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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Make sure you're on the right chapter!! Wattpad is glitching so idk if these will post the notifications in the right order!!
"Lia?" Barty's voice calls out from beside her. It is early, a few days after Hogsmeade, and Alina sits at the Slytherin table, picking at her breakfast.
"What?" she replies, finishing her last bite and turning her head to face him.
He shifts a little closer, his eyes pleading. "Will you come to the Hufflepuff party tonight?" He tilts his head, a hopeful expression on his face.
"No," she says, turning her gaze away from him.
"Please?" he presses, moving back into her line of sight.
"Why would I?" Alina shoots back, arching an eyebrow.
"Because I need you to look after me and Reg." Barty's smile is disarming, his eyes darting toward the other boy seated nearby.
Alina narrows her eyes at him for a moment. "You'll owe me for this," she warns.
"Whatever you want," he says with a grin, leaning away from her personal space, feigning nonchalance.
With a heavy sigh, Alina stands up, brushing her hand against the pin James gave her before she slings her bag over her shoulder. "I'll see you two later, then." She turns and quickly walks out of the Great Hall.
"Lina!" Marlene's voice echoes down the stone corridor, her quick footsteps following closely behind.
Alina turns to see Marlene jogging toward her, her blonde hair bouncing with each stride. She stops just beside her. "Walk with me to class?" Marlene asks, a mischievous smirk dancing across her lips.
"Sure." The two girls fall into step, making their way toward their respective classes, which are conveniently close together.
"Are you going to the Hufflepuff party?" Alina asks after they've walked a short distance.
Marlene nods enthusiastically. "Of course! Dorcas will be there."
Alina can't help but let out a small breath of amusement. The thought reminds her of the strange fact that she actually laughed at something James Potter did recently. It feels surreal.
He is the first person to see her laugh in... well, years. The closest she's come to laughter in recent memory is a small smile for Barty.
"Are you going?" Marlene asks, pulling Alina from her thoughts.
"Unfortunately." Alina's tone is dry.
Marlene laughs in response, the sound light and infectious. Together, the girls continue down the hall, the warmth of their camaraderie easing the weight of the day ahead.
~~~
Alina slips on her rings, the cold metal jolting her back to reality. It is late now, and the Hufflepuff party is about to begin.
