smiled.“Silencing charm or I will kill you,” Youngjae glared. “Better yet, I’ll put it up. Silenco.”***Jackson sat at his desk definitely, for sure, absolutely not pouting.He was brooding. There was a difference no matter what Jinyoung said.Jackson had rolled out of bed early that morning to try to hunt down JB in the many corridors of the school but to no avail. Determined to find the other Jackson again missed breakfast and searched right up until he had to sprint down the corridor to get to class on time. Walking into potions he slipped into the only open seat which was next to none other than the white haired Slytherin Bambam. Despite his best efforts to stay quiet they only got about halfway through the class when Bambam got annoyed.“If you sigh one more time I'm going to dump this firedrake oil on you,” Bambam grumbled next to him. “Why is the golden boy pouting?”“I'm not pouting I'm brooding,” Jackson sniffed grumpily. Letting the silence stretch out for a few minutes longer he caved. “How does one find the Hogwarts Cryptid?”“Ah,” Bambam nodded his head solemnly. “Yuggie,” Yugyeom perked up from his desk at the sound of Bambam's voice, “how can the golden boy find the hobo?” The smile on Yugyeom’s face crumpled to an annoyed flat look.“Don't be pissy,” Yugyeom huffed rolling his eyes, “just because cats like JB doesn't mean you have to be rude.” Bambam made an ugly noise arching an eyebrow. The two leveled unimpressed looks at each other until the Hufflepuff blinked in confusion and looked back to Jackson. “Why are you looking for JB?” Under the suddenly interested stares Jackson flashed crimson. He hadn't thought of a good excuse for why he needed to know.“Oh my god this is amazing,” Bambam nearly vibrated in glee, “I take back everything I said on the train. This is year is going to be amazing.” By this time Mark and Jinyoung, who were seated next to them, had turned to see what was going on and from the look on Jinyoung’s face both Ravenclaws had already figured it out.“They say if you want to find the Cryptid you must follow the cats.” Mark supplied from the desk next to them getting a solemn nod from everyone surrounding them.“I hate all of you!” Jackson groaned burying his face into this folded arms.“Mr. Wang,” at the sound of disapproval in Slughorn’s voice Jackson contemplated splashing himself with the firedrake oil, but decided third degree burns would mean a night with Madame Pomfrey and not JB. “Would you like to be paired with Mr. Kim for the rest of the day?”“No sir,” Jackson smiled pointed not looking at Yugyeom grinning maliciously.“Then pay attention.” Slughorn turned his attention to the currently blonde American, “for your comment Mr. Tuan, you will be paired with Mr. Kim tomorrow.” Jackson had to dig his nails into his palm to keep from laughing at Mark's distressed face. Maybe if the seeker got blown up before the Quidditch match they'd have a shot at the cup.During the next few days Jackson didn't have time to think about the Hufflepuff that no matter how hard he tried seemed to elude him. Quidditch was beginning to start up and the afternoons were filled with classes that were followed by nights filled with running drills.Jackson had nearly given up when a week after his encounter, a puff of orange caught his attention.
Follow the cats
“Oh fuck it why not,” Jackson picked up his bag and began following the orange cat. Three hallways later he stumbled upon another few acts and was delighted to see Jasmine among them. “Hey there pretty girl,” kneeling down Jackson rubbed his fingers together to coax her closer. “Remember me?” Jasmine purred rubbing her head into his palm. “Do you know where your buddy is?”“So that's what you were doing,” Jackson jumped when JB materialized next to him.“How do you do that?” Jackson held a hand over his heart beating wildly in his chest. “You really are Mothman.” That got a full body laugh from JB.“Jinyoung threatened to deck me of I didn't talk to you,” JB smiled at him pointing up.“Why?” Jackson stood up seeing Jinyoung and Mark leaning over a rail three floors up, Mark obviously laughing as Jinyoung pulled him away.“You've been following my cats,” JB’s mouth curled into soft smile making Jackson blush realizing he had been caught. “I've been following you.”“The fact we're still alive means Jinyoung got accepted into that Healer program at Saint Mungo’s,” Jackson grinned rubbing the back of his neck and looking at the ground.“So,” JB leaned in so close Jackson could feel the older's breath on his lips, “what can Mothman do for you?”“I...” Jackson was lightheaded and he grasped for words, “tea?”“Just tea?” JB's smile grew tilting his head he leaned just a bit closer and Jackson felt himself tremble. “Meet me in the kitchens for lunch. Remember how to get in?”“Tickle the pear,” Jackson leaned forward a bit.“Good boy,” JB cooed. The words were like lightning through Jackson's body and whatever stray bit of blood he had left pooled immediately into his gut. “Goodbye Jackson.” And just as quick as he appeared he was gone leaving Jackson with a racing heart and tent in his pants.Distantly he heard the bell toll. He was late for astronomy.“FUCK.”***There were only two classes between him and lunch. Jackson felt like they took the collective seven years he'd been there to get through. The moment McGonagall released them Jackson stuffed everything into his backpack and ran down to the kitchens. When he arrived JB was nowhere to be found. Figuring he had gotten out before the other he sat down and waited.And waited.And waited.“Mr. Wang sir,” Twinky approached looking sad, “lunchtime has ended sir. You must be getting to class.”“Oh,” Jackson said softly fiddling with the tea cup and looking at the full one across the table. “Okay. Thanks Twinky.”Gathering his things Jackson exited the kitchens running face first into a warm body once he closed the painting behind him.“Oh thank Merlin I caught you,” Jackson blinked up at a frazzled looking JB. “I'm so sorry.”“What took you?” Jackson knew he sounded small. He had been stood up plenty of times but despite knowing next to nothing about JB being left alone had hurt.“Trelawney was on some kind of bender and didn't let us leave,” JB looked more and more flustered running his fingers through his hair, “then McGonagall came in and it got worse,” Jackson smothered a smile, “and then the fucking stairs kept moving.” “JB?” Jackson chuckled catching his attention.“Yeah?” JB finally looked back at him.“Can I kiss you?” Jackson didn't have a chance to be nervous because JB stepped forward cradling his face and kissing him first. The soft brush of lips made his whole body feel like jelly and just as Jackson thought he would melt onto the floor JB pulled back an inch to catch his breath.“Fuck, I've been wanting to do that since fourth year,” JB kissed him again. This one was much slower, the hands on his face sliding back into his hair and all Jackson could do was clutch at the front of JB’s robes trying to remember that some point they’d have to breathe. “Tomorrow. Lunch. I'll walk out of class if I have to.” Jackson blinked up at him. “If...if you’re stil-” Jackson smiled into the kiss he pulled JB into.“Yeah. I still want to,” Jackson felt like he was lighter than air. “We’re so late for class.”“I’ve been later and Hagrid thinks I’m the best thing since Charlie Weasley,” JB had a faint blush on his face and that did funny things to Jackson’s heart. “But Binns is going to make your life miserable.” Jackson groaned burying his face into the shirt without thinking about it. Being a naturally tactile person, Jackson never really thought about touching other people unless they asked specifically for him to not touch them. Most of the Gryffindor students had been his cuddle buddy or pillow at some point or another and became so desensitized to it that Jackson could flop on any of them in a class room and they would continue to go about their day. The hands in his hair slipped out only for strong arms to wrap around and pull him close making him all but purr in contentment as he moved his face to rest in the crook of JB’s neck. “Let’s skip.”“We can’t skip,” Jackson gumbled looking up with a glare. “Quidditch captain AND Prefect here. They’ll have Filch hang my by my toes.”“What if I make it worth it?” JB’s sly smile was back and it made Jackson’s heart kick against his ribs. “Damn,” JB’s face scrunched up as the clicking of heels on the floor echoed.“Mr. Im,” McGonagall’s voice was heavy with disapproval, “Mr. Wang.”“Damn,” Jackson whispered in agreement before stepping back.“Lunch is well over is there any reason you two aren’t in class?” The high arch of her brow made Jackson feel like he was two feet tall, “I didn’t think so. Go on.”JB had been right. Professor Binns was mighty upset when Jackson came skidding into class a half hour late. As penance he was assigned an essay twice the length of the rest of the class. When the bell tolled to release them Jackson sat at his desk a few moments longer replaying that afternoon with a dopey smile on his face. The next two weeks had Jackson feeling like he was on cloud nine. Every morning at breakfast JB would wander over from the Hufflepuff table to the Gryffindor table and hold his hand where everyone and their owl could see it. The first day that JB had leaned over to kiss him goodbye in the middle of the great hall left him sitting dazed at the table feeling all kinds of soft while everyone around him laughed.While the weather was still warm enough they decided to take their lunches outside under a large tree where they could spread out their food and share it with the ever growing army of cats that seemed to follow JB at all times. On weekends in particular, if Jackson wasn’t running drills with the Quidditch team, he and JB would take their homework down by the Black Lake and spend the day in the sun with each other.On a particularly warm Saturday Jackson and JB sat in their normal spot with Jackson laying his head on JB’s lap as the older pet his hair with one hand and fed bits of ripped chicken to the orange cat - Pumpkin Spice - with the other.“Does anyone ever get upset their cats like you?” Jackson stretched out a hand to wave at the Giant Squid that came up to inspect the army of felines along its shore. A long tentacle breached the top of the water to wave back before it sank back beneath the surface and the squid was gone. “I mean other than Bambam.”“Nah. My first year there were some issues but I’ve never really paid attention to people so by the time I realized people were upset they were already over it,” JB picked up more chicken to feed Jasmine who had resumed her spot on Jackson’s stomach. “I think Bambam is only pissed off that they like me more,” JB’s face was smug.“He is rather prickly on the subject of cats,” Jackson chuckled. “Yugyeom keeps saying that he should focus on the fact that his cats like him and not you.”“I figured the sphinx was his when she about took my eyes out,” JB pouted making Jackson laugh delightedly. “Even Mrs. Norris likes me.”“You’re the cat whisperer,” Jackson reached up to pull JB down for a kiss. “I’m still calling you Mothman though,” JB rolled his eyes but grinned. “Thanks for adopting me too.”“Thanks for liking me more than Bambam,” JB gazed down at him. Jackson gently lifted Jasmine off his stomach so he could roll over and crawled to straddle JB’s lap. “Still can’t believe the golden boy is interested in me.”“Coming from the Cryptid who is infinitely more interesting than me,” Jackson carded his fingers through the black hair. “I had Madam Pomfrey run tests on me. Results came back clean but I have the parchment in my bag if you’re interested.”“Funny I had the same idea,” JB ran his hands up the backs of the jean clad thighs. “Clean and parchment is in my bag.” Jackson contemplated it for a second before shrugging and settling himself down.“I trust you,” Jackson whispered against his lips. JB gripped both hips tightly as Jackson ground against him.“Jackson,” JB broke away from the kiss to mouth at the line of his neck and shoulder. “Are you my good boy?” Jackson felt himself flush crimson. “I noticed the last time I said it you turned a pretty shade of pink,” JB sounded smug. “So are you?” The moan that left Jackson’s mouth carried a small yes. “My good boy.” JB palmed the front of Jackson’s jeans getting another breathy moan. “You’re so sensitive,” the words were a soft coo and while it might have been an insult from anyone else, coming from JB they sounded like their own form of praise. Burying his head into JB’s neck Jackson rolled his hips into the warm palm. “God Jackson you’re so beautiful.”“JB,” Jackson was so close and the man had barely touched him. Jackson might have been embarrassed if JB hadn’t kept moving his hand, murmuring praise. “Do you wanna cum baby?” JB turned to whisper the words directly into his ear, “out here in the open where everyone can see that you’re mine.” The hot rush of embarrassment flooded him making his whole body throb. “Can my good boy follow orders?” Jackson nodded his head frantically. “Let go for me baby.” Jackson gasped bucking up into the hand as he came, face flushing even redder. “Good boy Jackson,” JB kissed the exposed neck, “so good for me.”***After that day Jackson felt there was positively nothing that could bring him down. Not being paired with Yugyeom as punishment for not paying attention in class, not Binns lecturing him about the importance of being on time, not even Youngjae who laughed every time he saw Jackson with a dopey smile on his face. Naturally it couldn’t last.“Jackson,” JB chewed on the inside of his cheek and suddenly Jackson felt the world shifting a bit, “can we talk?”“Are you going to break up with me?” Jackson held his breath already feeling the prick of tears.“What? No!” JB looked startled, and Jackson nearly cried in relief. He did cry in relief, his whole body sagging as the tension bled out all at once. “C’mere,” Jackson wrapped his arms around JB trying to calm his racing heart. “I didn’t even think of how it sounded when I asked, I’m sorry.”“It’s okay,” Jackson tightened his arms. “I’m a lot of emotional labor you would think I’d be used to the breakup talk.”“Whoever said that is full of shit,” JB sounded angry for the first time since Jackson had met him. Usually the man just floated along letting things fall where they may. “I did want to talk to you though. About me.” Jackson pulled back wiping his eyes. “Would you be okay with an open kind of relationship?”“A what?” Jackson frowned a bit. “Like dating other people?” “Yeah,” JB motioned for them to sit on the bench against the wall. “We kinda...fell into this without talking a lot,” Jackson nodded his head. “It’s not that I’m bored of you or anything like that. It’s just, I’m po -”“Polyamorous right?” Jackson leaned against the wall a relieved sigh escaping, “oh my god I thought this was going to be so much worse.” A small manic laugh bubbled up and he was unable to stop it from exploding out.“You’re taking this much better than anyone I’ve ever dated,” JB was frowning as Jackson continued to laugh. “Why are you laughing?”“I’m sorry,” Jackson wheezed, “I’m just so relieved.” “They’ve really done you dirty haven’t they,” JB sounded hurt. “I’m high energy and most people can only stomach my neediness for a few weeks before they run away,” Jackson smiled even though the string of people that came to mind all felt like a punch to the gut. “I don’t care that you’re poly. Is there someone who’s caught your attention?”“Not at the moment.” JB moved to kneel in front Jackson and cup his face, “I just wanted to be honest with you.” Jackson turned his head to kiss a palm. “I would still talk to you about it and you’re welcome to see other people also. It wouldn’t be a one way street.”“I love you.” Jackson didn’t even think about the words. They fell out of their own accord but they were no less true and the revelation to himself created a new spark of joy. “Oh my god I love you so much,” JB starred up wide eyed. “You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted to be honest with you.” At the sound of his own words coming back JB pulled him down and kissed Jackson like the sky was falling.“How the fuck are you even real?” JB kept their faces cradled close pressing small kisses onto his lips.“Says Mothman,” Jackson giggled even as JB snorted at the name.“This went worlds better than I thought it was going to,” JB’s whole body seemed to relax. “I figured you were about to break up with me.”“I take it I’m not the only one of us whose been done dirty,” Jackson hadn’t really given much thought to that until now. How many people had trampled on JB’s heart that the Hufflepuff was skittish to talk about this? As it was, JB still hadn’t fully looked him in the eye. “Listen, as long as you talk to me and don’t just leave me hanging I’m okay with it.”“Really?” JB let out a shaky breath but finally he smiled again. “You’re so good to me Jackson.”“Of course I am. I’m your good boy remember?” Jackson pulled them both up off the floor, “Tea?”Lacing their fingers together they both walked towards the kitchens trailing the hoard of cats behind them.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Despite his refusal to partner with his boyfriend in Potions class Bambam loved Yugyeom. Just not enough to die because the other liked to add random ingredients to see what would happen. The younger on more than one occasion had landed himself in the hospital ward while Bambam sat next to him bitching that the reason he dyed his hair white was to hide the fact Yugyeom was prematurely aging him.Their first year at Hogwarts had been a rough one. The two had met on the train by being forced into the same cabin where they had mistakenly thought the other was an upperclassman. The whole five hours they did nothing but snipe petty remarks and it would have come to blows if the actual upperclassman in the cabin didn’t stop them with a threat to throw them both out the window. When they had arrived to Hogwarts much to Bambam’s horror he found that the tall brat from the train was in fact younger than him and when he walked to the Hufflepuff table the tendrils of guilt settled in. Bambam himself barely had a chance to sit down before the hat snorted and announced Slytherin as if there was no chance of him ever being in another house.The following two years he and Yugyeom held a steady but rocky acquaintance. They always managed to be in each other’s orbit be it from sharing classes or mutual friends. Bambam learned quickly that for being a Hufflepuff the Korean boy held one hell of a grudge and whenever he thought they were making progress something would inevitably set them three steps back. The summer before their third year Bambam nearly wrote the boy off all together until entering the train that September he found him with a split lip and tears. Bambam spent the train ride on the receiving end of harsh words but managed to wiggle out the fact that since first year a few kids had taken to harassing Yugyeom and recently it escalated to physically. After that day whether Yugyeom wanted it or not, and he did not, Bambam placed him under his protection. Nearing the end of the year the Hufflepuff had gotten Hufflepissed and was ranting at Bambam for meddling when the same upperclassman who had threatened them that first day on the train turned around in his desk.
"You two have been at this since first year," the Hogwarts Cryptid had scowled darkly. "Get it sorted."
It still took a few months and some painful heart to hearts for the two to finally become friends. Over that summer they had written to each other everyday and even lined up their shopping trips so that they could run around Diagon Alley together while their parents got to know each other. They had barely made it onto the train their fourth year before Yugyeom closed their cabin with just the two of them and pushed him against the door to kiss him. They had been inseparable since.Fourth and fifth year were relatively boring outside of the occasional scoldings from when prefects would find Yugyeom asleep in Bambam’s bed. Those had lasted less than two months into the year before his sweet Puff would sweet talk his way into Slytherin dorm privileges. Showing up every night with arms full of snacks from the kitchen helped his cause too. Now in their sixth year Yugyeom was in the Slytherin dorms more than he was in the Hufflepuff ones and whenever he walked in nearly everyone in the house dotted on him. Bambam still stood by his statement that Yugyeom should have been in Slytherin.“Hey,” Yugyeom’s voice purred in his ear, “I bribed everyone out of the dorm for a while.” Bambam grinned as the younger’s slim fingers picked at his clothes. “Wanna bend me up and make me scream?”“It is my turn isn’t it?” Bambam gripped the dark hair making the man moan. In a tragic twist of fate the love of his life was also a submissive so after some very long discussions they decided the best way to handle it was to take turns. Bringing him in for a long kiss Bambam added, “or are you going to cum in your pants again?”“Fuck you.” Yugyeom blushed but his smile stayed stretched across his lips. They both had a tendency to get so caught up in foreplay and teasing that sometimes they didn’t even make it out of their clothes before making a mess. The first few months of them exploring ended exclusively in sticky pants and flushed cheeks.Working their clothes off Bambam watched as Yugyeom put on a show for him. The long arm twisted behind himself as he fingered himself open blushing the prettiest shade of pink. Bambam wanted to make a whole room the shade of pink that Yugyeom blushed but nothing he’d found matched the color that stained itself on his lover’s cheeks. All in all, spending the day in bed with Yugyeom riding him moaning like a whore as the mermaids swam by laughing wasn't the worst way to kill a Saturday.When both were out of breath and sticky Bambam Accio’d a towel to them with wandless magic and cleaned them off before tucking his love under his chin. The moment Yugyeom settled on his chest the long limbs curled around his. Flicking his wrist Yugyeom summoned up the sheets. “You're wandless magic is getting better. Now if you could do it with bigger objects and not nearly kill us.” Bambam laughed as Yugyeom lightly smacked his chest.Curling his arm tightly around the wide shoulders Bambam was almost asleep when Yugyeom sighed. Then again. Waiting patiently he let Yugyeom figure out what he wanted to say.“Can we talk?” Yugyeom chewed on his thumbnail. Normally not a good sentence, but he had been with Yugyeom long enough that he wasn't worried. If Yugyeom had a issue with something he was never shy about talking about it. Shyness was reserved for things that were out of the ordinary.“Of course love, what’s on your mind?” Bambam idly ran his fingers through the dark hair while the other moved to hold the hand that rested over his heart.“What’s your stance on potential polyamory?” Yugyeom kept himself firmly tucked under his chin, “for us.”“Are you asking for science or because you are looking to open our relationship?” Bambam kissed the top of his head and waited for the younger to answer. He knew the answer but wanted his lover to be the one to say it.“My crush on Mark isn’t going away.” Yugyeom’s voice was small. Bambam wasn’t surprised by it. His lover had told him about the crush at the start of the year though at the time it wasn’t something he had any interest in pursuing. Both being prone to speaking their minds, neither bothered hiding when they took a passing fancy to someone even if it meant the other would poke fun. At his silence Yugyeom added a small, “I’m sorry.”“Sorry for liking someone?” Bambam snorted rolling his eyes. If any crush had to stick Mark Tuan was honestly the most relieving of them. At least the Ravenclaw had a sense of humor. He also never treated Yugyeom like shit for being an asshole in potions even after nearly getting blown up which put him at ‘Saint’ status in Bambam’s book. “Have you done anything with him?”“What? No!” Yugyeom shot up looking indigent. “Oh you asshole,” Yugyeom scrunched his face at Bambam’s grin. Slapping his chest when Bambam laughed Yugyeom added, “you’re the worst.”“I am but I’m not upset,” Bambam pulled him down for a kiss. Yugyeom relaxed by degrees until he melted against him. “I love you.”“I love you too,” Yugyeom hummed happily tucking himself back under his chin, fingers tracing small patterns against the skin. “So you never answered my question.”“If Mark’s partners are okay then I’m okay.” Bambam shrugged a shoulder. Polyamory was something they talked about often though they had figured they wouldn’t find anyone to open themselves to until after graduation. For as childish as they pretended to be both him and Yugyeom had little patience for the normal bullshit of their peers - something both their parents laughed at every summer when they went home. “Which reminds me,” it was his turn to blush, “my crush hasn’t gone away either.” He could feel Yugyeom’s smile. “Fucking Jaebum.”“I’m so amused you went from wanting to fight him to wanting to suck his dick,” Yugyeom chuckled. “Good news for you is Jackson is open to polyamory too. They’ve been hanging out in the Hufflepuff dorm the last couple days and I overheard them talking about it.” That caught him off guard.“Golden boy is open to sharing?” Bambam questioned with a mild tone of disbelief.“First of all have you ever met Jackson? He’s the sweetest, least possessive person in the world,” Yugyeom kissed along his chest leaving an occasional hickey. “Secondly, if they’re open to it and you’re okay with it I’d like to take them on a date and get dicked down. You can play with JB and I’ll play with Jackson if he’s up for it.” Bambam was quiet for a bit before answering. He wasn’t really looking to make enemies of the Golden Boy by asking to fuck him and his boyfriend but he really couldn’t think of an instance or rumor about him being like that. Hell, most things that filtered through the grapevine was that Jackson was too kind and forgiving.Fuck it. Worse they could say was no. “Let’s talk to them.” Kissing the younger’s head again Bambam shrugged again, “I’m open to it.”“You are the best thing that’s happened in the history of ever.” Yugyeom shifted to crawl between his legs, “let me thank you properly.”***They settled on approaching them the following Saturday. Bambam had spotted the two first. After several more conversations about the subject he and Yugyeom agreed they were both willing to open their relationship and court Mark and Jaebum if the two were interested. Which left the partners of the two. Bambam knew Jinyoung in particular was not his biggest fan since the two bickered like children in potions over ingredients and worse in charms but he was reasonably sure the Ravenclaw liked Yugyeom well enough. Youngjae when not wanting to strangle all of them loved Yugyeom. Then that left Jackson. Admittedly Bambam didn't know the Gryffindor all that well but he seemed to be loved by almost everyone - Yugyeom included. If there was ever a successor to Harry Potter's ‘Golden Boy’ title it was Jackson Wang.“You going to keep staring or ask me a question?” Bambam jumped not realizing Jackson and Jaebum had walked over and now currently stood in front of them. At the tinge of red that flushed into his cheeks Jaebum smiled slyly. “I don't think I've ever seen you blush.”“Yuggie I've changed my mind,” Bambam glared falling back on sarcasm. There were very few people who managed to make him feel unbalanced while keeping him on his toes and it irked him to no end that Jaebum was three of them. Naturally Yugyeom took great delight in it.“Quitter,” Yugyeom snorted. Turning to Jaebum Yugyeom smiled widely. “If you're up for it we'd like to take you to dinner then suck your dick.” The small part of him not focused on stopping himself from illegally apparating to the arctic was pleased to see Jaebum’s surprised face.“What?” Jackson blinked as the words sank in. After a moment to Bambam’s surprise the Gryffindor laughed delightedly poking at Jaebum’s ribs, “I knew it! You owe me ice cream.” Jackson grinned at Jaebum, “mint chocolate chip is my favorite.”“Next time we go to Hogsmeade,” Jaebum pulled Jackson to him kissing his cheek. Bambam was about to speak up when the two remembered they weren't alone. “Just me?” Yugyeom looked at Bambam expectantly meaning the three of them were looking at him. Yugyeom opened his mouth but speak but Jaebum held up his hand, “I want to hear it from him.” Yugyeom shrugged with a smile.“Would you be interested if we asked?” Bambam looked at Jackson. The man was handsome and the easy smile that still hung on his lips was endearing. He also had a great ass.“I would be.” Jackson looked at Jaebum then back, “are you asking?”“Are we asking?” Bambam looked at Yugyeom. This was already going worlds better than he had expected so Bambam was floundering just a bit. Out of the corner of his eye there was a flash of blue and silver.“Three whole bottoms JB,” Bambam arched an eyebrow at Mark who was walking past grinning, “that's rough buddy. Good luck.” Any barb that he would have thrown back died on his tongue as Yugyeom blushed watching the Ravenclaw seeker for a moment then turning back to the duo in front of them with the tiniest curve to his mouth. Bambam wanted to sigh, he really would walk into hell itself for Yugyeom and the younger knew it.“Oh man,” Jackson looked between the two sizing them up and seeming to pull on his own pool of knowledge of them. Then with a laugh, “oh man you two are.”“I'd say that's none of your business but considering the circumstances it is,” Bambam joked breathlessly trying to ignore the the fact Jaebum still hadn't answered or even blinked for that matter. The Hogwarts Cryptid was distinctly unsettling when he chose to be.“Alright,” Jaebum yawned suddenly, “if Jackson joins us.” The three turned to Jackson who was smiling fondly at Jaebum. Bambam couldn't help but pull Yugyeom closer to him knowing that the way the two were looking at each other was the same way he looked at his love.“Okay, I'm down.” Jackson rested his head against Jaebum's shoulder to smile at them.“We'll swing by Madam Pomfrey on our way to the dorms,” Yugyeom smiled holding out a pinky.“Same,” Jackson laughed hooking his with the tall Hufflepuff. That night had been one for the books. After a brief talk about limits and tapouts that Bambam hadn’t even thought to address before Jaebum proceeded to break him apart. Thoroughly. Bambam didn't think he had ever came harder in his life then when Jaebum held him face down into the mattress to fuck him like he hated him all the while telling Yugyeom and Jackson how pretty they were. When Jaebum had turned his attention back to him and barely gotten the word 'needy’ out of his mouth before Bambam came again writhing on the sheets unable to think past the pull on his hair and the stretch of his ass.Yugyeom of course loved the attention being rained down on him from both Jaebum and Jackson. He liked how Jackson made him feel like the center of the world while he fucked him slow, a mirror opposite to how Jaebum was shattering Bambam. Yugyeom liked how when he finally came Jackson kept telling him how pretty he was. Just watching as his lover was being so well taken care of nearly had Bambam cumming a third time.When the four had finally gotten themselves well and truly fucked out the older two surprised Bambam yet again. Instead of beelining for the door Jaebum scooped him up to press them together, gently kissing him while a hand cupped his jaw. In his periphery he saw Jackson doing the same thing with Yugyeom. The Golden Boy trailed soft fingers along the tan skin while they exchanged kisses with one another. His distraction didn’t seem to bother Jaebum who was also watching the other two with a smile.“How are you feeling?” Jaebum asked into his neck. “Did I go too rough on you?” The question did funny things to his heart. He was expecting sex, maybe some banter afterwards, but not this. Not softness. But then again the two had been nothing but one surprise after another and Bambam found himself taking back every spiteful thing he’d ever thought about the them.“Very sweet to ask but no,” Bambam relaxed his body under the oldest. It was nice that he was being taken care of and he was going to make the most of it. “Thank you for doing this.” Bambam tried not to sound too formal but Jaebum just smiled against his neck.“Thanks for letting Jackson join,” the words were quiet. “He was worried that no one liked him.” Bambam nearly laughed but he remembered Yugyeom once telling him that Jackson was lonely. That most guys thought he was too needy or called him cruel things for not being a man’s man. “He would have agreed to it even if you didn’t want him to join but it means a lot to me that you did.” Before Bambam could respond a high squeal of laughter caught their attention. Looking over they found Jackson playfully tickling Yugyeom's sides where they laid curled together. Rolling the older onto his back Yugyeom pinned Jackson’s hands over his head to kiss him playfully. Another wave of fondness pulsed through Bambam. He hoped Mark would treat Yugyeom as well as Jackson because he had a sneaking suspicion he would not be invited to their sex time if Mark agreed.“We're not the only people you're approaching are we,” Jaebum continued to kiss along his skin, “two certain Ravenclaws and Gryffindor?”“How the fuck?” Bambam scoffed at the laugh.“Anyone with eyes has seen you two watching,” Jaebum finally stopped and Bambam nearly pouted at the loss. “So naturally the three of them are clueless.”“It’s just Mark at the moment,” Bambam confided quietly. “You,” Bambam blushed a bit refusing to look at the smug face, “you were my crush and Mark is Yugyeom’s.”“Since I fucked you so good can I pet your cats?” Jaebum teased.“Oh fuck off,” Bambam shot back with a scowl. “Every other cat on the grounds loves you leave mine alone.”“Sure.” Jaebum tilted his head kissing him again though Bambam could feel the smile. It seemed as if to spite him Bambam’s cats did warm up to Jaebum and would occasionally let the man pet them providing he had treats. To Bambam’s surprise seeing the Cryptid cooing softly at his babies no longer filled him with a rage but that might also be chalked up to the string of hickies he still sported on his collarbones.Another welcome change was that Yugyeom had made a real friend out of Jackson. While the two had been in each other’s orbits enough to talk casually now the two were often seen holding hands or playfully hanging on each other or even sneaking quick kisses while passing each other in the hallways and in the main hall. Naturally the rumors had flared up and turned ugly in less than a day. The two had simply laughed it off but when a 7th year Hufflepuff started to talk more shit than normal in the hallway Jaebum had turned heel and decked him so hard a tooth had popped out while the kid sputtered out blood. Bambam hadn’t even known anger was an emotion Jaebum was capable of but the clenched jaw and dark eyes said otherwise.“Keep their names out of your filthy mouth or I’ll remove them for you,” Jaebum straightened up looking around cooly. “I hear anymore shit being slung around about Jackson and Yugyeom I will get very unfriendly. Leave us alone.”Bambam would have kissed him if he didn’t appreciate the gauntlet Jaebum just threw down. Everyone in that hallway even if they didn’t like the four of them were likely to not speak out again. Bambam wished he had that effect on people. As it stood he had his reputation for being unforgiving to those who fucked with Yugyeom and now it seemed he had two new people that he was willing to put under his umbrella of protection. “Anyone who fucks with them also fucks me with me,” Bambam stepped next to Jaebum inclining his chin to look down at the crowd. Looking at Jaebum from the corner of his eye he added, “we need to get to potions.” Jaebum nodded adjusting his bag and letting Bambam lace their fingers together. Now was a good a time as any to make his claim known.“Jackson’s not a good enough fuck so you’re whoring yourself out for Slytherins?” A voice shouted but before he could answer back an irate looking McGonagall turned the corner taking in the scene. Bambam was grateful for her appearance, it meant that he wouldn’t have to physically hold back Jaebum who was shaking with rage.“Mr. Turner,” the thin lips dipped into a severe frown, “detention with me tonight for that rude comment.”“BUT HE HIT ME!” The Hufflepuff pointed to his face, “HE KNOCKED OUT MY TOOTH.” McGonagall turned to look at them.“I did hit him ma’am,” Jaebum was utterly unapologetic. “Jackson and Yugyeom are willing to ignore the abuse they’ve been spewing for the last couple days but I am not.”“That does not make violence acceptable Mr. Im,” McGonagall reprimanded cooly. “Detention with myself tonight as well. Along with fifteen points from Hufflepuff,” Jaebum nodded. “A piece.”“That’s not fair!” Turner squaked behind them.“Then maybe think about minding your own business before spreading rumors or insulting others Mr. Turner,” McGonagall sent a withering glare. “Everyone get to class. Now. Mr. Turner you will accompany me to the Hospital Wing to have your tooth fixed.”At the words everyone scattered in different directions least they get targeted by the Headmistress. Squeezing Jaebum’s hand tighter the two made their way through the hallways towards the potion classroom. When they were nearly to the classroom Jaebum pulled him into an empty closet to kiss him senseless.In between kisses Jaebum muttered a small, “thank you.” ***They weren’t dating per se but it was definitely more than the casual thing that he had anticipating. Over the next few weeks Bambam found himself in both the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff dorms while the Slytherin dorm found itself graced by the two others. Often they would come down to the Slytherin dorm with Yugyeom and all three would have stolen snacks.It took less than three days for the Slytherin dorm to adopt Jackson and less than a week to adopt Jaebum. Bambam was convince he was surrounded by mis-housed Slytherins.“Hey Yug, are you ever going to ask Mark if you can suck his dick?” Jackson asked from where he was laying on Bambam as they read the chapter for Defense Against Dark Arts. “Or like. Nah?”“Bored of me already?” Yugyeom huffed under Jaebum’s deadweight as the older napped on his chest. Bambam swore Jaebum was a cat that had mistakenly turned into a human and nothing could tell him otherwise.“Well you said you wanted to charm him and JB,” Jackson shrugged. “As you can see you pretty much have JB charmed.”“And you,” Bambam turned the page. “We like to collect sets.”“Ohhh so we’re like,” Jackson grinned up thinking a moment, “like fancy spoons.”“The fanciest,” Bambam agreed solemnly. “What the fuck kind of spell is this?” Bambam frowned at the page.“Looks like an alternative to the usual stun charm,” Jackson read the text a few times. “This is for BIG problems and not just the regular kind.” This was why Bambam preferred Jackson when trying to study. The Gryffindor actually studied and more often than not had great input whereas Jaebum didn’t speak and Yugyeom would just mess with him. It was amazing how the two had managed not to get kicked out of school.“Do you think Mark will say yes?” Yugyeom asked in a small voice. Bambam and Jackson’s eyes met a moment before Jackson turned to look at him.“I think you won’t know if you don’t ask,” Jackson’s voice was so earnest that any sting that might have been in the words were absent. “Though,” there was a small shift in the Gryffindor that they both picked up on, “I also...kinda…”“Kinda?” Jaebum’s mumbled sleepily and Bambam had to fight a laugh. A dark eye cracked up as a grin curled the corners of his mouth. “You kinda nothing. You are.”“Did you see that move he pulled on the pitch yesterday?” Jackson squeaked indigintly, “he’s really good on a broom and it’s hot.”“If you’re wondering if I’m upset I’m not,” Yugyeom smiled and Bambam could already see him plotting. “Maybe he’ll let us both play with him.”“If you don’t kill him in potions first,” Bambam added getting a snort of laughter in response from Yugyeom. “We’ve already established I don’t mind.” He nearly asked Jackson and Jaebum but he was still unsure of what exactly was going on with them. “Jackson,” Jaebum leaned up on an elbow. Bambam watched them fascinated as a whole conversation seemed to pass between the two without words. A few moments later Jaebum smiled. “Good luck.”“Do you two know Legilimency?” Yugyeom looked between the two bewildered.“Little bit,” Jackson winked. “We got bored a few weeks ago and have been practicing. Don’t tell anyone though, we would like to not get expelled.” “You just…” Bambam looked at Jackson reevaluating everything he knew about the two, “you just got bored and have been teaching yourselves advanced magic.”“Well yeah,” Jackson pursed his lips a bit. “Most of the classes here, even the advanced classes, aren’t enough to give me a real challenge so sometimes I get bored.” Bambam blinked in disbelief. Bored. Bored enough to teach himself and his boyfriend a spell that most of the professors at the school didn’t know how to do let alone do with without wands or waving. “And don’t let his grades fool you, Jaebum is one of the most advanced spellcasters here but he doesn’t do his damn homework so he just looks like an idiot.” Jackson shot a glare to where Jaebum had drawn Yugyeom into a kiss to pointedly ignore him. “I’ve given up on hounding him on it.”“Well damn,” Bambam laughed. “I’m impressed.”“Fancy spoons remember?” Jackson winked at him. “Now back to this spell.”They weren’t dating per se and honestly Bambam didn’t even begin to know how to approach asking. He liked having the two around to study and hang out with. He definitely liked the sex with Jaebum and watching as Yugyeom and Jackson played around together. But he was afraid asking would disrupt the little bubble they had built for themselves.So instead of worrying about it he just rolled with the flow.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mark wasn't exactly sure how he had ended up in the back hills of England with two Korean boyfriends but here he was. He had been going to one of the American schools when he had received an owl telling him that he would spend his last year at Hogwarts in England. Naturally his parents had been as shocked as he was but never the less he packed up and on a rainy day in September was Apparated into the Kings Cross Station.His first week was spent trying not to strangle his dorm mate. Jinyoung was high strung, wickedly intelligent, and really goddamn hot when he wasn't picking fights just to see Mark riled up. It was like the universe had decided to just keep fucking with him. To make it worse his hot and insufferable dorm mate had a boyfriend who Mark was decently sure was made of actual sunshine. Youngjae could get quiet and shy but once he warmed up to the room he smiled like the sun. Trying to acclimate to the new school, rules, and managing to snag a spot on the Quidditch team he was doing his level best.Jinyoung had foolishly bet that if Mark managed to make Seeker he would kiss him to which Youngjae doubled down and said he would kiss him to. Mark snatched the snitch from the air in under a minute before landing back on the pitch surrounded by stunned silence. Pressing the snitch into Jinyoung’s hand he blew two kisses in their direction before being pulled away by the quidditch team. That night he found himself pinned under Jinyoung as he and Youngjae took turns kissing him breathless.Mark wasn’t sure how things had worked out but he certainly wasn’t going to argue.“Mark?” Jinyoung’s voice drew him up from where he had been flipping through the pages of Hogwarts, a History pretending to read. There was a look of mild frustration on his boyfriend’s face and it took everything in him to not poke at it. Sometimes Jinyoung found it amusing but sometimes it ended with Mark sleeping on the couch in the common room despite them not actually sharing a bed. “Pants off.”“Ooooh. Spicy.” Mark grinned shimmying off his pants and laying down. Motioning with his hands he grinned up at his scowling boyfriend, “All yours Jinnie.” Jinyoung set his books down before shuffling off his own pants, closing the curtains around them but leaving the one at the head of the bed open for light. It took little time for Jinyoung to work himself open and less time than that for Mark to get hard. “Oh fuck. Jin…” Mark bit his lip as Jinyoung slowly lowered himself down onto him. “Hmm.” Mark tried to grab the slim hips but Jinyoung slapped his hands away. “Oh?”“I haven’t been able to focus since your dumbass comment and we have a test tomorrow.” Jinyoung reached for a book, “So now you’re going to lay there like a good boy and we’re going to study.”“What if I don’t wanna be good?” Mark grinned despite grabbing his book. Above him Jinyoung grabbed the blankets around them to give some form of modesty should someone peek through the drapes encasing the bed “What if I want to see you break apart for me?” Jinyoung scowled, muscles clamping around him making Mark inhale deeply.“You answer the questions correctly and I’ll let you. Start reading.” Jinyoung turned his gaze back to his own book ignoring Mark sticking his tongue out at him.It wasn’t the first time they had done this. Studied while one of them warmed the other, though usually it was Youngjae who sat on them. Turned out that sex was a better study method than most people gave it credit for. Usually it brought forth images of scattered books and lusted out brains but they had found if done like this it sated the need while allowing them to get some actual studying done. Occasionally one of them would shift drawing attention to their joined bodies but for the most part they read quietly.“Stinging nettle or pine needles?” Jinyoung broke the silence with an arched brow. “For the arthritis potion.”“Nettle. Soothes the joints.” Mark flipped the page. “What year was Hogwarts founded?”“Ninth century.” Jinyoung said off handedly. “Monkshood or wormwood for stomach parasites?”“Wormwood.” Rolling his hips some to move blood around his legs Mark hummed happily as he slipped a bit more into his boyfriend. “How ab-”“Youngjae is interested in Jackson.” Jinyoung flipped a page nonchalantly. Mark nearly laughed at how forcefully offhanded it was spoken. “I’m assuming you know but he’s been pretty torn up about it and afraid to ask.”“I don’t mind if you don’t.” Mark smiled up at him. “Our relationship aside, I know it's not really conventional but polyamory is pretty big in magical America these days.” Jinyoung finally looked up from his book and Mark smiled wider. “Besides I don’t think you’ve stopped staring at Yugyeom’s ass long enough to be asking me potions questions.”“Like you’re any better.” Jinyoung rolled his eyes. “You nearly melted your hand off.”“And you didn’t stop me so that’s how I knew you were staring too.” Mark set the book down to trail his fingertips up the strong thighs. “So what are we going to do about it?” Jinyoung dropped his book as well looking unsure. “Ideally we would have all three of us for this conversation. Maybe with pants on.”“Do you really not care?” Jinyoung tilted his head studying him. “At all?”“I would care if you two snuck around on me yeah.” Mark shrugged. “But you’re being upfront about it. Besides Youngjae is too good and you’re too puritanical for either of you to have cheated so no, I don’t care that you are both interested in them. Do you care that I am?”“No.” Jinyoung blushed a bit though a smile creeped onto his face. “How about we finish up here and go find our little ray of sunshine?” Mark grinned grabbing at the already moving hips. **After several lengthy conversations between the three Mark was really pleased to see both his partners finally relax after several weeks of being wound up tight.“Mr. Tuan.” Slughorn’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts. “Stinging nettle or pine needles for arthritis potion?” Mark smiled at the memory of Jinyoung riding him the day before asking the same question.“Stinging nettle Sir.” Mark answered confidently. Sitting next to him Jinyoung placed a quick hand on this thigh, thumb rubbing back and forth in approval. “Stinging nettle has anti-inflammatory properties which -”“Wrong.” Slughorn seemed to want to spite him today. The look on the man’s face told him if he interrupted he would be paired with Yugyeom and for as much as he was crushing on the younger Hufflepuff Mark didn’t think his nerves could handle the chaos of the boy this early into the week.“Excuse me Sir.” Jinyoung spoke up next to him, hand lifting from Mark’s thigh to leaf through the book and hold it up. “It is stinging nettle. The boo-”“Mr. Park you were not asked.” Slughorn scolded. Mark placed a hand on the bouncing knee in warning but Jinyoung did not take well to being told he was wrong when he was clearly right. “The correct answer is both.”“Yes but Sir the text only explains the stinging nettle.” Jinyoung shot back with a glare. “If the book is wrong and you didn’t address it then why should we be marked down.” Slughorn paused, took a deep breath, then smiled. Mark hated that smile. “Mr. Kim it looks like you have a new partner for the next week.” Slughorn turned to Yugyeom who propped his head on his hand sharing the malicious smile. “Since Mr. Park seems to know so much about potions, far more than me, maybe he can help salvage your grade in my class.” Both turned to look at Jinyoung. “Come sit next to your new partner Mr. Park.” Then turning back to the table, “Mr. Wang please change seats. Mr. Tuan will be your partner as of today.” Mark wanted to glare but the wording seemed to catch. Jackson as his partner.Well that was an idea.Jackson was pretty enough but currently Youngjae was working on the man so Mark would content himself with Yugyeom for now. Maybe Bambam if the Slytherin stopped having pissing matches with Jinyoung every time they were in class.“Hey.” Jackson dropped to the seat next to him holding out his hand. “I don’t think we’ve been formally introduced. I’m Jackson.”“Mark.” He smiled taking the hand. “Youngjae talks about you a lot.” Mark really wanted to pay attention to whatever Slughorn was dishing out to his partner and hopefully soon to be partner but he had never been this close to the new Gryffindor Golden Boy. No one seemed to have bothered to tell him how handsome Jackson was nevermind how infectious his smile could be. “Saw you on the pitch the other day. Hell of an acrobat for a beater.”“I did fencing up until about a year ago.” Jackson smiled wider at the praise. “Made me real bendy and good at dodging, which comes in handy when a bludger is hurtling at you.”“Still gonna kick your ass next week.” Mark scrunched his nose playfully. First game of the year had Ravenclaw and Gryffindor going at it. Jackson scoffed playfully but didn’t take offense, or the bait. The two sat in silence as Slughorn droned on, dutifully taking notes and answering questions. On an occasion Mark saw Jackson’s eyes flick over to where Youngjae sat with Bambam, then over to Jaebum who to no surprise was sleeping, then to Jinyoung and Yugyeom before quickly darting to look at him. Not wanting to overstep Mark waited and let his curiosity lay. If Jackson wanted to talk they had all week to do so.“Hey.” Jackson whispered after a while. “Is Youngjae okay?” Mark looked up from his notes to arch an eyebrow. “He’s been...skittish. You don’t have to tell me.” Jackson added quickly but chewed on the inside of his cheek. “I’m just worried you know? We’ve been friends for a long time and he probably thinks he’s being slick but I can tell something is bothering him.” If Mark had any reservations about Jackson before they died right there. While he had not been with Youngjae and Jinyoung that long he was protective of them, so much that Youngjae often made the joke Mark should have been a Gryffindor.“He’s got a lot on his mind right now.” Mark wanted to reassure Jackson more but it wasn’t his place. Youngjae needed to work this at his own pace and would be mightily upset if he interfered in anyway. “Do you think they’ll make the week?” Mark nodded over to where Jinyoung looked about three seconds away from strangling Yugyeom with the choker the younger was wearing. “I’m betting on three days.”“Oh please.” Jackson rolled his eyes with a snort. “Jinyoung will make the whole week just to spite Slughorn and you know it.” Mark quirked an eyebrow at that. “What do you want to bet?” The words were an obvious joke but Mark couldn’t help himself. Youngjae would forgive him him. Probably.“If I win you owe me a kiss.” Mark smirked at Jackson when the Gryffindor blinked in surprise. “If you win I owe you a kiss.” Jackson blinked in surprise again, mouth falling open a bit. “Sound good?”“There are easier ways to get a kiss.” Jackson’s expression turned pensive. “Do-”“Mr. Wang?” Slughorn’s voice made them jump. At the center of the room Slughorn gave them a haughty look, “Something you would like to share with the class?”“Only my sympathy for Mr. Park.” Jackson smiled, not missing a beat and getting a round of laughter from everyone, and to Mark’s surprise’ even Jinyoung.Alright. So maybe Mark was finding himself under the same spell that Youngjae seemed to be in. He figured it must be a Gryffindor thing*From how the week was progressing it looked like Jackson was going to win their bet. Jinyoung managed to bully, scold, and glare his way into making Yugyeom behave during class even if it meant that the Hufflepuff would mess with him harder during practicals. On the final day Youngjae stopped by his desk dropping a note to him.
Meet with you at dinner. Going to talk with J&J tonight.
P.S. you’re goddamn terrible at hiding your crush. JB has been laughing at you all week.
Mark flared scarlet, hands instantly crumpling the note. Across the room his boyfriend sat with Jaebum who grinned at him like a cat. Not willing to let them bait him anymore he turned in his seat to find Jinyoung and Yugyeom both grinning at him and if he was brave enough to look over he would bet Bambam was grinning at him to.“So looks like I won.” Jackson’s voice made him jolt just a little. Jackson was in fact still handsome as ever and the small smirk he carried was asking for Mark to wipe it from his face. Inclining his head to the desk Jackson added in a light tone, “They’re both still alive and to be honest I’m surprised.”“Jinyoung has been bitching all week.” Mark glanced over, still red faced trying to resist the urge to flip his boyfriend the bird. Both of them. Youngjae seemed to be whispering something with Jaebum who hadn’t stopped smirking at him. “So…”“Talk with Yugyeom.” Jackson opened his potions book. “We can circle back another time.” Mark dropped his head to the table with a loud enough bang that he felt the room wince. Maybe he did send a middle finger in the direction of Yugyeom’s high pitched giggle. Maybe Slughorn let him get away with it.The class was going smooth up until it came time to brew the potion they’d been studying all week. Naturally Yugyeom had begun to start his usual antics when Jinyoung did a quick look around making sure Slughorn was suitably distracted with Bambam’s potion before snatching the Hufflepuff by the back of the hair, dragging him down and hissing something into his ear. It was over in less than a moment but the wide-eyed look Yugyeom was sporting made Mark curious about what was said. Doing a quick check Mark saw Bambam trying to stifle a laugh and the barest tint of a blush on Jackson’s cheeks.At the end of class to everyone, but most importantly Slughorns, surprise the two had brewed a perfect potion.“Are you telling me that was all it took?” Bambam had followed them out of class laughing. Mark and Jinyoung stood in a little alcove with Yugyeom between them. “We should have done this ages ago.”“Shut up.” Yugyeom glared but it didn’t hold any venom. Under the tousled gray that he had dyed his hair the day before Yugyeom’s cheeks still held a splash of pink that Mark found incredibly endearing. “Hi Jackson.” Mark turned in just enough time to see the Gryffindor appear with Jaebum who still hadn’t stopped fucking smiling. “Please take Bam and throw him in the lake for me.”“We’ll see what we can do.” Jackson smiled looping an arm around said Slytherin’s waist to pull their bodies together. Mark raised an eyebrow at how easily Bambam went from standing straight backed in the regal way he carried himself to melting against Jackson’s body, long arms circling the strong shoulders in a dare to those walking past them.“Mark.” Jinyoung raised an eyebrow. He didn’t trust that. Jinyoung only looked smug when he was about to be an asshole. “Don’t you owe Jackson a kiss for winning?” Mark turned pink under all of their gazes.“If you’re not comfortable you don’t have to.” Jackson added quickly when he didn’t answer. “Really. I’m not going to hold you to it.” Mark didn’t have time to answer as the warning bells for class began to go off. “We’ll make it a raincheck if you ever want to but don’t feel obligated.” Jackson’s smile reminded him of Youngjae’s. Both were full of sunshine and maybe not innocence but a purity that made people fall in love with them. Jackson tilted his head a bit in thought then stepped out of Bambam’s hold placing a kiss on his, Yugyeom’s, and Jinyoung’s cheeks before stepping back and pulling the other two down the hall.“He’s really sweet.” Yugyeom watched the three figures retreat fondly. Yugyeom seemed to realize he was backed against the wall by them. The Hufflepuff picked at the wool of his sweater waiting a moment for them to do something. “Um. So?”“Can I kiss you?” Mark pressed close making the Hufflepuff turn bright red. Mark nearly laughed at the blush. Yugyeom was a known tease who liked to bait people though it seemed when called on it he backpedaled. “Well. Can we kiss you?” Yugyeom’s eyes darted between him and Jinyoung for a moment before a slightly manic laugh bubbled from him. “You can say no.”“NO.” Yugyeom grabbed both of them before they could step away. “I mean yes you can. I’m sorry. I...I just didn’t think you’d be interested in me back and I’m a little -”Mark pulled him close, lips brushing against the younger’s a moment, fingers gently touching the curved jaw. Pulling away Mark was pleased to see him smiling, if a little dazed. Jinyoung pressed forward placing his own kiss. When Jinyong pulled back Mark kissed him then kissed Yugyeom again.Maybe they were late for Astrology but the fond smile Bambam and Jaebum gave them as they walked in each holding one of Yugyeom’s hands made Mark feel soft.***Youngjae bounced on the heels of his feet waiting by the kitchens for Jackson and Jaebum to arrive. Trying to not let his nerves get the best of him he watched as the painting moved around. They had agreed to meet just after dinner so they wouldn’t be rushed in between classes though Youngjae had been too nervous to eat much which didn’t go unnoticed by either of them even if they had been sitting with Yugyeom and Bambam over at the Slytherin table. As the minutes ticked by his heart began to beat heavier and heavier.“Jae!” The word was all the warning he had before Jackson jogged around the corner, throwing his arms around him around hauling him into a hug. “Sorry. We got halfway here and I realized we had some of the cats with us so Jb ran back to change.”“Why?” Youngjae looked over to see Jaebum approaching at a slower pace and was without a single cat for the first time Youngjae could remember. It was actually a little disorienting to see Jb without any cats on his person.“You're allergic right?” Jaebum questioned, a frown causing his lips to dip down. Jaebum looked at Jackson then back, “Did I remember wrong? Was it Mark whose allergic?”“No I am.” Youngjae's heart did a funny little flip at that. With how many cats roamed the school he was used to people forgetting about it. Even the allergy potions didn't help some days and of course Jackson knew that but for some reason he didn’t think the older would have thought to pass it on to Jaebum. “Thank you for remembering.”“So you wanted to talk to us?” Jackson kept an arm around his waist. Youngjae looked between them, heart kicking back to life against his ribs. Could he do this? Mark would never let him live it down if he backed out now. “What's up?”“I want to date you.” Youngjae spilled out in a jumble. He was afraid if he didn't blurt it out he would lose his nerve. “B-both of you.” He wheezed past the anxiety trying to clog his lungs. “If you're interested.” Youngjae kept his eyes low but watched the two communicate silently.“Not just Jackson?” Jaebum finally asked stepping closer. Youngjae flitted his eyes over Jaebum then to Jackson. Youngjae in truth had struggled with that for a bit. He had known Jackson longer but after spending time with Jaebum when Jackson would drag him into the Gryffindor tower for study nights, not that Jaebum did much than joke and sleep, Youngjae found himself falling just a bit for Jaebum to. The older had the same laid back presence that drew him to Mark with a smile that came just as easy. Besides being a couple didn’t seem to matter to them when it came to Bambam and Yugyeom so Youngjae figured he could try his hand.“At this point you're pretty much the same person.” Youngjae held out a hand to Jaebum. “I'm not sure how it will work out but I'd like to give it a shot.”“What did Mark and Jinyoung have to say?” Jaebum laced their fingers together, body pressing against theirs.“I don't know if you missed the whole thing with Yugyeom but...” Youngjae trailed off making the three laugh. “They know and we agreed.”“So you looking for a date-date or sex?” Jaebum tilted his head like one of his cats. It was a trait Youngjae realized Jackson must have picked up from him. Youngjae was also grateful for the way that Jaebum managed to ask in such a way that either choice didn't sound like a bad one. “You know we have a kind of...thing.” Jaebum raised an eyebrow at Jackson who returned with a shrug, “with Yugyeom and Bambam.”“I don't do things by halves. If you're interested I would like to date you.” Youngjae still felt nervous. He had been friends with Jackson for years which is why he thought it could work. His big ugly three year crush on his fellow Gryffindor aside, Jackson was his first friend. The one he went to when he needed someone to help work out his feelings for Jinyoung. The one who held him crying when Jinyoung had first turned him down then hyped him up when Jinyoung shyly asked him out a day later. Jackson was a constant in his life and the want to have him closer outweighed the fear of losing him. “And why would I care? My boyfriends also have A Thing with at least Yugyeom.” Jackson giggled a bit at that and Jaebum conceded with a grin.“Jackson?” Jaebum and Jackson were doing their weird thing again that involved a whole conversation with just head tilts. A look flitted through Jackson’s eyes and Youngjae realized that they definitely had a way to communicate beyond words. “We’d like that Jae.” Jaebum smiled. “Can I kiss you?”“Yeah.” Youngjae breathed, a little shocked at how easily they accepted him. Jaebum’s lips were soft and warm against his, Jackson’s even softer when he pulled until Youngjae turned to him. “Wait...wait…” Youngjae’s breath hitched.“Sorry.” Jackson immediately pulled back. The Chinese man looked a little startled but Youngjae quickly pulled him back. “We didn’t mean to overwhelm you.”“Its okay.” Youngjae smiled and pulled them close. “Can we take it slow?”“Of course Jae.” Jaebum kissed his cheek. “We’ll go as slow as you want.”Youngjae went back to the Gryffindor tower that night holding Jackson’s hand nearly floating with happiness. As they walked through the common room he noticed a few people frown at their joined hands but no one said anything. It was clear Jaebum and Bambam’s warning was still fresh in everyone’s memory which suited Youngjae just fine. The only person in the dorm whose opinion mattered was the one currently holding his hand and asking for permission to kiss him goodnight.***Jinyoung supposed he should feel jealous. Across the dorm Mark sat with Yugyeom sprawled across his body kissing heavily which was the only thing the two ever seemed to do when near each other. Watching as the two long limbed bodies rolled and twisted together while Yugyeom spilled out little noises was nearly as pleasurable when it was him in Mark’s place. After Yugyeom’s initial shyness the Hufflepuff returned to his brazen self which meant if there was a surface he wanted to be pushed against it. He supposed that maybe someone else would be upset that someone else was feeling up on his boyfriend but the only jealous that he could muster is that he lost the coin flip to make their newest partner squirm.“Still clothed.” Bambam dropped himself on to the bed next to him making Jinyoung frown. He didn’t really fancy a pissing match with the Slytherin right now. “I owe Youngjae money. I would have thought they would be well on their way to naked.”“Youngjae gave you the password.” Jinyoung hummed. It made sens with the two spending more time together in potions and now that his Gryffindor was spending time with Jackson and Jaebum who nearly lived in the Slytherin dorms these days. It was only a matter of time until their paths crossed. “So what brings you here?”“I need a study partner and you’re the only one who calls me on my shit.” Bambam pulled a few books from the bag. “Well, aside from Jackson but he’s busy arguing with Binns about what year the Troll Rebellion was.” Jinyoung snorted as he adjusted his seat. “Binns just doesn’t want to admit he forgot. Jackson is too good with dates to be wrong.”“Learned the hard way?” He couldn’t help but smile as Bambam grumbled a small yes. “I think this is the longest civil conversation we’ve had since third year.” Jinyoung watched Bambam’s eyes flick up. The gaze was heavily with calculations though it only lasted a few moments. Jinyoung felt naked under it.“You’re important to Yugyeom and he’s the most important person in the world to me.” Bambam turned his gaze to where Mark and Yugyeom lay in a heap of shaking limbs and wide smiles. “For as fun as it is to see you pissy I want him to be happy.” The black eyes refixed on him. “As long as you treat him well I offer a truce.”“I don’t want a truce.” Jinyoung scoffed. Leaning back he chose his words carefully so he wouldn’t incite a new war, “I don’t want things to change because you think it will affect how things are.” Bambam bristled but Jinyoung kept going , “You’re not the only one who likes it when people call them out on their shit.” The Slytherin marginally relaxed as he took in the words. “Every argument we’ve ever had over things was well thought out even if I didn’t agree with you and I don’t want you to start kissing my ass.”“I could eat your ass instead.” Bambam chuckled flipping open a book. Jinyoung raised an eyebrow a moment before leaning forward into the younger’s space. Jinyoung smirked when pink bloomed across the Slytherin’s face.“Oh yeah?” Dropping his eyes to the slightly parted lips and then back up he moved just a hair closer until they were sharing the same breath. “Convince me that Flammel’s logic was flawed and I might let you.”“He was an asshole.” Bambam mumbled getting steadily more pink. “No one needs to live forever. It's pointless and…” Bambam trailed off, pupils going wide.“And?” Pulling the book out of Bambam’s hand he pressed closer.“And I really want you to let me touch you.” Jinyoung chuckled a bit but Bambam still didn’t move. “Please.” The word was barely a whisper but it shot straight through his body.Unlike his first kiss with any of his partners, including an embarrassing attempt with a girl in his hometown, his kiss with Bambam was not soft. There was no build up or teasing or even little sighs. Bambam kissed like he knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it. It was messy and wet and heavy with want. His teeth found their way into the Slytherin’s skin as the younger slid his way onto Jinyoung’s lap, Bambam’s face pressed into his neck in a quiet submission. Jinyoung wanted to mark him up, lay him out, and make that big mouth of his go quiet. Briefly he wondered when his irritation with the younger turned into something more than the want to deck him for arguing everything under the sun. It was probably because Bambam would argue with him that Jinyoung found himself pulling him closer rather than pushing away.“I’ve been saying for years they just needed to fuck it out.” Jinyoung barely registered Yugyeom’s delighted laugh mixing with Mark’s deep one. “But noooooo neither one of them listened.”Grabbing a handful of pale white hair Jinyoung brought him up into another heavy kiss. Each of the little noises dragged from the Slytherin poured through until he pulled away, breath ragged against Bambam's collarbone that still held vibrant marks from one of his partners.“Okay. Well.” Bambam's voice was breathless as he ran a hand through his hair. “If this is too fast need to borrow Yugyeom and the bathroom for a fEW-” Jinyoung reached between them to press his palm down causing Bambam's hips to jerk upwards. “Jin...fuck.”“Keep doing that Bammie.” Jinyoung glanced up at Yugyeom who plastered himself to Bambam's back, the youngest's eyes boring into his own. “Jinyoung is going to make you feel good right?” In lieu of answering Jinyoung kissed Bambam again as he pressed down making the younger gasp. “Harder.” Yugyeom's fingers wrapped around his wrist. “Bammie likes it harder.” Jinyoung let Yugyeom guide his hand into a firm stoke. Bambam tore away from the kiss to keen high in his throat. “See?” Jinyoung watched raptly as Yugyeom used his hand to pleasure Bambam until the Slytherin was shaking between them, mouth spilling little moans.“He's so pretty Gyeom.” Mark sat pressed against Jinyoung's side taking in the scene. “Does he like to have his mouth full?”“He does.” Yugyeom nuzzled into Bambam's neck to murmur something too low for them to hear. The words made Bambam's eyes scrunch close, any remaining sense of composure lost. Yugyeom's free hand crooked a finger at Mark who after a moment offered a hand of his own. Jinyoung's breath hitched when Yugyeom slid two of Mark’s fingers into Bambam's mouth. “Suck those for me Bam.” The little moans were cut by wet noises while Bambam did as asked. Jinyoung wanted to break him.“So pretty.” Mark cooed when Bambam reached back to bury a hand in Yugyeom's hair, hazed black eyes reopening. “Are you going to cum for us like a good boy?” The words coupled with another press from his hand was all it took for the Slytherin to fall apart.“Good boy.” Jinyoung cooed softly as Bambam shook on his lap looking worlds more vulnerable than he'd ever seen. Holding onto the slim waist Jinyoung let Mark draw Bambam down for a kiss that had the younger relaxing again.“So what are we going to do about this?” Mark asked finally letting Bambam breathe again, lips curled upward. “Youngjae knew this was a possibility since you and Yugyeom are tied almost as close as Jackson and Jaebum. He’s already given the okay.” Bambam’s eyes flicked from Mark to Jinyoung who was still watching them with a smile.“I...I don’t know.” Jinyoung tried not to feel hurt by that since they really had not had a civil interaction in years. “Do you even like me?” Yugyeom’s eyes were sad as the youngest’s arms tightened around his boyfriend. “I-”“You’re thinking too much.” Jinyoung tried to put just enough teasing in his tone to mix with the scoff. “We don’t spend time on things we don’t want.” He hoped the arched eyebrow from Bambam meant the younger was getting his feet back under him. “Besides you still haven’t convinced me Flammel’s logic was flawed. Don’t think you’re getting out of it with being cute either. I don’t let any of them weaponize sex like that.”“Yes well I do it better.” The smirk returned to Bambam’s face and Jinyoung could see the relief pour off of Yugyeom. A look flashed back over Bambam’s face but it was gone faster than Jinyoung could really see what it was. “Want me to take care of that for you?” The younger’s hips wiggled down on where he was still hard in his shorts.“Another time.” Leaning forward he placed a soft kiss on the corner of Bambam’s lips. “When you’re more comfortable.” The Slytherin’s fingers twined in his hair a moment before he began to kiss him again.Jinyoung supposed that he could have been a jealous man but with Bambam on his lap kissing him softly, Mark pressed to his side cooing at them, and Yugyeom smiling at them he couldn’t think of a single reason to be jealous. This was much better.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jackson stood under the massive bleachers watching as the Ravenclaw team ran drills. It wasn’t an uncommon occurrence for players to watch the other houses practice and as long as they were quiet, out of the way, and respectful the teams had an agreement to not make a fuss.Jackson watched Mark in particular whip through the air with single minded focus as he dodged, ducked, dipped, and dived in between players and bludgers alike. The longer he watched the seeker the harder it became to ignore the slow tightening in his pants. The American moved with such fluid grace along the air currents that Jackson nearly believed he was a bird animagus. As the practice dragged on, Jackson forced himself to see how the rest of the team played, where their communication broke and any weak spots. Jackson noted that often Mark had to dodge badly placed bludgers and bank hard to keep from hitting chasers. The problem was Mark was too new and the team not yet used to how quick he shot around the pitch coupled with the fact that Mark could easily go pro while most of the Ravenclaw team would not. Jackson himself had thought of going pro but the longer he played the less passion he felt for the game. He was currently looking into working at a Magical Creatures Reserve or as a healer if he decided he wanted to work with people instead of animals.“You know.” Jackson nearly jumped at Jaebum’s voice in his ear. “You need to look at someone other than Mark if you’re going analyze their strategy.” Jackson blushed but relaxed as Jaebum wrapped his arms around him. “Though,” The drop in tone made Jackson’s breath hitch. They had been getting more and more bold in public places. With anyone else, Jackson would consider doing anything on the pitch, even under the bleachers where no one could see, sacrilegious but Jaebum was always the exception. “Keep watching Mark.” Deftly Jaebum undid Jackson’s pants and pulled them down as he sunk to his knees. Seeing Jackson reaching for his wand Jaebum added, “No silencing charm.”Gripping the wooden beam in front of him Jackson stuttered out a breathless, “Jaebum.” Jackson groaned when Jaebum spread him open, tongue already teasing him. “Pay attention to them Jackson.” Jaebum kissed the base of his spine. “You have a match tomorrow.” Jackson bit his tongue but trained his eyes on the Ravenclaw team even as the slide and prod of Jaebum’s tongue and fingers made it hard to focus. Knowing he didn’t have permission, Jackson didn’t touch himself where he was hard and aching between his legs.Jackson watched as Mark dove straight down to the ground chasing the snitch only to pull up with barely inches before smashing into the ground, then sidewind to continue chasing it, disappearing from sight. Even without Jaebum eating his ass like it was his last meal, watching Mark move on a broom made him hard. With a final swipe of tongue Jackson heard Jaebum stand and after a moment the click of a bottle cap. With a small whimper Jackson realized Jaebum wasn’t in a mood for mercy today.“Do you think you’ll be able to beat him?” Jaebum asked nonchalantly as a slick finger teased him a few moments before sinking in, his body already loose and relaxed from the earlier ministrations. Jackson bit his lip a moment, eyes fluttering closed as a second one worked next to the first. “Maybe.” The fingers moved in and out slowly making sure everything was coated and comfortable. Jackson loved that Jaebum took such good care of him, always made sure that any pain he felt was pleasurable. “He’s good, really good.” Jackson bit his lip again. “He’s, fuck, better than any seeker we’ve had in the -ah- last few years.” Rocking back on the fingers, Jackson had to grip the wood beam to keep from touching himself. “Oh my god Jb.” The brush against his prostate made his toes curl. Focusing on that spot, Jaebum kept up his motions until Jackson had to bite his hand to keep from screaming out. He couldn't even pretend to be watching the pitch anymore.“Jackson.” Jaebum kissed his temple sweetly. “You don’t get to cum right now.” That made Jackson whine high in his throat. “You don’t get to touch yourself later either.”Whimpering again, Jackson croaked out, “Please. Jb please.” But the fingers withdrew and Jaebum shifted his pants back up. “I’ll be a good boy. Please let me.”“You’ll be a good boy and not cum unless Mark touches you.” Jaebum’s voice was low in his ear. “No matter how long it takes.” Jackson shifted, pouting. Mark had seemed decently interested in at least him but since courting Yugyeom and Bambam the older’s attention had been obviously taken up. It could be a day or a month before Mark could potentially even look his way. “Lets go get cleaned up and get lunch.” Jackson glared over his shoulder but cast a wandless Scourgify on Jaebum’s hand and smirking at his grimace. The spell didn't hurt but it left the skin feeling itchy.What Jackson and Jaebum didn't notice during their last bit was the figure that had been watching them wide eyed and aroused.Jackson was surprised that Mark was nowhere to be found at dinner but the great hall was already a mess of bodies when they arrived, so Jackson figured he might have just missed him. Giving Jaebum a kiss Jackson went with the Gryffindors to their table to soak in the hype and talk with his housemates while Jaebum joined Yugyeom and Bambam at the Slytherin table. All of them had made a promise to not let the excitement of the game cause issues within their new found circle. Even with Quidditch matches being the biggest events in the year, Jackson didn't want a silly game to drive a wedge between any of them.During dinner Jackson also noted Youngjae was missing but he figured the younger was at the Ravenclaw table with Jinyoung and -probably- Mark. Instead of focusing on the missing bodies Jackson let himself be drawn into conversation. At the table he and Amber talked strategy and compared notes from their time watching the Ravenclaw team practice. Both of them noted that Mark was the real threat of the team with how fast he moved but Amber just winked saying that if he could out maneuver her than he deserved the snitch. As it stood Amber was being scouted for the Holyhead Harpies by no less than Ginny Weasley-Potter herself and few seekers in any of the houses over the course of the last 7 years had been on her level. Jackson was happy for her that she finally had some serious competition to look forward too.While they talked strategy occasionally Jackson would flit his eyes around in search of Mark but to no avail. Jackson was seriously considering punching Jaebum by the time he laid down for bed. Both Yugyeom and Bambam had caught him after dinner to kiss him heavily, long bodies twisting and rolling around his but Jaebum’s order still weighed in the back of his head. It took a great force of will to pull away from him and a greater one still to not cave at their pouts. Now Youngjae was laying on him kissing him soft but each brush of lips more loaded than the next."Jacks." Youngjae pressed closer even as Jackson tried to gently dislodge him, "Jb is proud you've listened." Jackson groaned pushing him off while the younger laughed.Scowling Jackson resigned himself to a long, frustrated, night.***Sitting next to Mark in potions had become a weekly thing. The seven of them all took turns rotating with one another meaning they got to spend at least one class together. However today Jackson wondered if something was wrong. Next to him Mark sat stiff as a board, eyes firmly glued to Slughorn as the professor moved around the room. Jackson tried to chalk it up to nerves or trying to focus but there was a line of tension that had Mark’s shoulders pulled out like a bowstring. Glancing down Mark hadn’t even written anything down though there were ink spots where it looked like he had attempted.Leaning in he couldn’t help to ask. "You okay?" Jackson whispered, they were halfway through class and Mark seemed to get more tense as time ticked out. "You look tense.""Hm." Was the only response he got. Jackson tried not to feel anxious at the determined silence from the Ravenclaw though the tendrils were beginning to curl in his chest. Before he could think of anything else to say, the dismissal bell chimed and Mark packed his bags quickly, his parting words were "See you on the pitch tonight."Wilting a bit Jackson really hoped that the game wouldn't come between them. He had really begun to like Mark, even if Mark had no romantic interest. The American had a great sense of humor and was smarter than a whip. They usually spent potions scrawling little notes back and forth dragging Slughorn and whoever was sitting next to Yugyeom that day.Pushing his worries to the side to deal with tomorrow, Jackson focused on his classes. Care for Magical creatures involved Hagrid 'showing off' a Thestral that almost none of them could see. As Hagrid explained that only those who witnessed death could seem them it worried Jackson deeply that Yugyeom was one of the few that could. When Jackson tried to gently ask the younger simply smiled saying that it was a story for another day. Advanced Transfiguration moved by at a slow pace. They had begun learning to manipulate the molecules in the air to transfigure into objects. It was a delicate balance of muggle physics and magic that allowed them to seemingly pull things out of thin air. The concept was simple enough but the execution had left him feeling drained and already a small headache was building behind his eyes. As the class was dismissed Headmistress McGonagall gave them all a small draft of Pep Up potion to help with the fatigue. Jackson tried not to squirm through his last two classes of the day, but Binns had dragged on in History until even Jackson who prided himself on being attentive nearly fell asleep in his seat. Finally in Defense Against The Dark Arts he stared at his book. Professor Lupin had returned from his long weekend still looking pale and drawn but as always the man smiled."Mr. Wang," The normally soft voice was scratchy and sounded near pained. Jackson didn't know what he went through but he desperately wanted to give the man a hug. "Can you tell me how to defeat a Dementor?""There are several spells, however only two are particularly effective. Lumos will blind them temporarily." Jackson spoke confidently. He and Jaebum had spent a ridiculous amount of time reading magic theory and had even been granted access to the restricted section of the library. "However if you can't apparate then it will only make them angry. The most effective is the patronus charm, though the majority of the magic community have a hard time casting it." Lupin smiled in approval and motioned for him to continue. "If you can’t cast the patronus its best to cast the lumos charm followed by a shield charm before running to get as much distance between you and it as possible or apparating. Naturally if you run into one you should report it to the Ministry so they can track it down and contain it.""Very good Mr. Wang. Twenty points to Gryffindor for your thorough answer." Professor Lupin stiffly moved from his seat toward the chalkboard. There were a few grumbled 'kiss ass' and 'know it all' from around the room but Jackson felt no need to apologize for being smart. He had done that enough in his first three years. Besides, across the room Jaebum smiled approvingly.You're hot when you're smart. Jackson couldn't stop a smile as Jaebum's thoughts softly curled around Jackson's own. Though Legilimency couldn't transfer words like many thought it did, Jackson knew Jaebum's mind well enough that he could translate the mix of emotions and images into the message being relayed.Dinner? Jackson scrawled the notes Lupin was putting up on the board. Or busy?Never for you. Jaebum filled his mind with a wave of warmth. Their minds brushing against one another's in a gentle caress. Love you.Love you too. Jackson smiled stupidly feeling Jaebum retreat back into his own head. Usually they tried to spend at least one meal not together so they could catch up with their friends and housemates. Even if it was Jackson's rule, he still missed Jaebum.The final bell released them and Jackson waited as Jaebum spoke with Lupin about an assignment. Looking at the specimens on the wall Jackson lost track of time until a hand brushed against his. Next to him Jaebum stood smiling."Ready?" Jaebum's thumb slid over his knuckles.Nodding, Jackson laced their fingers together. "Yeah." The walk to the Gryffindor tower was quick but Jackson could already feel the excitement of the coming match building.Standing outside the view of the Fat Lady, and her ever gossiping gaze in the hallway, Jaebum cupped his jaw and kissed Jackson slowly. "Good luck today." Jaebum broke away a moment, then pressed him against the wall and deepened the kiss, warm hands resting on his hips. The flick of tongue against his own was enough to make Jackson’s knees weak. Sliding his hands up Jaebum’s chest, Jackson smiled into their kisses before tucking his face into Jaebum’s neck to pull in some of the calm that Jaebum carried with him. "I'll be cheering for you." Jaebum lifted one of Jackson’s hands to kiss his knuckles."You better be." Pulling back, face tilting forward, he stole another kiss. "I have to go get ready. Wear something red so I can see you in the crowd." Jaebum hummed but nodded in agreement. Pressing their foreheads together another moment Jackson enjoyed their closeness.Love you. The thought curled in his head. Jackson couldn't really explain why but hearing it like this was more intimate.
Love you too.
A few more quick kisses later Jackson playfully shoved Jaebum down the hallway. Turning on his heel, he sprinted up to the painting. "Hello Elizabeth." Jackson smiled at the Fat Lady. Turning in her portrait the Fat Lady seemed to be surprised by the use of her name until her eyes fell on Jackson. It seemed of all the years she guarded the dorm very few had ever asked her name and of those few only a handful used it. Jackson had made sure everyone in the Gryffindor dorm knew her name and many of them had taken to using it bringing a little bit of joy to the painting’s day. Jackson hoped that it would continue after he left."Hello Jackson." He couldn't help but grin at her bright red and gold dress. The dress itself was patterned after the roman stola and dyed a bright red while the wrap was a shiny gold that caught the light in the painting making it glimmer. "Password?""Ginger Snap." Getting an enthusiastic thumbs up the painting swung backwards. On his way past he pressed a careful hand to the canvas so they could high-five. "See you after the game Liz."“Make us proud Jacks.” ***Jackson was beginning to make peace that they weren’t going to win this game.Since they kicked off the pitch, Ravenclaw had been kicking their ass. Even after watching Ravenclaw practice, both with and without Jaebum, playing against them was a different beast all together. As Mark dived and dodged around, the rest of the Ravenclaw team had been playing together so long they were a tight knit group and functioned with barely seen gestures. Not that Jackson had been paying much attention to them, the score, or where the snitch was. Instead, all of his focus was on the bludgers that were hurtling around extra vicious today. Seeing one coming toward Amber while she was trying to get her hands around the snitch, Jackson banked left to intercept and cracked it with the club making sure to angle it towards the ground and not other players. As if dragged up by a bungee cord the bludger instantly shot back up clipping the front of his broom and sending Jackson spinning. As he fought to regain control he sent a silent thanks to all his years of fencing for his ability to keep a tight grip even one handed. Careening through the air, Jackson tightened his thighs and closed his eyes trying to regain his barings. Finally coming to a stop he took a deep breath through his nose.
JACKSON
Jaebum’s thought’s screeched through his brain a moment before a bludger clipped his shoulder, the pain white hot as it pulsed through his entire body while he held on and tried not to fall off his broom from the force of impact. Gritting his teeth Jackson watched as the bludger circled back around seemingly fixated on him. It wasn’t the first time someone had jinxed a bludger to go after him but Jackson hoped it was just a coincidence. Unable to switch hands Jackson waited until the bludger was close before crossing his ankles, thighs going as tight as he could, then falling left to swing upside down. The bludger missed his chest by inches. Tipping the front of his broom down into a dive Jackson managed to right himself just in time to maneuver around another bludger flying at him from a badly placed hit by his team.The game continued on for nearly another hour as both teams scored more points and Jackson found himself constantly dodging the particularly vindictive bludger. After another near chest shot, Jackson tucked it in the back of his mind to to have a few words with Madam Hooch about the bludger charms and warding around the pitch after the game. Even with no proof that the bludger was messed Jackson found it highly fucking suspect that it largely ignored the rest of the pitch to go after him and only relenting in its attempts when it would rocket towards Amber any time she had gotten close to catching the snitch. “RAVENCLAW WINS.” Glancing up Jackson saw Mark holding the snitch looking elated. Looking over at the scoreboard Jackson had to give it to the Ravenclaw team, even without the 150 points from the snitch they had been kicking his own team’s ass by a landslide. To be honest, if he was going to get his ass stomped Jackson would liked to have at least been able to enjoy it instead of playing chicken with a bludger.Descending to the ground, Jackson smiled and congratulated each member of the Ravenclaw team and behind him the rest of the Gryffindor team followed suit. Already he could hear Amber talking with Mark and remarking on his flying abilities. As tempted as he was to join them Jackson knew that he needed to speak with Madam Hooch in private.“Mr. Wang.” Madam Hooch’s voice caught his attention. Turning Jackson smiled trying not to wince at the dull throb in his shoulder though he knew she saw. Walking over to the middle of the pitch where she stood latching the last bludger down, Jackson came to a stop. “How is your shoulder?”“It’s okay ma’am.” Jackson rolled it as proof that nothing was broken. Madam Hooch eyed it critically but relented as he moved it around a bit more. “I got lucky and it just clipped me instead of catching the joint.” Already he could see the wheels turning in her head before bright blue eyes flick to the shaking box containing the Quidditch balls.“Do you think you were being singled out?” Blue eyes returned to him and Jackson tried not to squirm. They both knew there was no proof and with it being the first game of the year it left two courses; they take away Ravenclaw’s win which would only build animosity that would bubble over to everything from classes to Quidditch and make Gryffindor look bad or they ignore it accepting that it could happen again to someone less skilled than Jackson. “Jackson-”“No.” Jackson shook his head then adding lowly, “we need at least two more incidents before anyone will believe me.” The thin line of Hooch’s lips tightened. “I’d rather not make a fuss unless necessary ma’am.” Behind them, Jackson could hear both teams approaching. “They worked hard for this win ma’am. Please don’t take it away from them.” With a disapproving sigh he saw Hooch finally relent. “Thank you.”“Jackson!” Amber’s voice was followed by a heavy arm slinging itself around his neck and jostling his shoulder. “You weren’t kidding about Mark’s flying skill. Did you see that mobius strip he did at the end? It was beautiful.” Jackson tried to smile but his shoulder throbbed again.“You okay?”Mark came up on his left, noticing his flinch.Before Jackson could give any reassurances Madam Hooch cut in. “Jackson is refusing to raise an issue but there was potentially a jinxed bludger, Mr. Tuan. It nearly broke his shoulder.” At that Mark blanched before crowding close to Jackson looking him over. “I will be looking into it, but I don’t believe you or your team had anything to do with it.” Jackson wanted to be able to enjoy Mark touching him but all he could see was Mark’s crushed look. Next to them Amber was looking dangerously pissed. She had been there the last time a bludger had taken him out of commission.“Excuse me guys.” Jackson smiled brightly wiggling out from them. “Don’t worry about it Madam Hooch. It was probably a fluke anyway.”“Last time you said that, it was jinxed and you had three shattered ribs. And that was just the first time.” Madam Hooch pinned him down making Jackson feel like a small child. “Jack-”“No really it's okay.” Jackson fought to keep the smile and not look at either Amber or Mark. “Anyway I’m going to go change and have Madam Pomfrey check just in case. See ya.” Turning on his heel and walking away quickly, Jackson waited until he turned the corner leading under the bleachers before sprinting the rest of the way to the locker rooms. Slowly peeling off the Quidditch robes Jackson checked the long mirror and could see the bruise on his shoulder that was nearly black from where he had been hit. Seeing it mixed with the panic of Hooch outing his suspicions to Mark before he could even broach the subject with the Ravenclaw had his chest tightening painfully. Was it too much to ask for things to go smoothly his last year?The shower was blessedly warm and under the spray the knots in his muscles began to loosen. Maybe he could get Jaebum to help work out the ones forming around the bruise in his shoulder and the ones he could feel building to charlie horses in his thighs. Going over what little he managed to pay attention to, Jackson began working out new drills, different flight patterns that could be implemented the next time they played against the Ravenclaw team. Jackson was so caught up in his head that it wasn’t until lips brushed the back of his neck that he realized he wasn’t alone.“I didn’t know.” Mark’s voice was small. “I swear to Merlin I didn’t know.”“I know you didn’t.” Turning slowly Jackson stepped out of the spray a little more. “Quidditch is highly competitive. It happens sometimes.” Mark’s eyes fell to his ribs where a small scar remained from a rib bone that had punctured out. “If I thought you did I would have let Hooch press the issue. Last time it wasn’t just me who got hurt and they didn’t fare out as well as I did.”“You call three shattered ribs fairing well?” Mark sounded incredulous, jaw clenching tightly. Funnily enough Jaebum had said the same thing when Jackson had told him during one of their talks.“She got nailed in the head.” Jackson didn’t like remembering that. He had been next to her and watched her fall off her broom unconscious and bleeding. It had taken nearly 3 years for them to repair the physical damage not to mention the lifetime of mental damage she would now live with. Mark’s frown deepened, behind the dark eyes, Jackson saw wheels turning in the older’s head too. “Anyway don’t worry about it. Nothing is broken.” That seemed to set Mark off. “No I am going to worry about it.” The Ravenclaw stepped into his space, “Fuck the game. Someone was trying to hurt you.” Jackson ignored the little flutter of butterflies at that. Mark had been more worried about him than the game and he wasn’t expecting that. “You and Amber. I thought,” Mark ran a hand through his hair looking guilty. “I thought I was just imagining things. But you would have won twice if she didn’t have to dodge or wait for you to flank her.” Jackson looked away. He hadn’t meant for Mark’s first game to end like this, to be ruined.“I’m so-”“If you apologize for someone targeting you, I will hit you myself.” Long fingers gently touched his shoulder where the bruise bled over the curve toward the collarbone. “Jackson.” Glancing back up Mark was closer than he had before. “I’m going to find out who hurt you. I promise.” Letting himself be pushed back and pressed against the wall Jackson melted when Mark kissed him. “I promise Jackson.”“I believe you.” Jackson whispered, pulling Mark against him. “You can touch me. It’s okay.” The slide of Mark’s hands mixed with the warm water felt amazing on his sore body. “Mark touch me.”"I saw you." Mark's lips grazed up his neck. "Under the bleachers yesterday." Jackson felt himself flush crimson. "That's why I couldn't talk to you in potions." Teeth caught his earlobe making Jackson ache. "All I wanted to do was bend you over the desk and fuck you until you screamed." At that Jackson couldn't stop the small desperate whine that clawed itself out of his throat.In the end they ground against each other until Mark reached down to thumb at his head, the American's low voice murmuring praise. It took less than a minute for Jackson to gasp and shake through his orgasm while Mark watched him in wonder. Jackson didn’t have words to explain that he had been on edge for nearly two days, that watching him fly had made his Quidditch pants tighter than normal. That maybe he’s been crushing on him since he talked with him in potions that first day. Instead, Jackson dropped to his knees to do what he did best until Mark was shaking and whispering his name. ****Jaebum had been pacing for nearly an hour after the game when he caught sight of Jackson walking out of the locker room with Mark, both of them flushed and smiling. Nearly wilting in relief Jaebum felt the world settle a bit. Looking at them Jaebum knew the smile plastered on Jackson’s face. Taking a steadying breath he let the fear bleed out of his bones, Jackson would not have done anything if he had broken bones or needed medical help. Still, Jaebum vividly remembered their third year when Jackson had been hit with a bludger and knocked off his broom, how Madam Hooch just barely managed to catch him. They hadn’t even been friends then, Jaebum had been too shy to talk to Jackson, but watching the Gryffindor eye everyone like an enemy while drinking Skelegrow for nearly two months to fix the mess in his chest had hurt him. Everyone had chalked it up as another Quidditch injury until a Hufflepuff had been nearly killed and a full investigation went underway. Jaebum didn’t know what happened to fifth year responsible for it but he knew Headmistress McGonagall was pushing for an attempted murder charge.“-bum.” Blinking he noticed Jackson calling out to him, uninjured arm waving him over. Unable to make himself smile, Jaebum propelled his body forward to pull Jackson to him. Careful of the injured shoulder Jaebum held him tightly, face buried in the warm neck. Even after spending too long in the shower Jackson still smelled like the leather from his Quidditch robes and the sky. “Hey now, I just got done talking Mark off a ledge. Don’t you fall apart on me too.” Next to them Mark scoffed.“Talking is not what you did.” Jaebum conjured a smile for Mark noticing the Ravenclaw get a little antsy. Whispering he added, “But you did wait like a good boy. I’m proud of you baby.”“Oh no. I’m not going to Madam Pomfrey with a hard on.” Jackson laughed pushing him off. “I’m going to have her make sure nothing is out of place or jostled around.” Jaebum pressed a kiss to his temple. “I’ll see you at dinner.” Jackson kissed both of them before taking off down the hallway.Jackson was barely out of earshot before Mark turned to him. “I don’t know who fucked with the bludger but I’m going to find out.” Jaebum studied him. Jackson was kind, overly so, but was a good judge of character. If his boyfriend had even a bit of doubt or any inclination that Mark had been involved with this then Jackson would not have let Mark talk to him, let alone touch him.“I believe you.” At that Mark sagged in relief. Stepping closer Jaebum tilted his head looking up at the older, “Whoever it is should hope you find them before me.” A smile spread across his face. “Do me a favor and spread that around the Ravenclaw dorm.”“Bold to assume either of us will get to whoever it is before Bambam.” Mark smiled back. It would be a competition of who could track down the guilty party before the teachers could. They would let the school do what they had to, but neither Mark or himself or their new found group were going to take this lightly. “Are you okay with-”“With Jackson being interested in you?” Jaebum snorted rolling his eyes. “I’ve actively encouraged it.” Shifting his weight from one foot to the other he continued, “I like you Mark. You’re good to those around you and you’re good to Jackson.” Mark blushed a bit. “Even if you’re a dog person.” At that Mark laughed loudly. “Jackson has a big heart and a lot of love to give. Should you ever be interested and your partners are willing we would open to dating you too.”Leaving Mark standing a little dumbfounded in the hallway Jaebum made his way to the Slytherin dorms. Walking through the common room he sent a hello to the mermaid speaking sign language with a first year who was clumsily signing. Jaebum had barely been in the dorm five minutes before the two he was looking for came storming in. Under the calm demeanor Jaebum could feel Bambam’s anger while next to him Yugyeom was visibly upset. Assuring both of them that Jackson was okay the three of them began to put their heads together. Someone had fucked with their partner and none of them were going to let that stand.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jackson stared at the table full of people during their agreed upon study day and couldn’t help but wonder how in three months he had gone from being single to having four? Five? Partners? How many did he have again? They were all involved in some way or another and he had definitely at least made out with everyone except for Jinyoung. They were still taking things slow with Youngjae which was more than fine, Yugyeom and Bambam more than kept them busy in the bedroom - if they weren’t with Jinyoung and Mark. Without really meaning to Jackson often found himself wondering how he managed this. Sure he was handsome, he knew that he was even if Youngjae made Narcissus jokes when he said it. Jackson liked to make people laugh even if it meant he made an ass out of himself to do it. He was good in bed, he didn’t need Jaebum to tell him to know that - but he liked it when the older did. But he had been all those things before and couldn’t get one person to last more than a few weeks dating him so the idea that now so many people were interested was making his mind turn on itself.A finger snapped several times across the table bringing his mind back from the rabbit hole it nearly fell down. “Are you even paying attention Jackson?” Jinyoung huffed, annoyed at him. In Jinyoung’s defense, he had been trying to explain something for several minutes and Jackson kept getting distracted by his mouth.“Not really.” Jackson shrugged an unrepentant shoulder. “You’re really cute when you start ranting.” Jackson fully expected to get yelled at more or maybe be smacked upside the head with a book. Instead Jinyoung flared bright pink before turning away and burying his face into the book he'd been pulling information from, muttering darkly. Looking over at the others Jackson stuck out his tongue smugly.“Now that’s not fair.” Mark pouted deeply at Jinyoung. “How come he can get away with that but not me?” Mark looked over with a wink, a wide grin showing the two rows of sharp teeth that Jackson had gotten better acquainted with since the Quidditch match. “He isn't getting away with it." Jinyoung grumbled still blushing and not looking up. Should we? Jackson glanced over at Jaebum letting their minds slide together like puzzle pieces. His partner tilted his head in confusion before he got it. If he’s interested of course. Jackson added trying to keep too much hope from bleeding through.Our own set of Fancy Spoons Jaebum grinned flipping through the Monster Book of Monsters. Jackson wasn’t sure how anything remotely creature related loved Jaebum but he had to admit Jaebum just had that aura. The man was laid back, endlessly patient, and just radiated good vibes. I would be okay with all five of them.I love you. Getting a grin in return Jackson sent an air kiss.“Can you two at least pretend you’re not using spells that can get you kicked out of school?” Jinyoung glared at them. “I’m still not even sure how you managed to get him to study enough to learn it.” Jackson had found out that Jaebum and Jinyoung lived in the same area and had known each other since they were kids.“Well since I keep getting distracted by your mouth maybe you should just kiss me.” Jackson rested his chin on his hand grinning. Next to him Youngjae slapped a hand over his own mouth to hide a grin while Yugyeom buried his face into Mark’s chest to hide his. Arching an eyebrow, Jackson’s grin grew wider. “Well?”With an annoyed huff Jinyoung snapped his book closed without looking at them. Jackson thought he was going to leave but Jinyoung stomped around the table. “You’re the worst of them.” Jackson would have laughed but he was decidedly distracted by the soft lips on his. Fisting his hands into the front of Jinyoung’s robe Jackson made a small happy noise. “Jackson.” Kissing Jinyoung again he felt Jinyoung's breath catch a bit.“Yeah?” Kissing Jinyoung was nice, Jackson didn’t want to stop. If the soft thumbs brushing against his jaw were anything to go by, neither did Jinyoung.“If you don’t pay attention," another soft kiss "I’m going to throw you in the black lake.” Jinyoung pecked his lips one last time before circling around back to his seat. To their credit, the seven of them managed to get their homework done at a decent time. Jackson had made a dedicated effort to pay attention to when each of them were talking, especially Jinyoung. When it came to individual studies the group had broken off into groups depending on what was being studied, leaving Jackson by himself. Being the only one in advanced transfiguration didn’t bother him, most of Jackson’s classes were advanced courses so he was used to studying by himself, but he did feel a little left out from the group.Did they even want him?The thought crashed into his brain so quickly that Jackson had gone from watching them fondly to suddenly all he could focus on was their turned backs. The soft giggles and conversations they shared and all he had was his book. Already Jackson could feel his chest tighten, his brain reminding him that he couldn’t ever manage to keep one boyfriend before and now there were six people he cared about. What happened when they got sick of him? What happened if they found they were happier without him?Feeling the panic rising, Jackson quietly snatched his bag and slipped away from the desk. He made his way toward the Restricted section giving Madam Pince a forced wave. The wards around the Restricted section wobbled a bit to allow him passage through. The curl of the wards around him was as familiar as the curl of self doubt. Bee lining for the transfiguration section Jackson planned to drown out the thoughts with magical theory as he had done more times than he cared to think about over the years. Jackson? Jaebum’s thoughts wrapped around his own. Jackson knew that Jaebum could feel the chaos. Come back.Need to look through a few books. It wasn’t a lie, he really did need the transfiguration books he was currently trying not to cry in front of. Forcing himself to calm down Jackson added, I’m okay.Bullshit. Jackson tried to hide a chuckle but it only came out as hiccuped laugh. The ghost passing by him glared disdainfully but said nothing. Come back or I’m tearing down the wards to get you.You do that and they’ll realize how good of a spellcaster you are and you’ll have to apply yourself in class. Jackson grinned at the glare he could feel over their connection. I’m okay. Keep studying I’ll meet you in for dinner.Jackson. He could feel Jaebum’s growing agitation at the situation. Jaebum didn’t like when he couldn’t at least see Jackson while knowing he was panicking. In any other situation, Jackson would have gladly gone to collapse in Jaebum’s arms while he worked through the anxiety but he needed time to get his brain back in order. He would just end up making things awkward if he went back crying. Didn’t everyone say that he was too needy anyway? Slapping that thought away Jackson scowled. None of them had ever said that to him, even when they could have. Jackson wouldn’t project his self-doubt onto them.Please Jb, give me some time to breathe. It was a low blow and he knew it. Likely Jaebum was now sitting either glaring or slumped over the table. I love you. I’ll see you at dinner.Jackson pulled away from the connection then shielded his mind with Occlumency. He just needed some time to think and get past the jumbled thoughts in his head.“You’re loud.” A deep voice made Jackson jump out of his skin. Behind him stood the former potions professor. Severus Snape still stood straight backed in his famous black robes. The man's skin was as pale as ever and just under the jaw Jackson could see parts of the scar that if the stories were to be believed, were from a giant python repeatedly biting him during the Battle of Hogwarts. After the war, Snape had been cleared by the ministry with no small part from Harry Potter adamantly demanding the charges be dropped. There were rumors that Snape had spied for Dumbledore but the trial was closed, the records sealed, and Snape refused to speak to anyone. Once the trial ended, Snape promptly retired from teaching to go brew potions at Saint Mungo's far away from the chaos of children. The potions master was brilliant but even he agreed that he was not cut out for teaching. “If you’re going to be using Legilimency you need better control.” Jackson’s heart thumped into his chest.“I do-”“I’m not a teacher nor will I report you.” Snape eyed him critically, face still set in his perpetual scowl. “I was younger than you when I learned the art. However if you cannot be more controlled, then anyone who knows Legilimency can hear you and some of us don’t want to know about your love life.” Jackson blushed bright red, looking at his shoes mumbling an apology. “A seventh year in the restricted section without sneaking in.” Jackson shrank more under the black eyes. The restricted section was off limits to almost every student unless they had signed permission, which Jackson had, but he still felt like he had been caught somewhere he wasn't supposed to be. A pensive look crossed the man's face though it was so quick Jackson nearly missed it. “You must be the new Gryffindor golden boy. At least you know how to take constructive criticism.”“You’re really not going to report me?” Jackson finally found his voice. The man regarded him a few more moments over the prominent nose. The stare made him feel small, like he was back to being a first year and only having wrong answers.“As I said. I’m not a teacher.” Snape pulled two books off the shelf without looking at him. The black eyes dipped down while Snape flipped through their pages, then put one of the books back. “I don’t care what you do as long as you’re quieter about it.” Jackson blushed again looking at the floor. “Here.” Snape handed him a thin book, the black leather cracked and peeling with age. “Good day Mr. Wang.”“Thank you.” Jackson bowed out of habit. Snape seemed to be slightly taken aback and while he didn’t smile the scowl lessened. As Snape turned Jackson blurted a quick, “Wait! Um..Will you be in the castle for a while?” A dark eyebrow arched. “If...I know you’re not a teacher but-”“Mr. Wang I do not have all day. Spit it out.” Jackson flushed red again under the annoyed tone. All the stories made it clear Snape didn’t like most people, least of all those who he felt wasted his time. He was a cold but brilliant man.“If I have questions can I come to you for help?” Running his fingers over the black leather he dared a small look up. Snape’s face remained as impassive as ever. “None of the teachers know and I could get expelled since it’s not allowed to be used here. I’ve been doing my best bu-”“Two parchments on how Legilimency and Occlumency works. A piece.” Snape tapped the book with his finger twice cutting him off. “If you can manage to impress me I’ll teach you everything I know. This is an art Mr. Wang and I have no intention of trying to teach another Gryffindor who won’t apply himself.” Turning on his heel, the man strolled away, black robes billowing out behind him like a dark cloud.Jackson covered his mouth with the book to hide his smile. If he could manage to impress Snape, no matter how lofty that idea sounded, he had a chance to be taught by one of the most skilled Legilimens of this century. He could do two essays in his sleep and that was on subjects he didn’t know anything about. He could definitely do them on these two subjects that he had been studying extensively.“He likes you.” For the second time Jackson jumped. Standing next to him in a 180 from Snape’s scowl stood Professor Lupin smiling kindly. For all the ghosts wandering around the school Jackson was always bamboozled by people. “Then again, Snape for all his callousness has always had an eye for recognizing skilled students. If he didn’t think you were worth the effort he would have simply ignored you.” The professor put a book on the shelf, the thick chain keeping it closed sliding heavily along the wood. Lupin turned to him again pensively, “There is a crowd of worried looking students outside the wards. I think they are waiting for you.” Jackson picked up the cracked leather book, fingers fiddling with a crease.“Oh.” Jackson chewed the inside of his cheek. He wasn’t sure if he could even begin to explain his situation. It wasn’t a simple issue, it wasn’t like he could casually talk about being anxious that he and his partner wanted to date their five closest friends. Or that he worried he wasn't good enough and that they were going to realize that at some point.“You remind me greatly of a dear friend. Too smart for your own good, loud and headstrong but with a good heart.” Jackson nearly asked who he reminded the professor of but Lupin continued. “Some unsolicited advice from an old man?” The professor put a hand on his shoulder still smiling gently. “Take the time you need to get your head straight before making any decisions.” Conjuring up a small smile Jackson nodded. "And if you see a black dog wondering about, tell him that he's too old for hide and seek."“Sure thing professor. Thank you.” Jackson bowed again but Lupin first bowed back then ruffled his hair.In a much less dramatic exit Lupin slowly made his way back to the wards and left him alone as well. Glancing at the book, Jackson made his way to the table next to a window to begin reading. He wasn’t quite ready to face everything just yet.***Jackson hadn't meant to stay as late as he did in the library. Once he had begun reading the book Snape had given he simply lost track of time. The book was nearly out of his league with how advanced it was. The magical theory was complex and heavily depended on specific prior knowledge which lead to Jackson flitting around the Restricted section pulling books and taking parchment after parchment of notes. As the notes and books continued to stack up Jackson started to be able to puzzle out pieces without having to flip through page after page or rustle through the stack of neatly written parchment. He would need to make them more cohesive so that Jaebum could learn as well.Jaebum."Fuuuuuck." Jackson groaned noticing how dark the sky outside the window was. He had for sure missed dinner. Knowing he wasn't even remotely close to finishing Jackson quickly wrote the names of each of the books before running to return them. Stuffing the rest of his items into his bag, Jackson ran out of the section only to trip as his foot caught on something. Arresto momento. Jackson couldn't get his mouth to function but his practice with wandless and silent spells came in handy. Instead of face planting in the floor he hovered a few inches above it."Serves you right." Jackon righted himself coming face to face with Bambam. The younger looked less than impressed. Since school hours were well past over, Bambam was dressed in a soft black turtleneck and black slacks. It was as close to casual the younger got unless they were hanging around the dorm. "Were you going to hide all night?""I got caught up studying." Jackson didn't try to defend himself. While it was the truth it wasn't an excuse. "I'm sorry.""Don't know why you're apologizing to me. Jaebum is the one who you stood up." Bambam's voice was still clipped but not as harsh as it was before. "You just up and disappeared on us and then walled Jb out. We waited for hours out here." The panic from earlier reared its ugly head. They were already realizing that he wasn’t worth the trouble.Jackson clutched his bag tighter, head hung low. Jackson had intended to take whatever verbal beating was coming but after a few heavy moments of silence he couldn't help but ask, "Did I ruin everything?""Ruin?" Bambam stammered out, voice laced with shock. "Oh Merlin, you Gryffindors really are stupid." Bambam wrapped him up in a tight hug that Jackson didn’t quite feel he deserved. "Jackson, it's okay.""It doesn't feel okay." Pulling away Jackson scrubbed at his face, trying to will away his building tears only for more to come up. The lingering anxiety had begun to mix with the slow building exhaustion from being awake too long. Jackson’s brain spiraled back into the black pit that drove him away before. "Does he hate me?" Jackson had lifted the Occlumency but he couldn't feel out where Jaebum was. It probably meant Jaebum had now blocked his mind off too."He was pretty upset when you didn't show for dinner." Bambam brushed a tear away with a thumb. "You ran away and then blocked him out." Jackson nodded numbly. "None of us are mad, Jackson. We're worried as hell. One second you were there and the next you were gone and all Jb could tell from your head was that you were upset.”Could he tell Bambam? The younger had always been level headed even when he was being goofy. Jackson didn’t want to burden him but if he didn’t talk about this he was going to lose everyone. That included Jaebum.“What if I’m not good enough?” The words spilled out in a pained wave. “I’m never good enough.”“Do you trust me?” Bambam’s voice was almost as soft as the thumbs brushing against his cheekbones. Jackson nodded, keeping his eyes closed. “Follow me.”Bambam laced their fingers together and began pulling him through the hallway. The two were silent as they wound their way through the hallways until they reached the painting of Salazar Slytherin. At first the portrait had given them no end of grief about Tradition and House Secrets. Bambam told them that until Yugyeom had been brought in only a few other Non-Slytherin students had ever seen the Slytherin common room. Now there were all kinds of students filtering in and out to foster House Harmony and as Bambam once put it: You’re dead. Your opinion doesn’t matter anymore.“Good evening.” Bambam smiled at the wizard. The portrait glared a moment and then sighed heavily. “Password is Scallops.” Without a word the portrait swung open to allow them passage.The common room was nearly empty since it was so late. The usual torches were out but clusters of candles cast the room in a soft glow, the chill in the air lessened by the small fire burning in the hearth. A movement outside the large glass window caught Jackson’s eye just in time to see a few merfolk pass by, the spears in their hands meant they were likely hunting for food. Being in the land locked lake had its advantages he guessed, less predators to deal with than out in the open ocean. Jackson couldn’t help but wonder if they ever got lonely being secluded or if they ever went stir crazy from being in a glorified bowl.“Jackson?” Blinking back towards the plush leather couches he barely had a moment to take in the flurry of movement before Jaebum was in his space. Jaebum’s eyes traced over his face for a moment before the older pulled him into his chest. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?” “I’m okay.”Jackson let his bag drop so he could hug him back properly. “I’m sorry. I panicked.” The arms around him tightened. “I panicked and then I got caught up in a book and I’m so sorry.”“Shh. It’s okay.” Jaebum’s fingers curled around the back of his neck in comfort. “I love you.” Jackson was trying not to cry but he was failing. He didn't deserve this but he couldn't bring himself to pull away. "It's okay baby." Jackson clung to the words as tightly as he clung to his boyfriend.“Its okay to be scared Jackson.” Yugyeom pressed himself against his back, placing soft kisses in his hair. “I’m scared too.” It was easy to forget he wasn't the only person who might be afraid of everything moving so quickly.“Don’t leave us.” Youngjae was next to press to his side and since he could still kind of see Bambam over Youngjae’s shoulder the person pressing against him was Jinyoung. “We aren’t going to leave you. Promise.”Jackson nearly fell asleep standing squished between the six of them until finally Youngjae pointed out they had class in the morning and needed to get some sleep. To Jackson’s surprise and delight each one of them took a turn to kiss him softly, even Jinyoung, until finally Jaebum pulled him into a slightly deeper kiss.I love you. Jackson felt Jaebum soak into his mind. The Hufflepuff felt more like he belonged in there than he did some days. Breakfast?Yeah. Jackson smiled for the first time in hours. Maybe it would be okay. ***Jackson felt hungover when he woke up. The whole of his brain felt heavy from everything that had raced through it yesterday and the knowledge of the black book sitting in his bag. The more he read the more questions he had and not nearly enough time between classes to run to the library.“Morning.” Youngjae promptly flopped onto his bed to curl around him. “Apparently Advanced Potions got cancelled this morning. Slughorn wasn’t feeling good and decided to spend the day in bed. Ten sickles says it's just a hangover.” Jackson snorted nuzzling into the dark hair. A few moments passed before Youngjae spoke again.“You scared the shit out of us yesterday. Don’t do it again.”“I’m sorry.” Jackson sighed sadly. Jackson wondered if he was in for a day of disappointed conversations now that they were sure he wasn't going to bolt. It was unlikely but Jackson couldn't keep himself from launching into the worst case scenario.“We know and we understand Jackson,” Youngjae pressed a kiss to his chest. The words stopped it from racing so much. “We should start getting ready for the day though. Even if Slughorn is hugging a bucket they’ll want us in class to keep us corralled.”Breakfast was spent at the end of the Slytherin table with the seven of them. As the light began to filter through the high stained glass windows Bambam wordlessly cast the silencing charm just a few moments before the owls began to flutter in for the day. It was always a surreal experience to see the hoards of fluffy birds descend without actually hearing them. Jackson had to admit though, it was worth it to see Yugyeom finally able to relax and be able to eat breakfast. Bambam and Jaebum had told him that their baby used to either skip breakfast or eat in the kitchens with the kids who had allergies to birds. Bambam in particular was grateful for a solution that let them have their first meal of the day together.The sensation of being watched made Jackson squirm until he finally caved and discreetly looked around. At the teacher's table sat Severus Snape eyeing him thoughtfully while talking with Lupin and McGonagall. Turning back his food Jackson practiced closing his mind.Better. The single word made him jolt. The suddenness of his mind being filled was gone. Snape had slipped in and out without Jackson even feeling it."Jackson?" Blinking up, he realized he was being stared at again. This time it was by his partners. "You okay?""Yeah. I just remembered I didn't get around to telling you." Jackson grinned easily, gaze turning to Jaebum. "The book I got lost in yesterday? Its for L and O." That made Jaebum perk up from his coffee. "It's complicated, even for me." Jaebum quirked an eyebrow. "I made you a copy of the notes but I'm barely a third in and need more research.""I'll look them over." Jaebum smiled as he accepted the stack of parchment when Jackson handed it over. "So you didn't answer our question." "What question?" Looking around the group, the six were laughing a little into their food and cups."Do you want to date all six of us?" Jaebum smiled wider. "And all six of us would date you." The creeping fear from yesterday was back."I-" a crash from the head table saved him from answering. It seemed Hagrid had tried to stand but the crutch he was now sporting under his right arm bumped the table and nearly spilled everything."Think about it." Jinyoung kissed his temple. "We'll wait for you." ***Jackson waited until his study hour between Advanced Transfiguration and Potions to sit down and think. Trudging into a nearly forgotten hallway that overlooked the Forbidden Forest, Jackson plopped his bag down on a stone bench. Focusing his magic until his brain wanted to shred, Jackson warped the molecules in the air until they transfigured into a lumpy, mostly ugly, red and gold seat cushion. Smiling to himself Jackson sat on it, and while it wasn't the comfiest he had at least got it to materialize. McGonagall was going to be so proud.Twisting the colorfully braided bracelet Yugyeom had made all of them the day before Jackson sighed. The answer to his dilemma was clear, he wanted them and they wanted him. Simple right? So why was he so scared?
Bark!
A large black dog sat wagging his tail in front of him. The black fur held streaks of grey around the muzzle. There was something about the eyes that made Jackson feel strange. Like they were too bright, too knowing to be just a dog. Even one in the magical world. "I have it on very good authority you're too old to be playing hide and seek." Jackson smirked as he remembered Lupin's words from the night before. The dog huffed a bit but it's tail didn't stop wagging. Holding out his hand, palm up he asked, "So what's your name?" Predictably the dog didn't answer nor did he move forward. "My name is Jackson." Dropping his hand Jackson tilted his head. "Afraid you found me at a bit of a bad time." The dog tilted its head in question, or maybe it was just mimicking him. Unable to stop himself, Jackson launched into the story. He needed someone, even if it was a dog, to listen just so he could get all the clutter out of his brain. He talked about his fears and his hopes, what it would mean to date six people when he didn't feel he deserved one of them. Reaching the end Jackson shrugged helplessly. "The only thing that is stopping me is me. Self doubt is a bitch." With a final long sigh he buried his face in his hands."So stop doubting yourself." The voice was raspy. Shooting his head up Jackson stared wide-eyed at the man sitting in a newly transfigured robe where the dog had been. The wild black hair streaked with silver framed a long face creased with laugh lines. "Sorry to scare you but you seem like you need more help than a dog can give.""I have to go." Jackson would have stood if he wasn't afraid of fainting."Go where?" The fucking ANIMAGUS asked smiling gently."To drown myself in the black lake." Jackson felt the blush creep up. "Oh my god I should have known." The tears were starting to form. "How could I have been so stupid?" For the first time the man frowned. "Please forget everything I said." "Jackson you need to take a deep breath." The man ordered. As the man inhaled deeply Jackson followed suit. "My name is…" The man squirmed a bit, eyes darting around. "My name is Sirius." When Jackson arched an eyebrow he added, "technically I'm not supposed to be here.""No you're not." Their heads whipped to where Lupin was frowning deeply. "Least of all outside of your Padfoot form." Padfo...things were falling together now. Jackson recognized the names from Harry Potter's section of Hogwarts A History. Sirius Black, framed for murder and nearly put to death before his miraculous escape from Azkaban. Pure blood, Muggle and Half Blood advocate, former Auror, and fucking animagus apparently.The whole story didn't come out until the post-war trials and rumor had it the man fucked off to somewhere in the woods so he could have some peace after having half his life stolen. And yet here Sirius was at Hogwarts. The man had spent the better part of a half hour listening to Jackson whine about his love life like he didn't have anything better or more exciting to do. Maybe he didn't. Somehow that felt worse.The man - Sirius fucking Black- scowled. "He was distressed Moony I couldn't just leave." That seemed to lessen Lupin's glare. "Besides Snape is here and you don't yell at him." At that Lupin rolled his eyes so hard Jackson got a sympathy headache."If you start acting like a child I'm going to let him turn you into a rug." Lupin glared crossing his arms. Even in the overlarge knit sweater and slumped shoulders he gave off an intimidating aura. "We're on the back slide to fifty Padfoot. We've talked about this, it's past time to let it go." Sirius sighed dramatically but nodded in agreement. The grin he gave Lupin was equal parts sheepish and adoration."Excuse me." Jackson grabbed at his bag. "I really need to go drown myself in the lake. Goodbye.""You took a jinxed bludger to the shoulder but you won't talk to your partners." Sirius tilted his head still looking up from where was cross legged on the floor. The words were as soft as his smile. There was no accusation, no disgust or even annoyance. "To make a good Quidditch player you have to be willing to get hurt. To fly even when there is chaos. What is making you really afraid?" Jackson gnawed at his bottom lip. They both knew the answer."I'm not good enough." "Says who?" To Jackson's horror Lupin asked as if he was aware of the whole situation. "They don't seem to think so. At least not Mr. Im."
You're too loud.
Anyone who knows Legilimency can hear you.
Take your time on deciding.
The conversations from the library the previous night made his stomach turn. Jackson was definitely sure he was going to faint. This couldn't be happening."Do you trust them?" Sirius finally stood, joints cracking almost painfully. Jackson was trying to focus on breathing but nodded a yes. "Then trust them when you don't trust yourself.""There is something notably surreal about you giving relationship advice." Lupin snorted but kissed the man's cheek softly, one arm wrapping around the thin waist to pull the man close. "You'll be late to potions if you don't hurry." Distantly Jackson heard the bells tolling. "A little more unsolicited advice from two old men? Love is always scary Jackson. Don't wait until one of you nearly dies to stop being afraid."Jackson was saved yet again from answering as the bell rang. As he started jogging to his class he could still feel the two of them watching. A pure blood and a werewolf. Jackson smiled a bit, maybe that's why they didn't judge him for his 'unconventional' relationship. The entire Black family had to be rolling in their graves. As the last of the bells chimed Jackson barely made it to his seat with a moment to spare. Slumping a bit in his seat to catch his breath Jackson stared at the ceiling. His whole brain trying to puzzle out the bizarre events of the last forty-five minutes. To puzzle out all the weird shit that had been going down since he stepped off the train. Was everyone's 7th year this weird?"Well this ought to be interesting." Next to him Jaebum took his seat. Technically, Youngjae was next on the 'Jackson Rotation' but he figured they all agreed to let Jaebum skip ahead considering the last two days. Under the desk Jaebum placed a hand on his knee, thumb brushing back and forth soothingly. "Wonder what's up with Slughorn." In the middle of the room a familiar figure dressed in black was standing straight backed next to a chalkboard that was usually covered in Slughorn's accolades. Today the chalkboard contained actual potion notes, instructions and ingredients."Good afternoon." The deep voice resonated. After so many years of teaching in this classroom the man obviously knew how to pitch his voice to carry. "You professor is indisposed so I will be teaching in his stead." The class was dead silent. They all knew the stories and none of them wanted to be the first to initiate Snape's wrath, least of all when they didn't know how long Slughorn would be out. "We will begin. Close your books and pay attention."By the end of class everyone, even Yugyeom who was paired with Youngjae for the day, had managed to brew perfect or near perfect potions. Jackson had to admit the notes on the chalkboard coupled with the Snape's precise but helpful criticisms did wonders for the entire class, himself included. Naturally there were a few tense moments with Yugyeom but overall it was one of their most productive days to date. Slughorn couldn't have the same effect if he tried - and the poor man had tried.The rest of the day slipped by quickly until they were all gathered in the Slytherin dorm studying before breaking for bed. While the other houses had adopted all of them as a unit the Slytherins in particular welcomed their odd mess of people and would often leave the far corner open so they could study together. Sometimes a few students would walk up for help or advice and end up pulling up a chair and studying with them. Bambam simply said Slytherins protected and sheltered their own and left it at that.There was still the house competition on finding who jinxed the bludger before the teachers. The sly green house seemed to know more than they were letting on but Jackson still had his money on Hufflepuff finding the person. The whole lot of them were twice as clever as anyone gave them credit for. Knowing that he had so many people keeping an eye on him made it easier to get back on the broom.Somewhere between Potions homework, Herbology notes, and arguing about magical herbicide versus muggle pesticide it hit Jackson. No matter what happened down the line, these were his people.And he was theirs."I want to date you." Jackson spoke up snapping his book closed to pull out another one. Sirius' words about trusting them still ringing in his brain. "All of you." The six of them smiled happily. Youngjae and Yugyeom were already moving closer on each side to press kisses to his cheeks."And we want to date you." Jinyoung brushed a thumb over his knuckles from across the table. "But you still have to finish your essays."Puffing out his cheeks Mark whined. "Nooo we gotta cele-""Absolutely not." Jinyoung cut Mark off with a stern finger that was completely at odds with the large smile on his face. "Study now and we'll celebrate later."Jackson grinned at the group around him. It wouldn't be easy but Jackson never did like easy. He was done being afraid.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
After things settled with his partners Jackson was convinced that nothing else could go weird. He had used up all his Odd Shit Happenings the first three months of school. Getting a date with the Hogwarts Cryptid and snowballing into a seven person polycule was the limit. His biggest issues should be classes and learning the Dos and Don'ts for each of his partners.Right?The end of October proved him wrong. Laughably wrong.Dinner had been taken at the Gryffindor table. After a month halt to the game to find who jinxed the bludger with no results McGonagall finally gave the nod for games to resume. Jackson had gone up against the Hufflepuff team, blessedly coming out of it both victorious and - mostly- uninjured. The Puffs put up a hell of a fight, their seeker spinning circles around him while the beaters didn't make life easy. Still, the single clip to the ankle from a regular bludger had nothing on the pain of the jinxed one. Madam Pomfrey had been able to heal the fracture in under an hour before shooing him off.Now squished between Jaebum and Yugyeom, Jackson laughed while the two lamented Hufflepuff's loss. Somewhere between elbowing Yugyeom off from sucking another hickey into his neck and beginning to plate his food, Jackson caught sight of a long haired cat running to the head table. "What do you think that's about?" Youngjae asked around a mouthful of potato. "Maybe Slughorn took a turn for the worse." Bambam offered while piling rice onto his plate. "He's been at Saint Mungo's nearly a month now." The seven of them grimaced.Slughorn wasn't the best teacher but they didn't want him to die or anything. As it was Jackson could sense Snape was past ready to leave the school. He remained cool and clipped during class, keeping even Bambam who was good at potions in his toes with the varying levels of difficulty. Where Slughorn used Yugyeom as a punishment for people fucking off in class Snape used him as a challenge. Yugyeom got to be a little shit while his partner for the day had to brew a potion around him. The reasoning being that brewing isn't always done under ideal circumstances. That you have to be adaptive and able to tune out distractions."Attention students." McGonagall's voice rang over the crowd. Quickly the blanket of chatter died down as all eyes turned toward the head table. "After long talks with the school board of governors, the Ministry, and the schools to be involved." There was a long pause, McGonagall suddenly looking grim and hesitant. "And frankly, against everyone's better judgement, Hogwarts will be hosting the one-hundred and thirtieth Triwizard Tournament.""The what?" Jackson dropped his fork even as the professors at the head table tried to hide their sour looks. "Didn't they permanently end that after the Diggory kid was killed?"The room exploded into murmuring conversations as McGonagall gave everyone a moment to process. Even the head table had disgruntled murmurs from teachers who had lived through the last one. When the room finally returned to silence McGonagall continued."As with the last tournament students must be seventeen or older to apply." The sharp gaze scanned the room. "At the end of the week students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons will be arriving to stay with us again." Another ripple of mutterings erupted but this time she held her hand up for silence. "I expect you all to be on your best behavior." The woman frowned deeper, eyes fixating straight ahead on the doorway. "And remember no place in Hogsmeade is private."Jackson blushed into his hairline, face burying itself in his hands. There were definitely people staring at him, even his partners were grinning. Jackson wished the floor would swallow him whole."Its okay babe." Jaebum's voice was soft. "Most of them have looked away." Jackson kept his face firmly buried in his hands. If Beauxbatons was coming that meant Namjoon and Jackson was terrified of that. Terrified that Namjoon hated him or worse would hate his partners. They had managed to keep a good relationship despite the incident but he hadn’t talked to the other in several months."Hey." Yugyeom spoke softly into his ear. "Breathe Jackson." He took a deep inhale. "Now, move your hands." Slowly he lowered them but kept his eyes shut. The mortification still burned hotly and tears threatened to fall."Wang gae." Jinyoung's voice was soft. "Look at me." Jackson shook his head no. "Please?" Another no. Jackson wanted to evaporate into the air.Jackson. Jaebum felt like a warm breeze in his mind. It’s okay baby.Summoning up his courage Jackson opened his eyes. The rest of the great hall had gone back to talking in their groups, the only eyes on him were those of his partners. Jackson took a few deep breaths before turning his attention back to his food while the six shared looks. They were likely working out a game plan on who would stay with him or maybe trying to decide if it was better to give him space. He knew he had a habit of running off when overwhelmed. It was something he was trying to curb even if some days he felt like a rabbit under a fox’s gaze.“Oh, yuck.” Jackson grimaced at the taste of a pain reliever potion mixed in with his tea. Madam Pomfery must have sent it down to the kitchens so the house elves could mix it in with his dinner. “I know they don’t taste the food when they mix potions or medicine in, but who adds a restorative potion to assam tea?”“What now?” Mark tilted his head in question. “What do you mean Mix In?”“You didn’t know?” Jackson gagged a bit as he slammed the last of the tea hoping that when it refilled it wouldn’t have more potion in it. “If someone needs medicine, especially the half-bloods, they give it to Madam Pomfrey with the dosing instructions.” Mark’s eyebrows raised to his hairline. “Through the school year she sets everything up with the kitchens. If it’s something that can be mixed in with the food they just add it to their drink. If it’s something that can’t the pills or whatever is apparates into the bottom of an empty cup.”“That’s brilliant actually.” Bambam inspected Jackson’s cup. “How do they know where to send it?”“Something about being tied to your magical signature.” Jackson shrugged. “If they find out you’re not taking it or not drinking the mix you have to see Madam Pomfrey and take it in front of her.” Tapping the rim of the tea cup it refilled with -hopefully- just tea. “Some kids get embarrassed about taking their medicine. Both muggle and wizarding world isn’t forgiving about needing to take something to function 'normally'. If there even is such a thing as normal.”“Do you…?” Yugyeom’s voice was quiet. “Do you have to take medicine often?”“Yeah.” Jackson chewed on his bottom lip for a second. He used to hate admitting it but it had lessened over the years. “I have medicine for my A.D.D every day and one for my anxiety. Sometimes it doesn't work, but that's the nature of the beast.” Jaebum placed a hand on his knee. Jackson hadn’t noticed that it had begun to bounce. “There are others, things like epilepsy, allergies, or diabetes don’t care if you’re a wizard or a muggle. Anything that needs needles though, you have to go to Madam Pomfrey.”"They mix the allergy potions for me and Jinyoung in our morning tea." Youngjae supplied with a smile. "To be honest, it's so normal for us now we didn't think to tell you.""I get mine with my coffee." Jaebum supplied motioning to his cup. "I'm allergic to dogs." Jackson wondered for a moment if that would also extend to animagus dogs. Maybe Sirius would know, if he saw the wizard again. Jackson hadn't seen him since their first and last talk.Maybe Lupin had him caged up somewhere to keep him out of trouble.Mark, Bambam and Yugyeom quietly digested the information. Like most people that didn’t need daily medications the three of them hadn't thought about how those who do get their medicine while at school. With so many kids it would be impossible for Madam Pomfrey to handle the doses for everyone on a daily basis. With some heavy doubt he took a drink of tea and sighed in relief when it was just that, tea.“Are you going to try out for the triwizard?” Jaebum asked drinking his contraband coffee. Usually the house elves didn't serve coffee this late in the evening unless it was for the head table. Jaebum had become such a staple in the kitchens they snuck him a cup. "Sounds right up your alley.""Maybe." Jackson mumbled around a bite of food. Eternal glory was great but the whole potentially dying bit had him on edge. He wondered who managed to bring it back from the dead. "Right now I just wanna get through potions tomorrow." Five of the six gave sympathetic looks while Yugyeom grinned like a hyena."Don't think I'm going to make it easy for you." Yugyeom whispered into his ear. "Prof says I can do anything I want within reason.""So you're gonna blow me under the desk?" Jackson whispered back making Yugyeom flush pink and turn away. "No, no Gyeomie. Tell me in detail what you're going to do?" Jackson pressed closer playing dumb. Yugyeom was all brazen confidence until called out on it. Then their bold maknae reverted back into a stuttering mess. Placing a hand on Yugyeom's thigh Jackson nearly teased him again but students were beginning to move off of the benches.He'd get even with their baby tomorrow.*"Mr. Wang you're not working with Mr. Kim today." Snape's voice made Jackson jump a little. He had made it to advanced potions early to look over -again- the potion he was supposed to fight Yugyeom to make. He had been so distracted he failed to notice the rest of the class and the professor walk in."Excuse me Sir?" Jackson knew be looked frazzled. Wide eyed, hair a mess, and probably still sporting the stain from when a half blind owl knocked a cup of coffee over him. It had been a rough morning."Mr. Im will be your partner today." Snape smiled. He smiled and it made Jackson's fight or flight slam directly into flight. "You are good at ignoring outside distractions but not," the smile widened a sliver, "internal distractions.""Okay?" Jackson blinked incomprehening.Hey babe. The words soaked into his brain."Oh that's just cruel." The words slipped out before he could catch them but Snape turned on his heel motioning for Yugyeom to follow him. Bambam was much less adept at tuning their maknae out than Jackson was. At least he wouldn't be the only one suffering."Today you'll be brewing a standard antidote for poison." Snape flipped the board, the black surface already filled with neat handwriting. "You have an hour. Start now."
Did you know it's three hundred steps from the great hall to the moving stairs?
The image of Jaebum carefully counting steps during a holiday filled his brain."God this is such a dick move." Jackson huffed setting out ingredients to begin to prepare them. "You're not even going to help me are you?"
Nope
"Asshole." Jackson started to sliver the newt tongue. "Keep it PG. There are people who can hear us." Jaebum smirked. "Jb I swear to merlin I will end you."That's not very nice. Jackson leveled a scathing glare. Fifty minutes.Turning his attention back to the ingredients Jackson did his best to ignore his boyfriend. He couldn't seem to block him out with Occlumency. Every time he tried Jaebum would slide back in twice as loud and bordering lewd. Giving up, Jackson tried to ignore him the same way he ignored Yugyeom. Sheer will power.Jackson had nearly succeeded in tuning out the inane babble from Jaebum. It was mostly useless or random information. Details about the cats or parts of the castle Jaebum found particularly interesting. One of the things he did find interesting enough to pay attention to was the time Jaebum found the Room of Requirement still being ravaged by Fiendfyre. Through the mental bond Jackson could see the bright orange flames, feel Jaebum's fear and even smell the hot bricks that had been burning for fifteen years.
Good boy.
Jackson flared bright pink, fingers gripping the knife tightly. Of course Jaebum would hit low now that he realized that Jackson had simply let all of the thoughts and memories being thrown at him slide through without paying attention. It was frowned upon to stab people but McGonagall might let him get away with it. "Stir three times counter-clockwise." Jackson gritted out performing the motion. The liquid turned...pink? Jackson glanced up at the board again. The potion should have turned teal. "Try not to stab your partner for being a nuisance."
Who would take care of my boys if I'm gone?
"Jinyoung who is quiet and not broadcasting things." Jackson hissed under his breath. Jackson glanced around the room trying to peer into other cauldrons to no avail."Twenty minutes remaining." Snape's voice cut through. Jackson's heart kicked up a bit.Jackson eyed their potion. He had followed everything written down on the board. Still, something felt off. Jackson eyed the chunk of mandrake root, the board, and the potion that was completely the wrong color. He was missing something and it was driving him crazy.
Clever girl
Jaebum's voice was a mock tone of the hunter from the Jurassic Park movie. Jackson wanted to hit him.Rereading the board for the fifth time Jackson mentally checked off each step. Why did he have an extra ingredient? All at once he noticed what was wrong. The bottom of the chalkboard suddenly had writing. Jaebum had used the Legilimency to alter his memory of the board."God damnit." Jackson whipped his head to the side to glare venomously. Jaebum just smiled in return and Jackson wanted to hit him. "You are sleeping on the couch until you die."
Ten minutes babe
"I'm going to stab you as soon as I'm done cutting this." Jackson quickly diced the mandrake root into small pieces. Once he added it in the potion turned from the mauve to a deep blue."Good save." Mark nodded to his cauldron from the table next to him. "Proud of you Jacks." Next to the American, Youngjae gave a thumbs up and bright smile.
Good job baby
"I'm going to-""Time." Snape called out. With a flick of his wand Snape put out the fires on the desk. "Step back from the desks and wait."Jackson rolled his shoulders feeling only vaguely confident. If the mandrake root didn't release enough oils the potion would be useless.I love you. The words were soft, gentle as a breeze.I love you too. Jackson hooked their pinky fingers together. But you're still banished to the couch. Jaebum chuckled, hand finding his to give a quick squeeze.All in all, most of the class had succeeded. Including Bambam who seemed to have aged ten years since the start of class. Working with Yugyeom had that effect."Well, Mr. Wang, it seems you have managed to brew this as well despite the distraction." Snape stirred his cauldron, checking for consistency. "Mr. Im will remain your partner during the duration of the year or until I leave. Whichever happens first." Jackson didn't think he would ever dread being paired with his boyfriend but here he was. "Tomorrow it will be Mr. Im's turn to brew." Snape smiled again and this time Jackson smiled with him.*"You did so good baby," Jaebum whispered into his ear. They had a free hour between potions and defense against the dark arts. Usually Jacksom used this time for homework or studying so he had less to do at night. Jaebum had a different idea."If you give me another hickey we're going to get in trouble." Jackson tried to wiggle away. Jaebum had him pressed into a wall, mouth on his neck. "You're such a menace." Jackson huffed a small laugh as Jaebum moved his shirt aside to kiss his collar bone.To his credit Jaebum stopped sucking and biting but remained pressed close. "The room of requirement was a mess.""I was wondering about that." Jackson settled more now that he was going to have to steal one of Bambam's turtlenecks. "How did you even find it?""Wandering with the cats." Jaebum nosed at his jaw. "Some of us don't insist on packing our schedules too full to have breathing time." Jackson pinched his arm. "Love you too.""Speaking of, we should head to defense against the dark arts." Jackson caught his lips in a kiss. Parting his lips. he let Jaebum steal his breath. Even through the hundred layers of clothes they had to wear, Jaebum's touch burned. Jackson clutched him closer, let Jaebum move him into the spot he wanted. Jaebum was already taller than him but that fact was less annoying like this. It was the last thing he thought about as his boyfriend grabbed at his ass to grind them together."And we weren't invited." Bambam's voice broke their bubble. Jackson tried to break away to look but Jaebum kept him in place, kept kissing him hot and heavy. When Jackson didn't kiss back immediately Jaebum sucked on his tongue making him moan."Bummie it’s not nice to not share." Yugyeom's telltale whine was followed by what was likely a pout."Come on Yuggie." Bambam kissed their temples. "Let Bummie have his fun now because we're stealing him later." Jackson would have laughed if he were able to. As it stood he was halfway to being convinced to skip class. Jaebum had been trying to get him to skip since their first 'date'. The promise of sex usually was the lure but Jackson had his pride to keep.And his attendance record.
Jb
No
We need-
We need to be right here. Jaebum held him tighter. Relax we have ten minutesJackson knew if he really wanted to move all it would take was a hand to Jaebum's chest. His boyfriend only pushed as much as Jackson let him. Jaebum let Jackson decide their boundaries just as he did with their other partners. They were all still working out what their own lines were and what lines they were willing to bend. Instead of things exploding fantastically bad in his face like Jackson feared would happen they just had to talk more. They talked before and after romps. They talked everyday about nearly everything.
Ding, ding, ding
The toll of the warning bell caused Jaebum to finally relent. Jackson knew he must look like a mess, he always did when Jaebum got him cornered. A mess of shiny pink lips, fucked up hair, and his clothes rumpled like he had just rolled out of bed. The only person who left him in nearly as much disarray was Mark who liked to pin him under the bleachers on the quidditch pitch."You look so pretty when you've been ravished." Jaebum pecked his swollen lips. "I love you.""Love you too." Jackson nuzzled against Jaebum's neck. "But.""But?" Jaebum questioned.Jackson sank his teeth into the warm skin making Jaebum jolt. The hands gripped the back of his robes, body shifting to press them back against the wall."Jackson." The word was heavy, full of want."That was for fucking with me in potions." Jackson pushed off with a grin."You brat." Throwing a wink over his shoulder Jackson snatched up his bag to turn the corner.Attendance was important after all.The week seemed to speed by until suddenly Jackson was sitting at the Slytherin table for dinner on Friday with his partners and McGonagall stepped to the podium. They had been watching as Yugyeom charmed his way into bunking rights for the night like the snake he was. Jackson always found it amusing that so many people underestimated their maknae. "Attention students." McGonagall's voice rang over the din of students talking. The room rippled to silence. "Our guests have arrived. Remember, best behavior." The words were firm, laced liberally with an unspoken threat.Jackson wasn't sure what to expect. Maybe a show of some kind, or display of magic. Instead, nearly a hundred something students walked in three single file lines behind a giantess. The pale blue uniforms looked like a river as they passed by."I am pleased to introduce Madam Maxime and the sixth and seventh year classes of Beauxbatons." McGonagall gave the woman a genuine smile. "It it good to see you again." The giantess whispered something back. "Please have your students fill the the table under the banner for now." The room gasped as a white banner changed to show the Beauxbatons' school coat of arms.Jackson managed to catch sight of Namjoon sitting with a group of boys, eyes watching one dreamily. As if sensing Jackson's gaze the older looked straight across the room, their eyes meeting before turning the same bright pink as Jackson."He's cute." Mark rested a chin on his shoulder. "You know him?""That's Namjoon." Youngjae grinned like a cat and Jackson wanted to die."The Namjoon?" Mark perked up a bit. "Hogsmeade Namjoon?" Youngjae nodded, grin going wider. "If it makes you feel better he looks ready to bolt to.""It doesn't." Jackson groaned as Namjoon gave an awkward wave. Waving back, Jackson tried to push down the dread."What even happened?" Mark prodded again. "They make it sound like you were caught fucking." Jackson leveled his best glare at Jaebum who was choking on spit because he laughed."It was during the holiday break. My parents had gone to the States to visit a friend but I opted to stay here and study. Namjoon and his family had come to Hogsmeade, I don't remember why anymore. Anyway, we were just talking." Jackson sighed wondering if his tea was going to be spiked with his anxiety medicine automatically or if he would need to go talk with Madam Pomfrey. "About sex stuff." Mark snorted but tried to smother a smile. "It was third year and we were barely thirteen so no. Our clothes were on but our brain to mouth filter was not." Jackson rubbed at his temples. "And naturally everyone and their house elf decided to listen to our conversation and report us to McGonagall for 'being lewd in public'.""That's a hard way to come out." Mark kissed his cheek. The American suddenly somber."It's funny now." Jackson kissed Mark back. "At the time I was mortified. I didn't care that I was out but Namjoon was still unsure and it kinda put him out there." Jackson braved a glance across the room but Namjoon had already turned his attention back to the boy next to him. "Then Namjoon went back to school before I could even apologize.""Does it bother you? To be teased about it?" Youngjae asked looking suddenly heartbroken. "You never told me it bothered you so much.""Its fine." Jackson smiled, foot hooking around Youngjae's ankle. "Mostly it's just embarrassing."Before any of his partners could speak again the doors opened. This time a formidable looking man walked in leading three single file lines of students as well. The students looked like scarlet bears, their uniforms a thick red wool and lined with dark fur."I am pleased to introduce Headmaster Viktor Krum and the sixth and seventh year classes of Durmstrang." McGonagall smiled again, a touch softer. Jackson blinked once. Then again. Then a thIrd time before realizing he was looking at Viktor fucking Krum. Star quidditch player, previous Triwizard champion and one of the brightest minds of the last generation. After the second wizarding war ended, leaving the world in rubble, Viktor helped Harry Potter and the others rebuild the world into what it should be. "I think we're about to lose Jackson to Mr. Krum." Bambam grinned. Jackson stuttered back to his body."That's Viktor Krum." Jackson looked at the six of them. "Guys.""He's falling in love in real time. Amazing." Jinyoung laughed. Jackson felt the pink creep up his cheeks again. "It's okay. If we're going to be replaced at least it's for someone with class.""You...you think.." Jackson stammered. "You think he would talk with me?" The man stood straight backed next to Madam Maxime as his students made their way to the table where the banner changed to their coat of arms."And last but not least, our judges for the games." McGonagall spoke up returning the room to silence. "I doubt they will need much of an introduction."The doors opened and Jackson was ready to ascend. Walking in was Harry fucking Potter and next to him Ginny Weasley. Jackson was pretty sure he was about to wholeass vibrate out of his skin. The room was quiet as the two approached the podium and pulled McGonagall into a hug even as she scolded them."Hello everyone." Ginny addressed the room as Harry went over to talk with Viktor. "Along with the three headmasters Harry and I will be judges for the Tournament." Ginny looked over to Harry then rolled her eyes seeing the two still muttering. "Tonight we will put out the Goblet Of Fire and starting tomorrow all students over the age of seventeen will be able to put their name in the goblet."Finally making his way over Harry looked around the room, smile dropping. Jackson remembered that Harry had been entered against his will and at the end lost someone who he had come to view as a friend. It seemed particularly cruel to make him a judge."Please understand despite steps taken to make this non-lethal these challenges require advanced magic, athletic skill, and the ability to adapt." Harry looked slowly around the room. "Do not take this lightly when you enter your name into the goblet." The older man let the words hang heavy in the air."Thank you." McGonagall cleared her throat after a few moments. "We will keep the goblet out for one week. There will be age wards around the goblet and it will be spelled that it will accept only the name of the person submitting that name." McGonagall glanced around the room again. The room remained silent as she returned to the head table, seeming to age even as she sank into the large chair.*First thing the next morning, Jackson made his way over to the goblet. The silver metal shone, reflecting his face back to him. If Jackson concentrated he could see the way the spells curled over the metal like waves. He was so caught up he missed the footsteps approaching."Hey." The voice was familiar and Jackson regretted not getting his anxiety meds from Madam Pomfrey before coming down. Dropping his name in the cup, Jackson smiled at Namjoon. It had been years since they had seen each other in person. The older looked good, like he finally had grown into his skin. Namjoon had shot up like a tree, standing now a full head taller than him, long limbed and full faced. The blue of the uniform complemented his skin making the warm tan nearly glow. It was probably a good thing they were both taken because Jackson would still be getting in trouble over Namjoon."Wow, you got hot." Jackson slapped his hand over his face. Apparently his brain to mouth filter just didn't work around Namjoon. "Jesus christ, please ignore that." Like a spell had broken, Namjoon laughed bright and relieved."Merlin, it's like we're still thirteen." Namjoon nudged him playfully as he dropped his own name in the goblet. "Rumor has it you're dating six people." Jackson shrugged with a smile. "I hope they're good to you.""They are." Jackson caught sight of them stumbling in half asleep towards the Hufflepuff table. "They're much more put together after breakfast." Jaebum was carrying Yugyeom on his back while Jinyoung was, more than likely, arguing a magic theory with Bambam. Behind them, Mark and Youngjae were holding each other up. "Are you? Uh…""Yeah." Namjoon nodded to a group of boys at the Beauxbatons table. One in particular was watching them with a soft smile. "Seokjin.""Excuse us." A loud voice made the two of them jump. A group in Durmstrang colors stood at the edge of the line."My bad." Jackson stepped away letting three people step up to place their names."Jaehyo, you cannot put your name in. You’ll die." The shortest of the three frowned. Under the burgundy wool shirt Jackson swore he saw a tattoo."Too late." Jaehyo smiled, arm reaching over the other's head and dropping his name in.Jackson and Namjoon watched as the six scolded Jaehyo but the boy looked unaffected and unapologetic."See you around?" Jackson saw the teachers filing in. The headmasters of the other schools joined the head table as well as Harry and Ginny."Yeah. For sure." Namjoon pulled him into a hug. "Stop being weird. It’s been like four years. I wasn't mad then and I'm not mad now." Jackson blushed a bit. "Now go to your boyfriends before the half Veela one eats me.""Who?" Jackson looked around. Jackson didn't know of any Veelas in the school, half or otherwise. Not that it was too much of a stretch to think there was one, it had been proven Jackson missed stuff like that. There were two werewolves aside from professor Lupin, both of them quiet Hufflepuffs. Jackson had known about them because the staff had to let all the parents know about them. A few rumors floated about a vampire student but nothing was ever proven. After the second wizarding war there had been a full overhaul of the ministry and its policies. Harry and his generation had rolled up their sleeves and began undoing centuries of bad politics and prejudice to rebalance the wizarding world."Silver hair. Currently glaring." Namjoon pointed to the cluster of his partners. Sure enough Bambam was watching them, eyes sharp. "I will bet three galleons on it." Jackson's face scrunched in disbelief. "Probably a recessive gene since he isn't shredding the others of your group that isn't his mate." Namjoon squinted then nodded sure of himself. "Want to bet?""Oh fuck no." Jackson laughed waving to his partners. "Not after the last time you cleaned out my coin bag.""Oh you can learn." Namjoon shot back, grin stretched wide. "A true miracle." Jackson nearly flipped him the bird but the teachers were watching them with pointed stares. McGonagall in particular was watching like a hawk.Sliding between Bambam and Jinyoung on the bench Jackson looked at their second youngest curiously. Bambam was beautiful, sometimes Jackson had to admit more than average. Sharp jaw, heavy eyes, pouty lips and just A Way about him. Jackson had simply chalked up to being a pure blood. The makeup he wore accented it yes, but Bambam was naturally beautiful. "You're staring." Bambam watched him back, a slight quirk to his lips. Jackson scootched forward to claim a warm kiss. Bambam hummed happily, fingers brushing against his jaw. It was a little brazen to kiss in the great hall, they could get in trouble but Jackson always liked to test boundaries. "What did Namjoon have to say?" Jackson shuffled back on the bench to look at his partner again."You're a half Veela?" Jackson blurted out. Bambam arched an eyebrow, face remaining carefully blank but he didn't deny it. Three of the five didn't looked surprised while Youngjae and Mark did a double take. "Damn it, how is Joon always right." Bambam's lips thinned further making Jackson's heart sink. "Is it a secret? Did I...Fuck, damn it. I didn't realize- I-"Bambam's eyes flicked to the Beauxbatons table. "It's complicated." The dark eyes narrowed, an eyebrow twitched up then the ghost of a grin. Jackson didn't know what he saw but after a minute or so Bambam finally relaxed."People knowing someone is magical creature, even half, is dangerous." Yugyeom reached across the table to hold Bambam's hand. "Even with the new policies in place there are a lot of wizards who would kill people like Bam if they could."Bambam leaned forward to press their lips together gently. "I'm not upset, least of all with you." A thumb brushed under his eye sweeping away a tear. "I just would have preferred to have been the one to tell you." Jackson looked sheepishly around the others and then at the table."I'm sorry." Jackson felt his heart breaking. He kept accidentally revealing people's secrets. Secrets that could get them hurt if the wrong people got their hands on them. Even if it was just their partners, Bambam should have been the one to tell the others, not his big mouth."Don't be." Bambam moved to sit directly on his lap. "You didn't know and your parents were muggles so you didn't grow up with it." Jackson took a sip of tea to keep from answering. Or arguing. Apparently there was a merciful being somewhere in the universe since the minty taste of his anxiety medicine was present in his tea. The urge to slam it back like a shot was strong.The morning passed slowly, the seven of them remaining quiet over breakfast. When they finally got up from the table Bambam kept close, their fingers twined together. The younger wasn't always big on skin contact but now he pressed himself into Jackson's space. Anytime the doubt started to creep in Bambam would hush him, pull him into kisses murmuring he wasn't angry.His partners knew him well enough to know they couldn't just wipe out his anxiety. That words weren't enough to make the flares of dread disappeared. Instead, when his brain got too loud they would reassure him with touches and words. He was grateful they understood, that they were willing to adapt to work with him and not try to 'fix' him.After dinner Jackson found himself in the Slytherin dorm, face tucked into Bambam's neck. Yugyeom had given up his dorm rights for the night so Jackson could spend the night curled around their boyfriend."You're really not mad?" Jackson whispered into the dark."No." Bambam gently scratched at his scalp. "I'm not mad Jackson." Tightening an arm around Bambam's middle Jackson buried his face deeper into the warm skin and willed himself to sleep.*The week passed by just as slowly as the previous one. Slowly, the three student bodies mixed together. The first few days they had stayed in separate spaces then like a flood blues and reds were mixed in with the tables.In a twist of fate Namjoon and his friends had come over to sit with them during most meals. More so after their maknaes got along like a house on fire. Which, considering their penchant for chaos a house might actually go up in flames."Attention students." McGonagall's voice echoed across the great hall. "We will be choosing the Champions. This is the last call for entries."All eyes turned to the head table. A few people squirmed around the room but no one got up. The tick of the large clock echoed loudly off the stone walls for a few minutes."We will begin." McGonagall motioned to Ginny. The woman stepped forward, long red hair plaited in a braid. "Best of luck and Merlin help us all." Everyone looked tense, even the Ministry official who had come that morning.Not for the first time Jackson wondered why the tournament had been revived. Wouldn't it just be easier to have quidditch competitions?A bright flash of blue startled the room."The champion for Beauxbatons." Ginny opened the scroll of paper. "Kim Namjoon." The Beauxbatons table applauded while Namjoon smiled widely.A bright flash of red caught their attention again."The champion for Durmstrang." Another scroll floated up. "Ahn Jaehyo."The Durmstrang table went silent, even their headmaster looked shocked. Not that it stopped Jaehyo, the boy grinned widely."Please redraw." One of the boys Jackson remembered having the tattoo asked."Sorry. Can't do." Ginny shrugged. "The cup has chosen and he will be your champion.""But he's gonna die." The boy pointed to where Jaehyo was talking with another student. "Look at him. He's -"A flash of gold made everyone jump."Sorry kid. No redraws." Ginny plucked the scroll from the cup. "Champion for Hogwarts. Jackson Wang."Jackson stared a little dumbfounded even as the able exploded in cheersWhat?"Champions, please come forward." Ginny called out.On numb legs Jackson walked to where the headmasters stood. Madam Maxime looked pleased, Viktor stricken, and McGonagall pensive"Here are your champions." Ginny's smile was a little forced. "We will commence the tournament this Saturday."The room erupted in cheers even as Jackson finally came back to himself.He was a champion. The cup had chosen him. "Just be glad there aren't dragons this time." Jackson nearly jumped at the voice next to him. Harry Potter in all his Harry Potter-ness was standing next to him, smiling."I guess we just have to cancel then." Jackson managed to get his mouth to work. Harry snorted a laugh."Keep your sense of humor kid." Harry looked more somber. "It's your best defense in this tournament."Jackson wanted to ask for advice. Ask about a hundred questions, actually, but Harry was being pulled away by McGonagall and the ministry official."You can return to your seats." Ginny spoke to the three of them. "We'll have more information for you three tomorrow when we get everything finalized."Jackson sat back down by his partners, the shock bleeding out into excitement. He was a champion. He was going to be competing in the Triwizard Tournament. He didn't think anything could bring him down.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Saturday came faster than Jackson had thought was possible. During the week the student body had been a buzz of barely contained excitement for the upcoming first task. It was a mood that Jackson himself had had to keep up since all six of his partners were conflicted about him being the champion. Jinyoung and Bambam were against his involvement the most, despite the fact Jackson couldn’t back out if he wanted to. The contract that was made when Jackson had put his name in the goblet was binding and would only be closed with the conclusion of the tournament or his death.Jackson really hoped it was the former.“Jackson.” Youngjae’s voice snapped Jackson back from where he had been thinking about the million ways he could be killed in the next six months. “You’re being summoned to the head table.”Sure enough the other champions were making their way to where the tournament judges were waiting at the back of the great hall.“Shit. Thanks.” Jackson blew a kiss at his boyfriend before jogging up the aisle of students. When he had made it to the front Namjoon and Jaehyo were already standing next to their headmasters.“Thank you for joining us Mr. Wang.” McGonagall arched an eyebrow but did not question. “Everyone please follow me.”The group was led out of the Main Hall down to what Jackson assumed was a staff room. The room was standard for the castle with its stone walls, paintings full of moving subjects and a large fire in the corner to chase out the late fall chill. The wooden table in the middle of the room held three intricate wooden boxes, the crest of each school scorched into the top.“Greetings.” A voice came from the corner of the room. Professor Lupin looked a little strained but gave them all a soft smile. Next to the man Sirius Black stood no more than a step away. The wizard looked more put together than the last time Jackson had seen him but then again, he was wearing more than a transfigured cloak. “I hope you all slept well last night. The first challenge will be starting tonight after the moon comes up.”“Please pick up your boxes and open them. During the tournament they will contain the items and objectives that are tied to each task, as well as store the items you will be collecting.” Sirius motioned to the three boxes on the table. Jackson picked up his box, the lock unclicking the moment he touched it. “These boxes are tied to your magical signature. No one but you will be able to unlock them - barring us of course.”Glancing up at the two men a moment Jackson opened the lid of the box. Inside five glass vials nearly as long as his hand laid across a gold and scarlet jersey that likely had his name on it at the bottom, with a rolled note laying across the top of the stack. When Jackson lifted the note the paper felt thick, like the expensive cardstock that his parent’s Olympic certificates were printed on. Even the ribbon that held the scroll closed was extravagant.
Champion,
The night is long and dark and deep.
Among the boughs and trees you must seek.
Under the light of the full moon, be wary not to find your doom.
Three hours you will have, to collect the five ingredients listed below.
3 cm cutting of Devil’s Snare vine - 2 Fanged Geranium heads - 5 strands of Unicorn Hair - 1 Wild Ginger root - 5 Wild Nettle leaves
Items allowed: Wand. Vials (provided). Uniform (provided)
All outside items or assistance will result in immediate disqualification.
Good luck champion. May Merlin watch over you.
“Oh, I already hate every part of this.” Jackson reread the paper a few more times. He tried to think of someplace other than the Forbidden Forest that they could possibly send them.That hope was shot to hell when Harry gave a sympathetic wince. “Watch out for the spiders.” Jackson was reminded that an acromantula colony lived within the trees there. The spiders ate nearly everything they came across, from people to their own kind. “And the car.”“The car?” Jaehyo frowned. “Wizards don’t drive cars.”“It is a long story Mr. Ahn.” Harry looked at McGonagall guiltily. The headmaster pursed her lips but Jackson could see the shadow of a smile hiding at the corners. “Take some time to rest and gather your strength. We will start to gather everyone at dusk.”The three champions were dismissed leaving their boxes, now locked, with the people in the room. Jackson kept thinking about the note in his pocket. Of the five ingredients the Devil's Snare vine would be the most dangerous to get providing he wasn't eaten by a giant ass spider.Or werewolves.Or shot by a centaur.
Fuck.
Jackson stumbled his way into the Slytherin 6th year dorm room where his partners were waiting for him. Passing the note to Bambam and Jinyoung to read, Jackson laid down between Youngjae and Yugyeom. Burying his face into Youngjae's chest he tried to calm his racing heart.It would be stupid to pretend he wasn't afraid. This wouldn't be a jog through the castle grounds or through the Quidditch pitch. It would be the fucking forbidden forest."Unicorn hair is easy enough." Jaebum spoke softly as he looked over the list of ingredients. At least one thing wouldn’t try to kill him as he collected it. "There is a herd that lives in the forest. They run through the forest and it gets tangled up in the underbrush. That's how Hagrid collects it to make bandages and the specialty ropes." "And any ethical wandmaker." Yugyeom nuzzled against the back of Jackson's neck. The motion made his insides twist a bit, the back of his neck was always sensitive. The room around them was quiet, the rest of Bam's housemates kept to the outside part of the dorm. Outside the large window the green lake water was still as ever, an occasional school of fish swimming past. It was rare, but sometimes the giant squid would stop by to see the students. If rumor was to be believed there were mermaids who glowed in the dark. Though only a handful of Slytherins had ever seen one, Jackson wasn't about to discount the idea.It was said that there was a tunnel that connected the Black Lake to the North Sea - and Atlantic by proxy. But there had never been any confirmation by either the staff or the books in the library. Jackson supposed it wasn’t too much of a stretch for there to be a way in and out of the lake. There was a fucking giant squid that lived there, not to mention the mermaids. Just from a food standpoint there would be no way to feed all the denizens of the lake, even with help of magic, without a way for fish to swim in. Not to mention if the lake was completely landlocked, the inbreeding would have killed the merpeople within a few generations providing they didn’t go mad from the isolation.As if reading his mind Bambam murmured, "Mermaids have been quiet." The Slytherin lifted the paper to examine it next to the light. "Very quiet. Haven't seen any all week."Finding nothing on the paper, Bambam flipped it a few times then extended it to Jinyoung. With a flick of a wand and muttered word a few books floated to the bed. Jaebum plucked the volumes from the air to distribute between the four."Let's get past this task." Jinyoung took his time reading the parchment, eyes moving back and forth across the page. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there.""Swim that lake when we get there." Jackson teased. Jinyoung gave him a bland look that broke into a scoff to hide his smile. Behind him, Yugyeom kissed along Jackson's shoulder. Their maknae, like Jaebum, had a sense of calm to him that Jackson figured must be a Hufflepuff trait. It was always hard to stay awake when he was cuddled up with Yugyeom. Mostly it was because if they could get Yugyeom to stop moving for more than thirty seconds to cuddle, the maknae usually fell asleep. Jackson regarded that phenomenon like Jaebum and Bambam regarded a cat falling asleep on their lap, moving was not an option. Often, Jackson would simply fall asleep with Yugyeom and wake up with one or more of their partners curled in around them. One of Jackson’s favorite things about having six partners was that he always had someone willing to snuggle up to him.Sleep baby. Jaebum's voice drifted across his brain. I love you.Jackson sent a wave of warmth back before he hunkered down. Between two of his boyfriends Jackson let himself drift off to sleep. Considering he was about to have one of the world’s worst scavenger hunts in less than three hours, Jackson knew he needed all the rest he could get.*Jackson stood at the edge of the Forbidden Forest with his fellow champions next to him. Around them the three headmasters all looked a little pale but Ginny and Harry were relaxed enough. Granted, Harry Potter’s section of Hogwarts, A History noted that the wizard had tramped in and out of the woods a handful of times, but he was Harry Potter. Defeater of the Dark Lord, what were a few giant spiders to him?Jackson tried to remind himself that Harry was just a regular person with good luck. Ridiculously good luck. And resourceful friends. And-
BOOM!
The rumble from the canon was the signal to go. Jackson was grateful for the sound, it allowed for his brain to stop churning itself in circles. Letting his feet carry himself forward he entered the treeline, Jaehyo a few steps ahead of him and Namjoon keeping pace.When they could no longer hear the cheer of the students the three of them stopped to catch their breath. In a small semi-circle Jackson looked at the other two, wondering if they’re thinking the same thing he was. The tournament is just that, a tournament, but with how dangerous the forest is, he couldn't help but to think it would be a bad idea to split up.“Hey.” Jaehyo nodded his head at Jackson and Namjoon. “Be careful. This place feels...I dunno. Imposing?”“We could…” Jackson looked around then back to the Durmstrang student. “We could work together.” Jaehyo arched an eyebrow.“Are there really giant spiders?” Jaehyo looked up at the trees, hand going to his wand holster as the leaves rustled.“Yeah. And a lot of them.” Jackson had only seen a few of them during his time and it was during Hagrid’s class. “One of them can take down a deer by itself.”“I have a bad knee.” Tapping his left knee Jaehyo looked around again.“I have bad luck.” Namjoon shrugs also looking around. “But I think Jackson is right. Splitting up in here sounds like a bad idea. At least for now.”“So what do we look for first?” Jackson pulled out the list. All five items were going to be a pain in the ass considering how dark the forest was. Even in daylight trying to see what the dense clusters of foliage was hard. Now with the trees, boughs full of leaves, blocking out nearly all of the moon’s light they would be digging around nearly blind.Jaehyo looked around as if he was sniffing the air before nodding to the left. “Let’s start walking and we’ll go from there.” Jackson wanted to argue. He liked it better when there was a game plan but already Namjoon and Jaehyo were moving leaving him to catch up.For what felt like an hour, the three trekked through mud and fallen leaves as silently as they could. With the moon and stars mostly obstructed it was hard for them to get their barings of what direction they were in. The forest was, for the most part, quiet as well. The wind rustled the leaves, small game animals could be heard scurrying through the underbrush and just once, the call of a wolf. The howl crawled up their spines, fear making their bodies turn to ice. When no howl answered the three moved a little closer together, backs facing each other.Needing a breather after having to navigate a particularly large root knot, they paused in a small opening ringed by a few trees. “Do you hear that?” Jackson whispered. Even with the opening in the trees to let moonlight in, the hair on Jackson’s neck stood on end. “Something is coming.”It started as a distant rumble, like a thunderstorm. A steady beat against the ground that was building speed. Heads whipping side to side the three squinted into the darkness trying to figure out what was approaching. Jackson worried it was thestrals, as far as he knew none of them could see the creatures. Jackson didn’t want to die because he couldn’t see the stampede. While he was worried about thestrals, Namjoon mumbled something about centaurs. Jaehyo said nothing, head still tilted up to sniff at the air like he was trying to catch a scent again.The source of the thundering finally appeared to Jackson’s right. A herd of unicorns galloping through a particularly dense cluster of thornbushes. Jackson stood, eyes wide open in shock as the creatures barrelled full force toward them. He was too frozen to move even as they rapidly closed the distance. I’m going to get trampled. The thought made his heart slam against his sternum but he couldn’t make himself move. I’m going to-A hand closed around his bicep and pulled. Stumbling back from the force, he nearly tripped on the tree roots sticking out of the ground but a second arm wrapped around him to steady him. The save was just in time to keep him from being crushed into the leaf covered dirt. As he was pulled against Jaehyo’s chest, Jackson watched enraptured as the unicorn herd ran past like a river of liquid pearls. Their large bodies pure white, even the brown smattering of mud didn’t dull the shine of their coats or the silver of their manes. Reflecting in the sparse moonlight, the highly sought after horns shone like abalone shells.“Well that was almost terrible.” Namjoon’s breath was rough. Finally releasing him, Jaehyo moved to the side without a word. The Durmstrang student’s eyes fixed on something far off. “What do you see? A straggler?”“Hair.” Jaehyo pointed to the thick brush that the unicorns had come through.Sure enough strands of silver hair swayed gently in the breeze from branches. The branches made Jackson’s skin tingle though. There was something wrong with them, a few on the bottom seemed to be moving ever so slightly. If the unicorns had ran through it there should have been at least a few broken branches.“I think we get a two for one.” Jackson watched the branches slowly move into place. “I think that’s a devil’s snare bush.”“That’s not great.” Namjoon looked up in the trees then back down. “Devil’s snares only retract in sunlight.” Jackson rubbed at his temples. There was enough hair in the tangle for the three of them, as well as needing a slice of the vines.“Hang out here for a second.” Jaehyo moved closer. “My grandma had a Snare when we lived in the mountains.” The boy moved slowly toward the plant cooing as if it couldn't strangle him. “Hi pretty.”Jackson’s heart returned to his throat while Jaehyo cooed at the Snare. Jaehyo extended a hand toward the limb with the most unicorn hair and the branch actually moved closer to him. He knew it was a ploy, the plant’s way of coaxing a meal into entangling itself. Still, Jaehyo remained what Jackson thought was a safe enough distance. “Wingard-” Jaehyo had begun to cast a spell to lift the hair when he stopped. “Shit.” Jaehyo turned to look at them. “Don’t move.”Belatedly Jackson realized their mistake. On the ground thick vines wrapped around Jaehyo’s ankles, snaking their way up. What was worse, was the tree roots that he and Namjoon stood in were now moving. The Snare’s base was tucked against the tree Jaehyo stood by, but it's vines extended throughout the circle of trees around them. The unicorn’s speed made sense now. If they had ran through at anything less than full speed they would have been trapped.“Think we can get free of them?” Namjoon’s voice was steady despite the vines now circling around his ankles.“We could burn it.” Jackson watched the vines creep up his legs trying to elicit a response.“It’s part of the ecosystem here.” Jaehyo spoke quietly. “I’d rather not kill it completely if we can.” Jackson gnawed at the inside of his cheek. With a bit more coaxing, Jaehyo managed to get the unicorn hair. “The vines can’t reach out to the middle of the clearing.” Jackson and Namjoon looked to where the patch of moonlight shined through unobstructed. Ten feet never seemed so far away.“The patch is too thick for even bluebell fire.” Namjoon looked around. “And we need cuttings of the plant.”“On three.” Jackson pulled his wand out. When Jaehyo and Namjoon nodded he began. “One. Two…THREE.” Jackson aimed his wand at the tentacles surrounding him. “Diffindo.”Sweeping his wand in a large arch the spell severed the vines around him. Immediately the Snare began to recoil and Jackson took the opportunity to run. Just behind him, Namjoon vaulted over a root knot and Jaehyo jogged though it was clear his knee did not appreciate the movements. Safely in the clearing Jackson took stock of himself. Nothing felt off, aside from the vine that still circled his ankle.“Two down.” Jaehyo held out strands of unicorn hair for them.Gratefully, Jackson accepted the hair to shove it in the glass vial marked for it. Next he uncoiled the vine from his ankle and ignoring the odd color that oozed from the severed end, Jackson put it in the second glass vial. Considering they had managed to find the most dangerous of the ingredients before separating, Jackson was finally starting to feel better about their odds.They struck out again into the woods, eyes watching not only around them but the roots below. Above the trees a boom sounded, making the animals of the forest rustle in displeasure. A bright red light flared through the trees for a moment before dissipating. The halfway mark. They were running out of time.“We have an hour and a half left.” Jackson bounced on his heels. “It’s too risky to separate.” Jaehyo picked at his lip. Next to him Namjoon was staring up into a tree and looked pale as a ghost. “Joon?”“I fucking hate these woods.” Namjoon’s voice was thready.Jackson heard the solid THUMP of something landing on the ground. That something was a spider the size of him. Before he could even process one of them screaming to run he was off.Jackson’s body moved on its own. Every survival instinct was pushing him to run faster, get farther. They needed to put as much distance between them and the spider that had an additional six legs worth of advantage over them. What terrified Jackson most was if there was one spider, there was likely more.“Why do they run from us?” Jackson nearly screamed when it spoke. “Come to us. We are hungry.” Giant, speaking spiders would be haunting his dreams until he fucking died.“FucK.” Namjoon’s voice echoed a moment before the sound of his body smashing against the ground. “No, no, no.”Skidding to a stop, Jackson and Jaehyo watched the spider move in on Namjoon. Jackson and Jaehyo both pulled their wands, shouting two different spells while Namjoon casted a third.
“EVERTE STATUM!”
“ALARTE ASCENDARE!”
“FLIPENDO!”
The spider was first hit by Namjoon’s launching jinx, then Jackson and Jaehyo’s knockback spells. The force of the three spells was enough that it sent the spider soaring in the direction of the Devil’s Snare clearing. Jackson could just barely make out the form of the spider trying to crawl away from the vines already wrapping around it. He would feel bad, later. So much later. Maybe after he was dead, later.“GODDAMN IT.” Jackson jolted as Namjoon hissed in pain. The patch of plants he had landed in seemed to be biting him.More pointedly, they were flowers. Fanged Geraniums.“Not all bad luck I guess.” Jaehyo huffed a slightly manic laugh. “Three down.”Jackson and Jaehyo looked over the bites on Namjoon’s hands after the three gathered the required flower heads. The bites were mostly superficial, with only one drawing blood. Lucky for them, Namjoon in particular, the geraniums weren’t poisonous. Small and vicious, but not poisonous.“We should get moving before more spiders show up.” Namjoon looked into the trees, hand shaking a bit. “I’d rather not go rounds with a second one.”“There is some nettle and ginger out by the greenhouses.” Jackson wondered if they could even find their way back towards the greenhouses. “Madam Sprout talks about the patches in class.”Leading the group, Jackson picked his way through the bush. Trying to steer clear of the dense bushes and the large root knots proved to be harder than he anticipated. Twice he fell directly onto his face, and a third time on his ass. Behind him Jaehyo limped, one arm slung around Namjoon’s neck. The sprint from the acromantula had blown out his knee and the rough terrain was taking its toll. Again the wind shifted through the trees. As the night progressed, mist spilled onto the forest floor. “You’re going the wrong way.” A rough voice nearly sent Jackson into the stratosphere even as his heart slammed up against his ribs.“I’m sorry, is that a fucking talking dog?” Jaehyo stammered out.“I’m a wolf.” The large grey wolf chuffed and Jackson didn’t want to know how it could speak. He was too worried about the fact they were surrounded by a pack of wolves. “I am Borf. This is my pack.”“H-hi Borf.” Namjoon, ever the diplomat, tried to smile. “This is the quickest way to the school.”“And right into Mosag’s den.” Borf shook a little. “You need to go farther West and then come back up. Otherwise you will end up in the spider territory before you ever reach the school.”“Who is Mosag?” Jackson drummed his fingers against his thigh. If they took anything but this path they wouldn’t reach the patches in time. All three of them would fail the first task.“Mosag was Aragog’s wife.” Borf circled around them, sniffing curiously. “She is an old acromantula and the mother of the spiders here. She is also large enough to take down a mountain troll.”“Can I reitereate, I fucking hate this forest.” Namjoon slumped in defeat but not enough to jostle Jaehyo. “We don’t have time to swing out past the nest.”“Then Mosag eats you.” Borf’s voice was so bland that Jackson thought he would be shrugging if he could.“We have less than an hour to get the last two things.” Jackson sighed trying to think of anywhere else the plants could grow. Most of the forest didn’t have the right conditions to grow them and it had taken Professor Sprout years to cultivate the soil enough for them to thrive.Borf circled them a few more times but said nothing.“Why do I get the distinct feeling you’re biding time?” Jaehyo frowned. Jackson watched the corner of the wolf’s lips lift in up what he assumed was supposed to be a smile. “What’s coming?”“Centaurs.” The wolf sat in front of Jackson’s legs as the first centaur made an appearance. Seeing the half-man-half-horse made Jackson’s stomach sink almost to his knees.The centaurs of the Forbidden Forest tolerated humans, at best. They were downright hostile at worst. Even after sharing space with the school for so long the herd would sooner see the castle inhabitants eaten by the spiders than help them out. Jackson had hoped the school would have met with the herd to clear them coming into their territory if for nothing more than to keep them from being shot with arrows.“You found the humans.” The centaur huffed. He made no attempt to come out of the treeline. “You could have let them go, Borf. Mosag is hungry.”“Mosag is always hungry.” Jackson tried not to think it was cute to see the wolf reach up with a back paw to scratch behind his ear. “She eats more than the rest of us combined.” The centaur huffed again in annoyance. “I’m just here to make sure you honor the contract made.” “We do not serve humans.”“No but you did trade with them.” Borf’s voice dropped. “They have until the last flare before you can hunt them.”“I did not come to hunt.” The centaur inclined his head. “I came to observe.”“I’m sorry but we are running out of time. If you can’t give us a better way to get to the green houses then we have to go forward.” Namjoon adjusted his grip on Jaehyo. “Spiders or not.”“What are you looking for?” Borf cocked his head to the side. “I have lived here all my life. If it is within the forest I can tell you.”“Ginger and nettle.” Jaehyo lifted his knee up to stretch it. Jackson eyed the clearly swollen joint. It would likely be two days before Jaehyo could walk on it without pain unless Madam Pomfrey could reduce the swelling.The wolf regarded them silently. As time stretched on Jackson was tempted to pull his hair out. Their last hour was slipping away as they stood in impasse. Even if Jaehyo’s knee wasn’t fucked up, taking on a colony of acromantulas was suicide. The spiders didn’t even recognize Hagrid as a friend since Aragog died and the man may as well be their grandfather.“If you run, you can make it to the lake. There are several of those plants there.” Borf eyed Jaehyo. “But you won’t make it with his leg.” Jackson watched Jaehyo resign himself. The taller boy’s head dropped, arm slipping off of Namjoon’s shoulder. They could, probably should, leave Jaehyo behind. This was a competition after all. But the same part of him that wrote quidditch chants for each of the houses and hosted inter-house study groups would always speak louder than the selfish voice in his head. It's what made him an undeniable Gryffindor - even the sorting hat had told him his loyalty outweighed his ambition.“I’ll run a head.” Jackson handed over the pouch containing his vials. Jaehyo’s head jerked up, eyes shooting between the pouch and Jackson. “Follow as fast as you can. I'll get enough for all three of us.”“Jackson.” Namjoon looked around again, frowning. “What if they’re lying.”“Then they’re in trouble because you’re a much better spell caster than me.” Jackson hid his fear behind a smile. “I’ll meet you at the lake okay?”“Don’t die.” Jaehyo nodded.Leaving Namjoon to give a proper thank you to Borf, Jackson took off in the direction of the lake. Swerving through the trees and around long sticky ropes of thick spiderwebs, Jackson focused on anything but the quickly fading time. Even if he managed to get the two ingredients he left his pouch with the other three items with the two. Still, he pushed his body onward. Jackson hoped the sound of running behind him was Namjoon and Jaehyo. The idea of facing off with a spider or even a centaur alone was not something he wanted to try his luck against.Jackson had begun to worry he was going in the wrong direction when a breeze drifted through the trees carrying the scent of water. With the stitch in his side becoming more and more painful Jackson was forced to stop. The edge of the water was close, another fifteen feet or so.If the shore was close, it meant the plants were likely somewhere around where Jackson currently was. Not that he could see them if he wanted. Even the moonlight wasn't enough to distinguish anything. Pulling out his wand, Jackson flicked the spell upwards, “Lumos Maxima.”The bright white light shot from the tip of his wand and rose until it nearly touched the tree branches like a miniature sun. With the space around him lit Jackson began searching for the plants he needed. Nettle was easy enough to find, the spiky plant living up to its stinging name when Jackson brushed against it.“Damn it I don't have anything to carry these.” Jackson glanced around but the two weren’t in sight yet. Hoping that there wasn’t a magical form of poison ivy, Jackson used two large leaves in a plant growing nearby to wrap the nettle leaves. “Accio ginger root.”Nothing. Of course not.Just as Jackson was about at his limit for picking through grass in the middle of the night, he saw the stems. Long, thin, and swaying softly in the breeze next to a blue? Car?“What the fuck is this place?” Jackson stared blankly wondering if the lack of oxygen was making him hallucinate. Or maybe the leaves he was using to hold the nettle had caused him to lose his mind. But no. As he stumbled forward he could see the rusted out Angela insignia on the side. “All right buddy. Please don't be hiding any spiders or...or whatever.”As he approached, the car’s single intact headlamp flicked on making him jolt. When nothing else happened and no visible threats could be seen Jackson moved to the cluster of plants. Kneeling on the ground Jackson fought with the plants until finally, finally he had three roots.“JACKSON!” Namjoon’s voice echoed. Before he could react, the car door flew open sending him flying just as a spider dropped from the trees above. Even half blinded by the lumos spell, it seemed they were determined to get a meal.The spider was as large as the one they trapped in the Snare. And when Jackson realized he was eye to eye with it while standing up he wanted to faint. He would never again take for granted a normal sized spider. One long, furred leg moving towards him was enough to jumpstart Jackson's brain. Despite the tremor of fear shaking his hand Jackson's voice was clear when he casted his next spell.“FUMOS.” Thick black smoke emitted from the tip of Jackson’s wand between him and the spider. Ribs aching from the impact of the car door, Jackson ran towards the treeline. They had a better chance at fighting in the open. At least then the spider didn’t have any other option but to charge directly at them. Jumping over another tangle of roots, Jackson finally cleared the forest though he didn’t hear anything behind him.“EVERTE STATUM!” Namjoon’s voice rang out, the spider flying backwards. “We’re not going to make it.”Planting his feet, Jackson stuffed the leaves and the roots into his pocket. Aiming his wand at the two Jackson focused more than he had ever done before. “Carpe Retractum.”The red light that flared from the end of his wand shot forward, encircling Namjoon and Jaehyo. For just a moment nothing happened. Then the two wizards were flying at him faster than he had anticipated. In the treeline, the spider hissed but didn’t give chase.Jackson braced himself for impact, not that it helped. The two other champions crashed into him with enough force they nearly fell into the lake. As they laid in the muddy grass, a laugh bubbled itself up from this chest. The sheer relief of making it out alive even after two acromantula attacks. A burst of light in the sky signaled the end of the first task.“Pull out the vials. I got the stuff.” Jackson quickly dispersed the items between them. The nettle leaves were crinkled and the ginger roots broken, but Jackson didn’t care. Even if the presentation was bad, they had all five ingredients.Just as the three of them finished stuffing their vials with the two remaining ingredients, McGonagall and the other judges appeared. The six judges were being led by Borf and all of them looked relieved to see them in one piece. If the spider that had tried to take him out was around, it didn’t show itself. Nor did the centaur that Jackson could feel watching appear again.Wordlessly Jackson and Namjoon slung Jaehyo between them and closed the remaining distance. Every part of his body ached and Jackson wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed with his partners. And maybe drink a gallon of Dreamless Sleep Draught.*Jackson all but melted against Mark on the bed charmed to nearly twice its size. After the vials had been turned over for inspection, Jaehyo shipped off to the medical wing with his partners trailing behind him, and being mobbed by excited schoolmates Jackson was grateful for the quiet. He had gone to the prefect bathroom to scrub the sweat and terror from his skin before bypassing the Gryffindor tower and going directly to the Ravenclaw dorm. He would party with his housemates after he slept.“Do you want to talk about it?” Mark shifted so Jackson was laying fully against him. Behind him, Jinyoung ran two thumbs down his spine to work out knots in the tense muscle.“Not right now.” The words slurred a bit as sleep began to pull.“Okay baby.” Mark nuzzled into his hair. “Close your eyes. You’re safe with us.” Jackson nodded dumbly. “The others will be here in a bit. Just close your eyes and sleep Jackson.” And he did.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The days following the first task Jackson did his best to avoid people. He had gotten more than a few looks that bordered on glares from his schoolmates when it had come out he helped Namjoon and Jaehyo. It wasn’t that Jackson didn’t know the Triwizard tournament was a competition, he just couldn’t face himself if they had gotten hurt and he could have stopped it. There were acromantulas trying to eat them for fucks sake. So he took their glares in stride and shrugged off nasty comments when someone got brave.A welcome surprise had been almost a week after the first task when they had gotten to take their first Hogsmeade trip. It just so happened an unwelcome surprise had also happened the same day.Despite their knack for finding corners to get off in, and the willingness of their houses to co-exist, Jackson hadn’t really been able to go on a proper date with all of his boyfriends. Usually one or more of them had to study, or conflicting class loads, or needed time to themselves. Getting all seven of them together for more than just meals in the great hall was an impossible task even on their best days. So when the first trip of the year to Hogsmeade arrived, Jackson shamelessly begged and pouted until even Jinyoung caved.On the carriage ride to Hogsmead Jackson curled into Jinyoung’s side while Mark had an arm looped around his waist. Across from them Jaebum had managed to convince Youngjae onto his lap, mostly so that he had someone to lean against while he napped. Bambam and Yugyeom were pressed close, their conversation inaudible and likely steeped in code. When the two maknaes didn’t want their conversations heard they bypassed silencing and muffling charms entirely and spoke in a language that Jackson wasn’t sure had a name. As much as he wanted to give them privacy, the quick looks to him and then back at each other made the little voice in the back of his head come back to life.“Hey.” Jinyoung pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “Don’t worry about it. They’ve been at it since you went into the forest for the first task.”Jackson elbowed him lightly with a huff. “That doesn’t make me feel much better.” Jackson didn’t care, much, that people talked about him. He just preferred when he could understand it.“You should know Bambam intends to spend a lot of money today.” Mark kissed behind his ear. “Give everyone something to talk about.” That made the coded whispers even more suspicious.“Why?” The houses still talked almost daily about his relationship. But even the worst of the names weren’t much of note. Not even their teachers had asked, though several of them would watch them pensively.A clear, ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ that Jackson was happy to live by. The less people they had butting into their lives the better. It was complicated enough navigating having six partners, six whole people with wildly different personalities and goals. They made it work, but even in the short time they had been together there had been a few heated disagreements. Usually between Bambam and Jinyoung about something in their home work, though Mark and Jaebum often sniped at one another for -as far as any of them could tell- the fuck of it.“Slytherin house heard a rumour.” Jinyoung glanced around. The rest of the carriage was oblivious, save Jaebum who watched them with one eye open. “Someone in another house is saying that you’re throwing the tournament because of Namjoon.”“Oh for fucks sake.” Jackson tried to recoil but Mark and Jinyoung held him in place. “Why would I? What sense does that make?”Mark held him tighter still. “You did help them in the forest.”“Yeah, after they helped me.” Jackson crossed his arms and legs. He couldn’t jump out of the carriage but the idea was tempting. “I told you guys what happened.”
You have a history with him. Would mak-
“Do not finish that Jb.” Jackson glared venomously. He couldn’t even concentrate enough to shoot back privately. “That’s not fucking fair and you know it.”
Gritting his teeth, Jackson glared a hole in the wood of the carriage the rest of the way to hide the tears that pushed at his eyes. Jackson felt alone even with Mark and Jinyoung sitting all but in his lap. As the carriage rocked along the road no one spoke, even the maknaes had fallen silent. It took everything in Jackson not to bolt when the carriages stopped in front of Hogsmead. Once the flash of anger had died out, the anxiety had started to worm its way into his chest, then sadness.
Instead of launching himself out only to likely land on his face, Jackson moved with a calm that he didn’t think he possessed. Each movement was precise like when he was on a broom. Anything less and he would have already begun running back to the castle.
As the students began to spread out into different groups Jackson felt eyes on him. Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, Durmstrang. It made his skin itch to the point that he almost regretted leaving the castle. It was one thing to have people in the school, even his fellow housemates doubt him. But Jaebum? Did he really think that?
If Jaebum doubted him, did the others?
“I need a minute.” Jackson slipped his hand out from Jinyoung’s. Even though he had been the one who begged them all to come, Jackson ditched his partners instead of taking the risk of saying something he’d regret later.
Weaving through the crowd faster than the six could follow, Jackson slipped into the first shop he came across. The big glass door opened easily, releasing the smell of candy into the air. Honeydukes was just as crowded as every other time he had been there. The small shop was packed ass to elbows with students on every level. The mint green that decorated the outside also painted the store within. The walls lined with candy of all colors and flavors from cotton candy to ghost pepper in clearly written but faded ink. Rainbows of Bertie Bott’s filled long tubes going into the ceiling. Chocolate animals that were charmed to life, moved around the store offering prizes to anyone who caught them.
Jackson made his way to the back corner to take a breather. The candy that filled the section was mostly clouds of cotton candy tied to balloon strings, little packs of muggle candy that the owners had brought in after years of requests. It provided enough cover that he could have a few moments to regain his composure before having to face the rest of them.
“Hey.” Jackson jolted, heart slamming up into his throat when someone appeared to his right. The boy standing next to him was about his height and Jackson remembered him from the group that protested Jaehyo being in the tournament. “You’re Jackson right?”
“Y-yeah.” Jackson tried to smile though his eyes kept being drawn down to a large purple bat tattooed across the boy’s throat. Was he even old enough to have tattoos? “Do...do I know you?”
“Nah. I’m Taeil.” The boy smiled wide, eye scrunching behind big glasses. “Thanks for keeping Hyo safe out there. He told us what you did, and well.” Taeil motioned to the corner of the store where Jaehyo was catching a chocolate cicada to win a prize. “We really appreciate that you didn’t let him get squished or eaten or whatever.”
The words soothed some of the hurt. Even if the rest of Hogwarts hated him, Jackson knew he did the right thing. And if nothing else, Jaehyo’s friends appreciated his aid. That had to count for something.
“So listen.” Taeil moved a little closer, eyes moving back to where Jaehyo held the cicada triumphantly to the cluster of Durmstrang students around him. “We usually wouldn’t give a leg up but,” Taeil’s voice dropped a little more. “We owe you one for keeping Hyo safe. Kyung figures the second task is something to do with that lake next to your school. Not just because of the last tournament, but also the ingredients you had to collect.”
Jackson nodded a little. “Bam said the same thing when he had looked over the list. Something about them as staples in a potion for deep water use.” Taeil smirked, eyes darting back again.
“One more thing.” Taeil pointed to the tallest of the Durmstrang group, chin hooked over Jaehyo’se shoulder. “Jihoon’s dad owns a magazine company back home.” Taeil looked almost apologetic. “We got an owl this morning that the world press, him included, is flooing in through the Three Broomsticks today.”
“Oh joy.” It took everything in him not to hit his head against the glass jars in front of them
“Chin up.” Taeil elbowed him with a grin. “Looks like your boyfriend is coming.” Taeil nodded to the door. “Well, you have like twenty, so the tall baby is coming.”
Jackson couldn’t even defend himself from the comment before Taeil slipped back across the room to his group. In the time they had been talking Jaehyo had caught the cicada twice more to the amazement of the growing crowd. Of all the charmed chocolate animals the cicada was notoriously hard to catch. Some had even dubbed them the snitch of Honeydukes. Noticing his gaze, the group of Durmstrang boys all gave a small nod, a few even smiled before they returned their attention back to one another.
Distraction now gone, Jackson turned to where Yugyeom stood patiently a few steps away. Jackson had to admit that wasn’t fair he had stomped off without a word to any of them. Yugyeom hadn’t pissed him off. Actually, the only person who had was Jaebum.
Who, if Jackson was being honest with himself, had every right to ask the question even if it hurt.
“Hi Gyeomie.” Jackson held out a hand wondering if the maknae would take it. Yugyeom bypassed his hand to brush their faces together. “I’m sorry I left.”
“I’m sorry we doubted you.” The ‘we’ made his heart hurt all over again.
The question begged: Should they trust him? They had barely been dating three months, and most of that was spent gathering other people into their polycule. And even after that, he had hurt them by running whenever things got too hard or he got too scared. The world didn’t exist in a Jackson sized bubble, something that he had to remind himself of frequently.
“Sseunie?” Yugyeom’s voice was soft. “Jb would like to apologize too.”
“Kay.” The small bitter part of him wasn’t sure he wanted to hear it. The other part of him desperately wanted things to go back to how they had been that morning.
Jackson wanted to rewind and go back to waking up in the Hufflepuff dorm wrapped between Jaebum and Yugyeom. To the soft morning kisses he had gotten and how they had all sat at the table laughing during breakfast. Even if they had their doubts, Jackson had been blissfully unaware.
“You should be upset with us.” Yugyeom sighed a little, lips pressing against his temple. Jackson felt too exposed to have this talk in the middle of the busiest store in Hogsmeade but Yugyeom didn’t stop. “We should have trusted you.”
Jackson pressed the heels of his palms into his eyes. He didn’t want to cry. Least of all when the press would be flooing in at any moment. The idea of Jackson Wang Triwizard Champion Crying In Honeydukes as the headline for the next day was enough to kill the tears building up. He could cry later when he casted a silencing charm and ward around his bed in the dorm.
“Bam would like us to meet up at Gladrags.” Yugyeom used his taller frame to shield Jackson from the room around them. “He wants to get everyone robes for the Yule Ball. He’s been thinking of color schemes all day.”
“I have dress robes.” Opening a bag to throw whatever candy was in reach, Jackson tried not to sound like a petulant child. “I think we all do.”
“Giving gifts is Bam’s love language.” Yugyeom added candy into a bag of his own. “He has money, a lot of it. Spending that money on the people he cares about makes him feel good. It’s his way of showing his love.” Yugyeom tilted his head, then continued quietly. “You give acts of service, Jaebum is quality time, Jinyoung is physical touch.” There was a pause. “I’m still learning Mark’s and Youngjae’s. But mine is words of affirmation.”
Jackson had never heard about love languages. It made sense when he thought about his partners. Jinyoung did always seem to be holding someone’s hand. Jaebum’s favorite activity was simply existing in a shared space. Yugyeom and Youngjae loved to be praised and praise others in return. Mark, he suspected, was acts of service too. Both of them liked being able to do things even if it was as simple as opening a door. When he was less upset, Jackson made a mental note to sit down with Yugyeom and learn more.
Finally Jackson spoke, “Let’s get some candy for the others too.” He wasn’t sure he was ready to forgive them, but Jackson didn’t want to have the heart to heart in Hogsmeade. “And then we’ll go meet the others.”
When they left Honeydukes, there was enough sugar between them that they would have Yugyeom crawling the walls in the Hufflepuff dorms all night. Which Jackson will take as his vengeance against Hufflepuff dorm. Jaebum specifically. Holding Yugyeom’s hand and kissing him in the street, Jackson missed the camera flashing.
Jackson hadn’t been in Gladrags since his third year, but the store remained much the same. Bolts of richly colored fabrics lined the walls in every color a wizard could hope for. Reds, blues, purples, even iridescent hides made of fine scales that sat next to multicolored leathers and silks. An old woman sat at the front desk nearly buried in the ruffles of a dress, while her crooked fingers wove lace as masterfully as a spider. An even older man methodically measured a thick brocade on a wooden table, a pair of ancient but sharp scissors floating at his shoulder waiting for command.
“They’re in fitting area three, beyond the curtain dear.” The woman smiled up from her lace work. “Gawain and Morgan are doing measurements. Go on.”
Giving a quick thanks, Jackson and Yugyeom followed the wall to the crooked wooden sign engraved Fitting Area No.3. Behind the thick velvet curtain the room seemed to expand twice as large as the building would allow. Like most stores in Hogsmeade, Gladrags employed charms that stretched the world within it to meet its needs. Jackson would have loved to talk to the owner about the weave of spells and how they layered it to make it safe but his eyes were immediately drawn to where Jaebum stood half naked on a podium.
A few tailors moved around his boyfriend, long measuring tapes floating behind them. Jaebum looked mildly uncomfortable while they measured his inseam. For the third time. Then his shoulders for the fifth, muttering about preciseness. Jackson couldn’t blame them, he had spent a long time ‘measuring’ his boyfriend’s inseam. He was just glad that the latest round of scratches and hickies on, well all of them, had healed up with a contraband healing potion.
Don’t pop a boner babe. Jackson smirked in the mirror as Jaebum blushed a deeper pink.
Much harder when you’re here. Jaebum managed to snipe back, a small unsure smile lifting the corners of his mouth.
“Who is the next victim?” Jackson wiggled to sit his ass between Jinyoung and Mark on the old but well cared for couch.
“You.” Mark kissed his cheek, teeth flashing in a sharp grin. “Don’t give me that look. ‘nyoungie was first, and I just finished.” On the little podium a tailor gave Jaebum a flirtatious smile. “Apparently, the shop has our maknae line’s measurements already on file.”
“Well that’s not fair.” Jackson protested weakly while he watched Jaebum pull on his clothes with clear relief splashed across his features.
“I’m personally looking forward to staring at your ass.” Jinyoung’s eyes were fixed on a shadow moving around under the thick curtain. “Jacks?”
“Hm?”
“Can we all talk when we get back?” Jinyoung squeezed his hand just like he had done on the carriage ride to Hogsmeade. “Just. You don’t have to forgive us. But we’re all sorry and want a chance to apologize. Especially Jb.”
Jackson gnawed on his bottom lip but didn’t answer immediately. The heaviness of anxiety still sat in his chest but he wasn’t angry anymore so he gave a small nod yes. Besides, Jackson knew the longer this dragged out the worse he would feel. He wanted to squeeze out the poison before it had a chance to actually skin in.
“Mister Wang. Are you ready?” Gawain smiled at him.
Being fitted for dress robes wasn’t something new. He had done it a dozen times before, including going with his parents to get fitted for his brother’s wedding the summer before. It was nearly mindless to do. Stand straight, arms out and don’t pop a boner. Especially when some poor fuck was face level with his pelvis. The tailors seemed almost twice as interested in taking his measurements as they were with Jaebum’s. He almost pitied Jinyoung for surely having his ass measured more than was strictly necessary.
The fear of a lifetime filled with mortification kept his body in check, even as his six partners all shamelessly ogled his ass.
*
Avoiding The Three Broomsticks and the circle of reporters that seemed to have cornered Namjoon, Jackson steered their group to the Hog’s Head Inn. After the second wizarding war, the inn had become a sort of historical site. Aberforth still tended the bar, though he now had a few helpers that carried the large trays of food and drink around to the tables. While it wasn’t as immaculately scrubbed as the Broomsticks, the pub had undergone a rebuild after the war so it was no longer as dingy as their reputation had been.
Tucking themselves into a corner, Jackson sat against the wall with Yugyeom pressed against his side. Across from him Bambam tangled their legs under the table, hand holding his over the table. Next to Bambam, was Mark and then Jaebum with their other two partners next to Yugyeom.
“Hogwarts kids huh?” A tall woman stood at the edge of their table. The black and silver hair was tied back in complicated plaits piled atop her head to match her thick black apron. “I’m Marta. What can I get you?”
“Uh.” Mark glanced around. When no one at the table spoke the American shrugged, “A round of butterbeers please?”
Marta gave a nod, brought her wand out and flicked behind the bar to raise six frosted glasses. Jackson waited until the drinks were passed down the table before he felt comfortable enough to tell his partners about his talk with Taeil. Bambam at least seemed pleased that their suspicions had been confirmed by another group. Not that any of them had doubted him, when it came to potions Bambam was the best brewer in his own year and Jackson’s.
Spiral notebooks out, Bambam and Mark murmured amongst themselves what potential potions could be made from the list of ingredients and quantities. It was a short list, most of the potions too complex for someone to brew that wasn’t a potions master. The deep water potion that was the forerunner was monstrous and Jackson hoped that Snape or Slughorn or anyone but him would have to brew it. The ingredients made a dangerous cocktail on their own, but the charm component had to be precisely timed otherwise it would blow up in a cloud of toxic gas.
Surprisingly, Jackson found himself less worried about the potion and more about going into the Black Lake itself. The giant squid (probably) wouldn’t try to eat them. The creature had lived in the lake for years and had a symbiotic relationship with the students of Hogwarts. In general, the only creatures that were ever in danger were the animals from the forest that got too close to the lake when the squid came up to the surface. The merpeople had told the Slytherin students that the giant squid liked to eat acromantulas but Jackson wasn’t sure how much stock he wanted to put into that. Mostly because he didn't want to imagine how the squid ate before he would have to go into its home.
The merfolk wouldn’t kill them. Probably. They were a proud species, but generally ignored people so long as their territory wasn’t attacked. The grindylows would be a problem, twice as much if they had to go through the seaweed forest. Maybe sharks if the rumour about the tunnel to the North Sea was true.
“Jackson.” Yugyeom brushed a thumb over his knuckles to catch his attention. “Your friend is coming.”
Making their way towards the table, Namjoon and his group from Baeubaxtons smiled. The presence of them made the few Hogwarts students scattered in the inn glare. It seemed that No Good Deed would be his motto for his final year in school.
“Hey.” Namjoon smiled around the table, hand clutching Seokjin’s. The five others seemed to notice the glares and moved to form a wall. It wouldn’t surprise Jackson if the rumours about him had also reached the visiting schools students. “Did you talk to Taeil?”
“Yeah.” Since Namjoon had also helped Jaehyo in the woods it wasn’t too much of a stretch that the Durmstrang students also gave him a heads up. “I heard the press is also flooing in today.”
“We’ve been trying to shake them for the better part of an hour.” Namjoon glared at the table in the opposite corner. “It’s actually what I wanted to warn you about. A couple have been shadowing you for a while.”
Rubbing at his temples Jackson resisted the urge to sigh. The press probably had a dozen or so pictures by now, maybe more if the table that Namjoon had glared at was some of them. Jackson wouldn’t have minded if they had asked him for a picture, asked his partners who were likely in them too if it was okay. Briefly he wondered how Harry and the others had put up with the press for all these years without snapping. It was less than a day and Jackson was already considering if the price of paying for damages would be worth blowing up their cameras.
“Just be careful who you talk to.” Namjoon dropped his voice lower. “Rita Skeeter is back working for the Prophet and she’s been trying to corner us all day.”
“This was supposed to be a relaxing day.” Taking a long drink from his butterbeer Jackson laid his head on the table. “Is it too late to be eaten by a giant spider?”
The rest of the trip was uneventful. Jackson staunchly refused to leave the Hog’s Head, unwilling to deal with the press when he was already in a sour mood. On their way out, they stopped inside Honeydukes once more, and the newly bought out Zonko’s. It had taken the Weasley twins a few years longer than they intended to buy the joke shop in Hogsmeade that they had loved, but they had finalized the hand-off over the summer. The redheaded twins had kept the store just as it had always been, even the name as a way to honour the family that had brought so much joy to kids through the years. The only addition was that now the store carried both Weasley Wheezes and Zonko products, much to the Hogwarts staff’s dismay.
Maybe, over the winter break Mark would be able to stay in England with them. Jackson wanted to take him to Diagon Alley, and he had a feeling their American boyfriend would get along with Fred and George like a house on fire.
*
When they returned to Hogwarts, Bambam pulled a few favors allowing them to have the sixth year dorm room to themselves while they hashed things out. The part of Jackson that hated confrontation with people he loved was at war with the part that believed in honest communication. Just because he wanted to run away didn’t mean he would. Running away had gotten him nothing but grief before.
While the others piled onto Bambam’s bed, Jackson stood at the edge. He needed the distance to be able speak his feelings, otherwise he’d let them get buried. If they wanted this to work, Jackson had to get this off his chest or it would end up eating him alive.
“I don’t intend to throw the tournament because of Namjoon.” Jackson stuffed his hands in his pockets. Eyes fixed on the fish swimming past, he took a moment to collect his thoughts again. “I guess I was okay with the rest of the school thinking that. But it hurts that you all did. Especially since I told you all what happened.”
“We’re sorry Jackson.” Mark’s arm reached out a moment and then pulled back, clearly conflicted. All six of his partners sat on the edge of the bed with guilty looks.
You hurt the worst. Jackson admitted to Jaebum quietly through Legilimency. I thought out of everyone you’d at least trust me.
Jackson had wanted to wait to cry. He wanted to storm out in a dramatic exit but the burn in his eyes stopped him. He wasn’t keen on crying in front of them, but he was less keen on the idea of crying in the middle of the hallway.
"I can't wait." Mark pushed himself off the bed. The Ravenclaw didn’t hesitate before pulling Jackson to his chest, one hand buried in his hair. "I'm sorry Sseunie." Jackson sagged in Mark's arms. "We're sorry."
*
For the first time in weeks Jackson slept in his own bed. He had gone back to Gryffindor tower and locked himself in his bed to where even Youngjae couldn’t get in. He spent the night hugging his pillow and working through his emotions. Each of his partners had held him and apologized and no one argued when he left to go to bed.
By the time the sun had come up, Jackson had barely slept. He stumbled through the shower with red puffy eyes and a sluggish brain. By the time Jackson had finally dragged himself down to the great hall to meet his boyfriends for breakfast he was marginally more awake but twice as irritable.
Jackson had thought the press getting a picture of him crying would have been bad. He had been wrong. So, so wrong. In fact, the headline of the papers were arguably worse.
He stared at the front page of the Prophet, eyes blinking a few times in disbelief. Jackson hadn’t even made it to where his partners were sitting before Namjoon had approached him, paper in hand. On the front of the paper, pictures of him and all of his partners at various points of their trip. Including a bad shot of all of them while they had been talking at the Hog’s Head.
Jackson Wang’s Harem. Is he a heart throb or cheater? You decide. - Main article by Rita Skeeter
“I...I don’t..” Jackson read the first couple lines before throwing the paper down on the edge of the Gryffindor table. “What the fuck?”
“Language mister Wang.” At the voice of the headmistress Jackson nearly jumped into the raters of the ceiling. “But I can sympathize.” McGonagall gave a disdainful look to the paper as if it had insulted her too. “I came to assure you that she isn’t allowed within the castle and there are alarms in place if she comes here in her animagus form.”
“Anim-” Jackson dragged his hands down his face. It seemed whoever controlled his life had decided back to back curveballs was entertaining. “My mom called. I have to leave.”
Clearly confused, McGonagall arched an unimpressed eyebrow. “What?” Jackson took a moment to lament that despite the leaps and bounds the wizarding world had taken, memes had not yet been discovered.
“Nevermind. Muggle joke.”
“I see.” Jackson could almost see the fur resettling that would be more befitting the headmistress's second form. “I do have a question for you that might be,” McGonagall paused, face becoming apologetic. “Invasive.”
“Can I drink my tea first?” Jackson motioned to where a cup had apparated in front of him. Already the tea had the telltale smell of his daily potion. “I need to take my medicine.”
Jackson swirled the tea hoping that his anxiety medicine had been added with his daily one. If not, he would have to go to Madam Pomfrey before classes started for the day. It was one thing to be anxious in divination, but another in potions. And then he had quidditch.
And then -
“Mister Wang, you’re shaking.” McGonagall placed a hand on his shoulder. “We can discuss this later on if you need to”
“I’m...I’ll be okay.” Jackson tried to smile but they both knew it was fake. Covering the building tension with a sip of tea he asked, “You had a question?”
“You are dating six boys.” McGonagall looked uncomfortable but it wasn’t a question. “It is none of the school staff, the committee’s or my own business to ask.” Jackson wanted to empathetically agree. It was no one’s business but their own.
“But?”
“Do,” McGonagall paused. Then with a clearly apologetic face asked, “do you have a favorite?”
“A what?” Jackson nearly dropped the half full cup of tea. Then he wanted to throw it. “No, I don’t. What kind of question is that?” Knocking back the cup, he drank the remaining in one go to buy time for his anger to die out.
A favorite? Did he have a favorite? Why was she even asking? A tension headache had begun to build while his brain chased itself in circles.
“I’m sorry to have upset you.” The headmistress tapped the rim of his cup. The tea that refilled in the ceramic smelled of mint and lavender. Anti-anxiety potion. “I would not ask if it wasn’t necessary, and I refused to let the committee ask. Even mister Potter.”
“Is this something to do with the tournament?” McGonagall’s lips thinned into almost an invisible line. “Right. Got it.” Jackson sipped the tea and hoped she would not force him to choose.
The truth was Jackson didn’t have a favorite. He cared about his partners in different but equal ways. Trying to pick one would be like trying to figure out which vital organ he liked more. Sure he liked the heart for keeping him going, but he also liked his lungs because he liked to breathe. And his stomach to process food. He wouldn’t choose.
“I have to answer this don’t I? In some way?” McGonagall gave her usual curt nod. “I won't choose because I can’t.” Jackson took another sip of tea. “But, if you need an answer I guess we could do it with a random selection?”
“What do you have in mind mister Wang?”
“I have six partners.” Setting down the cup, Jackson pulled out his wand. Tossing up a spoon, Jackson willed it form a six sided dice. “Alea iacta est.”
“Very practical, five points to Gryffindor.” McGonagall nearly smiled as the die rolled on the table. The silver die tumbled on its sides a few times, teetered a moment then came to rest. “The number Three. Would you like to choose who is assigned that number or myself, mister Wang?”
“You choose. But don't use the word favorite.” Jackson reversed the transfiguration spell.
“Of course not.” Jackson finished his tea, eyes trailing to the Hufflepuff table where his partners sat staring at the paper. “The choice was made at random by an unbiased selection method.”
McGonagall bid him a good day and then took her leave to where the committee for the tournament stood waiting at the head table. Nearly melting in relief, Jackson finished the tea and made his way over to where his partners sat waiting.
Everything okay? Jaebum's presence loosened some of the pain building at the base of his skull.
Honestly? No idea.
Curling into Jaebum’s side, Jackson picked at his plate of food. Who would be number three? Why did they need someone?
“So a harem huh?” Jinyoung held the paper up with a smirk. “Does that mean you have a favorite consort?”
“Why does everyone assume there has to be a favorite?” Jackson hated the question but at least Jinyoung would have the right to ask. “I don’t have a favorite.”
“Wrong answer.” Bambam smirked. Under the table Bambam hooked an ankle around his, clearly understanding Jackson was ruffled. “We’re all your favorite.”
“Like usual.” Jackson reached across the table to hold his hand. “You’re right.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jackson tried valiantly not to think of the impending second task that was quickly approaching. He still had not been given any hint or clues from the committee on what fresh hell he was going to be thrusted into. The consensus within not only his group, but Jaehyo and Namjoon’s circles was that it was something aquatic. It wasn’t as surprising as the committee likely thought, considering that the last Triwizard Tournament had sent the four champions into the Black Lake.“Babe?” Jackson glanced up from where he had been staring a hole into his paper. On the side a fat blob of ink pooled where his quill had hovered for at least a minute. “You okay?”Jaebum had stuck close to him since the disaster at Hogsmeade. All six of his partners were walking on eggshells feeling guilty. Jackson wasn’t sure what he was more annoyed with, the kid gloves or the fact the rest of the school seemed to catch on there was trouble in paradise. The word whore had been hurled at him more and more until Jaebum and Bambam had earned a months worth of detentions for throwing hands on his behalf. There had always been a loud group who felt the need to comment about his personal life but now, anyone who hadn’t been talking shit before was suddenly an expert on the inner workings of his life.Then there was the fact that no one had figured out who jinxed the bludger that nearly took out his shoulder. It seemed like a whole lifetime ago right up until McGonagall announced during breakfast that the next Quidditch game would go as planned. In two days he would be kicking off to play against Slytherin and two days after that he would be doing the second task. Time had been moving too fast and too slow.“I’m f-” The lie caught on his tongue before it can tumble out. He wasn’t fine.It had been days since they had a conversation that didn’t feel tense. Days longer since Jaebum had felt comfortable enough to use Legilimency to talk. Jackson shared a dorm with Youngjae but they hadn’t really talked.“I miss you.” Jackson mumbled miserably. “I miss the others.” Tears pushed at his eyes and Jackson threw down his quill to scrub at them. “And I’m pissed off that some stupid rumor was enough to ruin everything.”Jackson found himself wrapped up in robes that smelled like coffee and cat fur. Jackson wanted to bristle but instead he melted. It wasn’t the stilted hold that had been their new normal. It was encompassing and warm and what he desperately needed.“I’m sorry baby.” Jaebum kissed the top of his head. “We’re trying.”“I know.” Jackson knew they were. All seven of them were trying to regain their footing with one another.“What can I do?” Jackson tried to ignore the stares of everyone around them. In his mind Jackson regulated their stares to the ones he felt during a Quidditch match. Unimportant. “What do you need from me?”“Just be here.” Pressing a kiss to Jaebum’s cheek, Jackson felt just a little lighter. Don’t leave me.Never. Jaebum held him tighter, emotion flowing between them. I’ll always have your back.“As touching as this is,” Jackson nearly leaped out of his seat at Professor Snape’s voice. “Perhaps your attention would be better focused on your work.”“Sorry professor.” Jackson remained close enough to Jaebum that their thighs were touching. “It won’t happen again.”“I should hope not.” Snape placed a thin book on his desk without looking down. “Fifteen points from both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff.”Jackson bit his tongue nearly as hard as Jaebum was holding his hand. Jackson couldn’t really be upset, they had been making a scene in the study hall. Still, Jackson hated that he had lost his house points. On the back of the wall, the hour glasses showed that Hufflepuff was currently in the lead despite Jaebum getting into fights. Slytherin and Ravenclaw were tied for second leaving Gryffindor at the bottom. “What’s that?” Jaebum nodded to the small book that Snape had placed on their desk.“Dunno.” Opening the cover Jackson’s eyes went wide as saucers before slamming it shut and stuffing it into his bag.The first page had only a handful of words written in precise handwriting:
Practical Exercises for Advanced Legilimency & Occlumency. <
Compiled and Annotated by Severus Snape.Everything in Jackson itched to dive directly into the book. He had gone through the entire first book the Snape had given him, twice. There were still sections of the book Jackson had been chewing over trying to understand.For as much as he wanted to go in full throttle, Jackson knew he had to wait. If he got caught with this by another teacher, or worse a student, he could be in trouble. The art wasn’t particularly dark, but there were a lot of misconceptions that Jackson didn’t want to have to deal with. Especially now since half the school was putting him on a pedestal while the others actively tried to tear him down. **
FWEEEEEEEEEET!
Jackson kicked off the pitch, eyes scanning for the bludgers while keeping an eye on the rest of the team. Hovering high in the air Jackson could see the flash of the reporters cameras going off, the strobe effect more annoying than distracting. Mixed in with the Hogwarts students were the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students. Dots of soft blues and deep reds nearly blended seamlessly within with the sea of Gryffindors and Ravenclaws.Even with the additions, it felt like it would be a normal game.At least until there was a scream.Below him, Amber had begun to spin out as she plummeted towards the pitch. The back end of her broom was missing and the Slytherin seeker had abandoned chasing the snitch to help Amber. As the two lowered toward the pitch Madam Hooch was running to the center of the field, wand in hand as she flung a stopping jinx at the bludger.“JACKSON!” His name boomed over the speaker where the commentator yelled into the microphone.Jackson didn’t move in enough time, he had been too busy watching Amber to realize the danger. The force of the bludger slamming into his chest was enough that it not only knocked the air from his lungs, but it also forced him to fall backward off his broom. Under the rush of blood in his ears, Jackson heard a crunch. Ribs, if he was lucky, his sternum if he wasn’t. As he fell through the air, the shock from the pain kept him from really processing what was around him. Even with him off his broom the bludger should have been trying to hit him again. A resounding thunk from a beater’s club was likely who he had to thank for saving him from a second hit.“Hang on Jackson.” One of the Slytherin players maneuvered her broom to catch him. When she arranged Jackson was on the broom with her, the change in weight made them wobble a little bit until she reoriented them. “Andrew is gonna guard us so we can get you down.”Jackson nodded, in too much pain to speak. The game had gone less than fifteen minutes before it had gone to shit. This time there was not one, but two jinxed bludgers, both with different targets. It didn’t surprise Jackson that Amber was the one to be singled out, she was the seeker after all. Technically she was the most important player since they needed the snitch to win, points be damned. Jackson wasn’t surprised that she managed to avoid getting hit, she was used to maneuvering in hairpin turns.“I think Amber was a distraction.” Holly spoke - Jackson belatedly remembered that was her name. “We were all too busy watching her to check on you.” Jackson tried to suppress a cough but when it bubbled up he covered his mouth. Pulling it back, his hand back was sprayed with blood. “Ow.” Jackson had tried to make it sound light but it came out as a pained whine.“We’re almost to the pit-brace yourself.” Holly tightened the arm around his stomach a moment before the bludger came rocketing at them.This time when the bludger hit, Jackson screamed. Before he passed out, Jackson heard the bone in his thigh snap and Holly shriek as they both fell.**Yugyeom watched in terror as the match unfolded. Not waiting for anyone, Yugyeom pushed and shoved his way through the crowd. Jaebum and Bambam were both serving detentions with Professor Snape. Youngjae was in detention with Professor Sprout in the green houses - a punishment that had been earned that morning for shoving a seventh year in the Gryffindor common room for talking shit about Jackson. That left him, Mark and Jinyoung in the crowd. If the commotion from the Ravenclaw section was anything to go by the two were likely shoving their way through as well.Sprinting under the bleachers, Yugyeom wove between people. Part of him wished he could simply transform into his animagus form but that would draw too much attention. Aside from the fact that no one needed to know about Dalkyum any more than they needed to know about Bambam’s animagus form, King. Not even their partners knew that the two of them were undocumented animagi. Jackson and Jaebum could find out if they wanted with their Legilimency but Yugyeom knew the two wouldn’t invade their privacy like that. Yugyeom suspected that Professor Lupin knew their secret. The werewolf could probably smell it on them even if he never said anything.By the time Yugyeom made it to the pitch Mark and Jinyoung were hovering close around a circle of people. Lupin and McGonagall had the front of Jackson’s Quidditch uniform open as they assessed the blackening bruise. In the center of his boyfriend’s chest was a rapidly growing contusion. Had the bludger been going any faster or Jackson not wearing the protective chest guard that all the beaters wore, the damage would have been worse. As it stood, it was a miracle that his sternum hadn’t simply caved in and crushed his heart.“Yugyeom.” Jinyoung drew him over to where Mark stood furiously wiping away tears. “They’re getting ready to take him up to the hospital wing.”Around them the two teams stood, all of them furious. Amber looked shook up but otherwise fine. Holly was cradling her arm, no doubt dislocated from where she had fallen the seven or so feet when the bludger had crashed into them. The final hit had not only broken Jackson’s femur but the broom with the force it had impacted. Despite the chaos the rest of the teams were unharmed. It had been a joint effort by the Slytherin and Gryffindor teams that saved Amber and Jackson from what could have been lethal falls.“Mister Park, Mister Tuan. I need your help.” McGonagall pulled out a piece of parchment and wrote a quick note before tapping it with her wand, “Gemino.” Holding out the two pieces to Mark and Jinyoung she continued, “Take these to Professor Snape and Professor Sprout. Have them and your partners meet us in the hospital wing.”Yugyeom gave her credit. The headmistress hadn’t even blinked when she said ‘partners’. It was likely the woman had resigned herself to the reality of it when Jackson had been named champion.“Mister Kim.” McGonagall waited until Mark and Jinyoung took off running. “You will remain with us. Mister Wang will likely be belligerent about staying in bed when he wakes up.” Yugyeom nearly laughed. Belligerent was, frankly, a polite term. Jackson would be unlivable. It was one thing for someone to hurt him, but whoever jinxed the bludger had now hurt two others. One of them being Amber who he had been friends with since first year. Slytherin house would also be bypassing the teachers now that a fair match had been tampered with and one of their own had been hurt. The Slytherin’s had been upset on Bambam’s behalf, even for the few that were friends with Jackson, but now it was deeply personal.“I want you to stay close to him, make sure he stays in bed.” McGonagall’s voice was concise but her eyes were dark with anger. “Madam Hooch and I will be along once we examine the bludgers.”“Yes ma’am.” Yugyeom looked down where Jackson laid too still for his comfort.“I suspect he’ll be upset.” Madam Hooch looked heartbroken herself. They had all hoped that the first jinxed bludger was a one time thing. The teachers had promised that they made it safe - or as safe as a Quidditch match could be. And yet, Jackson lay on the ground with his bruised chest barely moving with each shallow breath. “I believe we should cancel the Quidditch cup. We cancelled it for the last tournament and that was before Mister Potter and Mister Diggory had been selected.”“Do you think this was done to give one of the other schools a leg up?” Holly asked, shifting her arm uncomfortably. “Jackson has the second task coming up in two days right? He’ll be barely healed.”“Doubtful.” Yugyeom was surprised at how quiet his voice was when he wanted to scream. “The last game he had played he was clipped in the shoulder. That was weeks before we even knew about the tournament.” Carefully Professor Lupin casted wingardium leviosa to move Jackson without agitating his wounds further. “This is targeted at Jackson.”“What about Amber?” Holly nodded to where the Gryffindor seeker glared into the stands.“She was a distraction.” Yugyeom replayed the events in his head for the millionth time. “That bludger was moving slower and was aiming for her broom. I think it was being directed instead of a full jinx.” It was odd to think of someone as being lucky in terms of a jinxed bludger.“Why is Jackson being targeted?” Holly asked as they began to follow the teachers.“I don’t know.”Predictably, the moment Jackson woke up he was ready to fight god and everyone. Even with Holly and Amber in the hospital wing assuring him they were okay it took every bit of the maknae’s power to keep his ass in the bed. Jaebum hovered close, pressing kisses when the teachers had their backs turned and holding his hand until they were all finally forced out.The diagnosis was better than they could have hoped. While it still wasn’t good, it was better than what Yugyeom had dared to let himself hope. Broken femur, cracked sternum and a few displaced ribs. Between Snape, Madam Pomfrey and aided by a lot of pain numbing potions, Jackson’s body had been set to rights. He would need to drink Skele-Gro for another day and whatever violent orange potion Madam Pomfrey had made for a week while getting daily check ups.Yugyeom waited until everyone, including Jaebum was asleep before he slipped out of the Hufflepuff dorm. In his animagus form no one would question why a dog was out and about in the castle. Plenty of pets roamed around at night while their owners slept and not even the ghosts batted an eye at him.“You’re a new one.” Yugyeom’s heart slammed into his chest. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you milling about at night.” On a bench sat Sirius Black with Latte and Pudding on his lap. Yugyeom, providing he didn’t get expelled, would have to tell Bambam that his cats had made a friend.“You should be sleeping.” In the doorway next to Sirius was professor Lupin, yellow eyes glowing in the moonlight. “But I suspect you’re worried about Jackson.” Yugyeom wondered if he bolted, would he be in more or less trouble.“If you hurry, you can sneak in before Poppy locks the doors.” Sirius grinned, eyes dropping down to Pudding kneading his shoulder. “I am an animagus too. Though my dog form isn’t as small or fluffy as yours.” Sirius looked up with a wink and even Lupin smiled. “Secret for a secret.”“Go on. I’m sure Jackson could use the distraction.” Lupin’s eyes softened to a warm amber. “The healing process has been a rough one for him.”With their permission, essentially, Yugyeom took off down the halls. Just as Sirius had said, Yugyeom was able to slip into the room through the crack in the door. Having black fur made it easy for him to dodge the medi-witches' attention. Not that Madam Pomfrey had any spare attention. Jackson, to no surprise, was still insistent he was fine and didn’t need to be in the medical ward. It took two threats of petrification and another hazard green potion for Jackson to settle down. When Madam Pomfrey finally left, Yugyeom snuck out from under the bed he had been hiding. With a running start, Yugyeom jumped up onto the bed causing Jackson to jump.“Well hello there.” Jackson’s speech was a little slurred around the edges from the potions. “Aren’t you the cutest puppy to ever exist.”Yugyeom carefully climbed up the side of the bed to rub their faces together. He couldn’t do much for Jackson physically, even if he was better at potions than he ever put effort into. What he could do was make sure that Jackson couldn’t get caught up in his head.“You’re so soft.” Jackson’s fingers scritched behind his ears. “I hope your family isn’t missing you too much.” Yugyeom brushed their faces together again. “C’mere.” Jackson wiggled until he was comfortable and Yugyeom could curl up by his face. “Let’s get some sleep.” Two days later Jackson was released from the hospital wing with - mostly - healed bones. He would be tender and need to stretch, especially his leg, to keep from the muscles from seizing . Yugyeom had spent both nights with Jackson in his Dalkyum form much to the amusement of Lupin and Sirius. When they were leaving the hospital wing, the six of them not quite convinced Jackson should be competing that morning, they were stopped by Professor McGonagall.“Mister Kim, will you please come with me.” Yugyeom felt his heart drop to his toes. “The rest of you may continue to the dormitories. Mister Wang, Professor Lupin will be by shortly to take you to the other champions.”**Jackson ached. His chest was still one giant bruise, nevermind that his insides felt like unset jello. Madam Pomfrey had promised that it would pass as the muscle and organs healed from their bruising. The dull throb in his leg where the bone was healed but a massive bruise covered his thigh was more tolerable than the feeling of his guts randomly twitching. The Gryffindor common room was empty, the entire school gathering in groups to wait where the second task would be taking place in a few short hours. That gave him ample time and privacy to kiss and cuddle his partners.Except of course, Yugyeom.Their maknae had gone with the headmistress and did not seem like he would be making it back before Jackson would be taken. Jackson couldn’t help the dread that was building in his heart the longer Yugyeom was gone.“Hey.” Mark pressed a kiss to his lips. “Whatever you’re worried about, stop it.” Mark kissed him again until Jackson melted. “It’s going to be okay.”“But Yugyeom.” Jackson looked back to the closed door.“He’ll be fine.” Bambam’s smile wasn’t nearly as convincing as the second maknae thought it was. “Besides, he’s spent the last two nights cuddled up with you. It’s our turn.”Jackson blinked in sheer confusion.“You're not the only one with a secret talent.” Bambam blinked, eyes going to a deep blue with slitted pupils. When Bambam blinked again his eyes had returned to normal. “But for now, Mark is right. You need to be focusing on the task, not Yugyeom.”Jackson barely got his brains together enough to register that not one but two of his partners were animagi before Lupin was poking his head through the portrait hole.Jackson didn’t think he would ever feel ready. Not that it mattered, the tournament was going on with or without his permission. Still, he worried about his missing maknae and the rammifications of if they found out Yugyeom was an unregistered animagi. The thoughts consumed him the entire walk thorugh the castle.Jackson stood with Namjoon and Jaehyo eyeing the murky green potion labeled Fish-man Potion. 1oz = 1 hour. The liquid inside looked like distilled swamp water mixed with blended moss. If professor Snape were to be believed it was an advanced aquatic potion that had been created in collaboration with a contingent of merfolk in the Black Lake. It would allow them to breathe underwater for an hour - give or take a few minutes depending on how their bodies metastasized the potion.“What are we looking for?” Namjoon asked, swishing the potion back and forth. The Baexbaton’s student looked thoroughly grossed out at the sight of it.“Here.” McGonagall slid the three wooden boxes to them.Jackson opened his box slowly. After a second encounter with a jinxed bludger he wasn’t about to assume anything was safe. Inside the chest was a rolled note like last the first task, a shiny silver knife laying in the bottom.
“Down, down, down below.
Seek us where only there is a soft glow.
An hour you have to find your treasure,
Lest the Lake take hold and it’s gone forever.”
Jackson stumbled back to sit on a chair. If he focused very, very hard he could keep himself from hyperventilating. Lake, treasure Yugyeom being taken by McGonagall.
Who is your favorite? Number three.
“It would seem Mister Wang has already figured it out.” Harry patted his arm sympathetically.They took the baby. They took his maknae and Jackson would never forgive himself for it. Jackson didn’t think the merpeople would hurt any of them. The centaurs of the Forbidden Forest didn’t like humans, but the merpeople were ambivalent, providing students didn’t do anything stupid like try to mess with the like. McGonagall and Lupin had spent the years after the war building a relationship with the merpeople. When Dumbledore died, the relations strained some but the Slytherin students who spoke with the merpeople everyday had kept it from falling to complete disrepair. Besides, children were rare for merpeople. They would sooner cut off their tails than hurt a child - unless the child was causing harm.Jackson hated it, but if they were to take one of his partners it was better for one of the maknaes. Both Bambam and Yugyeom were known to the merpeople, Yugyeom learning sign language when he started going to the Slytherin dorm. Jackson knew a bit, most of his signing was still clumsy and often the merperson he was speaking to laughed but would take time to show him the proper form.The next problem was that his thigh was still bruised. Even simple things like walking and sitting down hurt. Now he was expected to swim around half hobbled?“Jaehyo.” Viktor passed a back piece of material to his fellow champion. “The committee has agreed, due to your knee and how it affected you in the Forbidden Forest, we have allowed for a knee brace.”A bubble of shame swelled up in Jackson’s throat while Jaehyo slipped the black knee brace over his leg. If they had waited a week, it was likely that Jackson would have been fully healed, but Jaehyo had a permanent injury. The Durmstrang student was always partially hobbled, even if the older could keep up with him and Namjoon for most of it. The pain in his thigh and chest seemed inconsequential now.“All right. Please change into your uniforms and meet us outside when you're ready.” McGonagall left the room, the board following behind her.Gingerly, Jackson began to change his clothes. Stretching his arms too far up aggravated the bruise on his chest, and moving his leg too much pissed off his thigh. Even if it was only an hour, it was going to be one of the longest in his life.“Someone was really trying to hurt you.” Namjoon nodded to his thigh. “Quidditch always this vicious?“Not the first time I’ve been hit.” Jackson tapped the scars on his ribs, then his shoulder where the bludger had hit earlier in the year. “Sucks but it's not too bad.”“I know you like to downplay when you get hurt.” Namjoon glared heavily. "The average speed of the rogue bludger is approximately sixty miles per hour, Jackson.” Namjoon pointed to his chest. “You took the full brunt of it since he didn’t see it coming and couldn’t dodge.” Jackson bit the inside of his cheek, he didn’t like to think about how someone in the school hated him enough to want him dead. “The enchanted chest plate that you were wearing is the only reason it didn’t go through you.”“Madam Pomfrey had said the same thing in much more medical terms.” Jackson slid the silver knife into the holster provided. “Youngjae said that the second bludger was being controlled. The spell had overridden the existing charm on it.”“It was.” Jaehyo adjusted the knee brace. “I saw someone casting a spell in the stands by us. They must have thought that we wouldn’t care because we are from a different school.” Jackson’s neck cracked with how fast his head whipped over to look at Jaehyo. “My boyfriend, well one of them, has become pretty good friends with your boyfriend Jinyoung.”“Jihoon right?” Jaehyo nooded, lips split into a pleased smile.“Yeah. Anyway, Jihoon and Minhyuk told Jinyoung about it the day after the accident.” Jaehyo stretched up, a few bones cracking. “Let them worry about that. Is there really a giant squid in the lake?”Jackson wouldn’t be able to not worry about that. His partners were out for blood over this, especially the maknaes. Jackson had never seen Jaebum and Youngjae have the urge to be violent, but both were ready to throw hands.“Y-yeah.” Jackson did a double check to make sure everything was secured. “He’s mostly harmless.” Namjoon shot him a blank look. “To be honest, i’m more worried about the grindylows.” The little sea creatures lived in the seaweed forest and were incredibly aggressive. “There…” Jackson bit his lip. The rumour about the tunnel would likely be unknown to the two giving Jackson the home court advantage. Still, he couldn’t. Not when the note clearly hinted it was more real than rumour. “There is a rumor about a tunnel that goes from the black lake to the ocean.”Namjoon and Jaehyo exchanged baffled looks.“No one has ever seen it and the merpeople don’t talk about it.” Jackson shrugged. He still had a slight advantage, he could use sign language with the merpeople. “Anyway. Just be careful okay? There might be sharks or other predators swimming around.”“And Taeil said this place would be boring.” Jaehyo looked so excited that Jackson wondered if the boy had heard a completely different conversation. “You think I could find some shark teeth?”**Jaebum was unnerved as the three schools were shuffled through a long tunnel and down a flight of stairs that seemed to go on for ages. The students that were claustrophobic had been warned that this may be uncomfortable and if needed, they could leave and wait for the task to be over above ground.Normally, he would be one of those. Cramped places made his skin crawl and his chest hurt. As they entered a long hallway lit by only the teacher’s Lumos spells he couldn’t help but feel faint. Youngjae held his hand tighter on one side and Mark held the other. Behind them, Jinyoung and Bambam stayed close whispering how proud they wereWhen they all finally stopped moving headmistress McGonagall spoke. “Attention.” The murmuring died down. “We are here to observe only. There is to be no magic use or attempts to interfere with the tournament.” Jaebum’s stomach was already sinking to his knees. “Revelio.”The walls and ceiling faded away until they could see they were in a glass tunnel in the middle of the black lake. If Jaebum hadn’t been sitting he might have fainted. Around them, there were gaps and a few others who were just as freaked out by realizing that a few inches of glass now held them suspended in the water. Thankfully, the teachers had decided to keep the floor solid, or at least not take the charm off and Jaebum was grateful. Had they not, he wasn’t sure he could stay.“You okay JB?” Mark pressed close, their noses touching as the American coaxed him to breathe correctly. “Do you need to leave?”“No. I’m.” Jaebum swallowed heavily. “I need to be here.” Mark arched an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed but didn’t push. “I...it’s fine.”“I’ll knock you out if needed.” Mark snuck a quick kiss. “If you need to leave let me know. We’ll go together okay?” Jaebum nodded. It wasn’t a question really, Mark would drag him out if he got overwhelmed.Braving a few looks at the glass Jaebum tried to tell himself that it was no different than being in the Slytherin common room. The blue-green of the water was the same, as well as the shoals of fish weaving around. The sunlight bounced off the scales of the fish, their colors shimmering dully. Off in the distance, the giant squid floated languidly amongst the rocky pillars.“Well that’s not ideal.” Mark’s voice cracked a little. Along the side of the wall a basking shark swam, mouth opened wide. “I think I liked it better not knowing there were sharks here.”“Try not to worry too much.” Jaebum’s already frayed nerves couldn’t handle the shock of Sirius Black appearing out of nowhere. “The merpeople and selkie clan have agreed to keep the sharks at bay. The best they can anyway.” Jaebum didn’t have the ability to speak to tell him that he wasn’t helping. “Trust in Jackson. He’ll be okay.”“You giving this pep talk to all the groups?” Bambam’s eyes were fixed on the circle of red and blue students tied with the other champions.“I came to check on you. Your friend looks a little, green around the gills.” Sirius’ eyes tracked several manta rays as they glided past.“Are you serious?” Bambam huffed a moment before groaning.“Why yes I am.” Sirius barked out a laugh.“They’re in the water.” Jaebum’s heart slammed up into his throat. Mark pointed to where three figures swam, clearly lost. “It’s going to be okay. He’s going to be okay.” Mark clutched Jaebum’s hand. “They’re going to be okay.”“Where is Yugyeom? He should be here.” Jaebum dreaded asking the question he already knew the answer to. There were two members missing from the other two groups. Jaehyo’s maknae who had become friends with Jinyoung in the last two weeks. Namjoon’s maknae was missing as well. Two of his partners were in shark and god knew what else infested waters and he couldn’t do anything. It made him feel powerless and angry. It had been hard enough to watch Jackson run into the Forbidden Forest but at least Jackson had signed up to throw himself into the fire. Their maknae had been dragged into this because of a dice roll. It should have been him stuck in the water, it-“Don’t get too in your head Mister Im.” Sirius’ face was somber. “These challenges are dangerous, but we’ve made sure that no one will be mortally injured.” Really, it was more than any of them could ask. When the Tournament had been created there were no such measures taken and people died every time it was played. “Have faith in your partner. I’m sure he’s already figured out your, what did you call him? Maknae?” Jaebum nodded. “I would bet my family’s gold that he knows your maknae is the treasure taken.”**Jackson floated within a few feet of Namjoon and Jaehyo. Around them the shoals of fish moved in shimmery walls like ribbons caught in the wind. Where there was fish, there were bigger fish. A few swordfish circled a shoal of mackerel biding their time to strike. Jackson didn’t want to be anywhere near when they decided to strike. He had already been bludgeoned, he didn’t want to be run through.What surprised Jackson the most was the glass tunnel packed with -probably- students. The long tube was surrounded by some of the most powerful spellwork Jackson had seen. Protection spells layered on one another like paper mache, then surrounded in pressure reliever charms. Inside the chamber, Jackson assumed there were more charms wove to convert the CO2 back into oxygen. Or maybe, there were spells that pulled oxygen from the water and pushed the CO2 out to be cycled through.Jackson had gotten lost in his head when a stinging jinx hit him. The little burst of pain in his arm drew his attention back to Namjoon and Jaehyo. The two pointed down to where a soft glow was coming up from the seaweed forest.
“Seek us where only there is a soft glow.”
It seemed to fit the note. But Jackson didn’t like the idea of going into the seaweed forest. The grindylows hunted in packs and Jackson didn’t want to end up disqualified or torn to pieces by the little bastards.Look. Jaehyo finger signed before pointing to the glowing spot in the seaweed. Moving.Jackson watched as the glow moved steady away from them toward the other end of the lake. It wasn’t quite a sign but it was all they had. If it bothered his fellow champions that they were being given directions when they were barely into the first twenty minutes neither of them showed it.Jackson took the time swimming as an opportunity to see the lake like most never could. While it was mostly rocky and dotted with slick moss, there was beautiful architecture that had been created by the merfolk. Tall pillars etched with complicated designs and what Jackson assumed was their language. A few places had archways that were likely used to herd larger prey into so they could trap it and kill it.As they passed the middle of the lake Jackson’s thigh began to cramp. While it was tempting to stop and take a rest, Jackson was afraid of being separated from the two. If something charged them, the three had agreed to hold a united front like they had done in the first task. Falling behind would mean that he would lose the safety net and make him easy pickings for anything swimming about. Not that it helped.Jackson hadn’t noticed the change in the water around him, but in his defense neither did Jaehyo or Namjoon. One moment they were swimming in open water and the next they were being engulfed. Their attention had been so focused on the light guiding them that they had missed the soft glowing cloud that had drifted up. Jackson hissed in pain at a sudden sting to his leg, then another to his hands.Jellyfish. The lake had fucking jellyfish.What was worse was the pale blue eyes that peered up at him though the cloud of gelatinous bodies and stinging tentacles. The face was illuminated by a soft glow of light that floated a few inches away from their face.Hello little human. Jackson was grateful for being underwater considering the very terrified shriek that punched itself from his throat. Of the things he was ready for, a merperson that resembled an angler fish speaking through Legilimency was none of them.Where is Yugyeom? Jackson took a small bit of pride that the merperson paused. The merperson circled him a few times. Their black body was more eel like than the colony of merfolk that Jackson had become used to seeing in the black lake. The parts of their body not covered in ink black scales was a deep red-brown. What really got Jackson though, was the needle like teeth that glittered in the light. Jackson was trying to keep still despite being stung by the jellyfish boxing him in but every part of his brain was shrieking for him to get away.
You should be more worried about yourself.
From out of the cloud of jellyfish a tentacle shot up, wrapped around his leg and pulled. Jackson screamed as he was dragged down, leaving only a bubble trail in his wake. The tentacle dragging him down was thicker than his leg. It wasn’t the giant squid like a small part of his brain had hoped. The thing dragging him down was somehow bigger and the beak that was open waiting for him whited out every part of Jackson’s mind. Shock overwhelmed him so much that any counter curse or spell simply wouldn’t come to his mind. On top of that, the muscles in the tentacle crushed down on his already injured leg distracting what precious few brain cells were still desperately trying to work. Just as Jackson had resigned himself to forfeit or worse, death, a red blast went flying past him. The giant octopus writhed and a set of arms dragged him back up. The tentacle around his leg still hadn’t loosened but Jaehyo was next to him casting hex after hex while Namjoon tried to pry him away. Jaehyo continued the barrage until finally the tentacle slithered off leaving Jackson’s leg covered in purple suctioned bruises.You have good friends, human. The angler fish merperson swum around them. The mouthful of sharp teeth flashed behind a too wide grin. Follow me.Jackson figured that the thought must have been projected to Jaehyo and Namjoon too since the two looked shaken. Jackson had become so used to another person in his head that he had forgotten that it could be jarring to suddenly not be alone in your thoughts. Jackson hoped that the excuse of still being in shock would be enough for them to buy why he wasn’t surprised by the use of Legilimency. The merperson led them farther and farther away from where they had jumped off the dock at the school. Past where the glass tube of staff and students were packed in watching them. Jackson could feel eyes on them as they kept swimming. The grindylows lazily followed them just below the tops of the dense seaweed along with more sets of milky blue eyes flashing in the darkness. The denizens of the lake that he was used to seeing floated off to the sides, long spears at the ready for reasons Jackson was too afraid to ask.
We’re here.
Jackson’s heart dropped out of his body and directly into the center of the Earth.The three floated at the opening of a massive underwater tunnel wide enough to fit a steam ship through that Jackson would bet his life on leading to the ocean. His hunch about the Lake not being as isolated as it seemed had turned out to be correct and Jackson hated that he had been right. Around the edges of the rock soft moss swayed back and forth in the current but if anything grew inside the tunnel it could not be seen. Aside from a few inches in the mouth of the cave, there was only darkness.
JACKSON HELP ME
The shrill scream in his head made him go cold. It sounded like Yugyeom and again Jackson hated that their maknae had been dragged into this. Somewhere in the cave was his boyfriend being guarded by who knew what and the very real threat that if he fucked up, Yugyeom would be lost forever. With how tense Namjoon and Jaehyo were, Jackson could only assume they had heard the voices of someone they cared about calling out for help.Ever brazen, Jaehyo shot forward first only to pull up short and rolling to the side as a large shark came barreling out of the darkness. A few moments later a second shark came through, the force of its tail moving in the water pushing Jackson. The lake up until this point hadn’t been the test, not even the jellyfish or the octopus. This was the true task.Did he care about his treasure - about Yugyeom - to face whatever dwelled in the darkness of the cave. Jackson launched the ball of light into the cave with a wordless Lumos. The light from the spell only made it a few feet into the cave before something deeper in the cave casted a counter and the light was snuffed out. They would have to brave the darkness of the cave blind. Jackson didn’t wait to see if the two were with him before cautiously swimming forward. He would get Yugyeom back even if he had to fight the giant octopus with nothing but the small silver knife and his bare hands.In the darkness, Jackson attempted to draw as little attention to himself as possible. As his eyes slowly began to adjust to the black of the tunnel around him, he began to make out shapes. Small clusters of fish hovering above the cave floor watching them seconds from fleeing. Other, larger bodies, moved in the periphery that Jackson had no wish to get better acquainted with. Especially not with their rows and rows of dully glowing teeth.
Jackson, please. I’m scared.
The sound of his maknae’s voice shaking in fear made him equally enraged and helpless. Jackson hoped that Yugyeom was unconscious or under some kind of stasis spell and not awake in the darkness. Yugyeom hated being alone, never mind being alone in the dark with no way to reach out to someone for comfort. Bambam had told them the reason Yugyeom spent nearly every night up until this year in the Slytherin dorm was because Yugyeom couldn’t sleep alone. It made the fact that Yugyeom had spent most of his first two years falling asleep in class make more sense.Sseunie, they’re going to hurt me. Jackson nearly ran head first into a outcropping of rock in distraction.Gently, Jackson touched the mind of what he thought was Yugyeom in an attempt to soothe him. What Jackson touched was not human.The onslaught of images threatened to drive him mad. Images of hunting large sharks, bloody water, humans drowning in terror. The half remembered taste of flesh and whale blubber.
Silly boy.
Jackson tried to throw up mental shields but whatever was drawing him in was older and stronger. In his mind he saw the creature feasting on fish and people and felt it’s glee in doing so. It was the fate of Yugyeom if he couldn’t get to his maknae before this thing did or time ran out.A blue light caught his attention as a patronus in the form of a large koi fish went rushing ahead of them. Jackson assumed it was Jaehyo’s since he couldn’t think of why Namjoon would have a koi fish as a patronus. Especially after a few moments when a small mink patronus started to circle them.Pulling his wand, Jackson casted his own. It was fifty-fifty if it would take a shape or stay as a glowing thread. Jaebum had been teaching him how to cast it and only one had it come out as anything but a few sad whisps. Just like before, a few strands of blue floated out and dissipated.
Pitiful
Jackson pulled deeper for a memory that would give enough power to make a corporeal patronus. First kiss. Date with Jaebum. First time he had won a Quidditch game.Nothing.
JACKSON
Jackson ignored the fake scream. Instead, he rummaged until he found a memory that he would count as his happiest. If it didn’t have enough power to make a patronus then Jackson would have to give up ever making one. Focusing, Jackson recalled the joy of holding his niece for the first time. How small she felt in his arms and how her big dark eyes looked into his as she gave a smileWhen he casted the spell this time, he nearly sucked in a bunch of water out of surprise. A blast of pale blue exploded from the tip of his wand. The magic hung suspended in the water for just a moment before it came together into the form of a large dog. The patronus looked at him, opened its mouth in a soundless bark and took off after the other two patroni. In the soft glow of their combined light Jackson could see more of the creatures of the cave, both fish and merfolk. Almost all of them had big, pale eyes and mouths full of sharp teeth that became bared as they were blinded. Jackson didn’t find it likely that he would ever look out from the Slytherin dorm windows the same ever again.In the distance, Jackson saw three bodies floating in the cave tied to the floor by a rope and guarded by two merfolk covered in white and orange colors and sharp spikes. His patronus circled around the three with the mink and koi fish patroni. Jaehyo had beaten them to the three with Namjoon not far behind him, leaving Jackson still a few feet away. For as relieved as he was to see that Yugyeom was indeed unconscious, Jackson was worried that he could not see what had been pretending to be his maknae. Cautiously, Jackson swam closer and closer until he was right in front of Yugyeom. A glance to the side showed the lionfish merfolk watching them as if they were bored and would have rather been off doing literally anything else. Their boredom did little to sooth him.What is the catch? Jackson pushed out to whoever was listening.Payment is needed.
What payment?
What are you willing to pay for your treasure?
Jackson held Yugyeom’s face. It was terrifying that he wasn’t breathing and his skin was clammy from being in the cold water for so long.Anything. Jackson kissed Yugyeom’s lips. I would give up anything.That is dangerous human. A cold body pressed against his. Bioluminescent tentacles curled around him. Offering so much.Jackson could see in the corner of his eye that Jaehyo and Namjoon hovering close, their own maknaes in their arms. I want a sliver of the moon. Jackson could rip his hair out. Sliver of the moon? How coul- Jackson paused as Namjoon pulled out the silver knife. The presence in his head became pleased at the sight of the metal glowing in the fading light of the patroni. The two lionfish merfolk collected the silver knives from Namjoon and Jaehyo before releasing the two leaving Jackson alone with them.Do you have your own sliver of the moon? Jackson pulled the silver knife from the holster to hold it out. You should hurry, lest you both drown.The tentacles slithered off leaving Jackson feeling even colder than before. Not bothering to look around to find the merperson, Jackson shot a cutting hex at the rope. In the darkness of the cave, Jackson couldn’t tell how much time had passed but he wasn’t about to take any chances with Yugyeom.The return to the surface was uneventful. No cloud of jellyfish or giant octopi or terrifying looking merfolk. Just him, the shoals of fish weaving about, and his unconscious boyfriend.*Jackson held Yugyeom to his chest as the antidote worked through the maknae’s system. It didn’t take long, before Yugyeom sucked in a breath and his eyes fluttered. Jackson rocked him gently while color returned to the cool skin. Jackson wasn’t sure who came in first place, both Namjoon and Jaehyo had beaten him out of the cave and to the surface. He would worry about that when Yugyeom was safely brought back around.“Come on baby.” Jackson brushed his thumb along Yugyeom’s cheek.“Sseu-” Yugyeom blinked lazily then smiled softly. “I knew you would come get me.”“Of course I did.” Jackson kissed him softly trying to ignore how both of them were shaking. “I would have fought the whole lake to get you back.” “Are you awake mister Kim?” Madam Pomfrey approached from where she had been speaking with the three headmasters. “None of your usual theatrics about taking potions.” The medi-witch leveled a stern look at Yugyeom. “I have two potions for mister Kim and one for you, mister Wang.”Accepting the three glass vials Jackson helped Yugyeom adjust despite his soggy clothes. The first vial was a pep up potion to help shake off the drowsiness of the stasis potion though Yugyeom would definitely sleep as soon as he reached a bed. The second vial was filled with what was the equivalent of an antibiotic to ensure that Yugyeom would not get sick from his prolonged submersion in the lake’s freezing cold water. Naturally Yugyeom scrunched his nose and made small pathetic faces.Jackson’s potion was a ‘flush’ potion. It would clear out any remaining Fish-man potion that was in his system. It also tasted like the bottom of a garbage can in summer.“I have spoken with Professor Jinbei-”“Who?” Jackson didn’t pretend to know everyone in the school but he definitely would have remembered someone with a name like that. “Do we have a Japanese professor I didn’t know about?”“He is the leader of a group of merfolk that are currently staying in the lake. Or so I’m told.” Madam Pomfrey nodded to where a merman was watching them from the edge of the dock. “He is a teacher for the merfolk under his leadership.”Jackson gave a small smile to the blue skinned man who returned it, albeit with a mouthful of sharp teeth bracketed by two large lower teeth that poked out from the thin lips. Jinbei waved a webbed hand before slipping back beneath the dark water leaving Jackson wondering if merfolk had migratory patterns and if so, what were the factors that made them go place to place. Genetics? Ocean currents? Curiosity?“Professor Jinbei said that you were caught in the jellyfish forest.” Jackson nodded and tried not to laugh as Yugyeom stared at him incredulously. “The other two were caught in it as well. Please come to the medical ward so I can do a full check up.”“But Yu-”“Mister Kim can find his way back to your...your partners.” Madam Pomfrey didn’t judge even if she didn’t understand. After serving a school full of magical teenagers if she had any prejudices they were long dead. It was clear the sheer number is what confused her, not the fact they were all boys. “You on the other hand, have been through two major magical physiological changes within an hour, stung by jellyfish - which release toxins when stinging,” Madam Pomfrey motioned to his bruised leg, “I assume you met the giant octopus. All this, on top of being injured beforehand.”“Yes ma’am.” Jackson sighed heavily. Even if he wanted to argue the look McGonagall was leveling at him silenced it. Jackson wanted a hot bath and a maybe a bowl of soup but that would be shelved until the medi-witch made sure he wasn’t going to die or his bones re-break from sudden stress. “Can I please see my partners before I go up?”“You have ten minutes mister Wang.” Madam Pomfrey tried to look stern but there was the ghost of a smile on her lips.Jackson beamed a smile and with the help of Yugyeom managed to get up to his feet. It felt weird to walk on solid ground after swimming for so long and Jackson almost missed the water. While there was a plethora of nightmare fuel swimming inches below them, in the water his leg hadn’t hurt as much. Even when he was swimming for his life it was less stress on the barely healed bones than limping across the moss covered pier. At least at the end of the pier he could see their partners waiting for them waving excitedly. Or maybe it was anxious. They all looked as stressed as he felt.Either way, he was cold and wet and he fully intended to ruin whatever designer monstrosity Bambam was wearing with a Lake water hug. Maybe he’d attack Jaebum too, depending on the denim disaster he was sporting. Surviving a jinxed bludger and the Black Lake should have earned him just enough pity points that they wouldn’t immediately throw him back in the lake. And if the sharp edged smile Yugyeom gave him before running at them full pace was anything to go by, the maknae was in full support of his plan.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The trek back to ‘normal’ was bumpy. The days following the second task had all of them unwilling to let Yugyeom out of their sights, even as the maknae threatened to stab them if he didn’t get some alone time. They were also unwilling to let Jackson travel the halls alone with the person jinxing bludgers still at large. The Gryffindor was still heated that the quidditch cup had been canceled only 3 games into the season. It took McGonagall several hours to talk him off a ledge. Quidditch had been the only thing that felt normal. It was the only sane thing that Jackson had left considering his 7th year was just one (self inflicted) mess after another.To keep his brain from traveling down the billion ‘what if’ paths, Jackson had thrown himself into the Legilimens and Occlumency book that Snape had given him. He had finally felt that he had a reasonably good grasp on the first book that he had been recommended. Jackson had pages and pages and pages of notes written in an muggle journal so they would all be in the same place. If he didn’t have to turn it in, Jackson preferred to use spiral notebooks. It made it easier for him to keep track then keep having to magically bind all the loose parchment pieces together and hope they were in the right order.“The maknaes gave us the slip.” Mark sighed heavily, body dropping onto the library chair next to him. “Apparently we’re being overbearing.”During his free period Jackson tucked himself into the back corner of the library and had dedicatedly begun to condense his notes from his spiral notebooks into another book. He could use a spell to make duplicates, however recopying the notes physically helped him retain the information. It also gave him an opportunity to look back over things and find things that he might have missed or needed to correct the first time he had written them down.“You are.” Jackson flipped a page, a silent drying spell cast so that the ink wouldn’t smear. “They’ve been asking to have a day alone.” Jackson glanced over to find Mark scowling, not that Jackson was expecting any different. They were all prickly these days. “We’re all guilty of it. I know I’ve been unlivable too.” At least it lessened the crease between his partner’s brow.“I’m just worried.” The Ravenclaw was clearly trying not to pick a fight.“Wanna get tea?” Casting another drying spell, Jackson began to pack up his things. Even if he started by poking at him, Jackson didn’t want to fight Mark. Least of all when Mark was the only one who had come to talk to him outside of the hallway protection duties. “I’ve been going cross eyed for an hour now. Trying to keep reading is going to make them fall out of my head.”“Sure.”It was a quiet walk to the kitchens, even with the halls packed full of people. It was rumoured that once the Yule Ball concluded that the students would be released for Christmas break to be with their families. The last time they had talked all seven of them were undecided if they were going to break for the holiday or if they would be staying in the castle. Part of Jackson wanted to run away to Hong Kong, the other part wanted them all to stay so he could have two undisturbed weeks so they could hash things out.Tea was waiting for them when they entered the kitchen. The elves moved around, most of them giving smiles but otherwise off prepping for the next meal time. Jackson spent time fiddling with his cup, eyes cast low. He didn’t know how to ask the question that had been eating away at him for several weeks. Since the day at Hogsmeade.“If you have a question spit it out.” Mark sipped his tea with an amount of fake calm that Jackson wished he possessed.“Do you regret dating me?” Jackson took a sip of the tea with a trembling hand. “Sometimes I think it was a mistake. That you would all be better off without me.”“Don’t you ever get sick of pitying yourself?” Mark's jaw was clenched so hard that Jackson was sure it would pop from the pressure. “You just keep throwing yourself on your sword like you’re doing us a favor. It fucking hurts us Jackson.” To Jackson’s horror, Mark used the heel of his palm to wipe away tears. “If you think it's a mistake, fine. Whatever. But don’t fucking put that on us, its not fair.”Jackson couldn’t make his brain work to answer. Which probably kept him from making a further ass of himself. Everything that came spilling out his mouth these days was some half cocked thing spoken in anger or guilt that he didn’t mean to say. Half of their arguments happened because his mouth got away from him and Jackson was man enough to know that he had a problem of knowing when to back down.“It’s bullshit that you do this all the time.” Jackson’s heart continued to drop with each of Mark’s frustrated tears. Admitting he was wrong was like pulling out his own teeth but he didn’t want to lose the people who mattered to him because of his own ego. “I hate being called a liar. I hate that you don’t trust us. If you really think this is a mistake then you tell me right now.”“No. I don’t.” Jackson felt himself becoming defensive out of sheer instinct. It was easier to be angry than sad. “Do you?”“Then take a goddamn breather and -”“None of you have talked to me in a fucking week Mark. Youngjae won’t even come to the dorm.” Getting to his feet, Jackson tried to storm off.He got about three steps before Mark yanked him back by the arm. Jackson knew that he couldn’t beat Mark in a fight. He was good, Mark was better. If any of their partners were the ones to have this particular argument with him it was Mark. Jaebum and Jinyoung were too passive, the maknaes too kind. Mark was the only one who was comfortable enough, and stubborn enough, to push until the poison bled out.“I don’t want to fight you Jackson.” The hand on his wrist loosened.“Then what’s going on.”“Youngjae thinks you hate him. Bam and Yugyeom are worried because Bam’s veela instincts are acting up due to stress.” Mark’s lips thinned into a line, shoulders slouching down as if there was a heavy weight was pushing down on him. “Jb, Jinyoung and I have been trying to figure out who is jixing bludgers. Oh, and our boyfriend is in a tournament that has nearly killed him twice.”Around the kitchens, the house elves were all watching them quietly. None of them seemed particularly keen on trying to jump in between two students having a row, but they were clearly uncomfortable. If Jackson wasn’t such a staple of the kitchen he was sure that one of them would have summoned a teacher. He would have to find a way to thank them for giving him and Mark space to work through this argument.“Do you know how hard it is to talk to you Jackson?” Mark was back to having tears in his eyes. “Even the smallest things set you off. You get mad or sad, and then you shut down for hours or days without thinking how much it hurts us.” All the tension bled out from Mark’s body leaving him slumped and tired. “We love you, but it doesn’t ever feel like it's enough for you.”Pulling Mark close, Jackson held his boyfriend close, not bothering to hide that he was close to crying too. Jackson wrapped his arms around Mark’s chest, arms tightening until Mark took a sharp intake and he loosened just enough so his boyfriend could breathe properly. It wasn’t a surprise that his partners all thought he was a walking timebomb, Jackson felt like he was a walking timebomb. Stupid shit would send him spiralling and his anxeity was eating him alive. The more he tried to shove it down, the more it bled out into things.“I’m sorry.” Jackson wondered if it would be enough for them to stay. “I’m trying. I promise.”“We know.” Mark pulled back, hands cupping his jaw and soft lips kissing his tears away. “So are we.”*“Students.” Headmistress McGonagall stood at the eagle podium waiting for the noise in the room to die down. “We have an announcement.”From his spot at the Slytherin table with Bambam draped possessively over him and Yugyeom all but in his lap Jackson tried not to laugh at the bland looks he was getting from the head table. As it was, Jaebum was half asleep on Youngjae while Mark was definitely asleep against Jinyoung. In the middle of the room Namjoon was being fussed at by his own group of friends, and beyond them Jaehyo was playing catch and release with the chocolate cicada that he won from Honeydukes. In times like these, it reminded Jackson that they were all just kids. No matter how they tried to dress themselves up, no matter how mature they thought they were. They were still a bunch of kids.“In two weeks we will be hosting the Yule Ball.” McGonagall waited again as the chatter of the room swelled before going quiet again. “The following Monday we will be releasing students to take the holiday with their families as they see fit. Hogwarts will remain open for those students, from all three schools, who chose to stay.”The room remained silent, or as silent as a room full of teenagers could be, until McGonagall retreated back to the head table. As soon as the headmistress turned her back, the room exploded into conversation. “Good thing we put in our order at Gladrags already.” Bambam rubbed his face against Jackson’s. Any time Jackson stood still by the maknae for more than half a second Bambam was scent marking him - or he was just horny. Either way, Jackson didn’t argue when Bambam crawled into his lap. “We should be getting it delivered any day now. The dress robes are in muggle fashion so there won't be too much extra cloth.”“Are you sure you don’t want any money toward it?” Jackson still didn’t know how he felt about Bambam buying him a bunch of expensive things. Even with Yugyeom explaining that’s just how Bambam did things, Jackson couldn’t help but offer one last time.“Don’t worry your pretty head about it Sseunie.” Jackson pouted but Bambam just pressed a kiss to his lips. “Which leads us to the next question. Do you know how to ballroom dance?”“I know how to fence.” It was only a mild lie. Jackson did know how to ballroom dance, but that didn’t mean he had to tell them that. “And I’ve been told I’m pretty good on a broom.”“I guess you’ll be joining us for dancing lessons in the Slytherin common room.” Bambam leveled a look at the four sitting across from them. “All of you.”“But whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?” Jackson’s heart swelled fondly at Mark’s sleepy bitching. From somewhere in Youngjae’s robes, Jackson heard a ‘what he said’ from Jaebum.“Because you’re all dating a Slytherin and Slytherins don’t let their partners make a fool of themselves or us.” Bambam took a sip of his coffee, chin raised in the snooty way that Slytherins did when they were trying to impress a point.“I could teach them how to dance.” Yugyeom offered, teeth flashing in a grin that Jackson absolutely did not trust.Bambam appeared to share his distrust because the Slytherin just leveled a highly unimpressed eyebrow over his cup. One day, with enough time, Jackson liked to pretend he could understand the code that the two maknaes spoke in. It was a pipe dream, their code was something that was ever evolving. Words and phrases and gestures were changed out frequently and anytime Jackson thought he had caught on even a little, they had already changed it. He would just have to hope that if there was anything of importance they would deign to share it with them.Jackson took great pleasure when they had retreated to the Slytherin dorm for dance lessons and he proceeded to sweep the maknaes around the room, even as Bambam huffed at him for lying. Yugyeom, to no surprise, had been taught to dance by Bambam during their time together and surprisingly Mark came in from left field managing to put all of their footwork to shame.“Mind if I cut in?” Jaebum appeared at his elbow allowing a relieved looking Youngjae to flee only to be caught by Jinyoung. The oldest of their maknaes was already trying to find ways to get around the ballroom dancing bit. “You look good doing all the fancy steps.”“Why thank you.” Jackson guided Jaebum through a few simple moves. Jaebum had learned enough that Bambam would give him a pass and not much more. “I’m not used to leading, but you’re cute so I’ll make an exception.”“Thank god, because dancing is not really my strong point.” Jaebum’s eyes crinkled with his smile into the half moons that Jackson loved. “At least, not this kind.”“One day you’ll have to show me the dances you and Mark have been working on.” As the music around them slowed even more, likely by Bambam’s doing, Jackson laid his head on Jaebum’s shoulder. “I love you.”“I love you too, baby.” Jaebum swayed them back and forth, clearly more comfortable at this than a waltz. “Who will be your date for the ball?”“All of you.” Jackson wasn’t sure if that was even allowed. But he would fight the teacher tooth and nail to keep from having to choose. “They made me choose once, I won’t be choosing again.”Jaebum didn’t say anything to that but Jackson could see that he was smiling.*Dressed in his new fancy robes, Jackson tried not to pull at the hems too much waiting for them to be announced. It helped that of the three champions, he was not the only on in a polyamorous relationship. He was however, in the biggest polyamorous relationship. Namjoon stood off to the side with Seokjin, the two matching robes of soft white with rich blue accents. The two stood together, hands held looking completely relaxed considering the slew of reporters that would be circling around the ball.Slightly closer, Jaehyo and his two partners were equally in their world. The three were in all black with accents of deep purple around the seams of their collars and a single bright pink button at the throat. Not that any of them had their jackets buttoned that far up. Taeil’s bat tattoo, a muggle tattoo at that, was proudly on display across his throat. Jackson figured the purple on their outfits were meant to be a representation of Taeil, and the hot pink was for Jihoon - which made sense considering Jaehyo’s maknae had told them a half dozen times that it was his favorite color. The Durmstrang students had invited themselves to Jackson’s table at least once a day to talk to him, though if they had any idea what the 3rd task was none of them mentioned him.Just like the two other groups, their dress robes all matched one another. Jackson figured that Bambam must have anticipated that the school would once again throw a ball during the tournament. Their robes had pieces that were unmistakable to anyone who knew them. Small little embellishments that marked them as a cohesive unit.A dandelion embroidered on the inside breast pocket for Yugyeom.
Cat’s Eye stone cufflinks for Jaebum and Bambam.
Two feathers stitched in silver thread on each side of their collars for Jinyoung and Mark.
The breast pocket handkerchief was a bright red against their black suits in honor of Jackon and Youngjae’s house.“Do you think the reporters are going to be bad?’ Yugyeom hooked his chin over Jinyoung’s shoulder. “Jihoon said that they’re looking for scandals.”“If you see anyone following you, go to McGonagall.” Jackson held Youngjae’s hand a little too tight. “She said if they get to be too invasive let her know so she can have them escorted out.”"Beauxbaton's champion, Namjoon Kim and his partner Seokjin."The two flashed a smile before striding through the door. The strobe of camera flashes could have been mistaken for a muggle dance club."Durmstrang's champion, Jaehyo Ahn and his partners Taeil and Jihoon."With a grace that Jackson didn't think the three of them were capable of they walked next through the door."Jaebum, you walk on one side and Yugyeom on the other." Bambam arranged them so that they would be able to fit through the door. "When you clear the door, fan to the side and grab a hand.""We'll be the sexiest goose formation Hogwarts has ever seen." Mark winked at Bambam who barely suppressed a glare."Hogwarts champion, Jackson Wang and his partners Mark, Jaebum, Jinyoung, Youngjae, Bambam and Yugyeom."Pulling all his courage and charisma up, Jackson led them through the door. The opinions of the masses had never mattered before, they certainly wouldn't now. Not as they walked through. Not when murmurs broke out amongst the room and there were plenty of murmurs. They weren’t a united front, always.Giving the cameras a smile that put the flashes to shame, Jackson stood in place long enough for the obligatory picture and then moved on. The others were already sitting at the champion's table leaving 7 empty seats with the Hogwarts emblem stitched onto the seat covers.The three headmasters sat at the head table. Around the room could see reporters, some hiding while others stood nearly in the middle of the floor. One reporter seemed unwilling to move as they approached."Mister Wa-""You know the rules mister Smith." Professor Lupin appeared from the aether. The smile was calm, benign but the reporter was clearly upset being interrupted. "You may have your interview with Mister Wang during it's scheduled slot.""The Prophet is-""Is in danger of not getting an interview at all." Lupin's smile turned a hair sharper. "Please return to your seat if you will be removed from the grounds."To Jackson's relief the man glared but moved to the table labeled Reserved: Press. At the table fifteen people sat, some more antsy than others. A few cameras flashed, a few more seemed to be taking notes of either them or the whole room. He hoped that none of them used Quick Quills so the interviews to come wouldn’t be as disastrous as Harry’s nearly a decade prior. Jackson already had a habit of putting his foot in his own mouth, he didn’t need them doing it for him."Thanks professor." Mark's shoulders relaxed from where he had been coiled to fight."Expect them all to be pushy." Lupin followed them towards the table. "If they won't leave you alone let a teacher know. The staff, Sirius and I will be watching but we can't be everywhere at once."Jackson enjoyed dinner the best he could with several hundred eyes and a few dozen cameras watching him eat. He felt a bit guilty that he had dragged all of his partners into this, but he couldn't help be grateful that this one time he didn't have to conquer something alone. While he was going to get a lot of side eyes about having so many partners no one could make the allegation he was playing favorites.When the plates had disapperated and the snack tables along the back filled with treats, the soft melody began from the band. McGonagall had allowed them to enter and dine as a unit but he would only be able to dance with one of his partners for the first dance for purely practical reasons. It had been something he agonized over but his partners had been one step ahead of him.Jackson took to the floor with Bambam. The almost maknae was their best dancer, which made Jaebum and Youngjae nearly weep in relief. Close by Jaehyo was led by Jihoon who watched him with an aching softness. Farther off Namjoon and Seokjin could have been on a completely different planet for all the attention they paid to anyone else."This is going astoundingly well." Bambam shifted their speed with the change in tempo. "Still early in the night though.""Maybe we could head out early." Jackson tried to keep his words as innocent as possible just in case anyone could hear them. "It's been a long day.""You don't get to be that lucky." Bambam slowed their speed. "And even if you were, McGonagall called for everyone to go to their house dorm tonight."Jackson would have pointed out that Youngjae was also a Gryffindor but as the song changed people began to enter the dance floor. That included his partners who all took turns just as they had in the Slytherin common room. Even Jaebum and Youngjae who had said there were enough bad dancers that it didn't matter.If the night could have been just that, Jackson would have enjoyed it. But after several songs Lupin appeared at the edge of the crowd with an apologetic smile."The official interviews will be quick." The professor led him to the table set up far in the back. "You don't have to answer every question, though that won't stop them from making things up if you don't."Jackson grinned and beared his way through each interview. The reporters all asked the same questions with varying levels of invasiveness.Where are you from?
Are you really mixed blood?
What made you help your competition in the first task?
What was it like to think you were going to die?
What has been the hardest thing so far?It was clear that a few of the reporters wanted to ask more personal questions but unlike the last tournament, McGonagall sat close by. No one seemed immune to her glare, not even grown adults. After the shit show that had been Harry Potter’s Yule Ball interview none of the teachers, or Harry himself, trusted the press corps to be alone with students. “Mister Wang.” A reporter in a well fitted black suit and purple hair smiled kindly at him. “You have helped my son’s partner twice now, so firstly thank you.” Jackson’s eyes flicked down to the plaque in front of him. Pyo - Jackpot Tribune, Head Reporter. “Secondly, what inspired you to help your competition.”“Oh, you’re Jihoon’s dad.” Jackson tried to give him an honest smile. “To be honest, I don’t know. I saw that they needed help so I helped.”A murmur broke out among the table of reporters as each of them wrote down his answer. He was sure that some of them would try to add a spin to it. The reporter from the Prophet was already writing something substantially longer than when he had said.“You were announced with six partners.” A reporter with bright pink hair in an intricate braid asked tentatively. Her gaze was less on Jackson and more on McGonagall waiting to see if the question would be shut down. “Would you mind -”“No.” Jackson spoke the same time as McGonagall and Jackson could have hugged her for it.“Of course.” The woman smiled though the whole table was just as disappointed as she was. “Do-”“Miss Morgan,” McGonagall leveled a steely glare. “Mister Wang does not have all night to answer questions. I believe the press corps has taken enough of his evening.”“Thank you for your time.” Jihoon’s father gave Jackson a smile as bright as his son’s. “Enjoy your night, and good luck.”Jackson, blessedly, didn’t have to wait for the press corps to disperse to be released back to the ball. As soon as Harry and Ginny appeared at his side Jackson fled in the most dignified fashion he could manage. He had thought he was used to being interviewed but even the most needling muggle reporter had not left him feeling like he had been dissected.“You did great.” Harry watched across the room where the thunder cloud of Professor Snape was glaring the stragglers of the press corps back to their table to collect their items. “You handled that way better than I did.”“Are they always that…” Jackson reached for a word but could find it so he gestured with his hand. “That.”“They’ll be much worse after the final task.” Ginny leaned against the empty champion’s table, her serious expression turning smug. “You at least have the Slytherin house on your side instead of waiting a decade to befriend them.”“Listen.”“Anyway, go enjoy your night Jackson.” Ginny pulled Harry away even as he swquaked good naturedly.Left alone at the table, Jackson took a few minutes to munch on the snacks that appeared on the tables once the dancing had started. Between bites of tarts and drinks of sweetened juice, Jackson searched out his partners among the throngs of people. He had been afraid when he was pulled away that he wouldn’t be able to find them again but he should have known better. He knew each of them so well that he instinctively knew where to look.Bam and Yugyeom were in a heated dance contest with two of Namjoon's friends - one that Yugyeom had claimed as his own due to something about "97 line". In the middle of a circle of people, the 4 were dancing like their lives depended in it.Mark had been coaxed by Youngjae into a debate about wizard magic versus muggle science with two professors. One of which was the muggle studies professor who looked positively frazzled as Mark grilled him.In the farthest corner Jackson saw Jaebum and Jinyoung sat at a table, each had a book nearly as thick as their textbooks. The two had been complaining that school work had been getting in the way of their recreational reading. Around them a few other students who had the same idea sat with books or art supplies. Jackson would bet his prefect position that Jaebum or Jinyoung casted a muffling charm to cut down on the noise."Mister Wang." Jackson wondered if he bolted if he would get in trouble with McGonagall. The ball was supposed to be fun. Something he could relax at. "You are handling all of this well." The headmistress gave him a rare smile. "You are doing your house and this school proud.""Thank you ma'am." The tension in his body began to bleed out. Since she was clearly not going to drag him somewhere to be asked another three dozen questions he hoped that this was a formality. “I was just about to join my partners.”Trouble? Jaebum hadn't looked up from his book but the question brushed against his mind all the same.No. Jackson hoped that McGonagall hadn't realized the use of the spell."I don't condone cheating Mister Wang." McGonagall stared straight ahead, chin raised. "But…" The pale blue eyes dropped to him and then back to the crowd. "Just remember, not everything you see is reality."Jackson didn't particularly like the implications of that. Still, he gave a small nod and McGonagall returned one stiffly. "Feed. Feed. Feed. Feed."The Hogwarts students in the room had started to chant as one."What is goin-oh." Jackson pressed a hand to his mouth. A rather brave reporter was making his way to where Jaebum and Jinyoung sat. It was bad enough that the man hadn’t left when he was told to, but he also made the mistake of going to, objectively, the worst person in his polycule. Jaebum had the ability to start shit without even trying.The closer the reporter got the louder the chant became. And by nature of teenagers, the longer the chant went on the more joined until nearly every student was chanting. Jackson nearly pitied the clearly uncomfortable man."What in Merlin's name are they doing?" McGonagall's cold look was back however she made no move to stop what was going on."Jaebum's nickname has been the Hogwarts cryptid for a few years." Jackson would be his fencing trophies on their maknaes being the ones to start the chant. "It's a muggle thing.""And the chanting?""We have a weird sense of humor." Jackson bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing as Jaebum waved at the reporter and the man fainted."Of course those two were in on it." McGonagall scowled at Lupin and Sirius when their laughter filled the hall with the students. "Please go reign in your partners Jackson.""I doubt they'd listen but I'-"Jackson was cut off by Yugyeom holding another rogue reporter's eyes and screaming while Bambam had his face shoved into Yugyeom's shoulder laughing. Something that was mirrored by Youngjae a few moments later as Mark and professor Flitwick didn't bother to hide their laughter."Teaching was a mistake." McGonagall's grumble couldn't quite hide the ghost of a laugh."I wonder what happened when they tried to interview the others." Jackson couldn't help but regret missing it."Well." McGonagall's lips quirked into a smile. "According to the other teachers, Mister Park stared at one until they became too uncomfortable and left." Jackson figured Jinyoung would have been the most politically correct of them. "Mister Bambam named off every cat in school in order of his favorite." Again, very in brand for his second maknae. "Mister Tuan answered in what was described as 'pig latin'. Which when translated was commentary on what Mister Tuan thought of the reporter's fashion choices."Jackson covered his mouth to muffle his laughter. It was all very on brand for all of them - including Yugyeom and Youngjae who took the quickest way out. The staff had made it clear the only person who had to answer questions was Jackson and that was only during the designated interview time. While Jackson laughed himself hoarse, McGonagall had drifted off. But his partners were all waiting for him in a semi-circle at the base of the stairs. At least when he approached there were no screams or chanting. Just soft kisses and laughter as they pulled him to the dance floor.*****To Jackson's surprise, all six of his partners had opted to stay at Hogwarts during the holidays. While he had been locked in his own head the others had been in talks about how to best handle holidays. Having one partner already made holidays complicated and they each had six. Bambam had, naturally, offered to have everyone's families come to his house. Yugyeom's family already spent holidays there. Mark had also offered his family's home. But after Jackson had been selected as Hogwart's champion they had agreed to wait until the sabbat cycle the following year to figure out the best way to handle it. It also reminded him that he was now racing against the clock to tell his parents he had six boyfriends. He wasn't worried about them accepting him being gay, they were well beyond that point. He was worried they would baulk at the number of them. Still, it would be better to hear from him than a newspaper.On Christmas day Jackson woke up to a nearly empty Gryffindor tower and all three maknaes piled into his bed, each pressing kisses to his face to wake him up. He was half tempted to keep pretending to be asleep so the three of them would keep kissing him. But as tempting as it was, Jackson was excited to give each of them their gifts. Locked away in a chest in the common room was six boxes wrapped in the gaudiest wrapping paper that Jackon had been able to get his hands on.The few Gryffindors that were still hanging out gave them all sleepy smiles, most of them distracted with their own gifts or lazily making their way to the great hall for food. Jackson motioned them over to the pile of blankets that had clearly been set up by his partners. It was a little far away from the soft crackle of the fireplace but it did give them a corner to themselves next to the window where fat blobs of snow drifted from the sky. Along the edge of the blankets sat little bags, likely all filled with gifts from each of them.While the five of them adjusted the nest, Yugyeom disappeared into the dorm room for a moment and returned with pillows from Jackson and Youngjae’s bed. Likewise, Youngjae went to the empty couches to snatch the throw pillows. Jackson released the charm on the box, shiny plaid wrapping paper.“Oh, that’s ugly.” Jinyoung stopped mid-crouch. “Did you sharpie the Gucci symbol on that?”“Yupp.” Jackson grinned, the said Gucci pack placed in front of Bambam. “Only the classiest for the maknae.” The laugh that bubbled up from Bambam smoothed over anxiety that his partner wouldn’t have found it funny.Jackson placed the remaining gifts to their intended people. Jaebum’s gift was covered in small stick figure cats, a match to Mark and Youngjae’s gifts littered with stick figure dogs. Jinyoung’s was covered in little cameras, and Yugyeom’s was covered in dandelions.“Should we all open at once?” Jaebum finished passing out his own gifts. It was a silly question, the three maknaes were already sneakily trying to gauge what was inside. “Well alright then. Dig in guys.”Watching the others only a moment, Jackson began to peel back layers of spelled wrapping paper labeled To: Sseunie - Love: Nyoungie. Inside the plain white cardboard box sat a small Squirtle plushie. Tucked next to the pokemon was two pairs of pointed sunglasses, the smaller one meant for the plushie and the larger pair meant for him.“I can’t believe you remembered my Squirtle Squad rant.” Jackson hugged the plushie to his chest, face splitting from his smile. “Thank you.”“Thank you for the blanket.” Jinyoung held up the large afghan blanket that he managed to find in a small shop on the outskirts of Hogsmead. “I think all seven of us could fit under it.”“That’s the hope.” Jackson picked up the next gift, this one from Jaebum. “If all of us can fit under it we can have more cuddle times.” Jackson didn’t mention that Yugyeom had told him about their conversation about love languages. He had tried to tailor each of his gifts to his partner’s love languages to the best of his ability. He couldn’t really get anything for Giving Gifts for Bambam but the cat sweaters for all three of the Slytherin’s babies seemed to be the right move. Bambam also seemed excited about the three vials of rare potion ingredients that were wrapped in the sweaters.Yugyeom all but glowed at the picture book Jackson had put together, pressed flowers littered between the pages. During school hours Jackson couldn’t pull out his muggle electronics but during their trips to Hogsmead and hangout days during the weekends Jackson took pictures with his mini-polaroid camera. He had made doubles of each picture so that he could have his own, the book tucked away in his trunk at the end of his bed.Youngjae beamed brightly, the large plushie replica of Coco wrapped tightly in his arms. With so many owls flying around, Youngjae wasn’t comfortable bringing his small dog to the school, often leaving their oldest maknae missing his dog for most of the year.Mark’s gift was the hardest for him to find. Their oldest boyfriend, like Jaebum, showed his love with quality time. Also, Mark’s family supplied him with everything he needed to make up for him being so far away. Instead of trying to buy anything, Jackson had written a comprehensive notebook filled with everything he had learned about Legilimency and Occlumency - something that Mark had mentioned an interest a few times in passing. Finally, Jackson peeked at Jaebum who had the most predictable gift. Jackson had finished his notes on the books from Snape and compiled them into a notebook so they could begin to work on the more advanced forms together. It was a self-serving form of quality time but at least it was something that Jaebum was interested in.Along with the Squirtle, he received a Fendi sweater that nearly made him cry from Bambam. Yugyeom and Youngjae both got him more films for his camera so that they could make more memories together. Mark’s gift was a necklace, the medallion swinging at the center of the chain was a stylized 王 made of silver. Jaebum’s gift was the last. The final box had a photobook of his own.Candids of him with each of them. Still shots of him casting spells. Shots of Jinyoung and Jaebum in a corner trying to read while he was tucked between them fast asleep. Instead of pressed flowers that he had put in Yugyeom’s, there were slips of paper signed by each of his partners. Poetry from Jinyoung, sappy one-liners from Jaebum, song lyrics from Mark, jokes from Youngjae, surprisingly soft confessions from Yugyeom and Bambam.Jackson was glad that the pictures and papers were held inside plastic and spelled closed because he blinked and tears fell. The amount of love in the pages as well as the gifts from the others bubbled out until his shoulders shook and he found himself pulled in the middle of a cuddle pile - covered of course by the afghan gotten specifically for large cuddle piles.***
Dear mama and papa,
Sorry I haven't written in a few weeks. The tournament has been keeping me on my toes as well as the N.E.W.T.S coming up at the end of the year. I hope you are doing okay. Send my love to everyone.
To be truthful, I have been keeping a secret. I didn't know how to talk about it but the paper will be arriving soon. I hope the owl reaches you before them.
I have six boyfriends.
I know it's a lot. Sometimes I get overwhelmed but I love them. And they love me too. They're so good to me, even when my head gets bad. They've been so understanding even when, or maybe especially when, they could have saved themselves a lot of headache by leaving. I have added pictures of them with this note and their names written on the back.
Jaebum was first. He is so calm that it makes everyone else calm around him. He likes to read philosophy books like grandma. He should be in advanced classes but he likes to take the electives more than the others. He wants to work with dragons since, and I quote: they're just big cats.
Next was Bambam and Yugyeom. Our maknaes. At first they had been a fling - don't worry we have been safe. But Bammie is so smart. He's probably smarter than me - is smarter than me. And Yugyeom is so cute both in looks and personality. - he’s also smarter than anyone gives him credit for. I think I loved him first.
Last was Mark, Jinyoung, and Youngjae. They had started with dating us as individuals until we had all come together as a polyam unit. Jinyoung has become my best friend. Youngjae is also a maknae, something that he reminds us of when he wants cuddles and kisses. Mark will probably go pro in quidditch, which would have made us blood enemies if I could stop being so distracted by his smile.
I can't pinpoint when we had slotted together. Probably during a study session, or maybe an argument. There is something about them that feels right. We work best when all seven of us are together. School makes it hard for us to have dates but we try. We have rotations for meals and study so everyone has individual time with one another.
I won't lie, there have been some rocky times. Most of them are caused by my stubbornness. But also Jinyoung can get possessive. Mark has a temper to rival mine even if he doesn't yell as much as me. Getting Jaebum to talk about what's bothering him is like pulling teeth. And gods help everyone when the three maknaes get in A Mood.
I love them and they love me. No matter the arguments or when we have to sit down for Talks. I hope when you get to meet them you'll love them too. They make me happy.
All my love,
Jackson