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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"I hate parties," Alina mutters to Regulus as they watch the common room being transformed for a "small" party, as Barty had claimed.
Clearly, it is not going to be small.
"They're terrible," Regulus mumbles in agreement. "The music is awful."
"They always play the same song, over and over," Alina adds, unconsciously digging her nails into her palms.
Regulus scans the common room with a look of disdain. "I'm going to my dorm," he declares. "I don't want to be involved in this."
Alina nods in agreement. Both of them rise from the velvet sofa and begin making their way to their dorms.
"Lia! Reg!" Barty calls out, hurrying over and wrapping an arm around Regulus' shoulders. "Where are you going?"
"Away from here," Alina replies curtly, noticing how Regulus tenses under Barty's arm.
She smirks slightly before turning and walking away, leaving Regulus to deal with Barty on his own.
Once inside her dorm, Alina locks the door and lets her eyes wander over her room. She is grateful for the solitude.
Salazar, she hope James Potter and his friends won't be there.
It is bad enough she has to tutor James and is paired with him in many classes. She wonders if it is just a coincidence. At least she hopes so.
With a sigh, Alina sits on her bed, the silk green sheets crinkling slightly under her. She knows it won't be long until the music starts and the common room fills with noisy teens. She grabs a book from her nightstand and begins reading, already counting down the minutes until the party begins.
Barely an hour later, the music starts up, and Alina's eyes roll immediately. It is the same song they played last time. They must have certain songs on a loop. The music grows louder, and Alina finds herself simply staring at the page.
Merlin, she hates parties. She can't understand why Barty likes them—perhaps to spite his father. But to her, they are anything but fun.
Alina places a bookmark in her book and snaps it shut, putting it back on her nightstand. Just then, there is a noise near her door.
Alina glares at the door as if she can see the person outside.
It doesn't sound like a knock, more like someone has been pushed into the door. Still, Alina gets up from her bed.
Another noise at the door.
Maybe she should just ignore it.
But what if it's Barty?
Alina digs her nails into her palm before letting out an irritated sigh and walking over to the door.
Slowly, she opens it. The painting is still closed. Alina takes a small step into the large doorway, pushing the painting open slightly to peek through. She narrows her eyes as she looks through the small gap.
