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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A snap of a branch makes her eyes fly open. The Forbidden Forest. Of course.
Another vision. Because she can't possibly have one day of peace, can she? Just yesterday, she left James in the common room and retreated to her dorm, staring blankly into a candle for hours. And now, here she is—thrust into a vision.
Merlin, she wants to disappear.
"Padfoot," a familiar voice whispers, low and cautious. "We shouldn't be out here." Remus Lupin's tone is scolding, laced with concern. "We need to go back."
"Loosen up, Moony," comes James Potter's voice from a few feet ahead, echoing through the dense trees.
Alina takes in her surroundings. She's wedged between the towering trunks, partially hidden from view. Shifting slightly, she glimpses a narrow path cutting through the forest, and there they are—the four boys she knows all too well, making their way forward.
Sirius walks with confidence, leading the group. James, at least, has the sense to glance around cautiously. Remus looks irritated, while Peter, trailing slightly behind, fidgets nervously with his wand, casting more light than necessary.
"Can we go back now?" Peter's voice wavers, nervous, as his wand's light flickers against the trees. All of them, except Sirius, have their wands raised, trying to push back the suffocating darkness.
The canopy above is too thick to see the stars.
"Not yet, Pete," Sirius turns, flashing a grin. "We're just getting started."
"Why are we even here?" Remus's annoyance seeps into every word.
"Because I'm bored," Sirius shrugs. "And what better place to cure boredom than the Forbidden Forest?"
The conversation is cut short by a low, menacing growl from deeper within the shadows ahead. Every boy freezes in place—even Sirius.
"Please tell me that was just your stomach," Sirius mutters, turning to James.
"That wasn't me," James whispers harshly, his grip tightening on his wand. Another growl follows, this time louder. Closer.
Idiots. Absolute idiots.
A massive creature emerges from the shadows, stepping onto the path directly in front of the boys. It's the size of a bear, but much larger. Its dark fur blends with the surrounding night, and its piercing blue eyes gleam with unsettling intelligence. Another growl rumbles deep in its chest as it advances, the claws on its massive paws catching the light from their wands. Even on all fours, it towers over them.
Alina's heart pounds in her chest as she watches the beast. She should know what it is—why can't she remember? It doesn't matter. It's vicious, and it's going to attack.
