A/N2: Edited 4/4/2018. Gryffindor's password in rough translation is Everlasting Friends.

A/N: The fic's almost finished, just one last chapter and it's done! This should have been a one shot, but yeah, now it's more or less a five chaptered fic. But for the meantime, here's the monstrous word vomit in Sungmin's POV. Enjoy and do tell me what you think~

Chapter 1: In which Dwiddle-Dee and Dwiddle-Dum plays matchmakers

"I told you to do the Hawkshead attacking formation! How the hell are we supposed to chase after Slytherin's Hoya and Hufflepuff's Minhyuk?!" Sungmin let out huffs of smoke as she glared at her chasers who panted hard, so hard that she thought they were shaking because of the chilly, winter air.

Oh, wait...

"But captain, it's freaking minus 3. Why don't you try doing laps for the next half an hour and let's see if you don't get your ears frost bitten." One of her chasers, and her fellow sixth year, Jung Yunho hissed as Lee Sungyeol and Amber Liu — her other and younger chasers, nodded in agreement while trying hard not to shake too violently whenever a cold breeze blew.

"Yeah, and try looking for that bloody snitch while getting your goggles fogged up." Choi Minho, the team's seeker (and Hogwarts' champion for that year's Triwizard tournament) soon followed while wiping his goggles with the sleeve of his quidditch practice robe. And yet, even before Sungmin could start her holier than thou sermon, a bludger came and swooshed just a hair's strand away from her ear. It almost made Sungmin jump and fall onto her , if not for the fact that this happens at each of the team's practice.

A series of hoots and laughter soon followed a lamely shouted 'sorry' resounded from the other side of the field. A few seconds later, two figures came swooping down so fast, making Sungmin feel the cold rush of the wind before the figures spiraled up and settled beside the other shaking members. Both were wearing mischievous smirks and Sungmin could already feel the headache coming even before one of them could open their mouths.

"They're right, Sungminnie, it's freaking minus three. One more lap and I'm sure it's gonna rain ears down the pitch." Sungmin glared up at the dashing Lee Donghae who was wearing a mischievous smirk while playing with his bat. Sungmin then turned her glare on Donghae's partner in crime, Lee Hyukjae, who was wearing an identical god damned smirk while looking down at her from his broomstick.

"And besides, it's almost the holidays Sungminnie. The Yule ball's just a breath’s away, let Yunho teach these kids some dance moves..."

"Hey! Leave me out of this!" Yunho protested but it fell onto deaf ears.

"And ask out the remaining pretty ones to the ball..."

"Or get asked out by some decent bloke for Sungyeollie and Amber. But then, all the good ones would have gone if we stay here a tad too long..."

"And who's fault will it be if we..." Sungmin watched as Donghae motioned his hand around the players hovering up the air. The nerve of this guy, really. "...all end up dateless on the Yule ball and just go as a team?"

"No offence, but don't you think six hours a day, forty-two hours a week on the pitch...

"Plus the rest of the hours of the night on the Gryffindor Tower and the classes we share Sungminnie..."

"...isn't enough for us to be together, yeah?"

Sungmin found herself grumbling incoherent words before glaring at the two. Oh, how she hated it whenever they continue each other's sentences as if they were the reincarnation of the great Weasley twins just because they share the same surname. Now, if she could only get her hands on those two, she'll definitely hex their arses into oblivion. How could she have kept herself from killing these idiots for the past six years? She looked up once more, eyes locking onto Donghae and Hyukjae who were challenging her with their smirks. She glared hard at them before stomping her foot hard and she could almost hear the triumphant cheer from her team. She took a deep breath before begrudgingly marched towards the changing rooms with a tight lipped 'practice dismissed' that went almost unheard when the rest of the team cheered as though they have won the quidditch cup.

Traitors, that lot.

The warm halls were of a great comfort from the harsh winter winds that blew hard as soon as the sun took its leave on the horizon. It would have been great to roam the torch-lit hallways at an evening like this, if only the mischievous snickers from Donghae and Hyukjae weren’t present, but it was inevitable. The former even had his elbow jabbing Sungmin's side annoyingly while the latter had his arm draped heavily on her shoulders.

"So, who's the unlucky bloke taking you to the ball?" Sungmin almost growled at Donghae as she and her annoying beaters turned to the corner and climbed up the stairs leading to the portrait of the Fat Lady after returning the equipment and what not to Madam Hooch's office, long after all the other members of the team have gone up (because the idea of having Yunho teach Sungyeol and Amber how to waltz seemed to be enticing enough for the two, much to the said sixth year's annoyance and amusement to the remaining members of the team, especially Sungmin. Karma really does strike fast).

"Oh, careful there mate, the lioness' already growling. You wouldn't want to unleash her, no?" Hyukjae playfully growled, soon followed by the two lads' cackling echoing on the quiet staircase, annoying not only Sungmin but also the portraits who hushed them haughtily.

"Sod off." Sungmin could only manage a half grunt, trying to pry Hyukjae's heavy arm off her shoulders as soon as they reached the top of the stairs leading up to the portrait of the Fat Lady. "If I didn't know any better, you two are going to the ball dateless. Sempiterna Amicis."

"Oh but that's where you're wrong, Sungminnie dearest." Donghae said in a singsong manner, almost laughing again as the Fat Lady glared at Sungmin with how she hissed the password. The portrait opened and let them in to the warm yet almost deserted Gryffindor common room, except for a few second years doing some History of Magic essay. "You see, we managed to grab ourselves a decent date unlike someone we know, right Hyukjae?"

"Damn right you are, Donghae."

Sungmin scoffed as she took off her scarf before plopping on an unoccupied sofa near the fireplace.

"Oh please, you two going together doesn't count as getting a date to the Yule ball."

Gagging sounds coming from Hyukjae and protests from Donghae effectively made Sungmin chuckle but it was cut short when the two plopped beside her, squishing her with their rather muscular bodies. "And besides I'm not into those kind, balls and parties and dressing robes. I'd rather plan our next game because in case you forgot, we're against Slytherin in—"

"Merlin, Sungmin. Quidditch won't resume until after three weeks! Can't you even talk of something other than quidditch? This is the exact reason why blokes avoided dating you at Hogsmeade! Bet you couldn’t even get someone to date you to Hogsmeade." Hyukjae exclaimed, a hint of laughter laced on his voice as he laid his head on Sungmin's lap before smirking at her.

“Wanna bet on it? Locker duties for the rest of the term.” Sungmin however nudged her leg before laughing as she sent Hyukjae tumbling down the floor head first. She watched how Donghae extended his leg and kicking Hyukjae playfully on the shoulder after he somewhat glared at Hyukjae. Sungmin wasn’t sure though, because the glare was gone as soon as she saw it and Donghae was already chuckling.

"Oi, we both know that’s not true, you smelly anchovy." Donghae countered as Hyukjae tried to grab the other's foot. "But really, Ming. Why not give it a shot? You can go with Minho, heard the kid's having a hard time looking for a date, and he's required to have one."

Sungmin scoffed before sprawling her upper body on the other side of the sofa, where Hyukjae had been sitting a while ago. She then grabbed a throw pillow and hugged it to her chest.

"You're kidding, right? Minho, having trouble looking for a date? And besides, the bloke's too young for me, and I'm not interested in participating with the opening dance that the champions are required to do."

"Yeah. Imagine Sungmin's pathetic excuse of a dance opening the Yule ball. That'll be freaking hilarious. Ow!" Hyukjae groaned as Sungmin's foot met his side not too gently. "Then Yunho, maybe? I mean at least you trust the guy. You've practically grew up with him."

"No way!" Sungmin exclaimed as she shook her head.

"Why not? At least you're sure he's not gonna do anything funny. I mean he knows not to mess with his quidditch captain." Donghae chuckled as Hyukjae nodded.

"Especially if said quidditch captain is a quidditch Nazi herself."

"Bugger off." Sungmin grumbled, waiting for the two idiots to stop laughing. It took a few minutes before the two sobered up, with Hyukjae turning to Sungmin with a trying hard sobered up expression.

"But seriously, why not Yunho? Come to think of it, you two would look good together."

"Would you have wanted to take your sister Sora to the Yule ball if she were still studying?" The question seemed to have scandalized Hyukjae as the guy quickly frowned in disgust.

"Oh hell no! That would big time."

"Exactly. Yunho's like the annoying big brother who likes pestering his younger siblings with witty comments and equally annoying gestures, so no. And besides, no dating within the team! Well, except if it's you two dating, I mean come on, everyone else can feel the between the two of you." Groans of protests soon met Sungmin's ear as she watched the two look revolted with her suggestion.

"Why do you always pair the two of us? It's disgusting, really."

"Why are you even playing matchmaker with me?"

"Because we care for your well-being." Donghae said with a mock sincere expression that made Sungmin kick him on the shin.

"Well I don't need it." Sungmin glared at a grinning Donghae, another retort almost slipping out of when the creaking sound of the portrait opening echoed through the almost quiet walls of the common room followed by laughters and cheers and heavy footsteps. Sungmin followed Donghae and Hyukjae's stares as they glanced over the portrait hole. Soon enough a few seventh year boys went inside, laughing and clearly making ruckus. It would've been ignored by Sungmin, if not for the burly figure in the middle of the group being flanked by the others.

The group then stopped as they passed by the trio, all wearing mischievous smirks as they nudged the burly guy playfully before going up the stairs to their dorms with cheers and teases on their wake. Sungmin had her brow cocked up as she watched how the guy smiled at her, his eyes crinkled in crescent moon shapes.

"Sorry about that. Had one too many butterbeers and they go wild and noisy and stuff." He said with a deep voice before he smiled once more. "I'll see you guys later, yeah? Good night, Sungmin."

Sungmin could feel her eyes blink rapidly as the guy took his leave towards the stairwell. Then there were snickers coming out from Donghae and Hyukjae before she found herself rolling her eyes.

"Funny. Very."

"I think you've got tough guy Kim Youngwoon all smitten with your Nazi-ness." Donghae teased as Hyukjae's snickers turned into full blown laughter that died as soon as Sungmin's foot kicked him on the side once more. She then decided to change the topic, hoping the two would quit persuading her to go to the ball or play cupid and find her a date. Or both.

"So, who are these unlucky ladies who have half the minds to become your dates to the ball?" Sungmin asked and she found herself thankful that the two went with the change of topic without any protests. Donghae grinned at Sungmin with that idiotic smile of his and she knew the boy took the bait.

"Oh you'll never believe who he managed to grab." Hyukjae chuckled as he sat up from where he was lying on the floor. Sungmin had her eyebrow cocked at Donghae who continued to grin at her.

"Take a guess."

Sungmin took one more glance at Donghae before turning to Hyukjae who wiggled his eyebrows playfully at her. Realization hit her hard, so hard that she quickly threw the pillow she was hugging at Donghae, effectively wiping that arrogant smirk off his face.

"Bloody hell! You snagged that champion from Beauxbatons! What was here name again? Sarah? Sally?" Sungmin exclaimed, getting the attention of the second years that half glared at her, but she ignored it as she hit Donghae with the pillow repeatedly while the latter lamely stopped her with frantic arms and a love-struck smile on his handsome face.

“It’s Sandara, Ming.”

"Oh Merlin, look at that lame look on you, mate! I never thought I'd live to tell the tale of how the self-proclaimed notorious Casanova Lee Donghae got wrapped up on a half Veela's finger!" Hyukjae chuckled, earning a glare from Donghae.

"Well at least I'm not 'fraternizing with the enemy'!" Donghae exclaimed, complete with the air quotes that Sungmin would have found funny if not for the wrenching gut that Sungmin already has an idea who Hyukjae's date is. She turned to Hyukjae with a determined expression, similar to the one she always wear whenever she's on the pitch and she almost smirked when she saw how Hyukjae swallowed hard.

"Fraternizing with the enemy, eh?" She cocked her eyebrow at Hyukjae who threw a discarded pillow at Donghae before turning towards Sungmin.

"Hey, this is for interhouse relationships that Headmistress McGonagall had been promoting since we were first yea—oof!" Whatever Hyukjae wanted to say was muffled with the pillow that landed squarely on his face.

"What the hell, Lee Hyukjae, you really swing that way?! Why didn't you tell me?! I knew it, I knew something was up with you!" Sungmin watched with wide eyes as Hyukjae's face quickly turned as red as the crimson banners hanging on the walls of the common room. He sputtered incoherent words that were soon drowned by Donghae's loud guffaws and the hushed whispers from the second years. He threw a glare, complete with the violent blush on his cheeks that looks hilarious, at the second years that sent them scampering up the girls' dormitories, yet the hushed whispers didn't stop. Hyukjae then threw a pillow towards Donghae who barely dodged it as his laughter shook his body violently.

"You're not helping, you dolt!"

"But...but Donghae said you're fraternizing with the enemy, are you not? As far as I remember, there are no girls on the Slytherin team…" Sungmin asked, her brows furrowed in concentration as Donghae’s cahoots and laughter continued to bounce on the walls of the now empty common room.

"Oh bloody hell, mate, not only does she think you're gay, she also thinks you’re dating someone from the Slytherin quidditch team! This is so hilarious!" With a sigh, and a lame kick aimed at Donghae’s shin, Hyukjae leaned back and sent a blank look at Sungmin.

“I’m taking Hyoyeon to the ball, you know, Hufflepuff’s chaser?” Hyukjae said as he glared at Sungmin who now had the blush that once adorned Hyukjae’s face on her quite chubby cheeks. “Really now Sungminnie, do the members of the Slytherin team really ignite something in you that they’re the only ones you consider as enemies?”

“N-no… I mean, I just…” Sungmin stuttered as Donghae chuckled one last time.

“Have you forgotten, Hyukjae, that our little Sungminnie dearest has this unhealthy obsession with quidditch and Slytherin?”

“I do not!” Sungmin protested, glaring at the two who were wearing mischievous smirks and paid her no heed.

“This makes me wonder, really, why she has this thing about the Slytherin.”

“Oh, but not all Slytherin, you know. She’s only obsessed with the Slytherin quidditch team, have you noticed?”

“Merlin’s beard, of course I did, Donghae! Come to think of it, who’s interesting enough to be on the Slytherin team to catch the attention of our very own quidditch Nazi who isn’t really interested in boys and dating? Well, it's not like someone's interested with her...” Sungmin huffed, ignoring Hyukjae's last sentence as she watched the two turned towards her with those annoying smirks she so wanted to hex. Then both of them exclaimed with loud and booming voices that sent Sungmin on the edge of cursing them.

“But of course, Cho Kyuhyun!”

“Stop it! Stop yanking your wands or I’ll have them shoved up your arses!” She then grabbed Donghae’s collar and hissed at him venomously. “I'll have you know that I'm not obsessed nor interested in the least with the Slytherin team, especially not with that lame, stuck up, idiotic and lousy scumbag seeker they have!” Sungmin threw a withering glare at the two before stomping angrily towards the stairs leading to her dorms, leaving the two smirking like the cat that got the canary.

“But I couldn’t disagree more, Hyukjae. What do you reckon?”

“I think… she may be well on her way with this fraternizing with the enemy thing.” Hyukjae grinned at Donghae. “And she doesn’t even have the slightest idea that she is.”

"But we do." Donghae chuckled as he leaned back on the sofa while Hyukjae followed soon after, though the chuckle that came out of him sounded forced.

"Which reminds me, shall we let up for the rest of the week? Stop cursing and jinxing guys who intend to ask her out? You know, so she could experience being asked by blokes. Poor girl doesn't even get invites to Hogsmeade weekends. We can't possible let her go to the ball dateless now, can we?"

"Are you mad?" Donghae hissed as glanced over at Hyukjae who stood and took the vacant position beside the former on the squashy yet comfortable couch. "Throngs of blokes will definitely force themselves on her!"

Donghae then glanced over his shoulders, as if checking if someone was around and listening to them. Then he leaned closer to Hyukjae and lowered his voice.

"And besides, someone's going to ask her out. Have you forgotten?"

"I didn't." Hyukjae muttered with a slight frown on his usually grinning face. Then he turned towards the fire pit and decided to glare at it. "But how long should we wait for him to ask Sungmin? Damn it, we've been waiting for him to ask Sungmin to Hogsmeade for years! And now it's almost the ball and he hasn't even made a move. It'll only be a matter of time before our luck runs out and a prefect or even yet a professor finds out about our random jinxing. And though detention sounds nice and all, imagine the points threatening to be docked! I don't even understand why we took on a deal with him." Hyukjae took a bated breath before he continued. 

"And then there's..." Hyukjae dramatically lowers his voice. "There's Youngwoon hyung. Do you think we got a chance on jinxing him without having a bruise or two and some broken limbs?!"

Donghae chuckled once more before he stood up from the couch before heading towards the stairs leading to the boys' dormitories. Hyukjae sighed before following Donghae.

"Well, that's why we are in Gryffindor and he is not, isn't it? We have guts and he...doesn't. It's not like we're not used to docking points off of Gryffindor anyway, are we not? We take risks and chances because we're brave and bold and daring to take on that deal. And what's a few points docked in exchange for a night of fun for Sungmin? As for the last predicament..." They descended down the stairwell and stopped on the first door they passed by. Donghae then smirked as he glanced over Hyukjae.

"We just have to rely on him regarding tough guy Kim Youngwoon. After all, this is all his plan, anyway."

"Bloody jerks, those two are." Sungmin grumbled as she poked her bacons hard that morning. Next to her was one of her friends, Kim Ryeowook, who flinched every so often whenever Sungmin's fork would scratch over her plate.

"Well, we all know that already, don't we?" Ryeowook off handedly said, taking a sip at her pumpkin juice while eyeing some blokes on the Ravenclaw table. "But you've got to admit that Dwiddle-dee and Dwiddle-dum do have a point. This unhealthy obsession you have with Cho Kyuhyun is a bit unnerving, not that I can blame you. The bloke's got the looks and the build that girls would definitely do."

"I'm not obsessed with Kyu–" Sungmin exclaimed but quickly stopped herself when a few heads turned towards her. Then she caught sight of said Slytherin seeker with an eyebrow cocked at her in amusement and his usual smirk adorning his face. Sungmin scoffed at him, resisting the urge to throw insults and rude hand gestures under the watchful eyes of Headmistress McGonagall from the far end of the Great Hall. She instead opted to slink down her seat with a flushed face and glared at Ryeowook. "I'm not obsessed with that slimy, insufferable git! He's not even handsome, I tell you." She hissed lowly as Ryeowook waved her hand dismissively, neck craned and eyes roving over the Ravenclaw table.

"Yes, yes, whatever makes you sleep at night, Sungmin. Say, have you seen Jongwoon this morning?"

"That...aloof guy with a fuzzy hair from Ravenclaw? Nope I haven't yet."

"Do you think he already has a date for the Yule ball?" Sungmin growled lowly and slammed her fists on the table, making some first years jump on their seats from being startled.

"Why is it such a big deal for you guys to look for dates to this blasted ball?"

"Because..." Ryeowook finally tore her gaze away from the almost empty table after failing to locate Jongwoon and looked at Sungmin pointedly. "The Yule ball only happens every time there's a Triwizard tournament. And when was the last time that Hogwarts hosted the Triwizard tournament?"

"Uh...fifteen years ago?" Sungmin replied sarcastically, but the sarcasm was lost to Ryeowook.

"Exactly. You have to wait for another fifteen years to have a ball and mingle not only with the boys from the other houses but also those decent blokes from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang." Ryeowook explained in an enthusiastic manner that made Sungmin bored.

"And your point is...?"

Ryeowook huffed and rolled her eyes at Sungmin.

"My point is that this is the perfect time to ditch your date with your mediocre Moonchaser on the quidditch pitch..."

"It's a Starsweeper XXI, and it's not mediocre for Godric's sake Ryeowook. It's the broomstick that the players at the Quidditch World Cup uses!"

"...and mingle with people our age, Sungmin! Please do tell me you already picked someone from the herd of boys that's wanting to ask you to the ball?"

"I...I d-dont have herds of...! That's rubbish!" Sungmin flushed once more and spluttered incoherent words that made Ryeowook sigh dejectedly. She wiped the sides of with her napkin and gathered her things just as a commotion from the entrance of the hall gathered the attention of most of the occupants, especially Headmistress McGonagall.

"Merlin, Sungmin. Are you really that densed or are you really that obsessed with Kyuhyun and quidditch? If not for Dwiddle-dee and Dwiddle-dum and sometimes Yunho always hovering by your side, I'd think those blokes would have made a move at you. Better yet, why not just go with one of them? Half of the campus thinks they're hot anyway, really, they need to have their eyes checked." Sungmin yawned as she ignored Ryeowook's incessant bumbling.  Seriously, it's too early to have this kind of conversation with Ryeowook. Because who in their right minds would claim that Lee Sungmin has throngs of blokes at her wake and Hyukjae, Donghae and Yunho had been holding them off? Completely rubbish, she reckons.

"It's not like I'm interested in going anyway." A gasp that sounded scandalous came from Ryeowook, hands clutched on her chest with eyes bulging and mouth hanging open.

"You wouldn't dare, would you?"

"Try me."

"You're a hopeless case. Such a loss, wish I had the throngs of boys running after you. Ah, I must be going, I need to find Jongwoon and ask him if he already has a date to the Yule ball." Ryeowook then stood and headed towards the doors. "Oh and just in case you're interested, that hot champion from Durmstrang seems to be interested in you. Maybe he'll change your mind?"

Ryeowook turned back at her and tilted her head towards the Slytherin table where that charming champion from Durmstrang, Choi Siwon, was smiling at her. She felt her cheeks heat up and quickly turned just in time that Donghae and Hyukjae went inside and greeted Ryeowook.

"Morning, Ryeongie. By the way, avoid the stairs on the west wing, well unless you're looking for a slimy Jongwoon!" Hyukjae hollered, making Ryeowook gasp and hurry out the Great Hall with a glare and an embarassed flush at her cheeks as Donghae laughed while he took a seat from where Ryeowook was sitting earlier.

"Morning, dear captain of mine! How's the obsession going? Good, no?" Sungmin was almost thankful that Ryeowook left but the gratitude left as soon as Donghae opened his loud mouth. Now she thinks she prefers Ryeowook's incessant rants compared to Donghae and Hyukjae's jeers and teases.

"Are we still not over this yet?" Sungmin almost groaned as she forked the almost forgotten bacon on her plate. Hyukjae chuckled and sat across Sungmin, grabbed the fork from her before eating the bacon. It made the girl roll her eyes in frustration before taking a swig at her pumpkin juice.

"Nope. Not until you admit it." Hyukjae blurted through a full mouth, bits of bacon almost flying out.

"Manners, Hyukjae." Donghae shook his head in a mocking way as a plate full of eggs, bacons and toast alongside a goblet full of pumpkin juice appeared in front of him. "Just saw our Sungyeollie getting asked by that eccentric Ravenclaw to the ball, by the way."

"Oh, really?" Sungmin muttered with disinterest as she grabbed her fork from Hyukjae and toyed with it. Hyukjae, on the other hand, nodded at her and grinned through a mouthful of food.

"And I heard that hamster kid Lau finally had the bollocks to ask Amber too, would've doubted him being sorted in Gryffindor if he had asked later than today." Sungmin shrugged non-commitally before placing her chin on her palm.

"And that 5th Year Taemin finally agreed to be the Hogwarts' champion's date."

"Ok." Sungmin yawned as she placed the fork on her plate.

"And Yunho finally snagged that elusive dorm mate of yours."

"Jaejoong? Nice." Sungmin muttered.

"Though it would have been better if it was you who he's taking to the ball with." Hyukjae remarked, immediately receiving a glare from the girl sitting across from him.

"And you're telling me this, why?"

"Because everyone else is going to the ball with dates. Everyone but you!" Donghae exclaimed, ignoring the rather scandalous look from Headmistress McGonagall, yet he paid her no heed.

"For the love of Godric Gryffindor, please stop it. I've already had an earful from Ryeowook earlier." Sungmin groaned as she let her head fall on the cool, wooden table with a soft thud. 

"Oh did she now? So...?"

"So what?" Sungmin muttered, voice muffled by the wood on her face that made Donghae chuckle.

"So did she managed to convince you to find yourself a date to the ball?"

"No. I told you I'm not going!" The head that was resting on the table quickly shot up and soon Donghae found himself the subject of a withering glare from Sungmin.

"But you have to." Hyukjae said in between taking spoonfuls of eggs and bacons. Sungmin quickly dodged some flying bits of food in disgust before glaring at Hyukjae.

"And why is that?"

"Because," Donghae interjected, turning towards Sungmin with a wide grin that stirred annoyance at the latter. "Students 4th year and above are required to attend. Well unless you want a two months’ worth of assignments from all the professors due the first day after the Christmas vacation."

A loud and agonizing groan came out of Sungmin as she let her forehead meet the cool material of the dining table once more. She's doomed either way, but going to the ball with elegant dressing gowns and spending a few hours with a hormonal lad sounds a tad bit bearable compared to the two months’ worth of assignments due the first day the term resumes.

"So you better get yourself some decent enough bloke to take you to the ball." Hyukjae muttered in a matter of fact way, thankfully finished with eating and remnants of his breakfast gone from his mouth.

"Well, unless you want to have a hot date with your quill, parchments and A History of Magic book to name a few." Donghae nodded in mocked sympathy as he placed a what is supposed to be a comforting hand on Sungmin's shoulder.

"Speaking of a hot date," Hyukjae suddenly hissed while stressing the word hot, though Sungmin isn't sure if it's sarcastic or excited. She thinks it's the former. "I think you just landed one, Sungminnie!" Hyukjae's eyes were locked behind Donghae with a glint of mischievousness and something akin to nervousness, but Sungmin must've imagined it, because after a second glance it was already gone on Hyukjae's eyes. Before Sungmin could scold him though, a tall figure stood beside her. She quickly sat up and turned towards the tall figure, ignoring the playful jab on her side from Donghae who was unusually quiet along with Hyukjae.

"Uhm hi, I'm Choi Siwon. You're Lee Sungmin, aren't you?" Sungmin blinked a few times, trying to convince herself if she really is seeing the champion from Durmstrang standing in front of her with a dimpled smile.

"Uh...yeah." By that time, Sungmin could literally feel all eyes on them and it made her feel uncomfortable.

"Here... I'll see you later, yeah?" A piece of folded parchment was ed in front of Sungmin who hesitatingly took it. But before she could even open it, Siwon was already gone, leaving her with a dead curious Donghae and Hyukjae.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Open it!" Hyukjae exclaimed as though it was already Christmas morning. Sungmin rolled her eyes as she did so, though she kinda regretted it soon after, for in the parchment was a badly scribbled note that Sungmin was dreading to read.

Would you want to go to the Yule ball with me?

Sungmin groaned as she let Donghae snatch the paper from her hand while she let her head fall to the table for the nth time that morning. A headache was already starting to form on her head and Donghae and Hyukjae's hoots of triumph and endless teasing isn't helping to ease it away.

Somehow, she had a feeling that this day is going to be a very long one.

"Hey, what was that the Durmstrang champion doing here earlier?" Sungmin looked up to see Yunho taking a seat on her other side before grabbing the parchment from Donghae's swaying hand. "Bloody hell Sungmin, he just asked you to the ball."

"Actually, I have a feeling that tons of guys would ask her out today." Hyukjae said as he wagged his eyebrows playfully at Sungmin, making the other glare at him. Not Hyukjae too. Curse Ryeowook for circulating this nonsensical rumor. She would have pulled her wand and hexed him, house points be damed, only to have Yunho beat her to it.

"Ah, by the way, heard you finally came out of the closet last night, mate. So who's the lucky guy from the Slytherin team that you're taking to the ball?" Echoes of laughter soon resounded in the Great Hall, with Headmistress McGonagall docking a few points from Gryffindor despite the corners of her lips twitching and a smile almost coming out.

Karma really strikes too fast, and luckily it's always in Sungmin's favor.

As Sungmin had expected, it was indeed a long and tiring day, following the comment that Hyukjae said during breakfast. She had never thought that she would be asked out to the ball so many times that she almost felt sorry whenever she rejects someone, almost being the operative word. Remembering how those thick headed blokes managed to trap her at every corner after her classes and almost landing detention from Professor Flitwick for distracting the class when in fact it was that slimeball Slytherin who was distracting the class by asking her to the ball was enough to eradicate all the guilt in rejecting those boys harshly (and some hexes and jinxes along the way). The only downside of this was that she was also on the verge of docking most of their house points. She might go down in history as "that quidditch captain who docked most of the house points that Gryffindor was on the negative side for the rest of the term." Surely, Donghae and Hyukjae wouldn't let her live it down.

But Merlin's beard, how could she have not noticed that there were so many blokes that wanted to ask her out? Was she really this dense and addicted to quidditch to even notice it, just like what Ryeowook claimed earlier? Or was she always by Donghae and Hyukjae's side that guys doesn't stand a chance? Maybe Ryeowook was right, she was indeed too dense and focused on quidditch to even notice. Speaking of the devils, surprisingly and strangely enough her beaters Dwiddle-dee and Dwiddle-dum are suspiciously missing amongst all this commotion. In fact, she hadn’t seen them since breakfast. It was as if the two of them vanished into thin air to let the pixies out of the cage…

On second thought…

“Oh, they’re so gonna have it at practice!” Sungmin grumbled as she took the longer way towards the quidditch pitch to avoid the herd of blokes waiting for her at the usual halls she took that lead to the pitch. She took a turn leading towards one of halls but quickly backed off as soon as she saw that 6^th year Hufflepuff, Wooyoung or something along those lines, who she shares Arithmancy class with. It was that smirking bloke who always tries to sit near her as long as Donghae and Hyukjae weren’t around. He was shaking his head left and right, as if waiting for someone, and Sungmin was sure that that certain someone was her.

“Merlin, don’t they ever dwindle?” Sungmin hissed to herself as she slowly backed off towards the other way when she suddenly bumped onto a hard and warm wall.

And funny enough it seemed like the wall was chuckling at her.

"Fancy meeting you here, Sungmin." Sungmin quickly straightened as she watched how that Hufflepuff perked up upon hearing her name. She quickly turned around, hand already wrapped around her wand inside her cloak and ready to hex whoever this talking wall was, to hell with how much points can be deducted from Gryffindor. 

But whatever hex she had first thought off had died at and her hand went rigid halfway as soon as she saw who this talking, well smirking at the moment, wall.

"Kneazle got your tongue, eh?" Sungmin growled as she glared at the very bane of her existence; that slimy, insufferable git that caused all her sufferings (mainly on the pitch and from Donghae and Hyukjae).

Cho Kyuhyun, notorious Casanova and Slytherin's star seeker, was standing in front of her in his full Slytherin glory that almost made Sungmin scream murder. She forced to get a hold of herself, quickly raising her wand and a Bat-Bogey hex already awaiting at the tip of her tongue to be spat out.

Maybe Karma decided to leave her side that afternoon.

"Oh, threatening to hex a prefect, Sungmin? Keep it that way and your house will definitely be on the negative side come this afternoon." Kyuhyun smirked, deep baritone voice raised just a bit louder as he crossed his arms on his chest with eyes that were challenging Sungmin. Sungmin, however, was clearly aware of what the slimy git was doing. It was clear that he was attracting the attention of the boys that were after her and Sungmin was clearly aggravated by it. Yet before she could even respond, someone from behind her beat her to it.

"Why don't you pick someone your size, Cho?" Another voice boomed from behind Sungmin and she glanced over her shoulder to see that 7th year from last night, Youngwoon, with jaws set hard and arms crossed on his chest.

Oh great. Now she's in the middle of a fight between the macho guys.

"Sticking your nose into someone else's business again, are we, Youngwoon?" Kyuhyun spat as he glared at Youngwoon despite the latter being a good head taller with arms nearly twice as his own. Sungmin could only watch as the Hufflepuff from the other end of the hallway finally saw the commotion she was in, and thank Merlin the bloke made the right decision to back off.

One suitor down, two more idiotic guys in front of her to go.

Soon enough, the glaring contest finally came to an end with a chuckle coated with too much sarcasm from Kyuhyun.

"I wasn't going to hurt her, just so you know." The Slytherin student drawled, eyes breaking contact from Youngwoon's before he took a step ahead. "In fact, I was about to save your lioness from the pit of lovestruck teenaged blokes."

"I don't need help. Especially not from someone like you!" Sungmin growled yet Kyuhyun merely raised an eyebrow at her with an amused expression. A chuckle soon followed when he looked over at Youngwoon, as if challenging him.

"She's right. Who's to say you're not gonna lead her from those blokes?" Youngwoon said in a calculated voice and Sungmin noticed that the guy was actually controlling himself from landing a punch or two on Kyuhyun's mocking face.

"And you would be her knight in shining armor then?" Kyuhyun sneered before smirking as he got the answer he wanted: an embarassed silence from Youngwoon. Then he turned to Sungmin who regarded him with a glare. "I seem to recall that the lioness doesn't need someone to protect her, does she? Though she needs help badly, yes?"

" you, Cho." It took all of Sungmin's will to not punch Kyuhyun's face as he leaned close to her.

"Ah. Maybe some time."

Sungmin glared one last time at him, before turning to Youngwoon red faced, in embarassment or in anger she didn't know. Maybe both.

"And you. Thanks, but I don't need someone protecting me. I can perfectly manage." Sungmin blurted out before taking a step, only to be called by Kyuhyun, much to her irritation.

"Actually, I wouldn't go that way..well unless you want to hex at least 15 guys who are hoarding up the corridors waiting for you."

Well, e.

"How would you know?" Sungmin asked as Kyuhyun chuckled heartily.

"You see, I've been doing my rounds..."

"Prefects don't do rounds in the afternoon while the sun is still high, jerk." Youngwoon growled yet Kyuhyun chuckled and ignored him.

"...and I've found out that all the corridors and halls leading to the pitch are blocked with those rabid fanboys of yours." Sungmin gritted her teeth and stomped her feet in irritation.

Could this afternoon get any better?

"But lucky for you, I'm here to solve your dilemmas."

No, probably not.

"What? You're gonna drop out and transfer to Durmstrang?" The words came out of Sungmin's mouth before she could stop herself, but she felt her heart swell at the sight of Kyuhyun's arrogant demeanor falter even just for a moment. And the chuckle from Youngwoon ignites the pride swelling inside her more.

"No. But I was about to suggest an alternative way to the pitch."

Is this guy stupid? He just said that all the hallways are blocked, now how is he going to lead them to the pitch? Luckily, Youngwoon shared the same ideas with her.

"You're twisted."

"I'm not." Kyuhyun sighed before he looked at Sungmin. "Listen, do you want to have your quidditch practice or not?"

Sungmin's silence seemed to have been enough, for Kyuhyun soon smirked slowly. She knew Kyuhyun was the only solution she has right now and it made her sick to the stomach. So with a gritted teeth, she forced the words out of her system, just so she could get over all this.

"Fine, but just this once,Cho."

Sungmin swore she never saw Kyuhyun this ecstatic that it was creepy. It was like watching a death eater having a field day, and the image was scarring.

"Wait up, something's wrong here." Youngwoon suddenly muttered, earning a half glare from Kyuhyun. "Why would the Slytherin quidditch captain help the Gryffindor quidditch captain to the pitch when the idea of a cancelled team practice works to his advantage?"

Oh. Sungmin should have thought about that. But she didn't. Gee, good thing Youngwoon was still there. Kyuhyun turned towards Youngwoon with a blank stare that seemed to creep Sungmin more.

"I think you of all people should know the answer, Youngwoon. It isn't always about quidditch. Or winning." The coldness in Kyuhyun's voice sent a shiver up Sungmin's spine as she watched how the two glared at each other once more. Something about what Kyuhyun said clearly struck something in Youngwoon. Typical boys. She rolled her eyes upward, then catching the sight of the sky where the sun was almost disappearing on the horizon...

Oh e.

"Well? Are you two done?" Sungmin grumbled as she watched the two take a grip on themselves. Then she looked at Kyuhyun squarely.

"Lead the way, Cho."

The trio, because Youngwoon insisted on coming ("You might never know what runs through a Slytherin's mind." He said), found themselves on a secluded part of the castle, with armors lined up along the halls and a tapestry hung at the other end but it was too far to see the image. Sungmin would surely get lost on the way back, but she didn't care, as long as she gets to the pitch, by hook or by crook.

"Where are we exactly?" Sungmin called out but her question was ignored by Kyuhyun who was walking ahead of her.

"Hey, Cho. We didn't get lost, did we?" Youngwoon called out and it effectively roused something from Kyuhyun, and in that case, it was a glare. But it was gone as soon as they approached the tapestry at the other end, showing a bunny with a wolf and a raccoon chasing after it. Sungmin found it rather peculiar.

"Ah, the wonders of being a prefect...getting to know strategic spots and use them without any of the professors knowing." Kyuhyun drawled as they approached it. He then lifted the tapestry, revealing a narrow corridor that could only fit one person at a time. "Well, come on. What are you waiting for?"

Sungmin blinked as Kyuhyun tilted his head towards the corridor as if motioning for her to go forth. She then turned towards Youngwoon who had a skeptical look on his face.

"What makes you think we'll go inside, you sly pig? For all I know, this might lead us somewhere like the Shrieking Shack. Or worse straight to those blokes waiting for her." Youngwoon decared as Sungmin supressed a shiver at the thought of it. Gryffindor would definitely stay at the negative side for the rest of the term if that happens, and it will definitely be her fault. A sigh came out of Kyuhyun as he let the tapestry fall and turned towards Youngwoon.

"I wasn't inviting you anyway." Kyuhyun said and minutes seemed to drag on, precious minutes that could have been used to practice quidditch. "If you must know, the corridor behind the tapestry leads to the entrance to the quidditch pitch. Just behind the Ravenclaw's changing rooms."

"And how did you knew about this?" Youngwoon never seemed to back down as he glared suspiciously at the tapestry in front of them. But Sungmin has no time to listen, because any minute wasted on the corridor arguing is a minute less to play quidditch. She's running late and if she knew any better, Donghae and Hyukjae will never let her live down the moment when she finally comes to practice late.

"Look, let's just get this over with so we can all go our merry ways." Sungmin huffed as Kyuhyun smirked and lifted the tapestry before entering it. Sungmin then took a breath before she entered with Youngwoon following suit.

The corridor was rarther dark and musky, stones rough on Sungmin's hand as they trudged through it while trying not to trip over uneven stones on the floor. It was narrow and Youngwoon almost had a hard time fitting his burly figure inside. Somehow Sungmin didn't know if she should be thankful that Youngwoon came with her because clearly the guy could barely even move through the walls. How can they counter any attacks that Kyuhyun may launch through this narrow path?

The walk was rather quiet and tensed, the stones scrunching underneath their shoes the only sound echoing through the walls. But it's not like Sungmin could cut the tension anyway because what is there to say to the Slytherin seeker in front of her who annoys her with just the sound of him breathing? And the seventh year Gryffindor behind her who she only noticed just the previous night? She could only wish that they reach the pitch soon so she could get rid of the two.

And Merlin was she ever thankful to see a rather battered wooden door just a few steps away from them. She could already feel that adrenaline rush coursing through her as Kyuhyun carefully pushed the door, creaking sounds echoing in her ear, but she didn't pay any attention. Light slowly invaded her sight and the smell of fresh grass and brooms and quaffles invaded her and Sungmin couldn't even be grateful enough.

Well, until she saw Donghae and Hyukjae in front of the door with their startled faces slowly morphing into face-splitting grins.

Great.