accioavengers | the meeting of best friends

Being smaller than everyone had it's many problems. For one, Steve had to get on his toes to see around everyone, even some of the first years. He got sick easily, so sometimes it felt like he spent more time in the hospital wing then everyone else. And then there were the bullies.

He had always had to deal with bullies, so finding them at Hogwarts wasn't all that surprising. Because he was so tiny, some of the older students felt the need to push him around. It got more fun when they realize he wouldn't run away, even if it meant getting a black eye.

Steve had a lot of black eyes, first and second year. At least, until he finally met someone that would stick up for him.

It was only a few weeks into his second year that Steve found himself face to-- er, chest, with a group of three fifth year bullies. They were blocking the hallway, refusing to let Steve by without payment. Of course, he didn't have the money to just pay them, and it wasn't like he was going to, anyway.

"For the last time, runt, you second years want to come this way, you have to pay a toll. Two sickles for two ways." The words of the bully were follow by a punch to Steve's face.

"Not...giving you...a red cent." Steve was stubborn. He held his face as he rose, refusing to pay, but also to back down.

His rebellion was followed by laughter. "Look at this runt! Too dumb to know he's beat!" "That's alright, I can spend all day proving it to him if I have to. It's not like I have anything else better to do." The second boy launched another punch at Steve, and he stumbled back once again.

"I'll say." Chimed another, though Steve realized a moment later it wasn't from one of the fifth years. The voice was from a first year Gryffindor. Steve only knew his face, having seem him around the common room. The first year charged the boy that punched Steve, slamming his own fist into the boy's face.

"Hey, why don't you mind your own business?" One of the fifth years glared at the new kid, not sure if he should be worried. But really, it was just a first year. Why should he be?

"It is my business. Watching you shake down little kids every day is making me nauseous." As he spoke, the first year launched himself at one of the bullies, standing his own. But as he punched the guy, one of the others tried sneak up from behind. Steve acted fast, grabbing one of his books and hitting the guy as hard as he could. Only a moment later, the three scampered off, like dogs with their tails between their legs.

The first year laughed as he watched. "Hah! Bullies always run true to form-- and I do mean run."

Steve huffed softly as he placed his book back in his bag. "I woulda worn them down eventually."

"Yeah, when they died of old age." The boy couldn't help but send an eye roll Steve's way.

"Maybe you wanna go a round or two, too?" Steve raised his fists, because he wasn't going to take being teased. He never backed down, which was what got him in this mess in the first place.

"Whoa there, cowboy! Holster those guns! I come in peace! Never even occurred to me to stand up to those bums until I saw a shrimp like you do it. You're a real inspiration, you know that?"

The first year's words surprised Steve. He hesitated for a moment, before lowering his hands. "Thanks...I guess. Steve Rogers. I'm a second year, Gryffindor. Think I've seen you in the common room before."

A hand was held out to him, and he took it.

"Good to know you, kid. James Buchanan Barnes. My friends call me Bucky."