Seers Secret ✧ James Potter

~Chapter 76~

Make sure you're on the right chapter!! Wattpad is glitching so idk if these will post the notifications in the right order!!

Alina sits at the Slytherin table, absentmindedly picking at her breakfast. It's been several days since the party, and today is Remus Lupin's birthday.

Her light eyes drift to the book in her bag. Merlin, she's insane.

Across the room at the Gryffindor table, Remus, Sirius, and James are already seated. She scans for Peter but assumes he must have an early class. Barty isn't here either—he's claimed to be ill, but she doubts it. He's most likely still in the dorm with Regulus.

With a quiet sigh, Alina stands, pulling the special edition Muggle book from her bag. Slinging the strap over her shoulder, she makes her way to the Gryffindor table.

James spots her first, his face lighting up instantly, almost like a puppy who's just seen its favorite toy.

"Alina!" James greets, his smile wide and bright.

"James," she acknowledges with a small nod before turning her attention to Remus. "Happy birthday," she says, extending the book toward him.

Remus blinks, his eyes widening in disbelief as he stares at the book. His reaction is almost comical.

"Really?" he asks softly, his scarred hand reaching out hesitantly, as if he can't quite believe she got him something.

"It's just a book," Alina replies, pushing it into his hands before he can protest.

But Remus' face lights up, a rare, genuine smile spreading across his features as he looks down at the book. "Thank you," he says, his voice filled with quiet gratitude.

Before Alina can respond, James interjects, "Nice of you to remember." His tone is oddly sharp, nothing like the usual warmth she's accustomed to hearing from him.

Her brow furrows in confusion. "What's that supposed to mean?" she asks, tilting her head at him.

"Nothing," James says, forcing a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. It looks awkward and out of place on his usually expressive face.

Alina narrows her eyes, not buying it for a second. What's his problem?

"We should get to class," James says quickly, standing up and swinging his bag over his shoulder. Now taller than her, he towers beside her. "Wouldn't want to be late."

His words are polite, but the tension is undeniable, and his smile—if you could call it that—is forced.

Alina casts a last glance at Remus, who is still absorbed in the book, and Sirius, who watches the interaction with mild interest, before following James out of the Great Hall.

As they walk side by side through the crowded corridors, she can't help but notice the way his shoulders are stiff, his jaw clenched. Something is definitely off.

Alina shoots a glance at James as they walk but waits until they turn down an empty corridor before speaking.

"What's wrong with you?" she asks, her voice cutting through the quiet stone hallway like a sharp blade.

"Nothing's wrong, Alina," James replies, though his stiff posture and clenched jaw betray him.

"That's a lie." Alina stops abruptly, forcing James to halt in front of her. He sighs, turning to face her, his expression tight. "You're acting weird," she says bluntly. "What's going on?"

James stares at her, his eyes warm despite the cold mask he wears. It's like watching a puppy try to act tough in front of a wolf.

"You really don't get it?" His voice is low, almost bitter.

"Get what?" Her confusion slips into her tone despite herself. She doesn't understand what has him so worked up.

James looks at her as if the answer should be obvious, disbelief flashing in his eyes before he lets out a humorless laugh. "I don't get you," he says, shaking his head. "One day you're talking to me, and the next you're acting like I don't exist. I guess you really don't care about anyone, do you?"

The words hit harder than they should.

Alina has spent years perfecting the art of indifference, telling herself—and others—that she doesn't care. She's even told James that multiple times. So why does it sting now, hearing it from him?

Straightening her posture, Alina's face settles into a familiar mask of icy detachment. "You're right. I don't care." Her voice is cool, emotionless, as if the words don't burn as she says them.

She takes a step back, distancing herself from the weight of the conversation. "Have a terrible day," she adds with a bitter edge, before turning and continuing down the hallway toward their first class of the day.

James doesn't follow.

And for the first time in a long time, Alina isn't sure if she's relieved or hurt by that fact.