Colosseum

Her words interested me. It seemed there were some talented people in this school. It only made the school tournament that much more interesting. After a few more minutes an old man came in from the back door. He looked around the room as if searching for something. When he went over me, he paused and frowned slightly before continuing.

He nodded, took out his wand and placed it on his throat. "All students, please head to the gathering place, we will be leaving shortly." He announced. he didn't stay and turned around before strutting through the door he entered from.

Most students had already gone through and only those who wanted to enjoy some beverages and talk were seated here. They soon filtered through. Some waited behind and continued chatting while others packed up and followed after the man as soon as he disappeared.

I decided to stick at the back for now and was one of the last to get up from my seat. I was coincidently behind the group of boys that were talking about me. Kaleb looked at me warily before walking through the door. It surprised me because as soon as he did, he disappeared.

I didn't hesitate to follow in his footsteps and went through the door. My vision spun for a moment; blurry images mixed into one like a coloured painting being smudged. And finally, I appeared on the other end. I was curious to know where we were and looked around. To my surprise, we looked to be in a massive colosseum. But the ground wasn't sand, but jade-like grass that covered the entire surface of the field. Hundreds of students were scattered around seated in their own friend groups.

the stadium was massive, even with so many students, it was almost empty. There was a massive stage in the middle of the stadium where an old couple sat feeding the pigeons. It seemed that they weren't lying huh. But what's with the pigeons?

As I continued to look around, I soon found myself in an awkward spot, I had nowhere to go. I felt uncomfortable so I walked towards one of the edges of the stadium and jumped up onto the steps. I climbed all the way to the back and took a seat. I didn't know why nobody did the same and preferred to sit on the ground, but I wasn't one to judge.

This seat also gave me a more complete view of the colosseum. The sand-coloured pillars gave off a roman feel to it. it was a square in shape, and, in each corner, a different stone animal was present. On the top left, a serpent with a horn on its head could be seen, wrapped around a pillar. Its mouth open, looking very ferocious. The horned serpent was known to inhabit large bodies of water and emit low musical notes to sound danger.

On the top right pillar, a massive eagle could be seen with its wings spread out. What was interesting was that it had three pairs of wings. The thunderbird was known to create storms as it flies and were reputed to sense danger very quickly.

On the bottom left, a man holding a bow could be seen. He had large ears and was short stature. The Pukwudgies were known for their poison-tipped and deadly arrows. They are said to be grey looking and are distant relatives of the European goblins and had been known to both help humans and play tricks on them.

On the bottom right, a mountain lion looking creature stood on the pillar seemingly ready to pounce. What was interesting was that it had three sets of legs. It is said that the wampus cat could walk on hind legs, outrun arrows and its yellow eyes were reputed to have the power of both hypnosis and Legilimency.

Naturally, these four statues weren't random. They were the animals that represented the four houses at Ilvermorny. As I stared continued to stare at them, I saw movement from the stone platform in the middle of the stadium. It was the same man that warned us in the coffee shop.

Now that I took a closer look, he had white, long hair, circular glasses, an aged brown three-piece suit on, a cane in his left hand which probably had his wand in it, and a bow tie. His cloak swayed in the wind. The only thing that ruined his look was that shitty face of his. He looked like a statue; a frown forever etched on his face.

"My name is Professor Brambleton, as most of you would know. But for those of you who are new this year, I teach potions at the school…" he went on to talk about his position and achievements and how important potions were like some street vendor. Honestly, does teaching potions make you an insufferable prick? I mean, I haven't even spoken to the man, and I can already tell that the stick up his ass rivals the one up Snapes.

As if noticing my gaze the man turned in my direction while he was talking, "My usual warning remains, I will not tolerate arrogant, lazy, or troublemaking students in my class. I look forward to seeing you all perform. Now, get ready, we will be leaving in ten minutes." He said before walking back to his spot.

I simply shrugged my shoulders dismissively, who did that old man think he was to lecture me? Bah, old fools were everywhere these days.

"You should take his words seriously, although Professor Brambleton is strict, it is for our benefit. After all, attitudes like his are a common sight in the workforce," said a young male voice from behind me. I didn't even bother to turn around. I had noticed him a while ago.

"Not interested. I won't be some lackey who works under another, so his attitude is simply a bother, not a lesson." I said dismissively.

Oh? That's awfully confident of you? I assume by your accent that you're not from around here?" he asked.

"Do I have to spell it out for you?" I asked back.

"Ooooh, the cold and anti-social type huh?" he remarked with a chuckle.

"Cold? Not necessarily, your question didn't need an answer. But you are right, I have no intention of befriending anyone here." I shrugged. It was true. I never really pursued friendship. If it happened it happened, if it didn't it didn't. plus, what did friendship really mean? I didn't count the people I met on a daily basis as 'friends'. No, they were acquaintances, friends, true friends, could be counted on one hand. If you had more than that, well, your either someone like Harry or your standards for friends are too low.

It sounded a bit extreme but that was what I have chosen to live by. If I can't trust you, then you aren't my friend. Naturally, the meaning of friendship differs from person to person, but at least, that was my understanding of true friendship.