𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑, ᴊ. ᴘᴏᴛᴛᴇʀ

𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄

𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 Peter had pointed it out, James couldn't help but notice how often Remus spent with Aries. They were everywhere together; the library, the Slytherin common room, the great hall.

If Aries was somewhere, Remus wasn't far behind. It wasn't just Remus but the rest of her friends; she was never alone.

He's not sure how, but Aries was everywhere. Every corner he turned, there she was. He couldn't help but notice her.

James wasn't blind, the entire Black family was attractive, but he'd never seen how lovely Aries truly was. He couldn't help but watch how her jet-black hair fell from her shoulders while reading her textbook or her scrunched nose when laughing with her friends.

Now, he watched her chew her lip as Professor Slughorn droned on about their next project. He hadn't been paying attention, but neither had she. How could she with Nathaniel passing her notes the whole hour? A few had even made her smile.

"I will now assign all of you a partner to complete this project," Slughorn announced from the front of the classroom. There was a collective groan from the class that Aries appeared to find amusing, giggling under her breath.

As the Professor revealed the partners, James couldn't help but hope he got someone other than Meadows. Nott ended up getting paired with Evan Rosier and Dorcas with Lily.

"Lastly, James Potter and Aries Black." Shit. He'd been too busy staring at her to notice the rest of the students had been paired off.

Blue met Brown and he was surprised by the lack of outrage on her face. He couldn't name what emotion was on her face, but he knew it wasn't anger. Aries made the first move, walking over to stand beside the Gryffindor.

"Potter," She nodded, drumming her fingers on the desk in front of them. He found it hard to believe how she was even prettier up close. From his standing, he could see a gold necklace with a star charm peeking from the collar of her robes. He wasn't well versed in constellations, but he could bet it was Regulus. He always admired the love she showed for her twin.

"Aries," He smiled, tilting his head at her. he could see Nathaniel watching them closely from the corner of his eye. "What, exactly, is this project?" James asked.

"Too busy staring at me to listen?" Aries laughed, glancing at the older boy. James blushed at her comment but refused to back down.

"Can you blame me when you're so easy to stare at?" She smiled at that, turning to face him fully. There were only a few more minutes of class, so there was no point in starting their project now. James still didn't know what it was.

"Cute," Aries said, keeping her eyes on his. She was searching for something, but he wasn't quite sure what. "Library, after dinner, and then I'll tell you what the project is,"

"What if I'm occupied after dinner?" He flirted, tempted to see how far he could take this. If she was anything like Sirius, she could flirt for days. James watched Aries' hands as she fiddled with the star ring on her right middle finger. He wondered if it was for Sirius.

"You're not," She smiled at him again, gathering her things for the end of class. James wondered how often she smiled at someone who wasn't her friend. He couldn't help but feel special by it.

"You don't know that!" James outraged his hand over his heart. Aries rolled her eyes at him, turning and walking towards Nathaniel.

"Yes, I do," The raven-haired girl said over her shoulder. Nott kissed her cheek once she made her way over and James tried not to gag.