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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Apparently, her conversation with Barty is happening sooner than she hoped.
Not that she wants it to.
Alina is just about to step out of the common room for Hogsmeade when she hears his voice.
"Lia," Barty calls from behind, his tone slightly nervous.
Alina tenses. Slowly, she turns to face him. The common room is still buzzing with a few lingering students, but most have already left for Hogsmeade.
"Can we talk?" Barty asks, tilting his head in a way that reminds her of herself.
"Let's go to my dorm," Alina replies flatly, her grip tightening on her bag as she brushes past him. Without waiting for a response, she leads the way further into the common room, heading for the painting tucked away in the corner.
She hears Barty's footsteps quicken behind her. Once she's sure no one is watching, she opens the concealed painting, revealing a door behind it. They slip inside, and Alina closes both the painting and the door with a soft click.
When she turns around, Barty is already fidgeting with his hands.
She crosses her arms, refusing to be the one to break the silence.
After a few moments, Barty finally speaks. "I'm sorry." His voice is quieter now, and his eyes flick up to meet hers. "For calling you... that." He pauses, swallowing hard. "Please, don't hate me."
That catches her off guard.
Alina blinks, her expression softening ever so slightly. "I could never hate you, Barty," she says quietly, letting out a small breath. "You don't have to apologize."
Barty's gaze lingers on her for a moment before he looks away, clearing his throat again. "Can we just pretend I never said anything?"
"If that's what you want," she replies.
Relief washes over his face, his shoulders visibly relaxing. "It is. That's what I want."
"Then it never happened," she says, her tone firm as she straightens her posture, mentally pushing the entire conversation away. "Now, I need to head to Hogsmeade. Want to come with me?"
"Sure," Barty answers, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Alina turns swiftly, opening the door once more. They leave the dorm together, the common room now emptier than before, the weight of their unspoken words left behind.
They leave the common room in silence, walking side by side through the bustling corridors, where students eagerly head to Hogsmeade for the weekend. The atmosphere is lively, full of laughter and excitement.
Too lively. Too happy.
It grates on her nerves.
Alina ignores the discomfort gnawing at her, pushing the thought aside as she and Barty finally make it outside. The cold clings to the air, but there's a warmth creeping in—a reminder that summer is approaching far too quickly. She'll have to go home soon.
