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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"Lia?"
"What?" Alina lifts her head from her book to meet Barty's eyes across the table. It has been two days since she secretly slipped the potion into Remus's drink. Now, she sits at the Slytherin table in the Great Hall for dinner.
"Will you help me fix my broom?" Barty asks with a slight grin.
Alina narrows her eyes. "Why should I?" Despite her tone, she already knows she will help.
Barty probably doesn't want to tell his father about the broken broom, so Alina usually helps him with such things.
Barty's eyes twinkle with mischief. "If you ever need me to, I'll distract or prank James Potter and his friends."
"Deal," Alina says, closing her book with one hand.
Barty smirks, letting out a small laugh. "Salazar, they must really annoy you."
"They do," Alina replies. "Can I fix it now or later?"
"We can go now." Barty grabs his bag, whispers something to Regulus, and stands up. Alina places her book in her bag, slings it over her shoulder, and follows him out of the Great Hall.
As they walk, Barty hesitates before asking, "Have your parents sent anything to you?"
Alina digs her nails into her palms. "Only one letter," she admits. "I burned it."
Barty forces a small laugh. "You have an obsession with fire, Lia."
Alina smirks, though it's softer than usual. They quickly make their way outside, the setting sun casting a warm glow on the grass.
"I think other Slytherins are practicing," Barty says as they approach the pitch. "Just wanted to let you know."
"Alright." They soon reach the pitch, where a few Slytherins are indeed flying, while others watch from the stands.
Alina stops near the door of the boys' dressing room and waits for Barty to bring out his broom. Some of the Slytherins in the air pause and shoot her odd looks, but she merely glares back at them.
She taps her fingers together when she hears the crunching of leaves from behind her.
Slowly, Alina turns to look behind her.
Nothing. No one.
Her eyes narrow at the empty space.
Then the door to the boys' room opens, and Barty steps out with his broom in hand.
He holds it out to her. There is a small crack near the end.
Technically, Barty could fix this himself. Well... maybe. The last time he tried, it backfired spectacularly. The next time the Slytherins played, his broom did everything it wasn't supposed to.
Alina examines the crack before taking out her wand. "Hold it still," she instructs.
Barty obeys, and she begins fixing it. It is quite easy; the crack isn't too bad.
