ꜱᴇᴄʀᴇᴛꜱ/[ᴊᴀᴍᴇꜱ ᴘᴏᴛᴛᴇʀ]

0.7

James

The moon hung low in the sky as I found myself trudging through the dungeons with Adhara Black for our first patrol as Head Boy and Girl. The castle was eerily quiet, save for the distant sounds of creatures stirring in the Forbidden Forest. Adhara, draped in her usual emerald green, gave me a cool glance and said, "Potter, let's not get too cozy. We're just patrolling, not planning a slumber party."

I couldn't help but grin, running a hand through my messy hair. "Come on, Addy, we're the dynamic duo—Head Boy and Girl. We've got to be on a first-name basis, right?"

She scoffed, clearly unimpressed. "Dynamic duo? More like two people stuck with extra responsibilities." I knew she hated the nickname "Addy," but I couldn't resist using it. It's what Sirius used to call her when we were younger, back when things were simpler.

As we wandered through the dim corridors, lit by flickering torches, I nudged her playfully. "Admit it, Adds, we make a great team. Destined for greatness."

She raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Destined for endless paperwork, more like."

I chuckled, the sound echoing through the stone passageways. "Let's make a deal, Addy. Call me James, and I'll let you in on some top-secret Head duties. You scratch my back, I scratch yours."

She sighed, giving in just a bit. "Fine, James. But no promises on back-scratching," she murmured with a hint of irony.

When we reached the entrance to the dungeons, I couldn't resist showing off our newfound camaraderie. "Ladies and gentlemen, the Head Girl has officially called me James. We're practically best mates now."

Adhara rolled her eyes. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Potter."

We continued our patrol, the cold stone walls absorbing our banter. The subtle hiss of potions brewing in distant classrooms filled the air, reminding me of how alive the castle was, even in the dead of night. Of course, I had to keep the mood light.

"We're like Hogwarts royalty," I said, smirking.

She scoffed again, "Royalty?"

"Ah, sweetheart, you'll learn to appreciate the perks of our esteemed positions. Like having the best view of the Quidditch matches," I teased, leaning against a cold stone pillar.

Adhara shot me a sidelong glance. "You know, Addy, I never thought I'd see the day when you'd voluntarily spend time with me. It's like a dream come true," I said, feigning sincerity.

She met my gaze, cool as ever. "Don't flatter yourself, Potter. This is purely business."

I winked at her. "Business partners with a touch of camaraderie, if you ask me."

As we approached the potion-stained corridors, the atmosphere grew a bit more mysterious. I couldn't resist a final jest. "Behold, darling, the kingdom we explore as Head Boy and Girl—the dungeons, our mysterious domain."

To my surprise, Adhara cracked a small smile. "You're delusional, Potter. But I suppose, in your own weird way, you make patrolling less dull."

I beamed, feeling like I'd won a small victory. "See, Addy? Friends making the magical world a better place, one dungeon patrol at a time."

As we delved deeper into the dungeons, Adhara's curiosity seemed to get the better of her. "Potter," she began, her tone more serious now, "tell me about this secret society. Is this a game you and your Marauder friends have resurrected?"

I glanced around, making sure we were alone, then leaned in close, my voice dropping to a whisper. "Ah, Addy, the less you know, the better. It's a game of mystery and magic—it's not just a game, it's a society that's been dormant for over a century."