You weren't new to Hogwarts. In fact, you had been at this school for multiple years. Besides your practiced precision in all of your classes, you had never gotten used to the moving stairs. They always caught you off guard and took you to the wrong floor. And with your luck, today was going to be no different.

You had gotten distracted by one of the moving paintings, which had talking to you, rambling on about the sudden hatred with the other painting across, which led to a yelling battle between the inanimate objects. One of your feet were still planted on the stairs, ready to step up, when it started to move

With a quick and surprised yelp, you tried to yank your foot off of the stairs, but stepped on your cloak instead, causing you to stumble and begin to fall backward. Your books fly from your arms and hit the floor with a loud echo as you brace yourself, squinting your eyes shut and getting ready to hit the hard, marble floor.

Suddenly, you feel arms scooping under yours, placed between your torso and arms, lifting you back up and setting you up on your feet, steadying you until you regained your balance. Your heart was rushing from the adrenaline from your expected fall, brain still processing the sudden change in balance. You slowly opened your eyes, groaning at the sight of your books and belongings on the ground, knowing you just inconvenienced two people. But you forgot about all of them when you heard a familiar voice.

“You alright, love?”

Time seemed to freeze. Your eyes widened with realization, and as soon as you were calming down from your almost-fall, your heart rate picked up almost immediately. You slowly spun on your heels, meeting the gaze of James Potter. He was the most well-known kid in your year, practically in all of Hogwarts. You never talked to him, never felt worthy enough to be in the presence of him, which wouldn't even begin to list his accomplishments.

You opened your mouth to respond, but the words got choked in your throat, coming out as a weird gargle instead of a pleasant 'Thank you' Great. Your face flushed red in embarrassment while James simply tilted his head to the side with a small smile on his lips as he patiently waited for your response. He crouched down, his red and black cloaks spilling around him like a veil as he picked up all of your things, placing them in your hands with a helpful smile.

Maybe he was as good as people made him seem.