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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Make sure you're on the right chapter!! I think wattpad glitched again💔
Alina listens to the tap of her shoes against the stone floor as she makes her way to the doors of the courtyard.
She needs to help Barty and Evan study—Barty asked her to, and she agreed. Unfortunately, that means spending time outside. At least the October chill makes it more bearable.
She hasn't received any letters from her parents lately, for which she is immensely grateful.
As Alina turns a corner, she hears murmuring ahead. She halts her steps just before rounding it.
"Shut up, Prongs, we have to be quiet," she recognizes Sirius Black's voice.
Peeking around the corner, Alina sees Sirius and James tucked into a small nook in the wall, spying down the hall.
A prank.
"Why?" James asks, brows furrowed.
"Honestly, James, sometimes I wonder how you manage to be this clueless," Sirius snaps.
James's face falls dramatically, making Alina wonder if he is faking it. He quickly looks away, then plasters a grin on his face and lets out a small laugh.
Alina tilts her head. Is that what James does? Every time someone hurts him, does he fake a smile and a laugh? She wonders why. What makes him do that? What makes him want to cover up the fact that he is hurt?
For some reason, she wants to find out more.
No.
James Potter and his friends are annoying. She will not get involved.
Alina takes a step back, then another, deciding to take the long way to the courtyard doors. Yet, her mind inexplicably focuses on James Potter's face.
Stop.
Alina digs her nails into her palm, forcing her thoughts into a box and locking them away. At least her mind is blank after that. She makes it to the doors soon enough and quickly walks outside.
A small breeze ruffles the leaves of the many trees in the courtyard.
"Lia!" Barty calls from under the shade of a small tree.
Alina turns and makes her way to the tree in the corner of the courtyard. Evan sits beside Barty, engrossed in a book.
Barty has a few books spread around him, though it is clear he hasn't done much schoolwork yet.
"Barty," Alina greets him blankly. "Evan." Evan looks up, gives her a half-wave, then returns to his book.
Technically, Barty doesn't need help; he is quite smart. She knows he is only pretending to need her help to spend time with her and to pass her notes on to his friends later.
