Alina Nightshade doesn't think much about James Potter. Only that he seems rather keen on being annoying.
James Potter thinks Alina Nightshade is a mystery all wrapped up in a very pretty girl. And he is keen on trying to be her friend.
James Potte...
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The fire is everywhere.
Flames circle her, choking her, killing her. The room is consumed by red-hot flames, and all Alina can see is fire.
The heat is unbearable, and she feels a wall pressing against her back, trapping her. She can't move, can't escape.
With a choked gasp, Alina sits up in bed, her heart racing.
Her dorm room slowly comes into focus, the familiar darkness and cold of the dungeons replacing the burning inferno in her mind.
She blinks, trying to banish the lingering images of the flames. There are no fires here, no heat. Just the chill of the dungeon and the feel of her sheets against her legs.
Alina rubs her face, running her hands over her eyes before letting them fall to her lap.
She focuses on the scars on her palms, opening her hands to reveal the small crescent-shaped marks. They are a result of years of digging her nails into her skin.
Gently, she traces a finger over the scars, a reminder of the pain she has inflicted on herself. She has kept her nails sharp on purpose, a habit she can't break.
Her eyes flick to the clock. It is early, but sleep is a rare commodity for her.
Getting out of bed, Alina quickly gets ready for the day. She puts on her uniform, does her hair, and applies some makeup to cover the dark circles under her eyes, it is the only sort of makeup she does regularly, the only thing she really knows how to do. Her hair is left loose, but she skips her usual headband.
She slips on a pair of black shoes, grabs her bag, and leaves her dorm.
The common room is empty, as are the halls. Alina wanders aimlessly, trying to push the vision of flames out of her mind. She needs a distraction, something to focus on.
The first Hogsmeade trip is approaching, but Alina doesn't really need anything. Maybe she could pick up a few new books, though she doesn't actually need them either.
She'll probably just stick close to Barty and his friends, only to leave early as usual.
"Alina?" Sirius Black's voice calls from behind her.
Alina sighs, pausing as he catches up to her, a smug grin on his lips.
"You know you're not allowed to be out in the halls this early," Sirius teases, smirking. He is taller than her, but most people are.
Alina arches an eyebrow. "I'm a prefect; I'm allowed to be out. You, however, are not."
She feels a hint of satisfaction as his eyes widen in realization.
"I was just getting something for McGonagall," Sirius quickly says.
"Sure," Alina replies, turning to face forward and continuing to walk. Unfortunately, his footsteps speed up, and he begins walking beside her.
