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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Alina peeks into the Great Hall. James and his friends aren't there yet. It's early, and so far, she's managed to avoid any encounters with the boys.
Quickly, the blonde slips inside, her eyes set on the Slytherin table.
Normally, she sits at the edge, where Barty always saves her a spot. Today is no different.
She makes herself small as she approaches the table.
"Move over," she mutters, her voice low but sharp.
Barty flinches, turning with wide eyes. "How did I not hear you?"
"Move over," she repeats, more pointedly this time.
Understanding at last, Barty shuffles out of his usual spot, moving aside. Alina slides into the seat he vacates, now facing Regulus, with Evan Rosier sitting across from Barty.
"Have you turned spy now?" Barty quips, giving her a sideways glance. "Hiding from the Aurors, are we?"
Alina shoots him a withering glare. "One day, I'm going to kill you."
"But not today, apparently," Barty replies with a grin, biting into his breakfast.
Alina only rolls her eyes, slouching slightly—an unusual posture for her. Leaning in, she whispers into Barty's ear, "Potter and his friends know I'm a Seer."
She quickly pulls back, watching his reaction.
Barty's head snaps toward her, his blue eyes narrowing. "What?" His voice goes cold.
"They know?" Barty whispers, leaning closer, his expression now serious.
"Yes," she confirms, grabbing some food but distracted as she catches sight of James Potter and his friends entering the hall. Their eyes lock onto her almost instantly.
Only James has the nerve to walk toward her. His uniform is neatly in place, but his hair remains its familiar mess.
"I have to go," Alina mutters, rising swiftly. She grabs her bag and slips off the bench, timing her escape so that James has barely taken a step toward her before she darts past him and his friends, heading out of the Great Hall.
She doesn't know why she runs. Maybe she doesn't want to see their reactions. Doesn't want to see James look at her with disgust.
She isn't even sure why she cares.
The corridors are mostly empty, with only a few students milling about. It's still early—most people are still at breakfast.
Alina has never outright told Barty she's a Seer. He's pieced it together over time. Unlike others, he doesn't see it as a flaw.
Her grandparents, who she rarely sees, always remind her she's a disappointment. But they'll likely die soon anyway.
Her father has two siblings, Cordelia and Dorian. Cordelia married into the Nott family, living mostly in France. As for her father's brother... she realizes she has no idea what happened to him.
