Read my heart, not my mind

13. Threats and Promises

I was getting in over my head and I knew it, but strangely the sensation didn't feel like drowning exactly. Not in that terrifying, life ending way. Mostly it felt surreal, like I was living someone else's life. Hoseok's absence the day before felt like an experience that disappeared as quickly as it consumed me. Instead of uncertainty this morning, I was greeted with a giant hug that lifted me off my feet and spun me around in the middle of the Great Hall. I heard the shock ripple through the other students but Hoseok seemed unaware as he set me back on me feet and trotted happily away.

I was on cloud nine when he was waiting innocently for me outside of charms, leaning against the wall with Namjoon at his side as they talked casually. The moment he spotted me, however, he pushed away from his friend and rushed over to hold me close and dance happily with me into the room before taking his normal spot next to Namjoon.

I blushed when my fellow housemate didn't even seem surprised by his friend's antics. I knew Hufflepuffs were notoriously affectionate, I heard rumors about the danger of mentioning that you might even be the smallest bit sad in front of them. I even know that Hoseok was perfectly matched in Hufflepuff because he was a naturally warm and caring person. That didn't stop me from creating deep and wonderful and wildly hysterical scenarios in my head where he confessed his undying love for me as I took my seat in the front of the room.

I blushed even harder when Professor Flitwick chuckled under his breath as he passed me, patting my arm lightly with a smile on the corner of his mouth. His voice was squeaky with excitement and laughter as he climbed onto the stack of books in front of the room so he could be seen by all.

"Please, if everyone could," He said as he wobbled slightly on his precarious perch and looked out at the class fondly, "open your books to page twenty three?" The room was quiet for a moment with the sound of shuffling papers as everyone did as they were instructed. "As you can see we will be tackling both the Drought Charm and the Water Summoning Charm today."

There were several groans from around the class but Professor Flitwick just smiled serenely and nodded at each of them. "To make it more interesting, you will be partnering with the person sitting at your right."

"My right or his right?" Someone asked, interrupting the normally cheerful and easy going professor. "And how are we supposed to do this in pairs anyway?"

"Very good question, Mister Runegold." The professor answered as he picked up his wand and pointed at someone in the first row. "Runegold and Verisa will work together," As he said this he waved his wand slightly and the two student's chairs snapped closer, making everyone around them giggle. Until the same thing happened to the next pair of student's and we realized that he would be making us all 'closer'.

"Price and Button," My head snapped up briefly as my chair jerked closer to the annoying Gryffindor boy whose name I just remembered. I could feel anger and frustration turning my cheeks a bright red. I ignored him as he chuckled and scooched even closer, putting his arm on the back of my chair.

Professor Flitwick moved on as if he was unaware of how he ruined my life. "Now, first you must summon a jar or container to hold your water and I don't want to hear a single word uttered from any of you." The room was silent as everyone raised their wands and moments later bowls, cups, and all manner of things were flying through the room in an attempt to reach their witch or wizard. The professor smiled as he continued. "Now each of you will summer water to your partners dish and they will then attempt the Drought Charm to dry it up."

I turned slightly toward my partner, irritated that I couldn't curse him today because that would affect my overall performance and grade. Every group around us was chatting back and forth, some frustrated at their partners lack of skill and others just sharing stories of what they planned to do over the weekend. I said nothing the first few times we performed the spells, even as he grew increasingly confident and loud as the hour dragged on.