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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Alina's gaze drifts over the snowy ground beneath her feet as she walks through the courtyard. Beside her, Regulus Black is silent, his presence a familiar yet distant comfort.
The first class of the day is canceled for most students, thanks to yet another Marauder prank. The classrooms are filled with mischievous creatures and enchanted books that attack anyone who dares to enter.
Alina feels a small sense of relief that Slytherin isn't targeted this time.
She steals a glance at Regulus. He received a letter from his parents that morning—likely the reason he's walking with her now, seeking the quiet in her company. The cold air stings, and fresh snowflakes drift lazily from the overcast sky, but neither of them seem to notice.
Regulus's face remains blank, his eyes scanning the courtyard as if he's somewhere far away. Alina hates that detached look. He reminds her too much of herself—a reflection of the person she once was. She worries about him, though she loathes to admit it.
He is growing colder, more distant, and it unsettles her. Seeing him slip into that emotionless state makes her feel as though she's staring into a mirror of her past. And no matter how much she wishes she could help him avoid the same path, she knows there's nothing she can do—not while he's in that house, and not while she's trapped in her own.
Maybe that's why she has stopped holding onto dreams—because she knows they're pointless, destined to shatter.
"I'm going back inside," Regulus says suddenly, pausing at the door to the castle. He barely looks at her as he adds, "I'll see you later."
Alina nods, watching him disappear through the door before turning her gaze back to the snowy courtyard.
She lets her hands brush over her skirt, grateful for the warmth of her tights beneath it. Her fingers absently trace the scars on her palms as she scans her surroundings.
Her eyes land on James Potter and his friends. Memories of the other day flash in her mind—the way she helped James and how strangely he acted afterward. Something about his behavior still lingers with her, gnawing at the edges of her thoughts.
Her eyes narrow as she notices the absence of Sirius Black among the group. Instead, a large black dog is by Remus's side, practically glued to him. Merlin, Sirius is so desperate for Remus's attention that he even seeks it in his Animagus form.
Alina doesn't want to go inside yet, but she also doesn't want to be noticed by them. Unfortunately, it's too late—they've already seen her.
"Sunshine!" James calls out, sitting up from the blanket they've laid down to protect themselves from the snow. He waves at her excitedly, his usual brightness lighting up the courtyard.
Alina glances around. The courtyard is mostly empty, and thankfully, there are no Slytherins in sight. With a small eye roll, she makes her way over to the trio of boys and the large dog lounging beside them.
