The Rotten Leaves
This protagonist has nothing to miss from his past life, it's not like he remembers much of it. It was like a haze. He vaguely remembers the events of the books as if he had been there, like he was watching it happening. The only thing he remembers is being loved and loving back.
The setting of this story took place at Hogwarts, the magical school for wizards and witches. While Harry was fighting a demonic Professor and competing in tournaments, James was stuck doing his fifth year homework.
"It was so much fun, Moony. I'm telling you." Sirius laughed beside him, "James moved so fast it surprised even me!"
A boy with scars on his face raised an eyebrow behind his thick book.
Remus Lupin, the werewolf. Friend of Sirius and James, who was not seen to have actively participated in the harassment but who also did not seem to want to stop it.
"Is that so?" Remus muttered, totally disinterested.
"Yes!" Black continued excitedly, "Prongs grabbed his greasy hair and then pushed him into the puddle. He was completely frozen!"
It was moist, not greasy, it was a little silky too.
This protagonist can't believe he touched his favorite character's hair. Because if you hadn't guessed, dear reader, this James Potter had a little thing for one Severus Snape.
Severus Snape was the most complex character in the entire saga, probably the only one too, his actions were not good from the beginning nor did they maintain pure intentions. Furthermore, Snape was always motivated by selfishness. From tormenting the male lead because he resembled his father to saving said lead because he resembled his mother, Lily Evans. Who Severus was always in love with.
Despite what the system said, he didn't think he could replace Lily's role, as Severus also had an important part in it due to her being involved.
If he recalls correctly, it was Severus' promise to the Final Boss not to hurt her that saved her. Or something about motherly love. It was not clear to him.
This protagonist can say some things about himself that are fresh in his mind and to read between the lines was not one of his strong points.
James has a vague idea that someone explained it to him before, but he can't remember who or why.
Bursa Selwyn was the substitute herbology teacher since Sprout was on maternity leave. James had no idea that Sprout was expecting a child.
She looked sweet, with a round face and cinnamon-colored skin, thick glasses, and curly hair in a high bun. She swayed among the students, her eyes narrowed.
"I am disappointed with the performance of some students in this class," she said, “that's why I'm going to ask some of you to work with me after school for extra credit.”
[Mission Alert! Beginner Rank Misión Issued. Location: Herbology Class. Mission: “Cut those leaves before it rots the tree!". Please click to accept.]
James couldn't believe it, you'd think he was failing all his classes. Of course, his name was called after accepting the mission along with three other students who were just extras. Sirius, who somehow always ended up by his side, gave him a reconciling pat on the back.
He could only slump in his seat, defeated.
On Saturday morning, walking through the halls of the castle and literally avoiding a senior Hufflepuff vomiting the contents of her stomach all over the floor, he headed to Herbology.
Professor Selwyn greeted them with a quick glance. Apart from James, there were the same three students from the last class.
"Today you will help me with the Alihotsy leaves. It causes uncontrollable laughter, so I suggest you hold back any noise." She smiled, the coldness of her words contrasting with her warm gaze.
One of the extras stepped forward, “Professor, you must be mistaken, that's seventh year material, we're not prepared.”
“Sprout left me in charge with the idea that you were all prepared. Instead, I see you decide to whine and show me that she was wrong.” She pressed her lips together and looked at them over the frames of her glasses.
The extra who decided to speak took a step back, pale. James was speechless at the intimidation; prepared for seventh grade material when they were in fifth? What kind of nonsense was that?
Before James could protest she continued, "One more word and you'll be stuck in this class for the rest of your college career.”
Selwyn raised an eyebrow and at the silence she said: “Cut the leaves with the scissors I left you and do it in parallel movements fromt he beginning of the stem.”
Proceeding as instructed, the result was disastrous: the sap was thick and sticky, dense and fragrant, blood gushed out of the wound and fell all over the place.
One of the extras next to him gagged, James sincerely hoped he didn't throw up on him. Then the Professor then ordered them to collect the sap in small jars and put them aside. They all looked a little green and nauseous, however, the Professor remained composed as if the smell didn't affect her. Years of work, James assumed.
When they finished Selwyn made a sound of approval and dismissed them coldly.
It was only when he reached his common room that he realized the mission had not been completed.