Year 1 Accidental Drowning AKA First Meeting
Year 1: An Accidental Drowning aka First Night
It's funny how some moments in life are quiet, uneventful even. Like your first time on the Hogwarts Express.
Then there are moments such as this. Ones that are terrifying, shocking, unforgettable, and perhaps, fated.
It surprises you that all first year students are transported to the school via boats that seemingly row themselves across a massive lake in what you deem ominous weather: a dark sky heavy with even darker clouds, vicious winds upset the temperamental waters resulting in large, crashing waves.
You silently vow to remain seated and stare straight ahead to the castle you desperately wish to reach.
Your surprise grows more when two of the other passengers, both boys, suddenly stand upsetting the already delicate balance of the small boat.
"Please sit down," your tiny voice pleas, but it's swallowed by the wind.
"Did you see that?" A boy with untidy hair and wire glasses shouts to no one in particular. "It was a giant-"
"Squid!" Finishes the other boy whose hair was shaggy and jet black. "But where'd it go?" He shifts slightly to peer over the side of the boat.
"Sit down!" You beg, louder this time. It earns you a scoff from the boy with shaggy hair and a slight frown from the one in glasses. He looks as if he has something to say, but is suddenly distracted.
"There!" He lightly smacks the shoulder of his companion and points across the lake. They clamor to reach the other side of the boat. Their sudden action causes the boat to rock hard against the rough waves.. You try to move your seat to counter the weight, but it's too little too late. The boat tips just enough to send you plummeting into the icy cold waters.
And it stings.Your lungs fill almost instantly with freezing water that burns your insides. Despite your panicking and flailing about, you make your way to the surface. Coughing and sputtering, you feel a tiny sense of relief to no longer be underwater. However, you're fighting hard to keep your head above water; tiny and scared, you're afraid you won't manage long.
You feel a tight grasp around your wrist and then there's another strong hold on your opposite forearm. With their combined strength, the two boys heave you back into the boat. Instantly you wrap your arms yourself in a feeble attempt to get warm.
The one with glasses looks at you with genuine concern and offers a rushed apology, "I really am so sorry...er what's your name?"
"Y/n," you grumble, hugging yourself tighter. The boy nods and tells you his name is James Potter. He glances in his friend's direction as if waiting for him to offer his name and apology. As his friend looks over at you, you see, despite everything that's just happened, he looks rather bored, or maybe just indifferent. But when your eyes meet and he notices for the first time the tears you have threatening to spill, his expression softens and he offers a small smile. Then he pulls out his wand.
"I know a spell that could help dry you," he declares.
"N, n, n-o, no, thank you," you stammer through chattering teeth. You suppress a shiver. The boy shrugs and puts his wand away without another word to you.
And that was your very first life‐and‐death encounter featuring James Potter and Sirius Black…