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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"Lina!" Alina rolls her eyes at the sound of Sirius calling her name across the courtyard. She turns slowly, spotting him striding over with the usual group of boys in tow.
It's Hogsmeade weekend. She planned to leave already, but Barty kept going on about Regulus, making her late. And now, the Marauders are heading her way.
"What?" she asks, her tone frosty as her gaze flicks briefly to James. He's wearing a short-sleeved shirt, showing off the muscles he's built from Quidditch that year. Alina forces herself to look away before her thoughts can linger.
"Walk with us?" Sirius asks, his usual smirk in place as he falls into step beside her.
"Whatever," she mutters, turning on her heel and heading toward the village. Sirius sticks close to her side while the others quickly catch up. James walks on her other side, flashing her a bright smile.
She doesn't return it, but her glare softens just a little.
"So, Lina," Sirius begins with a grin, clearly up to something. "How exactly do your Seer visions work?"
"Padfoot!" James snaps, shooting him a warning look. "Don't."
"It's fine," Alina interrupts coolly. She knows they're curious—books can only teach so much. Her eyes scan their surroundings, relieved to find only a few students nearby. "The visions happen on their own. Mostly when I'm asleep, but they can happen during the day too."
Her voice is calm, clinical, like she's reciting facts from a textbook rather than talking about something personal.
"Can you tell when one's coming?" Peter pipes up this time, curiosity lighting his expression.
Alina gives a small nod. "Sometimes."
Sirius hums thoughtfully, narrowing his eyes. "Have you ever seen our deaths?" he asks, his tone teasing, like he doesn't expect a real answer.
For a split second, her mind flashes to Regulus—gasping for breath as the water closes in around him, his desperate cries for his brother as he's pulled under.
"Not yours," she says, her voice cold and detached. "But others, yes."
A brief silence follows. Sirius stares at her, his brows furrowed. His gray eyes, so painfully similar to Regulus's, flicker over her face before he glances at Remus.
Alina breaks the tension, her voice as flat as ever. "I also know you're an Animagus. A black dog. James is a stag, and Peter's a rat."
Sirius whirls to face her, his eyes wide. "You knew?! You called me ugly!"
"I spoke the truth," she replies, deadpan.
The boys burst into laughter, except for Sirius, who stares at them in betrayal. "Traitors!" he huffs, pointing accusingly at James and Peter before dramatically dropping his hand.
