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 eyes drift over the pages of the book in front of her. It's early morning, and she's seated at the breakfast table, absorbed in the new book she's gotten. The Great Hall buzzes with chatter, students talking and laughing, the noise grating on her nerves.
Barty and Regulus are nowhere to be seen, leaving the seat beside her empty. Evan is sitting with his sister, Pandora, and her friend Dorcas. The upcoming Quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor is the talk of the morning, but Alina couldn't care less.
She's about to immerse herself back into her book when someone drops into the empty seat next to her.
Alina looks up, her glare sharp and unwavering as she meets Sirius Black's mischievous grin. "What?" she snaps.
Sirius's grin widens. "Come to the Quidditch match today."
"No."
He frowns. "Come on, Alina. You could even support the Ravenclaw team, just come."
"Why would I?" she asks bluntly, slipping a bookmark between the pages, knowing this conversation will drag on longer than she'd like.
"For me and James," Sirius replies, his grin returning full force.
"I'd rather—"
"Die, yeah," Sirius finishes with a sigh, then glances forward. "Look, James has been in a pissy mood, but he actually seems happy around you, so please, just come."
Alina feels a twinge of annoyance. James has been acting strange around her for days—awkward, quiet. It's unsettling, but she sees no reason to address it. It isn't her problem.
Still, it gnaws at her. Has she missed something? A social cue she should've picked up on?
Not that she cares. Or so she tells herself.
Alina shoots Sirius a withering glare. "Fine, I'll come. But if I ever need a favor in the future, you have to do it." She narrows her eyes at him. "Even if it goes against your morals."
"Deal," Sirius agrees without hesitation, his grin returning as if he's already won.
"Now go," Alina sighs, dismissing him with a wave. "I'll be at the game soon."
"Thanks, Lina!" Sirius calls out, practically bouncing back to his table.
"Don't call me that," she mutters under her breath, watching him go.
Merlin, that was stupid. But at least she has Sirius in her debt now. Alina slips her book into her bag, checking her uniform to ensure it's suitable for the cold outdoors. It's just the standard uniform, but thankfully she has her robe this time.
She waits until the Quidditch teams leave before getting up, gathering her things, and quickly exiting the Great Hall. As she makes her way to the pitch, a familiar voice calls out to her.
