Seers Secret ✧ James Potter

~Chapter 63~

Alina's footsteps echo softly against the stone floor, the rhythmic taps the only sound in the otherwise deserted corridor. Most students are likely at lunch, leaving the hallways unusually empty and quiet.

Turning a corner, Alina collides with someone, nearly stumbling back. She steadies herself and looks up, her gaze meeting a Ravenclaw boy with light hair and piercing blue eyes that widen at the sight of her.

"Oh, Alina! I was looking for you," he says, his voice light but slightly nervous.

Alina raises an eyebrow, her expression blank and unreadable. "Why?"

An uneasy feeling curls in her stomach. She doesn't know this boy well, but she recognizes him from a few shared classes. She takes another step back as he rubs the back of his neck, a nervous gesture that makes her retreat even further.

"Well... I want to ask if you'd go to the Valentine's dance with me," he blurts out, his voice trembling slightly with anticipation.

"No," Alina replies without a second thought, her tone flat. "Find someone else."

She brushes past him, her pace quickening. The last thing she wants is to be followed, but she catches the sound of footsteps trailing behind her. Annoyance flares, and she spins around, ready to snap.

Her expression softens slightly when she sees James standing there instead of the Ravenclaw boy. The unbidden sense of relief that washes over her is irritating—why does his presence put her at ease? She quickly masks her reaction, telling herself it's just because she doesn't want to deal with the other boy.

"Alina," James greets her with a small smile, though something about his demeanor seems subdued, less vibrant than usual.

"James," Alina acknowledges, narrowing her eyes slightly. She turns away and continues walking, and James quickly falls into step beside her.

After a moment of tense silence, James clears his throat. "Why did... why did you turn him down?" he asks, his voice clipped and oddly restrained.

Alina glances at him, their footsteps mingling with the echo of the empty corridors. "I'm not allowed to go to the dance with anyone who isn't a Slytherin pureblood," she says matter-of-factly. "I'm not really allowed to do anything." The last words slip out before she can stop them, surprising even herself.

A heavy silence settles between them as they walk, the unspoken weight of Alina's admission hanging in the air.

"I need to get to class." Alina's voice is curt as she turns down the left hallway, her pace brisk as she puts distance between herself and James. At least they don't share this class—one less distraction to deal with.

Her excuse isn't a lie. Her parents have strict rules about who she can associate with, and they would never approve of her going to the dance with just anyone. They'd insist on someone from the "right" families.

Regulus is the easiest option. She'll ask him and then get her parents' approval. The dance is soon, but she only needs to endure it for a short time—one dance, maybe two, and then she can leave. The thought gives her little comfort.

Alina pushes the thoughts aside as she reaches the classroom. She's early, but a few students are already inside, scattered at their desks. Alina slips into her usual seat, her eyes glancing toward the door, waiting for Peter to arrive. He always sits beside her in this class, a familiar presence she's grown used to.

She drums her fingers against the desk—once, twice, three times—the rhythmic tapping blending with the low murmurs of her classmates. The professor sits at his desk, absorbed in a book, paying little attention to the students filtering in.

Alina's fingers graze the smooth surface of her rings, absently spinning the one on her thumb.

A moment later, Peter drops into the seat beside her, his nervous smile flickering as he sets his bag down. "Hello, Alina."

"Peter." She nods, pulling her book onto her desk.

Peter rummages through his bag for his own book, but his attention lingers on her hands. "That's a cool ring," he says, pointing at the silver chain-like band wrapped around her thumb.

Without hesitation, Alina slips the ring off and sets it on Peter's open book. "You can have it."

Peter's eyes widen in surprise. "Are... are you sure?" he whispers, his voice barely audible.

"Yes. Take it." Alina's tone is firm, leaving no room for argument.

With a hesitant smile, Peter picks up the ring and slides it onto his finger, the chain design fitting loosely. "Thank you," he murmurs, the gratitude clear in his voice.

Alina just nods, her gaze already back on her book. She doesn't need to say anything more; the gesture is enough. They sit in silence, waiting for class to begin, the unspoken understanding between them a quiet comfort.