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 narrows her eyes at the bookshelf, fingers tracing the spines of worn volumes before she pulls another one free.
It's been a few days since the dance, and though she won't admit it, she's been keeping her distance from James. Not ignoring him exactly—just avoiding any real conversation.
She doesn't know why, but talking to him feels impossible now.
Snapping herself out of her thoughts, Alina refocuses on her surroundings. The library is quiet, the soft hum of candlelight casting flickering shadows on the wooden shelves. Classes have just ended, and she's here to collect a few books for the weekend, hoping the familiar comfort of reading might drown out the noise in her head.
"Alina."
The whisper of her name breaks through the silence. She turns sharply, her glare already in place—though it wavers the moment she sees James Potter standing there, fiddling with his glasses.
He looks the same as always—messy hair, school tie undone and hanging loose around his neck, the casual confidence in his posture. But there's something different in his expression, something gentler.
"James." Her voice is clipped, bracing herself for whatever he might say about the dance. She's ready to run, if necessary.
Instead, he smiles. A bright, warm smile that seems completely out of place in the dim library, his face flushed in the soft glow of the candles. "Will you come to the Gryffindor party tonight?" His tone is hopeful, but careful, like he isn't sure how she'll respond.
Her first instinct is to say no, turn on her heel, and leave. But she hesitates, the words catching in her throat.
"Will Marlene, Lily, and Mary be there?" she asks, deflecting instead of answering.
James' brows furrow in confusion, but he nods. "Yeah, I know Marlene definitely will be."
Alina studies him for a long moment, suspicion still lingering. "Fine," she says at last, her tone reluctant. "What time?"
"Around 8," he replies, a grin breaking across his face, brighter than before.
"I'll go, but don't expect me to stay long."
"Wouldn't dream of it, sunshine," he teases, pushing off the shelf and giving her one last smile before he turns to leave.
As he walks away, Alina's chest tightens. She can't shake the feeling that she might regret this.
~~~
Alina eyes her reflection in the mirror, scrutinizing her outfit. A dark green, almost black, long-sleeved shirt hugs her frame, paired with dark jeans.
Merlin, she regrets this already.
With a frustrated sigh, she tears her gaze away from the mirror and bends down to lace up her shoes. As she straightens, her eyes flicker to the necklace still sitting on her desk, untouched. There are too many unanswered questions.
