An Agreement with Fate

Hobby

I sat down in an empty classroom with a bunch of dusty seats and a chalkboard was still in it, although it was covered by a white cloth. I took a few books from my bookbag, which I had borrowed from the library.

They were the second-year books, I was officially bored out of my mind with the first-year syllabus. After a few months of reading, I can just use my common sense to figure out everything and well, the spells and potions were covered in the classes already, so I will be up to date with them too.

For a school of magic, there is really not much magic here once you get over the murder tree in the grounds and the open ceiling in the Great Hall. Even the ghosts and paintings lose their fun after the fourth time you see them gambling money with each other.

And homework? It is nothing compared to the twenty-page projects I have done in my past life, though it is ridiculous how easy is it to get good marks without reading a book. Turns out that paying attention in class worked out in my favour.

I looked at the second-year books. I didn't want to study them but I had to get out of boredom somehow and as a bookworm, this is the most appropriate option for me. I'd fly but it is dangerous and repetitive to me. Also, there are no novels either.

Let's get to it then.
_

Edward Thomas aka AK (Haha, get it?) sat down beside me, his shoulder-length brown hair covering his eyes a bit. AK groaned, "You know, B, I miss the days when we sat together in the orphanage, this place is torture. Seriously, did they not think to at least make a couple of clubs, interesting ones, for the hundreds of teenagers they have here or are they super cheap?"

Harry said from in front of me (Yes, he is here too), "Originally when I went to Hogwarts, I had a hand of danger hovering over me so I was not really free. Now, I understand why the Marauders really sprung up."

Yeah, I had these two meet and they got along pretty fine, although Harry was a bit nervous to be around a serial killer, no matter how good his reputation was.

I slapped my knees and said, "That's it! I have been bored too long, let's find something."

AK grinned and looked at Harry, who coughed and said, "Flying?"

AK groaned and answered, "I don't want to die because I was being reckless after being reincarnated! Let's do something calmer, like roaming the halls!"

I really don't know how AK got so excitable but honestly, I am loving him like this. Whatever happened to him after he left to live his life as a serial killer, seriously made him different. I cannot say better due to his bloodthirsty ex-habits.

Harry pointed out, "Most of the castle is empty and I already know all the secret routes and rooms, you can just come up to me from time to time. We should honestly save that for later when we are seriously desperate, this place can get dangerous."

I thought for a moment and asked, "Why don't we start duelling?"

Duelling was a fun and educational activity, and also a great exercise. I really don't want to be called a fatty during my teenage years this time.

Harry shrugged and said, "I can help us get started with it, I guess."

Meanwhile, AK thought deeply for a moment and responded, "It is a helpful and limitless hobby."
_

December was approaching and Harry and I were invited to Potter Manor for Christmas. Of course, Harry is their ward and was expected to be invited while I was a friend of both of their wards.

James said to me, "C'mon, mate, accept the invite. The four of us will have a blast back at home." and patted my back.

Now, look, compared to me, who is a towering figure, James is kind of a shrimp and the way he patted my back, well, let's say it looks ridiculous. Anyhow, I awkwardly sat beside him as he laughed like he was trying to act like an adult.

Why do all kids have to act like they are constantly trying to be older than they actually are?

Like, c'mon, man, have some fun and be angry with the Sun about melting your ice cream.

Sirius said, "Yeah, Ben, we can play Quidditch in teams of two" and then looked down, he whined sadly, "I would have loved to join you from the beginning of the hols but my parents decided to hold a stupid party for their friends."

Harry looked at me behind their backs and mounted, "Voldemort."

I nodded and shrugged.

Now, look, James and Sirius aren't bad kids but they are still good kids. While Harry and I sometimes act dumb and immature by nature, we are still adults who have actually lived our lives through.

We are just too different.

So, naturally, Harry and I declined the invitation from the Potters, which I was happy about in reality. After our first meeting with them, I am not sure if I actually like them. Though, I did not tell Harry that, since he really wanted to spend a Christmas with them.

As McGonagall collected our answers as to whether we were staying for Christmas, I discovered that Lily Evans and Remus Lupin had also decided to stay. Both of them are nice kids and really smart for their age.

I was looking for an excuse to speak to them since I noticed their interesting character and well, this is one.

I walked over to Remus and Lily, who were discussing homework, and said, "Hey, Lupin, Evans, guess you two are stuck with Harry and me for these holidays."

Lily looked at me in a hostile manner I didn't expect while Remus looked a bit shocked that I was talking to him.

I looked at them, confused. I didn't expect them to have these reactions when I came to talk to them. Harry came over to us and stood behind me. He asked, "What happened?"

I answered while looking at Lily and Remus, "That's what I am wondering."