Archive of Our Own

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Yeonjun and Beomgyu became neighbors when Yeonjun was eight. Beomgyu had just turned six-half his size, all wide eyes and boundless energy that exhausted Yeonjun from the moment they met.From the very first day, Beomgyu knew Yeonjun didn’t like him. Not even a little. That was okay, though. Beomgyu knew he talked too much, his admiration for Yeonjun so overwhelming that he followed him everywhere, grinning even if he couldn’t tell whether Yeonjun was annoyed or maybe just playing with him.But if Yeonjun hated Beomgyu, Beomgyu either didn’t notice or didn’t care. He decided almost immediately that Yeonjun was his friend—his only friend, as he liked to remind him. "You have me, and I have you," he’d say, as if that was all that mattered. It was them against the world.Yeonjun, with his stuffy cloaks, quiet scowls, and the ability to make weird things happen all the time that made beomgyu scratch his head in confusion —because he's sure puppies can't fly... Yeonjun, who always smelled like freshly cut grass and home. Yeonjun, who scrunched his nose every time Beomgyu got too close but never actually told him to leave.No matter how much Beomgyu annoyed him—and Beomgyu was an expert at being annoying—Yeonjun never yelled. He never hit him, even when Beomgyu was sure he wanted to. Instead, he’d huff, stomp his foot, or turn and walk away without another word. That was Yeonjun’s way.And Beomgyu, of course, always followed."Hyung, wait!" he’d call, his little legs working double-time to match Yeonjun’s longer strides.Yeonjun would turn, glare, and scrunch his nose in that familiar way, as if Beomgyu smelled awful. (He didn’t. He was sure of it. He took baths. Regularly.)"Hyung, let’s play a game," Beomgyu would say, undeterred."No," Yeonjun would reply, voice sharp. "And don’t call me Hyung.""Okay, Hyung," Beomgyu would beam, as if Yeonjun hadn’t said a thing.And so it went. Beomgyu adored Yeonjun’s company, and Yeonjun... tolerated Beomgyu, at best.---On those rare occasions when Beomgyu and his mother were invited to Yeonjun’s house, Beomgyu couldn’t help but notice the differences between their mothers. They weren’t subtle differences either—they were glaring, undeniable, and impossible for Beomgyu to ignore.Yeonjun’s mom hugged him. Properly hugged him. Her arms were warm and gentle, wrapping around him in a way that felt safe—like being bundled in a soft blanket on the coldest day. She didn’t wear a forced smile when she greeted them at the door, and didn’t hold tension in her jaw or sharpness in her eyes. There was no hesitation in her welcome.And most striking of all—her hands didn’t hurt. She didn’t press her nails into Beomgyu’s palm or dig them into his back when she touched him. Beomgyu didn’t flinch when her hands rested on his shoulders. There was no sting, no unspoken warning hidden in her touch.For a moment, Beomgyu forgot everything else. The room, Yeonjun, even his own mother’s presence faded into the background. All that remained was the warmth of the hug—the warmest, safest hug he’d ever known. He didn’t want to let go."Beomgyu-ah," his mother’s voice cut through the moment, sharp and cold. A deliberate clearing of her throat. A warning.He startled, realizing he’d been holding on too long. But then he noticed something surprising—Yeonjun’s mom hadn’t let go either. Her embrace remained steady, unwavering.Feeling a sudden rush of something he couldn’t name, Beomgyu hugged her tighter."Mom never breaks the hug first," Yeonjun said, his tone bored, like he’d explained it a hundred times before. "She says you never know how much the other person might need it."Beomgyu’s heart squeezed. He glanced at Yeonjun, expecting the same bored expression, but there was something different in his eyes—a flicker of understanding, maybe. Beomgyu wasn’t sure if he was imagining it, but it made his chest ache all the same.He didn’t want to let go. But this time, he did. ---He made up for his disobedience later, of course. The punishment came swift and sharp—burning cigarette marks pressed into his legs, one by one, leaving small angry circles of pain that lingered long after. Dinner was withheld that night too, not that he had much of an appetite.But even as Beomgyu lay curled on the cold floor of his little room, he found a strange sort of comfort in the memory of that hug. His arms wrapped tightly around himself, squeezing as if he could replicate the feeling. He let his hands move to his head, fingers threading through his hair in soft, slow strokes, mimicking the way he imagined a mother might soothe her child.It wasn’t the same, of course. It would never be the same. But for a fleeting moment, as he clutched himself and closed his eyes, he could almost believe he was safe again, held in warmth that wasn’t his own.Almost.---Two years passed with Yeonjun tolerating Beomgyu’s whims and persistent company. By this time, Yeonjun had grown taller, stronger, and had made friends with even bigger boys who seemed to tower over Beomgyu’s meek, delicate form. They were the kind of boys who laughed too loud, shoved too hard, and could bend and break someone like Beomgyu with little effort.Beomgyu didn’t like taking chances. He wasn’t stupid. So when Yeonjun began to drift away, laughing with his new friends and walking past Beomgyu without a second glance, Beomgyu didn’t fight to stop him. He just stood there, his lips pouted in silent protest, his sad eyes following Yeonjun’s retreating figure.“Finally got rid of him, huh?” one of the big boys had teased Yeonjun, ruffling his hair like he was some kid brother. “Didn’t think you’d ever escape that little shadow.”Beomgyu flinched at the words, but Yeonjun didn’t look back. He laughed along, brushing it off, and disappeared with his friends.For Beomgyu, the ache of that moment didn’t fade easily. He didn’t understand much about faith or prayer—his mother had never taught him anything about religion—but that night, lying on his bed, he clasped his hands together like he’d seen people do in movies. His lips moved in quiet, broken whispers, asking for protection.But not for himself.“Please, if they’re going to hurt anyone, let it be me,” he murmured, his voice barely audible. “Not him. Not Yeonjun.”The words felt strange and clumsy in his mouth, but he kept repeating them, over and over, as if the more he said them, the more likely they were to come true.By the next day, Beomgyu was back in his garden, playing with the beetles and the ants like he used to before Yeonjun moved in. It felt emptier now, though. The beetles didn’t feel as fascinating, the ants not as chatty. Still, it was safer to keep to himself than to linger near Yeonjun and his new friends. Beomgyu wasn’t sure if Yeonjun would protect him anymore.But even as he crouched in the dirt, pretending to be absorbed in his tiny world, he still glanced at the street every now and then, hoping for a glimpse of Yeonjun.Hoping he was okay.---One day, Beomgyu found himself alone at home. That wasn’t unusual, but even so, he knew better than to go inside the house. His mother’s rule was absolute: he was only allowed inside during mealtimes. No exceptions.In the warmer months, that rule didn’t bother him much. Spring and summer were kind, the sun warm on his skin and the air alive with the buzzing of insects. He’d play with the beetles and chat with the ants, laughing as they scurried across his tiny hands. But now, winter had arrived, and with it came endless piles of snow that blanketed everything in sight.He should be excited, shouldn’t he? As a young boy, there was nothing more thrilling than snow—rolling around in it, building snowmen, flinging snowballs into the air. He’d done all of that before, back when yeonjun still played with him. But today was different. Today, he couldn’t seem to move.Beomgyu sat hunched on the cold stone doorstep, his usual perch. His body trembled uncontrollably, tiny shivers running up and down his frame as the icy wind cut through his thin shirt. His hands rubbed at his arms in a desperate attempt to warm himself, but it was no use. The cold had already seeped into his bones.He sniffled, a quiet sound lost in the howling wind. Hugging himself tighter, he buried his face into his knees, trying to imagine he was somewhere else. Somewhere warm. He missed the aunts and the beetles, missed the soft hum of summer days when the garden was his safe haven.Now, though, he was surrounded by nothing but snow. Beautiful, endless, and so, so cold. He wanted to play in it like he used to, to laugh and roll around until his cheeks turned red with joy. But he knew better. If he tried now, he was pretty sure he wouldn’t become a snowman.He’d become a part of the snow itself.---He missed Yeonjun the most. The absence was a hollow ache that settled deep in his chest, growing heavier with each passing day. He hadn’t seen him in months now—not since the day Yeonjun had walked away with his new friends, laughing like Beomgyu didn’t exist. But even then, there had been a comfort in knowing Yeonjun was just next door, that he could catch glimpses of him on the street or hear his voice carried on the wind.Now, even that was gone.The longing had built up until one day it gave him enough courage to shuffle across the frozen yard, teeth chattering, and knock timidly on his neighbor’s door. His fingers trembled as he waited, the cold biting at his exposed skin.Yeonjun’s mother answered with her usual warm smile, but it only made Beomgyu’s stomach twist tighter. “Ah, Beomgyu,” she said kindly, bending down a little to meet his eyes. “What brings you here, sweetheart?”He swallowed hard, twisting the hem of his thin shirt. “Where’s Yeonjun-hyung?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “I haven’t seen him.”Her expression softened, but there was something in her eyes—a hesitation that made Beomgyu’s heart sink. “Oh, honey,” she said gently, “Yeonjun’s gone somewhere far to study. A special school, you see. He won’t be back for a while.”The words echoed in his ears, louder than they should have been. Far. A special school. Not coming back soon. Beomgyu nodded stiffly, biting the inside of his cheek to keep from crying. “Okay,” he mumbled, stepping back. “Thank you.”She called after him, offering cookies or tea, but he shook his head and ran back to his doorstep. He didn’t want cookies. He wanted Yeonjun.Now, he knew he was truly alone.Even so, Beomgyu still prayed for his friend’s safety every night. It didn’t matter that his earlier fears had come true. The big guys had turned their attention to him once Yeonjun left, circling him like vultures. They never hit him—though Beomgyu was sure they could, easily. They were stronger, bigger, and scarier than anything he’d ever faced.Instead, they mocked him.They called him names, laughed at his too-small clothes and the way his voice wavered when he tried to defend himself. They threw his books into puddles and tossed his lunchbox over fences, making a game of his misery.The words hurt more than fists ever could. They stuck to him, carved into his mind, and repeated themselves over and over when he lay awake at night.But Beomgyu couldn’t tell his mother. She’d only get angry, call him weak, and punish him for bothering her. So he endured it alone, biting his lip to hold back tears as the bullies jeered and taunted him.Every night, he prayed. Not for himself, though.“Please let Hyung be okay,” he whispered into the darkness, clasping his hands tightly together. “Please don’t let anyone hurt him.”Even if Yeonjun never came back, even if Beomgyu had to face everything alone, he prayed that his friend was safe.---It had been a year since Yeonjun left, and Beomgyu had almost convinced himself that he’d never see him again. But then, there he was—standing just a few feet away, looking completely different yet so unmistakably him.Beomgyu froze for a moment, his heart thundering in his chest. He blinked hard, wondering if he was imagining things. But no, it was real. That tall, red-haired boy with a confident stance and a cool smile on his face was his Yeonjun. Since when could people change their hair color? That was so cool! His baby fat was gone, replaced with sharp cheekbones and a strong, muscular frame. He looked so grown-up, like someone out of a movie or a comic book.Beomgyu’s body moved before his brain could catch up. He bolted toward Yeonjun, his feet slipping slightly on the ground as he ran. “Yeonjun-hyung!” he shouted, his voice cracking with excitement. The world seemed to blur around him, his focus only on the boy he’d missed so much.When he reached him, Beomgyu threw his arms around Yeonjun in a tight hug, squeezing like he’d never let go. “Hyung…” His voice wavered, and tears threatened to spill over. “I missed you so much…”But before he could finish, he was shoved back—hard.The force sent him stumbling, and he landed on his backside with a sharp thud. His hand scraped against the rough ground, the sting immediate, but it was nothing compared to the ache in his chest.Beomgyu looked up in confusion, clutching his scratched hand, only to find Yeonjun staring down at him with an expression that made him flinch. The warm smile he’d seen moments ago was gone, replaced by something cold and unfamiliar. Yeonjun’s lips were pressed into a thin line, his eyebrows furrowed as if Beomgyu was nothing more than an annoyance.Beomgyu winced under the weight of that look, shrinking in on himself. He’d been so excited, so happy to see Yeonjun again after so long, but now it felt like he’d ruined everything.“I—” Beomgyu started, his voice trembling, but he couldn’t finish. He just sat there, clutching his hand, unsure of what he’d done wrong.Yeonjun didn’t seem to notice—or care. He brushed past him, his broad shoulders blocking out the sunlight as he walked away without a word.Beomgyu swallowed hard, blinking back tears as he watched Yeonjun go. For a moment, it felt like the world had stopped again, but this time, it wasn’t out of awe. It was something heavier, colder, and it settled deep in Beomgyu’s chest.His Hyung had changed.And Beomgyu wasn’t sure if he was part of Yeonjun’s new, cooler world anymore.

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

Beomgyu doesn’t look in the mirror anymore. Not for days now. He doesn’t sit outside either, doesn’t wait on the doorstep or play in the garden with the beetles and the ants. For once, his mother agrees with him. She locks him in his room without a second thought.He lies on the cold floor, the chill biting at his skin, and he feels the same icy sting on his shaved head. His hands twitch, itching to reach up and touch it, but he doesn’t. It feels worse when he remembers why his head is like this in the first place.Beomgyu had been fascinated by Yeonjun’s red hair for months now. He thought it was the coolest thing in the world, something that made Yeonjun look even more amazing than before. So, he’d asked his mother. Stupid. Dumb. Foolish. He should’ve known better than to ask on a bad day, should’ve seen the sharp edge in her eyes and the way her hands trembled just a little.She hadn’t shouted. No, that was what made it worse. She’d just paused, turned to open her drawer, and pulled out the clippers. Beomgyu didn’t even get a chance to take the words back before the buzzing started and his hair fell in clumps to the floor.He’d wanted to cry, but he bit his lip so hard it bled. He didn’t flinch, didn’t move, didn’t say a word. It only made her angrier.By nighttime, his head wasn’t just shaved—it was bandaged, too. She’d been calmer then, her fury spent. Her hands were gentle when she cleaned the raw, red patches on his scalp and wrapped them up. But Beomgyu didn’t feel any of it. Not her touch, not the cool balm, not the sting of the cuts. He just sat there, empty.He didn’t look in the mirror that night. He didn’t need to. He already knew how he looked—ugly, pathetic, and nothing like Yeonjun’s cool, bright red hair.He begged his mother to keep him inside after that. He told her he was too ashamed to go out, too embarrassed for anyone to see him like this. But what he didn’t say was the truth: he was scared Yeonjun might see him. And worse, that Yeonjun might laugh.That was when Beomgyu decided something.Yeonjun didn’t deserve to be called “Hyung” anymore. Not until he apologized. Beomgyu was mad at him, furious even. And Yeonjun had no Hyung privileges if he didn’t care enough to say sorry.Still, Beomgyu missed him. Missed him so much it hurt. But he wouldn’t call him Hyung. Not until Yeonjun made it right.For now, Beomgyu just lay on the floor, feeling the cold seep into his skin and the bandages tight around his head. He shut his eyes and tried to forget the mirror, the clippers, the sting. But most of all, he tried to forget the person he missed the most.___Time slips past Beomgyu in a dull, hazy blur. Days, weeks—maybe months. He doesn’t keep track. It all bleeds together into an endless stretch of nothingness, a vacuum where the world outside barely exists.He only realizes Yeonjun is gone again when it’s too late. When? He doesn’t know. Another year, maybe. Another departure, just like before. Beomgyu doesn’t know where Yeonjun went this time, because he hasn’t left his room. There’s no window to mark the passing of time, no way to tell if it’s morning or night, summer or winter. The seasons might as well not exist for all the difference they make.The cold floor beneath him becomes his constant companion. He lies there through every season, though the chill never truly leaves. It’s the kind of cold that burrows into your bones, making even the brightest of summer days feel bleak.He doesn’t ask his mother about Yeonjun. He doesn’t dare to. What would she say? Would she even bother answering? Beomgyu imagines her waving a dismissive hand or snapping at him to stop asking stupid questions. So, he keeps quiet, sinking further into the stillness of his small, suffocating room.Sometimes, he wonders how long it’ll be before Yeonjun comes back. But more often than not, he wonders if he’ll even notice when he does. After all, he didn’t notice when Yeonjun left. He was too wrapped up in his own self-loathing, too consumed by the shame of his shaved head and the memories of red hair that wasn’t his.And so, time trudges on. Outside, the world moves, changes, grows. Inside, Beomgyu remains frozen, unmoving, trapped in a cycle of waiting and wondering. Waiting for Yeonjun. Wondering if he even wants to come back , if he misses beomgyu too.__Beomgyu sits at the small kitchen table, shoulders hunched, his thin fingers curling around the fork as if it might vanish if he let go. He’s careful not to make any noise as he twirls a measly portion of spaghetti onto his fork, his favorite meal in the world reduced to a stingy pile on his plate. Across the table, his mother eats with gusto, her plate brimming with the same food. She doesn’t spare him a glance.It’s his eleventh birthday. He wouldn’t have known if she hadn’t told him, her voice flat and devoid of celebration as she set the plate in front of him. "You're eleven now," she had said, as if that were a warning instead of a milestone.The house is quiet, save for the clink of her fork against her plate. Beomgyu chews slowly, staring at the table. The spaghetti is as delicious as he remembers, but it’s hard to enjoy it when the portion barely fills his stomach.And then, faintly, he hears it—a soft, distant hoot.Beomgyu’s fork pauses mid-air, his ears straining. An owl? It’s unusual, but not impossible. Maybe it’s perched on one of the trees in the garden. He dismisses it, turning his focus back to his food. The hoot comes again, a little louder this time, but he doesn’t look up.He doesn’t have the energy to wonder about owls. He’s too preoccupied with counting bites, making the small serving last as long as possible. He glances at his mother’s plate, overflowing with spaghetti, her movements brisk as she eats. His stomach twists, but he doesn’t say anything. He never does.The thought flickers through his mind: If I’m always locked in my room, will I even notice when I’m old? Will I know the difference between eleven and sixty?The idea makes his chest ache. He looks down at his plate, the birthday spaghetti he didn’t get to ask for, didn’t even know he wanted until it was in front of him. He’s grateful, in a way, but there’s a hollow space where something should be—something warm, something bright.Another hoot. This time, it’s close enough to make him glance toward the window, but he quickly looks back down, afraid his mother will notice and scold him. He grips his fork tighter and forces himself to eat.The owl is nothing. Just a bird outside. It doesn’t mean anything.Beomgyu’s heart skips a beat when he hears the knock on the window. It’s soft at first, almost like a trick of his imagination. He stares at the cold glass, the small shadow of the owl outside barely visible through the snowflakes clinging to the windowpane. His mother, thankfully, has gotten up to take a private call, leaving Beomgyu to his own thoughts and the rare moment of peace.At first, the voice inside his head whispers mischievously, Steal a bite from her plate. She won’t notice. She’s busy with her call. But even as the thought creeps in, Beomgyu feels a sudden unease. He’s done it before, and he knows how it ends. His stomach tightens at the memory of the punishments that follow. No, he doesn’t want to risk it. Not today.But then the knock comes again. Another tap, this time louder and more insistent. Beomgyu freezes, blinking in disbelief. He looks towards the window, unsure if his eyes are deceiving him.And then he sees it—a white owl, perched just outside the glass, beak tapping gently against the window as if trying to get his attention.His eyes widen in wonder. He’s never seen an owl up close before, certainly not one as striking as this. It looks almost magical, its feathers gleaming in the dim light filtering through the snowy air. Beomgyu tilts his head, eyes still fixed on the owl, and giggles softly to himself.“That isn’t food, silly,” he mutters under his breath, unable to stop himself from smiling. He glances down at his mother’s vacant seat, her plate still piled high with spaghetti, and then hesitates. Should I?But the temptation to approach the window is too strong. Slowly, carefully, Beomgyu gets up from his seat, the scrape of his chair against the floor sounding too loud in the otherwise silent room. He tiptoes toward the window, barely daring to breathe as he moves.When he reaches the glass, he peeks outside, and sure enough, the owl is still there. Its wide, dark eyes seem to lock with his, and Beomgyu feels a strange sense of connection. He holds his breath for a moment, wondering what the owl is trying to tell him.The owl’s sharp beak is clutched tightly around a small scroll of parchment—a letter? Beomgyu's eyes sparkle with curiosity.Can owls eat paper too? Beomgyu wonders, unable to contain his childish giggle. He’s only ever gone to kindergarten, after all, so there are still so many things he doesn’t know. But somehow, just the sight of the owl and its strange mission seems magical.Without thinking twice, Beomgyu reaches for the window latch, his hands trembling with excitement. This might just be the most exciting thing that’s happened to him in a long while."Beomgyu..." His mother's voice cuts through the air like a blade, making Beomgyu flinch, his heart skipping a beat. He spins around quickly, his eyes wide with panic. Her cold gaze meets his, and he knows immediately that she isn’t amused by his actions."So desperate to be let out again?" she asks, her tone icy as she approaches him. Beomgyu's stomach tightens as she takes his plate away, the plate almost mocking him with how little is left. There are at least three more bites. Three more bites, and it would be enough to satisfy him for the day. But no, she takes it from him like she always does.Beomgyu doesn’t argue, doesn’t say a word, knowing it would only make things worse. Instead, he stares longingly at the plate, his stomach gnawing at him. His mother's eyes narrow as she watches him, her face unreadable."No... mom. I'm sorry for getting up from my seat. I should be more thankful for the meal you've provided for my birthday," Beomgyu says quietly, bowing his head in respect. If there’s one thing his mother has drilled into him, it’s manners. He does as he’s taught, even if he feels like every word tastes bitter coming from his mouth.She doesn’t respond. She doesn’t even acknowledge his apology. Her heels click sharply against the wooden floor as she walks toward the front door. Beomgyu knows better than to follow her, so he stays rooted in place, punching his arm lightly in frustration. Stupid. Dumb. Idiot. He curses himself quietly under his breath. He should have known better than to disobey her, even for something as small as this.With a heavy heart, he walks outside, head lowered, every step heavier than the last. The door slams shut behind him with a force that makes him flinch. His eyes instinctively close, expecting another round of punishment.But when he opens them, his breath catches in his throat.It's been so long since he’s been outside, so long since he's felt the cold, biting air against his skin. The snow around him is fresh and soft, and though his body shivers from the chill, there's something magical about it. The snowflakes glimmer in the dim light, falling from the sky like tiny, perfect stars. Beomgyu’s breath clouds in the cold air, and he can’t help but stand there for a moment, taking it all in.But then, his eyes widen in awe. There, in the distance, he sees not just one or two owls, but a whole flock. Their wings beat silently in the crisp air as they swoop and glide, each one a silent shadow against the white backdrop of snow.He counts them in disbelief. One, two, three, four... more than seven. His fingers tremble as he tries to count, but the owls are too many, swooping past him in the blink of an eye. He stops counting when he realizes he can't keep up. There's something impossibly beautiful about them, something that makes the cold air feel a little warmer, the snow a little softer.Beomgyu stands there, spellbound. The magic in the air feels alive. It’s as if the owls themselves are bringing something special to him, something beyond words. A shiver runs down his spine, but it doesn’t feel like fear—it's wonder, pure and simple.Beomgyu gasps in awe, taking a cautious step back when an owl swoops down near him. The owl’s wings create a soft gust of wind that brushes against his face, and before he can react, it drops a letter right in front of him. The sudden movement makes him yelp, and as if on cue, three more owls follow suit. They drop their letters in perfect synchronization, their wings cutting through the cold air with ease.He blinks, utterly confused, and glances at the owls in turn. They stand there, unmoving, as if waiting for him to do something. Beomgyu takes a hesitant step forward, his heart thumping in his chest. The thought that maybe this is a trap—maybe they’re waiting for him to take the letters so they can attack him—flashes through his mind, but he pushes it away. After all, they hadn’t hurt him yet.He bends down, his fingers trembling slightly as he picks up the first letter. He stares at it with wide eyes, wondering if this is some kind of gift or prank. The paper is folded oddly, like how he’s seen his mom fold her papers before, and he fidgets with it carefully, trying to figure out how to open it without ripping it. His fingers brush over the creases, and he notices a red dot in the center. A sticker, perhaps? His lips tug into a small smile at the thought. He hasn’t seen stickers in a long time—not since kindergarten. He imagines placing this one on the wall of his room, adding it to his collection of memories, but when he tries to peel it off, the page suddenly unfolds, and another page slips out.Beomgyu gasps in awe, completely mesmerized by the tiny bit of magic unfolding before him. The pieces of paper feel so important, as if they hold something precious within them. He grabs the second page and stares at the unfamiliar writing. His heart races as he tries to make sense of it, but the words blur together. He can’t read. He tries, and tries again, but the letters just don’t connect in a way he understands.He frowns, frustrated. What was the letter trying to say? Why was it so important that the owls had brought it to him? Beomgyu stares at the writing, hoping it will suddenly make sense, but the letters remain a jumbled mess in his mind.For the first time in what feels like forever, he feels helpless. It’s not the cold that bites at him now but the uncertainty of the unknown. The owls watch him, their eyes gleaming in the dim light, and Beomgyu can’t help but wonder if they know more than he does, if they understand what the letter means, if it’s something that will change his life.Beomgyu sits on the doorstep, the cold biting at his skin, but his focus is fixed entirely on the letter in his hands. The owls, gathered around him in an oddly patient circle, seem to understand his struggle, watching silently as he attempts to make sense of the paper. His small fingers tremble as he tries to read, but the words refuse to cooperate, swirling into each other and melting into one confusing blur. He sighs, his frustration mounting with each failed attempt.He tries to remember the lessons from kindergarten, the basic skills he’d once learned before his world had shifted. His mother had taken him out of school when the teachers noticed that he couldn’t keep up. They called it dyslexia, but Beomgyu didn’t really understand what that word meant. He only knew that his mother had been furious when she heard it, as if something was wrong with him. The punishment had been swift, her anger coming down like a storm as she declared there was no point in spending any more money on his education. She told him he was too dumb to learn. Beomgyu didn’t argue. He had learned early on that it was easier to agree with her and avoid the punishment that always followed.Now, sitting on the doorstep, he feels that same weight of inadequacy pressing on his chest. His fingers tremble as they move over the letters on the page, trying to make sense of them, but they feel like a foreign language. He tries to remember the letters, how they sound, but his mind falters. The letters jumble together, confusing him. A small sob escapes his throat, but he quickly swallows it back. He doesn’t want to cry. He doesn’t want to seem weak, even though it feels like everything he’s trying to do is impossible.His hand moves up to his hair, and he strokes it absently. It’s growing back slowly, the stubble soft but noticeable. He’s relieved to no longer be bald, but the slowness of it makes him feel impatient. He glances down at the paper again, trying once more to decipher the letters. The words seem as impossible as ever, slipping through his fingers like sand.In the midst of his frustration, a thought pierces his mind—Yeonjun. He hadn’t thought about him in so long, not with all the weight of his own troubles. But now, the memory comes rushing back: Yeonjun’s red hair, his cool attitude, the way he’d always made everything seem so easy. Beomgyu feels a sharp pang in his chest. He still prays for him every night, even though it feels silly now. Silly because he knows Yeonjun is probably too busy with his new life to remember him. Maybe Yeonjun was home now, or maybe he was still away. Beomgyu doesn't know. He doesn’t know if anything would change if they saw each other again, if things could ever go back to the way they were.He blinks hard, refocusing on the paper in his hands. His head aches, and the letters blur again. He’s so tired of this. So tired of not understanding, of not being able to read the simple things everyone else can. He slumps, the weight of it all pressing down on him. The paper, the letters, the owl waiting for him to do something—it all feels so pointless.With a sigh, Beomgyu folds the letter carefully and tucks it back into the folder. It’s no use. He can’t read it. He never could. His mother had made sure he knew that. A sad smile pulls at his lips, and he carefully hands the letter back to the owl. He reaches out to stroke its feathers, but the owl flaps its wings, hoots, and takes off into the sky, leaving Beomgyu behind with nothing but the silence and the sting of his own helplessness.He watches the owl disappear into the night, his heart heavy with the weight of his own limitations, with the things he’ll never understand or be able to change.___Over the next few days, Beomgyu finds himself trapped in the cycle of waiting. He’s let outside again, just like before, but this time the world around him feels different. His body is growing weaker, the hunger gnawing at him more with every passing hour. Since his birthday meal, he hasn’t eaten a single thing. The cold is becoming unbearable, but he doesn’t dare complain. His mother’s absence is a relief in some ways—no angry words or punishment, but it also leaves him alone with his thoughts.He shivers, his fingers numb from the cold, but he continues to draw circles in the snow, his movements slow and stiff. His body feels like it’s turning inward, as if it’s shrinking from the emptiness inside him. The cold doesn’t bother him as much as the hunger does. It’s a constant ache, a gnawing reminder of how little he matters in the grand scheme of things.But despite everything, he’s found something to look forward to. The owls. They’ve been coming every day since his eleventh birthday, swooping down from the sky like magical creatures bringing him the promise of something different. Every time they come, he imagines different scenarios, letting his mind run wild with possibilities. He wonders if the letters are from his father—someone he’s never met but has often wondered about. His mother never talks about him, and Beomgyu knows better than to ask. It’s something unspoken, a gap in his life that he’s learned to live with.Maybe the letters are from his father, calling him from the unknown. Maybe they’re filled with tales of his father’s journey around the world, a journey that’s kept him away from Beomgyu for all these years. He imagines what it would be like to hear from him, to finally know who he is, to understand why he left. In his mind, the letters are more than just pieces of paper—they’re a lifeline, a way out of the small, cold world he’s been trapped in for so long.Beomgyu lets himself get lost in these thoughts, his imagination running wild. What if the letters tell him he’s special? What if they say he’s destined for something bigger than the life he’s living now? What if they contain instructions on how to escape this place, to find a new home where he doesn’t have to hide from the world?It’s silly, he knows. He can feel the weight of his own longing in the air, but he doesn’t mind. It’s a distraction, something to fill the emptiness of his stomach and the cold of the world around him. It’s a fantasy, but it’s one he’s willing to hold on to. Anything to take his mind off the gnawing hunger inside him.The owls don’t disappoint. They arrive at the same time every day, swooping down with precision, landing near him with their strange, wise eyes watching as he waits for the letter to fall. Beomgyu feels a flicker of hope each time, even though he knows it’s not real. But for a moment, it’s enough. The owls, the letters, the possibility of something more—it’s all he has. It’s all he’s holding on to in a world that feels so far away from everything he’s ever wanted.Each letter is a new possibility, a new story. And as Beomgyu stares at the blank pages he can’t understand, he lets himself dream, even if only for a moment longer.___Beomgyu’s whole body shakes, not just from the cold but from a deep sense of dread settling over him. The hunger that gnaws at him has only made his body weaker, and now his mind is clouded, his limbs barely able to move. The rain outside taps relentlessly against the roof, the leaking water only adding to the cold that wraps itself around him like a second skin. He can’t remember the last time he felt warmth, or the last time he wasn’t hungry.His hands tremble as they scrape against the floor, drawing little circles in the dust and water, trying to ground himself, to do something, anything to feel in control. But the noise from outside only grows louder, an alarming thud against the silence of the night. His heart races, thudding in his chest as his body refuses to move. The sound is so insistent, so threatening, and Beomgyu doesn’t know what to make of it.The door slams again, and Beomgyu flinches, his wide eyes blinking against the blurry darkness of the room. Every second feels like an eternity, and the fear sinks deeper into his bones. He wants to run, to hide, but his body is frozen in place. He can hear his mother now, shouting, her voice rising in panic—a sound Beomgyu has never heard from her before. She’s always so controlled, so stern."Who’s there? Speak up or I’m calling the police!" His mother’s voice is shrill, high with panic. This isn’t her usual sharp tone, the one that always commands respect and makes Beomgyu shrink back into silence. This is something else, something raw and desperate.The silence that follows feels suffocating. Beomgyu can’t move, can’t think, as his ears strain to hear any sign of what’s happening. And then he hears it—the unmistakable sound of the door being ripped off its hinges, the loud crack of wood splintering as something forces its way inside.His heart leaps into his throat. The door. It’s broken. Beomgyu feels a cold sweat form on his skin despite the freezing temperature. The shiver that runs through him has nothing to do with the cold.His mother screams then, and the sound is more terrifying than anything Beomgyu has ever heard. She’s always so unshakable, so strong. To hear her scream like that, so vulnerable, it sends a spike of fear through his chest. Beomgyu wants to cry out, but his throat is tight with terror, and his body refuses to respond.The sounds of footsteps shuffle through the house, heavy, deliberate, and unrelenting. Beomgyu’s mind races. Who is it? Who could make his mother so terrified? It’s so unlike her to panic—she’s always had control over everything, even him.What’s happening? What’s going on? Beomgyu wants to scream, to call out, but he can’t move, can’t even find his voice. He’s paralyzed by the unknown, by the fear of whatever is happening just beyond his door.His mind flashes to the owls, to the letters he can’t read, to his longing for something more, something beyond this cold, dark, hungry life. The sound of his mother’s sobs cuts through the chaos, but Beomgyu can’t bring himself to move, to go to her, because he doesn’t know what he would find if he did.The thuds continue, louder now, as though whoever is at the door is coming closer. Each step feels like it’s shaking the very foundation of the house.Beomgyu’s scream is barely a whisper in the chaos, his voice cracking with fear as he sees the shadow looming at his door. The figure is massive, filling the frame of the door in a way that feels unnatural. A giant, hulking presence, towering and broad, with a thick, wild mane of hair spilling down over his shoulders like an untamed lion’s mane. His coat is large and worn, like it’s been through countless storms, but somehow it only adds to his imposing stature.The figure’s face is a blur at first, just a shadow against the dim light of the room. But as the door is knocked off its hinges, the giant’s eyes gleam from under the rough, scruffy brow—eyes that are not just large, but kind, though they are set in a deep frown of concern. His skin is rough, tanned, weathered by time and hardship, but there's a softness in the lines of his face, something that doesn’t quite match his size. The giant’s nose is broad, almost comical in its size, and his mouth is a wide, square line that softens as his gaze meets Beomgyu’s terrified eyes.Beomgyu’s body trembles as he takes in the sight, too afraid to run, too shocked to move. The man—no, the giant—kneels down, his immense form moving with surprising grace for someone so large, and his voice is low, rumbling, but gentle, as though he’s speaking to a child.“Oi, there now,” the giant murmurs, his deep voice reverberating through the room. “No need to be afraid, little one. I’m not here to hurt ya.”Beomgyu blinks, his heart pounding, and he shrinks back into the corner of his room, instinctively putting his hands over his head as if trying to shield himself from something much worse. The giant’s massive hands move carefully, as if aware of the fear in Beomgyu’s eyes. The giant’s presence is overwhelming, but there’s a tenderness in his movements that contradicts the imposing figure before him.With a soft huff, the giant straightens, towering over Beomgyu as if to shield him from whatever chaos has entered the house. The warmth radiating from him is unmistakable, and for the first time in what feels like forever, Beomgyu feels the slightest sense of comfort amid the terrifying unknown. He’s not sure who this giant is or what he wants, but somehow, the overwhelming fear gives way to a flicker of hope.Beomgyu’s breath catches in his throat as the giant's hand reaches into his pocket. The giant’s fingers, thick as tree trunks, move with surprising delicacy as he pulls out the same letter, the one Beomgyu has been getting everyday. It’s still folded awkwardly, the same red dot marking the front, but this time it seems more important than ever. Beomgyu hesitates, wincing as he reaches out, his hand trembling from both the cold and the sharp pang in his stomach. His fingers brush the edge of the paper, and he flinches, instinctively curling inward as the pain shoots through him.The giant, noticing the hesitation and the slight wince of discomfort, stops and tilts his head, eyes filled with concern. “Oi, you alright, lad?” His voice softens, a deep rumble full of care. His gaze drops to Beomgyu’s stomach, seeing the boy’s weakened state, and his expression hardens, as though something in him shifts.The giant doesn’t wait for an answer. Without hesitation, he pulls out a large red umbrella from under his coat—its fabric a bit frayed at the edges, but sturdy—and opens it with a snap. He mutters something under his breath, the words too soft for Beomgyu to catch, and in an instant, the air around them seems to shift. The umbrella glows faintly, and a moment later, with a soft whoosh, the smell of food wafts through the room.Beomgyu’s eyes widen as a spread of food appears before him. There’s a steaming bowl of soup, thick with vegetables and meat, the scent so rich and comforting that Beomgyu’s stomach growls loudly in response, his mouth watering. A loaf of warm bread follows, golden and freshly baked, and there are even small plates of fruit and cheese, scattered like a feast laid out just for him.Beomgyu’s mouth falls open in awe, his eyes flicking from the food to the giant, his heart pounding. He hadn’t seen a meal like this in so long. He hadn’t even remembered what food could taste like when it was so plentiful, so comforting. It was as if the world had shifted in an instant, and suddenly, in the presence of this giant, his aching body and empty stomach didn’t seem so important anymore.The giant notices Beomgyu’s wide-eyed wonder and offers a gentle smile, though it’s hard to see the warmth in his face through the mess of his beard. “Go on, lad. Eat up. No need to be shy now.”Beomgyu doesn’t need to be told twice. He eagerly reaches for the bread first, breaking off a piece and shoving it into his mouth, feeling the warmth and softness melt against his tongue. It’s like he’s tasting food for the first time again, and he doesn’t know if it’s the magic of the umbrella or just the relief from his hunger, but he’s never felt so full of joy, even as he swallows quickly, trying to devour it all at once.The giant watches him, still standing tall and protective, making sure Beomgyu has everything he needs. “You needed that, I reckon.” He mutters to himself, rubbing his hands together, and glances down at Beomgyu with a knowing look. The concern never leaves his face, but now, there’s a slight ease in his posture, as if he’s just waiting for Beomgyu to finally feel safe again."Where is mum?" Beomgyu asked nervously. He didn't feel like eating anymore, not when his mother was missing.The giant watches Beomgyu, the warmth of his concern shifting to a slight frown as he notices the boy’s sudden panic. Beomgyu’s voice is small, his words tangled in hesitation, and the giant’s heart softens further at the sight of the boy’s distress. He doesn’t look at him with disdain, but with something far more gentle.The giant’s large hands shift, and for a moment, Beomgyu thinks that the man might be about to scold him. Instead, the giant bends down to one knee, bringing himself closer to Beomgyu's level. His face, despite the ruggedness of his appearance, carries a softness that makes Beomgyu feel, if just for a moment, that maybe everything will be alright.“Oi,” the giant rumbles, his voice a comforting deepness. “You’ve done nothing wrong, kid. Not a thing. It’s my fault, I should’ve been faster with the food.” His expression becomes more serious, and Beomgyu notices the deep concern in his eyes. “Your mum’s fine for now. She’s...well, she's safe. She’s just...had to step away for a moment.”Beomgyu’s breath catches in his chest, and he feels the knot of dread loosen slightly. His heart still races, but hearing the giant's words brings a little hope back to his spiraling thoughts. "Safe?" he asks, almost too softly.The giant nods solemnly. "She’s alright. They’re not here to hurt her—" He stops himself, his face hardening for a split second, like he's battling some hidden thought. Then, with a softer sigh, he adds, "But she is scared. This place—" He gestures to the room, the broken door, the tension that still hangs in the air, "—isn’t safe for you anymore, kid."Beomgyu doesn’t even realize he’s holding his breath until he exhales shakily, the fear of his mother’s absence still clawing at his mind. "You won’t... tell her about the food, will you?" he mumbles, the dread in his stomach returning at the thought of what would happen if she found out he’d broken her rule.The giant's face softens, and his eyes gleam with understanding. "No. I won't tell her, kid," he says gently. “But I think it's time we get you out of here. It's not safe anymore. Whatever’s going on... it’s bigger than just you and your mum.”Beomgyu looks at him, wide-eyed, processing the words, trying to make sense of them. His stomach still gnaws at him, but now it’s joined by a cold ball of uncertainty. He feels like he should say something else, ask about his mother, but his words freeze in his throat. Instead, he simply nods.“Alright,” he whispers softly. The food he’d been so eager to devour now seems distant, insignificant compared to the fear for his mother that still bubbles in his chest. His heart pounds as his eyes search the giant’s face, as though trying to read what comes next.As if sensing his thoughts, the man bent down slightly, extending a hand that was almost comically large compared to Beomgyu’s own. “Rubeus Hagrid’s the name,” he said with a warm smile. “Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts.”Beomgyu hesitated for only a moment before tentatively reaching out to shake Hagrid’s hand. His grip was firm but kind, and Beomgyu couldn’t help but think how this small gesture reminded him of Yeonjun. The thought stung more than he expected, and he quickly pushed it aside, focusing instead on the unfamiliar name Hagrid had just mentioned.“H-Hogwarts?” Beomgyu stammered, his voice small and uncertain. “What’s that?”Hagrid chuckled, the sound deep and booming like distant thunder, though his grin was anything but intimidating. It was warm and almost proud, as though the mere mention of Hogwarts filled him with a joy that Beomgyu didn’t quite understand yet.“Well now, Hogwarts is a school, lad,” Hagrid began, his eyes twinkling. “Not just any school, mind you. It’s a school for magic. The best there is, if I do say so meself. Teaches young witches and wizards everything they need to know to be great and good.”Beomgyu blinked at him, his mind struggling to wrap around the idea. “Magic?” he asked, voice barely above a whisper. He glanced down at his small hands, pale and cold, as if expecting to see them glowing or sparkling. “But I don’t... I mean, I’m not...”“A wizard, yeah, I know,” Hagrid finished for him, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. “That’s what every young’un says first time they hear it. But trust me, lad, you’re a wizard alright. Letter wouldn’t have come otherwise.” He gestured toward the crumpled envelope in Beomgyu’s lap, and the boy stared at it, wide-eyed.Beomgyu hesitated, his fingers brushing over the parchment again. He still couldn’t read it, but now it felt heavier, like it held the key to a world he never even imagined. “I... I don’t think I’m special enough to be a wizard,” he murmured, half to himself, half to Hagrid.“Special?” Hagrid repeated, his brows knitting together as though the word confused him. “Ain’t about bein’ special, lad. It’s about who ya are. Magic’s in yer blood. Always has been. Jus’ needs a bit o’ guidance, is all.”Beomgyu looked up at Hagrid, searching his face for any sign of doubt, but all he found was warmth and certainty. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he nodded. “Hogwarts,” he repeated, the name tasting strange but intriguing on his tongue. “I’ve never been to school before... Not a real one.”“Well, no better place to start,” Hagrid said with a grin, standing up to his full height again. “Come on now, we’ve got a bit o’ travellin’ to do. Gotta get ya yer school supplies and all.”Beomgyu scrambled to his feet, still weak and shivering but fueled by the flicker of excitement in his chest. As he followed Hagrid out into the cold night, he couldn’t help but ask, “Will it be... like a family?”Hagrid paused, looking down at Beomgyu with an expression so kind it almost made the boy’s chest ache. “Hogwarts is more than a school, lad,” he said softly. “It’s home.”

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

Beomgyu had never felt anything like this in his entire life. The wind whipped against his face, cold and biting, but it didn’t matter—none of it mattered. He was clutching Hagrid’s massive coat so tightly his knuckles had gone white, but the sheer joy bubbling up inside him drowned out everything else.They were flying.Yes, flying.In the sky.Beomgyu let out another scream of laughter, the sound echoing into the open air around them. “WE’RE FLYING!” he shouted, his voice cracking with exhilaration. He couldn’t stop giggling, his heart pounding so hard it felt like it might burst out of his chest. “THIS IS AMAZING!”Hagrid chuckled from in front of him, his deep laugh rumbling like distant thunder. “Aye, it’s somethin’, ain’t it? Hold on tight, lad! Don’t want ya slippin’ off now.”But Beomgyu wasn’t afraid of falling. How could he be, when he felt so free? The world stretched out beneath him, vast and endless. The rooftops of houses looked like tiny toys, the trees swayed like specks of green paint on a vast white canvas, and the stars above shone brighter than he’d ever seen them before.For the first time in as long as he could remember, Beomgyu felt alive. Truly alive. The hunger, the cold, the sadness—everything that had weighed him down seemed to melt away, carried off by the wind.“Where are we going?” he finally managed to shout, though he didn’t really care. It didn’t matter where they were headed, as long as this feeling didn’t end.“Diagon Alley!” Hagrid called back, steering their flight with ease. “Gotta get yer supplies an’ all that. But first, enjoy the ride, eh?”Beomgyu didn’t need to be told twice. He threw his head back, letting the cold air sting his cheeks, and laughed until his sides hurt. In this moment, he wasn’t the boy locked away in a small, dusty room. He wasn’t the boy with an empty stomach and too many bruises.He was just Beomgyu.And he was flying.__ Beomgyu clung to Hagrid’s coat like a lifeline as they stepped into a building that instantly overwhelmed his senses. The room was filled with chairs and tables, packed with people talking loudly, laughing, and moving about. Their conversations blended into a senseless hum that made Beomgyu’s head spin. His wide eyes darted around, trying to take it all in.“This here’s the Leaky Cauldron,” Hagrid said, his voice booming with familiarity as he waved to a few people who nodded or called out greetings. Beomgyu didn’t know what a this place was, but from the chaos around him, he decided he didn’t like it very much. The people seemed strange, with their cloaks and peculiar looks. Some glanced his way, and Beomgyu immediately tightened his grip on Hagrid, keeping his head low.Hagrid seemed to sense his unease and patted his shoulder gently. “No need to worry, lad. We’ll be outta here in a jiffy.” He led Beomgyu through the bustling room and out a side door into what looked like a small, empty courtyard.Beomgyu frowned, confusion flickering across his face. “Mister Hagrid, why are we—”“Watch closely now,” Hagrid interrupted, pulling out his pink umbrella with a grin. He walked up to a worn brick wall and began tapping it in specific spots. The sound of the umbrella against the bricks echoed softly, and Beomgyu’s curiosity grew as he leaned forward.Suddenly, the wall began to shift.Beomgyu’s mouth fell open as the bricks slid apart, folding into themselves like a puzzle coming to life. Light spilled through the growing gap, and with each passing second, a new world revealed itself before him. Shops with tall, crooked rooftops lined a bustling street filled with people wearing long cloaks and hats, carrying strange objects and parcels. Some held sticks that Beomgyu realized were wands, while others had cages with fluttering creatures inside.“Welcome to Diagon Alley,” Hagrid announced with a proud smile, stepping aside to let Beomgyu take in the view.Beomgyu gasped, his eyes wide with wonder and delight.The street seemed alive, buzzing with excitement, magic, and endless possibilities.“This… this is real?” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the hum of the crowd.“As real as it gets,” Hagrid replied with a chuckle. “C’mon, lad. We’ve got shoppin’ to do.”Beomgyu hesitated for only a moment before stepping through the magical doorway, his heart racing with a mix of awe and disbelief. For the first time in his life, he felt like he belonged somewhere—somewhere special.“Um, sir… I don’t really have money… I’m sorry,” Beomgyu mumbled, his voice barely audible over the chatter and clamor of Diagon Alley. He shuffled his feet awkwardly, staring down at the cobblestone street.The realization had hit him like a cold splash of water—he didn’t belong here. He didn’t have a single coin to his name, let alone enough to buy anything in a place like this. For a brief moment, the joy and wonder he’d felt while flying through the sky evaporated, replaced by a familiar sinking feeling in his chest.He lowered his head, embarrassed.Hagrid paused mid-step, turning back to the boy with a kind smile. “Don’t worry about that, lad,” he said, his deep voice warm and reassuring. “I’ll explain it all in due time. Yer a Muggle-born, see—and fer Muggle-borns like yerself, Hogwarts has a special fund ter make sure you’ve got everything you need.”Beomgyu blinked, looking up at Hagrid with wide eyes. “A… fund?”“Aye,” Hagrid nodded, chuckling softly. “The school takes care o’ things fer students who need it. You won’t need ter spend a single Knut.”Hagrid laughed, a booming sound that made nearby shoppers glance their way. “And none o’ that now, lad. Just Hagrid will do. No need ter be so formal.”Beomgyu felt a small smile creeping onto his face despite his lingering nerves. “Okay… Hagrid.”“Now that’s more like it,” Hagrid said, clapping a massive hand on Beomgyu’s shoulder, nearly toppling him over. “Come along now, we’ve got a lot ter get done and not much time ter spare.”He was still a bit hesitant, but Beomgyu still followed Hagrid, his gaze darting between the shops and the people bustling around them. His heart felt a little lighter knowing he wouldn’t have to worry about money, but he still couldn’t shake the feeling that he was somehow intruding on a world that wasn’t his.“Don’t look so glum,” Hagrid said as they walked. “Ye deserve this just as much as any other kid here, Beomgyu. Trust me on that.”Beomgyu offered a small smile, his spirits lifting just a bit as he quickened his pace to keep up with Hagrid.Hagrid crouched slightly, his large hand gently patting Beomgyu’s head. “Now, that there is Ollivanders—the finest place ter get yer wand. Come on now, don’t be shy,” he said, motioning toward the shop with a warm smile.Beomgyu hesitated, glancing at the small, slightly crooked building with its dusty windows and the faded, curling letters above the door. The shop looked ancient, with an air of mystery that made his stomach flutter nervously. He clutched the edge of Hagrid’s coat tightly. “Do I… really have to go in alone?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.Hagrid’s smile softened. “I’ll be just down the street, lad. Need ter grab somethin’ special fer ye, but I won’t be long, promise.”Beomgyu swallowed hard, looking between the shop and Hagrid. He didn’t want to let go of the one familiar person in this strange, magical world. “What if I… mess up? Or pick the wrong wand?”Hagrid chuckled, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry about that. The wand chooses the wizard, not the other way around. Go on, now. Ollivander’ll take good care o’ ye.”Reluctantly, Beomgyu let go of Hagrid’s coat and stepped toward the shop. The bell above the door tinkled softly as he pushed it open, and the warmth of the shop enveloped him.Inside, the air was thick with the scent of old wood and parchment. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from a few floating candles and a faintly glowing display case at the counter. But what struck Beomgyu most were the shelves—endless, towering shelves that reached the ceiling, crammed with countless small, rectangular boxes. The boxes were stacked so haphazardly it seemed like they might topple over at any moment, yet they held their balance as if by magic.Each box was different—some were plain and unmarked, while others were adorned with intricate patterns or faded labels. It felt like stepping into a library, but instead of books, every box held a mystery waiting to be uncovered.Beomgyu’s eyes darted around nervously. The shop was eerily silent, save for the faint creak of the floorboards under his feet. He took a hesitant step forward, his hands clutching the edges of his shirt as he tried to make himself as small as possible.“Ah, a new customer,” a soft voice said, making Beomgyu jump.From behind one of the shelves, an elderly man with silver hair and piercing, kind eyes appeared. He was dressed in a simple yet elegant robe, his hands clasped together as he studied Beomgyu with a knowing smile.“Welcome to Ollivanders. I’ve been expecting you.”“Um… hello, sir. I was told that I’d find a wand here,” Beomgyu mumbled, fiddling nervously with the hem of his shirt. His voice wavered slightly, unsure of how to address the enigmatic man before him.“Ah, yes, yes,” the elderly man said, his piercing eyes twinkling as though he knew a great secret. “You’re in the right place, Beomgyu. I’ve been waiting for you.”Beomgyu’s heart skipped a beat. Waiting for him? He opened his mouth to ask what that meant, but before he could, the man had turned on his heel and disappeared among the towering shelves. He moved with surprising speed for someone his age, muttering softly to himself as his fingers danced over the edges of the stacked boxes.“Let’s see… no, not that one… ah! Here we are,” the man declared, emerging with a slender, rectangular box. He opened it carefully, revealing a wand nestled inside, its polished surface gleaming faintly in the dim light. “Try this one.”Beomgyu hesitated, staring at the wand as if it might shatter at the slightest touch. It looked so delicate, so perfect, and he couldn’t shake the irrational fear that he might accidentally break it. Slowly, he reached out and took it, holding it as though it were made of glass.“Now then,” the man said with a smile, motioning with his hand, “give it a wave.”Beomgyu blinked at him, unsure. “Just… wave it?”“Exactly,” the man replied, his smile widening.Swallowing nervously, Beomgyu raised the wand and gave it an experimental flick.Immediately, a sharp crack filled the air. The soft candlelight that illuminated the shop vanished in an instant, plunging the room into darkness. Beomgyu yelped, his heart racing, and then there was another loud pop as one of the shelves burst open, its boxes tumbling to the floor in a chaotic mess.Beomgyu froze, clutching the wand tightly. “I-I’m so sorry!” he stammered, his voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to—”But the man only chuckled, stepping forward to gently take the wand from Beomgyu’s hands. “Not to worry, dear boy. That wasn’t the wand for you.” He placed it back into its box with practiced ease.Beomgyu stared at him, bewildered. “It… wasn’t?”“Of course not,” the man said, his voice patient and kind. “The wand chooses the wizard, my boy. And that one clearly wasn’t the right match. But don’t fret—we’ll find yours yet.”With that, he disappeared into the maze of shelves once more, leaving Beomgyu standing in the darkened shop, his heart still pounding.As Beomgyu tried wand after wand, his nervousness grew with each failure. The shelves around him felt like they were closing in, their towering heights a reminder of his growing doubts. What if it was all a mistake? What if he wasn’t really a wizard? What if Hagrid realized he didn’t belong here, and he was sent back to his old life?His hands trembled as he returned another wand to the shopkeeper. “I’m sorry,” Beomgyu whispered, his voice barely audible.The man, however, looked anything but discouraged. His sharp eyes twinkled as he tilted his head thoughtfully. “I wonder…” he murmured, his voice trailing off like a riddle. Then, without another word, he vanished behind a tall shelf, his footsteps soft but purposeful.Beomgyu shifted uncomfortably, wringing his hands as he waited. His chest felt tight, his doubts threatening to overwhelm him.When the shopkeeper reemerged, he held a long, thin box with an almost reverent air. “Here we are,” he said softly, presenting it to Beomgyu.Hesitantly, Beomgyu reached out and took the wand from its cushioned resting place. The moment his fingers wrapped around the smooth wood, a warmth spread through his hand and up his arm. It wasn’t the kind of warmth that came from a fire—it was deeper, more profound, as if the wand were alive and recognizing him.A gentle hum filled the air, barely audible but undeniably present, and a soft golden light emanated from the tip of the wand. Beomgyu’s breath hitched as a feeling of completeness washed over him. It was as though a missing piece of his soul had clicked into place, quieting every doubt and fear that had plagued him.For the first time in what felt like forever, Beomgyu felt… right. He couldn’t explain it, but the wand felt like it belonged to him, as if it had been waiting for him all along. His fingers tightened around it instinctively, a small, almost shy smile spreading across his face.“Ah,” the shopkeeper said, his voice filled with satisfaction. “There it is. The wand has chosen its wizard.”Beomgyu looked up at him, eyes wide and shining with wonder. “This… this is mine?” he whispered, the disbelief in his voice giving way to quiet awe.“Indeed it is,” the man replied with a warm smile. “And a fine match it is, too.”Beomgyu nodded, still clutching the wand as if letting it go would break the fragile magic of the moment. For the first time since stepping into this new world, he felt like he belonged.Beomgyu held the wand close to his chest, feeling its warmth seep into him like a comforting embrace. His gaze stayed fixed on the kind shopkeeper, who began to speak in a dreamy, almost melodic tone, explaining the wand’s composition.“Elm wood, sturdy and faithful,” the man began, his fingers gesturing delicately as if conjuring the elements he described. “Core of unicorn hair—rare and resilient, a symbol of purity and grace. A perfect match for someone with a good heart.”Beomgyu’s eyes widened at the mention of unicorn hair. “Unicorn hair? Did… um, did that hurt it, sir?” he asked hesitantly, his voice laced with concern.For a moment, he felt a pang of insecurity, worried his question might sound foolish. But instead of annoyance, the shopkeeper’s face softened into an understanding smile.“Not at all, my boy,” he reassured gently. “Unicorn hair is always given willingly, never taken. They are creatures of immense kindness and magic, much like the essence your wand now carries.”Beomgyu blinked, his chest tightening with a mix of relief and wonder. He looked down at the wand in his hands, as if seeing it anew, and his grip on it tightened protectively.“You’ve chosen well—or rather, the wand has chosen well,” the man added with a nod. “And don’t you worry, my boy. You’ll learn all about wands, unicorns, and much more at Hogwarts.”___Beomgyu blinks up at Hagrid, his eyes still wide with unease. The comforting warmth from earlier is still lingering in his chest, but the thought of being left alone in this bustling, strange world brings a heavy weight to his stomach. He looks at the ticket in his hand, feeling its unfamiliar edges between his fingers."But... I don't know where to go," Beomgyu mumbles, his voice trembling slightly. "I don't know anyone here, and everything is so... new."Hagrid looks down at him with a soft smile, his large hand coming down to ruffle Beomgyu's hair. "You don't need to know everything, lad. That's what the ticket's for. It'll guide you. The station's not far, and there will be others like you there—students heading to Hogwarts. They'll help you. Just follow the station's signs, okay?"Beomgyu nods, swallowing his nerves. He tries to focus on Hagrid's words, but it’s hard when the thought of being alone is so overwhelming. Still, he nods again, more firmly this time, and manages a small smile. "Okay... I’ll try.""That's the spirit," Hagrid says with a chuckle. "And remember, you’ve got yer wand now. That’s a good start, lad. And don't worry, I'll be back as soon as I can. Hogwarts is just the beginning."Beomgyu clutches his wand tightly, the weight of it offering him some comfort. But even so, a small part of him still feels like a small speck in a world that’s too big and too strange."Alright, off ye go," Hagrid says gently, pushing him towards the direction of the station with a final reassuring pat on his back.Beomgyu’s heart beats faster, both excited and scared, but he takes a deep breath and steps forward. He turns one last time to look at Hagrid, who gives him a thumbs-up before disappearing into the crowd.With that, Beomgyu turns back and looks ahead, clutching his ticket and wand, and dragging his trolley towards the station.____Beomgyu walks nervously towards the train station, feeling the weight of the trolley in his hands. The owl in its cage hoots softly, a sound that brings some comfort amidst all the unfamiliarity. Beomgyu smiles at the owl, grateful for its presence. At least he’s not entirely alone in this strange, magical world.The station around him is bustling with people, and he can see families and students hurrying in every direction. Some are laughing, some are talking excitedly, but all of them seem to know exactly where they’re going. Beomgyu’s nerves gnaw at him, but he steels himself, focusing on the ticket in his hand.The number on the ticket catches his eye: 9¾.He stops in his tracks, looking up at the signs above the platforms. Platform 8. Platform 9. Platform 10. Where is 9¾? His heart skips a beat, and his brow furrows in confusion. He looks back at his ticket again, but no matter how many times he checks, it still says 9¾.Beomgyu shifts on his feet, unsure of what to do next. Everyone else seems so confident, and here he is, standing in the middle of the station with no idea where to go. His fingers grip the trolley tightly, his knuckles turning white.Just as doubt starts to settle in, his focus turns towards another family. Two moms with their two boys who look slighter taller than beomgyu."Oh my god Kai I told you to pack with me at night but you were too busy whining" shouts a boy slightly taller than beomgyu to another boy who's sheepishly looking at his mother.His mother doesn't look mad and instead just chuckles amused at the two."Now now...I'm sure taehyun double checked what you packed anyways. Didn't you taehyunie?" The boy..Taehyun suddenly stands straighter "of course I did mum!" The two women chuckle and hugs the boys close. "Now I'm counting on you taehyun to keep your brother safe. And I'm counting on you to do the same KaiTheir gaze suddenly locks on to beomgyu. And beomgyu flushes as he realises he was eavesdropping."I-im sorry..I didn't mean to.." before he can finish the sentence Kai gasps "look mom even he has an owl. I told you we should've bought one!" Taehyun rolls his eyes at the other boy and starts scolding him but beomgyu doesn't notice cuz one of the women pats him on the shoulder, a smile full of kindness and encouragement on his face."Aren't you adorable sweetie? You must be looking for Platform 9¾? Don’t worry at all. Those boys are going to hogwarts too. All you need to do is.."Before Beomgyu can say process the woman confidently strides forward without hesitation, her slim figure moving confidently towards the barrier that separates platforms 9 and 10. Beomgyu’s eyes widen as he watches the woman approach the solid wall.Then, to Beomgyu’s amazement, the woman walks right into it.The wall doesn’t even flinch. It doesn’t break or crumble. Instead, as the woman reaches the barrier, she vanishes right through it, disappearing as though the wall was never there.Beomgyu gasps, his mouth open in shock. How? How did she do that?"Come on, sweetie! And you boys follow after him too" the woman's voice calls back, a few seconds later, from the other side. "No time to stand around!"Beomgyu hesitates for a moment, feeling nervous about slamming into a brick wall. But then, with a deep breath and a determined smile, he pushes his trolley forward, his heart racing as he approaches the same barrier.His hands grip the trolley handle tighter, and with one last look at Kai and taehyun , he takes a deep breath, steeling himself.With a quick, determined step, he runs straight toward the barrier.And just as he reaches it, he closes his eyes and holds his breath. The world around him seems to blur and shift as his trolley glides effortlessly through the wall. It feels like a strange rush of wind, like being in two places at once.Then, suddenly, everything goes still.Beomgyu opens his eyes, blinking in surprise, and looks around. He finds himself standing on Platform 9¾. The station is bustling with activity, but this time, it feels different. There’s a sense of magic in the air, and the Hogwarts Express stands in front of him, its bright red engine puffing clouds of steam into the air.He smiles in awe, his heart racing with excitement and wonder. He did it. He made it.Looking around, Beomgyu sees other students and their families gathered on the platform, some of them boarding the train. His eyes catch a glimpse of a large, welcoming sign that reads, "Hogwarts Express"The bustling atmosphere of Platform 9¾ is nothing like Beomgyu has ever experienced before. Everywhere he looks, students in their new robes are chattering excitedly, parents hugging their children goodbye, and owls hoot from their cages perched on top of trolleys. The air is electric with magic, and Beomgyu can almost feel it crackling around him.He takes a deep breath, savoring the moment. The Hogwarts Express stands before him, towering and magnificent, its bright red paint gleaming in the sunlight. Steam hisses from its engine as it puffs clouds into the air, and the sound of its whistle echoes through the station.For a moment, Beomgyu simply stands there, his eyes wide, taking it all in. He had imagined this moment for so long, but nothing could have prepared him for the reality of it. This was truly the beginning of something magical. Something new.A group of students around his age, laughing and talking excitedly, bustle past him, pulling their luggage towards the train. Some of them glance at Beomgyu, noticing the innocence in his wide-eyed expression, but they’re too wrapped up in their own excitement to stop.He looks down at his owl, who shifts restlessly in its cage, giving a soft hoot as if eager to be on its way as well. Beomgyu smiles at it and pats its cage gently. “We’re here now,” he mutters, though it sounds more like a reassurance to himself.He feels as though he’s stepping into a dream, unsure if it’s all really happening. His hands shake slightly, but he grips his trolley tightly as he approaches the train doors."Here we go," Beomgyu whispers to himself, and just like that, he steps forward, crossing the threshold into the Hogwarts Express, ready to begin his new adventure.___Beomgyu manages to find an empty compartment, relieved by the solitude. He feels too shy to intrude on groups of students who seem to be reuniting after the holidays, laughing and catching up. It would be too awkward to sit among them, so he chooses to sit alone and gazes out the window, watching as the other students board the train.He notices the boys from earlier—Kai and Taehyun. Their mothers are hugging them tightly, but the boys seem to be resisting, trying to pull away, looking uncomfortable with the displays of affection. Beomgyu wonders why, but before he can dwell on it, the boys disappear from sight, probably boarding the train too . He lets out a soft sigh and leans back in his seat, absentmindedly swinging his legs.He doesn’t want to think about it, but slowly, the reality of the situation starts to sink in again, and with it, the familiar feeling of anxiety creeps back into his chest. He’s about to go to a school. A real school. For the first time in years. After the last school had expelled him for being dyslexic. He doesn’t fully understand the meaning of that word, but what he does know is that he can’t read, and that has always set him apart from others.The thought of being surrounded by so many kids, so many strangers, fills him with unease. He never had friends.Only yeonjun.But now, in a place full of students, the possibility of friendships seems both exciting and terrifying.The magical sight of the train station outside the window, once so breathtaking, now only amplifies his anxiety. There are so many students, so many potential friends, and so many possibilities for bullying. Beomgyu’s heart beats faster as he wonders where he’ll fit in—will he be lucky enough to find friends, or will he be an outcast once again? __The train lets out a loud whistle, and Beomgyu startles, his heart racing for a moment. He looks outside the window again as the train slowly begins to move, the rhythmic chugging of the engine filling the air. It’s a new experience for him—so calm, so different from anything he’s known. But as he watches the scenery blur by, a thought slips into his mind. Hagrid’s flying motorcycle had been far more exciting. He chuckles to himself, the memory of soaring through the sky making him smile, but the thought is quickly interrupted when the compartment door swings open.It’s the two boys from before."Oh, it's you…" Taehyun says, his voice a bit awkward as he eyes Beomgyu.Kai, looking hopeful, asks, "Mind if we sit here?"Beomgyu’s heart skips a beat, and he instinctively gives a shaky smile. "N-no, not at all. Please, sit." He gestures toward the seats.Taehyun steps in first, and then looks back toward Kai, who is struggling to close the door. Beomgyu hesitates, watching the interaction with a quiet curiosity."It's the other way…" Beomgyu says softly, pointing to the door. Kai’s ears turn a shade of red, and with a sheepish expression, he silently slides the door the right way and walks in to sit next to Taehyun, who gives him a side-eye."This... is Kai. My best friend. Unfortunately." Taehyun says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Beomgyu watches as Kai immediately swats Taehyun on the head, and before Beomgyu can process it, the two boys are already playfully scuffling with each other, laughing and jostling.Beomgyu watches, unsure whether to intervene or just sit back and observe. The playful energy between the two is infectious, and he can’t help but feel a bit envious. He’s never had that—never had someone to joke around with in such a carefree way.After a moment of awkward silence, Beomgyu clears his throat, trying to shift the focus away from their antics. "I’m… uh… Beomgyu," he says shyly, his voice barely above a whisper, hoping his introduction might put an end to the playful bickering.Kai pauses, still rubbing his head from the smack, and looks over at Beomgyu with a small, sincere smile. Taehyun gives him an approving nod, and with that, the tension in the air seems to ease a bit."Nice to meet you, Beomgyu," Kai says, his voice warm despite the teasing from earlier.__After that it's an awkward silence for a while as the boys simply stare out the window. Taehyun is the first one to break the silence
"So, Beomgyu, what do you think your house will be?" Taehyun asks, his voice curious.Beomgyu furrows his brows in confusion. "House? ...Um, Hogwarts?"The two boys exchange a look, and Beomgyu can’t quite decipher what it means, but it doesn’t feel like a good one. He feels his heart race a bit. What’s going on?"I think he’s a Muggleborn," Kai whispers loudly, and Beomgyu’s face flushes with embarrassment."Yeah, no shit, Kai," Taehyun mutters in response, then gets smacked on the back of the head by Kai."Mom said no cursing," Kai says with a grin.Beomgyu sits still, caught between feeling embarrassed and unsure. He opens his mouth to respond, but the boys go back to their endless banter, leaving him feeling lost.But then, after a few moments, they settle down and look back at him."Don’t worry, Beomgyu. We can tell you the basics in no time," Kai says, settling back in his seat, sounding more relaxed."Yeah. Let’s start with 'Muggle.' A Muggle is someone who has no magical blood in them," Taehyun explains, his smile small but warm. "Normal humans, you could say, but it sounds a bit rude, so they gave it a whole new term."Beomgyu listens closely, still unsure about a lot of things, but he’s starting to piece it together."And we think you might be a Muggleborn because your mum didn’t tell you much about Hogwarts, did she?" Kai adds, as though it explains everything.Beomgyu shakes his head a little, feeling the weight of his confusion."Nothing to worry about, Beomgyu," Taehyun reassures him with a soft smile. "There are always a lot of Muggleborn in first year."Beomgyu feels a little better, but the uncertainty is still there. Taehyun continues, noticing the confusion on Beomgyu’s face."Hogwarts lasts for seven years, Beomgyu. After that, you can either find a job here or back there. It’s up to you!" Taehyun says, his voice encouraging.Beomgyu blinks a few times, his mind still trying to catch up. “So... I’ll be here for seven years...?”"Well not really," Kai answers. "You study here for an year. Then get holidays for some months and then come back again for your second year. It’s pretty awesome here so don't worry."The train begins to pick up speed, the sound of the wheels clanking against the tracks filling the silence. Beomgyu shifts in his seat, now feeling more comfortable in the company of these two boys, but still overwhelmed by everything."Any questions till now, Beomgyu?" Taehyun asks, leaning forward slightly."No, thank you..." Beomgyu whispers shyly, his voice soft but sincere.Taehyun smiles, but before he can speak, Kai jumps in, cutting him off. "No problem at all. Now, the two of us are purebloods, and—""Not this again," Taehyun groans, rolling his eyes. "Leave this part out. Don't worry, Beomgyu. It’s not important at all what your status is. If anyone gives you trouble, you just come to us, okay?"Taehyun’s serious tone makes Beomgyu nod eagerly, feeling reassured. He’s grateful for the support, even if he doesn’t fully understand all the details yet."Now, let me tell you about the houses," Taehyun continues, shifting into his more informative tone. "There are four houses at Hogwarts, Beomgyu. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own unique personality—good and bad—and…"Before Taehyun can go any further, Kai interrupts, excitement bubbling up in his voice. "And I’ll be a Hufflepuff!! Oh, I’m so sure about it!" He shakes Taehyun’s arm with an enthusiastic grin, and Taehyun looks at Beomgyu with an exasperated expression."And Taehyun will be a Ravenclaw because he’s such a know-it-all," Kai sing-songs happily, making Beomgyu smile softly.Beomgyu listens intently now, his anxiety slowly melting away as the boys continue talking. He’s not confused anymore, and his face lights up with joy at how easy it feels to listen to them. He may still have a lot to learn, but right now, it’s starting to feel like everything might just be okay.

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

As the train pulls towards a giant castle, Beomgyu’s eyes go wide with amazement. He can’t tear his gaze away from the towering spires, the majestic stone walls, and the flickering lights within the windows. It’s like something out of a dream."That's... that's Hogwarts?" Beomgyu asks, his voice full of awe as he turns to his friends for confirmation.Kai, unable to contain his excitement, beams and hugs Beomgyu from behind. "Isn’t it amazing, Beomgyu Hyung?!" he exclaims, his voice full of joy.In that moment, Beomgyu realizes just how quickly they’ve become close. Kai’s affection and clinginess, so unexpected yet so comforting, make his heart swell with warmth. He’s never had a friend like this before, and it feels like everything he’s been longing for is right here, in this new magical world.They quickly realized that Beomgyu is the eldest of the three, and since then, both Taehyun and Kai have been calling him "Hyung." Beomgyu can’t help but smile shyly. How did he get so lucky?It’s nighttime when the train finally reaches Hogwarts. The magic in the air seems even stronger now, and Beomgyu can’t stop staring at the castle as he steps off the train. Hagrid is there waiting for them, his giant form unmistakable in the crowd.Before anyone can say anything, Beomgyu runs forward, overwhelmed with gratitude. He throws his arms around Hagrid in a tight hug. "Thank you," he whispers, his voice soft but full of emotion. All of this—the magic, the new life, the friendships he’s already beginning to form—it’s all because of Hagrid. His first true friend.Unknowingly, Beomgyu’s words make Hagrid’s eyes well up with tears. He watches the young boy with a mixture of pride and tenderness knowing exactly what the boy leaves unsaid.Just as Hagrid begins to wipe his eyes, Taehyun and Kai catch up to them. "Hyung! Never run off like that again!" Taehyun says, his voice a mixture of concern and frustration as he slams into Beomgyu from behind, followed closely by Kai."Yeah, exactly," Kai says breathlessly, clearly trying to catch his breath from the run.Beomgyu grins at them, shaking his head affectionately, as Hagrid chuckles softly in the background, a smile of his own tugging at his lips. ______Beomgyu finds himself sandwiched between Taehyun and Kai, their arms clutching him tightly as they walk towards the towering castle in the distance. The air is filled with the murmurs of other students, the crunch of gravel underfoot, and the distant hoots of owls.“Can you guys pinch me? I feel like I’m dreaming,” Beomgyu mumbles, his voice shaky. He’s sure his legs aren’t working properly—they feel like jelly. If not for his friends holding onto him, he’s pretty sure they’d be dragging him by now.“Gladly,” Taehyun and Kai respond in unison, their mischievous grins matching as they pinch his arms so hard he yelps.“Ow! Hey!” Beomgyu exclaims, but before he can get properly annoyed, they both lean into him, wrapping him in awkward side hugs as they keep walking.“This isn’t a dream, Hyung. Trust me,” Kai says, his tone unusually soft but still brimming with excitement. “We’re here with you, and we get it—it’s a lot. But it’s amazing, isn’t it?”“So magical,” Taehyun adds, his voice low and filled with wonder as they reach the gigantic gates.Beomgyu takes a deep, shaky breath as the gates swing open, revealing the breathtaking interior of Hogwarts Castle. He feels his heart skip a beat.The first thing he notices is the massive staircase stretching high into the air, its steps moving of their own accord, shifting to connect different floors in an almost playful dance. The railings gleam under the soft glow of enchanted torches that line the walls, casting flickering golden light onto the intricately carved stone.The walls are decorated with moving portraits of witches and wizards, their figures animated as they stroll from frame to frame, chatting, waving, and occasionally arguing with each other. Beomgyu stares in awe as one of them—a wizard with a long beard—tips his hat to him.Above them, a grand chandelier hangs from the high, vaulted ceiling, its countless crystals shimmering like stars. The light refracted from it paints delicate rainbows on the polished marble floor, which reflects the magnificence of the space.In the distance, the sound of laughter and chatter echoes through the vast halls. There are glimpses of more students being ushered into different areas, their faces as amazed as Beomgyu’s. The air smells faintly of parchment, candles, and something delicious wafting from an unseen kitchen.Beomgyu’s breath catches in his throat. “It’s… it’s beautiful,” he whispers, his voice barely audible.Kai squeezes his arm reassuringly. “Told you it wasn’t a dream.”Taehyun chuckles softly. “Get ready, Hyung. This is just the beginning.”___Beomgyu trails behind the group, his legs aching from the endless climb up the castle’s staircase. He leans slightly toward Kai and whispers, “Oh my…” but his words falter when his eyes land on the stern woman waiting for them at the top. She stands tall, her presence commanding attention, wearing a long emerald-green dress and a pointed hat that Beomgyu thinks looks a little odd.She looks old, he muses, and immediately regrets the thought when her piercing gaze locks onto him. Beomgyu stiffens, panic bubbling up inside. Can witches read minds? Taehyun never mentioned that—“Welcome to Hogwarts,” the woman begins, her voice firm and clear, cutting through the chatter of the gathered first-years. “In a few moments, you will enter through these doors and be sorted into your houses. Each house will become your family here at Hogwarts. Your triumphs will earn you points, while any rule-breaking will result in losing points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will win the House Cup.”Her sharp gaze sweeps across the students, lingering just long enough to silence any whispers. Then, without another word, she turns and walks toward the towering golden doors behind her, which creak open on their own as if welcoming them inside.Beomgyu’s breath hitches as he steps through the doors and into the Great Hall.The sight is nothing short of magical. The room is vast, the ceiling soaring so high it seems almost infinite. His head tilts back as he notices the enchanted ceiling that reflects the night sky—stars twinkle in the inky darkness, and the moon hangs serenely, casting a soft glow. Rainclouds drift lazily across the expanse, but not a single drop falls into the hall. It’s as if the universe itself is contained within these walls.Rows of floating candles hover above, their golden flames flickering gently, casting a warm, ethereal light across the space. Below them, four long tables stretch the length of the hall, each adorned with glittering tableware and the vibrant colors of the houses: scarlet and gold for Gryffindor, green and silver for Slytherin, blue and bronze for Ravenclaw, and yellow and black for Hufflepuff.At the far end of the hall, a fifth, smaller table is raised slightly on a dais. The professors are seated there, their robes as varied and impressive as the hall itself. Some smile kindly at the new students, while others observe them with a curious glint in their eyes.Beomgyu feels dwarfed by the grandeur of it all. The hall is alive with magic, every detail more breathtaking than the last. The low hum of murmured conversation and the soft clinking of tableware from the older students already seated fills the room, blending seamlessly with the warm crackle of invisible fires.His eyes are drawn to the center of the hall, where a simple wooden stool waits under the gaze of hundreds of students. On the stool sits a battered old hat, its wide brim slightly crooked. Despite its worn appearance, there’s an unmistakable air of importance about it, as if it holds secrets only it can reveal.Beomgyu glances at his friends. Kai looks as though he’s barely holding back a squeal of excitement, while Taehyun watches the scene with a calm, thoughtful expression. Beomgyu, on the other hand, feels his heart pounding in his chest.As they come to a stop in front of the stool, he whispers to himself, “So this… is Hogwarts.”...One by one, the teacher called out names, and each student nervously stepped forward to sit on the stool. The Sorting Hat was placed on their heads, and after a few seconds—sometimes longer—it would announce the name of their house in a loud, clear voice.When the first student was sorted, Beomgyu flinched at the sudden burst of cheers from the house table. The enthusiastic welcome brought a small smile to his face, easing some of his tension.As he waited for his turn, Beomgyu’s thoughts raced. He replayed every word Kai and Taehyun had told him about the houses, turning their descriptions over and over in his mind. He couldn’t help but wonder where he would end up.Gryffindor? No, that couldn’t be him. Beomgyu didn’t feel brave at all—his anxious thoughts seemed to haunt him every second. Ravenclaw? Definitely not. He wasn’t a reader, and he wasn’t as clever or quick-witted as Taehyun. Hufflepuff, maybe? He loved making friends and always tried to be kind. That felt like the best fit for him.As for Slytherin, his friends had firmly insisted there was no way he’d end up there. Slytherins were known for being cunning and ambitious, and Beomgyu just couldn’t see himself as either of those things.Still, his friends had reassured him over and over that it didn’t really matter which house he was sorted into—they’d remain friends no matter what."Huening Kai Kamal!"The sound of Kai’s name snapped Beomgyu out of his thoughts. He watched as Kai practically bounced toward the stool, his excitement contagious.Kai climbed up eagerly, flashing a bright grin to the crowd. Taehyun, still holding beomgyu's arm, was smiling widely, clearly proud to see his best friend’s big moment.The Sorting Hat barely took a moment to decide."HUFFLEPUFF!" it announced loudly.The table dressed in yellow and black erupted in cheers, clapping and shouting as they welcomed their newest housemate.Kai hopped off the stool, grinning from ear to ear, and, to everyone’s surprise, dashed over to hug both Taehyun and Beomgyu tightly before bouncing toward the Hufflepuff table. The unexpected gesture earned some chuckles and a few warm smiles from the students around them.Beomgyu and Taehyun laughed softly, feeling more at ease after seeing their friend’s sheer enthusiasm. The sorting continued, with names being called one after the other, until only a handful of students remained."Kang Taehyun."Taehyun strode confidently up the steps, his head held high. Beomgyu watched in admiration, wishing he could borrow even an ounce of his friend’s composure. Taehyun barely had a chance to sit down before the Sorting Hat opened its mouth and declared:"RAVENCLAW!"The Ravenclaw table erupted in cheers, welcoming their newest member with claps and whistles. Beomgyu and Kai clapped the loudest, among all. Taehyun gave them a small wave before heading toward his house, flashing them a satisfied smile."Choi Beomgyu."The sound of his name echoed through the grand hall, and Beomgyu froze. The world around him seemed to blur for a moment as his heart raced. Somewhere in the distance, he thought he heard someone choke or cough, but it was drowned out by the sound of his own heartbeat. Slowly, he forced himself to move, climbing the steps one at a time with trembling legs.When he reached the stool, he sat down timidly, his hands gripping the edges of the seat. The Sorting Hat was lowered onto his head, and everything around him seemed to fade into silence."Ah," a deep, thoughtful voice spoke directly into his mind. "An interesting one indeed."Beomgyu stiffened."So much loyalty... a heart that longs for connection," the hat mused. "Yet, there's fear, doubt, insecurities... oh, and bravery too, though you try to hide it, don’t you?"Bravery? Beomgyu couldn’t imagine the hat was serious."You’re stronger than you think," the hat continued as if reading his thoughts. "But where to put you? You value friendship deeply... Hufflepuff would suit you well. But there’s a spark in you—a fire that could grow into something remarkable."Beomgyu swallowed nervously."Not Ravenclaw, I see. You think you lack the intellect to belong there, though I’d argue otherwise. And Slytherin? No... cunning and ambition aren’t what drive you, are they?"Beomgyu shook his head slightly, his grip on the stool tightening."Tell me," the hat said gently, "what is it you want most, young one?"Beomgyu hesitated before thinking, I just… I want to belong. I want to be brave like my friends and make them proud.The hat chuckled. "Ah, you do have courage—more than you know. And that desire to prove yourself? Yes, I see it clearly now. It seems the answer is obvious."Beomgyu braced himself as the Sorting Hat raised its voice for all to hear:"GRYFFINDOR!"The Gryffindor table burst into applause, cheering and welcoming their newest housemate with enthusiasm. Beomgyu blinked in surprise, his face flushing as the realization sunk in.As the hat was lifted off his head, he stood shakily and glanced toward the Gryffindor table. Before heading there, he looked back at his friends. Taehyun was cheering and clapping, while Kai was standing and whooping loudly, practically bouncing in excitement.Beomgyu’s lips curled into a small, shy smile as he walked toward his new house, the warmth of the cheers surrounding him like a comforting embrace.When Beomgyu reached the Gryffindor table, he was immediately met with pats on the back and warm hugs from his new housemates. “Welcome to Gryffindor!” a boy with unruly black hair exclaimed, grinning at him. “You’ll fit right in!” Another older girl leaned over to shake his hand, introducing herself with a kind smile.Beomgyu’s heart swelled with gratitude. Despite his earlier anxieties, the warmth radiating from his housemates made him feel like maybe, just maybe, he belonged here.As the sorting ceremony came to an end, a hush fell over the Great Hall. Beomgyu looked up to see the old man at the center of the staff table rise to his feet. That’s Dumbledore, Beomgyu reminded himself, the headmaster.“Welcome, welcome, to another year at Hogwarts!” Dumbledore’s voice was rich and comforting, carrying easily across the hall. His twinkling eyes seemed to meet every student’s gaze at once. “To our returning students, welcome back. And to our new students—our first-years—welcome home.”The room erupted into cheers, and Beomgyu found himself clapping along, his nervousness fading bit by bit.“And now,” Dumbledore continued, his arms spreading wide with a dramatic flourish, “let the feast begin!”Before Beomgyu’s very eyes, the empty golden plates and goblets on the tables filled themselves. A massive feast appeared as if by magic—because it was magic, he reminded himself, still struggling to wrap his head around it.There were dishes he recognized—roast chicken, mashed potatoes, fresh bread—but there were also foods he’d never seen before: steaming pies filled with something fragrant, brightly colored puddings, and pitchers of pumpkin juice. The sight made his mouth water.“Go on, dig in!” one of the older Gryffindor students encouraged, piling his own plate high.Beomgyu hesitated for a moment before reaching for a roasted chicken leg. His friends had been right—this was nothing like anything he’d ever experienced before. It was magical, warm, and welcoming. As he took his first bite, he realized this was a moment he’d remember forever.As Beomgyu slowly chewed his food, a small smile tugging at his lips, he let his gaze wander across the Great Hall. At the Hufflepuff table, Kai was in his element, chatting animatedly with everyone around him, his laughter carrying through the air. Beomgyu smiled softly at the sight, already used to his friend’s boundless energy.He turned his attention to the Ravenclaw table and spotted Taehyun, sitting upright and composed. Unlike Kai, Taehyun wasn’t speaking much. Instead, his wide eyes were fixed on the older students around him, soaking in every word as though they held the secrets to the universe.Beomgyu’s gaze drifted again, sweeping over the hall—until it landed on the Slytherin table. That's where he saw familiar cat eyes narrowed at him in such a familiar way.Beomgyu's heart raced, unsure of what he was seeing. Yeonjun’s face was unreadable, his sharp eyes gleaming with something Beomgyu couldn’t quite place. For a split second, it was like everything around him disappeared, the bustling hall and the loud chatter fading into silence.Yeonjun didn’t look like the same boy Beomgyu remembered from their childhood. Sitting at the Slytherin table, he seemed like someone else entirely—colder, more distant, yet still undeniably sharp. A snake through and through, just like the rest of the students around him.Beomgyu’s fingers tightened around his fork, the uneaten food on his plate suddenly unappealing. Was Yeonjun angry at him for coming here? Or maybe just indifferent? Beomgyu couldn’t tell, but he could feel the tension rising between them, even from across the hall.Their eyes remained locked for what felt like an eternity before Yeonjun finally turned his attention elsewhere, his gaze shifting back to the students around him, who were deep in conversation. But the quiet exchange had already happened—Beomgyu knew it.A mix of confusion and sadness flooded Beomgyu's chest. He had hoped that coming to Hogwarts would be a fresh start, but now a ghost from his past was sitting right there Infront of beomgyu.And that night as Beomgyu layed in his comfy bed he couldn’t shake the image of Yeonjun’s unreadable stare from his mind. He wasn’t sure if he could forget that look, especially when he was reminded of how much things had changed between them.

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

The first week of classes had come and gone, and to Beomgyu’s immense relief, he hadn’t crossed paths with Yeonjun in the hallways—not even once. It felt like a small mercy, giving him enough time to adjust to this unfamiliar world without the weight of Yeonjun’s cold gaze following him. Instead he tried to quickly get used to his first year classes.It was the first class of the week, and while most of his classmates dozed off as Professor Binns droned on in his monotonous voice, Beomgyu couldn’t help but stare at the ghostly teacher in awe. The way Professor Binns glided through the blackboard as if it wasn’t there made Beomgyu silently cheer every time. Sure, the professor’s lectures about goblin rebellions might have been dull, but to Beomgyu, it was fascinating. How could anyone sleep through a class taught by a real ghost? Plus for a Muggle like him, it was fascinating to know goblins even existed. Transfiguration was a class that left him utterly speechless. Watching Professor McGonagall transform a teacup into a mouse or a biscuit into a perfectly crafted tea set felt so unreal. Beomgyu spent every moment of the lessons wide-eyed, his mouth slightly open in awe. Even the complex instructions on wand movements and incantations didn’t deter him—he was determined to master the magic that seemed so effortless in the professor’s hands. The first class had made it clear, this was a subject he'll come to love deeply.Astronomy, however, quickly became his absolute favorite. The idea of lying under the vast, glittering night sky to map stars and planets felt almost too good to be true. He found the tower’s cool breeze and the sight of constellations mesmerizing, a serene escape from the bustling school life. Taehyun, always the practical one, warned him that Astronomy wasn’t just about stargazing—it would eventually involve calculations and memorization. But Beomgyu didn’t care. For now, the tranquility of the night sky felt like a gift.Herbology had a charm of its own too. While many of his classmates groaned about getting their clothes and hands dirty, Beomgyu felt completely at ease in the greenhouse. Back home, he’d spent his childhood playing with the soil and tiny insects so working with plants felt oddly comforting. These magical plants, however, were a whole new experience. He couldn’t help but marvel at the way the leaves of a Venomous Tentacula twitched as if alive or how the Puffapods released glowing pink spores when touched. After the Astronomy Tower, Beomgyu could already tell that the greenhouse would be one of his favorite places in Hogwarts.Charms class was both the easiest and the most magical subject. While many students struggled to concentrate, the tiny elf professor had emphasized the importance of clear pronunciation and precise wand movement—a simple swish and flick—to make the feather float.Beomgyu mastered it on his third attempt, becoming the second student to succeed. When Professor Flitwick praised him, his cheeks warmed, and he instinctively slid lower in his chair, trying to hideIt was a small victory, but it filled him with pride.Now, as the week came to an end, Beomgyu found himself climbing the winding stairs to the Astronomy Tower, his favorite spot in the castle. The air grew cooler with every step, and the soft hum of distant chatter from the Great Hall faded into silence. Reaching the top, he stepped onto the open balcony and leaned against the stone railing, letting the crisp night air wash over him.Above him, the stars glittered like scattered jewels, their light untouched by the castle's torches.Taehyun and Kai found him quickly on the Astronomy Tower. Taehyun approached quietly, his soft voice breaking the serene silence. "We can leave if you want some alone time…" he offered gently.Kai, however, had other ideas. "But otherwise, we're here to stay and annoy you, Hyung!" he beamed, hugging Beomgyu from behind despite slightly wheezing after climbing the many stairs.Beomgyu couldn’t help but smile at their presence. Their warmth made Hogwarts feel a little less overwhelming. "There’s something that’s been bothering me," he admitted after a pause. "In my dorm, we have four beds, but there are only three of us. At first, I didn’t think it mattered, but Jeongin mentioned that the extra bed means the student must be at Hogwarts somewhere. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be one."Kai tilted his head in confusion, frowning slightly. "Huh... Well, I wonder where they are, then?" he mused aloud.Taehyun leaned against the railing, thoughtful as he gazed up at the sky. "If they’re not in the dorm, then they must be somewhere else," he said, voice calm but pensive. "Think about it—places like the library, the Astronomy Tower, and the greenhouses all have curfews. No student is allowed to stay in those places overnight. The only exception I can think of is the hospital wing."Beomgyu’s stomach sank at the thought, his brows furrowing with concern. "The hospital wing…" he murmured, the idea worrying him immensely. If their missing dormmate was indeed there, it must mean something serious. "I hope they’re okay…"Taehyun stepped closer and wrapped an arm around Beomgyu's shoulders, offering a reassuring squeeze. "We’ll visit the hospital wing tomorrow, okay? Don’t worry," he said gently, his voice steady and comforting.Beomgyu glanced at him, a flicker of gratitude crossing his face. "Really? You think we can do that?""Of course," Taehyun replied firmly. "We’ll figure it out together. If your dormmate’s there, we’ll know soon enough."Kai chimed in with his usual cheerful tone, trying to lighten the mood. "Yeah! And if the nurses kick us out, I’ll just use my irresistible charm to talk our way back in."Beomgyu couldn’t help but chuckle softly, the tension in his chest easing just a little. "Thanks, guys.""That’s what we’re here for, Hyung!" Kai declared, hugging Beomgyu from behind once more. "Now let’s head back before curfew. We don’t want to get detention this early in the year."___Madam Pomfrey is nice, Beomgyu decides. He’s been to hospitals before, and the nurses there were always strict and intimidating. But Madam Pomfrey ushers them inside the hospital wing with a warm smile and hands each of them a biscuit."Ah, you’re worried about your roommate, Beomgyu?" she asks, her tone gentle and understanding. "He’s just resting here, dear. No need to fret. He’ll join his classes next week."Beomgyu listens attentively, nodding as relief washes over him. "Okay, ma’am. Thank you. I was just worried since he missed his first week of classes. But… can you let him know not to worry? I can tell him all about what happened when he comes back."Madam Pomfrey’s smile widens, the kind of smile that instantly soothes any lingering doubts. "That’s very thoughtful of you, Beomgyu. I’ll make sure to pass the message along. And don’t you worry either—he’s in good hands here."Beomgyu beams shyly, feeling a sense of ease for the first time since noticing the empty bed in his dorm. Kai and Taehyun exchange glances, both smiling softly at their friend’s genuine concern."See, Hyung? Everything’s fine," Kai whispers, nudging Beomgyu’s shoulder playfully."Yeah," Beomgyu agrees, glancing around the cozy hospital wing.They are quickly ushered out of the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey gently reminding them not to miss their next class."Oh yeah, what’s the next class again?" Beomgyu asks, his mind still lingering on his missing roommate.Taehyun suddenly freezes mid-step, smacks his forehead, and bolts down the corridor. "YOU IDIOTS, IT’S OUR FIRST FLYING LESSON! WE NEED TO GET TO THE GROUNDS, NOW!"Kai and Beomgyu’s eyes widen in realization. "WHAT?!" they yell simultaneously before bursting into laughter.The three of them take off, their laughter echoing through the castle halls as they race down the endless staircases toward the ground floor. Beomgyu’s heart pounds, not just from running but from the thrill of the moment—his first flying lesson.___Their first flying lesson was on the oval-shaped stadium located on the Hogwarts grounds, surrounded by towering stands that provided seating for spectators. The stands were divided into four sections, each representing one of the four Hogwarts houses, with banners in their house colors and emblems proudly displayed.The field itself was a long, smooth stretch of grass with a central white circle marking the starting area. At each end of the pitch stood three golden goalposts of varying heights, resembling tall hoops mounted on poles, through which Chasers aimed to score points using the Quaffle.The wide-eyed first years gasped seeing some students already on their broom flying effortlessly.____Beomgyu’s smile falters as his gaze drifts to the other end of the field. There, Yeonjun is already in the air, laughing effortlessly with his friends as if he were born on a broom. Beomgyu’s grip tightens on his own broomstick, a mix of unease and admiration churning in his chest."Alright, gather around and stand beside your brooms!" their flying instructor calls out, snapping him back to the present. "Hold out your hand, palm down, and say ‘Up!’ to summon your broom.""Up!" Beomgyu and Kai call out confidently, their brooms jumping into their hands on the first try.Taehyun, however, frowns at his broom stubbornly lying on the ground. "Up!" he says again, louder. Nothing happens.Kai leans closer with a teasing grin. "Maybe it doesn’t like you?""Shut up, Kai," Taehyun mutters, trying again. "Up!" Finally, on his fifth try, the broom reluctantly jumps into his hand.Kai cackles. "Told you it was being picky!""Focus, boys!" the instructor claps her hands. "Now, mount your brooms and push off the ground lightly. I want you to hover a few feet in the air and practice your balance."Beomgyu mounts his broom and pushes off the ground. A nervous gasp escapes him as he wobbles for a moment, but then he steadies himself. The feeling of hovering in mid-air, with the cool breeze brushing against his face, fills him with exhilaration.Kai is already floating nearby, spinning in slow circles with a wide grin. "This is amazing, Hyung!"Taehyun joins them shortly after, his expression focused as he hovers cautiously. "It’s not as hard as I thought," he murmurs, though his knuckles remain white from gripping the broom.Jeongin, who is hovering just ahead of Beomgyu, suddenly starts swaying uncontrollably. His broom tips forward, then back, as he flails his arms to regain balance."Jeongin!" Beomgyu calls out, his heart racing as he watches the younger boy wobble precariously.Before anyone can react, Jeongin’s broom shoots upward in a sharp burst. Panic flashes across his face as he clings tightly, but the broom continues to rise erratically."Stay calm and hold on tight!" the instructor shouts, running toward the scene.Beomgyu’s instincts take over. He leans forward, gripping his broom tightly, and pushes off the ground harder to follow Jeongin. "I’ll get him!" he yells, determination burning in his eyes.The scene is chaotic as Jeongin’s broom lurches unpredictably in the air, soaring higher and higher. Beomgyu, heart pounding, keeps his focus on the panicked boy ahead of him."Jeongin! Listen to me!" Beomgyu shouts over the wind. "You need to stay calm! If you relax, the broom will follow your pace!"But Jeongin is too terrified to listen. His grip on the broom is white-knuckled, his face pale with fear. "I can’t— I can’t control it!" he cries.Beomgyu grits his teeth, pushing his broom harder to catch up. The distance between them narrows, but just as he’s about to reach Jeongin, the younger boy looks back at him with wide, frightened eyes.And then, Jeongin lets go."NO!" Beomgyu screams as he watches Jeongin freefall. His heart seizes with panic, but his body moves instinctively. He dives after Jeongin, the cold wind whipping against his face as he grips his broom tightly.In a split second, Beomgyu reaches out and catches Jeongin’s arm, pulling him onto his broom. The impact throws the balance off, and the broom wobbles uncontrollably under the weight of both boys."Hold on!" Beomgyu yells, his arms locked around Jeongin.The broom spirals downward, the ground rushing up to meet them. Beomgyu shifts his weight, trying desperately to slow their descent. He twists his body at the last second, ensuring that Jeongin lands on top of him as they crash to the ground.The impact knocks the wind out of Beomgyu. Pain radiates through his back as they hit the grassy field, but his arms remain firmly around Jeongin, shielding him from the worst of the fall.The field is silent for a moment, save for the gasps of the gathered students. Then, the instructor sprints over, her face pale but composed."Are you boys alright?" she demands, kneeling beside them.Jeongin pushes himself up shakily, his face streaked with tears. "I—I’m fine," he stammers, looking at Beomgyu with wide, guilt-ridden and thankful eyes. "Beomgyu, are you okay?"Beomgyu coughs, wincing as he sits up. "I’m... okay," he manages, though his back feels like it’s on fire. He forces a weak smile at Jeongin. "Told you I’d catch you."The instructor’s stern gaze softens as she inspects them both for injuries. "That was incredibly reckless," she says, though her voice is laced with a hint of pride. "But also very brave. Beomgyu, you saved him. That was quick thinking."The students cheers loudly from the sidelines, their voices ringing with pride. Beomgyu’s cheeks flush as he glances at the crowd, catching Kai and Taehyun jumping up and down in excitement.But as his gaze sweeps over to the Slytherin's, he freezes. Yeonjun is standing, his expression unreadable.Oh.He saw that._______Beomgyu groaned dramatically into the pillow, muffling his voice as he complained. "It doesn’t even hurt that much! I feel fine! I don’t need to miss another class. What if I fall behind?"Kai, perched on the edge of the bed, shook his head firmly. "Hyung, you literally fell from the sky. You need to rest, and Madam Pomfrey said so. Do you really want to argue with her?"Beomgyu turned his head just enough to glare at Kai, who merely grinned at him cheekily.Taehyun, ever the voice of reason, crossed his arms and sat down in the chair beside the bed. "Beomgyu, you’re lucky you didn’t break your back. Madam Pomfrey said you’d be up and about in an hour if you just stayed still and let the balm work. But if you keep whining and moving around, it’ll take longer."Beomgyu huffed again, burying his face in the pillow. "This is torture," he muttered.Kai patted his back gently, careful not to press too hard. "It’s just an hour, Hyung. Think of it as a nap! You like naps, right?""I did like naps," Beomgyu grumbled, his voice muffled. "Until I had to take one in the middle of the day because everyone thinks I’m fragile."Taehyun gave him a small smile, his tone softening. "You’re not fragile, Beomgyu. You were brave out there. Jeongin wouldn’t have been okay if it weren’t for you."That seemed to calm Beomgyu, though he stayed silent.Kai, meanwhile, piped up with a mischievous grin. "Don’t worry, Hyung. Taehyun and I will take the most detailed notes ever. Right, Taehyun?"Taehyun raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Of course. You’ll know everything we learn in class today. We'll make sure you don't miss anything important."Beomgyu let out a small sigh, his tension easing slowly. "I know," he said softly "I go to class for simply listening and watching wand movements anyway. It's not like I can read or write any notes myself"Both boys paused, hearing the slight distress in beomgyu's voice."Hyung we—" taehyun whispered after a few minutes, determined to assure beomgyu that they hadn't given up, that they were still searching the library for a way.Just then, Madam Pomfrey bustled over, her no-nonsense demeanor instantly silencing the boys. "What’s all this noise? Rest means quiet, Mr. Choi."Beomgyu turned his head to look at her, his eyes wide and pitiful. "I’m being very quiet, Madam Pomfrey. They’re the noisy ones."Taehyun and Kai stifled their laughter, tension leaving their body but Madam Pomfrey only rolled her eyes. "I don’t care who’s making the noise. All of you, out. He needs to rest properly. You can come back when he’s recovered."Kai and Taehyun shared a reluctant glance before standing up."We’ll come back soon, Hyung," Kai whispered."Just behave, Beomgyu," Taehyun added with a small smirk.Beomgyu waved them off half-heartedly, already missing their presence as the room fell silent again.______ The next time Beomgyu opened his eyes, the soft murmur of voices greeted him. Still groggy, he rubbed his eyes and squinted, realizing that Professor McGonagall was standing near his bed, speaking quietly with Madam Pomfrey."Am... am I in trouble?" Beomgyu asked hesitantly, his voice barely above a whisper. His heart raced, half expecting to be reprimanded for breaking some rule.Madam Pomfrey spoke first, her expression was tinged with disapproval. "What you did out there was brave, but it was also incredibly reckless. You could have been seriously injured, young man. I recommend thinking carefully before attempting anything so daring again."Beomgyu swallowed nervously, guilt creeping in. "Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry."McGonagall cleared her throat, drawing his attention to her. "Bravery alone isn’t enough, Mr. Choi. What stood out was your composure and skill during a difficult situation. Your flying instructor has spoken highly of your natural abilities, and after reviewing the matter, I agree with her assessment."Beomgyu blinked in confusion. "Assessment?"McGonagall’s gaze sharpened. "I’d like to offer you the opportunity to try out for the Gryffindor Quidditch team."Beomgyu froze, blinking rapidly. More flying? He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. "You mean… like, for real? Me? On the team?"Madam Pomfrey smiled a little amused, but didn’t intervene as McGonagall continued, her tone firm but encouraging. "It is rare for a first-year to be considered, but talent such as yours deserves recognition. That said, this is not an invitation to grow overconfident or careless. Quidditch is a demanding sport, requiring both discipline and dedication.""Yes, ma’am," Beomgyu said sheepishly, though the excitement bubbling inside him was unmistakable.McGonagall adjusted her glasses, clearly amused. "Rest well, Beomgyu. We’ll discuss the details soon. For now, I’ll let you recover."____Beomgyu couldn’t help but grin as his friends’ faces shifted comically after he told them the big news."WHAT?!" Kai practically shouted, jumping to his feet so fast that he nearly toppled his chair. "Beoms, are you serious? They’re letting you try out for Quidditch? That’s insane!"Taehyun, usually the calmer one, was just as wide-eyed. "No way," he said, his voice rising in excitement. "You’re a first-year, Beomgyu! They never let first-years try out! This is so huge!""I know!" Beomgyu said, his grin threatening to split his face. "Professor McGonagall said it’s because of how I handled the broom during flying lessons. She said I have natural talent!""She’s right!" Taehyun exclaimed, patting beomgyu on his back. "Beoms, you were incredible out there. Everyone saw it—you flew like you’ve been doing it your whole life!"Kai nodded vigorously, his excitement bubbling over. "This is it! You’re gonna make the team, I just know it. And when you do, you’ll be the coolest first-year ever. I’ll make a sign for your first match too."Beomgyu laughed, his cheeks flushing at their enthusiasm. "It’s just a tryout, though. I might not even make the team."Taehyun shook his head firmly. "Don’t sell yourself short. If Professor McGonagall thinks you’re worth a shot, then you’re already ahead of the game. Just give it your best, and you’ll crush it."Kai grinned, leaning closer. "And when you’re a Quidditch star, don’t forget us, okay? We’ll be the ones yelling our heads off from the stands."Beomgyu’s heart swelled at their encouragement, his nervousness melting away. "Thanks, guys. I’ll do my best. I still can’t believe this is happening… but I’ll give it everything I’ve got.""You better," Taehyun teased with a playful nudge. "We’re counting on you to make history, Beoms."___ Beomgyu hurried up the stairs to his dormitory, his satchel bouncing against his side. He couldn’t believe he’d forgotten his History of Magic books—especially after Taehyun had reminded him multiple times to pack everything for the day."I’m so scatterbrained sometimes," he muttered to himself as he pushed open the door to his room, fully expecting to see an empty room since everyone was in the Great Hall. But instead, he froze.Someone was lying on the previously unoccupied bed.Beomgyu’s heart thudded in his chest as he slowly stepped inside. The figure was wrapped tightly in layers of blankets, barely a sliver of their face visible.He swallowed nervously, his voice barely above a whisper. "H-Hello? Are you okay?"There was no response, only the soft rise and fall of the blankets as the boy breathed. Beomgyu took another cautious step forward, his shoes muffled by the carpeted floor."M-my name is Beomgyu," he stammered. "I’m, uh… one of your dormmates."Still no reply. Beomgyu hesitated, glancing around the room as if someone else might magically appear to guide him through this awkward moment. Finally, he approached the bed, standing close enough to see how tightly the boy had cocooned himself."Do… you feel cold?" he asked softly, his fingers fidgeting with the strap of his satchel. "I… I learned a spell that should warm you up. If you want, I could try it?"His voice faltered, unsure if he was being helpful or just annoying. But the sight of the boy lying so still made him worry even more."Or… if you don’t want me to, that’s okay too," Beomgyu added quickly. "I just… you’ve been gone all week, and I was worried…"The boy shifted slightly under the blankets but didn’t speak. Beomgyu’s concern deepened, but he decided to give the boy some space."I’ll, um… let you rest," Beomgyu said, backing away slowly. "But if you need anything, I’m right here, okay?"He retreated toward his own bed, still glancing over his shoulder at the mysterious figure. His curiosity burned, but for now, he decided to leave it alone.Unsurprisingly, Beomgyu found himself completely distracted during History of Magic. He and Jeongin always sat together, their unspoken agreement being to help each other stay awake during the monotonous lecture. Currently, Jeongin was bumping Beomgyu's shoulder every five seconds, his head bobbing as he struggled not to doze off.Beomgyu tore his gaze away from the blank stare of their ghostly teacher, Professor Binns, who droned on endlessly about goblin rebellions. It didn’t take long for Beomgyu to realize that Professor Binns didn’t seem to know—or care—which class he was even teaching.Taking advantage of his distracted ghost teacher and the faint snoring from the back of the class, Beomgyu leaned closer to Jeongin."Hey," he whispered, nudging his friend. Jeongin blinked and turned toward him, rubbing his eyes."Can you tell the others to keep it down tonight? You know how that one bed in our dorm has been empty all week?" Beomgyu paused for a moment before continuing softly. "Well… someone’s finally there, resting. I don’t want to disturb him."Jeongin's brows furrowed slightly in curiosity but he nodded. "Yeah, of course. Who is it?"Beomgyu shrugged, lowering his voice even more. "I don’t know. I didn’t see his face… he was all bundled up. But Madam Pomfrey said he’ll be joining classes soon. Until then, I just think we should let him rest."Jeongin nodded again, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Got it. I’ll make sure everyone knows.""Thanks," Beomgyu said with a relieved smile, before pretending to jot down notes to avoid Professor Binns’s nonexistent gaze. Despite Jeongin's promise, Beomgyu still found his thoughts drifting back to the boy resting in their dorm.

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

Beomgyu jolted awake, his body stiff from a restless night. He rubbed his eyes groggily, only to freeze when he saw someone standing at the foot of his bed. A boy—tall but impossibly frail—was leaning slightly against the bedpost, his pale hands clutching the frame as though it was the only thing keeping him upright. His hair was jet-black that contrasted beautifully with his fair skin falling messily around his face, and his skin looked ghostly, almost translucent under the soft morning light. But it wasn’t just his appearance that made Beomgyu’s heart clench. It was the way his shoulders hunched slightly forward, as if he were bracing himself for something, and the faint limp in his posture when he shifted his weight. The boy looked like he might shatter if the wind blew too hard. Beomgyu sat up slowly, not wanting to startle him. “H-hello,” he stammered, his voice cracking slightly. “Um… I’m Beomgyu. Are you…” He trailed off, unsure what to say. The boy tilted his head, his dark eyes locking onto Beomgyu’s. There was something unreadable in his gaze—something that made Beomgyu feel like the boy was seeing right through him. “Soobin,” the boy said quietly, his voice low and soft. He straightened a little, though Beomgyu could see the effort it took. “You’re Beomgyu?” Beomgyu nodded quickly. “Y-yeah, that’s me. And… you’re my new roommate?” Soobin hesitated, his gaze dropping for a moment before he nodded. “I guess so.” His voice was steady, but there was a tightness to it, like he wasn’t used to talking much. Beomgyu felt an uncomfortable knot forming in his chest. There was something so lonely about the boy—like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. “I, um… I was worried about you,” Beomgyu admitted, fidgeting with the edge of his blanket. “You weren’t here all week, and I didn’t know if you were okay…” Soobin’s lips twitched, a faint, fleeting smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m fine,” he said, though the way his hand gripped the bedpost said otherwise. “You don’t have to worry about me.” Beomgyu’s gaze softened. “Still… If you need anything, just let me know, okay?” Soobin didn’t answer right away. When he finally nodded, it was so slight that Beomgyu almost missed it. Without another word, Soobin turned and began to walk toward his trunk. Beomgyu’s chest tightened as he watched the boy limp slightly with every step, his movements careful and deliberate. He looked like he was holding himself together by sheer will. As the door closed softly behind Soobin, Beomgyu let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. There was something about Soobin that felt… fragile. But at the same time, there was a quiet strength in the way he carried himself—a strength that made Beomgyu want to understand him, to know why he seemed so lost. Beomgyu hurriedly got dressed, a part of him torn between wanting to check on Soobin and the pressing reality of the Quidditch tryouts. The pull to ensure Soobin was okay tugged at him fiercely, but he couldn’t afford to let it distract him. Today was important, and he had to focus. His roommates were still sleeping so beomgyu left quietly. Taehyun had already told him that the Quidditch practices were either early in the morning or in the later afternoon to avoid clashing with classes. So, despite his lingering worry about Soobin, Beomgyu pushed forward, knowing the tryouts were an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss. He reached the field, panting from the quick run. He made his way to the room where the brooms and Quidditch gear were stored. As he stepped inside, he froze. THE Jeon Jungkook stood there, adjusting his broom. Beomgyu felt a jolt of excitement run through him. Taehyun is going to lose it when I tell him this, he thought. Jungkook turned toward him, a friendly smile playing on his lips. "Hey there, kid. What’s up?" Beomgyu quickly recovered, standing straighter. "H-hello, sir. My name’s Beomgyu..." He trailed off, unsure what else to say, still in awe of the Quidditch captain and Seeker. Jungkook chuckled, shaking his head. "Relax, Beomgyu. I’m just a student like you, not a teacher." He clapped Beomgyu on the shoulder. "Let’s get you set up, yeah?" Beomgyu let out a nervous laugh, his excitement mingling with a bit of embarrassment. "R-right, of course. I’m just—well, you’re kind of a legend. Taehyun talks about you all the time," Beomgyu admitted, feeling a little sheepish. Jungkook’s smile widened. "Taehyun, huh? Well, we’ll make sure you do your best today. Just remember, the key is not to get too nervous. You’ll be fine. Plus, you have some time before the tryouts officially begin. Let’s warm up a bit." Beomgyu nodded enthusiastically, his heart still racing a little from the excitement. He quickly moved to the broom rack, grabbing his broom and testing its weight. The morning air was crisp, and the sound of broomsticks whizzing through the sky added to the anticipation. As they walked to the field, Jungkook clapped him on the back. “Take a deep breath. Focus. You’ve got this.” A few Gryffindor students were already flying high in the sky, their skills evident as they maneuvered with ease and precision. The sight only made Beomgyu more nervous, his grip tightening around the broomstick in his hands. "Alright, Beomgyu, focus up," Jungkook said, his tone firm but encouraging. "We’ll start with the basics. There’s an open spot for both Chaser and Beater, but judging by your build and what I’ve heard, I think you’ve got a better shot as a Chaser." Beomgyu nodded, swallowing hard as he mounted his broom. "O-okay," he muttered, his nerves making his voice waver. Jungkook smirked knowingly. "Relax. Let’s get you up in the air first and see what you’ve got." His gaze shifted briefly toward the empty stands, where two figures stood huddled against the chilly morning air. "I take it one of those is Taehyun?" he added with a chuckle. Beomgyu followed Jungkook’s gaze and immediately spotted Kai and Taehyun waving enthusiastically at him. Something inside him shifted. The nervous energy that had been gnawing at him vanished in an instant. They came here. In the freezing morning. Just for me. A grin spread across Beomgyu’s face as he turned his broom toward the sky. He wasn’t just flying for himself anymore; he was flying for them too. His friends believed in him, and he wasn’t about to let them down. With renewed determination, he kicked off the ground, soaring upward. The cold wind bit at his cheeks, but he didn’t care. He could hear Taehyun and Kai cheering faintly in the distance, and it was all the motivation he needed. "That’s more like it," Jungkook called after him, his voice tinged with approval. "Alright, Beomgyu, show me what you’ve got!" And what a show Beomgyu gave. The entire Gryffindor team took on defensive positions, treating the tryout as if it were a real match, but Beomgyu was unstoppable. He weaved through the players with precision, scoring goal after goal as he sent the Quaffle soaring through the hoops. The Gryffindor Keeper, King Hoseok himself, was left both stunned and impressed. Each time Beomgyu scored, Hoseok shook his head in disbelief, a small grin tugging at his lips. This kid's got something special, he thought. Meanwhile, Beomgyu was on cloud nine—literally and figuratively. The exhilaration of flying, combined with the cheers from Taehyun and Kai below, fueled his energy. He felt free, like he belonged in the air, and every instruction from Jungkook was etched into his mind. Beomgyu executed daring stunts effortlessly, dodging players, flipping midair, and twisting his broom in tight loops to make impossible passes. Yet, despite his impressive maneuvers, nothing about it felt like showing off. It was pure, raw talent, flowing naturally through every movement. As soon as Beomgyu touched the ground, his friends came sprinting across the field, their shouts of excitement echoing in the crisp morning air. "BEOMGYU!! YOU WERE AMAZING!!" Kai hollered, nearly tripping over his own feet in his rush. Taehyun was right behind him, giggling from excitement and happiness. Before Beomgyu could fully steady himself, they slammed into him, wrapping him in a tight hug that nearly knocked him back onto the broom. "You absolute star! Did you see yourself up there?" Taehyun said breathlessly, his hands gripping Beomgyu’s shoulders. Kai added, his voice loud and gleeful, "I swear I’ve never seen anyone fly like that! Even Jungkook looked impressed!" Beomgyu’s chest heaved, his face flushed from exertion and sheer exhilaration. His heart was pounding, not just from the adrenaline of flying but from the overwhelming joy of seeing his friends so proud of him. "I can’t believe I actually did it!" he said, his voice slightly breathless but filled with a thrill he couldn’t contain. "You didn’t just do it," Taehyun corrected, his tone firm. "You owned it." Kai nodded enthusiastically. "You’re totally making the team, Beomgyu!"The three of them laughed, their shared energy filling the chilly morning air.__Of course, Beomgyu made it onto the team. After his stellar performance as a Chaser, the team decided to give him a shot as a Beater as well—just to see if his talent extended further. But as Jungkook had already predicted, Beomgyu lacked the build and, more importantly, the nerve to swing a bat at the ferocious bludgers hurtling toward him. When one of the bludgers zipped dangerously close, Beomgyu let out an alarmed yelp, ducking instead of hitting it. He awkwardly swung his bat in an attempt to follow instructions, but his hesitancy was obvious. Jungkook, watching from below, couldn't hide his amusement. "Alright, Beomgyu, I think it’s safe to say Chaser is your calling," he called out with a laugh. The rest of the team chuckled good-naturedly as Beomgyu sheepishly landed, muttering, "Yeah, I think I’ll leave the bludger business to someone else." The decision was unanimous—Beomgyu was officially Gryffindor’s newest Chaser. Despite the brief Beater experiment, everyone could see his talent clearly shone in chasing down the Quaffle and scoring with unmatched precision and flair. ____ The whole day, Beomgyu couldn’t stop giggling to himself as his friends showered him with over-the-top praise and treated him like royalty. A part of him felt a little embarrassed—he wasn’t used to being the center of attention like this, and he didn’t want to come across as showing off. He tried to ask them to tone it down, but his friends were relentless, playfully fanning him with imaginary palm leaves and declaring him the "Chaser King." Other students watched the scene with either amused smirks or mildly annoyed expressions, making Beomgyu squirm even more. Thankfully, Taehyun and Kai were quick to notice his discomfort. They stopped their antics immediately, exchanging a knowing look. “Alright, no more royal treatment,” Taehyun said, smiling apologetically. “But we’re still proud of you.” Instead, they decided to join Beomgyu at the Gryffindor table during mealtimes, despite being from other houses. The sight of a Ravenclaw and a Hufflepuff casually sitting at the Gryffindor table drew a few surprised glances from teachers and students alike, but no one said anything—after all, it wasn’t against the rules. The three friends chatted and laughed as they filled Beomgyu’s plate with food, making him feel loved even without the fanfare. Though he was still a bit bashful, he appreciated their quieter show of support. “You guys know these were just tryouts, right?” Beomgyu said between bites, his cheeks slightly flushed. “If you’re doing all this now, I can’t imagine what you’ll do if I actually win a match.” Kai grinned, already plotting. “Oh, don’t worry. We’ll have something big planned.” Taehyun nodded seriously. “Banners. Fireworks. A full-blown parade.” Beomgyu groaned, hiding his face in his hands, but he couldn’t help smiling. These two were truly the best. __ When Beomgyu returned to his common room, a loud POP and a shower of confetti greeted him as soon as he stepped through the portrait hole. He froze in shock, blinking at the unexpected chaos unfolding before him. The Gryffindor Quidditch team, a handful of first years, and his dormmates were gathered in the common room, all grinning from ear to ear. Before he could process anything, Heeseung and Jeongin tackled him into a bear hug, practically yelling in his ears. “BEOMS! YOU’RE ON THE QUIDDITCH TEAM?!” Heeseung screamed, shaking him by the shoulders. “We had NO idea you were even trying out!” Jeongin added, his excitement bubbling over. The next thing Beomgyu knew, the two of them were jumping up and down, dragging him with them. “A FIRST YEAR ON THE QUIDDITCH TEAM! THIS IS HUGE!” Beomgyu couldn’t help but laugh, though his face was bright red. “Guys, stop yelling! Everyone’s staring!” But the room erupted into cheers and applause anyway, drowning out his protests. Beomgyu’s heart swelled with a mix of embarrassment and joy as his teammates came over to ruffle his hair and clap him on the back. For the first time that day, Beomgyu didn’t feel awkward about being in the spotlight—because this moment felt like home.__Beomgyu quickly realized one thing about Gryffindors: they loved to party—and they partied wild. He and his friends, Jeongin and Heeseung, huddled together in a corner, their wide eyes scanning the chaotic scene unfolding before them. The older students had wasted no time diving into the festivities. Some were dancing on tables, their laughter echoing above the blaring music, while others were locked in a chugging contest with wine bottles. Beomgyu shifted uncomfortably, the scene feeling far too overwhelming. He tugged on Jeongin’s sleeve and mumbled, “Innie… can we go upstairs now? I don’t think I like parties...” Jeongin didn’t hear him over the deafening noise, so Beomgyu leaned closer, raising his voice to repeat himself. This time, Jeongin caught his words and nodded quickly, relief flashing across his face. Heesung followed without complaint as Beomgyu grabbed their wrists and steered them away from the raucous crowd. The three slipped up the staircase to the dormitory, leaving the chaos behind. As they closed the door to their room, Beomgyu sighed in relief. “I don’t think I’m cut out for Gryffindor parties.” Jeongin chuckled, flopping onto his bed. “Yeah, me neither. Let’s stick to celebrating in peace next time.” Heesung grinned, pulling out a stash of biscuits they’d smuggled from dinner. “Who needs a party when we can have this, anyway?” Beomgyu smiled, finally relaxing. This was more his speed. Jeongin’s smile suddenly faltered, his expression growing concerned. “Hey, Beomgyu. Where’s that boy?” he asked, pointing to the bed next to Beomgyu’s—the one that belonged to Soobin. It was as if a bucket of ice-cold water had been dumped over Beomgyu. His heart sank, and panic began to rise in his chest. He had completely forgotten about Soobin amidst all the excitement of the day. “Soobin…” Beomgyu murmured, his voice shaky. “His name is Soobin.” He stared at the empty bed as guilt twisted in his stomach. “I... I saw him this morning before tryouts, but…” His voice trailed off, and confusion clouded his features. “He wasn’t in any of our classes, right? Or during the meals?” Jeongin frowned, exchanging a worried glance with Heeseung. “No… I don’t think I saw him anywhere today.” Beomgyu bit his lip, his mind racing. Where could Soobin have gone? Why hadn’t he shown up to class or meals? And why hadn’t he noticed sooner? Heeseung placed a comforting hand on Beomgyu’s shoulder. “Maybe he’s with Madam Pomfrey again? Or… maybe he just needed some time alone.” Beomgyu nodded, but the uneasy feeling in his chest refused to settle. Something about Soobin’s frail appearance that morning now felt even more alarming. “I’m going to look for him,” he said resolutely, grabbing his robes and heading for the door. “Wait, Beomgyu!” Jeongin called after him. “It’s late! You’ll get in trouble—” But Beomgyu was already out the door, his worry outweighing any fear of punishment.

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

Beomgyu hurried out of the Gryffindor tower, his heart pounding in his chest. He wasn’t sure where Soobin could be, but Heeseung’s suggestion about the hospital wing seemed like the most logical place to start. He moved quickly but cautiously, his steps light as he navigated the dimly lit corridors. It was well past curfew, and the last thing he wanted was to get caught by a prefect or teacher and risk losing points for Gryffindor. When he finally reached the hospital wing, he hesitated for a moment before knocking softly. He waited anxiously, glancing over his shoulder to ensure no one had followed him. The door creaked open a moment later, revealing a very tired and irritated Madam Pomfrey wrapped in her night robe. Her sharp eyes narrowed at the sight of him. “What on earth are you doing here at this hour, young man?” Beomgyu swallowed hard, already bracing himself for a scolding. “I—I’m looking for Soobin, ma’am,” he stammered. “He… he’s not in the dorm, and I don’t know where else he could be.” The mention of Soobin seemed to soften her stern demeanor slightly. Her brows furrowed, concern replacing the irritation in her eyes. “He’s not in the dormitory?” she repeated, her tone more serious now. Beomgyu nodded quickly. “No, ma’am. I checked before coming here, but he wasn’t there, and I didn’t see him in class or during meals today either.” Madam Pomfrey’s expression grew grim as she stepped out into the corridor, pulling her robe tighter around her. “Wait here,” she instructed. “I’ll check the records to see if he’s been admitted or reported anywhere. If not… we may need to inform the headmaster.” Beomgyu’s heart sank further. The worry that had been gnawing at him all day now felt like a full-blown storm in his chest. Wherever Soobin was, he hoped he was safe. They decided to check the library first, hoping Soobin might have been there catching up on all the work he’d missed the previous week. However, their hopes were quickly dashed when the librarian, equally irritated at being disturbed so late, informed them in no uncertain terms that Soobin wasn’t there and hadn’t been all evening. Beomgyu bit his lip nervously as they left the library, his steps slower now as anxiety bubbled in his chest. “Do we… have to tell Professor McGonagall?” he asked hesitantly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I mean, I don’t want Soobin to get in trouble for this…” Madam Pomfrey glanced down at him, her expression softening slightly. “I understand your concern, but if we can’t find him soon, we’ll have no choice. His safety is more important than any punishment.” Beomgyu nodded reluctantly, but the pit in his stomach only grew deeper. He just hoped they could find Soobin before things escalated. ____ Things did escalate.  “Professor, no one has seen Soobin since this morning…” Beomgyu mumbled, his voice wavering slightly as he stood in front of the headmistress’s office. His eyes were cast downward, and his hands fidgeted nervously at his sides. Professor McGonagall’s stern demeanor faltered, her sharp features softening as a frown of genuine concern crossed her face. “Since this morning?” she repeated, her tone laced with unease. “And no one thought to inform me sooner?” Beomgyu shuffled his feet awkwardly. “I—I didn’t realize until just now… I thought he might have been busy or… somewhere else,” he admitted, guilt heavy in his tone. McGonagall pressed her lips into a thin line and nodded, her eyes betraying a flicker of worry. “Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Mr. Choi. I’ll alert the staff immediately, and we’ll begin searching the grounds at once.” Turning briskly, she muttered the password to her office, and Beomgyu watched as she disappeared into the office, a sense of dread settling heavily in his chest. It was almost midnight now. Beomgyu spent the rest of the night trailing after teachers as they combed through the castle and grounds, his steps careful and his presence discreet. He had already been scolded twice for sneaking around after curfew, but he couldn’t bring himself to return to the dormitory—not without Soobin. His wrist was raw and red from the countless times he’d pinched himself in frustration and guilt, the thought circling his mind like a mantra: This is all my fault. He clenched his fists tightly, feeling the weight of his own neglect. The image of Soobin flashed in his mind—his frail frame, the limp in his step, the way his shoulders sagged as though carrying an unbearable burden. Beomgyu had noticed it all, and yet he had done nothing. He’d been so caught up in his own excitement, in his new achievement, that he hadn’t stopped to check on his roommate who was clearly struggling. Beomgyu followed the headmistress and heard her utter the password, her voice firm yet hurried. The gargoyle sprang to life, shifting to reveal the spiral staircase leading to Dumbledore's office. Beomgyu, who had been crouched nervously behind the statue, almost let out a yelp of surprise as it began to move. He pressed his hand over his mouth, heart pounding in his chest, and shuffled backward slightly to avoid being caught in its sudden motion. Once the statue settled back into place, Beomgyu carefully squeezed himself out from behind it, his small frame just managing to fit through the narrow space. The movement had left his robes slightly disheveled, but he didn’t care. His focus was solely on trailing after Professor McGonagall as she ascended the staircase. His steps were light and hesitant, his ears straining to catch any signs that he had been noticed. The stairway creaked faintly with each turn, and Beomgyu clung to the shadows, silently praying the headmistress wouldn’t glance back. Despite the guilt gnawing at him, a flicker of determination burned in his chest. He had to know if they found Soobin, and he’d do whatever it took to make sure his roommate was safe. "Albus... oh, Albus... a student is missing," Professor McGonagall began, her tone tinged with urgency. "We've checked the library, the hospital wing, and every classroom. All that's left is—" She suddenly paused mid-sentence, and Beomgyu, hiding just behind the doorway, craned his neck to see what had stopped her. There, sitting uncomfortably on a chair in front of Professor Dumbledore’s desk, was Soobin. His frail body was slumped slightly, his face pale and weary even in sleep. Beomgyu’s heart clenched with relief, and tears welled up in his eyes. Soobin was safe. That was all that mattered. It took every ounce of self-control for Beomgyu not to burst into the room and run to his roommate. No, he thought, swallowing hard. He should leave before he got caught—before he caused even more trouble. But just as he turned to retreat, a calm yet knowing voice stopped him in his tracks. "Beomgyu," Professor Dumbledore said gently, his eyes twinkling even in the dim light, "you aren’t in any trouble, my boy. But if you could please step forward..." Beomgyu froze, his breath catching in his throat. Caught. Slowly, he stepped out from his hiding spot, his head bowed in embarrassment as he whispered, "I... I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, Professor." ____ Beomgyu swallowed nervously, his throat dry as he felt both professors’ gazes land squarely on him. Professor McGonagall’s expression was stern, though not entirely surprised. It was almost as if she had known he was trailing her the entire time. Of course, she knew, Beomgyu thought miserably, his ears burning with embarrassment. Who did he think he was? A mere first-year trying to outsmart Professor McGonagall, one of the greatest witches in the wizarding world? The idea seemed laughable now. “I... I’m sorry, Professor,” he stammered, shuffling awkwardly under her sharp gaze. “I was just worried about Soobin, and I didn’t mean to—” “Follow me?” McGonagall interrupted, raising an eyebrow. Her voice was crisp, but there was a faint glimmer of amusement in her tone. “Yes, I noticed.” Beomgyu flinched, his hands clenching at his sides. “I-I just... wanted to make sure he was okay,” he mumbled, glancing anxiously at Soobin, who still slept soundly in the chair. Professor Dumbledore chuckled softly, his kind eyes twinkling. “A noble sentiment, young Beomgyu. Loyalty and care for one’s friends are qualities to be admired.” McGonagall sighed, her expression softening slightly. “While your intentions were good, running around the castle after curfew is hardly the proper way to address your concerns. Next time, come to a professor immediately.” Beomgyu nodded quickly, his relief tempered by guilt. “I understand, Professor. I’m really sorry.” “Good,” she replied briskly. “Now, since you’ve gone to such lengths to ensure Mr. Choi’s well-being, perhaps you’d like to stay for a moment while we discuss what happens next.” Beomgyu’s eyes widened, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he glanced nervously at Dumbledore, who smiled warmly, gesturing for him to step closer. “Beomgyu,” Dumbledore began, his voice calm but steady, “Soobin is currently under a magic spell. The centaurs found him wandering dangerously close to the Forbidden Forest. Thankfully, they alerted me immediately. Without their intervention, Soobin might have faced grave danger rather than the peaceful sleep he is now in.” Beomgyu felt the blood drain from his face, his stomach knotting with guilt and fear. “The Forbidden Forest?” he whispered, his voice trembling. “Why would he—” “As for why,” Dumbledore continued, gently interrupting, “I have come to understand that he has yet to find his footing here at Hogwarts. It seems he hasn’t made friends or connections with boys his age, leaving him isolated.” He paused, letting his words sink in before glancing knowingly at Beomgyu. “But I have a feeling that won’t be a problem any longer, will it?” Beomgyu blinked, Dumbledore’s gaze locking onto his. There was no reproach in the headmaster’s expression, only a quiet encouragement that made Beomgyu feel both comforted and responsible. “N-No, sir,” Beomgyu stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll—I’ll make sure he’s not alone anymore.” Dumbledore’s lips curled into a small, warm smile. “Good. Because, young Beomgyu, even the strongest among us need a hand to hold sometimes. Remember that.” Beomgyu nodded, his determination solidifying. He looked over at Soobin, still sleeping soundly in the chair, and silently vowed to be there for him, no matter what. “Minerva, would you kindly take him back to his dormitory?” Dumbledore said softly, glancing at Soobin, who remained soundly asleep in the chair. “I’d like to have a few words with young Beomgyu alone.” Professor McGonagall nodded, “Mobilicorpus,” she murmured, and Soobin’s limp body rose gently into the air, floating as if cradled by an invisible hand. Beomgyu watched, wide-eyed, as she guided Soobin carefully towards the door, her movements precise and deliberate. Before exiting, she paused to glance back at Beomgyu, her expression unreadable. “Don’t stay too long,” she said briskly before leaving with Soobin in tow, the door clicking shut behind her. Beomgyu swallowed nervously, his gaze shifting back to Dumbledore, who studied him with a calm but piercing look. “Come, sit, Beomgyu,” Dumbledore said kindly, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. “Have some candy. They’re my favorite.” Beomgyu hesitated but eventually perched on the edge of the chair, feeling as though he’d been summoned for detention rather than a casual conversation. He picked up a candy hesitantly, unwrapping it slowly under the older wizard’s steady gaze. “I had thought you might come to me sooner, Beomgyu,” Dumbledore began, his tone gentle but laced with curiosity. “Perhaps on your first day here, or maybe when your owl did not deliver a letter to you, as it did for everyone else.” He paused, his blue eyes twinkling knowingly behind his half-moon glasses. "Tell me, aren’t you curious about your mother?” The question hung in the air, innocent in tone but striking Beomgyu like a bolt of lightning. His hands froze mid-movement, the unwrapped candy slipping from his fingers onto the desk. It was true. He hadn’t thought about her. Not once. Not when he was surrounded by his friends, laughing and eating three meals a day. Not when he was learning magic or flying for the first time. Beomgyu felt his stomach twist with shame. His gaze dropped to his lap, and the tears came before he could stop them, hot and brimming with guilt. “I…” he started, his voice trembling. “I haven’t thought about her at all…” Dumbledore made a small humming sound, his expression calm and thoughtful. Reaching into his robes, he produced a pristine handkerchief and extended it toward Beomgyu. However, Beomgyu’s hands trembled so much he couldn’t bring himself to take it. Before the silence could stretch too long, a soft fluttering sound filled the room. Beomgyu’s head jerked up as Dumbledore’s phoenix, Fawkes, soared gracefully across the room and landed on the desk in front of him. The majestic bird tilted its head, observing Beomgyu with curious, intelligent eyes. Beomgyu’s heart raced in panic at the sudden movement, but his fear quickly melted into awe as he took in the phoenix’s golden-red feathers, which seemed to shimmer in the light. He forgot his tears entirely, his wide, wonder-filled eyes fixed on the beautiful creature. Dumbledore let out a low chuckle, clearly amused by the shift in Beomgyu’s demeanor. “Ah, Fawkes has that effect on people,” he said softly, reaching out to gently stroke the phoenix’s feathers. “It seems he’s decided to lend his presence to us tonight. A rare privilege.” Beomgyu remained speechless, his body still trembling slightly from his small panick attack. The phoenix cooed softly, as if trying to comfort him, and for a moment, the room felt lighter. Dumbledore's voice remained gentle, his tone warm with understanding. "Beomgyu, my dear boy, I didn’t mean to make you feel guilty. The first week for Muggle-born students is always overwhelming. Discovering magic, stepping into an entirely new world—it’s a lot to take in. It’s perfectly natural to feel disconnected from the life you’ve left behind, even if only for a time." Beomgyu’s trembling hands reached out hesitantly, softly brushing against Fawkes’ radiant feathers. He smiled faintly when the phoenix didn’t move away, the bird’s steady presence calming him more than he expected. “I shouldn’t have forgotten her,” Beomgyu whispered, his voice barely audible. His fingers stilled against the phoenix’s soft plumage. “When...when Hagrid came to take me away, I was...too self-absorbed to think about her. Even when I can still hear her terrified screams.” The weight of his confession settled heavily in the room, but Dumbledore didn’t rush to respond. He simply watched the boy, his blue eyes filled with quiet sympathy, letting the silence offer Beomgyu a moment to breathe. "Your mother is safe, Beomgyu," Dumbledore began softly, his tone as gentle as the glow of the phoenix perched nearby. Beomgyu’s eyes widened slightly, relief flooding him for a brief moment before Dumbledore continued, "It became necessary for Hagrid to visit you personally since you never replied to our letters..." Beomgyu opened his mouth to explain, but Dumbledore raised a hand, halting him. "I know, dear boy. I understand why you couldn’t reply." Beomgyu closed his mouth, his heart pounding as Dumbledore sighed, his expression tinged with regret. "As for your mother..." His voice dropped, softer now, heavy with weight. "She had to be Obliviated. She cannot know about our world, Beomgyu. For her safety—and yours—we had to erase her memory of everything connected to magic." The words hit Beomgyu like a cold gust of wind, a chill passing through his entire body. He gulped, his throat suddenly dry, as the weight of the revelation pressed down on him. "She... she doesn’t remember me?" he asked, his voice trembling. "No, Beomgyu," Dumbledore said gently but firmly. "She remembers you, her son. She remembers her life with you, but not the owls Infront of her home, not the visit from Hagrid, not the truth of why you left. To her, you are simply attending an ordinary boarding school." Beomgyu’s hands gripped the edge of his chair tightly, his knuckles white. He didn’t know how to feel—relief, sadness, or guilt. The emotions swirled within him, leaving him hollow and unsteady. Dumbledore, sensing the boy’s inner turmoil, offered him a gentle smile. “Ah, look at the time, dear boy. I won’t keep you here any longer now. Off you go, and get some rest.” Beomgyu hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering back to Fawkes. The phoenix’s serene gaze seemed to offer silent comfort, but it wasn’t enough to settle the storm in his chest. With a shaky breath, he nodded, muttered a quiet, “Goodnight, sir,” and stood up. His legs felt heavy as he descended the spiral staircase, his thoughts a tangled mess. His fingers brushed against the stone walls as he walked, grounding himself in the familiar texture. His mind kept circling back to Dumbledore’s words, to the truth about his mother. Each thought tightened the knot in his chest, leaving him feeling more lost than ever. His mother was alive. She was safe. But that didn’t bring him any comfort. For the first time in his life, Beomgyu felt safe and truly happy at Hogwarts. It was a joy so pure, so foreign, that he hadn’t thought about her once since he arrived. The guilt of that realization clawed at him now, but it was hard—impossible, even—to care about someone who had never shown him love. The memories came rushing back, sharp and relentless. Beomgyu gripped the cool stone wall for support as his breaths grew shallow and uneven. His mother had always been cruel in ways that left marks deeper than skin. He had known, in a distant, detached way, that what she did wasn’t normal. No child should have to bear the weight of their parent’s anger, their failures, their frustrations. But it wasn’t just the physical blows, though those had left their own scars. It was her words, her games, the way she twisted the world to make him believe it was all his fault. Her voice rang in his ears, sharp and cruel, as vivid as if she were standing right next to him. Beomgyu clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. His hands trembled as he remembered the only time she had ever spoken about his father. He had been six years old, standing in their cramped kitchen, his tiny hand pressed against the hot surface of the stove. She had held it there as he screamed, her voice a cold whisper: 
“This is what you deserve for ruining my life.”

“It’s your fault we’re poor.”

“It’s your fault I lost my job.”

“You were a mistake. You shouldn’t have been born. That’s why your father left.”
 The phantom pain flared in his hand, and he instinctively rubbed it, the ghost of a burn long since healed still haunting him. His breaths quickened, and his chest tightened painfully. He stumbled, leaning his full weight against the wall. His vision blurred, his surroundings fading as the memories consumed him. The guilt was suffocating. How could he not care about her? She was his mother. She had given him life. But that thought was drowned out by a quieter, stronger voice in the back of his mind—the one that had always been there, whispering the truth he was too afraid to admit: 
She didn’t love you. She never did. No one does.
 His breaths came in shallow gasps now, his chest heaving as if an iron band were squeezing the air out of him. The hallway seemed to tilt and spin, the cold stone beneath him his only anchor. Tears welled in his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. Crying wouldn’t help. It never had. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t stop the flood of emotions—guilt, anger, fear, and a deep, aching sadness. It was too much. It was all too much. Beomgyu slid down the wall, drawing his knees to his chest as his breaths came in quick, ragged bursts. He clutched at his robes, trying to ground himself, but the memories kept pulling him under. He felt so small, so helpless, like that little boy trapped in four walls of his bedroom, staring at the ceiling in hunger and pain. The sound of footsteps echoed faintly in the hallway, but Beomgyu couldn’t focus on anything but the pounding of his heart and the overwhelming weight of everything he had tried so hard to leave behind. His hands trembled as he pressed them against his ears, desperate to block out the phantom sounds of his mother’s voice. 
“You shouldn’t have been born.”

“You ruined everything.”
 He gasped for air, his lungs burning as his panic spiraled out of control. And then, somewhere in the haze, a soft, warm glow appeared—a flicker of light breaking through the darkness. Beomgyu blinked, tears streaming down his face, as he looked up to see the faint outline of Dumbledore’s phoenix. The bird perched on the railing nearby, its golden-red feathers shimmering gently in the dim light of the hallway. It let out a soft trill, a soothing, melodic sound that seemed to wrap around Beomgyu like a blanket. His breathing slowed, the tightness in his chest easing ever so slightly. The phoenix hopped closer, tilting its head as if studying him. Beomgyu hesitated, his trembling hand reaching out slowly. When his fingers brushed against the soft feathers, a warmth spread through him—a quiet, steady comfort that pushed back the darkness. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Beomgyu took a deep, steadying breath. The panic began to ebb, leaving him exhausted but grounded.

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

The next morning came far too slowly for Beomgyu. He had spent the night tossing and turning, his mind trapped in an endless loop of his mother’s screams.Each time he closed his eyes, the darkness of the room morphed into the suffocating confines of his childhood, the four walls of his old bedroom closing in on him. He had tried to calm himself, focusing on the steady rise and fall of his dorm mates’ chests as they slept. There was something oddly soothing about their rhythmic breathing, a reminder that he wasn’t entirely alone. But the silence was daunting, the stillness amplifying the memories he desperately wanted to forget.He had never missed Taehyun and Kai more than he did now. They always had a way of grounding him, of making him feel safe and cared for. But they weren’t here, and all Beomgyu could do was wait for the sun to rise, counting down the hours until he could leave the dormitory and find them.When the first light of dawn finally crept into the room, casting a faint glow across the stone walls, Beomgyu sat up in bed, his movements sluggish and heavy. His eyes stung from the lack of sleep, and his body ached with exhaustion, but he didn’t care. He just needed to see his friends, to hear their voices and remind himself that this was Hogwarts, not home.He dressed slowly, his limbs heavy with exhaustion. Every movement felt like a monumental effort, his meager strength barely enough to get him through the motions. As he glanced at Soobin’s sleeping form, a lump formed in his throat, and tears pricked the corners of his eyes. His entire being screamed to find his friends—Taehyun and Kai would know how to make him feel better—but he couldn’t bring himself to leave Soobin behind.Not again.Sniffling softly, Beomgyu sank to the floor beside his bed, wrapping his arms tightly around his legs. He buried his face against his knees, his quiet sobs breaking the stillness of the room. The weight of everything—his memories, the loneliness, the pain—was too much to bear.Minutes passed, and Beomgyu barely registered the sound of movement. Heesung stirred from his bed, his groggy eyes squinting in the dim light. He froze when he saw Beomgyu curled up on the floor, his shoulders shaking with muffled cries. “Beoms?” Heesung called softly, his voice filled with concern.He pushed back his blankets and crossed the room, crouching down beside Beomgyu. “Hey… you okay, buddy?” Beomgyu didn’t respond, his sobs only growing louder as he tried to hold them in. Heesung hesitated for a moment, then sat down on the floor next to him, letting beomgyu lean slightly towards him. He didn’t say anything, didn’t try to force Beomgyu to talk. Instead, he stayed quiet, his presence steady and comforting.Slowly, Beomgyu’s sobs began to quiet, though the tears didn’t stop. Heesung reached out, giving Beomgyu’s knee a light squeeze. “It’s okay to cry,” he murmured gently. “You don’t have to explain anything if you don’t want to. I’m here.” Beomgyu roughly wiped at his tears with trembling hands, his movements frantic and uneven. Heesung reached out gently, trying to stop him, but Beomgyu recoiled. He didn’t know what was wrong, couldn’t put into words the sharp, suffocating pain that gripped him so tightly.“Beoms, it’s okay—” Heesung started, but Beomgyu shook his head, his breaths coming in short, uneven gasps. “I—I’m fine,” Beomgyu stammered, his voice cracking as he stumbled to his feet. “I’m sorry, I just… I need a minute.” Without waiting for a response, he bolted from the dorm, leaving Heesung behind.Heesung called after him, his tone worried, but Beomgyu didn’t stop. He didn’t know where he was going until he found himself in the small, dimly lit bathroom just outside their dormitory. Slamming the door shut behind him, he leaned against it, sliding down to the cold tiled floor. Beomgyu’s hands shot to his hair, gripping it tightly as he slid to the floor. He pulled at the strands, desperate for something—anything—to ground him. Tears streamed freely down his face, and his chest felt like it was caving in, the walls of the bathroom closing around him. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t think. The only thing his mind clung to was her.That familiar, cruel presence that had always kept him tethered, even in pain. He needed her. He needed the harsh touch, the sharp sting that would remind him he was real, that this was real.Beomgyu barely registered the muffled sound of knocking—Heesung’s panicked voice calling his name through the door. He couldn't answer. All he could hear was the deafening roar of voices in his head. Beomgyu squeezed his eyes shut, rocking slightly as his breathing hitched. His hands trembled violently, his nails biting into his scalp. He felt like he was splintering apart, breaking under the weight of every memory, every word, every scar.
It’s all in your head
A firm soothing voice broke through the raging storm in his mind. It sounded like Taehyun. For the briefest moment, it gave him something to cling to—but just as quickly, it was gone. Taehyun wasn’t here. Kai wasn’t here. He was alone.His mother’s voice rose above the rest, sharp and cruel, like it always was. He could hear her shouting, feel the phantom sting of her hand, the searing pain of burned flesh. His body shuddered violently as he sobbed, curling into himself on the cold tile floor. The knocking stoped and beomgyu felt as if he was truly back in the storeroom, shaved head and starving. ____ Pain. Pain and more pain. It wraps around Beomgyu like a vice, suffocating, unbearable. His breath comes in shallow, broken gasps, but he's too far gone to focus on it. His body is trembling violently his chest rising and falling in erratic, desperate heaved, but it doesn't feel like his own. He feels disconnected, like he's floating somewhere outside himself, like he's watching this happen to someone else.
You’re worthless. You’re a mistake. It’s your fault.
The words claw at his skull, echoes of a voice he doesn’t want to remember but can never forget. His hands shake as they grip his arms, nails dragging against his skin as he fights to ground himself. It doesn’t work. Nothing works. The pain feels distant, like it's happening through layers of fog. He needs to get out. He needs air. He needs— He doesn’t know.His body moves before his mind catches up, instincts taking over. The bathroom feels too small, too suffocating , and his mind is screaming at him to get out, get out GET OUT— Stumbling, he reaches for the door, for anything solid, anything real. He needs to escape this suffocating space, needs to find someone—needs to find her. Maybe if she finds him, she’ll remind him who he is. Maybe she’ll remind him of the pain he deserves.His vision blurs, his steps unsteady, and— A sharp, shattering crack.A sudden bloom of pain in his hand. For the first time since this nightmare started, the pain is feels real. It cuts through the fog, startling him enough that his vision sharpens.Blood.Red drips down his palm, pooling in the cracks of his skin, painting the jagged shards of the mirror still embedded in his knuckles. His reflection stares back at him in fractured pieces, a stranger with wild, red-rimmed eyes and a shaking small frame. The mirror is broken.His breath stutters, a sob rising in his throat. What did he just do? Just as Beomgyu stumbles back, breath hitching in shock, the door slams open with a deafening crack—no, it falls off its hinges entirely.Beomgyu gasps. His body curls in on itself instinctively, expecting punishment, expecting pain. But instead, his wide, glassy eyes meet Soobin’s.Of all people, it’s Soobin standing in the doorway. Beomgyu barely has time to process the sheer horror twisting Soobin’s usually gentle features, his eyes locked on the blood staining Beomgyu’s trembling hands. How did Soobin break the door? The thought is absurd, fleeting. Soobin is weak, frail even—Beomgyu had spent all of yesterday worrying about him. Yet the heavy wooden door now lies on the floor, splintered at the hinges, and Soobin stands breathless in its wake. Before Beomgyu can dwell on it, more footsteps thunder down the hallway. His friends. Taehyun, Kai, and Heeseung burst into the bathroom, panic written all over their faces.Beomgyu feels suddenly, ridiculously embarrassed. He fumbles to hide his bleeding hand behind his back, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips as if he can somehow play this off—like the blood pooling at his feet isn’t glaringly obvious.But how does he actually feel?He doesn’t know. His mind feels stuffed with cotton, his thoughts slow, heavy. The pain in his hand is the only thing keeping him here, keeping him grounded. His friends are here. That’s all that matters. He beams at them, dazed and unbothered, even as his body sways and his vision darkens at the edges. Somewhere, beyond the growing haze, he hears them screaming his name.But the exhaustion is too much.The pain is too much.So he lets go.

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

Beomgyu woke up to darkness and the faint scent of antiseptic herbs. His mind felt sluggish, wrapped in a thick fog that made it hard to think. Blinking slowly, he stared at the unfamiliar ceiling, confusion weighing heavy on his chest. Where was he? Why was everything so still? He turned his head slightly, eyes scanning the dimly lit room. White sheets. Neatly lined beds. The faint sound of someone’s slow, steady breathing nearby. The Hospital Wing. His heart lurched. Why am I here? His fingers twitched against the soft sheets, and a sharp, dull pain shot up his arm. He inhaled sharply, flinching as his gaze dropped to his bandaged hand—thick layers of white fabric wrapped around his knuckles, his fingers stiff beneath them. The memories came back in fragments. Dumbledore’s office. The heavy weight in his chest. The suffocating darkness of his dorm. The overwhelming voices in his head. The desperate need for something—anything—to ground him. The mirror. The shattering glass. The blood. Beomgyu sucked in a breath, his body tensing. And then—the faces of his friends. Taehyun’s voice, sharp with panic. Kai’s horror at the sight of blood. Heeseung’s trembling hands trying to hold him up. Soobin. Soobin, standing in the broken doorway, his expression frozen in something close to devastation. Beomgyu squeezed his eyes shut, his breath coming in shaky and uneven. What had he done? The room felt too quiet, the memories pressing down on him like a weight. He tried to sit up, but the moment he shifted, a soft voice broke the silence. “You’re awake.” Beomgyu turned his head, eyes widening slightly. Soobin sat in the chair beside his bed, his face partially illuminated by the moonlight streaming through the window. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest, his expression unreadable. Beomgyu opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Soobin exhaled shakily, leaning forward slightly. “Do you… do you need anything?” His voice was quiet, careful, as if afraid Beomgyu might break again. Beomgyu swallowed, looking down at his bandaged hand. His fingers twitched. There was only one thing he wanted. “…Taehyun and Kai?” His voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper. Soobin’s lips pressed together, his gaze flickering away for a moment. “They wanted to stay, but Madam Pomfrey kicked them out an hour ago. Heeseung and Jeongin too.” Beomgyu blinked. “Oh.” “They’ve been here all day,” Soobin added. “Wouldn’t leave your side.” Something in Beomgyu’s chest ached at that. His friends… they had stayed. He licked his lips, staring at his lap. “And you?” Soobin hesitated, shifting slightly in his chair. “…I didn’t want to leave either.” Beomgyu’s breath hitched, his fingers curling slightly against the sheets. The room felt unbearably quiet again, the weight of everything pressing against his shoulders. He forced himself to smile—small, weak, but something. “Guess I scared you, huh?” Soobin didn’t smile back. His hands clenched against his arms, his voice barely above a whisper. “You have no idea.” Beomgyu didn’t know what to say to that. Something deep inside him screamed at him to shrink away, to retreat, to run when he saw the concern in Soobin’s eyes. The silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating. Then, finally, Soobin spoke. “Are you okay?” A simple question. Soft. Careful. But Beomgyu flinched. His gaze dropped to his lap, fingers curling weakly into the blanket. He couldn’t answer—not because he didn’t want to, but because he didn’t know. The silence between them lingered. Heavy. Unspoken words pressed against Beomgyu’s throat, but he swallowed them down. After a long moment, Soobin sighed. Quiet, tired. He reached forward, adjusting Beomgyu’s blankets, tucking them in with slow, deliberate movements. Beomgyu watched, eyes tracing the careful way Soobin’s fingers smoothed over the fabric, the way he hesitated—like he wasn’t sure if he was allowed to touch, but couldn’t bring himself to pull away either. Then, without a word, Soobin turned and limped toward the bed beside Beomgyu’s. Beomgyu’s brows furrowed as he watched him lower himself onto the mattress, his every movement stiff and pained. “Won’t you go back, Soobin?” Beomgyu asked hesitantly, voice quieter than he meant it to be. “You don’t have to stay here.” Soobin didn’t answer. Just like Beomgyu hadn’t answered him. Instead, he shifted onto his side, back facing Beomgyu, as if that would somehow make this easier for both of them. Beomgyu stared at his silhouette for a long time, chest tight, before finally closing his eyes. ___ "Beoms... Beomgyu... Beomi... Bami... BeeBee..." A voice called out to him, pulling him from the depths of unconsciousness. "Kai, if you don't shut up in the next two seconds, I swear—" Taehyun never got to finish his threat because, at that moment, Beomgyu’s eyes fluttered open, his lips stretching into a relieved smile. Before either of them could fully process it, he was already on them, arms wrapping tightly around their shoulders, clinging as if afraid they'd disappear. Kai and Taehyun stiffened for only a second before melting into the embrace, holding him just as tightly. No words were exchanged, but in that silence, comfort settled between them, steady and unspoken. Then, in a small, hesitant whisper meant only for them, Beomgyu asked, "Are you mad...?" Taehyun's breath hitched, but his voice remained firm, even as his eyes glistened with unshed tears. "No. Never. But we'll talk, hyung. We'll talk whenever you're ready." Kai sniffled beside them, his grip tightening. "And we'll be here. We'll stay. You can't get rid of us, you know that, right? We're your gums—stuck together forever." His voice wavered, but his determination didn’t. Beomgyu let out a choked laugh, burying his face into their shoulders as they held him tighter. No more words were needed—just warmth, just them, just this moment. They stayed like that, whispering quiet reassurances, grounding him in a love that refused to let go. Beomgyu's breath trembled as he felt his friends' silent sobs against him. Until now, he hadn't known what to feel—hadn't even begun to name the crushing weight on his chest. But as their tears seeped through the thin fabric of his pajamas, guilt settled deep in his bones. "I'm sorry—" he whimpered, voice barely above a breath. "No, hyung. No—" Kai cut in immediately, shaking his head as if sheer denial could erase the words. Taehyun only held on tighter, his quiet crying turning into something raw, something that hurt. Beomgyu squeezed his eyes shut, his own tears slipping free as the weight between them pressed heavier. But even through the pain, they stayed. Holding. Clinging. Refusing to let go. "It'll be okay, hyung. We'll be okay." Taehyun whispered, repeating his assurances like a promise—like a prayer. Beomgyu felt warmth, but the guilt was heavier. Gently, he pushed Taehyun away just enough to see his face, his heart clenching at the sight. Dark circles, red-rimmed eyes—signs of worry and sleepless night. His throat tightened as he turned to Kai, who wasn’t any better. But even through the exhaustion, Kai smiled at him—that same unwavering smile that had always been his anchor amid the chaos in his mind. Beomgyu reached out, swiping away Kai’s lingering tears with a tenderness that almost broke him. "Yeah," he breathed, voice fragile but resolute. "We'll be okay." By the time Madam Pomfrey rounded the corner, she found the two boys fast asleep. Beomgyu was sitting upright in bed, his fingers absentmindedly stroking through Kai and Taehyun’s hair, their heads resting on his lap. Checking over Beomgyu one last time, she nodded in approval. "You're free to go, dear," she murmured, not wanting to wake the other two. Beomgyu simply gave a small nod, though he made no move to leave. Instead, he glanced down at his friends, taking in their peaceful faces. His chest ached with guilt—guilt that they had cried because of him, guilt that they had stayed up worrying, guilt that he had made them feel this way at all. Still, their presence was comforting, their warmth keeping the lingering emptiness at bay. So, for now, he stayed.

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

That day passed in a blur, and before Beomgyu knew it, the weekend had arrived. Thankfully, that meant two days of rest—or at least, it should have. As he approached the entrance of the Great Hall, Taehyun and Kai were already waiting for him. What they hadn’t expected was for Beomgyu to not be alone. “Beomgyu?” Kai blinked, his gaze shifting to the tall boy beside him. “Is that—?” Beomgyu shuffled awkwardly, rubbing his arm. “Uh, guys, this is Soobin. The one I told you about.” He glanced at Soobin, who stood quietly beside him, looking about as comfortable as a cat in a bathtub. “And, um… Soobin, these are Kai and Taehyun.” It was a pointless introduction—everyone already knew each other in passing. But for some reason, it felt necessary. That morning, Beomgyu hadn’t known how to ask Soobin to stay by his side—to be his friend. He wasn’t good at making friends. Usually, he ended up annoying them. Taehyun and Kai had approached him first on the train, and honestly? He still didn’t understand why. Maybe they’d hit their heads somewhere before meeting him. Beomgyu had punched his own arm earlier to stop his thoughts from spiraling further. Instead, he had turned toward Soobin’s bed and hesitantly muttered, “Um… Soobin?” The older boy had still been lying there, staring at the ceiling. Hessung and Jeongin had already left after getting tired of waiting for Beomgyu to wake up. “I was gonna get breakfast in the Great Hall. And, um… then I’ll go to the library. So much has piled up in just two weeks…” Beomgyu had shifted on his feet, his words tumbling out in a nervous rush. “Do you—do you wanna come?” For a long moment, Soobin hadn’t moved. He’d merely given Beomgyu a sidelong glance before rolling onto his side. Beomgyu had assumed that was the end of it—that Soobin would fall back asleep. But then, slowly—weakly—Soobin had sat up. He’d dressed without a word, grabbed his bag, and then… he had silently followed Beomgyu. Beomgyu wasn’t sure what to make of Soobin yet. But he was sure that he wanted to figure it out. The four of them ate breakfast together, and thankfully, Kai didn’t let the awkward silence settle. Instead, he immediately launched into a dramatic retelling of the weird dream he’d had the night before. “I’m telling you guys, the way my dreams are so detailed, I should probably get a Divination professor to interpret them,” Kai said, shaking his head in disbelief. Beomgyu blinked. “What’s that? Divination?” Taehyun and Kai didn’t even bat an eye at the question, completely used to Beomgyu’s endless curiosity. If anything, they found it adorable how clueless he could sometimes be. Soobin, on the other hand, gave him a strange look—but, as expected, stayed silent. “Divination, Beoms,” Taehyun explained in a monotone voice, “is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through magic.” “Taehyun doesn’t believe in Divination. Can you believe it, Beomgyu?” Kai huffed, clearly exasperated. Wide-eyed and attentive, Beomgyu shook his head around a mouthful of chicken, making Kai grin fondly. “It’s the methods, Hyung,” Taehyun defended himself, his voice rising slightly in frustration. “Tea leaves? You drink tea, then look at the leftover dregs, and somehow that’s supposed to predict your future? Or crystal balls, the circular things—they just light up and are magically supposed to reveal prophecies? Come on—” The more Taehyun ranted in his how-can-anyone-believe-this-nonsense tone, the more Beomgyu listened in awe, eyes practically sparkling with fascination. Kai smirked. “I believe you just lost your own case, Taehyunie~” he teased, giggling. “Hyunggg,” Taehyun whined, his voice drawing out the syllables in a way that made Beomgyu grin. Unable to help himself, Beomgyu reached out and ruffled Taehyun’s hair. Big mistake. Immediately, Taehyun turned red and grabbed Beomgyu’s hand, attempting to wrestle him. “Yah—don’t do that!” Beomgyu just laughed, trying to wiggle free. Their playful struggle only escalated from there, the two pushing and shoving, making more noise than they probably should have—especially so early in the morning. It had taken two whole weeks, but finally, Beomgyu was included in Kai and Taehyun’s endless banter and wrestling matches. He couldn’t stop laughing. Soobin, meanwhile, remained silent. He finished his breakfast quietly before standing up and slipping away from the table, hoping to leave unnoticed. Or so he thought. Before he even reached the exit, three pairs of feet came thundering after him. Kai, always the most eager, caught up first and instinctively grabbed Soobin’s arm to stop him. It was a mistake. Soobin flinched violently, yanking his arm back as if he had been burned. His expression shifted in an instant—eyes darkening, lips pressing into a tight line. “Don’t touch me.” His voice was low, almost a growl. Then, without another word, he shot a glare at all three of them before turning on his heel and storming away. Beomgyu’s smile vanished, leaving behind only confusion and the sting of hurt. But it was Kai who looked the most shaken. His hands hovered uncertainly in the air where Soobin had been moments before. His usual brightness dimmed, his brows furrowing as his shoulders curled inward. “I was annoying, wasn’t I?” Kai whispered, barely audible. His voice wavered, laced with insecurity. “I probably was… I—” Before he could spiral any further, Beomgyu pulled him into a warm hug, shaking his head without hesitation. “No,” he whispered back, holding on just a little tighter.“You could never be annoying.” Kai let out a shaky breath, his fingers clutching Beomgyu’s robes. “But he—” “It’s not about you,” Beomgyu interrupted softly, pulling back just enough to meet Kai’s eyes. “I promise.” "Let's go to the library as we planned," Beomgyu says with a smile, but Taehyun doesn’t miss the tension still lingering in his posture. Taehyun exchanges a glance with Kai before sighing. “Me and Kai will go ahead. You should find Soobin—see if he wants to join us or not.” His voice is overly polite, a telltale sign that he’s upset too, just hiding it better. “We might’ve gotten too familiar too fast. See if he can forgive us.” Beomgyu watches as his friends turn toward the staircase leading to the first-floor library, their figures disappearing into the crowd of students. Taking a deep breath, he turns on his heel and bolts after Soobin. Seriously, what was with that boy and the Forbidden Forest? _____ By the time Beomgyu catches up, he's heaving, chest rising and falling as he clings to a nearby tree for support. "Soobin!" he calls out, voice breathless. "Hey, don't go in any further..." Soobin stops, turning to face the smaller boy who’s still trying to catch his breath. His gaze flickers to Beomgyu’s hand gripping the tree—just in time to see him flinch away from it, as if expecting it to explode. A quiet chuckle escapes Soobin, and when Beomgyu glances up, he’s met with the softest sight—the boy’s dimples deepening as he smiles, looking at peace for the first time since they met. "Beomgyu, why do you think this forest is forbidden, hmm?" Soobin muses, tilting his head slightly. He turns back toward the towering trees, stepping further in. "For me... I find it peaceful here. In the quiet." Beomgyu hesitates, watching him. He’s always been afraid of breaking rules, but Soobin looks so genuinely happy—so free—like this is where he belongs. And if Soobin is happy, maybe... maybe it’s okay to break the rules just this once. Beomgyu takes a cautious step forward, then another, falling into step beside him. "I... um... I like the quiet too," he admits. "I just—" He hesitates, swallowing thickly. "I don’t want to get in trouble. Who knows what kind of punishment they'll give?" His stomach twists at the thought. If his mother—just a Muggle—could lock him away and starve him for days, what could a world of magic do? They could tear him apart and put him back together over and over again if they wanted. A shudder runs through him as he glances back at the castle, its towering silhouette growing smaller the further they walk. Soobin looks soft under the gentle snowfall, dark hair dusted with white as he reaches for Beomgyu’s hand. His grip is warm despite the cold. “Don’t worry,” he murmurs, voice steady. “I’ll take the blame, okay?” Beomgyu doesn’t move, just stares at their joined hands. His fingers twitch slightly, but he doesn’t pull away. There’s a strange tightness in his chest—not fear, not anxiety, but something else. It feels warm, like the comfort of Kai’s hugs or the rare moments when Taehyun clings to him. But this—this is different. Soobin's hand is larger, his touch warm and comforting, and Beomgyu doesn’t understand why it makes his stomach feel weirdly light, like he’s floating. He’s still lost in thought when Soobin tugs him forward, voice quiet with awe. “Look, Beomgyu. Aren’t they pretty?” Beomgyu blinks, forcing himself to focus. He looks up— And immediately screams. Standing in front of them is a creature straight out of a nightmare. A horse, but not like any Beomgyu has ever seen before. Its skin is stretched tightly over its bones, ribs jutting out like sharp ridges. Its eyes are pale, empty, and its wings—large and bat-like—fold against its skeletal frame. The entire thing is black, its body looking half-rotted, as if it stepped straight out of a horror story. Beomgyu stumbles back, gripping Soobin’s hand tighter. “W-what is that?!” he shrieks, eyes wide in terror. Soobin, on the other hand, just smiles. “A Thestral,” he says softly, gaze filled with quiet reverence. “Isn’t it beautiful?” Beomgyu clutches Soobin’s arm in pure terror as the creature steps closer, its hollow eyes locking onto him. He whimpers, voice small and pleading. “Soobin… let’s go back. Please.” Soobin finally tears his gaze away from the Thestral and looks at Beomgyu, offering a small, reassuring smile. Without a word, he pulls the trembling boy into his arms, shielding him so his back is to the creature. His embrace is steady, warm against the cold air. Beomgyu is still shaking, but something about being held like this makes that strange warmth return—the one he doesn’t quite understand yet. His heart is still racing, but not just from fear anymore. “It won’t hurt you, you know?” Soobin murmurs softly, his voice low and gentle. Beomgyu stiffens slightly but doesn’t pull away. “It—it looks like it could.” Soobin huffs out a quiet chuckle before resting his chin lightly on Beomgyu’s head. “They’re misunderstood,” he says, voice filled with something Beomgyu can’t quite place. “People fear them, call them ugly or scary. But they’re special to me.” Beomgyu swallows hard. “W-why?” His voice is barely above a whisper. Soobin doesn’t answer immediately. He slowly pulls away just enough to turn Beomgyu around, guiding him to look again. Beomgyu hesitates but obeys—only to stumble back against Soobin when he sees there’s not just one, but three of them. His breath catches. Soobin steadies him with a gentle hand. “We’re lucky if we can see them, Beoms,” he says, voice quieter now, more solemn. “Only those who have seen death can.” Beomgyu stops breathing for a moment. His mind races to process Soobin’s words, but they don’t make sense. "Only those who have seen death can see them." His fingers tighten around Soobin’s sleeve, and he suddenly feels much colder than before. He swallows, throat dry. “That… that’s not true.” His voice is unsteady. But Soobin just hums, his expression unreadable. “It is.” Beomgyu shakes his head, eyes darting back to the creatures. He doesn’t want to believe it. He’s never—he doesn’t remember— His stomach churns. “But I… I’ve never…” He trails off, voice barely above a whisper. His head feels light, dizzy. His chest tightens with something unfamiliar, something buried. Soobin doesn’t push. He just watches, waiting. The snow falls around them in heavy silence. The Thestrals stand still, their empty eyes seeming to pierce right through Beomgyu. His heartbeat pounds in his ears. Memories flicker at the edges of his mind, blurred but haunting. Cold nights. An empty house. The feeling of waiting for someone who never came. A body on the floor. He staggers back. “I don’t—” His breath stutters. “I don’t remember.” Soobin places a firm hand on his shoulder, grounding him. “That’s okay,” he says softly. “You don’t have to.” Beomgyu doesn’t know why, but his eyes burn. His hands tremble. There’s something terrifying about the way this moment feels—like he’s on the edge of remembering something he isn’t ready to face. Soobin gently tugs him closer again. “Come on,” he says, voice lighter now, as if sensing Beomgyu’s distress. “Let’s go back before the professors notice we’re missing.” Beomgyu doesn’t argue. He lets Soobin lead him away, his legs moving on thier own. But even as they leave the Forbidden Forest behind, the ghost of the Thestrals’ gaze lingers in his mind. And for the first time, he wonders what it is that he’s forgotten.