●20

They sat pressed back-to-back, though Jimin was hunched forward since he was bearing all of Jungkook's weight. The other teen was quite comfortable on his new chair, thank you very much, and showed no inclination to move or spare Jimin any more back pain. They’d found that didn’t need skin-to-skin contact when they were this close, but that didn’t mean Jimin could stop himself from occasionally reaching back to rub his fingers or knuckles over Jungkook’s bare neck. The only consolation was that Jungkook kept on touching him too, and in front of Crabbe and Goyle to boot.

“---Of course, he gets to suffer with me. Apparently Jung was the one to find the spell...”

“And park was the one stupid enough to use it.” Crabbe spoke up diversely, seemingly pleased at the idea of talking about Jimin as if he wasn’t there. Jimin made a face at his parchment and was surprised to feel Jungkook tense up slightly.

“Well, that’s hard to say.” Jungkook edged, his voice dropping a few degrees. “Certainly, though, Kim was the one to goad him into it. I doubt he’d do anything without his cronies support---“

[God, I hate you.] Jimin thought viscously. As if responding to the thought, Jungkook’s fingers brushed over the back of his neck, trailing down to his shoulder. The hand left. Jimin applied some strength to push Jungkook forward, but let himself sag back when Jungkook continued to play dead weight.

“---I must admit, I am amazed that Jung didn’t tattle on them. From the impression I got, he’s pretty particular about following the rules.”

Jimin thought back to when Hoseok helped him and Namjoon disguise themselves as Crabbe and Goyle. He smiled, [Shows what you know.]

“So, Park, did you bribe him into being quiet about it?”

It took Jimin, still smiling over old memories, a few seconds to realize Jungkook was talking to him. “What?” He tried to straighten up again without much success.

“Did you bribe Hoseok Granger into being quiet about your little spell casting?” Jungkook clearly stated each word, his tone patronizing, and applied more of his weight. Jimin twisted his head around as best he could and gave Jungkook a ‘oh, come off it’ frown.

Before he could comment, Goyle let out a deep snort. “What did ya do, Park? Kiss him?” Jungkook let out a sound amazingly like a hiss and sat up straight, but Goyle wasn’t finished. “Bet it was the only action he’s had in a long time!”

“Now look you---“ Jimin started sharply, twisting his body around to look Goyle full in the face. He didn’t get very far into the realm of insults when Professor McGonagall strode into the ward.

Her very presence put an abrupt stop to any conversation has she gazed down at the gathered teens with an expression that would have done her warrior goddess namesake proud.