Fandom Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (rp)

“Since when have you stopped anyone from actually getting hit by a bludger? Other than the two of us.”

Ren opened his mouth to protest, yet slowly shut it. Nobody else on the team matters, is what he wanted to say. Not his fault he didn’t care about others. They should watch out for bludgers or just fly faster, he wasn’t there to babysit them. Incredibly flawed thinking for the likes of a Beater. He also couldn’t help that certain members of the crowd or other teammates deserved a bludger into their face. Rule or not he would not miss an opportunity to get back at anybody.

Maybe if Ren spent less time staring at Otto and Victor and focused on the game then Slytherin would do a little better. But he still wanted to be the number one Beater. He was deserving.

Victor endorsed how worried Tomodachi looked. Ren was grateful for the assistance, pleased to see both patting the Lizard. It was helping, making the fretting ease to see Otto calming down. The breathing slowed and apprehension soothed and everything was okay.

After weaselling to his new spot, now on his back and feeling very smug, he noticed Otto trying to scooch in. Ren pulled their interlaced fingers close, holding the hand against his chest protectively before closing his eyes. Sleep was already calling and a certain lazy individual was eager to pick up. Thoughts like driftwood on water and body sinking into the warmth that was slumber.

When hearing the thanks from Otto, Ren could only mumble a dozy response.

“Do not thank me.” It was the equivalent of what he had said to Victor. No apologies and no thank-yous, it was never necessary for Ren to hear such things. He had Otto with him, snug at his side and hand held to his chest. That was the only debt he’d hold against these two; Important alone time and affection. Those rewards were better than words. “Just want you happy.” Ren was not meant to say that, almost asleep and filter mindlessly slipping. His mind dropped further, coaxing slumber to come closer.

Feeling the touch at his waist, he tensed then relaxed at the scent of citrus and deep wood joining the candied apple. It was only Victor. “The beloved always belongs right here.” was something that would’ve made the male smile if he wasn’t semi-conscious.

“I know.” Ren muttered, finding the effort to speak falling by the seconds. He knew he belonged with them. “I just wish I was allowed.”

As much as he might belong with Otto and Victor, it was only in the privacy of the Slytherin commons where this held true. Outside he had to resume the façade, being hidden. An embarrassment and a threat to their lies. Just a friend. Not loved.

A weak shift of his head was given to accommodate the movement, blissfully unaware of the warm breath against his skin. Victor had settled into the crook of his neck, pleasant to have the partner so close. Otto delivered some news, something about a binder and sleep. Ren hummed in reply assuming it was a question.

“Go change!”

Ren jolted, disorientated and bitter from the rude awakening.

“You go change.” He had no idea what was going on, just bickering for the sake of it. After taking a moment to connect the sleepy pieces, a few things were amiss here.

Firstly, he was being held captive. Both with the handholding and the arm around his waist. Having Otto on one side and Victor on the other was feeling like imprisonment. A reminder as to why he wasn’t fond of being in the middle, preferring the outside so he could get up without disturbing anyone.

Secondly, all the wholesome attention was making Ren’s stoic skin warm with a rare blush. What had been fine moments beforehand was now consciousness of how attentive this space was. He looked at Otto’s fingers intertwined, quickly growing shy of the simple gesture. Victor the Dog had huddled in close, soft exhales and an arm around his waist. If not for the pair keeping him stuck he would’ve scampered away to hide the embarrassing red tint to his face. For Ren, things like this felt more intimate than kisses or a certain somebodies stupid flirting.

Thirdly, things clicked for what Otto had said. A dark look raised to the prefect in recognition of this issue. Napping with a binder was bad and Otto had a habit of forgetting about it. Ren spitefully untangled their hands and scooped Tomodachi away to make the Dragon wander off down the blanket. Probably to sit next to Naomi.

“I won’t sleep until it’s off.” He raised a leg, nudging a foot into Otto to try to get him away. A threat to shove him from the bed now that the Lizard wasn’t at risk. “And I am tired. My day has been very hard.” All he’d done today was go to the Owlery to post a letter then travel to Hogsmeade. “Stressed.” Ren wanted sympathy and to motivate the boy to hurry up. “So tired.” Plus, maybe greed for some more attention.

Otto's lips let out a shaky sigh, hands petting Tomodachi and the remedied medicine that Ren had presented him with was starting to work in calming him down and keeping his anxieties and worries at bay. Honestly, he was surprised Naomi hadn't come up and try to snatch the lizard away as a snack yet... but that was a good thing! Naomi was still curled up into a ball on the bed, visibly sleeping with her fluffy tail resting over her nose and her eyes shut. She wasn't really aware of Tomodachi's presence on the bed so she hadn't stirred from her position.

Otto squirmed next to Ren as close as he could manage in his position, head resting on the pillow and fluffy strands of brunet hair waving over in front of his eyes. Today had been... quite interesting to say the least. Hectic was more of an appropriate word to describe today's events, and keeping up with both Ren and Victor could get pretty tiresome after a while. He briefly wondered whatever happened to that chocolate frog that Ren had been so adamant about keeping as a pet, he knew Ren let it out of his pocket or something but he wasn't quite sure what it had gone too. Wait, why is he thinking about the chocolate frog, that is Ren's problem and responsibility... not his.

Merlin, he was content where he was. He was warm, he had been comforted by his two boyfriends who had repeatedly assured him that they weren't going anyway and that he was not a horrible prefect, and he was cuddled up next to Ren and slowly breathing in the burnt sugar scent as well as his own sweet fragranced scent. It was quite enough to lull him off to sleep right there with eyelids feeling heavy, vision blurring with wanted sleep, and he was cozy as his free hand continued to pet Tomodachi comfortingly.

It was definitely a good thing that both Victor and Ren told him to peel off the binder because Otto had found himself slowly trying to drift off to sleep. His eyes snapped open at their words and he huffed in response. Otto parted his lips in order to say something but he ultimately just clamped his mouth shut and held his tongue in terms of words. Both of them were right, and he should not be complaining right now and he should do as he was told. Ren had snatched his hand away from his, making the prefect frown at him in discontent whilst he slowly began to sit upright on the bed.

Otto let out an audible grunt when he was kicked and nudged by both Victor and Ren, them demanding and telling him to take off his binder. They were always like this when it came to the fact that Otto would sometimes forget that he would be wearing a binder. "Fine, Fine, Fine... I'll go take it off." Otto grumbled to them, inching his way off of the bed and he heaved himself up onto his feet. He begrudgingly left the two of them.un bed together, muttering under his breath along the way.

It was a few minutes before Otto came back to his boyfriends, dressed in his oversized green sweater and binder dangling off of one finger. "Happy?"

Otto asked as he threw the binder somewhere before climbing back up onto the bed and he bit his lip, looking at the current situation. He could climb over them and settle down on the left side of the bed which would leave Victor in the middle. The brunet huffed and clambored over Ren and Victor, getting to the left side of the bed and immediately pressing Victor for attention and affection. Otto couldn't have Ren getting all the attention from Victor just because Otto had left for a little bit, no no no. Otto made sure he squirmed his way close to Victor.

Otto latched himself onto Victor, snuggling up to him and sighing in content. His eyes screwed shut for a moment, fighting off sleep as he wanted to focus on the other two for now before he drifted off to sleep. In fact, all of his anxieties and worries had completely melted away for him, and he ended up briefly forgetting about the fight so he should savor this while it lasted. Otto slid his hand under Victor's arm and over his waist so he could have a more secure grip on him like a koala.

"Happy?”

Ren just hummed in reply, clearly falling asleep again. He was growing more content by the minute, the warmth of Victor and comfort of the bed pulling him back into the well deserved slumber. All that was missing was the third part of their company.

Otto soon returned. Good, Ren thought, now he would not be braced to the elements of his open side. Yet as Otto climbed onto the bed Ren was, to put it simply, insulted. He tried to reach out and tug Otto back as they climbed over but it was too late. The boy had crossed the border that was Victor and abandoned him.

Victor was delighted by finally getting the middle. Ren did not share the enthusiasm. He wanted Otto back. Cold. He was disappointed his manipulation tactics hadn't worked.

He felt the kiss, yet gathered no comfort from what was said. “I do too.”

Ren didn’t like words, just empty letters that held no weight. Actions were Ren’s preferred communication but he knew neither of them would ever succumb to being publicly honest about their relationship. In the long term he could never expect anything from the other two. A cruel reminder that it was doomed to fail, or Ren would have to be hidden forever. He wasn’t sure if he could sacrifice his life to being their secret.

Realistically Victor would go off to attend his pureblood duties, marry into a pureblood line and live up to what was expected. It filled Ren with loathing to know he could never have Victor. Not properly. That he wasn’t good enough to even be seen touching the male, as if sullied by touch. Otto wasn't a pureblood but Ren couldn’t have him either. If in the event the boy ever did become open they’d still be missing Victor, and Otto’s singular presence might leave him bitter for what isn’t there. Ren wanted to believe their secrecy was for the greater good, that it was just easier this way, but could not deny the wrenching and winding of his heart at how unfair it felt. He was angry at them. He wanted them but he was not allowed. There was nothing he could do about it without hurting them or betraying their trust forever.

In a horrible way, Ren could only see that he wasn’t as important as family expectations or the judgement of others. Inadequate.

Ren was staring dejectedly towards the window, bitter and unresponsive and no longer tired. It was only when he felt the gentle pull did he blink and glance over, taken from negative thought back into the warmth of Victor. With lazy struggle he rolled over to face him. It was difficult not to think that their time was limited, that eventually they’d all break away from each other to follow their own paths. Ren buried it once again, now wanting to sleep just to stop the swarm of thought. He could ignore the overwhelming issue if he wasn’t awake.

Same as before, Ren required the consolation that both were there with him in order to sleep. He reached to take Otto's hand in his own to keep them all close. He no longer felt tired, in fact feeling very restless from the upheaval of emotions. Ren wanted to run or pace around the room, exert some energy even in this weather. Get adrenaline pumping to numb out his unhappiness. Perhaps he could even coax Otto onto a broom if he gave plenty of hair pats.

Maybe not, he rationalized. Dragging the other two into his stupid need for physicality was unfair-- especially in Winter.

“Tell me how your knuckles feel.” It was a delayed question, one sprung at the reminder of brooms and quidditch. Deciding to talk about anything but the looming insecurity. Victor couldn’t be injured for games, something that worried Ren to the ends of the earth. He could pass this question off as just curiosity, not a show of care.

He gave a gentle squeeze to Otto's hand and nudged his face into Victor’s. A silent goodbye for the two before closing his eyes.

All was fine for a short while.

“If you don’t stop moving..” Ren was grumbling from his comfortable spot, “I will use Petrificus Totalus.” Victor was having issues keeping still, planting malicious intentions of casting at the boy. Violence was administered by weakly hooking a leg over Victors, his best attempt at keeping the male from squirming around. That will show him not to mess with Ren and his slumber.

Otto sighed in content, cuddling up next to Victor even though apparently Ren had not liked that all. Oh well, maybe next time. The brunet prefect simply settled on cuddling and latching onto Victor like a baby koala and snuggled with him so he could settle down for an afternoon nap. Eyelids heavy, Yawning, Eyes wet with sleepiness, he was definitely about to doze off sometime soon. Just as soon as he was about to peacefully doze off into quiet slumber, anxiety wormed its horrid way into his chest and his eyes shot open. Anxiety made his chest tighten and he felt like crying. His chest slightly ached with anxiety and worry, he didn't know why he was feeling this way again.

Oh no. Oh no no no no no, he was not going to start crying again even though he had this feeling that there was tension in the air. He just wanted to sleep, to nap, rest up. Was it that hard just to want to take a nap? Otto buried his face into Victor, breathing in his herbal and woody scent, thinking it would calm him down, make him feel better. But, for some really odd reason, it made him feel worse. It made him want to break down crying again, his eyes stung once more but thankfully he had his face buried into Victor. What had happened? WHAT HAPPENED!? Everything had been so good, so cheerful, after he had managed to calm down from his emotional meltdown. So what happened? Otto squirmed in discomfort at the tension. Until...

Oh.

Oh no.

There was a chance he could lose Victor. Otto was a mere halfblood. Victor is a pureblood. Ren is a halfblood. Oh no. Otto's brain cruelly stuffed the mental images of Victor leaving them for another pureblood into his head and it upset him.... again. He was getting upset again, but no he needed to be strong for them. Pretend everything was alright and that he was still calm and relaxed. But no, he wasn't calm anymore. He wasn't upset anymore.

He was full on stressed out.

Just as he was about to start crying again, he felt Ren grab his hand and give it a gentle squeeze. Otto grasped to have his hand still in Ren's grasp since it was the only physical contact he could get from Ren right now.

Otto was being unusually quiet. Usually he would try to talk and ramble but now... He was just now being lethargic and quiet. Silent. He couldn't bring himself to talk. Not right now anyway, he was too distraught, too stressed, too worried. Oh Merlin, he might be overreacting, it might just be his anxiety but he was so scared that Victor would leave them to marry into the pureblood line.

They couldn't make their relationship public, and Otto fucking hated it so much. He couldn't kiss them, hug them, be held by them in public. It would only happen when they were alone and while they would secretly hold pinkies, it was killing Otto. NO, he is not breaking up with them, never ever would he do that.

Otto's breathing became labored again before he quickly fixed it into being shallow again. Please, he wanted to sleep so badly but he couldn't. So tired yet so anxious and restless now. His grip on Victor tightened, and his grip on Ren's hand tightened as well. He didnt want them to worry about him but he felt like he was going to lose them.

Not by expulsion, but by break up. Something might happen, and he didn't want to lose them, he loved them so much and he... He wanted to be with them long term, forever.

Otto attempted to remain calm and composed, and to focus on getting sleep right now. He briefly lifted his head up but only to move it to a pillow and he turned his head away to look at something else. They didn't need to see how lethargic he looked right now, they probably thought of him as a burden. Otto got that thought rarely but he wondered if it was true. He was overreacting, clingy, emotional, comical, and more.

He wanted to know what they were thinking about him specifically. Otto's eyes slowly pricked with tears once more as he had his head turned away from Ren and Victor, anxiety tight in his chest as he wanted to silently cry himself to sleep. But, he held in his sobs and simply focused on keeping his breathing nice and normal.

It was quiet and comfortable. Ren was enjoying the peace that had settled on the group. Yet being alone with ones thoughts can easily give way to overthinking. All the problems of today were bubbling back to the surface, merged with Ren’s insecurities and creating a dangerous mix.

“You lied.”

Ren hadn’t fallen asleep. Waiting for the moment to strike like a snake from its den. After hearing a silent Otto he was under the assumption the prefect was asleep. With no Otto gave the opportunity to bring some problems up with Victor.

For starters, what had just happened.

He opened his eyes and propped up onto an elbow, keeping a hand clutched with the sleeping boy while speaking with Victor.

“You gave him false hope.” It had helped temporarily, but Ren was filled with pessimism and was against lies in their relationship. The secrecy was enough to deal with, let alone these recent additions. “Otto is foolish enough to believe you, but do not blame me when we get expelled and he realises you’re a liar.”

He stared down at the male, perhaps deciding if that reprimand was enough. Ren was not somebody to exhibit restraint. It had started and there’d be no stopping it now. He couldn’t help the destructive path now journeyed upon. There was no self-control for what spilled from his mouth.

“Do you think we are stupid, Victor?” The question was posed calmly, too calmly. The soft voice fake and an unmistakable confrontation rising. “Is that why you lie?” Ren’s free hand reached to coil a strand of Victor’s hair around a finger. A passive aggressive reminder that he was equal to them, that the male allowed him to be this close in the first place.

“You might be a pureblood but you are no better.” It was a harsh thing to say, Ren’s lack of sensitivity increasing the problem ten-fold. If he tried to express distaste nicely maybe things could’ve gone smoother, but Ren only knew how to lash out when bothered by something. Victor’s blood status had always been an issue and it would remain that way. Jealousy and an equal insecurity for that kind of prestige.

Victor was a threat, both with his better bloodline and the inevitable fact he would abandon them. Perhaps that is why Ren chose to test the waters so often. Maybe to try and chase him off before Victor got the opportunity to hurt them and leave on his own accord. Self-destructive mannerisms that Ren had rationalized into self-protection.

“It only makes you a Pedigree dog.”

Otto heard everything. He was not actually asleep at all, so his ears were open to everything that Ren and Victor were saying. His heart hurt and he was borderline anxiety attack right now. Fresh tears began to flow out of his eyes and down the bed as his eyes were wide open, ears open and being filled with the tensing words. He was going to lose them for sure now, the rest of his last year was going to be spent in heartbreak and anxiety, it's not what he wanted. He wanted his last year to be filled with good memories and all that cheesy shit. Not this. Otto silently cried to himself, not having the strength to just get up and yell at them that he wasn't even sleeping, that he couldn't sleep now because of the tension.

Otto screwed his eyes shut, wanting to block out the words but he couldn't. He had no choice but to listen to Ren and Victor go back and forth with harsh words, and he wanted it to stop. He'd give anything for it to stop and for things to calm down. Otto heard Victor say he was going to go for a walk, and it made his heart drop because Victor was leaving them alone. Victor had wiggled out of his grip, basically disturbing him and it hurt Otto to see that Victor was leaving. When the sixth year had left, Otto's eyes fluttered open and he started to sit up on the bed.

"I wasn't asleep! I heard everything!" Otto told Ren, looking hurt, face once again red and blotchy. His heart was palpitating against his chest, he was slowly hyperventilating as he had the feeling of something bad was going to happen to the three of them. Otto's body was shaking and trembling, he felt dizzy and his chest began to swell in pain. He wanted to go after Victor, plead with him to come back and resolve this. However in his current state, he wouldn't make it out of the dorms with his trembling legs. His brain tried to process everything at once and it made his head start to throb in pain, and he was starting to think negative thoughts. "I already told you, if you get expelled then I'm going with you!" Otto reminded, voice cracking as his hands bunched up the fabric of his shirt, knuckles turning a pale of sheet white and he felt like he had a hard time getting in a full deep breath.

He needed to calm down, he couldn't be acting like this especially in front of Ren. "If," Otto paused for a hiccup and to suck in a deep inhale, "if I am a burden then you might as well just say it." Otto murmrued softly, not sure why he said it. He didn't want to lose Ren and Victor, he didn't, he wanted them to stay with him. Some part of Otto was just hoping that Ren would calm down and help Otto calm down too, but the other part of him just expected to get up and leave him. To be honest, Otto couldn't leave the bed... not in his current panicky state. He didn't want someone either than Ren to see him like this so he couldn't leave the bed. This was not how the day was supposed to go. It was supposed to be a relaxing day but all of it was shattered and turned into something ugly and distressing.

Otto couldn't even bring himself to look at Ren. He was so upset and stressed, he felt like a horrible person. He even expressed this aloud, "I feel like a horrible person, like I caused this somehow." Otto rambled out, blaming himself for this even though he wasn't even sure if he had caused this. The prefect wanted Victor back but the other was probably long gone somewhere now, so he was stuck with Ren. Now, Otto didn't mind being alone with Ren but what if Ren lashed out at him too? What if he got reprimanded? His vision was blurry with tears, and now he was officially restless and unable to fall asleep. Naptime was off of his mind now, and as much as he had wanted to fall asleep peacefully... he couldn't do it now. Please don't leave, Please don't leave, Please don't leave, Please don't leave. Otto thought to himself, hoping Ren wouldn't leave him alone, he wanted at least Ren here with him despite Ren had been the one to basically cause this.

Otto just didn't want to be alone while he was in a vulnerable, panicky state.

-->

“So did you,”

It sent a flash of annoyance. A spark that quickly caught aflame.

Ren of all people would never appreciate being called out for hypocrisy. Yes, he had lied. But in comparison to Victor who spat deceit like religion, he thought he had been very light with it. Victor was the threat here.

“He wants to believe because you lied to him!” Ren seethed, the stubborn nature rearing its head once more. Such mild reactions from Victor were not helping, instead enforcing these ideas he had brewed. The raven hadn’t disagreed with the stupid inquiry. “You do not deny it.”

Cold seized Victor’s expression, something unsettling that Ren hated. Ren didn’t like to be given that look, the same look the male gave to other people in public. Victor was never meant to register him in such a way and he realised he may have overstepped some boundaries. The company was withdrawn, cutting a slither of regret through Ren. He should’ve expected it but only temper swarmed to fill the new gap. To remedy the hurt he was feeling he’d instead act out with fury.

Victor was going to avoid the issues. Probably the most healthy way of dealing with the aggressive nature of Ren. If Victor didn’t give him anything to fight over then it would burn out quickly. That’s all anybody could hope for. Instead of relenting Ren was hastily climbing off the bed to hound the male through the dorm room. Overbearing for answers. Otto's peace was long forgotten and anger instead flooded. It seemed the raven couldn’t handle being reminded they were equal.

“Does that upset you, Victor Black?” He was becoming more argumentative by the seconds, voice raising to shout after the male. “You're upset that you’re the same as us?!” Bitter, he watched the beater disappear down the passage and leave the Slytherin commons, leaving Ren with his volatility and the fallout with Otto. Tender crescents dug into the palm of his hand, struggling with the back and forth of sadness and anger. Victor could do what he wanted. Ren didn’t need him. Ren didn’t need either of them. He wanted to believe he was independent and their relationship was just a convenience.

Returning into the dorms it was no surprise Otto was awake. After all, he had started shouting. To be told the boy had heard everything however, did grow Ren’s regret. The black of the coat brushed against the flooring as he came to a stop near the bed. There was no response, only a blunt gaze to the male.

“You are not going with me.” It wasn’t spoken harshly, but it was distant and cold. A decision single handedly made for Otto that he would not be joining them. It was hard when the prefect was upset, breathing unsteady and panicking. Ren was bad at handling emotions. He wished Victor came back to help. Instead he stood out of arm's reach, silent and unresponsive. Victor’s flaw was arrogance. Something that could rival Ren’s ego and annoyance within seconds. Otto's flaw was being too nice. Made it hard for Ren to be his regular snippy self, but it also made it hard for Ren to face the wave of emotions that came with somebody so sensitive.

“If I am a burden then you might as well just say it."

Ren didn’t respond again. Completely frigid to this conversation. The unfeeling and detachment was a struggle, one that was leaving Ren internally chaotic. He could sever ties with them right now. Get it over with before the inevitable future arrives. Do it before they get the chance first. If they both hated Ren none would feel the need to try ‘vouch’ or go with him to a different school.

“No.” He finally said. A very short answer. “I am not a liar.” Ren wasn’t going to affirm anything that wasn’t true.

"I feel like a horrible person, like I caused this somehow."

Ren didn’t see how Victor’s deceit and blood prestige had anything to do with Otto. They were the victims of this situation. Victor is the one who thought of them to be insufficient. As much as he wanted to feed off that anger, it had simmered, leaving Ren more quiet than usual in reflection of what he had said. There was guilt, an emotion he was not fond to be stewing upon. Victor fleeing and Otto having heard everything was bringing realisation he had caused the turbulence. Was Ren going to apologise? Of course not. He wanted to turn and leave the dungeons, find someone to hit or hide away in a secluded area. Get rid of this restless energy.

He stepped forward and took Otto's pinky finger into his own. A shy action, another silent apology and a poor attempt at helping. In this moment it was the best he could offer.

“Do not hate me.” It could have been a plea for forgiveness, sorry for calling the boy foolish. But that wasn’t why he said it. It was for what he was about to do.

Ren pulled away, turned and left.

He wasn’t going to search for Victor, spiteful and not wishing to take accountability. He wasn’t going to try and talk Otto down with more lies, and he wasn’t about to be truthful about what he expected to happen and freak the boy out more. Otto had called him cruel in Hogsmeade, something probably intended to be a joke yet taken too literal. Therefore the best conclusion he found was to get out of there and save further conflict. Ren was doing what he thought to be best. He was just trying to help.

The cold outside was met with a grimace and a shaky exhale of warm breath. His need for distraction could take the form of several options today. Another fight-- however that would not look good for his future meeting with the headmaster, pace the entirety of the quidditch pitch over and over, find someone to follow around just for the company, or buy the pair gifts to indirectly apologise. The latter was most appealing.

Ren hated that he felt this unstoppable need to crawl back into their good graces. It was embarrassing that he cared so much for what they thought. As he walked he picked nervously at the sleeve of Otto’s sweater, absentmindedly pulling the hemming loose.

Victor liked shiny things, leaving a rather broad horizon. Didn’t really want to bring him another quill or ink pot.
What did Otto like? Candy, but Ren wanted to get something a little more important than just sweets. Comfy clothing. A hat?

That was a stupid idea. This was stupid. Ren sharply turned to march back towards Hogwarts, then stopped again in his dilemma. Maybe they wouldn’t forgive him. He turned back around. He had to sweeten his presence with a gift, or perhaps he was just overthinking a simple ‘Sorry’.

A sharp pain to tender skin made him yelp and flinch from Mishka’s jab. He rubbed his side, casting a hateful look and a snap at the Hufflepuff.

“I’m NOT delirious.” This was definitely how River must feel every time he speaks to someone. “It’s the Universe.” Grayson was exasperated. “The universe said so.” He was accustomed to clear cut communication, not being understood was driving him insane. “The snakes.” Foul play must be afoot here. This entire day was cursed. Someone had caused this.

“Don’t talk about me like I’m not here!” Mishka speaking to Bean about him was getting Grayson in a tussle. “I’m not crazy!” Hard to believe when all he’d done today was interact with pinky, get the shit beaten out of him and then ramble nonsense to the Hufflepuffs. A fever dream.

He huffed, giving up on trying to explain. These yellow fools would never understand the Universe. Not like him. Not like him and River.

"You couldn't fail even if you tried to- There's no test shithead-"

Oh.

“That is… strangely nice of you, Mishka.” The comment was taken right to the heart, genuinely moved and appreciative of the sentiment.

“Five points for cussing.” Nice or not, the prefect still had rules to uphold.

A sudden catch to his foot had him on the ground for the third time this day. Mishka had been nice enough to not join his fall, rather selfish.

“I’m so sorry Gray! Oh my god, here ..” Oh fuck no. Fuck. No. He knew who it was by voice alone, grimacing before even laying eyes on the girl.

“It’s Gray-son.” He corrected through teeth. He’d never be delirious enough to not hate this bitch of a student. Pure-Blooded? She certainly did not act like it. Just like Victor, how fitting. Perhaps the two would make a good match, two disappointments-- if the Slytherin beater wasn’t into men. Valencia knelt down, inciting immediate suspicion and an awkward shift to move away from her across the ground. The latching of claws into his arm stopped that attempt. Despair. As expected, Valencia was not sorry. Valencia was not here to help. Valencia was evil.

He managed to stop any embarrassing noises of pain from the vice grip, glaring and giving his arm a tug to try get her off. It was too close for his liking, physical touch not favoured. The only danger Valencia posed were those pointy little shoes.

And speaking of which,

“Your fat goblin feet were in the way.” Grayson was unstoppable, unrivalled even after being beaten and thrown about all morning. His pride would get him killed. She leaned in, the close proximity bringing his bad attitude to a sharp stop. That’s very close. The breath was hot against his ear, aggressive words he wasn’t doing great at retaining. Pompous. Breaking bones. Something of that nature. Unnecessary. Close proximity.

The prefect swallowed dryly, giving a silent glance to Mishka in request for help. He thought he was going to get eaten. Please get this beast off me.

Violent as ever, Valencia pulled him up and shoved him into Bean. More of being pushed around like a dumb puppet, easy enough to piss him off. Grayson would’ve loved to return the regular smarminess, insult her or make some witty remark, but he’d focused on one thing from the entire threat.

“She said my face is pretty.” He whispered to nobody in particular, just to ensure someone else had heard it. Mishka’s input of course, had to ruin Grayson’s moment of awe.

"If you're gonna be such an ass and make everyone hate you, you really should at least know how to defend yourself. Christ, it's pathetic."

Grayson scowled.

“Mishka.” He now spoke calmly, not about to take a single word of advice. “You speak too much,” There was a dismissive glance, “- And I don’t value you enough to listen.” A bad attitude and a constant need to get the last word in everything left him open to such violence. Well-deserved wounds was right. Yet another attack was inflicted, adding to the total. Grayson made a shrill noise at the cold snow emptied down his shirt, raising his arms with disgust and discomfort. Today was cursed.

“... Mishka.” His voice strained to keep levelled. “Five. Points.” The list of attacks today was growing. Victor. Ren. Valencia. Mishka. Who was next? Conduit of Water? No, he couldn’t lose faith in everybody just yet. River was his only tie left to humanity.

“Episkey.”

Then as if offered by the gods themselves, the silver eyes located the head of pink. Grayson was delighted and equally terrified, all instincts encouraging himself to run (yes, run) over and bombard with questions. He didn’t, seeing that they looked busy. The Universe must have told River to help. He watched the Seer vanish again, important duties of the spirits or whatnot. Grayson didn’t fucking know. An hour earlier he didn’t believe a single thing about prophecies, yet was now reevaluating his entire life.

Grayson had a lot to ask. Will he get the highest marks? Will he pass Herbology? Do all of his teachers like him? Is he better than everyone here? When will he die? River’s reprieve was short lived, the cursed day would only worsen upon hearing the Hufflepuff threatening to snoop through his things.

“What.” Grayson turned sharply, horrified over such a threat. “Don’t you dare.”

“No, no you know what?” A limit was reached. “I do not need to see Professor Sage, stay out of things, the cow needs to watch her hooves, and I’ll have you all know I only misspelled Mercurialis Annua because I was TIRED.” Grayson huffed, out of breath from his little rant. “The next person who touches me, I’m going to-“ What was he going to do? Certainly not hit them. He slowly crossed his arms over his chest. “- Be annoyed.” Yeah. “So,” He spun on his heel to turn away, “If none of you quite mind, I’ll be going now.”

Didn’t matter. He was dragged anyway.

Grayson very awkwardly sat in the infirmary. Goody two shoes wouldn’t dare to get lippy around a teacher. Had to look prestigious and well behaved, a good prefect. No, not good. The best prefect.

“I feel fine.” He thought this was ridiculous, being dragged all the way here by the two Hufflepuffs. There was no need for medical attention, just some peace and quiet from all these barbarians. Maybe a muzzle to make him shut the fuck up. “He does not hit very hard.” In reality he felt battered and bruised, but he wasn’t going to admit that.

Grayson wondered where his cats were. Hopefully they’d sense their father had been brutally beaten and required company.

Otto thought Ren was going to lash out at him too. Call him a burden, call him a horrible prefect, and more. He anticipated it but it never came. It was nice that Ren didn't think those things but he just wanted Ren to say something to him, to break this awkwardness before it got to him even more. Victor needed to come back, they needed to kiss and make up! Make things better! Forget the little snit that they had earlier and just... get to sleep! Otto wanted to fall asleep, more so be lulled to sleep but it looked it wasn't even going to happen... right now at least. Otto was silently begging for Ren to stay with him and for him to say something comforting. His brain was overloaded with all of this and he wanted to clutch at his head and scream.

As of right now, he just stuck to crying. Someone needed to calm him down, coax him back to being calm and relaxed but it looked like it wasn't going to be Ren. He stared at Ren, his boyfriend blurred through his immense tears and he quickly blinked. Then his eyes slowly trailed downwards to their pinkies and it just hurt him more. Helplessly did he watch as Ren left... and he didn't hate Ren, he could never never hate Ren. Except well.....

HE LEFT HIM ALONE. Otto's brain attempted to process everything at once and he couldn't believe that Ren had just walked away from him even though Otto had been stressingly hoping that Ren would stay with him. His mind was overcome with plenty of emotions and he fell back onto the bed, pressing the palms of his hands over his closed eyes and his chest heaved upwards with every single breath he took. Otto sniffled loudly, grateful that it appeared he was the only one in the dorms besides Tomodachi and Naomi.

The brunet refused to be alone. You would think that in his current state of mind, he would want to be alone. But no, he did not. Otto was going to go and look for Victor and bring him back. He lowered his arms slowly and sniffled, shifting his body position so he was sitting upright and he began to inch himself off of the bed. Otto kept telling himself that he was fine, that he was going to find Victor, and he was going to bring him back. He scrubbed at his eyes roughly with the sleeve of his sweater, blinking a few times to clear his eyes and rid himself of any unspilt tears. As of right now, he needed to be strong.... not only for himself but for both Ren and Victor.

Once out of bed, Otto took in a deep breath, apathetically sauntering out of the dorms and out of the common room. Once out, he began to maneuver his way to the outside, immediately being hit with the cold, fingers pink with cold and his face already red from crying and now it was turning pinkish from the cold air. He quickly shifted into his otter form, knowing it would probably be easier for him to find Victor in this form. And to get to him if he needed to. All Otto wanted was to have Victor back with him just so that he wasn't all by himself whilst Ren did whatever. His webbed paws trotted through the snow, fur slightly blanketed with the cold snow as his nose wrinkled and sniffed. Snow crunched underneath his little paws as he began to look around for Victor, any sign of him whatsoever.

His paws were starting to get a little cold and now the animagus was starting to give up on finding Victor which hurt him. He thought he should leave Victor alone and let him come back when he was ready. However, Otto pressed onwards and was determined to find and bring Victor back, he just had to.

Oho? A tree... with several black birds? If Otto wasn't an otter right now, he would be musing to himself. One of them had to be Victor. He pattered through the snow and over to the tree, gazing upwards and studying the tree as if he were wondering just how he was going to climb it up and get to Victor.

Otto grabbed hold of the tree with his front paws, claws slowly digging into the bark before slowly making his way up the tree and over to where the several black birds were calmly perched on the tree branch. He'd known Victor for so long that he knows which one is him, and he just needed to get to him before Victor flew off. His lithe, yet agile body climbed up the tree, pushing himself up and claws scraping against wood in an attempt to get a firm hold on the tree. He was so tired, and his energy felt so drained yet he was determined to get to Victor and to bring him back. He leaped up towards the branch and front paws immediately grabbing and digging into the branch, heaving his whole body onto the branch. His legs shook and he wondered if he was going to fall.

Sorry Victor.

Otto clamped his jaws on one of the black, feathery wings of who he assumed was Victor, claws scrambling to get a good grip on the branch as he began to slowly back away with Victor's wing in his jaws. His head dipped down and his eyes closed shut to avoid getting directly hit with the toher wing just incase Victor flailed about and got Otto to fall out of the tree. Otto could feel his heart pounding as he backed up against the tree, hind leg scrambling to get a grip and he was trying to get in a good enough position to where he could climb back down and onto the ground. Stupid Victor, Otto would think, making him do this. Otto swung his body around and placed his paws on the tree, claws once again digging in and he moved his hind legs onto the base of the tree with Victor in tow. Otto slid down as a result but he locked himself into place, head tilted to the side because he had to keep in mind that Victor's wing was in his jaws and he couldn't have Victor be scraping his body against wood and bark.

His jaw's grip on the wing was tight and firm, there was no escaping Otto's bite force and he was set on bringing Victor with him, a mixture of emotions filling his whole body on the way down, lower jaw hurting but he was determined and filled with adrenaline. There was so much Otto wanted to say, to yell, to reprimand. It had to wait though and that's what Otto hated. His eyes squeezed shut the rest of the way and he didn't want to look at how he was basically hurting Victor, but it was for his own good. His jaws tightened and clenched on the wing, wondering if he was biting down too hard and if he was going to end up breaking a bone, an actual bone.

Once safely on the ground, Otto swiveled his head around and tossed Victor onto the snow, closing his jaws and feeling satisfied with himself. Victor could not fly away hopefully, he was stuck there and Otto was going to be very persistent about getting his boyfriend back to the Slytherin dorms. Otto scratched his neck with one of his paws before ultimately returning back to human form. He was... angry with Victor. Upset with him too. "This is your fault you know." Otto said spitefully with a hurt expression. His fingers were pink with cold again, and he was reprimanding Victor for running away like that. He had to. "Ren left me alone because you walked away." Otto continued to speak, face still wet and cold with tears from earlier and he was not going to let Victor get away again, he couldn't because he needed him so much. Ren wasn't there and he was damn set on Victor.

"Please, please please come back to the dorms." Otto begged with Victor for him to come back with him, he didn't want to be alone... not in his current state. He didn't know how many times he needed to say it but he was going to say it again, "I have already said that I am leaving if you and Ren get expelled and you cannot change my mind." Otto was deadset on not being separated from his two boyfriends. They were going to stick together no matter what happened. It was cold and he was fumbling with the cuffs of his sweater. He needed to say something else, wanted Victor to come back with him and keep him company because apparently Ren wouldn't.

"I wasn't asleep when you and Ren had your little snit, I was awake and I heard everything. You should've just stayed instead of running away." Maybe this wasn't helping the situation but Otto was not taking a no for an answer, he wanted Victor to cooperate with him to make things easier.

This happened in relationships; Buying gifts for their significant others.

Ren held the bag close to his chest in fuzzy realisation this might be what some people consider ‘romantic’. This was very personal and it would make them like him again. He would be forgiven and allowed to crawl back into their lives and bed. That was the hope, execution could prove difficult for someone so verbally inept. Even attempts at reciting a proper apology were made.

‘I will not speak ever again.’ Was the first and last try. That wasn’t going to work.

Despite failure, Ren was excited. Boundless energy brewing inside to make the pair happy again. He was leaving Hogsmeade for the second time that day when he noticed the little prints.

It could’ve easily been a cat or a small dog dividing the snow. Yet the webbing between the toes was the sign of something semi-aquatic, and Ren had a good idea of what. Or specifically, who. An Animagus that was nice to hold. Cute paws.

Otto had been here.

But why? Why go in there? Worry grew, regret flourishing from leaving the upset male alone. He should’ve stayed. Otto was probably sitting and crying in the woods and it was his fault. Ren hadn’t walked far into the treeline when his shoe hooked a root under the snow, having to catch himself on a nearby tree to stop the fall. Bark scraped the skin of his hand, only a small hindrance to his day. Otto was going to get a gift early and be happy. Ren had learned how to help, and he was excited about it.

To the disgust of probably a spiritual Victor, he dismissively wiped the bloody hand against his coat before continuing.

"Ren left me alone because you walked away."

Shoes stopped and fingers gripped tighter on the bag. The smile faded. That wasn’t true.

Who was Otto speaking with?
Surely not…

Ren had driven Victor out and abandoned Otto, yet both of them were here? Without him. The rational part of his brain wanted to believe it was not a big deal, the other, not so much. Had it been long enough to just get rid of him? Was he so easily disposable? Had they waited for this? Why didn’t they want him anymore?

Jealousy truly was a horrible feeling.

That previous joy had gone cold and stiffened, now tense and alert to the rest of Otto’s words. Ren didn’t know anything for sure, couldn’t just let his mind run away with it, that would be most reckless. He hugged the bag closer in search of comfort but it now felt heavy and worthless. It was fine. Ren remained behind the tree as he listened to Otto talk. They probably found each other by accident. He could act okay about it.

“Guys?” Ren stepped out from the tree as if just happening to stumble upon them here. An indifferent smile was mustered, convincing himself he wasn’t bothered. It did not matter. Ren could be calm and mature, gifts given and they’d all be happy again. A blanket and candy for Otto, Christmas decorations for Victor’s bird tastes. Neither would want to leave him out.

It didn’t matter what Ren wanted to be. It was what he wanted to do that was seen by others. He wanted to make the two happy, but he wasn’t sure how to do that. He didn’t know how to go about giving gifts. In fact he hadn’t put any thought into this part, now awkward and self conscious. It wasn’t meant to be exchanged in a group of trees, out in the cold with both of them upset, but locating the pair together was giving Ren the bad impression he was unwelcome. That he was intruding on them. It was making him fret. He had to fix this now.

He set the bag on the snow then backed away a few steps, returning some distance in case they didn’t want him around. First part finished, now for the ailment of verbal communication. All he had to do was say ‘sorry’ or, ‘I got these for you’. It was easy. He took in a shaky inhale, prepared.

“I found it.” For fucks sake. Ren wanted to bite his tongue off. Bleed to death rather than have to speak. “In shops.” Better. An improvement. “I didn’t steal them.” Irrelevant information. “Some… of it.” Ren’s worry was slowly taking the reins, able to chat a lot when given the motive.

“Honeydukes wasn’t trashed this time— Not that I did it earlier! It wasn’t me. And even if it was, it was good because the frogs got out.” Desperation was the motive. “And it’s not my fault that I don’t want people to eat chocolate frogs. I don’t like that they can move. I’m not cruel. Why do they know fear if they aren’t alive?” Nervous fingers were now picking at the hem of the sweater again. “They don’t want to be eaten and they are probably scared.” It had been a complete word vomit, every inner thought from today just bubbling to the surface, topped off with a little feeble, “I’m cold.”

Now that all of that was out in the open, Ren’s face had turned a considerable pink. Not from the winter but of how fucking humiliating this was. The earlier apology recital would’ve been better than all of that. ‘I will never speak’ could’ve actually come in handy.

“I don’t want to be alone again.” Ren hated to hear himself say these things, tensing his jaw and looking off to the side. It was embarrassing to admit every little thing that had crossed his mind. He was afraid of another expulsion and he was afraid that the two had decided to get rid of him so quickly. He wasn’t sure how to handle fear.

Movement in his pocket was a reminder of the other gift. Not a chocolate frog, thankfully. He carefully fished it out and held it towards the Raven.

“It’s you.” A powdered porcupine from Honeydukes. “I named him Victor.” He explained, much more quiet than the previous ramble. “You are porcupine. Not a dog.”

Ren felt bad for the insults he had given the pair. The pedigree comment could’ve been restrained.

“Don’t eat him.” Ren added quickly, “He’s nice.”

Otto would be easiest to win over, some hair pats and sweets to tide him back. Victor, however, to put it simply, could be a bitch. He was the cause of all this apprehension at the moment. It was hard to read the emotion of a bird.

Ren waited anxiously, awaiting a positive response from the two.

Otto was shivering, fingers cold and pink, and the cold air was brushing against his cheeks and turning them reddish pink, his eyes stung with tears and from the cold. There was still so much he wanted to tell Victor but he could not. Not yet. His breathing was ragged, eyes glossy wet and he was eyeing Victor, willing him to turn back into a human. He was anticipating, awaiting for Victor to just... turn back into a human but it did not come. Victor remained a crow. Otto dropped his head down and he sniffled loudly, letting out a distressed sob, scrubbing his eyes with the sleeve of his sweater.

Otto was ready to head back to the Slytherin dorms, crawl into bed and pass out from exhaustion. He was semi-aware of the surroundings, acting like he was in an anxious daze, vision slightly blurred out. He wanted to drop to his knees right then and there but he remained strong and willing enough to stay upright.

Victor had perched himself on Otto's shoulder and he turned to look at the crow. He couldn't tell what Victor was feeling, he wasn't sure if he was angry with him or not and that's what made him feel so uneasy about this. All he could do was just look at him and take guesses. He was truly sorry for hurting Victor and dragging him out of the tree when Victor wanted to be alone, but Otto couldn't be left alone.

The prefect let out a small sigh when Victor began to preen his hair. It felt nice even though Victor was in crow form and the feeling would have felt so much better if it were human fingers doing the touches to his hair. He allowed it, he welcome the feeling, standing there idly in the cold with trembling knees and shaky lips. Yeah, it was time to get back to the dorms before he ended up freezing to death out here. He was going to take a step forward when he heard a familiar voice. And he snapped his head to look at the source. And his heart dropped.

"Ren, I-"

Otto seemed to trail off and his anxious emotions came flooding back to him. What if Ren had overheard him speaking to Victor? He felt so bad now that his heart was about to burst. He needed to say something quick, but his throat was tightened up and it was hard to get coherent words out. "Ren, I came out here to drag Victor out of a tree." That's the only thing he could quite think of to say right now. His eyes shift so he could eye at Victor who was still perched up on his shoulder. His mind raced with thoughts, and he stared at Ren with anxiety, with worry, that he might stomp off and leave them for good. "Please, Ren." Otto said pleading. He listened to Ren ramble about Honeyduke's, and a ghost of a smile formed on his face but it was ultimately short-lived. The brunet felt like he was being dramatic but he did not care right now.

"Did you hear everything? I'm so sorry Ren!" Otto knew he shouldn't be apologizing around Ren but there were too many things on his mind for him to even care about that. He wanted to hug Ren so badly that his fingers were twitching with want but what if Ren just pushed him away? Otto would not allow for Ren to have another snit again, he wouldn't permit it at all. They were all going to kiss and make up, and be happy. Otto was persistent that they forget about this, he knew that Victor and Ren probably deserved much better than a panicky, anxious, clingy prefect for a boyfriend. But he still loved them so much.

The prefect shook his head and he meekly walked over to Ren, wrapping his arms around him and hoping for the best. Hoped that Ren wouldn't recoil or flinch away from his touch. He was breathing in Ren's scent, easily being pulled back into a state of relaxed calmness and his fingers bunched up the fabric of his own sweater, amused that Ren was still wearing it right now. Otto let out a deep exhale, lower lip shivering as he was attempting to make words, let Ren know that it was going to be ok. His eyes shifted to the bag, and his shoulders slumped. He forgave Ren, he was happy and appeased again, he took back the words that he said earlier and he was still feeling guilty about it. Ren had left to get gifts for them. He wanted to cry because he was probably making Ren feel bad now and he wanted to apologize but he could not.

He didn't pull away, rather his eyes shifted upwards to gaze at Ren's lip, his teeth biting his own lip. Well, they were out in a group of trees, standing about in the cold and trying to kiss and make up with each other. With his arms still wrapped around Ren, Otto struggled to get on the perfect tiptoe position, silently cursing himself. He used Ren for balance and support before he crushed his lips against Ren's in a sweet manner, giving him a much needed kiss with his body feeling like it was going to give out from the cold as well as exhaustion. Lethargy and tiredness were catching up to Otto now, but he didn't care, he wouldn't sleep until they were all happy again! He soon pulled away from the kiss and went right on back to hugging Ren.

"Ren, we're never going to leave you alone." Otto said smoothly in a soft tone. He wanted to tell Ren that he and Victor loved him so much, but his body was so exhausted and he was still calming down from an anxiety attack. Nevertheless, Otto was still grateful that Ren had gone out and gotten them gifts, it had easily swooned Otto into calming down and being happy again. He stared at the second Victor, the powdered porcupine to be exact and he let out an amused noise. Victor would definitely be jealous of that thing.

"Too cold out here. Let's get back to bed."

Otto said this with his grip on Ren loosening up. He looked at Victor, lips thinning out before he gave his fellow animagus a quick, yet loving kiss on the side of his head. He didn't want Victor to feel left out of the kisses and loving. Plus this was an apology for basically injuring him.

"Mmmm, thanks for the gifts though Ren."

Otto purred out, wanting to hold onto Ren while they walked back to the dorms, he made a grabbing motion at his free hand even though he knew Ren would need to pick up the bag of gifts and carry them with him.

"Did you hear everything? I'm so sorry Ren!"

Hearing Otto speaking about him had raised a pang of hurt. He didn’t respond to the question or apology, deciding to remain silent. Ren left because he thought it would help, but he wasn’t sure if that would be believed. Better stay quiet to avoid igniting another fight.

His eyes watched the male, allowing the nervous approach and hug. It was returned, finding comfort from the embrace. Smelled nice, similar to Honeydukes. Negative emotions quickly waned, his hold tightening on the prefect in fear he would try to part so soon. Otto didn’t need to say anything, in fact Ren would probably prefer that. The situation was embarrassing enough without other input. He expected Otto’s solace, as Otto was always nice. Suspicious at first meeting before realizing the boy was just like that.

Bird-Boy on the other hand, he couldn’t predict.

He saw Victor fishing through the bag of goodies, easing Ren’s apprehension. The bird was responsive at least, hadn’t flown off or ignored the gifts. Ren could only determine the raven was content, as deciphering any actual thoughts from the Animagus form was troublesome. He smiled as he rested his face into Otto’s fluffy hair. A weight had been lifted. Ren was pleased.

He didn’t know why Otto was now staring at him like that. He better stop. Might give Ren the incentive to step away. Fortunately the prefect wasn’t up to anything, just tiptoeing up for a kiss which the greedy Ren would oblige. It was gentle and welcoming, attempts made to tug the male closer by the oversized sweater. Ren tried to follow as Otto pulled away, then glared. Ren was far more deserving than one measly kiss. Selfish bastard. How unforgiving.

He propped his chin on top of the other’s head, finding a warm Otto to be an intoxicating presence. Felt nice to have the boy tucked in at his neck. Even just standing there with the male hugged to himself he could feel sleepy and comfortable.

"Ren, we're never going to leave you alone."

He closed his eyes and nodded, nestling his face back into the hair. He wasn’t meant to be so sensitive. Emotions were finicky things and he had no interest in unravelling those today. He refused to cry in front of anybody, that would make him weak. As quick as the urge had arrived, it was buried just as fast. No tears from Ren.

Otto’s hold loosened, much to his distaste. Followed by some love for Victor that greedy Ren wasn’t fond of. The bird was making such a fuss about it, cawing to be included.

“Don’t be an attention-seeker.” Ren mumbled, trying to attract Otto’s attention away from the bird and back to himself. Ren was deserving. He had got them gifts. As some might say, he was The Beloved. He nodded to the idea of going back. Ren just wanted to be inside right now.

Victor had taken seating on his shoulder and began to pick at the sweater. It was nice of the fussy bird to be tidying the clothing for him, he supposed he had been forgiven. Ren had forgotten he was wearing the article, still not loving the green colour. At least it smelled like Otto.

“What happened to your wing?” It looked like Victor had been attacked. The smooth feathers disturbed by what seemed to be a bite. Ren hadn’t really thought about the risk of being an Animagus-- smaller ones specifically. Predator animals could still go for them. There was some envy over the ability. It made him feel left out, unable to assume an animal form like them. Historic attempts were made with the mandrake leaf, longest lasting being a few hours before chewing on it absentmindedly. Vegetarian brain liked leaves. Salad.

But in this moment there was no envy. Only worry. And some anger, that Victor had rushed off to get himself injured. Again, like the reckless idiot he was.

Little was he aware it had been Otto.

“You always get injured.” Grumpy, he scooped the bird into his hands to try and inspect the damage. Clearly not enough to inhibit the fly to his shoulder, but he shouldn’t have wounds in the first place. The other Victor would’ve got called stupid and probably hit in the arm, but Bird Victor always got a nicer reaction. Ren’s love for creatures versus his love for his partners was… very biased; Always more gentle with the Otter and Raven versus their human forms.

He could be affectionate in public with them and nobody would know any better. Just a boy who loved his pets. He gave the raven a kiss on the top of it’s head, the best he could do about the injury right now. Maybe it will help the pain till they get back and assessed it properly.

“Pretty bird.” Ren cooed, often forgetting this was fucking Victor out of all things. Angry Slytherin Beater was indeed a pretty bird. “Does it hurt?” Ren frowned with worry, giving another kiss to the bird’s head, sympathetic for his poor hurt raven. “If you get cold you can climb under the sweater.” Favouritism. Ren had very big favouritism for animals. He gently moved the bird back to his shoulder before turning to get the bag in one hand.

Ren blinked at the grabby motion from Otto. Surely he didn't want to hold hands, not when they’d be out of the trees soon and within the public eye? Ren’s face warmed with a blush again, conflicted, before very shyly reaching out and taking the hand. Greedy Ren would not say no to such an offer.

This felt fucking stupid, skin warm about the intertwined fingers. He didn’t say anything about it. Complaining might make Otto stop.

“Does... the shrieking shack have ghosts?” Ren was just curious. For personal reasons. Didn’t really like ghosts. A strange conversation to start with a bird and Otto, but it had been on his mind today.

The adventures led the small group to a clothing store, meaning Rikki was correct about his idea that Aphrodite's envy or whatever was aesthetic-based. Yes! He could be smart. Nikolai seemed to ask if River had some date or something, to which... the Slytherin was pretty sure the answer was a no. Understanding half of that was impossible but he could at least put together it seemed more of a negation than a confirmation. What was so difficult of spitting out a yes or a no though, who fucking knew.

Rikki's face was scrunched with displeasure, but he was a fan of clothes shopping. It seemed to be lightening up as he brushed past some jackets and shirts that were more his style. Dark, sleek, maybe a little scary even.

He was looking over a particular number, another leather jacket he was considering adding to his collection when Nikolai grabbed his attention with something else. Ah.... Mood-changing clothes, Rikki looked over her with distaste. Oh, and freakazoid had to comment too. That first part of the sentence, Rikki couldn't make out the meaning. But the second part, well, he knew he was fair Python here and it would be 'perfect' for him. Obvious enough.

His annoyed expression painted back on his face, Rikki yanked the garment from Nikolai. He told the pair, moving along to put it on the return rack. Or so it seemed.

It wasn't odd for Rikki to wander off, the other two seemed close anyway, so he wouldn't even be missed. With a quick glance to make sure neither were watching, Rikki slipped his own jacket off and the blazer on. The colors began to swirl, making their way through the fabric as Rikki kept an eye out for the other two, didn't need to be caught like this. But there didn't seem to be any worry, Nikolai was focused in on River. Very focused.....

Rikki tore his gaze away and back to his reflection, where swirling greens rippled across the fabric. He shrugged that off as fast as possible, leaving it crumpled on the rack. Sorry poor workers, the blazer must suffer. There was no need to check a color code for that, he could well figure it out and did not want to think about it.

Stuffing himself back into his regular jacket, he sulked right back to the group, trying not to think of how called out he was by a piece of clothing. There, Nikolai was looking into trying on some shoes. He seemed unsure about trying them on though. It was perhaps spoken a bit mean, still angry about the jacket and well.... What the jacket was calling out. Now that definitely was spoken mean, biting the inside of his cheek after it rolled off his tongue. Obviously, Rikki wasn't one to have a problem with getting around. The comment was just pure pettiness. More than he intended but... That's who he was.

Nikolai wasn't forced to stay around him. They could always rescind the invitation out and Rikki would storm off and it all wouldn't matter. He was expecting it sooner or later anyways, how much longer would she really take of his horrid attitude? Especially around others, he completely ruined the vibe.

Annoying. Everything was annoying.