First Impressions
Daniel Choi
Hogwarts Era - Year Six (2016) - Fall
Included : Emily Choi, Tyler Lee, Tara Lee, Minah Delacroix, Sungjae Lee
Mentioned : Lucas Zhang
September 1st. D day.
“Is there a reason you are still here?” Daniel asked as he pulled the last of his luggage out of the hire cars boot. His sometime friend and full-time rival pushed himself off the hire car’s bonnet and turned to look at him, plump lips turned up into a smirk his bright pink hair blew slightly in the wind.
“I am here to see my dearest friend off,” Joshua said, taking his sunglasses off. “You know i am going to miss you.” Daniel rolled his eyes finding that hard to believe if anything Josh seemed to be in a terrific mood since hearing the news. “I even had a going away party planned but i got the dates mixed up,” he said. Daniel snorted, oh he sure Joshua had a party planned ready to celebrate, just one Daniel wasn’t invited to.
“What a shame,” Daniel said mockingly. “Well we are here so -” he said gesturing to Joshua and the car hoping this heartbreaking goodbye would quickly come to a close.
“Andrea told me to stay with you until you are actually on the Hogwarts Express,” Joshua said pulling his sunglasses off. “Maybe I’ll sneak on with you,” he said. Daniel watched as Joshua played one of his favourite tricks, in Joshua’s place stood a replica of himself. Not a perfect one, of course, Josh’s metaphoric skills were subpar at best. “How do i look?” he said running a hand through his now silver hair.
“Better than usual,” Daniel said dryly, no matter how many times Joshua pulled this stunt it still made him feel uncomfortable. “Now stop with this identity theft, i need to find Emily and the other two,” he said pushing past Joshua.
Joshua jogged to catch up to Daniel. “Who is that? Emily? Don’t tell me you are experimenting now?”
“Eunha,” Daniel snapped. “We have western names now, Daniel, Emily…. Jennifer? I don’t know what Jinsol is going with,” he shrugged.
“Daniel Choi?” Joshua said testing it out on his tongue. “I don’t like it, i am gonna keep calling you my little Dae bae,” he said. Daniel’s nose scrunched up he didn’t particularly like either name but Dae bae was another level of cringe. “So Eunha is going to be there?” Joshua questioned. “I haven’t seen her in forever maybe i should say hi -”
“Maybe you should stay the fuck away from my 14-year-old cousin,” Daniel snapped. “Can you control your creep fascination with my family to yourself, it’s bad enough that you hooked up Jinsol and flirt with my aunt every time you see her,” he said not even bothering to hide his disgust.
“Aww Dae you forgot to include yourself, you know you are my favourite,” Joshua cooed. “Don’t be jealous,” he said wrapping an arm around Daniel’s shoulder. Daniel was quick to shrug it off, he never forgets about Joshua’s interest in him, how could he when it was so incredibly obvious, he just prefers to ignore it.
“Aren’t i lucky,” he drawled.
“The luckiest,” Joshua said. “Though you never seem to reciprocate my affections,” he pouted, at least he was self-aware. “Though i can’t expect better from a man who once had a crush Ahn Dohyun?” Joshua teased. Daniel scoffed his cheeks heating up; he didn’t have a crush on Dohyun he just respected his contribution to the Asian modelling community. So what if he under the influence said he would ride him like a broom? That didn’t mean he had a crush on him. It just meant his hormones were working.
“So you are really going to follow me to the train?” he asked as they walked into the bustling Kings Cross train station. Daniel had never been to a muggle train station before, either travelling by magic or by hired cars, it was a new experience for him, one he wasn’t particularly enjoying yet. “You really don’t have anything better to do?”
“I told you Andrea told me to make sure you get on the train, something about making sure you fulfil your contracts,” Joshua shrugged. “Plus, i get to check out the Pigfarts crowd, I’ve always been curious about Harry Potter’s old school beside you never know someone might catch my eye,” he said. Knowing Josh several somebodies would have caught his by the time they made it down the stairs.
“What is there to be curious about, its a school?” Daniel pointed out.
“I am home-schooled Daehyung, there is plenty to be curious about.” Daniel shook his head, finding that extremely hard to believe. School to some people could be interesting sure but to someone like Joshua who enjoyed his freedom to the full extent, not so much.
“Well, you can always go to a school if it is eating away at you so much, just not this one,” Daniel said. “I hear muggle schools are pretty accepting.”
“If only I wasn’t a world-famous model with obligations to fill,” Joshua sighed dramatically. “Unlike some people, i stay busy and booked so I can’t just decide to go to some boarding school,” he continued. Daniel wondered how Joshua would react if he knew the only reason he was booked at all was due to his associating with Daehyung Choi, probably a temper tantrum to rival the great Givenchy fit of 2013. “Guess I’ll just have to live vicariously through my normal best friend.”
“You have a best friend?” Daniel asked with a surprised chuckle. “Since when?”
“Funny Dae, seriously maybe after your stint as a high school student you can become a comedian,” Joshua said dryly.
“Some people can be multi-talented Joshie, I know it’s hard for you to understand,” Daniel pointed out. “But since you know so much about Hogwash maybe you can tell me something about it?”
“Hmm,” Joshua paused. “I mean i could but considering you’ve been so ungrateful of my company and insulting me i don’t know if i want to.” He trailed. “Maybe if you gave me something in return,” he said eyes gleaming with trouble. Trouble Daniel wanted no part off.
“Okay then you can go and before you say Andrea told you to make sure i get on the train my aunt will do that,” he said quickening his pace.
“Rude,” Joshua said a little puffed from struggling to keep up with Daniel. “Fine, i don’t know too much, but i am pretty sure the houses are Gryffindor, Evil, Smart and Yellow,” he said listing them off with his fingers. Daniel paused looking at Joshua trying to figure out if he was joking but to his surprise, he seemed serious.
“What?”
“The last three aren’t the actual names but it’s pretty much a summary of them,” he shrugged. “Apparently the only one that matters is Gryffindor and we both know what house you will be in,” he said with a laugh. Daniel hummed in agreement, out of the four options it seemed he was destined to be in the evil house.
“I can see my family,” Daniel said spotting the three of them ahead standing near a vending machine. “You should go before my aunt see’s you,” he said to Joshua. “She can be quite the vengeful bitch when she wants to be and you hurt Jinsol, i know i am shocked my aunt cares i thought we all agreed her first attempt to procreate was a failure but -” he shrugged.
“Fine,” Joshua rolled his eyes. “Don’t miss me too much and don’t forget to write to me every day,” Joshua mocked. Daniel stared at him blankly. “Oh come on i don’t even get a hug, I mean i am the closest thing you have to a best friend and it isn’t like anyone at Hogwits is going replace me not that they would want to, you are not exactly…” he trailed, Daniel rolled his eyes, biting back harsh words consoling himself that Joshua needed to think that, it’s the only way he’d survive. “It’s your last chance at some physical contact,” he said stepping forward-leaning up to whisper that he saw an empty bathroom stall.
“I think I’ll survive,” Daniel drawled stepping away from him. “Don’t get into too much trouble without me,” he said to Josh before running over to his family.
Daniel snuck up behind them, towering over his younger and favourite relative. “9 and 3 quarters?” Eunha questioned looking down at her train ticket lip pulling through her lip. “What does that even mean?” she continued, looking up only to find Daniel standing behind, her big bambi like eyes wide and surprised. It was enough to wipe the permanent scowl off his face. “Dae!” she exclaimed throwing her arms around him. “I mean Daniel,” she said after hearing her mum tut in disapproval. “When did you get here?” she asked.
“And here i thought he got lost,” Jinsol muttered just loud enough for Daniel to hear sounding far too disappointed than someone like her had any right to be.
“Just then,” Daniel answered Eunha ignoring Jinsol’s existence.
“Do you think it’s an Arithmancy test like we have to figure out the length and the platform and figure out where three quarters would be?” Eunha said going back to her ticket.
“Eunha,” Jinsol spoke only to be shushed by her mother coughing and sending a pointed look. “Emily,” she said sarcastically, her eyes narrowed and glaring daggers at their mother. “You are giving these people too much credit, plus what about all the muggle-borns who go to school here?”
“Maybe we should just follow them?” Daniel interjected pointing towards a family wearing the gaudiest of wizarding robes, broomsticks and cauldron on full display for the curious muggles. The apparent disregard of secrecy was in stark contrast to their previous school which sat on top of a Volcano. Maybe Hogwarts had really moved on from their old reputation, that or the tackily dressed people didn’t regard muggles as notable in which case they lived up to their old reputation to a tee.
His Aunt’s nose scrunched clearly unimpressed with the family but nodded anyway, following them would be better than standing around looking like fools. Daniel strutted forward, schooling his face into one that came across as welcoming and cute, a boxy smile on his face, just in case someone decided to look at him. He could only imagine what his aunt would be like if she knew he was rolling his eyes internally.
‘You need to impress these people Daehyung, do what you need to do, smile if they want you to, listen to them like they actually matter, you know how it is.’
“Oh, Sol i was doing you a favour, look at them, ugly style and a bit nuts. I am pretty sure i found your real father and your half-siblings,” he sneered.
“Daniel, Jessica,” His aunty glowered. “Look maybe we can -”
“Why is that girl running towards a wall?” Eunha cut her mum’s off, transfixed all of their eyes followed the family’s eldest daughter ran towards the wall at full speed. Daniel tilted his head to the side perhaps it was a weird rite of passage for British Wizarding families. Just as the girl was going to hit the wall, much to Daniel’s disappointment, she disappeared through the wall.
“So, to get to platform 9 and three quarters -” Eunha started to speak, her normal deep voice going up an octave as registered what just happened.
“We need to a run at a wall,” Daniel finished, “Because nothing says inconspicuous like running towards a wall, are the muggles here under a spell or are they just that oblivious?” he asked with a shake of his head. Hordes of teenagers, some in ugly robes, with broomsticks and owls and half of them aren’t even sparing them a glance.
“I bet a man came up with this,” Jinsol said a disgusted look on her face. “So how should we do this? I nominate Dae- Daniel to go first,” she said turning to him.
He scoffed, running a hand through his hair. “You know i would say ladies first,” he said. “But that means my dear Emily would have to go first so how about untalented los -” he started but was cut off by both Eunha and his aunt shouting at him to stop.
“Emily, my dear,” His aunt said to Eunha, placing a hand on her back. “Since your sister and cousin are squabbling as kindergarteners would-, you, as the most mature one here, go first?” she asked. Daniel craned his neck looking at his aunt incredulously. Eunha looked at her mother shocked before looking down, her hands trembling ever so slightly, a muttered okay escaping her lips.
“I’ll go,” Daniel said glaring at his smirking aunt, she knew very well that he would step in and that pissed him off. It was her fault they uprooted their lives yet she was about to send her youngest and favourite child to run into the unknown. All because she ran out of Asian families to try and gain favour from and now needed fresh European money. Eunha opened her mouth to protest but Daniel stopped her squeezing her shoulder lightly before walking up to the white weirdos.
“Uh excuse me?” He asked his accent heavy because if there was one thing he learned over his travel, people find broken English adorable. The family turned to look at him, the husband seemed weary perhaps he thought Daniel was a muggle, it makes sense a walking cliche like himself would think that “How did you? How do you get to platform nine and three quarter?” he asked widening his eyes and jutting his lip trying to look as innocent as possible. It seemed to work because the wife’s eyes softened as she looked at Daniel.
“Oh, is this your first time going to Hogwarts?” she asked. Daniel nodded cursing this woman for answering his question another dumber question. “My son Alan is just starting as well,” she said pointing to one of her spawns. Daniel plastered a fake smile on his face and nodded once again hoping that it would speed this conversation along, he didn’t want to know about her son.
“Me and my cousin transferred,” He said pointing to Eunha and the other two. “Can you show us please?” he said nodding to the wall. The woman coo-ed waving at Eunha, his aunt and Jinsol. His aunt looked at Daniel who shrugged, if they wanted to know how to get to the platform they might as well get this lesson as well. Reluctantly they came over, Daniel noted with annoyance the way the son’s eyes widened when he spotted Eunha and Jinsol. He hoped little Andy knew his place, he really did.
“Hello,” the woman said. “Benjamin say hello,” she said smacking her husband lightly across the chest. The husband grumbled out a greeting. “Oh aren’t you a beautiful family,” she said looking from Daniel to Eunha and then Jinsol finally settling on his aunt. “Oh you must be their mother, I can see where they get it from,” she gushed. His aunt plastered her what Daniel had realized is I am setting fire to you with my mind smile on and nodded.
“Your family is charming,” His aunt said.
“Arigato,” The woman responded with a laugh. Daniel looked at her and the train tracks wondering what would happen if she just accidentally happened to fall onto the train tracks.
“The platform?” Daniel asked his patience running thin. He had enough of these people and he just wanted to get on the train already.
“Oh right, all you have to do is walk into the wall between platforms nine and ten, best do it at a bit of run since it’s your first time,” she said. “Here watch Alan,” she nodding to her son he grabbed his trolley before taking a breath and sprinting forward. Just like before the child vanished through the wall.
“Your turn now,” The woman said turning to Daniel. Daniel ground his teeth together, fist-clenching around his luggage. If this went wrong at least it would ruin Andrea’s day which would make his. Counting to three he ran forward, ignoring his senses which told him to stop he kept going, closing his eyes as he was just about to hit the wall.
When he opened them he was on a completely different platform, he turned to look at the wall and then back to the platform that was in front of him. It really worked. Stepping away from the wall he took in his surroundings, while the other platform was busy this platform was downright chaotic. Whistles blared and the air was filled with steam from the train. He walked forward, every inch was full from emotional parents saying goodbye to their little brats to teenagers running towards their friends. A few almost running into Daniel as they did so.
“Dae,” He heard Eunha call out to him, he turned around expecting to see her right behind him but unbeknownst to him, he had wandered too far away from the wall. His eyes roamed through the crowd trying to find her. “Over here,” he heard barely spotting Eunha jumping up and down, waving frantically. He nodded waving back before making his way over to her and the others.
“So this is it?” Daniel said looking at his Aunt who nodded.
“Don’t mess this up,” She said to Daniel before turning her attention to Jinsol. “Don’t do anything stupid,” she said dismissively. Daniel shook his head, he was and will never be fond of Jinsol but surely his Aunt could at least say goodbye to her properly, don’t make it too obvious she had a favourite. “Be good and write to me okay,” she said to Eunha who nodded, her eyes watering ever so slightly. “It will be fine sweetie. Dae and Sol will look after you,” she said rubbing at Eunha’s arms. “Okay, remember that you only answer to Daniel, Jessica and Emily from now on,” she said stepping back.
Daniel rolled his eyes nodding, “Come along Emmy,” he said wrapping an arm around Eunha’s arms. “You can come to i suppose,” he said to Jinsol who flipped him off before following along. The trio made their way over to the Hogwarts Express, a formidable large red train, it huffed and puffed as the conductors tried to control the onslaught of students. “Shall we?” he asked looking at both his cousins. Neither looked particularly optimistic but a shrugged sure and nervous nod meant they were on their way.
“Do you think we can get our own compartment?” Jinsol asked as they pushed through the crowded cart. A few curious eyes landed on them, Daniel had no idea how often transfer students were at Hogwarts but he got the feeling it was few and far between.
“It’s pretty close to eleven,” Eunha said checking her brand new watch, a gift from her father for her first day at Hogwarts. “I am going to guess most of them are already full,” she frowned. “We could always just stand out here?” she offered.
“Let’s just find an almost empty carriage and hope that no one wants to start small talk, I am tired after dealing with Andrea and Joshua all morning,” he said rubbing at his temple. “One telling me what pants to wear and the other trying to get into them -”
“Please shut up,” Jinsol muttered a look of disgust on her face. Daniel hummed it must be humbling to never be someone’s first choice. What a pity.
“Well that is one full,” Eunha said standing on her tippy toes to peek into one of the compartments. “Makes sense the one near the exit would be full right?” she offered. “Maybe we should try the back?” she said looking down the hallway with a frown, it was full of students, friends yelling out to each other, hugging, sharing stories of their Summer.
“It will be fine,” Jinsol said. “Let’s just keep looking,” she said. The three of them continued down the hall searching for an empty or practically empty compartment eventually finding one near the end of the train. It wasn’t empty, a girl sat alone with her cat. Daniel figured something was incredibly wrong with this girl considering she was alone but he couldn’t care less.
“Hello,” Eunha said as they entered the compartment, the girl looked like she was Eunha’s age, surprisingly enough Korean, straight dark hair and cat-like eyes. Judging by her outfit she was either a very rich muggle-born or came from an upper middle wizarding family. The girl placed her book down, her dark eyes darting from Eunha to Jinsol and then finally Daniel. “I hope you don’t mind if we sit here, it’s just everywhere else is packed,” Eunha explained.
“You are new,” The girl pointed tilting her head.
“Is it obvious?” Eunha asked smile falling. Daniel glared at the girl, hand instinctively reaching down to his pocket considering whether he should send a jinx her way for upsetting Eunha.
“Well kinda,” the girl said. “Not that you look odd or anything,” she added quickly. “We just don’t usually get many new people, other than the first years of course,” she said. “Though last year there was that French girl,” she added.
“So people will be paying attention to us?” Jinsol asked as she sat down next to the window. Daniel couldn’t help but think she sounded a little hopeful, Daniel shook his head as he placed Eunha and his own luggage into the overhead. It would be funny if it wasn’t so sad.
“Maybe,” The girl said pausing. “At least during the great feast you should be but then maybe Gossip Witch will strike with another fascinating blast,” she said with a roll of her eyes.
“Gossip Witch?” Eunha asked sitting down beside Jinsol, “What is that?”
“This anonymous blog that suddenly started posting about the elite of Hogwarts,” she said. “It’s kinda a big deal and it’s everywhere, it’s on every social media platform you can imagine even some that probably aren’t even made yet,” she said.
“Hogwarts has elites?” Daniel snorted. “What is it any descendant of the Potter’s?”
“I think they posted about Lily once,” she said, “But no it’s mostly about the French girl and the Lee’s,” she said scrunching her nose up. “But who knows maybe you will be Gossip Witch’s new fave and I will never have to hear about he must not be named ever again,” she said.
“Voldemort?” Jinsol asked.
“No worse,” The girl said with a shudder.
“There is someone worse than Voldemort,” Daniel said, he found it hard to believe that someone could be worse than a pureblood fanatic dictator but what did he know.
“You’ll see,” The girl said shrugging, “Anyway what year will you be in?”
“Oh, I think I am going to be a fourth year,” Eunha said quickly, of course, she knew that she had spent her Summer trying to be ready for Hogwarts. “And that means these two would both be six years,” she said nodding to himself and Jinsol. “I am Eun- Emily, by the way,” she said.
“Eun- Emily?” The girl questioned. “That’s a mouthful,” she laughed. “So what is your real name? Eunbi? Eunsol? Eunmi?” she asked her nose scrunching up at the last suggestion.
“Eunha,” Eunha answered. “But I am Emily now,” she said nodding. “This is my sister Jessica and my cousin Daniel, I swear they aren’t normally this anti-social,” she said apologizing for Jinsol and himself unnecessarily, also lying to the girl, he was only social when there was something to gain from it.
“You could have kept your Korean name,” The girl said. “The school is more racist about blood purity than they are about skin colour, though a guy did ask me how to say wanna hook up in Chinese once.” She said grinning viciously. Daniel raised an eyebrow wondering if the idiot guy is still alive. “Anyway, I’m Eunmi,” she said. “Also a fourth year,” she said. “And that is Meow,” she said nodding to her cat.
“Eunmi and Meow, charming,” Daniel said promptly getting an elbow to the side. “Fine, what about these houses? Do you only get to interact with your own house?” he asked.
“What about them? There is Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin,” she said. “And you can interact with whoever you want, there is no rule against, most people just tend to stick to their own houses because you spend pretty much all your day with them,” she said.
“Which is the best house?” Jinsol asked.
“Well I am in Slytherin so I am biased towards there but if you go by the blatant favouritism then Gryffindor is probably your best bet,” Eunmi explained. Daniel thought back to Joshua’s descriptions of the house, maybe he was onto something when he said Gryffindor was the only house that mattered.
“And the other two Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff?” Eunha asked. “Are they not good?”
“I mean they can be, Ravenclaw is meant to be the smart house and Hufflepuff –“ she said.
“Is yellow,” Daniel cut her off. The girl blinked owlishly opening her mouth to speak was cut off by a great clattering.
An older woman opened the door, smiling a dimpled smile. “Anything from the cart dears?” she asked looking in on them before closing the door.
Eunha jumped up, her tummy rumbling as she did. “You guys want anything?” she asked looking at Jinsol, himself and even Eunmi. Daniel shook his head but tried to hand Eunha some money, if she was going to waste her money on sweets and charity cases she might as well use his disposable income but she shook her head. “I got it,” she said sweetly stepping out of the carriage. Daniel followed her; he’d just pay before she had a chance.
“Can I get-“ Eunha started at the same time as a dark-haired boy who came from the carriage across from them started to list his order stopping when he spotted Eunha. Daniel stepped closer looming over her shoulder but apparently, his presence wasn’t as threatening as he hoped it was. At Mahoutokoro no boy dared look at Eunha for longer than a second in fear of Daniel but this boy was looking and if the smile on his face was anything to go by he liked what he saw.
“You go first,” The boy said to Eunha, who much to Daniel disgust, was blushing. Daniel had enough stepping forward to shield Eunha from this guy.
“Dae what are you doing?” Eunha whispered. Daniel ignored her smiling at the trolley lady. “Can we have two of everything please,” he said to the woman, his signature boxy smile on his face. The transaction was quick thankfully, the boy seemingly got the message and stepped back talking to one of his friends. With his arms full of snacks he hadn’t eaten since he was a child he made his way back into the carriage, Eunha trailing behind. “You didn’t have to pay,” she mumbled. “I am not a kid anymore,” she huffed. Daniel turned towards her raising an eyebrow. That was the problem, he couldn’t have any Hoghash boys thinking they had a chance with her.
“I know but you should save your money,” Daniel said to her. “So you want a Chocolate Frog or Liquorice Wand? I figure we give the beans to Jinsol and the other girl can have the rest,” he said as he tipped to food onto the empty chair beside Eunmi.
“Emily is pouting, what did you do Dan?” Jinsol said eyes narrowing. Daniel bristled at the nickname, Dan, he was not a Dan. Of course Jinsol would say something disgusting. First, she assumed upset Eunha and now she was calling him Dan.
“I did nothing,” He huffed.
“He wouldn’t stop glaring at some poor guy and wouldn’t let me pay,” Eunha pouted notable taking the chocolate frogs.
“So he paid for your food and kept some guy away?” Eunmi asked interjecting herself into a conversation she didn’t need to be in. “I don’t see the problem here,” she said, helpfully, at least someone understood what is going on.
“He is just being overprotective,” Eunha said with an eye roll. “Everyone can have some,” she said nodding the pile of snacks. Daniel watched as Jinsol and Eunmi both moved to get some snacks. Daniel leaned back in his chair, pulling out his phone and scrolling aimlessly. Apparently, some Hogwarts student had managed to modernize Hogwarts into having an internet connection. A student breaking their anti-technology spell? What was even happening at Hogwarts?
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“Did you learn anything on your walk?” Eunha asked as Daniel threw on his Hogwarts Robe. Daniel let out an annoyed huff, he didn’t appreciate been exiled from their compartment while they changed. She knew he had no interest in the female anatomy.
“Unless you are interested in some guy named Ashton been unable to keep it in his pants then no not really,” Daniel answered he had heard too much about people he had never met before loves life or lack of love life in some cases.
“I hope someone kicks this Ashton guys butt,” Eunha said with a glare. Daniel’s lip quirked up into a smile. She was adorable even when she was trying to be tough.
“Open,” A female voice said before knocking on their compartment door excessively. Daniel looked from Eunha to Eunmi figuring she’d know what is happening but she shook her head looking at the door confused. Daniel sucked in a breath opening the door.
“Can i-“ he started to say before a brunette girl pushed past him standing in the middle of the compartment, demanding attention. Daniel looked at the girl confused, her brown eyes frantic and her ponytail messy in a way that made Daniel believe that wasn’t her intention. “Are you lost?” he asked her.
“No,” The girl snapped at him. “You are the Choi Siblings, right? Daniel, Eunha and Jinsol,” she said looking at each of them. “I am sorry I didn’t get any information about you,” she said turning to Eunmi who looked at her like she had grown a second head.
“I am not new or related to them,” Eunmi said shaking her head. “I am a fourth-year from Slytherin,” she said as the girl rolled her eyes waving a hand dismissively as if she had done nothing wrong.
“Right anyway, I am Elena, the prefect Professor Headly, put in charge of making your transition into Hogwarts is as easy as possible,” she said to them. “Oh good you are all ready,” she said seeming relieved. “So much better than last years transfer student,” she muttered. “Come with me,” she said. Daniel shared a look with his cousin who seemed just as unsure of this girl as he did. “We don’t have all day people,” she tapping her foot impatiently.
Daniel moved to grab their luggage but was stopped by Elena who tutted. “No need to do that your luggage will be in your dorm once you are sorted,” she said. Daniel held his hands up stepping away, stupid crazy girl.
“Right please follow me,” she said once they were all standing. Daniel and Jinsol followed behind her, Eunha strayed behind saying her goodbyes to Eunmi. “So firstly I would like to welcome you to Hogwarts,” Elena said guiding them back to the front of the train. “I assume you all know the school rules by now, “ she started before going on off a tangent.
“And then they picked Poppy as head girl,” she said as they stepped onto the train station. “Poppy Parkinson, her mum was a death eater? And Cameron as the head boy? He is such a dudebro the only reason he ever got anything done was because of me!” she ranted. “Can you believe it?” she said turning to Daniel waiting for a response. Daniel blinked looking at Eunha clearly confused. The last thing he remembered hearing from this girl was that sneaking members of the other sex into the dorm was strictly forbidden.
“That’s awful,” Eunha said. “But you are still a prefect and that is really good,” she trying to appease the girl.
“Yeah, you are the – what house are you from?” Jinsol asked.
“Gryffindor, the best choice,” she said proudly. “All we need to do is get the quidditch cup back but thanks to Tyler Lee –“ she continued and Daniel went back to ignoring her knowing that he would contemplate drowning if he was stuck in the same house as that girl. He looked ahead eyes falling on the carriages with some hideous creature attached.
“What is that?” Daniel asked pointing ahead.
“The carriages?” Elena said raising an eyebrow.
“No,” Daniel shook his head. “The things in front of it, like a horse skeleton, “ he said, eyes wide as he took it in. The creature was terrifying, a winged skeleton-like creature with a reptile’s face. Jinsol and Eunha both frowned muttering about how they couldn’t see anything.
“Dae are you okay? Did Josh slip something in your coffee?” Eunha whispered. Daniel shook his head, looking at Elena for an explanation. Why did no one know what he was talking about, how could they not see them?
“You can see the Thestrals?” Elena asked, mouth dropping in surprise. “That means you’ve seen –“ she said bringing a hand to her mouth.
“Death,” Jinsol finished her. “Why are you acting so weird about it?” she said to Elena. A rare time Jinsol was looking out for Daniel. “I can’t believe you didn’t know that Daniel, did you ever pay attention in class?” she asked changing the subject. “Such a blonde,” she said climbing into the carriage.
“Right,” Elena said. “Please get in,” she said to Daniel and Eunha. Daniel nodded helping Eunha before sliding in beside her. “So anyway as I was saying Ravenclaw is okay, Hara is great but Sungjae, he is a nice guy but Minah is such a bad influence on him. Honestly he shouldn’t be a prefect anymore,” she ranted. And like that Daniel was back to ignoring her.
“Wow,” Eunha gasped as the castle came into view. “So that is it?” she asked looking up at the castle, eyes wide in awe. Admittedly the castle did make a formidable figure, standing out above the large lake and illuminated by the full moon. The carriage paused a pair of impressive wrought iron gates, flanked with stone columns topped with winged boards.
Elena hummed in agreement. “Yup that is Hogwarts,” she said with a soft smile and a wistful tone. He knew school spirit and pride was drummed into people but that reaction was a little much. “I am sorry it’s my last trip here,” she said, Daniel could have sworn her eyes were tearing up.
“Are you dying?” Daniel asked hoping that he didn’t come across as too eager. The carriage started up again, picking up speed on the long slopping drive up to the castle.
“No,” Elena said looking at Daniel oddly. Well, that was a letdown. “It’s my last year here,” she said pouting.
Daniel nodded before going back to ignoring her. He was pretty sure he’d never have to interact with this girl again (and for that he was so thankful) so it didn’t matter what she thought of him. He zoned out taking in the scenery around him, dense forest, sloping fields and a large lake, the closer they got to the castle the more the nerves took over. Beside him Eunha legs couldn’t stop bouncing up and down, Jinsol had started chewing on her bottom lip. Daniel himself was fiddling with the sleeves of his robes, rolling them up and then rolling them down.
“We are here,” Elena said pointing out the obvious as the carriage drew to a stop. “Come along, Professor Goldhorn is waiting,” she said hopping out of the carriage. Daniel followed suit helping Eunha and even Jinsol out of the carriage. They took a minute to soak in the grandness of the Hogwarts castle before making their way up the stone steps.
“The Choi’s I take it?” They were greeted by a stern-looking woman, her dark grey hair pulled up in a tight bun. She looked down her glasses slipping down her rather large nose. “Crowley you can go to the great hall,” she said dismissing Elena, “You three come to my office,” she said not waiting a beat before turning around her emerald robes swishing as she moved down the hall. Daniel and the others moved quickly to catch up with her. They followed her through the entrance hall, up the marble staircase and along the corridor, stopping in front of her office.
“Come in,” she said shooing them into the room. Her office was on the smaller side, at least compared to the offices of the professors at Mahoutokoro. The centrepiece of her office was the large fireplace. “Sit,” she said motioning to three chairs. “So as you know Hogwarts has a special way of sorting its student,” she said pausing for them to nod in agreement. “Now for our first year the sorting ceremony happens in the great hall during the welcoming feast but given your age, I assume you don’t want to be placed with first years,” she said. “So,” she said walking over to the desk and picking up a dirty pointed hat, it was old and tattered, patches and rips covering its entirety. “I figured we could do this in the privacy of my office,” she said as the hat began to twitch its brim opening to reveal a mouth. Daniel blinked mortified as it started singing, he slowly turned his head to look at Eunha and Jinsol who both were looking on transfixed and horrified.
You’re in safe hands (though I have none), For I’m a Thinking Cap! The hat finally finished. “Okay so we will do this by alphabetical order, Daniel Choi,” she said looking at him and picking up the hat. Daniel’s nose scrunched up as she moved to place the hat on his head. He would need to wash his again after having that thing on his head.
The hat barely touched his crown before yelling out a loud and definitive “SLYTHERIN,”, the hat was promptly taken off his head. Not quick enough if his opinion though, he hoped he’d never have to put anymore enchanted ugly headwear on again.
“Emily Choi,” Professor Goldhorn said placing the hat on top of Eunha’s head. Unlike Daniel’s sorting Emily’s seemed to go on for a few minutes. Daniel frowned wondering what the school’s policy on having a hairstylist visit, he needed a professional to fix Emily’s brown locks after having that on top of her head for so long. Daniel didn’t think he could hate that hat more than he already did but when it called out “HUFFLEPUFF!” loudly he knew if he ever got the chance that hat would be burned to smithereens. How dare they place her in the useless yellow house.
“Can the hat –“ He started to ask before Professor Goldhorn shot him a withering look, a quick the hat is never wrong escaping her painted lips leaving no room for argument.
“Now Jessica Choi,” she said to Jinsol, placing that hat on her head. Jinsol’s sorting was longer than Daniel’s but much quicker than Eunha’s. “GRYFFINDOR” it exclaimed as Daniel glared at it. It sorted the useless cousin into the best house.
“Wonderful,” Professor Goldhorn clapped, “Please make your way to The Great Hall,” she said, “It just straight down the staircase, it’s hard to miss,” she added before leaving the office with a swish, the dumb sorting hat in hand stopping in the doorway, gesturing with her head for them to leave. With a tight-lipped smile that was more of a sneer, Daniel stood up, walking past the Professor stopping at the top of the staircase waiting for Eunha.
“So none of us are in the same house,” Eunha lamented, pouting at Daniel and then Jinsol. “Do you think we will be able to interact?” she asked as Jinsol laughed.
“Oh Eun-Emily,” she said rolling her eyes at having to change names. “Do you really think they are going to forbid you from interacting with your big sister and well, him,” she said looking over Daniel, detest clear in her eyes.
“Do you really think some silly school house is gonna stop me from seeing my favourite person?” Daniel asked throwing an arm around Eunha’s shoulder. “Plus if anyone should be exiled it should be Jessica, after all, she is in the favourite house,” he said throwing a withering glance over his shoulder. “Been a favourite for once, you must be so happy Jessie,” he said in a saccharine sweet voice.
“Don’t make me push you down the stairs,” Jinsol spat.
“Oh go ahead, I’d love for you to have pay off the insurance,” He laughed. Sure he wouldn’t get a knuckle off it but it would be fun to see Jinsol scramble around to try and pay the amount his face was insured for.
“So the Great Hall?” Eunha suggested trying to stop the argument. “You know before we get told off or lost?”
Sharing one last annoyed glance with Jinsol, Daniel turned nodding. “Let’s go.”
The Great Hall like Goldhorn had said was hard to miss, especially when hoards of students piling into it. Daniel’s arm dropped down once he stepped into the hall, it was admittedly grand. It was lit by thousands and thousands of candles floating in midair over four long tables, which were quickly been filled by students. On the table laid glittering gold plates and goblets. “I guess this where we might need to separate,” Daniel said reaching out squeezing Eunha’s hand. “If anyone causes you any trouble come find me,” he whispered. Eunha nodded, turning to give a quick hug to Jinsol before the three of them made their way over to their respected tables.
Daniel walked down the Slytherin table looking for an empty spot to sit. “Daniel,” a distinctly female voice called out. Daniel whirled around looking for who called out. He frowned looking around the room searching for whoever said it, with a shrug he moved on figuring out that maybe they were talking to another Daniel, it was a pretty common name.
“Daehyung,” This time he froze, that name wasn’t common at all. “Hello,” he heard seeing a leggy girl with coloured orange hair. “Come sit with us,” she said waving her hand at him. He raised an eyebrow as he looked her over, her robe was open showing off a ruched blouse and a skirt that was definitely shorter than the school uniform code. The piece de resistance was her Cartier handbag that hung loosely off her arm. She seemed wealthy enough. Daniel nodded making his way over to her.
“Ah I am so excited you are here,” The girl said smiling at him sweetly before narrowing her eyes. “Move, you are in my spot loser,” she snapped to a boy who was trying to chat to a blonde girl. “I am sorry about that,” she said turning to Daniel. “Some people don’t know their place, anyway as I was saying, I am such a huge fan – I remember last Summer I went to Tokyo to visit family and your face was everywhere,” she said. “Once Gossip Witch posted about you and your cousins, I am so sorry by the way Hufflepuff – tragic,” she said looking in down like she was mourning, “I knew I had to make sure you were integrated with the right crowd,” she said.
“There is a wrong crowd?” Daniel asked. The girl laughed in response.
“Of course there is,” she said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Now come sit,” she said sitting on the bench. Daniel looked at the bench with an eyebrow raised, did she expect him to sit on her lap. He got the distinct feeling that Hogwarts students were weird but surely that would be pushing it. He opened his mouth to point out that there was no room, when the blonde girl next to his new friend turned to the person beside her, daggers coming from her eyes. The girl who was on the receiving end quickly stood up practically running away as the blonde slid down leaving a space. Daniel hummed well that works.
“Ladies meet Daniel Choi,” The orange-haired girl, said tapping the spot beside her. “He is that model I told you all about,” she explained.
“I thought his name was Daehyung?” The blonde girl asked, the glare now replaced with a look of curiosity.
“He changed his name obviously Aspen,” The dark-haired girl across from them answered looking up from her copy teen witch. “You know to appease your kind,” she said to Aspen with a roll of her eyes. “Do you think Giselle’s name is really Giselle?”
“If you want to survive you all better say yes Giselle’s name is Giselle,” Giselle, the orange-haired girl threatened. “Anyway yes Daniel is the model I told you about,” she said rolling her eyes. “You know – “
“The one who was on the cover of Mode and Teen Witch Japan at the same time,” The dark-haired girl said with a laugh.
“The one who has been the brand ambassador for Hex and Helix, Divine Beauty, Chanel and Louis Vuitton,” Aspen continued. “You know with the cousin?” she said. Daniel looked at her confused, what did she mean with the cousin.
“Yeah,” Giselle agreed solemnly.
“Were sorry, it’s bad enough a Gryffindor in the family but a you know,” Aspen trailed off.
“It’s okay, no one will think any less of you,” The dark-haired girl said. “You can’t control them,” she shrugged.
“Anyway, enough about that Priya,” Giselle interjected. “I am sure you don’t want to talk about it, it’s upsetting enough,” she said to Daniel patting his back in what was meant to be a comforting move but was just ignoring his personal space.
“Thank you,” Daniel said, “And uh thank you for appreciating my work,” he added, a bashful smile making its way onto his lips. He wondered if Giselle was part of his fan club or just a social climber.
“Here,” Aspen said handing him a goblet. “Don’t worry it’s not pumpkin juice,” she said winking at Daniel. Daniel sniffed at there was no obvious poisons, deciding to risk he took a sip, wine, a decent red at that, he had no idea how they got it but he was glad they did.
“Trust me you’ll need it to get through the sorting ceremony,” Priya whispered to him. “First years are so exhausting,” she said.
“Don’t forget the headmaster’s stupid speech and the school song,” Giselle said nose scrunching up in disgust. “Hoggy Hogwarts, I can’t believe I used to sing that crap,” she scoffed. “Don’t judge me,” she said to Daniel. “I was young and stupid,” she said.
“So nothing has changed then,” A boy said walking past, Daniel turned to look at who said it to see a tall boy, probably older than them, wearing a skirt.
“Don’t worry about him,” Aspen said with an annoyed scoff. “Caspian thinks he is all that because he is a seventh year and is friends with two prefects,” she said shaking her head. “Everyone knows in that the sixth years run the Slytherin house, especially since Poppy is the head girl now, like the headmaster has pretty much condemned her to the domestic life with a that Gryffindick,” she said.
“Also Aspen has never got along with Caspian because he made out with her old crush,” Priya laughed. “It was this huge thing, luckily it was pre gossip witch,” she said.
“Thankfully,” Giselle said. “Imagine if Gossip Witch was here when it happened, Aspen would have never been able to show her face again,” she said, Daniel was sure she seemed a little too gleeful at prospect.
“Oh right Gossip Witch, I heard about that but the person I talked to said they only really post about the same people,” he said.
“Oh Gossip Witch definitely has her favourites,” Priya said rolling her eyes, “Minah Delacroix and her Lee’s,” she said shaking her head. “Merlin’s beard why does Gossip Witch assume we all care about that not so love triangle.”
“Because we supposedly don’t have anything else to do,” Aspen drawled. “And we are supposed to believe Sungjae Lee is a worthy competitor against Tyler,” she laughed.
“Well you will never hear me speaking ill of Sungjae Lee,” Giselle said. “Thanks to him we have the internet,” she praised.
“So you are saying you’d choose Sungjae over Tyler?” Aspen said looking at Giselle, ignoring Daniel’s presence entirely.
“I am not saying that but I am not going to bash him, he has given me Instagram, Tik Tok and made Hoot until he can get the Twitter batch out,” she said. Daniel blinked, the only word familiar to him was Instagram and even that was a foreign land to him.
“I would,” Priya said with a shrug. “He is decent looking but not hotter than me so he will be an easy catch and is destined to become some sort of Tech billionaire,” she pointed out. “But if I am completely honest I don’t think he beats for my team if you know what I mean,” she said wiggling her eyebrows.
He is friends with Caspian and Siobhan and those two are well….” Aspen said judgement clear in her tone.
“Is there a problem with being… “ Daniel repeated mockingly. He had just assumed these people adopted him so they could have a gay best friend.
“Of course not,” Giselle said as it was the most obvious thing in the world. “You were so brave coming out so young,” she said as her friends nodded in agreement. “It just Cas and Siobhan are losers,” she said. “Hey maybe if Sungjae is interested in boys you could date him,” she said.
“Giselle!” Aspen said. “No Daniel is way too good for him, I’ll find you some more worthy of your affections,” she said.
“Yeah your next boyfriend probably,” Priya muttered under her breath.
“Either way,” she shrugged. “Hey Daniel, you should add us on Insta,” Giselle spoke before pausing. “Or you finsta, I know your company doesn’t allow you to follow anybody,” she said. Daniel nodded, he has no control over his Instagram and he wasn’t sure what a finsta was. “I know this because Joshua Jung slid into my DM’s the other week,” she said proudly.
“Oh wow,” Daniel said pretending to be awed, he didn’t think have Josh slide into any crevice was a badge of honour, it was more like a tramp stamp but she seemed excited about it. He was saved from having to say anything more thanks to a slew of 11-year-olds made their way into the hall, all wide-eyed and bushy-tailed.
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“Where do you think you are going?” Giselle asked cocking an eyebrow at Daniel, the feast had finished and Daniel just wanted to check in Eunha, make sure she wasn’t been rejected by the Hufflepuff crowd.
“I was going to check on my cousin,” He said as Giselle, Aspen and Priya gasped, all three of them shaking their heads frantically.
“No sweetie,” Priya said quickly, “You can’t go over there, one it’s social suicide and two we do actually have to head to our dorm,” she said.
“The only time you can go to the Hufflepuff table is if you want to huff and puff,” Aspen said. “But even then, I know a guy who has better options,” she added. “Just let me know what you need.”
“Come on,” Giselle said linking arms with Daniel, Priya took the other arm effectively trapping him. “So our common room is in the Dungeons, I know ew right but it’s really the best one out there,” she said.
“And trust her she has been in all of them,” Priya laughed as Giselle let out a scandalized noise. “But it’s true no other common room is more refined than ours,” she said.
“Ravenclaws common room is pretty nice as well,” Aspen said walking backwards. “It’s in the Astronomy Tower,” she said. “I am not going to tell where Gryffindors or Hufflepuffs are, you might be too tempted to try and find your cousins,” she said eyes narrowing.
“I mean i know it’s Gryffindor but surely he could speak to that cousin if he wanted,” Giselle said. “She looks like she has potential,” she said.
“Jessica?” Daniel snorted. “No, trust me, just no,” he said, the idea he would run in the same social cycle as Jinsol was horrifying to think about. “Should I know anything else about Slytherin?” he asked hoping to get some useful information out of them and not just hearing about how they had a plan to make a finsta.
“Hmm,” Giselle pretended to think.
“You are a pureblood right?” Priya asked. “We aren’t as bad about that stuff now but if you are a half-blood or muggle-born maybe don’t let people know,” she whispered.
“What are you whispering about Patil,” A tall boy asked sliding in next to her. Priya bristled next to him, an annoyed scowl on her face.
“Blowjob techniques, got any tips, Stefan?” Priya asked. “No of course not because no one would touch you with a fifty-foot broom,” she said with an eye roll. “Daniel meet Stefan, he is a six-year like us but you know not as important or attractive,” she said.
“You’re a sixth year?” he said eyeing Daniel. “Guess we will be seeing each other,” he said a smirk making its way onto his lips. “See ya later Patil,” he said with a wink before sauntering over to a bunch of other guys. Daniel knew smirks and that one was trouble, that one meant the idiot was going to pull some shit on Daniel and Daniel was just too tired for dealing with it.
“Don’t worry about him,” Giselle said once he was out of earshot. “He is just pissed Priya rejected him,” she said.
“Oh and Tyler kicked him off the quidditch team,” Aspen added with a laugh. “Apparently he missed training last season and you know what Tyler is like,” Aspen said.
“He bought on himself,” Giselle with a nod. “He was dragging the team down, I heard Tyler is going to pull guys up from the reserve side, maybe Zhang,” she said.
“Nah Zhang isn’t making the team for two more years; he is a seeker, right?” Aspen said. “Yeah Tyler isn’t letting on the pitch until he is done,” she said.
“True,” Giselle lamented. “It’s a shame though Lucas would look good on a broom,” she giggled.
“Right,” Priya said rolling her eyes. “What about Kim? She is a chaser and is actually pretty good,” she pointed out. Daniel nodded not knowing who any of these people are and why he would care.
“Yeah, but she did laugh when Sungjae hit him with the jelly legs jinx,” Aspen pointed out.
“He would stop someone from joining the team because they laughed?” Daniel asked with an eyebrow raised. “Should I be worried about this Tyler guy?” he asked. From what he heard he seemed to be in charge of the whole house.
“No,” Giselle said quickly. “You are amazing.”
“What she means is there is no reason to be worried,” Priya said rolling her eyes at her friend. “You probably won’t see him outside of class, he has his own separate room in the boy’s dorm and is very picky about who he spends time with,” she said with a bitter scoff, Daniel had a feeling someone got rejected. “Not that you aren’t worth spending time with,” she tacked on.
“But seriously don’t worry,” Aspen said. “You will have no problems as long as you stick with us,” she said, the threat was there. Daniel bit his tongue but noted to one day ruin this girls life enough that she would want to jump off that Astronomy Tower she was talking about before.
“So the password for our common room is Viper,” Giselle said to him. “It changes fortnightly though so be prepared,” she warned him.
“Why is Hogwarts against elevators,” Priya complained as they made their way down a winding staircase.
“Maybe you should hook up with Sungjae and see if he can put one in,” Aspen joked. Priya tilted her head before shrugging.
“If I did she wouldn’t be able to use it,” Priya whispered to Daniel.
“Well you would have done all the work,” He whispered back to her, Priya giggled happily. Daniel winced as he felt Giselle tighten her grip on his arm, he guessed she didn’t like been excluded from the joke.
“We are here,” she said as they stopped in front of a stone wall. “Daniel you should say the password since it’s your first time,” she said before a bunch of boys ran past shouting the password.
“I guess I’ll have to wait to pop my password cherry,” Daniel said pulling out of Giselle and Priya’s grips. He really just wanted to get into this dormitory, find his stuff and wash his hair. He could barely hide his annoyance as he had to walk down a narrow hallway, he thought he was here.
“Welcome to the common room,” Priya said once they finally got out of the hallway. “It’s nice right?” she said. Daniel nodded in agreement, it looked like it came from the pages of Witch Deco. “It used to be super ugly, you know just after the war but thankfully people with taste came in and made it more modern,” she explained.
“So the boys dormitories are over there,” Giselle said pointing to a staircase. “Normally I would say we should chat some more but we all have to be up early tomorrow to pick up our schedules,” she said with a yawn. “Do you want someone to lead you to your dorm?” she asked. “I can call one of the guys over,” she offered.
“No it’s fine,” Daniel said, “You should all go get some beauty rest,” he said to them, some needed it more than others. Giselle nodded, before leaning up kissing both his cheeks, Daniel blinked in shock as Priya and then Aspen followed suit. “Goodnight,” he said quickly moving up the stairs, desperate now to not only wash his hair but now his face.
Finding the sixth year’s room was rather easy, it was a spacious room with four four posters each hung with deep emerald curtains. To the end of the room was a single door, what he assumed was the great Tyler Lee’s room. His three dormmates stood near one bed, all eyes on him.
“Hey man,” He noted it was Stefan that was greeting him. Daniel rolled his eyes knowing that this was not going to end well, not for these other guys at least. Stefan noticed Daniel seemed less than impressed, “Hey no, we just want to welcome you to our oh so humble home,” he said bowing mockingly.
“Is it true you are a model?” One of the guys asked, a chuckle escaping his lips. “That’s pretty.. fruity you know,” he said. Daniel once again rolled his eyes.
“Can we skip this whole you all pretend to be nice and get to whatever dim-witted thing you have planned, I am a little exhausted, so –“ he said making a hurry-up gesture. The third boy, a burly idiotic looking beast stood up, Daniel’s luggage in hand.
“Hang on pretty boy,” Stefan said. “I think you have the wrong idea, you see I think we can all be great friends, right guys –“ he started to speak. Daniel was always the quickest to draw his wand so before the three of them could notice he already have Stefan flying back against the wall. The two others watched on in surprise before snapping out of their daze.
The second guy started to sending jinxes and curses his way, all of them Daniel had sent back with ease. Did they teach them how to duel at Hogwarts because honestly, a third-year student at Mahoutokoro could do better than this. The burly guy didn’t bother with magic and instead grinned dragging his things near the door, opening it and pushing his things in with a laugh before closing it. Daniel raised an eyebrow wondering what was the point of that. He didn’t get a chance to ponder about it too much as the big guy had decided to go all muggle and try to tackle Daniel, Daniel thinking quickly hit him with a stupefy unfortunately due to him fighting two people at once, the big was thrown at the door with a loud bang. Stefan and the other guy looked over nervously. Daniel didn’t waste time and hit the three of them with a levitating spell, smiling as they floated mid-air.
“What do you wa –“ Daniel heard someone say, he turned to see who he assumed was Tyler looking from him and his fellow sixth years and then back to him. “Nice,” he said chuckling clearly amused by what he was seeing. He walked over to where Stefan was hanging in the air, “Did I say anything about hazing the new guy?” he asked flicking Stefan’s forehead. “Fucking idiot,” he muttered. Without a word the three others dropped, Stefan and the burly one were lucky enough to fall on a bed, the other guy, well he was not so lucky, instead, he fell face-first onto the ground. “Go see Nurse Pomfrey first thing tomorrow,” Tyler said stepping over the guy and walking over to Daniel.
“So I am guessing your luggage was what was tossed into MY room,” he said to Daniel. Daniel nodded, “I am guessing the big idiot was the one to come up with that idea?” he said and once again Daniel nodded. “Can you speak?” he asked raising an eyebrow, “Oh do you not speak English?” he asked.
“Do I need to answer you verbally?” Daniel asked, taking in Tyler Lee properly quick to decide his face, which despite the wicked gleam in his eyes, was cute, he had big eyes and a sweet looking smile, did not match the rest of his body which was thankfully on display. They must have interrupted him mid nightly routine, he was shirtless with low hanging sweats.
“It’s rude not,” Tyler said tilting his head. “And your luggage broke my defence system,” he frowned. “So you kinda owe me,” he said.
“What?” Daniel asked dropping his wand.
“Just come on,” Tyler said pushing him towards his room. Normally Daniel would have no problem with a guy like him manhandling him but right now he was just very confused and a little scared and not in a fun way.
“Look I don’t know what is –“ he started to speak before been shushed by Tyler.
“In,” he said push him in. Daniel stumbled, eyes widening as he looked around the room. It was nice, really nice and Daniel was a little jealous. Why couldn’t he get his own room, did he have to play quidditch was that it? “Sit,” he said gesturing to a chair.
“If you want to me boss me around you could at least buy me dinner first,” Daniel muttered as he stomped over to the chair.
“Winky,” Tyler called as a house-elf appeared. “Could you get me some snacks, you pick, you know what I like,” he said to the elf. The elf let out a quick yes Mr Tyler, bowing and disappearing and then reappearing with arms full of food. “Give it to him,” he said to the house-elf who promptly dumped his haul into Daniel’s lap. “So now I can boss you around right,” Tyler said smirking at Daniel. Daniel’s eyes narrowed. Tyler rolled his eyes, “Relax, I don’t know what those girls have told you but I am a nice guy,” he said. Daniel knew for a fact if someone had to tell you they were nice they were most definitely not nice but he wanted this to be over so he kept that fact to himself.
“From what I’ve noticed they all seem to hate, love and worship you at the same time, it’s pretty impressive,” he admitted. Tyler grinned nodding proudly, seemingly happy to hear that. “Not trying to be rude because I have the distinct feeling I should feel honoured to be in your presence but I am tired and I had to wear that disgusting hat so I am not sure what creatures are currently making a home in my hair –“ he ranted stopping because he didn’t need to be sharing that with anyone. “What do you want?”
“The sorting hat, it’s so unsanitary,” Tyler agreed, “I swear they haven’t washed that thing once since I’ve been here,” he said as Daniel’s hand wander up to his head wincing as he ran his hand through his locks. He would sue this school if it caused permeant damage. “Well firstly, is that your stuff?” he said nodding to a pile of Daniel’s belonging which while neatly stacked was no longer in his suitcase. Daniel jaw clenched as Tyler laughed. “I didn’t go through your things if that is what you are thinking, though seriously sneaking contraband into school, you are so lucky they didn’t check this year,” he said.
“What?” Daniel asked before realization dawned on him. “Joshua!” he said a growl escaping his lips. Tyler quirked an eyebrow at him, as he picked up a box of chocolates from an admittedly large pile. Daniel winced as the overwhelming smell of peppermint and rose wafted through the air. “Don’t eat those,” Daniel said as Tyler looked up at him. “They are laced with a love potion, a poorly made one though since I can smell the ingredients,” he said. Tyler looked at the box curiously before waving his wand leaving the box a pile of ashes.
“Thank you,” Tyler said. “Now I am going to pretend I know and care about what a Joshua is and skip ahead, the big lug threw your luggage in here knowing that my wards would have destroyed it as soon as it crossed the threshold,” he explained. “He was stupid enough to try and get in my room, completely destroyed his wand, burnt all his hair off and left him tinkled pink, literally, with yellow boils – not pretty but for him, it might have been an improvement,” he said. “Anyway apparently your own charms and wards messed with mine, your suitcase is completely ruined but your belongings are completely fine, even stacked neatly by yours truly,” he boasted. Daniel found it hard to believe Tyler has ever stacked a thing in his life.
“Thank you?” Daniel offered.
“Yes,” Tyler said. “You have good taste by the way, in clothes I mean,” he said. “I don’t suppose you play quidditch do you?” he asked appraising Daniel.
“Thanks?” He said again. Daniel didn’t have taste when it came to clothes, he rarely ever got to choose what he wore. He was a walking billboard, more a mannequin than a human being, it used to bother him (it still does) but he hasn’t had a choice in anything that happened in his life, why should his clothes be any different.“And no not anymore, my manager banned me from playing, a bludger to a face would ruin my career apparently,” he shrugged.
“That’s just sad,” Tyler said. “You mustn’t have been very good if your manager was that worried about bludgers,” he said shaking his head.
“I was plenty good, my face is just worth more,” Daniel huffed.
“If you say so,” Tyler shrugged.
“I should go –“ he said standing up, placing the pile of snacks on the chair. “I’ll just grab my stuff,” he said to Tyler.
“I wouldn’t sleep out there,” Tyler said in a sing-song voice. “The three stooges will want revenge,” he said. “Look I never do this but I feel bad for you,” he said placing a hand on his heart clearly touched by his own kindness. Daniel tried not to show how annoyed he was about Tyler feeling bad for him. “Go shower and you can stay here tonight,” he said. Daniel raised an eyebrow, Tyler didn’t ping him but maybe he was curious.
“Uhm?” Daniel said. “Are you sure –“ he continued looking from the bed and back at Tyler. Tyler shook his head a disappointed sigh escaping his lips.
“You failed test one,” Tyler said, “You don’t question me, especially when I am going out of my way to be nice you say thank you Tyler,” he recited. Everyone who mentioned Tyler Lee to him was wrong, he wasn’t intimidating or cool he was just really strange. Tyler coughed pointing to another door. “Tomorrow you’ll have your second test, don’t fail that one – What is your name?”
“Daniel” He grumbled.
“Right well then don’t fail your second test Daniel,” he said. Daniel blinked picking up his things before walking into Tyler’s ensuite. So much for Tyler Lee not noticing him.
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The next morning came too quickly and a groggy Daniel was woken up by a house-elf sitting on his chest. “Rise and shine Daniel, we have things to do,” he heard Tyler’s voice from somewhere in the room. “Is this a one of a kind Gucci Sweater? Hmm, I need to get one,” he heard. Daniel groaned sitting up, much to Daniel’s relief and disappointment Tyler had expanded his room enough to fit the four-poster bed from the dorm in his room. “Oh good you are up, come on it’s breakfast time and time for your second test,” he said happily, already dressed for the day.
Daniel sighed standing up. “Accio lookbook,” he said as the lookbook Andrea had planned for him came flying at him, flipping to page one he quickly called for the pieces he needed. Tyler looked on, foot tapping impatiently. “Every day is a runway and I have endorsement deals I have to uphold,” he explained. “You can have the sweater if you want by the way.”
“I don’t need your charity Daniel Choi,” he said with a huff.
“Clearly,” Daniel said looking around, everything in this room was lavish. “I was saying thank you,” he added. Tyler hummed considering what he said.
“Well then I appreciate the offer but I will get my own,” He said. “Good you are ready,” he said clapping. Daniel frowned, was Tyler one of those mythical morning people?
“I am actually meant to be meeting up with Giselle and Pri-“ he started before Tyler raised a hand to stop him from continuing.
“They will understand,” Tyler said. “Now come on breakfast,” he said
. “Couldn’t you just get your house-elf to bring you breakfast in bed?” Daniel asked. “Which reminds me why do you have a house-elf? And your own room? Does Hogwarts really take quidditch that seriously?” he asked. “Also random question but what is a finsta?”
“I don’t eat in bed, and yes Hogwarts does take quidditch seriously,” Tyler answered as they walked through the boys dorm. “But that isn’t why I have my own room,” he said. “Hang on,” he said stopping at the door pulling his wand out muttering spell, Daniel watched as the potted plants on the floor came up over their three slipping roommates and tipped onto them. “Okay let’s go,” Tyler said.
“So,” Tyler said as they ended up in the great hall. “We will be having breakfast at the Ravenclaw table,” he said.
“I thought going to other tables was strictly forbidden,” Daniel said as Tyler turned to him looking at him as if he said something so incredibly dumb.
“Who told you that? Wait don’t answer,” Tyler said shaking his head.
“So you can go to other tables? great I need to go see my cousin,” he said trying to make his way over to the Hufflepuff table.
“What are you doing?” Tyler asked grabbing him and pulling him back. “Oh is your cousin in Hufflepuff?” he asked, Daniel nodded. “Oh no, Daniel, I am so sorry, why didn’t you tell me that no wonder you failed the first test, don’t worry I will strike it from your record, “ he said patting Daniel’s back. “But no you can’t go to that table, ever, anyway test time,” he said, dragging Daniel to three people dressed in blue.
“Hello, ladies and trolls how are we this morning?” Tyler asked. Daniel frowned wondering what this test was until he noticed, the troll in this equation, a boy with mostly black hair with blue streaks through his bangs, cat-like eyes and what seemed to be permanently pouted lips looked at Tyler with a scowl, his lips barely moving but Daniel noticed the incarnation he was muttering. Daniel muttered his own defence protecting Tyler from whatever the boy was trying to do. The boy blinked looking surprised and then finally settling on Daniel, Daniel smirked cocking an eyebrow challenging this guy to try again.
“Daniel,” Tyler said looking between Daniel and the guy. “Ignore him, this is my lovely little sister, Tara,” he said pointing to a girl, Daniel nodded he could see the family resemblance.
“Hello,” he said with a wave. Tara muttered her own hello before looking at her brother. Tyler was staring at Daniel intently which was odd. “Your brother’s really nice?” he offered trying to get Tyler to look somewhere else. He nodded seemingly happy with his praise. Maybe he wanted to prove he was a nice person. “And this is my girlfriend Min-“
“I am not your girlfriend!” The girl snapped.
“Minah,” Tyler sighed. “Don’t be rude to my friend, say hello,” he said. “She is just keeping it on the down-low,” Tyler informed Daniel. “We are actually en-“ he started before an apple was thrown at his head, luckily he managed to duck.
“Hello Minah, girlfriend not girlfriend of Tyler,” Daniel said. “Wait Minah, oh this is the love triangle, I got told about,” Daniel said. “You must be the internet guy,” he said pointing to the guy. “Sunghae,” he said nodding. “Can you make an elevator?” he asked.
“Don’t talk to him,” Tyler said pulling Daniel away, Daniel pouted he wanted an answer. Once they were away from the table. “So what do you think?”
“Well Sunghae was better at spells than Stefan and his friends but I blocked it,” he said. Tyler tilted his head. “That’s what we are talking about right?” he asked as Tyler shook his head.
“What did Sungjae try and do?” he asked, “No, never mind, what do you think of Tara and Minah? Do you think they are pretty?” he asked.
Daniel blinked, maybe he wanted to make his sister and girlfriend models?. “Yeah I guess?” Daniel offered. “I mean objectively of course, wait are you trying to set me up with your sister, oh no, sorry but that isn’t –“
“No!” Tyler snapped. “Wait why are you saying no, do you think you are too good for my sister?” he asked his eyes narrowing.
“You’re confused, I am saying I am a little too gay for your sister,” Daniel deadpanned as Tyler froze, he had to bit back a laugh as Tyler seemed to malfunction. “Is that a problem?” he asked.
“No,” Tyler said quickly, “It’s good,” Tyler nodded curtly. “Right,” he muttered. He was about to say something when a girl in a Gryffindor uniform leapt on him.
“Tyler, come have breakfast with me, I haven’t seen you all Summer,” she said, not sparing Daniel a second glance as she dragged Tyler away. Well, that was fun.
“Daniel,” He turned to see Giselle, Priya and Aspen racing towards him. “Why didn’t you wait for us in the common room?” Giselle asked with a pout. “You look cute,” she said fixing his Gucci felt cap and pulling on his tie. “Priya can charm this, it’s not the right colour,” she frowned. “Also fix his cap, make it green instead of red, we don’t want people to get confused and think he is a Gryffindork,” she said tutting.
Priya stepped forward, speaking her spells and waving her wand. “Much better,” she said. “So we were told Tyler Lee stole you away,” she said.
“And we knew they were lying,” Aspen said, Daniel glanced over at her, nose scrunching up the sight of bare skin. Crop tops were apparently a part of the Hogwarts uniform. Charming.
“Right,” Daniel rolled his eyes. “So food then and schedules, right? I am starved,” he said patting his stomach. Giselle nodded once again linking arms with him.
“So what classes did you pick?” Giselle asked as they walked back over to the Slytherin table, Daniel smirked as once glance from her once again cleared the table. She sat down pulling down beside her as Priya and Aspen sat across from them. “I hope we are in the same classes,” she said pulling out her phone. “Ugh this stupid app isn’t working,” she frowned.
“Oh, so we got our schedules by phones?” Daniel asked.
“Not really, they bought this app in last year but they can never get it working so we all end up getting it the old fashioned way,” Aspen said. “Leave the muggle tech to muggle-borns, the professors can’t do anything,” she said rolling her eyes.
“Daniel, time for a first-day selfie,” Giselle said sliding closer and taking a photo. “Oh we look so good,” she hummed as she turned her attention back to her phone. “Remember to add us to your finsta today,” she said. “I want to be able to tag you,” she said.
“Why is Sungjae Lee staring at you?” Priya asked.
“Giselle is very pretty why wouldn’t he?” Daniel asked looking at the picture of Giselle’s shoulder. “Maybe the internet god appreciates people enjoying his work,” he said as Giselle looked up beaming at him. It would seem a little bit of praise goes a long way with her.
“He is looking at you,” Aspen said.
“Oh,” Daniel said looking up to find Sungjae looking at him curiously. Daniel winked at him smirking as Sungjae suddenly looked away. Cute. “Why wouldn’t he?” Daniel asked turning back to his ‘friends’. “I am very pretty right?” he asked as the three nodded furiously.
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“So we took your results from your old school,” Professor McKeon said looking down at Daniel’s results. “Exchanging them match our OWL levels, I have to say I am surprised, you have so many O’s,’ Daniel had no idea what O’s were but he nodded. “You are cleared for Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Potions, Ancient Runes, Divination and Muggle Studies,” he said tilting his head as he read the last class out, handing Daniel his schedule.
So what classes are you in?” Giselle said bouncing over to him. “Are you taking Astronomy?” she asked as Daniel shook his head watching as she deflated. “Give me your schedule so we can check,” she said as Priya and Aspen crowded around as well.
“Can I look at it first,” Daniel laughed, he had a class – well now, he was looking further when his schedule was promptly ripped out of his hands. Daniel looked up ready to tell Giselle off only to find Tyler looking over his schedule humming and hawing as he did so. Daniel looked at him annoyed as the girls watched with wide eyes.
“Switch Muggle Studies and Divination for Care of Magical Creatures and Arithmancy,” he said handing back to Daniel. Daniel blinked looking at the girls for some help but they were to busy staring at Tyler. He coughed trying to get them back to a normal state.
“Yeah you should totally change it, Daniel,” Aspen said. “Who even does Muggle studies these days?” she asked. Daniel glared at her, if she kept this up by the end of the year she would be at the bottom of the lake. Beside her, Giselle and Priya nodded.
“Hmm,” Tyler said looking at the trio with an eyebrow raised. “Ladies I believe potions is about to start,” he said to them. They nodded giggling as they scampered away, Daniel raised an eyebrow, Tyler was dismissing them and they were completely fine with it, even thankful.
“So the powderpuff girls?” Tyler said looking at them as they hurried down to the Dungeon.
“The what?” Daniel asked. “Is that what they call themselves?” he said scrunching his nose up, he could believe it. It was probably Aspen’s idea. “What does that mean?”
“It’s a muggle cartoon,” Tyler said. “I call them that and if I said they should call themselves that they would without questioning it,” he grinned. “So classes – don’t worry I’ll do it for you,” he said rolling his eyes.
“Uh you can’t,” Daniel said. “I have to take Muggle Studies, my manager said I need to be more aware of the muggle world since I work in it,” he shrugged. Tyler Lee didn’t need to know about the Bazar incident. No one did.
“Nope,” He said popping his p. “I’ll teach about the muggle world, don’t worry,” he said waving a hand dismissively.
“And why would I listen to you?” Daniel asked.
“Because –“ Tyler shrugged. “Plus it’s what friends do right? Help each other,” he said.
“We are friends?” Daniel asked. “Because you seemed kinda freaked out before,” he added.
“I don’t spend this much time with people I am not friends with and I am going to ignore how ungrateful you seem right now because I guess I didn’t handle your news that best,” he said. “You should have told me earlier instead of just springing it on me,” he said.
“I’ve known you for about what? 8 hours, when exactly would I have had time to have a heart to heart, or should I have just slipped into a conversation?” he asked.
“8 hours is a long time,” Tyler said. “And it doesn’t matter right, we are friends, you aren’t attracted to me, right? Like it’s not going to get weird?”
“Right, I am not attracted to you,” Daniel said simply, it wasn’t entirely the truth, Tyler was a good looking guy but it did seem the quickest way to end this conversation.
“Good, wait, why aren’t you attracted to me?” he asked suddenly baffled by the prospect. “I mean I saved your life last night – shirtless might I add,” he said.
“Do you want me to find you attractive?” Daniel asked.
“No, I mean – you should be though, I am hot,” he huffed.
“You’re cute and i am not sure I am into guys who try to pimp me out to their little sisters so,” Daniel shrugged.
“I did not try and pimp you out to my sister,” Tyler exclaimed. “And stop lying, I am the most attractive guy in the school but i appreciate your commitment to pretending you are not attracted to me for the sake of our budding friendship,” Tyler nodded.
“Someone is lying to themselves and it isn’t me,” Daniel said with a laugh. “And can I have my schedule back, I have classes to attend as well you know unless you got some more tests for me, which by the way what was the other test and did I pass?” he asked.
“You did but you cheated,” He huffed. “I’ll have to think of another one,” he said. “And no I need to go fix it, go to the Dungeon’s I’ll see you in potions,” he said.
“I saved you from that Sungjae though so that has to count as well,” Daniel pointed out. “Why was he trying to hit you with a jinx anyway?” he asked. “And I don’t need to change classes,” he said. “So how about give me my schedule and you go to potions,”
“I’ll let you keep Divination if you let me change Muggle Studies?” Tyler offered. “And because he is jealous of me and in love with my girlfriend,”.
“Fine and really? Priya said that Sungjae plays for my team,” Daniel said.
“You don’t play quddi- Oh you mean – no, or maybe, do you think he does?” Tyler asked.
“Well he was starring at me during breakfast, I should have eaten a banana to see if he liked the visual,” Daniel said.
“Hmm,” he said tilting his head. “If that’s true – I mean he is aiming higher than he should but –“ he said, gears turning in his head. “We’ll talk about it after class, once you sign the roommate agreement, it’s just standard rules and an NDA nothing to worry about,” he said to Daniel. “You should go to potions, if you see any guy try and sit next to Minah stun them,” he instructed before walking through the crowd that seemed to part as soon as he appeared.
Daniel hummed pulling out his phone, messaging Josh to let him know he was wrong. Daniel had made a new friend now, atleast he thought he had.
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