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Of Surviving Adolescence

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The first time Kuroo saw Tsukishima was in his third year at Hogwarts. Professor Nekomata announced to the third year Advanced Potions class that a first year will be joining them, and a blond boy still with baby fat in his cheeks and uncharacteristic height for his age walked through the door.It was at that moment Kuroo knew he has found the ultimate target of his provocation. __Tsukishima, now in his third year at Hogwarts, is sitting at the Slytherin table, peacefully enjoying his breakfast with his Hufflepuff best friend, Yamaguchi. Despite Yamaguchi being in Hufflepuff, he had no problem fitting in at the Slytherin table, most likely due to the fact that there is always an abundance of Hufflepuff students at the Slytherin table. The number of Slytherin students with a Hufflepuff best friend has honestly made Tsukishima wonder if the school assign a Hufflepuff to each Slytherin to prevent them from going to the dark side.Right on the que, just thinking of Slytherin and their Hufflepuff best friends, Tsukishima's number one headache came waltzing in the Great Hall to where he is sitting.The Slytherin fifth-year prefect and Quidditch Captain Kuroo Tetsurou and his best friend, a fellow Quidditch Captain for Hufflepuff, Bokuto Koutarou show up."Hey Hey Hey! Tsuki!!!"Bokuto spoke in his usual loud voice as the two slip into the seats across from Tsukishima and Yamaguchi. "Bokuto-san, Kuroo-san. Good morning." Tsukishima greeted them, already feeling a headache forming. "Morning Tsuki! We are gonna be Potions buddy again today. Excited?" Kuroo drawled in his lazy voice and signature smirk as he look at Tsukishima with his cat-like hazel eyes. "Yay!" Tsukishima murmured sarcastically while poking at his strawberry pancakes. "Oi Tsuki! Be more cheerful!" Bokuto boomed as owl-like bronze eyes trained onto Tsukishima.Being it is way too early in the morning to deal with, Tsukishima turned to Yamaguchi with pleading eyes. To which Yamaguchi gave an apologetic smile and said: "Sorry Tsuki, I have to get to Herbology"With that, Yamaguchi walked out of the Great Hall as Tsukishima watched in despair. "Oya Oya Oya, looks like your little friend can't save you now."provoked Kuroo, stealing strawberries off Tsukishima's plate. "Kuroo-san, please get your own food." Tsukishima said coldly."Tsuki~ Sharing is caring. Don't be so mean to your senpai~"Kuroo playfully whined, leaning into Tsukishima's personal space. Tsukishima's eyes widened as he jerked back in surprise, a hint of color spreading across his cheeks. The blood rushing to his head made Tsukishima hear his own heart beat, thump-thump, as they start beating at a rate that can not be healthy.Yes, as the symptoms suggest, Tsukishima Kei, has a crush on non other than the Kuroo Tetsurou. Over the two years in which they had known each other, Tsukishima has developed feelings for Hogwarts' resident bad-boy on duty. Tsukishima don't understand is how could he have developed a crush on someone that had been teasing him non-stop since they first met and also the biggest nuisance in Tsukishima's life.It's the looks, Tsukishima tells himself, probably because being a shallow person is better than liking Kuroo because of his...ugh... personality.Tsukishima had pinned the reason of his crush completely based on looks, which isn't that untrue, considering Kuroo do have the appearance to keep up with his reputation.The unruly bed hair, lazy eyes, the troublesome smirk. The way he wears his shirt with the top two buttons undone and how the his tie is never tied properly and always loosely hangs around his neck. Tsukishima finds Kuroo's antics unbearable and the pranks he pull with Bokuto a disturbance to society. But despite his dislike towards Kuroo, he is not blind.Kuroo Tetsurou is hot, that much Tsukishima can see.Now with Kuroo so close to his face, Tsukishima's face grows hotter by the second, and he desperately tries to calm his heart.Thankfully, he is rescued from the situation by Sugawara Koushi, another fifth-year Slytherin and the one of only people that knows about Tsukishima's crush."Kuroo! Leave my little crow alone" Sugawara says as he walks towards Tsukishima with Sawamura Daichi, the Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Sugawara place a warm hand on Tsukishima's shoulder and shoo Kuroo away as he lets the younger boy hide his red face behind the sleeves of his robe. In his first-year Tsukishima had been mistakenly placed in the third-year Slytherin dorm room that Sugawara shared with Oikawa Tooru, Tendou Satori, and Sakusa Kyioomi. The four upperclassman had since taken Tsukishima under their wings.The four of them had found out about Tsukishima's crush when they saw Tsukishima blushing fifty shades of red when he received a kitten as his birthday present from Kuroo in his second year. With his face now safe within the confines of Sugawara's robe, Tsukishima leaned back into Sugawara as his hands has found it's way to grip Sugawara's sleeve. "Suga."he mumbled under his breath, too quiet for anyone to hear. But Suga can feel his little crow's distress from a mile away and wrapped his arms around Tsukishima more tightly for comfort. Leaving the job of keeping Kuroo at bay to Daichi, Sugawara gently guided Tsukishima out of his seat and kept the boy in his embrace as Daichi hurried Kuroo as well."Let's go Kuroo, we gotta get to Potions." Daichi said as Kuroo groaned in his seat and after saying goodbye to Bokuto, the four of them made their way through the hallways of the castle towards the dungeons for the first class of the day. __"Today, you will be brewing a Hair-Raising potion...""Psst...Tsuki!"Kuroo whispered as Professor Nekomata goes over the steps of making the potion to the class which Kuroo does not listen to at all and focuses his attention on annoying the cute blonde sitting next to him. To Tsukishima's dismay and Kuroo's ecstasy Professor Nekomata had picked Kuroo, who happen to be the top of the class in Potion, to be Tsukishima's partner when the talented blond first joined the class. "Shut up, I'm trying to pay attention."Tsukishima whispered back, trying to focus on Professor Nekomata's instruction."Oh please, it's just a Hair-Raising potion, I've been making that for Bo since our first-year, I'll teach you."Tsukishima looked at Kuroo and narrowed his eyes, before finally believing him as Bokuto's hair has indeed been defying gravity since forever."What do you want?" Tsukishima whispered."I haven't seen Callisto for the entire summer, I want to know how he's doing"Callisto, the black longhaired Norwegian Forest cat that Kuroo got Tsukishima for his twelve birthday present last year. Kuroo had named the cat, and that name being derived from the moon and meaning the 'most beautiful' had been one of the reasons the Tsukishima was found by his roommates blushing like a mad man."He's fine."Tsukishima answered, furrowing his eyebrows to show his displeasure that Kuroo had interrupted the class with such a trivial question."Well...Some of the fifth-years are gonna to the Room of Requirements to practice some spells to prepare for O.W.Ls. You wanna come?"Kuroo whispers his true intention for this sidebar. "Daichi invited your little orange friend and his scary boyfriend too."Tsukishima snorted at Kuroo's comment about Hinata and Kageyama. However painfully apparent their feelings are to other people, the two just can not get a clue themselves. "They aren't dating yet."Tsukishima whispered back."Hmmm...makes sense, you are only thirteen now, way too young to start dating."mused Kuroo, chuckling under his breath, "Anyways, you coming?"Trying to not let the fact that his crush had just outright told him he is too young to date affect his tone, Tsukishima did not respond with words, only replying a firm nod as his answer before turning his attention to his caldron as the signal to start brewing had been given."Start teaching Kuroo-san, or I would think you were bragging about your excessive knowledge." Tsukishima said with a playful smile that contrast against his normal passive expressions or often made face of mockery. "Don't worry Tsuki, I won't let you down."__Later in the day, Tsukishima finds himself entering the Room of Requirements, which now looks like a large room with mirrors lining the wall. There are already several people in there that he's familiar with. All of his roommates, Hinata and Kageyama, Kenma-Kuroo's Ravenclaw best friend in the fourth-year. the Quidditch captains, Bokuto, Daichi, Shinsuke Kita from Ravenclaw, and of course, Kuroo.There are also plenty of people Tsukishima had seen around the castle. A unusually tall boy with silver hair and emerald green eyes, he's also in Slytherin, the same year as Tsukishima. Though a Slytherin, Tsukishima thinks he is way too clumsy, loud, and obnoxious and definitely more suited for Gryffindor and the Sorting Hat only put him in Slytherin out of some malfunction. Haiba Lev, Tsukishima thinks that's his name.Next to him teaching him spells is a short person with sandy coloured hair and is currently busy kicking Lev in the knees. From his red and yellow tie, it's clear to see he's in Gryffindor. The Miya twins, who are also Kuroo's roommates, are standing in front of Shinsuke Kita with matching mischievous smiles. Those two along with Kuroo and Bokuto give all the professors at least one heart attack a year.Oikawa is standing with a Gryffindor that has spiky hair and is yelling at Oikawa. That must be the Iwa-chan Oikawa is always talking about. Daichi and Suga are laughing as they stand in the back watching Nishinoya and Tanaka, who Tsukishima recognised to be on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, firing spells at one another. A big guy with long brown hair and looks like a samurai is also with them. Though he looks pretty green and about to hurl the contents in his stomach to the ground as he weakly tries to break up the exchange of spells between Nishinoya and Tanaka.Bokuto is talking animatedly with Akaashi Keiji, the Ravenclaw seeker. Who is a year above Tsukishima but they often accompany each other in the library as both studies in silence.Right next to them, Kuroo is there talking with Kenma as the latter doesn't even look up from his PSP. How Kenma got the device to work in the castle is one of the greatest mystery in Hogwarts.Spotting the blond as he entered the room, Kuroo patted Kenma on the shoulder and beamed as he started to make his way over."Tsuki! You made it!" Kuroo walked up to Tsukishima with his signature smirk."Yes. Thank you."Tsukishima said politely to Kuroo, his eyes darting around the room as he received smiles from this roommates."Stingyshima! You're here too!"Hinata exclaimed loudly as he is jumping up and down at surprising height."Boke Hinata! Boke!"Kageyama yelled at Hinata. "Yes, I am here to practice spells seeing as I actually have the knowledge and skills to perform spells without blowing things up. However the reason you two are here is unfathomable to me."Tsukishima said with his usual smirk and took advantage of his towering height as he loomed over the Hinata and Kageyama."Huh!!!"Kageyama grunts out and adapts the face of a delinquent as he shoves his chin up and glares at Tsukishima."Ah, sorry, King. Didn't mean to hurt your ego. Though I do doubt you have much talent outside of the Quidditch field."Tsukishima sneered in return.Kuroo lets out a chuckled as he watch the interactions between the three third-years, slinging an arm around Tsukishima's shoulders he steers Tsukishima away from the still fuming Quidditch players and to the direction of where Bokuto, Akaashi and Kenma resides. "Kenma! Come on, we are here to practice! Let go of your game for one hour."Kuroo said as he removed his arm and joined the group.Tsukishima forcefully make his mind stop missing the warmth and pressure that Kuroo's arm had left on his shoulders and walks to stand next to Akaashi. The two greeted each other with a nod."We have that Defence Against the Dark Arts practical tomorrow. We gotta practice the Patronus charm." Kuroo said to Bokuto before turning to Tsukishima, "You wanna learn?"Despite being one of the least serious person known to mankind, Tsukishima knows Kuroo is actually a great student with outstanding grades and a very talented wizard who will no doubt make an excellent Auror after graduation. Learning the Patronus charm is beyond the third-year curriculum, but Tsukishima had been wanting to learn it ever since he saw his brother, Akiteru, produce an antelope from his wand three summers ago."Here watch me, you want to think about your happiest memories and channel it into the spell." Kuroo held his wand in front of him, closed his eyes and when he opened them, he yelled "Expecto Patronum!"From the tips of his wand, a lynx came bursting out of his wands and prancing through the air around the room before settling down by Kuroo's side, nuzzling it's face against Kuroo's legs. With a Cheshire grin, Kuroo indicate Tsukishima to try. Holding out his wand as Kuroo had done, Tsukishima closed his eyes and concentrated. Happy memories, happy memories. Tsukishima let his mind wonder back to a couple years to when his brother had taken him flying on brooms for the first time. He thought about the excitement he felt when he had showed Yamaguchi his dinosaur figurine collection. He even thought about the time to when Hinata and Kageyama were at his house over the summer requesting assistance from him and Yamaguchi about their summer assignments.Finally, his mind set on one memory. At the start of the last school year, on the morning of his twelfth birthday. Tsukishima had woken to a patterned knock on his door and opened the door to only find a black kitten with a note tied to his neck that reads:'This is Callisto, named after the moon. Now you will have someone like me with you all the time. - Your favourite senpai, Kuroo Tetsurou.'Tsukishima recalls the feeling as he picked up the warm, fuzzy animal and carried it softly to his bed. He recalls how he felt butterflies flying all around in his stomach as he carefully runs his fingers over the inscription on the card as he unties the note and place it gently on his bedside table. He recalls how his roommates had woken up and found him cradling Callisto to his chest and full on smiling like an idiot while staring at the card. He recalls the acceptance from his roommate he felt when they all accompany him to Kuroo's dorm room as he thanked him for the kitten. He recalls the delight he felt as Kuroo hands him a collar with a moon charm with Callisto's name engraved as the second apart of the gift. He recalls all the feelings during that whole morning that made him feel like a gigantic teddy bear was hugging him and everything was perfect. He recalls it all as he whispers "Expecto Patronum"From his wand, a burst of light springs out. As they fly around the room, Tsukishima can see that it was a horde of fireflies. A horde of 'hotaru', the other word with the same character as Tsukishima's given name, Kei.The fireflies eventually begin to take the form of a large cat with tuffs on it's ears as it went around. His heart nearly misses a beat as Tsukishima realises that it was a lynx, just like Kuroo's patronus.Tsukishima could definitely feel his ears growing hot as he doesn't dare to look at Kuroo, afraid to let his feelings show. He just hoped that the fireflies would be enough to lay off any questions about the shape that the horde had taken on. Across the room he can see Sugawara smiling at him proudly, and Oikawa grinning with a knowing look in his eyes. Tendou and Sakusa also give him proud smiles, although Sakusa's smile was hidden by the mask he always wore, the message was clear in his eyes."Oh my god! Tsuki! Fireflies for Hotaru! So fitting!"Kuroo exclaimed, clearly astonished as he watch Tsukishima's firefly lynx interact with his own patronus. Probably thinking the horde of fireflies just took shape of whatever is near them and not reading too much into the whole thing."Hey Hey Hey! So cool Tsuki! Me next! Me next!"Bokuto shouts with unrivalled excitement as he whips out his wand to send a great horned owl flying.Still with his cheeks burning at the new discovery of his patronus, Tsukishima kept his head down wishing that his blush would go away while Kuroo is distracted by Bokuto. Suddenly he felt a hand press gently onto his own, it was Akaashi. His deep green eyes always looked like it could peer into your soul and uncover everything. And Tsukishima is about a hundred and twenty percent sure that Akaashi had know the true reason behind his patronus taking the shape of a lynx. He felt panic rising in his throat but that quickly died down as Akaashi had showed him a gentle smile rather than his normal stoic expression. Akaashi also took out his wand and casted the spell that produced another bird. Another owl, Tsukishima realised as he watched the owl fly up to join Bokuto's owl. It was smaller, and do not have the two spikes of feather that poked out like Bokuto's. But it is an owl and as it took it's place next to Bokuto's patronus the great horned owl hooted and rubbed it's feather face against the side of Akaashi's smaller owl.Looking over to Akaashi in surprise, Tsukishima feels a great deal of appreciation for the Ravenclaw. For guiding him through his embarrassment and sharing a private feeling."Akaashi-san, y...you and Bokuto-san..."Tsukishima stammered."No, I doubt he will even think in that way."Akaashi said, still with a gentle smile playing on his lips. Thinking about how dense Bokuto is, Tsukishima winced internally for Akaashi, but still can't help but feel giddily that he now has an ally for whom he can share his feelings about.The moment between Tsukishima and Akaashi is cut short when Kuroo, who had been watching all the patronus cut through the air turned to Tsukishima. Kuroo's cheeks were flushed with excitement and there is a light in his eyes that made his already intense gaze more prominent."Tsuki! Your Patronus is beautiful."Kuroo said breathlessly as he locked eyes with Tsukishima. All of the sudden, Tsukishima felt his circulation stop for a second and than marched on at full speed to his brain. He knew he is definitely full on blushing right now and all the blood in his brain makes it difficult to focus on anything. It was ridiculously not scientific but his eyesight zoned in and blurred everything except for Kuroo. Every feature, from the crinkle near his eyes as he smile at Tsukishima instead of smirked, from the sharp definition of his jawline that had grown clearer since their first meeting in Tsukishima's first year, from the way his thick lashes frame his cat like eyes, even the messy disarray of his hair becomes painfully clear and endearing. Oh boy, Tsukishima thinks.His crush is definitely not going away.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Time flies past and it had already been several months since they practiced the Patronus charm in the Room of Requirements.Kuroo is burrowing his face into a cushion in the Ravenclaw common room where he was studying with Kenma.Well he's studying and Kenma is play some game on the PSP.Both Kuroo and Kenma are half-bloods and their parents are both magical, how Kenma got so addicted to muggle video games is truly the wonder of the century."Ahhhhh--"Kuroo groaned loudly, shoving his face deeper into the cushion.Kenma shifted in his seat, not wanting to deal with Kuroo's outburst.'Why must people have emotions' Kenma thought."I hate Divination!" Kuroo said in a muffled voice into the cushion, "There is absolutely no logic behind that damn course!""Shut up Kuro."Kenma said in his usual soft, indifferent voice."Kenma! How could you treat me like this!" as dramatic as ever, Kuroo burst out of his seat and waved his arms wildly as he makes that statement. Earning shushes from all the Ravenclaw in the common room.Holding up his arm in a 'I surrender' motion, Kuroo sank back into the seat and whisper yelled, "Kenma, let's go find Tsuki!""I don't think Tsukishima will be happy about that." Kenma murmured without looking up from his PSP, "Why do you always provoke him anyway?"Kuroo has always liked pushing people's buttons, but never was it like the way he pesters Tsukishima.Thinking back, the first time Kuroo saw Tsukishima in his third year Potions class. The blond was just eleven at the time and still had baby fat in his cheeks. Even though he was entering a class full of people older than him he didn't falter one bit.Kuroo remembers how he watched as Tsukishima walked to the seat next to him with his head held high and back straight. Not sparing a single gaze to any upperclassman in the classroom as he maintained his passive expression.Maybe it was curiosity that had initiated Kuroo's interest in the younger boy. Maybe it was just because the boy didn't show any emotion so Kuroo wanted to see what would it be like if Tsukishima exhibits some feelings.At the start Kuroo just wanted to make Tsukishima break that stoic expression and show some features like any other kid, but as time went on and he did make Tsukishima show a variety of emotions.He even made Tsukishima laugh once!But now, after succeeding in his mission to break Tsukishima's poker face, Kuroo has gotten greedy. He wanted more than just Tsukishima showing emotions, he wanted something that he can't quite put his fingers on."Ha." letting out a soft sign, Kuroo stared out the window and answered Kenma, "I don't know."__As he is a fifteen years old boy, Kuroo doesn't dwell on the ominous conversation he had with Kenma regarding the aspects of his interest in Tsukishima. Instead, Kuroo bounds around the castle looking for Bokuto to work on their secret project.Now standing in the clearing near the Whomping Willow under the full moon. Kuroo and Bokuto each holding a small vial of bright red liquid in their hands."Alright Bo, this is it!" Kuroo said with grin that stretched from ear to ear."Hell yes!" Bokuto exclaimed, puffing his chest as he pumped his fist in the air.After the excruciating time and all the hardship they had to endure. Tonight, tonight, Kuroo and Bokuto will finally be able to become animaguses!Downing the vial of red liquid both boys held their wand to their heart and started chanting "Amato Animo Animato Animagus" over and over again.Feeling the second heartbeat in his chest Kuroo took a deep breath. The night wind blowing through his hair, the whish-whosh sound of the Whomping Willow in the background. The soft light of the moon falling on his skin.Suddenly his senses became heighten. His pupils narrowed and iris glowed in the night. Kuroo can feel the strange sensation of his clothes melting into his skin. How his body transformed and went on all fours. He feels fur sprouting out from his skin.When he opened his eyes, Kuroo could see everything around him had became bigger, or rather, he had gotten smaller.Kuroo glanced down and see two furry paws covered in thick black fur, swishing his long tail behind him and twisting his ears. Kuroo was in the form of a pure black lynx, the same as his patronus.Looking to his side, he sees a large great horned owl with white and grey feathers stretching his wings and hooting up to the moon. The owl looked back at the lynx, his big blinking bronze eyes are no different then how they are in his human form.Bokuto had completed his transformation as well.Sharing a look, the pair took off into the night. Kuroo ran across the clearing, feeling the grass under his paws and the wind whistling by as he ran at the speed he would never be able to achieve in his human form.Bokuto flapped his wings and lifted into the air, his feathers ruffling as he glides through the air.As the two animaguses near the castle, Bokuto give a soft hoot to Kuroo before flying off to a different direction to which Kuroo recognise to be the Ravenclaw tower.Somehow a smirk appeared across the lynx's face, he should be worried that Bokuto is going to expose their secret of becoming unregistered animaguses but he's not.Wanting to share something this great with the person that you value the opinion the most is something Kuroo can not fault Bokuto for. And even if he could, he would just be a hypocrite.Letting out a purr, Kuroo ran inside the castle, invisible against the black of the night as he slipped inside the Slytherin dorm and into Tsukishima's room.The five beds in the room all had its drapes drawn but Kuroo knows Tsukishima is in the bed closest to the window.Kuroo gingerly jumped onto the bed and peered down on Tsukishima's sleeping form.To be honest, Kuroo is so nervous that he feels his heart is going to bounce out of his new furry body. After all, if he was in human form right now, Tsukishima could and would probably sue him for being a creep.Gently nudging his furry head against Tsukishima's forehead, Tsukishima let out a little whine. So cute. Kuroo thought.Tsukishima shuffled a little and cracked his eyes open, than suddenly widening them so big that Kuroo thought his eyeball would pop out of his skull.Well, it can't be helped. It's no common even in the magic world to wake up in the middle of the night with a lynx on your bed.Kuroo let out a soft huff as he looked into Tsukishima's golden eyes with his own whiskey coloured ones.Tsukishima fumbled for his glasses on his bedside table. After he puts them on he studied the lynx carefully with a hand outstretched towards his wand.Please recognise me, or at least, don't hex me. Kuroo prayed internally as he hope Tsukishima can see some sort of familiarity in his eyes. He has a feeling that his eyes wouldn't be that different from his human eyes except for narrower pupils.A flash a recognition flash through Tsukishima's eye, leaning in closer to inspect the feline."Kuroo?" Tsukishima whispered in an astonished voice.Responding to Tsukishima, Kuroo rubbed his head against Tsukishima's hand and signalling Tsukishima to follow him into the common room.Under the emerald lighting emitted into the room from the windows connecting to the Great Lake, a large black lynx and a boy who is coloured by moonlight entered quietly.The boy watched in wonder as the lynx shifted and grew into a tall, lean teen that he holds dearly in his heart."Oh my god! Kuroo!" for once his life, Tsukishima is at a complete lost for his words. He gawked at the scene unfolding in front of him.Kuroo had a huge grin and took Tsukishima's shoulder as he shook the younger boy back and forth in delight."Tsuki! I did it! I'm an animagus!"Tsukishima can not help but smile as he can feel the pure joy radiating off Kuroo."Come on!" Kuroo whispered, full of excitement as he pulled Tsukishima's hand and started to run outside towards the Great Lake.On the lawn in front of the castle next to the lake, Akaashi and Bokuto is already there. Akaashi smiling softly as Bokuto jumped up and down.As the four of them joined on the same spot, Kuroo and Bokuto didn't waste a second before transforming back into their animagus form and both dashed and flew around the lawn.Kuroo ran around as he can barely contain the excitement coursing through his body. As he finally calmed down enough to stop in one place, his eyesight trained on Tsukishima.Under the moonlight, Tsukishima looked ethereal. His pale blond hair glowed like a halo as the moonshine cloaks him as if the moon is giving Tsukishima a hug. Truly living up to his name, Tsukishima stood under the full moon like a regal prince from the distant planet.A smile smile graced Tsukishima's lip as he leaned down to pet Kuroo's head.The moon like orbs that is Tsukishima's eyes glanced into Kuroo's. All of the sudden, Kuroo felt like he has been hit by a comet.
Boom
Kuroo can feel his heart beating so loud in his chest that he's afraid Tsukishima will be able to hear it.Damn, I'm in love.Under the full moon and Bokuto hooting like an owl gone mad above their heads.Kuroo realised he gave his heart to the salty tall blonde.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Achieving his dream of becoming an animagus and realising his long fostered feelings for Tsukishima all in one night is too much for Kuroo to handle. So here he is, panicking as he sat across from Kenma for breakfast."Oh my god. Kenma! I fell in love with a thirteen year old! I'm a hentai!" Kuroo exclaimed. His usual laid-back features no where to be seen as he fully freaks out."Well, you said it was love at first sight right. So then Tsukishima would be eleven when you fell in love with him" Kenma added oil to the fire as he dropped that comment. "Kenma!" Kuroo said with a mortified expression. Letting out a little sign at his childhood friend's exaggeration, Kenma put down his chopstick and looked Kuroo in the eyes."Kuro, you realised you love him. That's a good thing." Kenma said."I know it's a good thing! But what do I do now! I'm two years older than him and he is way too young to be making a decision on relationships!" Kuroo stressed.Truthfully Kuroo would love to take a day or two to sort through the everything, but school doesn't really work like that so for the rest of the day, Kuroo just spiralled further into the black hole that is his crisis regarding the ethics behind dating a younger person while they are both underage. After trudging through Defense Against the Dark Arts and double Transfiguration Kuroo had finally arrived the last class of the day. And the only class he had been looking forward to all day.Advanced Potions.Well the class was just so-so, but his lab partner is definitely worth looking forward to all day for. However, there is one problem. Tsukishima didn't show up.Although Tsukishima never tries hard at anything but he is always the most ideal student. Coming into class on time, finishing all his homework exactly as assigned.So it's highly unlikely for Tsukishima to not show up to class.For the entirety of the lesson, Kuroo sat in his seat, nearly overcame with worry of what had happened to his crush.After the class has finally ended, Kuroo dashed through the hallways to the dungeons. Finally stopping and catching his breath before he knocks on the door to Tsukishima's dorm.Knock. Knock. Knock."Who is it?" a voice that Kuroo recognised as Oikawa called out from inside. "It's me, Kuroo. Umm... is Tsuki ok? I didn't see him in Potions today." Kuroo called out.He could hear shuffling before the door opened to reveal Oikawa's angry expression."You!" Oikawa hissed as soon as he sees Kuroo. "What did you do to Kei!""Wha-What?" confused, Kuroo peered over Oikawa to see Sugawara, Tendou and Sakusa all crowded around Tsukishima's bed."Kei is sick! I heard him leave last night, what did you do!" Oikawa shifted so he's blocking Kuroo's sight again. "Sick? Oh shi- I brought him outside to show him something, he must have caught a cold." Kuroo ran a hand through his messy hair apologetically, "Can I see him please?"Oikawa narrowed his eyes as he inspected Kuroo up and down before finally shifting his body a bit so Kuroo can be allowed in."Wait." before Kuroo can enter the room, Sakusa left his post near the bed and walked up to Kuroo before spraying him with so much disinfectant so that Kuroo is properly dosed and free of any germs.Just like his roommate, Sakusa has a less than welcoming expression on his face, which is kinda hard to tell since he only has half his face uncovered and Kuroo swears that he's pretty sure the sour expression is just Sakusa's normal face."Ara. Look what the cat dragged in." Tendou said in his sing-song voice. Kuroo ignored Tendou's comment as he neared Tsukishima's bed. In the bed, Tsukishima was bundled with thick blankets and the only thing exposed to air was his little blonde head. A cooling patch on his forehead and an unhealthy flush across his cheeks, for the first time since Kuroo knew him. Tsukishima looked vulnerable.Sugawara was dabbing Tsukishima's face with a cool cloth and petting the boy's hair in a comforting sort of way.Kuroo felt a twinge of jealousy even if he knows it's irrational. Sugawara had been basically married to Daichi for years and Tsukishima was like their son."Tsuki?"Kuroo said in a guilty voice as he stood next to the bed. How could he have been so careless to drag Tsukishima outside in the chilly air without a coat. Tsukishima cracked his eyes open a little, squinting as he tries to identify the voice. "Kuroo?"Tsukishima said in a raspy voice before bursting into coughs.Sugawara quickly stuck a straw in Tsukishima's mouth and told him to drink, "Don't talk right now Kei. You need to rest your throat."Kuroo nodded in agreement before rattling a string of apologises about his irresponsibility last night. "Tsuki I'm so sorry. I should have been more mindful."Kuroo said, words heavy with remorse. Great, first day of actively crushing on Tsuki, he had caused him to get sick.Tsukishima didn't reply but he reached out his hand from under all the blanket and softly patted Kuroo's hand to let him know everything is alright. Sugawara caught that motion quickly and made a move to shove Tsukishima's hand back into the blanket and tucked him in even snugger, if that is even possible.Kuroo was only able to stay a few minutes before Sugawara ushered everyone out so Tsukishima can rest in peace. Sugawara left a spell to monitor Tsukishima's condition before going off to dinner. Trudging behind his housemates as they made their way down the corridor and into the Great Hall. Kuroo dropped mindlessly into the seat across from Kenma on the Ravenclaw table."I messed up Kenma." Kuroo murmured as he stuffed his face into the crooks of his elbow.Sparing his childhood friend a glance at his strange behaviour, Kenma looked up from his game."What's wrong.""I brought Tsuki outside last night to show him I became an animagus, but he caught a cold and now he's sick." murmuring under his breath, Kuroo felt a wave of depression overcome him.How could he let this happen! Why hadn't he done better! He should be able to protect Tsuki!"It's not completely your fault Kuroo. You were just excited."Kenma said, trying to console his friend.Kuroo said nothing but let out a whimper.__The next day after classes, Kuroo went to Tsukishima's dorm again. Most of Tsukishima's roommates weren't there except for Sakusa, who of course, sprayed him with more than enough disinfectant before letting him in."Here, Pepperup Potion, I got it from Madame Pomfrey."Kuroo said, handing a bottle of healing potion to Sakusa.Letting out a soft grunt as acknowledgement, Sakusa takes the bottle before wiping it and putting it on table."I'm going to the kitchen to ask the elves to make some porridge for Kei, watch him til I get back." Sakusa said before shutting the door behind him, leaving Kuroo and Tsukishima alone."Hey Tsuki."Kuroo said softly as he sat on the edge of Tsukishima's bed. There is still a sickly flush on Tsukishima's complexion, but he is sitting up and looking a bit better than yesterday."Kuroo." Tsukishima said, voice still hoarse. Twiddling his thumb nervously, Kuroo said: "I know you don't want to hear this but I'm really sor-""It's not your fault Kuroo." Tsukishima cut Kuroo off. "I know you feel guilty but I'm really glad that you told me something that important as soon as it happened."Kuroo had a stunned look on his face as Tsukishima talked. His expression had been one that Kuroo had never seen before. A small curve of the lips, the way there ware no tension between his brows. The expression was soft, and Tsukishima was directing it to Kuroo, sending Kuroo's heart into overdrive.Although in the past few months Tsukishima and Kuroo had gotten closer because of practicing spells together with all the others in the Room of Requirements, they still hadn't become friend friends as their relationship still mostly consist of Kuroo provoking Tsukishima who returned with salty remarks. Tsukishima is thirteen, and he is just fifteen. They are both way too young to start something romantic, but Kuroo want them to be close. Closer than they are now, closer than this relationship of bickering. He want them to be able to share real feelings and rely on each other. To tell each other about their life and develop a deeper bond, even if it's just a platonic one for now.Finally reaching a conclusion of his crisis after two days. Kuroo puffed out a small laugh."Tsuki, I know our relationship isn't really friend friends, but I would like it to be more. Do you think we can be friends?" Kuroo asked in a hopeful voice.Tsukishima let out a soft laugh too, voice still sounding dry from sickness, he said: "I would love to."Kuroo held out his hand for Tsukishima to shake: "Thanks for letting me be your friend.""Thanks for asking."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Over the remaining course of Tsukishima's third year and the whole of his fourth year, he has grown much closer to Kuroo. Over the summer, he even went to the Kuroo's summer home in the country side where he spent two weeks just swimming and playing Quidditch with Kuroo, Kenma, Akaashi and Bokuto.Sadly, summer always come to an end. Standing on the platform of nine and three quarters with a new shiny prefect badge pinned on his robe. Tsukishima made his way into the prefect compartment. Walking into the compartment he immediately spots Suga as the seventh year prefect stands with Daichi, who was made the Head Boy this year. The two had finally gotten together last year and everyone was not surprised.The Head Girl this year is in Ravenclaw, Shimizu Kiyoko, she was chatting with Yachi, a new Hufflepuff prefect and Yamaguchi's girlfriend.Looking over to the windows, Tsukishima spots Kuroo. The other seventh year Slytherin prefect was sitting there talking with Akaashi (he was made Ravenclaw's prefect last year).Kuroo quickly notices Tsukishima and wave at him with his usual smirk and hooded eyes as Tsukishima makes his way to sit next to him."Hey Tsuki. Ready for your O.W.Ls this year?" Kuroo said in his lazy voice."Only single celled idiots like the tangerine and his King wouldn't be ready for it." Tsukishima confidently said as he tilts his chin and lifted one of his brows. "Oho ho, confident are we. Then try out for the Quidditch team." quirking an eyebrow, Kuroo said in a teasing tone, but Tsukishima can tell he's serious about the Quidditch comment.Ever since Kuroo has seen Tsukishima play Quidditch over the summer, he has been pestering Tsukishima nonstop to join the team. Especially since Tsukishima plays Beater the best and there is a vacancy on the Slytherin team after last year's seventh year graduated.Tsukishima had been hesitant to say the least. First, Quidditch is exhausting and knowing some people on the team like Oikawa, Sakusa, and Kuroo, they would have an enormous amount of practice that Tsukishima is pretty sure he's not interested in.Second, Kuroo was Slytherin's other beater and truthfully, with the amount of time they are spending together now Tsukishima is already having a hard enough time keeping his secret crush secret, adding being on the same Quidditch team. That is a recipe for spilling the beans and Tsukishima is definitely not ready for that.Lastly...and the most important one. A permanent scar has been left on Tsukishima after his brother, Akiteru had lied to him about being on the Gryffindor team during his Hogwarts days. The ordeal had put a damp on the brothers relationship for years and even if they are on good terms now, Tsukishima wasn't eager to expose himself to the same pain that his brother felt when his dream and pride was crushed.Pursing his lips at Kuroo's comment, Tsukishima shot Kuroo a look that clearly states, 'change the topic' before asking Akaashi about his N.E.W.T classes this year.A sign of relief left Tsukishima's lips as Kuroo didn't press on the subject and allowed him to engage in a new conversation with Akaashi.As they near the castle, Tsukishima left his seat with Kuroo and Akaashi to alert the new first years to get changed into their school robes.It wasn't until after all the first years has been sorted that Tsukishima sat down next to Kuroo on the Slytherin table. Despite hating the majority of mankind, Tsukishima had always loved the dinner on the night of first day. Surrounded by all his roommates who has became family over the last few years, sitting with Kuroo who has taken up residence in his heart, even Lev's hyperactive bouncing in seat had become endearing. He spots Yamaguchi who was sitting Yachi, both having a blush on their cheeks. Bokuto is at the Hufflepuff table talking animatedly with the new first years, no doubt talking about how awesome Quidditch is and getting them hyped up about trying out. Even if they could only do that in their second year.Over at the Ravenclaw table, Akaashi is quietly chatting with his fellow prefect, Kenma and Shinsuke Kita. Their table noticeably more peaceful as no true Ravenclaw would act like barbarians even if it kills them.The complete opposite being the Gryffindor table. Tsukishima can see Daichi desperately trying quiet everyone down, but failing spectacularly as Nishinoya and Tanaka is literally howling as Hinata and Kageyama have a fist fight right in their seats.The first day back at Hogwarts is always chaotic, but Tsukishima loved it nonetheless. Allowing himself one night of 'letting go' to bask in the joy of being back.The Great Hall finally quiet down as Dumbledore stepped up to give his speech, after the usual what-nots, Dumbledore announced a surprise.Hogwarts would host the Tri-Wizard Tournaments this year.Out of the corner of his eyes Tsukishima sees Tendou's expression lighting up as he cheered. His boyfriend, Ushijima Wakatoshi attends Durmstrang.Truthfully, the news of the Tri-Wizard Tournaments is not new to Tsukishima. As the top student in Hogwarts in Care of the Magical Creatures, he had received a letter during the summer that asks him to assist in taking care of the magical creatures that would be involved in the Tournament.Dumbledore starts announcing the arrival of Beauxbaton and Durmstrang. Tendou stood up and cheered as Ushijima entered the Great Hall with his staff banging on the floor, sending sparks flying. After the other schools performance, Dumbledore made another announcement. "I am proud to announce there are two exceptional students amongst us this year that will be assisting with the some preparations of the Tournament. Let's give them a round of applause, Tsukishima Kei and Kuroo Tetsurou!"As Tsukishima stood up at the sound of his name, his eyes widen as he heard Kuroo's being called as well.A smirk dancing on his lips, Kuroo leaned in close and whispered in Tsukishima's ear."Surprise."The deep voice send a shiver down Tsukishima's spine and turned the tips of his ear the same shade as the bowl of tomato soup in front of him. Desperately calming his heart beat as he sat down, he turned to Kuroo and asked: "Why didn't you tell me?""I wanted to give you a surprise. And I'm not really taking care of the magical creatures, that's your job. My job is to protect you."Kuroo said with a wink.Protect you. Kuroo's last two words echoed throughout Tsukishima's brain as it throughly fries Tsukishima's nervous system. Unable to form words, Tsukishima settled for a slap on Kuroo's arm for keeping this a secret before turning and hiding his red face in Sugawara's congratulatory embrace.__The next morning Tsukishima woke up with the clearest mind that he has ever had. Today will be the day he achieve his dream since a child. Today he will see the dragons.Walking to the forest behind the castle, he sees Kuroo had already been waiting for him. "Morning Tsuki." Kuroo greeted him cheerfully with a ever present smirk.Normally Tsukishima, who is very, very much not a morning person would just reply with a grunt. Crush or not, morning is not a time to socialise. But today, Tsukishima greeted Kuroo back in a full sentence."Good morning, Kuroo."Kuroo wasn't just teasing Tsukishima last night when he said his only job was to protect Tsukishima. He really doesn't know the first thing in dealing with magical creatures.The reason Kuroo was assigned to accompany Tsukishima was because he is the top student in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms and Transfiguration. As he had already received an invitation from the Department of Aurors to start training after his graduation from Hogwarts, Dumbledore had assigned Kuroo to protect Tsukishima and only to protect Tsukishima. In the middle of the forest is a clearing that had three humongous cages, each containing a dragon. A Hungarian Horntail, Norwegian Ridgeback, and Peruvian Vipertooth.Tsukishima marvelled at the sight of the dragons as he carefully started lighting up candles that emits a calming pheromones to the dragons. After he has done his job, he sat on a large rock with Kuroo, still watching the dragons in fascination.As they talked, somehow their conversation had drifted to Quidditch again and Kuroo again, asked Tsukishima the difficult question."Why don't you try out for the Quidditch team?" Kuroo asked as he mindlessly twirled his wand."Why should I, Quidditch is cancelled this year anyway." Tsukishima reply, his attention coming back from the dragons as he answer."The official games are cancelled, but there will still be a few practice games and try outs are still going to happen." Kuroo said: "Come on Tsuki! We are short a Beater and Lev absolutely can not be allowed on the field at the level he's at."Tsukishima pressed his lips into a thin line and shifted into a more defensive position as Kuroo continues his quest to persuading him. "I've seen you play, you have excellent intuition and you are great at thinking on the spot. You could easily beat any Beater at your age, why don't you try!"Pursing his lips further and furrowing his eyebrows, Tsukishima said: "I just don't want to."Not noticing Tsukishima's unwillingness to discuss the topic, Kuroo press harder into the topic."Why not! You would be great! I know you would!"The way Kuroo is telling Tsukishima how great he knows Tsukishima will be at Quidditch, the further Tsukishima's heart drops to his stomach.Akiteru's pained cries from behind the doors of his room when the family found out the truth about his placement on the Quidditch team all came back into Tsukishima's mind. Tsukishima feels like he's seeing Akiteru's broken eyes again as Kuroo rattles on and on about how great Tsukishima would be on the Slytherin team. The sound of Akiteru's cries inside his mind got louder and louder before he finally snaps. "I don't want to play Quidditch Kuroo." Tsukishima finally shouts angrily. Kuroo's eyes widened in surprise and just stared at Tsukishima with a startled look with his mouth agape. Without waiting for a reply from Kuroo, Tsukishima walked off towards the castle. All the excitement about the dragons gone. __After Tsukishima's outburst Kuroo stayed outside for a bit more before returning to the castle full of remorse.Kuroo praised himself on being the master of provocation, but he had never wanted to hurt Tsukishima. The guilt grows more and more as he nears the castle because he knew Tsukishima would never react that way unless he was really bothered. He walks in the Great Hall and when he can't see Tsukishima anywhere, he walks up to Tsukishima's roommates (except for Tendou, he's enjoying time with UshiWaka) that are eating their lunch."Hey, can I talk to you guys about something?" Kuroo asked, rubbing the back of his head in a nervous gesture."Ei~ What would the Kuroo Tetsurou have to talk with us about."Oikawa said in a childish tone.Kuroo internally rolled his eyes at Oikawa for his childish antics, but he quickly spoke again as before Oikawa could. "It's about Tsuki."the sentence alone was enough to wipe Oikawa teasing face off and replace it with narrowed eyes and downturned lips. Every time Tsukishima comes up in a conversation between Oikawa and Kuroo had made Oikawa fume. Oikawa can't believe this is the evil cat that caught his cute little Kei's attention. If only Kei would have better taste."What did you do." Oikawa spits out in more of a statement than a question. "I uh... I think I pressed too hard on Tsuki to try out for the Quidditch team and he stormed off." Kuroo said.Upon hearing the sentence, Oikawa exchanged looks with Sakusa and Sugawara before narrowing his eyes on Kuroo again and gesturing for him to sit down."Quidditch, well... more like joining a Quidditch team is a touchy subject for Kei." Sugawara said in his gentle voice, "It has something to do with his brother.""His brother?""Yes. Kei's brother, Tsukishima Akiteru."Oikawa said and looked like he's about to elaborate before Sakusa cut him off."It's not our place to say Tooru." Sakusa said."He's right, it's not ours to say." Sugawara agreed with Sakusa as he patted Oikawa on the arm."Kuroo, I think you should let Kei calm down a bit before talking to him." Sugawara said, "Just don't press him too hard."Kuroo nodded as he silently eats his lunch without tasting anything, pondering the possibilities of what could have happened with Tsukishima's brother that made him so defensive about Quidditch teams.__Tsukishima is currently hiding at the top of the Astronomy tower. After storming off from Kuroo, he made a beeline to the only place in the castle that he can get some quiet in. The place being an open space at a deadly height just lessened the chances of anyone coming up to disturb him.There is however, someone that will disturb Tsukishima at his secret spot and won't be killed.One Yamaguchi Tadashi made his way carefully to where Tsukishima sat as he looked over the majestic Hogwarts castle. From here he can also see Beauxbaton's carriage on the lawn and Durmstrang's boat in the Great Lake."Hey Tsuki." Yamaguchi said softly as he sat down next to Tsukishima.Yamaguchi didn't press Tsukishima to say anything and just patiently waited until Tsukishima spoke."It's just a school club, it wouldn't even matter that much in life. What will you write on your resume? That I worked really hard on a school team so that's why you should hire me?" Tsukishima said in a confused tone."You know, I always admired you Tsuki." Yamaguchi started, "You were always so cool and I was...not. You are good at everything you do and you can do anything you want. So it really bums me out when you are clearly so great at Quidditch but never try it just because you are afraid you'll get hurt.""But even if I try there are always people better than me. Let's say I make the team, and we win the house cup. Then what, go national? Or even international? There are always someone better than you out there, so why even try when you know you won't be the best?"Yamaguchi left out a soft smile, "What more do you need other than pride."Tsukishima looked at his friend in surprise. After staying so still that it looks like he has been frozen, Tsukishima huffed out a laugh. "You know, you're really cool Yamaguchi."Laughing, Yamaguchi replied, "I know, now let's go, I want to be at a non lethal height."__It wasn't until fairly late into the night when Kuroo returned to the Slytherin dorms, his Transfiguration class had moved to after dinner as a result of the schedule change due to the Tri-Wizard Tournament. When he entered the dorm with some Slytherin housemates he immediately notice Tsukishima sitting on his favourite bay window cuddling Callisto.Nervously picking at his thumb, Kuroo walked up to Tsukishima."Tsuki I'm sorry, I shouldn't have pushed you and - ""It's ok."Tsukishima cut Kuroo off, "I overreacted too, and if you'll listen, I want to tell you why."Tsukishima's honey coloured eyes stared into Kuroo's, the round orbs conveying an emotion Tsukishima has never displayed before. "I would love to." Kuroo said holding his gaze with Tsukishima as he sat down next to Tsukishima. Callisto purrs softly in Tsukishima's arms as he started talking."My brother, he use to write home letters about how amazing it is to be on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. I use to worship him, worship his stories, but one summer, I got permission to go and watch on the the games he was suppose to be playing...he wasn't."Taking a pause to swallow the lump in his throat before he continues."My brother, he was on the cheering stand, and when he saw me...it was like his world crumbled. The summer of that year I heard him cry in his room and I could feel how sad and broken he is because his pride and dreams were crushed. That's why I don't want to try for the Quidditch team, because even if I make it on the team, there will always be someone better than me and eventually, I will meet someone I can't beat.""It's just, if you know that one day you will fail, why even start? Why even expose yourself to that pain?"Tsukishima finally finishes and buries his finger deeper into Callisto's soft fur."Tsuki, I can't speak for other people but the way I feel is that I want to meet stronger people. If I'm going to win I want it to be because I'm the best not because the opponent sucks." Kuroo said softly.Tsukishima lifted his head slightly from his position of trying to stuff his chin into his chest. A gentle curve of his thin lips tells Kuroo that Tsukishima feels better now."Ha."a soft laugh escapes Tsukishima's throat, "I can't believe I needed so long to understand that."As Kuroo sees the tension has left Tsukishima in the way his shoulder relaxes and a slight crinkle forms around his eyes, Kuroo can't help but allow a genuine smile appear on his lips."So try out for the team?"Tsukishima said nothing as he peered at Kuroo through his lashes and nodded. The small smile that graces his lips stretching bigger. "Yeah." he finally answers.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It was Saturday and Tsukishima, Kuroo, Bokuto and Akaashi were sitting around the Goblet of Fire as is the majority of the population that currently resides in the Hogwarts castle.Hinata and Kageyama was bouncing around trying to see if they can trick the Age ring to let them enter the tournament. The crowd cheered as Ushijima puts his name into the Goblet and he shared a kiss with Tendou. Ushijima entering wasn't a surprise, everyone knew he was going to. However, Oikawa not entering is a surprise. When Tsukishima asked Oikawa about it just before bed, Oikawa had responded with a laugh that is not typically like him."Well at one point I probably would have happily died in the Tournament if it means I can prove myself, but Iwa-chan has shown me that overreaching to prove myself just isn't worth it. As long as I have proved myself to the people I care about and myself, there's no reason for me to prove myself to people I don't even know."Tsukishima had stared at Oikawa in wonderment, the senpai he knew that was obsessed with proving he is better, proving talent isn't everything has let that fixation go.He remember watching Oikawa glancing out the window into the depth of the Great Lake with a wistful and content smile on his lips, no doubt seeing Iwaizumi in his mind.Tsukishima had walked out of his bed and buried his face in the nook of Oikawa's shoulder in a hug and whispering that he thinks Oikawa is a senpai he can brag to the world about.Oikawa had held Tsukishima in his arms and although Tsukishima is well taller than Oikawa now, he still felt like the lanky first-year that he was when he had met Oikawa.That night their dorm had put out cushions and had a sleepover all huddled with each other, even Sakusa didn't obsess over how many germs human have and how unsanitary the floor is.Smiling fondly at the memory, Tsukishima turned back to the his book as Hinata and Kageyama was propelled across the room by the Age ring magic."Say Tsuki, how dangerous is this Tournament?"Bokuto asked staring at the Goblet of Fire. "Very dangerous."Tsukishima answered looking up from his book. He gazed at Akaashi who look like he's turning green at Bokuto's comment. Akaashi's discomfort did not register in Bokuto as he excitedly stood up, and started shouting."Hey Hey Hey!!! Then it will be fun, huh!" Bokuto shouted as stood up and strolled over to the Goblet of Fire and when the slip with his name on it disappeared in a puff of blue flames the crowd erupts in cheers again.As Bokuto relish in the cheers of other students, Akaashi sat in his seat. He wanted to stop Bokuto from entering, but the moment Bokuto started walking to the Goblet it was as if someone has casted a petrify hex on him.Akaashi felt his whole body freeze as he watched Bokuto drop his name into the Goblet. "Akaashi, are you alright?"a warm hand wrapped around his arms, pulling Akaashi out of his petrified state. It was Tsukishima, his honey golden eyes that are normally filled with disinterest are now filled with concern.Akaashi thinks he must have looked as bad as he feels if Tsukishima is this concerned. He lifted his forest green eyes to Tsukishima's moon coloured ones. Swallowing the lump lodged in his throat, Akaashi opened his mouth wanting to speak, but nothing came out except a pathetic croak that make him sound like a dying owl.Pass Tsukishima's should he can see Bokuto and Kuroo fist bumping and talking loudly about how awesomely terrifying the tournament is. Following his gaze, Tsukishima peered backwards and see just how insensitive Bokuto and Kuroo were being. Tch. Tsukishima scowled."Kuroo." Tsukishima hissed between his teeth.Finally noticing Tsukishima and Akaashi. Bokuto and Kuroo quieted down and stared at the two of them in confusion, seemingly unable to understand why aren't they cheering like everyone else.Seeing Bokuto's big owl like eyes blink at him in confusion, Akaashi feels a surge of rage raising from the pits of his gut. He wanted to scream at Bokuto for throwing himself at danger, he wanted to scream at himself because he just sat there and watched as Bokuto throw himself at danger.Most importantly, Akaashi was upset because Bokuto didn't spare a second to thin about how Akaashi feels about him entering that dangerous Tournament.Feeling his anger would topple his container of emotions, Akaashi couldn't say a word as he stood up and basically ran out of the room.He can faintly hear Bokuto wanting to go after him and Akaashi silently send Tsukishima a thank you as he hears Tsukishima stoping Bokuto in his tracks. __Tsukishima watched out of the corner of his eyes as Akaashi left the room before turning around, hissing at Bokuto to stop him from following Akaashi.Bokuto's owlish eyes follows Akaashi's retreating back, turning to Kuroo and Tsukishima after Akaashi fully disappear into the darkened hallway."What happened?" Bokuto asked, looking Kuroo, he probably has as much of an idea as Bokuto. But Tsukishima seems to know something as he glares at Bokuto through the frame of his glasses."How could you do that to him!" Tsukishima seethe through his teeth, glaring at Bokuto.Bokuto took a step back at Tsukishima's sudden anger. Furrowing his brows together, Bokuto let out a questioning sound.Kuroo next to him was equally confused as he stared at Tsukishima: "What is going on?" Tsukishima didn't say anything as he continue to glare at Kuroo and Bokuto. If Tsukishima were a cartoon train, Bokuto is pretty sure he would have steam coming out of his ears.In the end, Tsukishima didn't say anything before slamming his book close and storming out of the room. Bokuto and Kuroo shared a look of pure confusion before Kuroo got a look of determination in his eyes and stated what they will do."Kenma, we speak to Kenma."__They didn't actually get to talk to Kenma until dinner because for the life of him, Bokuto couldn't answer a single riddle by the Ravenclaw's guardian door-knob.It was only as they find Kenma eating dinner with his focus still trained on his PSP that Kuroo and Bokuto got to talk to him.The two approached Kenma in a never before serious fashion. Sitting down solemnly in from of Kenma, who looked up at their intense aura and made a face that screams , 'must this happen?'"Kenma, we need help." Kuroo said.Across the table, Kenma squinted at the two idiots sitting in front of him, when he finally sees that they are being serious. Kenma let out a soft sign before pressing a few buttons and finally putting his PSP down."Speak." Kenma finally says, succumbing to his fate.  "Akaashi and Tsuki are angry at us." Bokuto says with a dejected look on his face."Understandable." Kenma murmured, not surprised."I just put my name in the Goblet of Fire and then Akaashi stormed out and Tsuki yelled at me and stormed out too!"Bokuto exclaimed, seemingly finding those reactions completely insane.Looking at the Bokuto and Kuroo sitting in front of him, Kenma wondered if they are dumb because it's just their genes or is it a upbringing thing. Genetics, it must be genetics. After all, Kenma and Kuroo were basically raised together and Kenma for sure isn't this dull. Letting out another sign, Kenma poked around his stew before speaking up again."Bokuto, you basically just entered a game where you can loose your life, how do you expect Akaashi to feel." Kenma said."Huh?" Bokuto's eyes widened, "But I wanted to enter to show Akaashi that I can be a hero!""Akaashi doesn't want you to be a hero, he wants you to be alive and safe."Kenma continued, "Akaashi and Tsukishima aren't like you two. They tend to overthink the worse and trap themselves inside their mind. All Akaashi saw when you put your name in that Goblet was probably you signing your life away without even thinking about him."Bokuto nearly jumped out of his seat at that comment. "How can I not think about Akaashi! I'm always thinking about Akaashi."Realising his crush on Akaashi is easy for Bokuto. One day they were just eating lunch like usual and Akaashi had laughed at something one of Bokuto's Quidditch teammate said. And at that moment, all Bokuto can think about is how he wish he could kiss Akaashi right there.Since Bokuto's revelation, the line that separated Akaashi and his relationship from friendship to romance has became nearly transparent.But Bokuto had wanted to prove to Akaashi that he can be good enough for him before getting together.Now hearing Kenma's ever so wise interpretation, Bokuto leaped out of his chair and turned around to run to Akaashi.Only to freeze in his way because he has no idea where Akaashi is. "Do you guys know where Akaashi is?"he asks Kenma and Kuroo."I don't think you should go see him right now," Kenma said "Akaashi will come to you when he's ready."Bokuto opened and closed his mouth his a fish out of water, he wanted to argue but he knew Kenma was right."Come on Bo, let Akaashi feel better." Kuroo said.Bokuto slumps as Kuroo sling an arm around his should as he sits back down in the seat. He felt a pang of guilt as he realise Kuroo hadn't talked to Kenma about Tsukishima yet because he had been making Kenma focus on his issues."Sorry Kuroo, let's talk about why Tsuki's mad."Bokuto said in a apologetic tone."Nah, I kinda know why he's mad, I'll talk to him tonight." Kuroo patted Bokuto's back before starting a more lighthearted conversation with Kenma.Bokuto absentmindedly eats his lunch as he hopes Akaashi will come talk to him soon.__Tsukishima storms out of the room and quickly follows Akaashi into a deep, concealed part of the library. He can see how Akaashi's form tremble as he stands with his back to Tsukishima and hung his head down as if he's trying to dig into his chest with his chin.After some moments of silence, Akaashi turns around with tears brimming his wide open eyes and clenching his teeth."Is it dangerous?" Akaashi asks Tsukishima in a shaky voice.Tsukishima thinks to the dragons in the clearing and some notifications he has gotten about the other magical creatures that could be involved with the Tournament. Looking at Akaashi's broken expression, Tsukishima didn't really feel like he has the heart to tell his friend the truth."Kei - Please."Akaashi said, his steely eyes now focusing onto Tsukishima's.Swallowing the lump in his throat, Tsukishima opened his mouth."Yes." Tsukishima croaked. Akaashi squeezed his eyes shut and let his tears fall as he hears Tsukishima's answer. Tsukishima never sugar coats or exaggerate, if he says it's dangerous it's definitely way too dangerous for Akaashi to feel comfortable for Bokuto to be completing.The word seems to suck all the energy out of Akaashi as he lets himself crumble to the floor, he feels Tsukishima wraps his arms around him as he choke out heart retching sobs. "How could he do this."Akaashi finally says in a broken voice. He feels like his heart had shattered like glass and million pieces of glass shard are traveling around his body as his entire being hurts from heart break.Tsukishima didn't say anything as he just collects his sobbing friend in his arms. Feeling his own heart being pulled apart by Akaashi's pain filled cries. He suddenly wonders, would he be hurt like this if Kuroo did something dangerous?When Akaashi has calmed down, Tsukishima didn't say anything but took Akaashi's head and led him to the top of the Astronomy tower. As they stand on the tower and overlooks the entire castle with a beautiful dusk in the horizon, Akaashi breathed in the fresh air deeply feeling a little better. "Thank you."Akaashi whispers without looking away from the sunset, but he knew Tsukishima heard him.Tsukishima only hummed in response and stood watching as the sun's descend paints the sky with beautiful shades. __It was well into the night when Akaashi walks into the Hufflepuff common room. Unlike the Ravenclaw common room where the ceiling is high and all the walls are lined from top to the bottom with bookshelves that makes you feel small. The Hufflepuff common room has low ceilings and the room was lit as bright as a Sunday afternoon. The colourful plants all around the room seemed to be magical as you immediately feels better upon walking into the room. There were no one except for Bokuto in the room. Akaashi sees him slumped in a cushy couch in the back with his eyes watching Akaashi like an owl.Akaashi made his way to Bokuto and crawled into an equally cushy couch next to Bokuto before saying anything. "I'm sorry I reacted that way."Akaashi said softly."No, I'm sorry I didn't tell you before I put my name in the Goblet." Bokuto started and stopped Akaashi as he wanted to say something."I entered because I wanted to prove to you that I would be good enough for you, that I can be a hero that you think I am. Just like the first time you saw me play Quidditch in second year." Bokuto said."Bokuto, you never have to prove yourself to me. I think you are a star not because you can score goals in Quidditch or anything like that. I think you are a star because you always have so much confidence and no matter how strong your opponent is you never let that stop you from giving your best. " Akaashi confessed thinking back to when he saw Bokuto first. He was in his first year and Bokuto already became Hufflepuff's star Chaser in his second year. That game was Hufflepuff against Ravenclaw and Akaashi had been there to cheer his house on. But when Bokuto flew past him in the stands and scored a perfect goal yelling 'Hey Hey Hey' as he high five with all his teammate, Akaashi's gaze had been uncontrollably drawn to the star and it has never left his star every since.Bokuto's eyes light up in pure joy and launched himself at Akaashi, tackling him in a hug."Thank you."Bokuto whispered into Akaashi's ear. Bokuto has always been confident and self assured, but he also knew he didn't have the easiest personality. It's a miracle he is surrounded by friends like Kuroo and his Quidditch team that wouldn't leave him but rather accommodate him, but Akaashi - Keiji. Keiji is different. Lifting himself up a little so he can look into Akaashi's eyes. Bokuto held Akaashi firmer in his hands before speaking."Keiji, I didn't enter just to prove myself though. I want this - I need this."Bokuto started, "All my life I have focused on Quidditch and this year it's cancelled and I need to do something. And I need to know if Quidditch is the only thing I am capable of."Bokuto said.The decision to enter the Tournament truly hadn't been a spontaneous decision. Despite his straight forward personality, Bokuto had actually thought a lot about entering the Tournament. Quidditch had been the focus of his life for as long as Bokuto can remember, but as his feelings for Akaashi grows stronger he started thinking about other paths instead of putting everything behind Quidditch. Of course, Quidditch would definitely be his choice of career but he just needed to see if he would have talents in something else. He has had extensive conversations with Kuroo about the way of the Tournament Kuroo had said the Tournament would be a way to evaluate one's overall critical thinking and magical abilities, Bokuto knew he had to enter. He had to know if he can only be Quidditch player Bokuto or would he have what it takes to go beyond the Quidditch field.Bokuto's heart broke as he sees Akaashi's forest green eyes fill up with tears upon hearing him, but he held his gaze because he knew this is something he needed to do. Not for Akaashi but for himself.Seeing the determination in Bokuto's eyes, Akaashi squeezed his eyes shut before burying his face into Bokuto's shoulder. The soft fabric of Bokuto's sweater vest became damp from Akaashi's tears before Akaashi finally nodded his head. Understanding that the Tournament is something Bokuto needed to do in order to discover himself. Clutching Bokuto closer to him, the paired embraced each other in the brightly lit room. Feeling the warmth of Akaashi against him, Bokuto held Akaashi so tight as if he is trying to enclose Akaashi into his flesh. Bokuto whispered in Akaashi's ear."After the Tournament, can I tell you something?"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

That night as Akaashi and Bokuto had their heartfelt conversation in the Hufflepuff common room, something also happened in the Slytherin common room.Walking up to Tsukishima in the common room at their usual bay window had became a consistent occurrence with Kuroo and Tsukishima. It has became their spot whether it's just sitting and chatting or silently accompany each other as each reads a book.Although the main responsibility of the bay windows in the Slytherin common room is to be the place where everyone in the house can talk to others about their feelings as the soft cushions on the bay window seats embrace them and offer a cushiony support that makes emotionally repressed Slytherin students comfortable enough to talk about their feelings.Kuroo and Tsukishima has always opted for the bay window in the corner that no one else really uses as after all their time at Hogwarts, it has sort of became theirs.The back corner bay window is always dark and mostly illuminated by the light from the window showcasing an underwater view which always relaxes Tsukishima enough to talk.Right now in that bay window, Tsukishima is reading a book, or pretending to read it at least.The moment Kuroo came through the entrance doors and entered the common room Tsukishima had been reading the same page for ten minutes without a single word registering in his brain.When Kuroo finally says goodbye to the housemates he came in with, Tsukishima feel like he wanted to shout 'Thank god' even though he has no believe in religion."Hey Tsuki, I'm sorry that I was so inconsiderate today."Kuroo started, after years of learning how to talk to Tsukishima, he had became the leading expert in Guideline to Tsukishima Kei, even suppressing Yamaguchi. Through his extensive studies, Kuroo had discovered it's best to be more straight forward with Tsukishima, especially since the blond has a habit of thinking up a storm inside his head.Kuroo had been strictly following the Tsukishima Kei guidelines but the only thing he hasn't told Tsukishima straight up is his big fat secret crush that is like a mental elephant in Kuroo's brain. Running his hand through his hair as a nervous habit, Kuroo continued in his apology."I should have thought about how Akaashi would feel. I mean, I kind of understand him. Every time I see you getting close to those dragons I feel like my heart is just going to give out."Kuroo's declaration about how much he can relate to Akaashi because of how much he cares for Tsukishima honestly makes Tsukishima having a heart attack himself."It is pretty crappy of Bokuto to not talk to Akaashi about a decision this big."Tsukishima murmured, trying to calm his heart from doing a gymnastic routine in his chest. Goodness, have anyone died from having a crush before?"Yeah, but Bo and I about entering the Tournament, he really wants this. Actually, he really needs this." Kuroo said, not elaborating into details since it's not his place to tell.Tsukishima said nothing for a few seconds before lifting one of his eyebrows in acknowledgement. Guideline #66, this is Tsukishima Kei's expression for 'I agree but I still think it's ridiculous.'"How would you have felt if I entered the game?"Kuroo asked, unable to stop himself with think about that what-if. Since they were both assigned to help prepare the tasks for the Tournament, Kuroo and Tsukishima were prohibited from entering the game. But seeing how Akaashi's reaction that Kuroo knows is because Akaashi's love for Bokuto, he can't help but wonder. Would Tsuki be that concerned about me? Would he worry for me?Tsukishima lifted to fix his gaze onto Kuroo's in an intense way. It's the look Tsukishima gets when he is actually trying and analysing someone. Why was Kuroo asking this? Is this a comparison of their relationship to Akaashi and Bokuto? Sure, in all the years they have spent together, there had been moments where Kuroo and Tsukishima gets a sneaking suspicion about how the other feel but that suspicion has always been fleeting and definitely not enough for either of them to reach a conclusion.Unlike Bokuto and Akaashi, their relationship is rather complementing of both their personalities. Bokuto being a Hufflepuff and straight forward about his emotions to Akaashi who is a Ravenclaw that overthinks.Now as Kuroo and Tsukishima, they are not as complementing as Akaashi and Bokuto. Both of them being a Slytherin, it's only natural that they are calculating and always fighting for control. A Slytherin's instinct of self preservation and self protection will not allow them to jump head first into a relationship that could result in them getting hurt. The stage they are in now is like a tug of war, Kuroo and Tsukishima at different ends and although they both are overbrimming with love for each other, they simply refuses to make the first move.Both boys are true Slytherins with their overwhelming instinct to calculate and manipulate in one's favor regardless of feeling. Fighting against his instincts to probe and pry for Kuroo to confess the reasoning behind his question and ultimately his feelings for Tsukishima.Tsukishima narrows his eyes before deciding to break the confines of his own aptitude that he takes great pride in. He put himself in the orange menace's shoes. The human incarnation of an emotional sun had always jumped head first into things and had always answered questions exactly the way they are asked."I would kill you." Tsukishima answers Kuroo, who's pupil narrowed in seconds into slits like a startled cat. Ignoring Kuroo's reaction, Tsukishima continued."I would kill you because that way at least I am in control, even the thought of you going into somewhere dangerous and unpredictable would make me go crazy. I would rather just kill you so at least I can be with you til the last moment."The raw truth of Tsukishima's words burns like acid in his throat. Tsukishima watches as Kuroo's pupils dilates mere seconds of just narrowing into slits.After his transformation into an animagus, Kuroo's eyes has gotten more and more cat like.As Kuroo register more of Tsukishima's answer, the wider his pupils dilates and his heart beats faster as if it's trying to bounce out of his chest and take his place in Tsukishima's possession. Ok, the answer was definitely psychotic sounding and if anyone from other houses overhears they would definitely sent Kuroo and Tsukishima to the Headmaster's office for a psych evaluation. But for a Slytherin, that was basically a confession that Tsukishima would stay with him until Kuroo reaches his grave.The world around him seems to go into static like that old TV from his muggle grandparents use to. Kuroo can feel his brain short circuiting as his body acts on its own and jumps into Tsukishima's embrace as Kuroo looses all sense of clear thinking. Even his instincts don't kick in and rescue him from plunging head first into something that could shatter his heart. Kuroo can feel Tsukishima gently running a hand through his hair and softly laughing at the way Kuroo reacted to his answer. In his head, Kuroo knows the emotional tug of war between him and Tsukishima is definitely going to Tsukishima's side as he feels his limb grow boneless and he can't even muster enough self control to get out of Tsukishima's arms.'Ah, that damn snake on the house crest would probably look at me in disappointment', Kuroo thought.'And I don't care'__The following morning, Kuroo and Bokuto both meet in the Great Hall with a enormous amount of energy. "I'm going to ask Akaashi out after the Tournament!" Bokuto started with his news, his bronze eyes filled with excitement."Tsuki said he would kill me!"Kuroo said, his voice as enthusiastic as Bokuto even though the content could not have been more different.Kuroo's sentence and his way not fitting expression that goes with his sentence made Bokuto freeze. His mouth hangs open and his eyes wide as he managed to let out a "HUH?"Kuroo tugs Bokuto to their spot for breakfast with the some of Quidditch Captains and some seventh year players before continuing his tale."Tsuki said he would kill me himself first if I enter the Tournament!"Kuroo exclaimed excitedly.Sugawara, who is sitting with Daichi placed his hand over his heart and signed, "Aw! That's so cute! Kei is being so much more open with his emotions now! Such a long way for my baby crow."Daichi had his eyebrows nearly raised to his hairline as he tries to connect what Kuroo had said and Sugawara's reaction in his head. Only to spiral into deeper confusion as Oikawa had gasped loudly with his own comment."What! How did you get Kei to say something so touching! Ah! I'm jealous!"the pretty Seeker was so caught up with emotion, he even disrupted his perfectly curled hair by clutching it in jealousy.Maybe Daichi can take his boyfriend's comment in thinking it's just Sugawara's insane motherly rose-tinted filter for Tsukishima, Oikawa's reaction definitely left him more than confused.Iwaizumi who was sitting next to Daichi patted Daichi on the back. "It's the Slytherin way of saying I love you. Tooru has told me more than once if he would kill me and wear my ashes around his neck if I ever dare to leave him."Iwaizumi seemed unfazed by the seventh year Slytherins as he has been joined at the hips with one of the most crazy one since birth.Daichi turned his head towards Sugawara like a rusted gear, "Suga? Do you feel like that?"Sugawara's angelic face sports a soft smile with a wicked tint in his eyes. His one-fourth Veela bloodline becoming more apparent as he peer at Daichi through his silvery lashes, "You don't have to worry about that, you are never leaving me."Suga says in a firm statement, his words carrying power as he place a gentle hand on Daichi's cheek.Huffing out a small laugh, Daichi seems to forget everything as all he can see is Sugawara's gentle features and the beauty spot under his eyes. Leaning his face into Sugawara's palms more, Daichi signed contently and gives his promise. "Never."After years of relationship, Daichi knows Sugawara can be manipulative and has an unhealthy possessiveness that all Slytherin seems to share. But so what, Daichi thought. It doesn't matter how possessive Suga is because Daichi is possessive as well. All Daichi feels is the relief and happiness that Suga had chosen him to be the object of his possessiveness. That he has been the one that Suga would go over the top to keep a hold of. No matter what, Daichi is just honoured that Suga likes him.Looking at the reactions of his friends, Bokuto seemed to have fried his brain trying to comprehend what they are all on about. The good natured Hufflepuff finally seems to realise even though his friends are all good people at heart, Kuroo, Oikawa and Sugawara are definitely Slytherins who would exhaust every resources and stop at nothing to get what they want. He let out an undignified squeak as he finally wraps his head around the different morals held by different houses. All he could think about is why isn't Akaashi here with him. Or would the Ravenclaw have a special take on romantic relationship too?Ahhhh! This is too much for one badger to handle. So Bokuto does what he does best. Forgetting about everything that is confusing him and focusing on his food. Kuroo, Oikawa and Sugawara all seemed to revert to their normal careless and friendly, non-lethal ways as the group eats their breakfast and continue on their day.__Several days passed and it was at dinner that you can practically feel the energy buzzing off of people. For tonight is the night that Dumbledore will announce the champions from each school to participate in the Tournament.Since it is a formal dinner, everyone is sitting at their own house table. Although the Durmstrang students are situated at the Slytherin table and the Beauxbaton students are seated with the Ravenclaws. Throughout dinner, Tsukishima can not stop the tension that fills his shoulders as he thinks about who will be the champion. He keeps seeing Akaashi's broken eyes and how his body trembled with sobs at the thought of Bokuto going into danger. Although in conversation Tsukishima understands this is something Bokuto needs to do and Akaashi is going to support him. But he also knows that Akaashi hadn't had a good night sleep since Bokuto entered the game.Tsukishima let his sight drift to Tendou. Who's boyfriend, Ushijima, entered the Tournament as well. Tsukishima had asked if Tendou feels nervous or worried and the older boy's response was both.Tendou has always been a emotionally straight forward person despite being placed in Slytherin, he had prefer to act on instincts and have fun rather than to calculate and assess. Tendou had said that he of course will worry about UshiWaka, but he knows UshiWaka have the ability to keep himself safe, and the Tournament is something UshiWaka have to do.Despite Tendou's confidence in UshiWaka, Tsukishima feels a lump grow in his throat at the thought of the dragons in the clearing.Now sitting at the Slytherin table after everyone has finished eating and focused on Dumbledore as he is about to take the names from the Goblet, Tsukishima took a deep breath and straightened himself in preparation."Now for the moment you have all been waiting for!"Dumbledore announces in his mysterious voice, "Champion for Durmstrang: Ushijima Wakatoshi!"The crowd cheers and Tsukishima can see Tendou throwing his arms around Ushijima while searing their lips together in a kiss."Champion for Beauxbaton: Kanoka Amanai"It was a tall girl with short brown hair and cute features. Tsukishima sees Tanaka cheering loudly at the Gryffindor table as the girl stands up to go to the Headmasters."And finally, Champion for Hogwarts: Bokuto Koutarou!"The crowd cheers louder than ever and Tsukishima can see Kuroo even banging his goblet on the table cheering as his best friend walks up to the Headmasters. Across the crowd, Tsukishima can see Akaashi, who's face is as pale as paper but there's a proud and terrified look in his eyes.As all three Champions stands with the Headmasters for all the students to cheer for, Dumbledore announced."Let the Tri-Wizard Tournament begin!"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Tsukishima and Kuroo were forbidden to tell anyone about what the Tournament may have but Akaashi and Tendou both woke up to a book on dragons with three pages marked on their bedside table the morning after the dinner announcing the champions.Bokuto was a bit hesitant to know as it would be unfair to the other champions but Tsukishima and Kuroo has let it drop unsuspiciously during conversation that the giant Headmistress of Beaubaxton was seen around the clearing where the dragons are kept.It was very soon the day for the first challenge of the Tournament. Tsukishima and Kuroo is in the spectators stand with the all the Headmasters, Headmistress and Professors. they are to step in and interfere if the champions are in mortal peril. Which looking at the fire breathing dragon in the arena guarding the golden egg with its entire being. Tsukishima had to question when were the champions not in mortal peril.Beaubaxton went first and the champion was a graceful girl that dances around the dragon avoiding its attacks skilfully. But alas, a slip out the foot had her exposed to the Peruvian Vipertooth's swinging tail. The champion went sailing through the air before Kuroo casted and levitation charm and sent her to the direction of Madam Pomfrey. Who shared an opinion with Tsukishima with how the Tournament if way too dangerous and Dumbledore has finally gone bonkers restoring it.The next champion up would be Ushijima with Bokuto going last. Whether that is a curse or blessing has yet to be determined. Ushijima was going against a male Norwegian Ridgeback. Truly the best option out of the lot as the male are much more docile than the female. However no matter how much more mellow it is than it's female counterpart. It is still a fire breathing dragon that does not like shiny things to be taken away form him.Tsukishima watched the UshiWaka and the dragon with careful eyes, ready to step in if their is any lethal threat, which again, everything seems to be. He also watches Tendou from the corner of his eyes. Tendou is cheering Ushijima on from the stands and even though his arms are waving like a madman and his cheering voice loud and clear, Tsukishima can almost feel the heavy worry that his friend carries. Before the game Tendou and Akaashi had found Tsukishima and Kuroo just as they are about to walk up to the spectator stand with the rest of faculty. Tendou had said in his usual cheery voice and ask that Tsukishima and Kuroo protect Ushijima if push comes to shove. But behind the cheery and joking voice, Tsukishima can hear the tone of seriousness in Tendou's voice. Akaashi had been paler than Headless Nick as he stared at Tsukishima and Kuroo with his forest green eyes wide and filled with too many emotions. His features are still stoic as ever but they do not carry the easy grace like usual, but instead a painful strain that makes Tsukishima want to slam Bokuto's head in for making Akaashi feel this way.Akaashi had choked out a "Please" as he clutches at his robe so hard that the bone in his fingers looks like it's ready to pop out.Now removing all the thoughts from his head, Tsukishima's focus is sharper than ever as UshiWaka walks into the arena, wand ready in his hand.Tsukishima also held on to his wand tight, a protection charm at the tip of his tongue in preparation. He would not fail his friend's trust and UshiWaka better say alive until Tendou grows tired of him, which Tsukishima doubt is happening anytime in the near future.The crowd grew quite as Ushijima fired powerful spells at the dragons and used magic to hurl the rocks of the setting at the dragon. As the view in the arena grew foggier and foggier as Ushijima and the dragon keeps stirring up dust, Tsukishima wanted to raise his wand and interfere already. Only to be stopped by Kuroo's hand coming to block Tsukishima's movement to raise his wand. Trusting Kuroo's judgement, Tsukishima stood down and Kuroo proves himself to be correct as the crowd erupts into cheers as Ushijima emerges from the rubbles with the Golden egg in hand.Tendou had tears streaming down his face as he cheers for Ushijima's success. The couple shared a kiss as Tendou flew into Ushijima's arms as soon as he exited the arena.Now for the final contender, the champion that Tsukishima feared for the most. Bokuto entered the arena, and for once, his expression was set and serious as he raised his wand and readied himself to begin his challenge.The enormous Hungarian Horntail stretched out its wings and roars while sending a great burst of fire from his mouth.Bokuto was sneaking up the ridged edge of the rocky terrain, using the setting to be hidden from the dragon. Tsukishima watches Bokuto get closer and closer to the Golden Egg while using charms to send colourful blobs all over the arena to distract the dragon.Just as Bokuto was mere meters away from the Golden Egg, the dragon notices Bokuto and screeched in his direction while twisting his body around to stop Bokuto. Thankful for his quick reflects honed from Quidditch, Bokuto quickly rolled away to narrowly dodge a stream of flame.The whole arena has their hearts in their throats as they watch Bokuto narrowly dodge attacks from the dragon, the edge of his robes already singed. The rally between the dragon and the Hogwarts Champion has everyone on the edge of their seats, but everyone's heart skipped a beat when Bokuto jumped off the side of the rocky mountain. Tsukishima and Kuroo was about to cast the levitating charm when a familiar voice shouted."Accio Firebolt!" It was Bokuto. He summoned his broom midair and soared through the sky firing spells at the dragon before swooping in and swiping the Golden Egg into his arms. Victorious, Bokuto flew through the air and stopped right in front of Akaashi, proudly showing him the egg.

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