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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It's been two weeks since the last full moon, and today is James Potter's birthday.
Alina has gotten him gifts.
She stares down at the small bag in her hands, her heart fluttering in a way she absolutely hates. A few new pins for his bag and a pair of unbreakable glasses she personally charmed. Practical, thoughtful... too thoughtful. She grimaces. Why is she nervous?
This is ridiculous.
Alina hates feeling anything about this—about him. Hates that James Potter occupies more of her thoughts than she's willing to admit. Salazar, she's losing it.
Shaking her head, Alina forces herself to push the bag aside. She'll give him the presents later—when there are fewer people around. Giving them to him now, in front of everyone, feels far too vulnerable. And with James, giving something always feels personal, too personal.
With a sigh, she grabs her things and leaves her room, making her way through the dungeons at a brisk pace. Minutes later, she enters the Great Hall, the noise hitting her in waves, loudest at the Gryffindor table.
She spots James instantly.
He sits at the center of attention, a flimsy golden paper crown perched lopsided on his messy dark hair. His face is bright with laughter, his smile wide, and his skin seems to glow in the soft morning light.
He looks like the sun.
Stop. Alina snaps herself out of the thought and strides over to the Gryffindor table, weaving through the crowd.
"Happy birthday," she says, coming to a stop beside him.
James's head snaps up, his grin widening. "Alina," he greets softly, his voice warm.
"Birthday boy," she replies, her gaze flicking to the crown atop his head, reading the words scrawled across it.
James laughs, reaching up to touch the crown, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Remus leans in, chatting quietly with Sirius while Peter sits across from them, happily munching on toast.
"Sit with us?" James asks, tilting his head toward the empty space next to him.
Alina hesitates, but James doesn't give her time to refuse. He nudges Remus aside, scooting over to make room.
Suppressing a smile, Alina sits down beside him, their arms brushing lightly.
"Hi, Alina," Peter waves at her from across the table, his mouth full of food.
"Hello, Peter." Alina nods and begins to fill her plate, keeping her movements casual despite the tension building in her chest.
As she picks at her breakfast, James leans in closer. "You're coming to my party tonight, right?"
Alina glances at him, trying to keep her expression neutral. "What time?"
