Dust filtered through the air of Ollivander’s wand shop, tickling Kibum’s nose. He rubbed the itch away with the hand still holding his newly purchased wand. He didn’t want to give it up yet. Sidling up to his grandmother’s side, Kibum rolled his applewood wand between his hands. He smiled at the feeling of the rounded hilt against his palms.

He finally had a wand.

Mom gave him his dad’s old wand to mess around with before he moved to London to live with his grandmother. Kibum would practice holding the wand and swishing it around in the air. While that was fun and even – at times – educational, it just felt like a stick in his hands compared to this.

His own wand.

Kibum swished it through the air again and bounced excitedly next to his grandmother when the gold sparks rained down amidst the dust.“Mr. Kim, your wand, if you please,” Mr. Ollivander said, extending his hand across the counter. Kibum reluctantly placed his wand in Mr. Ollivander’s hand, watching as he returned it to its box and handed it to Kibum’s grandmother.

Grandma put her coin purse back into her russet and crimson robe pocket and reached out to take Kibum’s hand. “Is there anything else we have to get?” She asked once they stepped outside onto the main street of Diagon Alley.

Kibum shook his head and pulled his father’s old Hufflepuff scarf above his nose. “No, we got everything else last trip.”

“Do you want to get a treat then before we go home?”

He shook his head again, glancing down when he saw some movement on the cobblestone street. It was a dark chocolate frog with white chocolate marbling swirled across its back. Kibum laughed and pointed at it when Grandma asked what was so funny. “I wonder how it got loose.”

She smiled and readjusted her grip on his hand as they walked back to the Leaky Cauldron and into the Muggle world once more.

Kibum woke before the sun on September first, bouncing on his bed until Nutmeg, his tawny owl, hooted in protest. He stopped jumping immediately and scampered over to his perch, petting Nutmeg’s soft head feathers.

“Sorry, Meg.” He made a quick chu sound and Nutmeg returned the kiss by tapping his beak against Kibum’s forehead. “We’re going to Hogwarts!” he whispered excitedly before he started dancing around his room. He found his way over to his bed and grabbed his dad’s old wand from under his pillow, swishing it around while checking his reflection out in the mirror.

Okay so, he would look a lot cooler if he were wearing his robes instead of his matching set of pajamas that his mom got him last year – but he still looked cool. Kibum combed his fingers through his hair and changed to a fighting stance, opening his mouth in a silent yell before breaking into a fit of giggles.

He had dreamed of this moment for as long as he could remember. His father entertained him with stories about the magical school, telling him about how he and his mother met. He told Kibum to look for the place under the stairs leading to the Hufflepuff dorms where they had carved their initials.

Kibum promised he would, once he got there.

Sighing, Kibum pressed his father’s wand over his heart before he shuffled back over to his bed, flopping onto it. He slipped the wand beneath his pillow and grabbed the photograph on his nightstand. It was a portrait of his parents and Kibum when he was a baby – his father bending down to kiss Kibum’s forehead and then giving his mother a kiss on the cheek.

He missed them both terribly. Mother only passed through London on assignment from National Geographic – which wasn’t often, to be honest – or whenever she got time off for holidays. Father…he hadn’t seen in years. Not since Kibum moved away from South Korea to live with his grandmother. It was his father’s dying wish for Kibum to experience Hogwarts like he did when he was growing up.

“Kibummie?” Grandma called from outside his bedroom door. He set the portrait down on the nightstand and sat up, looking over when his grandmother opened the door. “What do you want for breakfast?”

“Can’t eat,” he said, bouncing a little on his bed. “Too excited.”

Grandma laughed, and Nutmeg hooted again, his wings flapping with mild disdain. “Hush, Nutmeg,” they both said.

“That bird,” Grandma said, shaking her head, “is grouchier that Mr. Hendricks across the street.”

Kibum nodded and followed her down the stairs, sitting on a bar stool as she made herself a light breakfast. The tea poured itself and the jam slathered itself across the buttered scones with the back of a spoon. Grandma grabbed the plate and set it between her and Kibum, smiling when he started to eat one amidst his chatter about how excited he was.

By eight-thirty, they were out the door and on their way to King’s Cross station.

“Now, remember, Kibummie,” Grandma said, smoothing his hair. “Be nice and respectful to the professors. Especially McGonagall.”

“She’s Headmaster now, Grandma.”

“Still, she was one of my closest friends when I went to school.” Kibum nodded, acquiescing. “Make us proud,” she said, giving him a quick kiss on his forehead. “You’ll do so well in Hufflepuff.”

“I’ll try, Grandma.” He looked up when the first whistle sounded.

“Goodbye, sweetie! Don’t forget to write! And don’t be afraid to make new friends!” she said as he ran to the steps of the nearest train car and stepped inside.

He hurried to the window and found her, waving goodbye. She blew him a kiss and he caught it, stuffing it into his pocket. Kibum looked up to see her reaction to his joke, but the Hogwarts Express had already pulled away from the platform. Instead, he saw nothing but the moors of the Scottish countryside.

Sighing, Kibum shoved his hands into his robe pockets and maneuvered around the other students who were chatting in the hall of the train car. He peeked inside the window of each seating compartment he passed, watching the other students interact. Some were chatting excitedly and showing off their new robes or wands to their friends, while others curled up in their seats, getting some sleep before the start of term.

“Anything from the trolley?” Kibum looked up at the sound of an elderly woman’s voice. The other students parted for her and the snack trolley to pass, Kibum included. He pressed up against the door of the next compartment, standing on his tiptoes to look at the treats. “Anything from the trolley, dears?”

Kibum fished around in pockets and grabbed a couple of Sickles. “Um, can I get two pumpkin pasties?” He put the Sickles in the jar at the front end of the trolley while she passed him his treats. “Thank you,” he said, giving her a tiny bow as she walked by.

The pasties were still warm. Smiling, Kibum smelled them, the scent of pumpkin, cinnamon, and clove reminding him of his birthday. His grandmother would always make these for him on the morning of his birthday, ever since he moved to London.

This would be his first birthday without her.

Kibum’s shoulders sank and he started walking down the hallway again, glancing into the next seating compartment and doing a double take.

Inside sat a boy, who looked to be about his age, sitting all by himself. He wasn’t wearing his robes like the other students, instead, he wore a pair of blue jeans and a rather oversized Manchester United hoodie. Kibum blinked several times, staring at him for a while. Was he a wizard? He glanced down at the backpack sitting between his legs and saw one of Ollivander’s wand boxes sticking out of the top zipper.

Kibum stuffed his pumpkin pasties into his robe pocket and knocked on the window. The boy inside jumped at the sound and looked over with wide eyes. He scooted across the bench and opened the door cautiously.

“Do you mind if I join you?” The boy nodded and Kibum closed the door behind him and sat on the bench across from him, sliding until he was right in front of him. “Hello!” The tips of the boy’s ears flushed as he smiled back at Kibum. “I’m Kibum. Kim Kibum. Who are you?”

“Minho,” he said, his voice quiet. Oh? Was he Korean too? He held out his hand, and Kibum shook it enthusiastically. “Do you know…Korea?”

Kibum blinked, wondering how long it had been since Minho moved to England. It couldn’t have been too long. His heart went out to Minho – poor kid must be so nervous and scared. Kibum smiled at Minho, thanking all the stars in the universe that his grandmother still insisted on speaking Korean around the house.

“Yes,” he said, Minho sitting up a little straighter when he switched to Korean. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Tears started welling up in Minho’s eyes, and he bit his bottom lip. Kibum’s eyes widened. Did he say something wrong? Any worries he had flitted away when Minho lunged across and tackled Kibum in a tight hug. Kibum blinked in surprise, patting Minho’s back when he felt him heave a heavy sigh.

“Sorry,” he said, rubbing his nose with the too-long sleeve of his hoodie as he released Kibum from his sudden hug. “I-it’s nice to meet you, too.” Minho started to go back over to his bench until Kibum grabbed his sleeve and glanced at the empty spot next to him. He took the seat and hugged his knees to his chest. “So,” he cleared his throat, “how long have you known you were a…a wizard?”

“All my life? Haven’t you?"

Minho shook his head, his chin rubbing against his knees. “Found out two months ago.”

“No!” Minho shied away when Kibum hit his shoulder out of surprise. “Sorry, I didn’t mean…you’re kidding! Two months?”

“Well, I mean, I guess I always knew something was wrong with me, but…” he shrugged when his voice grew tighter. Minho rubbed his nose again, glancing over at Kibum.

“There’s nothing wrong with you,” Kibum said and Minho sighed.

“It’s just a lot to take in.”

“I can imagine.” Minho’s arms tightened around his legs and he buried his nose between his knees, taking a deep breath. Kibum fell silent, a little unsure of how to talk to Minho.

His best friend since he moved to London was a boy named Jonghyun, who lived next door to Kibum’s grandmother. He was a wizard too, and even attended Hogwarts last year – he had been a Ravenclaw. Jonghyun’s father moved them all to France during the summer, for work or whatever, and he was transferring to Beauxbaton’s. Jonghyun had also known his whole life that he was a wizard, so it had been easy to relate to him.

Wait.

Jonghyun had told Kibum all about Hogwarts this summer while they played with his puppy in Jonghyun’s backyard. He answered every question Kibum had and eased his worries and fears. Kibum glanced over at Minho, who was staring blankly at the other bench. Maybe he could do the same for Minho?

Kibum leaned forward, hooked his finger around the strap of Minho’s backpack, and pulled it toward them. Minho sat up, his brow furrowing. “Is that your wand?” he asked, pointing to the wand box. Minho nodded. “Can I see it?” Minho straightened his legs and reached over, grabbing the box and opening it. He tipped it so Kibum could see. “Oh, it’s pretty!”

Minho looked down at it, nodding. “It is.” His shoulders relaxed every so slightly as he replaced the lid and slipped it back into his backpack. “Do you have one?”

“Yeah! But it’s in my trunk. I can show you later.” Kibum reached into his pockets, feeling something soft. “Oh!” He pulled out the pumpkin pasties and brushed off a bit of lint. “Do you want one? They’re my favorite.”

Minho took the offered pastie and sniffed it before he took a bite. His eyebrows shot up in surprise. “It tastes like pumpkins!”

Kibum coughed a laugh around his mouthful of pastie and covered it with his hand. “It’s good, right?” he asked, swallowing. Minho inhaled the rest of his pastie and the cinnamon and sugar glaze off his fingers when he finished.

“What’s…Hogwarts like?” Kibum shrugged, taking another bite. “You’ve never been?”

Kibum shook his head. “I’m a first year, too. My family and best friend all went, though.” Minho crossed his legs and the bench to face Kibum. “Want me to tell you about it?” Minho nodded and Kibum mirrored him on the bench. “Well…”

He told Minho everything that came to mind, every little thing. Jonghyun had told him all about the first-year classes so he would know what to expect – Minho was the most excited about Herbology, which surprised Kibum. He told Minho about the different houses – “I’m going to be in Hufflepuff!” “I hope I am, too!” – and then the Hufflepuff common room.

By the time he was almost finished, the Hogwarts Express came to a stop. Kibum looked up and out the window to find that the sun was starting to set. “Jonghyun said that we arrive at the castle in boats.”

“Really? That’s so cool!” Kibum smiled, happy to see that Minho was relaxing a little bit. They both looked over to the door when they saw the other students milling past the window. “Should we go?” Minho asked, grabbing his backpack and slinging it over his shoulder.

“I guess.” They both stood, stretching their arms and legs before Minho opened the door for Kibum to exit. He followed right behind him, his hand lightly touching Kibum’s arm so he didn’t lose him in the crowd.

“Firs’ years, this way!” Minho’s grip on Kibum’s arm tightened as they looked up at the huge, shaggy-haired man calling for the first years. Kibum hooked his arm in Minho’s and guided him over to Hagrid. The groundskeeper helped all the first years onto their boats and started them across the lake to the castle itself.

“Do you have your robes in your backpack?” Kibum whispered, glaring at one of the other first years who gave him a strange look for speaking Korean.

“Yeah. They might be a little wrinkled, though.”

“That’s okay.” Minho ped his backpack and Minho held it open for him to dig around inside it in the dark. He pulled them out after a minute and shook them out, saying a timid sorry to whoever he smacked in the back with his robe.

“You can wait until we get inside the castle.”

The breeze off the lake swept around them, Kibum’s teeth chattering as the chill settled into his bones. He rubbed his hands together, looking around. The setting sun painted the bellies of the clouds in warm oranges and peachy pinks.

Kibum took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Nothing to be nervous about, the sorting would be the easiest part. Minho, however, was sitting stiffly next to him, his shaking knees being his only movement. Kibum nibbled on the inside of his cheek and nudged Minho with his shoulder. He smiled when Minho looked over at him, and Minho relaxed a little, smiling back.

It wasn’t long until they landed at the docks, Hagrid giving them all instructions. Minho helped Kibum out of the boat and passed Kibum his backpack while he pulled on his robe over his hoodie. It fit a little awkwardly and Minho gave him a worried look, so Kibum pulled the hood out from underneath and arranged it on his shoulders.

They scampered after the other first years when they noticed that Hagrid had started to lead them inside the castle. Kibum, Minho, and all the other first years walked in a huddle behind Hagrid, taking in the grandiose sights of the castle with wide eyes and open mouths. They all bumped together once they came to a huge set of double doors.

A man with shimmery black robes stood at the door, regarded them all with a small smile. “Welcome, one and all. I am Professor O’Neely, Head of Gryffindor house. Once you step through these doors, you will begin your years of learning here at Hogwarts. First things first, you all will be sorted into your houses…are you excited?”

Kibum let out a yell with the others, the sound startling Minho, who jumped next to him. “Oh, right.” Kibum quickly translated as much as he could remember and missed the next thing Professor O'Neely said. He didn’t think it was that important though since the doors opened to let them inside the Great Hall.

Stars glittered brilliantly amongst the clouds on the ceiling of the Great Hall. Candles hovered haphazardly above the four tables that stretched the length of the hall. Each of the tables was filled with students, starting with Slytherin on the far left, then Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff on the far right. Kibum nudged Minho’s arm and pointed to the Hufflepuff table.

Minho nodded when the came to a stop as a group before the platform. On the platform sat a single stool, and atop of which as a tattered old hat. Kibum smiled and leaned over. “The Sorting Hat,” he whispered, and Minho’s brow furrowed.

Headmaster McGonagall got up and gave a short speech, but the excitement buzzing in Kibum’s ears blocked most of it out. He was actually here. At Hogwarts. Where his father stood. He rubbed his hands together, every nerve tingling as Professor O’Neely called out the first name.

“Jeffery Adams.” After a moment of deliberation from the Hat, he was sorted into Ravenclaw. Several other names were called – two Slytherins, a Hufflepuff, and three Gryffindors – before Professor O'Neely said, “Choi Minho.”

Minho hooked his shaking hands around the straps of his backpack and stepped out of the crowd and up to the stool. He gulped, his gaze meeting Kibum’s as he sat down, and squeezed his eyes shut. Professor O’Neely barely set the Hat down on Minho’s head before it proclaimed “HUFFLEPUFF!”

His eyes flew open and he found Kibum in the remaining first years, beaming at him. Kibum clapped, bouncing on the balls of his feet as Minho found a seat at the Hufflepuff table. He kept his eye on Minho, watching as Minho set his backpack on the seat next to him to save the spot for Kibum.

Kibum’s heart leaped in his chest when the first K name was called. He shuffled forward, waiting on the tips of his toes for “Kim Kibum.” Bounding up the steps, he took a seat on the stool and waited for the Hat to be set on his head.

“Hmm,” a gravelly voice said, startling Kibum. “Hmm, I see…I know just where to put you – SLYTHERIN!”

Kibum froze, his hands gripping the seat of the stool. What. No…

Professor O’Neely smiled kindly at him as he lifted the hat and helped him off the stool. Kibum gulped, stumbling as he stepped down off the platform, and started for the table at the far right. The first year Slytherins greeted him as he slid onto the bench, patting his back and returned their attentions to the rest of the Sorting.

Kibum’s hands shook as he combed his fingers through his hair. What would he even…His grandmother would be so disappointed in him.

He barely noticed the rest of the Sorting, or even the meal magically appearing before him. Kibum scooped some sort of food onto his plate but did not eat it, instead he pushed it around his plate with his fork.

Dinner soon concluded and then came the call from one of the professors that they should follow the Head Boy and Girl out of the Great Hall and to their common rooms. Kibum trudged behind the rest of the Slytherins, finding himself at the back of the group.

“Kibum!”

He blinked at the sound of his name, looking up to find Minho running to him. He wrapped Kibum in their second hug of the day, patting the back of his head when he buried his face in his shoulder and started to cry.

“Oh, don’t cry. Don’t cry. It’s okay.” Kibum whimpered and tightened his grip around Minho’s waist. “It’s gonna be okay. Right?”

Kibum took a shuddering breath and sniffed, pulling himself out of Minho’s arms. “Yeah,” he lied.

“Will I still be able to see you every day?” Minho asked, brushing away Kibum’s tears with his sweater paws.

“I think so,” he said, sniffing again. He looked back over his shoulder when the Head Boy called for him to follow. “I gotta go.” Kibum stood a little straighter and scrubbed his eyes with his fists. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Promise?”

“Yeah, promise.” Minho jogged after the other Hufflepuffs and ce he reached the corner, waving goodbye to Kibum. Once Minho was out of sight, Kibum shuffled after the other Slytherins, his heart sinking lower and lower with every step.