Waiting Game.
After the obligatory speech about how important but trying this year would be, one that he was sure to hear in every class, James was left sitting at the back, his thoughts far from his education. His head was buzzing, different thoughts and worries all fighting to be heard first. He'd been able to grab a seat at the back and hoped Mcgonagall wouldn't try something foolish like seat him at the front like she had in previous years. Remus had sat next him, even though he was scribbling down Mcgonagalls ever word, and Peter on the other side. Sirius had come later after a reprimand about tardiness. He too looked as if he wasn't taking a word in and was instead gazing around the room. First lesson and he was already pulling his hair out in frustration.
This day couldn't go slower.
And as fate would have it, it did go slower. Much slower.
Even at lunch he wished it to go fast. The quicker lunch ended the quicker last lesson started the quicker it ended the quicker he could find our what the hell was happening.
Leaving his friends at the Great Hall he walked down to Care of Magical Creatures, the only lesson he didn't share with his fellow maunders. He'd never really put too much thought into why he carried on with this subject, it didn't benefit him in the long run and it wasn't a relatively easy subject either. Professor Kettleburn was a crazy coot and it was hard not to leave his lessons without a scar. Well perhaps that's why he chose it.
As per tradition the first lesson was held outside instead of the stuffy classroom they usually occupied. Already they was a small crowd of seventh years stood at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. James stood a little away from the crowd, not wanting to particle participate in conversation. For the first time that day his head seemed to be clearing, the fresh air and cool breeze taking over.
Soon professor Kettleburn limped down towards them, his wooden leg leaving a deep imprint into the grass.
"Now now class, gather round, gather round. Disappointing to see you're all in one piece, didn't you do anything exciting over the holidays?" He asked, a mad smile on his lips as he looked at his class, must of which we sharing worried glances.
"No? Never mind, never mind, we have plenty of time to rectify that. Today you have a free lesson. Feel free to roam Hogwarts ground. Nothing is off limits. You can explore the depths of the lake or examine the very reaches of the forest. My only request is that you meet back here at the end of the lesson and keep you eyes peeled, for you are on the hunt for the most bizarre creature you can find. So off you go, go, go, go!" He finished, shooing off his students with his hands.
Chatting amongst themselves most heading towards the forest, excited to be granted permission to enter the supposed forbidden forest. But after six years it had lost that appeal, especially in broad daylight. Although he did want to visit the Centaurs he had a feeling they wouldn't be most pleased after seventh years trampling through their territory.
Instead he followed the tress line round, catching sight of the quidditch pitch. He soon found his mind drifting towards technique and tactics he was planning on using this year. He was so distracted that he didn't the notice the grounds keeper until he walked into him, nearly knocking him off his feet.
Turning round Rubeus Hagrid looked down at James.
"James" he shouted, his beetle eyes sparkling. "How are you? How was you' summer?" He asked as he grabbed his hand sharing it in both of his.
"Fine. It was fine" James said on reflex whilst flexing his crushed hand behind his back.
"We'll good, good, but aren't you meant to searching for creatures or are you already slacking off?" Hagrid asked, eyeing James skeptically.
"Me, slacking? Quiet the opposite. We were told a bizarre creature, and look I've found one" he explained.
"Cheeky sod. Most of the staff assumed that badge would straighten you out" Hagrid said, shaking his head whilst pointing to James head boy badge on his chest.
"As flattered as I find Hogwarts staff interest in me surely you know by now that I am nothing but an unstoppable force." James replied, a smug smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.
"Interest. There's interest alright. Trouble seems to follow you or you start following it. And now that that girl ain't talking..." Hagrid didn't finish and soon found propriety in clearing away some wooden cages.
"What do you mean she isn't talking? That means she's awake, right? The girl I found the other night?" James asked, suddenly on high alert for any other of Hagrid's mistakes.
Without looking at James, Hagrid kept his eyes on the floor grumbling "shouldn't said that. Shouldn't of said that at all."
Turning around James sprinted off.
"Hey, where you going?" Hagrid shouted. But it was too late, James was already running back to the castle.