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...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The holiday break is approaching quickly, evident by the increasing snowfall and the Christmas decorations lining every hall. Alina is just glad she hasn't been caught under magical mistletoe with anyone—and hopefully, she never will be.
She sighs as she slips on her rings, preparing for the Slug Club Christmas party. This time, she chooses a dark red dress that is quite pretty, featuring a corset waist, long sleeves, and a slightly flared skirt.
Alina dabs some makeup under her eyes to cover the dark circles that seem permanently etched into her skin.
The visions have been intense recently, filled with death and destruction. It is hard to pretend they don't affect her. Outwardly, she shows no hint of emotion, but inwardly, the effects of seeing hundreds of people die weigh heavily on her.
The pain of digging her nails into her palm brings her back to reality.
Lily, Mary, and Marlene have been talking with her more in classes since she sat with them at lunch that day. It is sort of nice, even though she is quite sure she is often mean to them. Sometimes she purposefully is mean, to pushe people away, but this time she has tried not to be mean.
Alina walks over to her bed, the dress brushing just above her knees as she sits down to put on her small-heeled shoes. Once she is ready, she stands up, blows out the candle on her desk to prevent it from dripping on anything, and leaves her dorm.
Regulus hasn't arrived yet, so she has to wait. Maybe she is just early, or people are always late.
She hears footsteps coming down the boys' dormitory stairs—Regulus. He is playing with his rings as he descends, dressed in a deep green outfit that is almost black.
She wonders how Barty reacted to the outfit.
Technically, Barty could have been in the club too, but he had rejected the invite to disappoint his father.
"Ready?" Regulus asks, finally looking away from his hands and meeting her eyes.
"Yes," Alina replies. They leave the Slytherin common room, and she is grateful for her warm tights—it is especially cold in the dungeons during winter.
Alina's hair has grown slightly longer since her last cut, and she finds she sort of likes it. But as soon as she gets home, her mother will force her to cut it short again.
She pushes those thoughts away; she doesn't have to go back until June, many months away.
They soon reach Slughorn's office, the door adorned with a green wreath with red berries. Regulus opens the door, and they both walk in.
The room is beautifully decorated with Christmas ornaments. Trees stand in many corners, decorated to the extremes. Candles, some floating, cast a warm red and green glow. The party is surprisingly crowded.
