From The Shadows || Choi San

1

"DUDE, she'll melt."

"Shut up, Woo." San snaps at his black-haired friend, tearing his gaze away from the Ravenclaw table in the process.

"What? I'm just telling the truth! You've been staring at her since like, what? Since we came here? It's been hours since we've entered the Great Hall, San." 

"Yeah. In fact, it surprises me that you're now putting less effort on being discreet." His other friend, Yeosang, butts in.

"What the heck does that even mean, Yeo?" San asks, looking at him quizzically, not having a single idea on what the blonde just said.

"Sometimes I can't believe how dense you are to your own self. Or...are you just...feigning innocence?" Wooyoung leans forward, raising an eyebrow at him.

However, San was quick to shove him back to his seat, heaving a deep sigh and rolling his eyes at the same time.

"Look, I don't really understand what you two are saying. For real."

"Or~! He's just really plain stupid~" Yeosang counters in a sing-song, and then he happily munches on his chicken drumstick. Only for San to cut his happiness short by slapping his hand that was holding the precious drumstick, making him lose his grip on it  — the piece of food ending up falling on the floor.

"What the heck?!" Yeosang shouts, clearly not expecting for that to happen. 

Meanwhile, Wooyoung just laughs at the side, not daring to speak as not to rile San up further and end up sharing Yeosang's misfortune.

"That's for calling me stupid, stupid." San hisses.

...

"Will you be okay, here? All alone?" Sara Lovegood, your friend asks. 

She's still hesitating on whether to leave you to spend your Christmas holiday all by yourself here in Hogwarts, or bringing you along with her to her hometown — so you could spend the holidays with her family. Her family, which already knew of you and has treated you like their own daughter.

It was quite tempting, really. But you know you can't just possibly ruin their usual Christmas tradition as a family with you being there. Even if they already treat you like a part of them, even if you've grown quite fond of them. Still, you think, you shouldn't.

"It's fine. I'll be fine, really." You say cheerfully, in an attempt to reassure her fully. But it seems like she's not buying it.

"You know it would be really more reassuring if I know you at least have a single soul to accompany you here in the whole week that I'll be gone- more like, the entire school gone. I think even the professors will be out, and you'll be left with whom- the house elves? The whole school will be deserted, Ari! How do you think I'll be able to leave you, knowing this?" 

At this, you quickly stood up from your bed to hug your pouting friend. "I don't know what you're so worried for, but I can definitely handle myself, thank you. And if you're pointing out that I'll be damn bored, then you thought wrong." You say, crossing your arms. Then, you quickly spun on your heel and twirled towards your bookshelves that are full of books arranged in order and their respective genres, just the way you like it.

"See these? I have them to accompany me." You say, gesturing to your book collection with a proud smile. Your books are literally, your babies. Your most prized possessions. Well, it's given, because you're a Ravenclaw - you love, love books.

After you said that, a tiny mewl was heard from under your bed, making you and Sara turn your heads.

"Niki! What the heck are you doing under there?" You squeaked and rushed to the black feline, immediately scooping him in your arms. 

Niki purrs in pure delight at you brushing his fur, that it made you giggle. Then you turn to Sara.

"Well? That makes two right? My books, and then Niki here will be accompanying me and spare me from loneliness and boredom. Please, tell me it's reassuring enough." 

Hearing you, Sara finally lets out a sigh and nods her head. Then she walks over to you and starts petting the black cat too.

"I guess, Niki here, would serve as a great company to Ari, won't he?" Sara baby talks to the cat playfully, making you roll your eyes and smile after.

Niki who hears this, meows in return, and then he snuggles back to your chest.

"He said yes, of course, absolutely. Now shoo!" You giggle as you push Sara with your free hand. Wanting her to move quickly, or she'll be late to the trains.

"Are you that desperate to get rid of me?" She asks, frowning, only for you to push her again in order to get going.

"Oh, please! Spare me your dramatic self or I'll literally kick you out of here."

"See, you really are trying to get rid of me!"