#series: stamtb

[baektempo]

And Just Like That [1/6]

Pairing: Byun Baekhyun x Reader

Warnings: Pining, Language, Violence

Summary: The Adventures of Baekhyun at Hogwarts, his failing Divination classes, and his broomstick named Peanut.

“You did good, pal. You still have another match.” 

The words are hopeful, but Baekhyun feels a dull burn in his mouth as he nods and speaks. “Thanks for coming by to support. It really means a lot.” 

He means it, he really does. He forces a smile at his fellow housemate, and shoulders through the crowd. 

It shouldn’t be this bad. It was just one match. He has had a countless number of losses as a Chaser for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. But today, it all just rubs him the wrong way. 

“Hey, Baek!” Chanyeol pops out of nowhere—normal, for Chanyeol—but Baekhyun doesn’t even flinch when Chanyeol’s arm dangles around his shoulder. “Where were you? Jongdae said we could use the Prefect’s Bathroom today.” 

“I was at the Black Lake,” Baekhyun mumbles. 

“Oh.” Chanyeol freezes a little, but then he smiles. “Well—let's go take a long bath. We can try and work on why we lost this time.” 

“Maybe I don’t want to talk about it,” Baekhyun says, but Chanyeol is already pushing him onto a squashy couch. He hands Baekhyun a plate of roast chicken. 

“These are great,” He says, picking apart a piece of chicken with his teeth. “Don’t know how they make it so good every single time.” 

“I’m not hungry.” Baekhyun deadpans, but he takes one anyway.

“C’mon Baek. We won’t have dinner until a few hours.” Chanyeol points out, and Jongdae takes a seat in the armchair next to them.

“He’s right bud. It would be a hassle for the house elves if you go and ask them for food right now,” Jongdae reaches out to pick the last chicken leg, but Baekhyun snatches it away before he does. Jongdae smiles and continues, “Seeing as they would be busy preparing for dinner.” 

“I don’t wanna go to the Prefect’s Bathroom,” Baekhyun takes a bite of the chicken leg. Another bite. It was really good. Were they usually this good or was he just this hungry? 

“So, no bubbles for you?” Chanyeol arches a brow, popping a piece of fried sausage into his mouth. 

“Come on, it’s not everyday I can let us sneak into the Prefects Bathroom. And they’ve got this really good new bath salt which helps us relieve our muscles and—”

“I saved those chicken legs!” A voice blurts. 

Uninterested, Baekhyun turns his head to the source of the voice, licking his fingers. 

You stand there, hand on your hip. “Those were the last chickens from the feast and I grabbed them because I was super hungry.” You continue, your nose flaring and eyes narrow. 

“We were just so hungry—”

“I’m so sorry, you can use the Prefect’s Bathroom if you’d—”

“I am a prefect!” You wail, flopping onto the couch and crossing your arms across your chest. Chanyeol and Jongdae watches in dismay as you pout, eyebrows furrowing. 

“We’ll just… go to the Bathrooms now.” Jongdae squeaks as he drags Chanyeol with him, shooting Baekhyun an apologetic glance. 

Baekhyun chews his lip for a moment, thinking of what to say to pacify your anger. 

“They’re good, aren’t they?” Baekhyun blurts, unsure of what to say. 

Your head swivels to him, startled amusement dancing with the fading anger. Your gaze lingers on his face, then lands on the remaining bones scattered on the empty plate. 

“Glad to know that you’re full,” You say, and the dry humor in your voice nearly cracks Baekhyun. Then you smile, and Baekhyun blinks somewhat stupidly. “I heard that the house elves came up with a new recipe for the match today. It ran out but I managed to grab a few for myself,” you say. 

“I’m sorry,” he says. “I was so upset with losing the match I didn’t think about whose food it could’ve been.” 

Your lips—pretty lips—stretches into a grimace. “Well, now I have to wait until the next Quidditch match for some chickens.” 

Baekhyun blinks again. And then he laughs. 

He hasn’t laughed for hours. He spent his time moping around near the Black Lake, throwing rocks into the lake in fits of anger. But somehow imagining you fighting other students for chicken makes him feel so startlingly happy. 

When he finally stops laughing, he finds himself gazing into your sparkling eyes as you take a sip of water. You’re still smiling.

“I sometimes sneak into the kitchen during midnight. Professor Dumbledore was drinking hot chocolate in the kitchen, and he told me that it’s our little secret,” he admits in a low voice, babbling without realizing. 

“Oh, I caught him once too,” you shake your head with a laugh, making Baekhyun grin again. “We shared some beef casserole.” 

“Sounds like sneaking in is something we have in common.” He jokes. And then grimaces. 

“I guess so.” There’s that small smile on your pretty lips again. He finds his hearts thump, thump, thump speeding up a bit. 

“Dinner is still hours away,” Baekhyun says without thinking. “Wanna sneak into the Kitchens? I have a good friend who loves cooking for me.” 

“Are you kidding?” you gape. “I obviously won’t turn down the chance to get free food.” 

Baekhyun is laughing again—why is he acting like he’s thirteen and you were his longtime crush? The girls were usually over him, but right now he’s acting like a total lunatic in front of this pretty, pretty girl he just took notice of today.   

Why hasn’t he taken notice of you the last five years? Maybe he was just too busy flying around with Quaffles that he hasn’t become your friend. He has decided in a span of two minutes that you were the most stunning, extraordinary, magnificent (he could think of more words to describe you) woman that he’s ever seen. 

Ten minutes later he finds himself sitting in the warm, cozy Kitchen—you were chatting with a house elf named Winky—who was an elf you befriended years ago, he learns. Your smile is infinitely brighter than the huge fireplace in the kitchen. 

Baekhyun sits on a chair next to the edge of the table, right beside the fireplace. You walk towards him, holding two steaming plates and take a seat right beside him.

“It's best hot,” you say, mouth full of chicken. Baekhyun grins—who cares about their appearance when they’re eating such good food, anyway? Certainly not him. And by the looks of it, not you too. 

Baekhyun blows on his food because he is not used to eating food that's burning his fingers. “Do you not feel heat or something?” 

You throw your head back and laugh. “God, no. I’m just so hungry. And I usually sneak out after patrol to get some food ‘cause I starve when I stay up at night.” 

“So you just… stay out after curfew?” 

“Well, I just grab some food and come back as soon as possible. Jongdae doesn’t mind. He grabs some food with me too, sometimes.” You explain. 

Your eyes crinkle in the corners when you smile. He finds himself smiling even though the thought makes his stomach feel uneasy. He wants to sneak out to the kitchens with you, too. 

“I wanna sneak out with you too.” He blurts, and then clears his throat. 

“Well, I’d be up for it, but if we get caught by another prefect, they could send you to detention.” You say slowly. 

“You’d… be up for it?” 

“I don’t see why not. You seem like a nice guy. Although, the girls wouldn’t be too happy to know that we spend our midnights together.” You tease, and laugh again. 

There’s a bit of grease on your chin. He stares, lips curled into a smile. 

“You free Friday night? Winky says that she’s trying to make jam donuts. She’d like for me to try it out.” Your smile is bright as you cast a Scouring Charm. 

“I am.” Baekhyun says, somewhat shy. 

There’s a moment then—a lingering smile, warmth and kindness in your eyes—and he’s dumbstruck. He’s made a wonderful new friend. 

“Alright then, I’ll see you sharp at midnight on Friday. I think we’ve got Astronomy at two am as well?” 

“I’ll see you. And if you end up forgetting, you’ll have to buy me chocolate from Honeydukes next weekend.” Baekhyun replies. 

“Deal. And if I don’t forget, you’ll buy me Cherry Syrup from Madam Puddifoot’s.” 

“Deal.”

[baektempo]

From Eight Until Late [3/6]

Pairing: Byun Baekhyun x Reader

Summary: The Adventures of Baekhyun, his failing Divination classes, and his broomstick named Peanut.  

Warnings: Language, Violence

Baekhyun walks into the Great Hall, still on cloud nine after their match, and when he arrives—all his friends are at the Slytherin table, as he suspected, eating. 

“I have news,” he says to the group. There’s an unsettling amount of sausages, eggs and rolls on each of their plates. All varying amounts of coffee, milk and tea in their mugs. Kyungsoo is reading the Daily Prophet. He doesn’t pay attention to Baekhyun’s arrival as he stares down at the boys. 

“What is it?” Yixing asks first. 

“Don’t say something stupid,” Sehun says. 

“You know that that’s not going to happen,” Jongin tells Sehun. 

“Well, go on.” 

“There’s going to be a Winter Ball,” Baekhyun announces. “I just overheard Professor Dumbledore tell Professor McGonagall that he’s wearing the latest Mauricio Carneiro custom made robe.” 

It is silent for a second. Minseok is blowing the steam emanating from his cup, Sehun’s mouth hangs open, and even Yixing is wide-eyed. Jongin groans. 

“Does this mean I can’t go home for Christmas?” he asks. “My sister makes a really good apple pie.” 

“It’s compulsory. We can go home the next day,” Baekhyun says. 

“We already knew,” Minseok points at Jongdae and Kyungsoo. “Junmyeon told us. We’re supposed to pin the announcements on the bulletin board after breakfast. I would’ve told you last night, but you were annoying me with those flying paper planes at the Library last night.” 

Hey, he was only testing his levitating skills. Baekhyun should be slumped that Minseok didn’t tell him. But he isn’t —his heart is steady and he has a huge smile on his face. 

“We get to dress fancy,” he tells everyone. “The theme is Winter Wonderland. And guess what? We can take someone to the Ball.” 

There's a full range of expressions on Jongin’s face. Excitement leaps out as he claps his hands gleefully. Baekhyun takes a seat next to Kyungsoo, picking up a sausage and munching on it. 

“Kyungsoo-hyung be my date for the Ball.” Jongin says to Kyungsoo. 

Kyungsoo sets down the newspaper and glares at Baekhyun for eating his food. Baekhyun shrugs and picks up another. 

“No.”

The rest of the table snickers, but Yixing pats Jongin’s head. “Don’t worry, I’ll take you to the Ball.” 

“So when do we go shopping?” Chanyeol asks. “Wait, I think I’ll ask my mom to get me a suit.” 

Baekhyun nods, agreeing. “Everyone is probably gonna get clothes from Gladrags Wizardwear. I do not want to be wearing the same thing as a second grader,”

The boys nod and discuss clothing options.

When the bell rings, Sehun and Kyungsoo gets up, gathering their books for the Potions class. Baekhyun on the other hand, has no classes this morning. 

“See you guys later,” They smile and wave. 

—

Everyone is in a crazed frenzy after the Prefects put up the notice for the Winter Ball. Baekhyun is walking alongside Chanyeol, discussing potential options for the Quidditch team. 

“I think Mia in second grade can become a great chaser. She beat the other guy,” Chanyeol says. 

“But we could also train Noah. I think he’d do well after training,” Baekhyun interjects. Chanyeol agrees, nodding his head. 

He stops in his tracks when he sees you. Your mouth hangs open, and your arms are flailing as you speak. He has never seen you this upset. 

The boy you’re talking to, who he recognizes as Jinyoung from Hufflepuff has an amused smile on his face as he speaks. Abruptly, you start walking in the opposite direction. 

“Baekhyun?” Chanyeol questions.

He doesn’t say anything, just takes off after you. He does not know why, but his hands are clammy and shaking. He finds you in an empty classroom, sitting near a window.

His heart sinks to his toes when he sees your lip quiver. He walks, and sits right next to you. He doesn’t say anything. 

“Baekhyun,” your eyes drag up to meet his as the same time you cover his knee with your hand. “I’ve had a crappy day. And it's not even noon.” 

“There are days like that,” he croaks out. 

There is a crinkle at the corner as your lips lift up into a smile. You take an intake of breath. 

“I’ve been hearing from people that I slept with my ex-boyfriend whilst he’s with his new girlfriend. And when I asked him about it, he said that it must be true if people are talking about it.” 

What?

“What?” he says aloud. 

“Yeah,” you say lightly. “I was with him for two years, and I was the one who broke it off. Because he told me he had developed feelings for a housemate!”

“He’s a dick,” Baekhyun cuts in without thinking. 

“Well, I know that now,” a slight roll of your eyes, and Baekhyun smiles a little. The air wary as you shake your head. “But, honestly I—” your tongue darts out to wet your lips, he’s staring intently, and his heart is thumping too fast. “I thought so highly about him. I didn’t think he’d do something like this.”

“You expected too much?” he asks stupidly. 

“Yes,” a rueful smile now. “I always expect so much from everyone. I feel like they won’t do shitty things to me—that they’d be more considerate towards me. I’m always so nice and boring. I’m—I’m now the girl who—” your words break off with a sniffle. Shit, your eyes are shiny. Tears. 

Baekhyun panics, lifting a hand as if to brush them away but you shake your head and wipe them away with the back of your own hand, instead. “I just want to be treated nice for once.” It’s barely a whisper—but it’s there, in the open. It is vulnerable and perfectly raw, and Baekhyun’s heart clenches. 

“I don’t want to feel like this again,” you say, voice shaking with another sniffle. “I—I do think you’re a good person, though. You’ve been kinder to me more than anyone has been this year.” 

“Sweetheart, you’re not boring.” he coos, coos. He didn't even think that he could speak like that. “You bake cakes with elves, you’re in the Ancient Runes Club, and you can drink five butterbeers and name every star we learnt during Astronomy, drunk!” 

A choked laugh falls from your lips. “Thanks, I suppose. For not finding me boring.” 

“Yes, nobody thinks that you’re boring, you know. Jongdae and Jongin talks about how funny you’re all the time. And sometimes, I feel like your jokes are funnier than mine. And that’s saying a lot,” Baekhyun adds in a soft voice. 

Another laugh. 

“I’ll guess I’ll add that to my resume. Skills: funnier than Baekhyun, sometimes,” you say lightly, but you’re smiling so that’s good. “But… they probably wouldn’t believe me either.” 

Baekhyun scowls. “I’ll tell everyone that you’re wonderful, lovely and funny and that anyone who says otherwise can find out firsthand how Peanut feels up their ass.” 

The joke falls flat. “Uh, Peanut is my broom.” 

A blink, and then you laugh. 

“We really wouldn’t want that happening.” You tell him, with a smile that’s just for him. It makes him feel good, and he smiles back. 

“So, do you want me to beat up that guy? Chanyeol and Sehun aren’t called the best Beaters in Hogwarts for nothing, you know.” He gripes.

“Merlin—no! Tell me you won’t,” your giggles are so contagious that he can’t help but laugh. The ringing melody hugs his soul with warmth. Baekhyun wants to touch you, to hug you, and to pull you into his arms—

“We have class in a while,” you say, wiping at your eyes again.

“Alright then, tell me how good looking I am and we can go to class,” Baekhyun teases. 

You laugh, and shake your head. “You’re such an attention seeker.”

“Only for your attention, though.” A wiggle of his brows, and you scoff. 

“Wow, Baekhyun. Just wow.” 

“I know that you’ve thought about my dashing looks a few times,” he says with a wicked smile. 

Your response is a softer, warmer smile. 

“No I don’t. I hear the girls talk about it though, and come to think of it… I agree sometimes.” You say with a shrug. 

The statement leaves him confused. Did you just…? By the time he thinks of a proper sentence, you’ve already gotten up and walk towards the Common Room. 

“Hey, wait! Do you really think I’m good-looking?” he asks, a beaming, wide smile on his face. 

Baekhyun is ready to find out. 

—

Baekhyun is annoyed. 

A little at Jongdae. More than a little at Chanyeol. And slightly more than that at Professor Snape. But mostly—it is at how you were sitting in front of him and laughing silently at Chanyeol’s jokes, and he’s sure he sees angels flying around you. 

Did you know that he finds it most endearing when you let down your hair and yet, tuck it behind your ear once every while? And especially when you tilt your head back and laugh when you hear something funny… what’s so funny about what Chanyeol is saying?

That’s part of liking someone, Jongdae and Chanyeol chimed in last night—he didn’t even say anything about you, he was just eating a cookie you got for him from your Elf friend. 

Anyway, Baekhyun thinks it’s stupid. He doesn’t like you. Plus why would you like him—you only see him as a friend. Right? 

But that’s not the point. Baekhyun is feeling particularly annoyed today. He hasn’t felt this moody since… he can’t remember how long ago it was. Two weeks ago? 

That didn’t matter, because he was gonna uplift his mood by doing well in Potions—his favorite subject. If he weren’t so crazy for Quidditch, he thinks he would become a Potions Master or something. 

“Many of you hardly understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with shimmering fumes…” Professor Snape goes on about how he was given the task of teaching a bunch of dunderheads. 

Baekhyun rolls his eyes and zones out as he focuses on brewing his Wit-Sharpening Potion instead. 

“Does he shut up? God,” Jongdae says and Baekhyun snickers.

“He doesn’t.”

He is stirring the brew until it turns purple. It hopefully won’t blow up on his face like Chanyeol’s did last time. 

Baekhyun’s eyes wander around: everyone is busy chatting and focusing on their potion. But he still thinks Snape could blow up in anger a few seconds so he waves at Jongin when he catches his eye. 

He doesn’t expect to hear Jinyoung run his mouth, though. 

“She’s a good lay. You can get her too, if you want.” Jinyoung from Hufflepuff. Your ex-boyfriend. 

Baekhyun’s stomach twists just as the boy next to Jinyoung laughs. He dumps his textbook on the table, and takes a deep breath. His heart is already starting to pound, and he catches a whiff of your perfume. Warm and cozy. 

Before he could calm himself down, a series of laughter echoes through the class. Jinyoung and his friend are staring at you—still mumbling to each other. 

Before he knows, he rushes over to Jinyoung, his fists in readiness as his knuckles come in contact with Jinyoung’s face. There’s a grunt, a soft crack, and a hiss from Baekhyun—Jinyoung falls onto the ground, clutching his face.

“Don’t ever talk shit about people again,” Baekhyun seethes, but he is barrelled onto the wall before he can say another word. 

Professor Snape holds up his wand, a scowl on his face. With a grunt Baekhyun looks over at you. Mouth covered by your hand, a look of disbelief flashing from your eyes. 

He wonders if you are mad, but that didn’t matter because Professor Snape is boiling and has on a scowl on his face as he commands left and right.

“You! Take Mr. Min to the Hospital Wing,” he glares at Baekhyun. Hopefully, he won’t expel him considering he is one of Snape’s best students. “And you, Mr. Byun. You will clean every nook and cranny of the Trophy room until I say I’m satisfied.” 

Fuck. He is mournful, but he still thinks he would punch Jinyoung if he heard him speak about you again. His knuckles are ringing in pain, and his skin is way purpler than he wants it to look. 

It is an extraordinarily annoying day for Baekhyun. 

—

After a series of meetings with Headmaster Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape, Baekhyun is glad he made it out alive in one piece.

They are, however, making him clean the Trophy Room for a month. They almost stripped him of his Quidditch Position, but decided against it. 

His stomach grumbles as he tries not to breathe in the dust. He had to leave his wand back in the dorms, where Chanyeol and Jongdae bombarded him with their worries. 

It is quieter than he wants it to be—and he feels a tad bit lonely. He wished he had some company while he was scrubbing off years’ worth of dust piled onto the trophies… it could take him all night until he got to the second row of trophies. 

Soon, the noise starts to quieten in the hallway. He started at eight, and he’s sure it’s very late now. He can hear a few ghosts chattering to each other nearby. He keeps on cleaning, tuning his ears in to their conversation. 

Finally—the ghosts stop talking. He hears your voice tread down the hall, and he guesses that you are alone. You peer in your head from the door, and wave somewhat shyly at him. 

He’s not quite sure what he should do, so he smiles at you, hoping your anger from the last period had simmered down. 

“I, um, I got you some food,” you say, handing out a paper bag at him. “We missed you during dinner. And lunch.” 

“Thank you,” he says, and takes the paper bag from your hand. Inside it, there’s copious amounts of food, under the Extension Spell so all of them fit into the paper bag. He sets it on a side, and begins cleaning again. 

“Don’t go.” The plea is so soft he thinks you won’t hear it. He turns back at you, and you’re staring at him, eyes blown wide and lips parted. You nod, catching him by surprise when you tug at his wrist, pulling him close. 

He doesn’t protest or say anything when your arms wrap around his middle, and instead, he blankets you with his body, pulling you in even closer. 

“You could’ve gotten expelled,” you say softly, hands tightening around his waist. He’s sure you can hear his pulsing heartbeat, with the side of your face squished onto his chest. 

Baekhyun swallows, and admits in a hoarse voice. “I know, but I couldn’t care at that moment. I just can’t stand to see you sad.” 

“But why’d you do that… for me?” your eyebrows are furrowed as your eyes search for an answer. 

“You’re my friend. I thought we’ve established that by now.” He says, ruefully. He wishes you were more than his friend, right now. 

“Thank you,” you reply, and his gaze is held by the sight of your pretty lashes spreading across your cheeks as you lower your gaze—and your voice. “For having my back every time.” 

Baekhyun smiles. “Me too. Uh, thank you for having my back too.”

You lips twitch as you pull away. 

Staying back for a little happens to be the both of you cleaning the trophies, now stained forever with a loving desecration at the back of Baekhyun’s mind. Jokes and smiles are traded over the food he gobbles down. It is a brushing of fingertips as he shares food with you, even if you claim to be not hungry. 

“So,” you say nearing twelve a.m., “Shall I bring your food every night for a month, then?” Your eyes twinkle under the dimly lit candles, and Baekhyun laughs. 

“Do it,” he challenges. “So you can officially become my detention partner for a month.” 

“Professor Snape will hex me into oblivion,” you chortle. “At least you’ll be coming along with me.” 

It’s all wishful full thinking; all made up. But Baekhyun can’t help but feel the longing twist in his heart as his smile stiffens. The weight of his secret, the desperation he has to pull you in for another hug. 

Later that night the sky is inky black apart from a million stars—but he’s only concerned about the lights in your eyes when you talk with a classmate at the 2 a.m. Astronomy Class. 

He wants to pull you in for a kiss under the blanket of stars, before class ends and you both go to your respective dorm rooms. Baekhyun could kiss you forever. 

But he doesn’t, because he can’t. 

[baektempo]

Tiny Victories [2/6]

Pairing: Byun Baekhyun x Reader 

Summary: The Adventures of Baekhyun, his failing Divination classes, and his broomstick named Peanut.  

Warnings: Language 

Author’s Note: Please tell me what you think of it so far, I would love to talk to you about it :)

Saturday morning. After two hours of Quidditch practice, Baekhyun is soaked in sweat. He has a fuzzy head and nausea is clenching his insides. Chanyeol did not joke about preparing for their next match with Ravenclaw.

He groans as he flops onto his bed, towel drying his hair. He remembers the roasted chicken. Your lips—your pretty, pretty lips. The kitchens. And—fuck, the donuts. The jam donuts he was supposed to be eating with you at midnight.

He’s ready to throw himself into the Black Lake and get eaten by the Giant Squid or something.

He sits there for a few minutes. Would you still talk to him after he ditched you to sleep? And his class—Professor Sinistra is gonna hang his ass from the Astronomy tower.

A while later, Jongdae comes into their room and gives Baekhyun a funny look. “Did you not see those?”

He points at a paper bag resting on his nightstand, with a note attached to it. Baekhyun sets the towel down and picks up the paper bag.

I figured you’d stood me up when you didn’t come to eat these sugary beautiful donuts. Don’t worry, I saved you two. And don’t forget, you’re gonna buy me all the Cherry Syrup I want from Madam Puddifoot’s. ☺

Your writing is neat and scribbly. He’s unsure of the huge smiley face that you’ve drawn, it seems like a warning. Next time you ditch me, I’ll hex you—something like that.

But still, there’s a grin on his face he re-reads it again. He looks up to see Jongdae with that funny look still on his face. “What?”

“She asked you to meet at the Hogsmeade Station,” Jongdae looks at his wristwatch, “at 10 am.”

“Oh,” Baekhyun says and chews his cheek. “It’s 9:45 am.”

Jongdae shrugs, plopping onto his bed. His cat, Blossom, climbs onto the bed, purring at Jongdae and gives Baekhyun a dirty look. That cat hates him.

He wastes no time as he huffs down the stairs, running through the corridors. He even considers flying to the station with his broomstick. But none of that can do.

He sees you talking to some third years by the time he makes it to the station. Although he’s bundled up in his warmest clothes, he feels almost as a cold sweat breaks out. He just doesn’t want to disappoint you—again.

“Glad to know you could make it on time, Baekhyun,” you tease, a smile gracing your lips.

Baekhyun is caught off guard as he puffs out laughs into the air, still trying to catch his breath. “I’m, I’m so sorry—I fell asleep after practice. I also missed class,”

You didn’t ask for an explanation nor do you look mad, but your lips still quirk up with appreciation as you nod. “Jongdae was complaining about how you and Chanyeol wouldn’t wake up. Let’s get going then, shall we?”

The carriage ride to High Street isn’t anything notable, just a few pubescent boys trying to impress you as Baekhyun tried his best to keep a scowl off of his face. He should be getting all the attention.

However, ten minutes later, his hands are freezing as he’s gathering all the snow he can possibly collect to form the largest snowball he can make.

He aims directly for your face and shoots, and as the best Chaser in the team—he scores.

The snowball catches you off guard, as you yelp and fall on your butt. Baekhyun is chortling, hand on his knee, one hand on his stomach because there’s a cramp from laughing too hard.

You laugh too.

“That was so unfair!” you say, aiming a poorly built snowball at him. It lands three feet away from him.

“Alright,” he chuckles, “Now that we’ve decided on who’s the best snowballer, lets go drink something warm.”

“Hey, I could’ve cast a charm to win but I didn’t,” You sass. “But now I’m freezing, and I forgot to bring my gloves.”

There’s a million spells Baekhyun knows that can warm you up, but at this moment he doesn't need the feel to pick out his wand and cast a charm.  Instead, he takes out his favorite gloves. The color is fading and there are strings hanging loose, but they’re still his favorite. He hands you his gloves.

“But won’t you be cold?” Steam blows as you speak ruefully. Baekhyun starts to see flecks of snow gently falling atop your head.

“I don’t mind the cold.” Liar. He despised the cold.

Maybe you know that he’s lying out of his mouth. But you still put on his gloves, and they’re a little big for you but there’s a huge grin on your face and it makes Baekhyun feels a bit warm on the inside.

By the time the both of you make it to Madam Puddifoot’s, he knows more about you: the socks that scream once Jongdae has worn them too much was a gift you gave to him last year. You would like to become a Curator, but you don't tell anyone about it because they might think that you’re a bit boring. You also hate going to the Forbidden Forest because spiders scare you a lot.

He also traded some secrets: he wants to compete in the Quidditch World Cup one day. He once cast a memory charm to make sure Filch didn’t remember him sneaking out with his friends to drink Firewhisky. He also is terrified of owls.

Madam Puddifoot’s is a dainty little tea shop. He feels out of place as he sits somewhat cramped on the chair.

“I know, the place is super… tacky. But I promise the drinks are really good,” you say hopefully.

“It’s okay, I’ve just never been here before.” He takes a peek at the other customers in the tea shop. They were all cuddled up against each other and… are they—are they making out?

Baekhyun coughs and clears his throat, hoping his ears aren’t red with embarrassment as he focuses his attention on you again. You are fidgeting with the lacy napkins on the tabletop, acting like you didn’t see him witness the snogging couples.

“I guess this place is more popular with couples.” He comments.

“I guess so.” You admit, a shy smile on your face.

“Miss ___, you sneaky girl. I did not know that you had a boyfriend!” Madam Puddifoot greets the both of you.

“He—he’s not my boyfriend!” Your eyes widen, cheeks flooding with warmth. Baekhyun is having way too much fun to see you flail over the accusation.

“Yet,” the older witch winks, taking both of your orders. Baekhyun picks a black coffee and you go with a warm tea.

“God, I’m so sorry. I think we’re better off at The Three Broomsticks.” you snort. He gazes for a moment at the soft expression in your eyes, and nods.

“If you want to.”

“We could meet up tomorrow… if you’re free?” you suggest.

Baekhyun pauses. He picks up the freshly brewed coffee, thinking of how to reject you in the nicest way. “I’m, uh, not gonna be free tomorrow.”

“Oh. Well. There’s always a next time,” There’s no anger or disappointment in your voice. Which is why he has been looking forward to spending more time with you. “There’s an essay I have to complete by Monday, so I’ll just stay back at Hogwarts.”

Baekhyun feels bad. “I, uh, I feel like I’m bringing the team down. So I want to practice more.” He admits.

There's a flash of emotions on your face, but a warm smile wins. He nearly faints as your hand covers his on the table. “I can’t imagine how bad you must be feeling over losing, but I promise you that I always admired your skills.”

His lips part in surprise. “You’ve seen me play?”

“Well, I am in the same house, you… goober. Gotta be supportive and all that.” You say lightly, and draw your hand away from his. He nearly protests at the loss of contact.

“Will you come to cheer me on for the next match this week?” he asks coolly and pauses, “Only if you’re free.”

Your eyes are glinting with a warmth and he feels cozy by it. “I would love to.”

—

Baekhyun breathes out a massive sigh and blinks his eyes. He can hear the snowstorm outside, and shivers in the dark of his dorm room.

He yanks off his blankets as Jongdae’s cat meows at him. He gives the cat a good glare. What business is the dumb cat upto this late, anyway?

He sucks in a breath, swings his feet onto the hardwood floor and walks downstairs. He blinks at the fireplace, and finds his way onto his favorite armchair when he spots you—laying on the carpet, scribbling away furiously with your quill.

He whispers out your name, and you nearly leap into the fireplace. “Merlin’s beard!” you gasp, “You scared me,”

He snickers and slides down onto the warm, thick rug—right next to you. “Why are you up so late?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” your voice is only a hush in the dim lit common room. The wind scratches against the windows, and Baekhyun sees the snow swirling furiously in the air.

“I couldn’t sleep.” He admits.

You set down the quill, and curl up next to him. An embrace of seeping warmth from your body makes him sigh.

“You’re nervous,” you state. Your eyes are closed. Baekhyun hums, he doesn’t really want to agree with that. Especially to you. He doesn't want to seem… weak.

“Hey, its okay, you know,” your voice is a soothing balm. “I used to think that purebloods were better than me. But honestly, it never mattered. Because at the end of the day, I became a prefect only ‘cause I worked my ass off for it.”

You chuckle. Baekhyun’s throat feels tight.

“What I’m trying to say is that… you work really, really hard. And although you don't think so, I think that you’re the best Chaser in all of Hogwarts. I know that you’ll do your best tomorrow, Baekhyun.”

Baekhyun is quiet for a moment—he is wondering if you’re heaven-sent. He then shifts his body towards you. His lips lift into a loopy smile.

“I really hope we win. I heard that there’s gonna be a scout for the National Quidditch Team tomorrow,” he sighs.

“They better pick you, I’ll make sure they do,” you say. “If not, I’ll protest outside the Ministry or something.”

Baekhyun laughs—it echoes in the open space of the common room. He yawns again, and closes his eyes.

“I know we just became friends but, thank you. For always believing in me.”

—

Baekhyun’s face is bright red when he enters the Gryffindor common room with his teammates. A cacophony of voices and laughter fill the overcrowded room. Students wearing blue, yellow and green pop out from the dozens of reds.

He feels a bit overwhelmed with everyone’s eyes on him. He tries to hide away in a corner, but Jongdae’s shrill voice thunder across the room.

“Coooongradulaaations!”

“Good lord,” Baekhyun mumbles, and his eyes catches a huge three tiered chocolate cake. It is smothered in chocolate frosting, and there’s a huge CONGRATULATIONS! written on with red frosting. He licks his lips in anticipation.

The chocolate cake is placed on a small table and Baekhyun wonders how it’s holding up as he shuffles closer to Chanyeol. His teammates blows the candles—and he’s worried for a second that Professor Dumbledore is gonna get annoyed for such a huge ruckus being caused at the common room.

Baekhyun can't help but snicker as he sees Sehun, a close friend from Slytherin getting tangled in a streamer.

Jongin shoves a plate with a massive slice of chocolate cake towards Baekhyun. He digs into it with a fork, and takes a bite. He swallows, and almost cries from how amazing it tastes.

“Isn’t it good? Me, Jongdae, Minseok and ____ went to the Kitchens last night to help the elves bake the cake,” Jongin says. He has been a friend of Baekhyun ever since they were in the same train compartment on his first year at Hogwarts.

Baekhyun speaks with his mouth full. “It’s really good.” Jongin cringes at him.

He finds Jongdae tucked away in a corner, laughing as he speaks with Minseok. He hears Minseok complaining about an owl biting his finger. He shudders at the thought.

“Hey, Baekhyun! I almost fell out of the tower from screaming out your name so loud,” Minseok jokes and slaps his back. “You were truly the star of the match.”

“Thanks, hyung.”

There’s a proud smile on Jongdae’s face.  Minseok tells them he’s going to the Ravenclaw common room to grieve over their loss.

“When did you have the time to bake a cake?” Baekhyun blurts as soon as Minseok leaves. “You were dead asleep last night!”

“You were asleep next to ____ when I woke up to my alarm,” Jongdae says impishly as he grins back at Baekhyun and wiggles his eyebrows.

Baekhyun clears his throat.

“This is so good,” he says loudly to Jongdae over the scuffle, shoving another forkful of chocolate cake into his mouth. Jongdae does not tease him about it afterwards.

The cake is nearly gone by the time everyone gravitates to other places. Baekhyun waves to Sehun and Kyungsoo as they leave. Chanyeol is arm-wrestling with Yixing. Their voices hit the ceiling. Junmyeon couldn’t make it to the party, considering that he was the Head Boy—and had to soothe his Housemates over their loss.

That was okay, he can meet up with the boys next Saturday.

Baekhyun watches you play rock, paper, scissors with a 4th year, and grins as you snatch the plate of cake away after winning. You’re smiling as you catch his eyes, heading to sit on the same couch as him.

“You did so great,” you say lightly.

“Thanks,” Baekhyun replies, smiling a little. “You didn’t have to do this.”

He gestures at the floating balloons, pieces of paper scattered from the party poppers and what is left of the cake.

“Okay? But we did it anyway,” you shrug.

He scowls, and nudges you with his elbow. There’s a gleeful laugh, and you set the empty plate on a table top and collapse next to him.

Baekhyun shifts closer to you as you find the perfect spot to rest—using his chest to rest your head on.

His insides feel funny—and it's not from the cake.

“So, did you sneak into the kitchens without me?” Baekhyun says, pretending to be hurt.

“What makes you think I’d make you decorate a cake that’s meant for you?” you quip lazily.

“Fine. I liked it. And I like you a lot better now,” Baekhyun mumbles.

“Well, I like you enough to make a cake.” you clarify. “I’m so proud of you, Baek.”

“I haven’t felt this happy for the longest time. Maybe I was in a slump,” Baekhyun breathes in your familiar, warm scent.

“I’m glad you feel better now,” you squeeze his hand. Baekhyun feels his heart almost lurch out of his chest.

Baekhyun pulls you in closer with a fond smile.

“Wonder what’s for dinner tonight.”