summary: hogwarts!au where every so often Hogwarts calls for a "house swap" where basically one student from each House is randomly selected to spend a month amongst new housemates. Lucy Heartfilia, star pupil of Ravenclaw, has been selected to spend her time with Gryffindor, which would have been okay (bearable, at least) had it not been for one boy in particular… and what is it about the way he sneaks around like he does?
a/n: a little fairy that goes by the username shippersaurus requested a hogwarts!au for nalu and honestly... who am I to resist?
disclaimer: I most definitely do not own a single aspect of either of these franchises
Lucy didn't quite understand the appeal behind a House swap, especially halfway into her fifth year. She had better things to do than watch over hot-headed Gryffindors for an entire month while they went back and forth over who has the larger broomstick, but Flitwick had frowned at her when she said as much after the announcement one night at dinner.
Four students, one from each house, was (unfortunately) selected randomly to "experience new things and understand ones fellow students" by being placed in one of the other three houses.
Needless to say, Lucy Heartfilia was less than thrilled when she was handed the maroon and gold striped scarf the following evening.
"But what about my O.W.L.S? They're coming up soon!" she exclaimed, resisting the urge to cringe at the Lion's House colors. Blue and silver was by far more pleasing to the eye; she didn't want to give it up so easily.
"Miss Heartfilia, the exchange will only last for a month," Professor McGonagall said breezily, her hands locked in front of her waist as she stood poised in front of the girl. "I'm sure a bright young witch such as yourself can keep up with her studies, even in a new surrounding."
"But-but…" she winced, wringing her hands and no doubt wrinkling her new tie. A glimpse of salmon hair and bright, smug green eyes flashed in the young witch's mind. "He's in there."
The professor pursed her lips at the mention of the boy. "I assure you," McGonagall said in a flat tone. "I am only too aware of which House he belongs to. Now gather your things. Gryffindor House is expecting you."
The Fat Lady was teasing her.
"Come on now, Miss Ravenclaw," the painted woman crowed. "From what I was told, you're nearly the top of your class! Where's that infamous wit I've heard all about?" She laughed a deep, belly laugh. "Or was Knocker simply pulling my leg?"
Lucy was close to pulling her ponytail out in frustration. Getting into the Ravenclaw common room required the answer to a riddle, one that was normally fairly easy to figure out if one only took the time to think about it. But to know a password that changed so often? How was she to know some stupid, most likely made up word?
"I don't know! Please just let me in…" the blonde sunk to her knees, exhausted and just wanting to get the first night in a new room over with.
"I would have figured a bright Ravenclaw would find this easy," came a voice from behind her, causing the girl to grit her teeth hard enough to hurt her jaw.
Not. Him.
"Natsu Dragneel," the Fat Lady chastised. "I've tried so hard to make this difficult for our new guest, so don't you go ruining my fun. Oh, now, don't look at me like that, dear," she told Lucy's distraught expression. The woman's eyes looked kind, at the very least. "I've just always wanted the satisfaction of stumping a Ravenclaw, is all."
"Oi now, Fat Lady, what'd the poor Raven ever do to you?"
They were both teasing her, Lucy realized. The very sight of Natsu Dragneel was enough to make the girl want to run in the opposite direction, but to have him make fun of her in front of her face?
She'd sooner spend a night with Mira in the Shrieking Shack.
"Get outta here, Dragneel," she sneered, not realizing how not-threatening she looked considering she was still kneeling on the ground in front of the Fat Lady's portrait. "I can figure this out on my own."
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the boy putting up his hands in mock defense.
Always teasing her.
"Whatever you say, Lucy. I was gonna offer my assistance, but I suppose Happy can go another hour or so without his dinner." As he passed by, one hand in his pocket, he flicked her ponytail. "See ya around, roomie."
The boy flashed her a big 'ol grin as he bid her goodbye, one that might as well have been a big fuck you as a parting gift.
But, as much as that grin enraged the blonde, he was actually leaving… and she was nowhere near close to figuring out the password.
"Wait!" she called out, resisting the urge to kick herself. The last thing she wanted was his help, or rather, giving him the satisfaction of needing his help.
But she'd already been standing in front of the portrait for a solid half hour and Lucy needed inside. She had to get settled in so she could begin working on her History of Magic essay due in the morning before she could even think of working on her novel.
Natsu halted at her plea, turning to look at her over his shoulder. His robes were dark in the dimly lit corridor, and the torches lined on the cobblestone walls only illuminated the green of his eyes and made them stand out all the more.
For one short second that lasted an eternity in Lucy's mind, their eyes locked… and he heard her.
No more teasing.
"Fairy Lights," he said softly, but loud enough for the Fat Lady to hear.
"Very good, Mister Dragneel," the painted woman praised with a hint of pride in her voice. She swung her portrait out in a wide arc for the girl and her trunk of belongings, much to Lucy's delight.
She hated having to owe Natsu anything, especially after what happened in Potions class their first year. But, she had to admit that in this moment, he kind of saved her ass.
"Thanks Natsu-" she said, turning back to look at the boy's no doubt smug appearance, but he was already gone.
"Where'd he go?" Lucy mused softly, a small divot forming between her brows.
"Moves around these halls slick as a snake, that one," the Fat Lady answered, watching the shadows as if waiting for a sign of the boy to emerge. "Half the time he sneaks up on me, even when I've been paying attention! Don't now how he does it."
"Huh," was the only answer the blonde supplied, her eyes following the pathway of torches.
A month in Gryffindor might have just got interesting.
until next time...