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 reaches for a pomegranate from the bowl in the center of the Slytherin table, drawing it toward herself. Last night's party was lively, and judging by the worn faces across the hall, it seems the Gryffindors kept it going well into the early hours.
Her gaze drifts to one particular Gryffindor. James is already at his table, looking much better than he did the day before, though Alina doubts his cheerful facade is entirely genuine.
She turns back to her plate, letting Barty's and Evans's voices blur into background noise. There's a faint tension clawing at her senses, the familiar edge that often heralds a vision. She hasn't had one in a while, and while she prefers they come at night, she feels another might be close.
With exams approaching, Alina plans to visit the library for some study materials that evening. Not that she needs much review—Charms is the only subject that gives her pause, and even there, she's confident she'll perform well.
But exams also mean summer is near, a thought she dwells on as she slowly eats the pomegranate seeds. Summer. She despises it—not the season, but the suffocating return home. Why can't she stay at Hogwarts? The only thing she can wish for is a quiet summer, free from the formal gatherings and insufferable parties she's forced to attend. A summer where she might avoid waking up from nightmares.
She shakes herself out of her thoughts, finishes her pomegranate, and stands, grabbing her bag and waving a quick goodbye to Barty. Class will start soon.
Just as she exits the Great Hall and turns left toward her classroom, she hears her name.
"Alina!" Peter's voice is louder than usual as he hurries to catch up.
"Hello, Peter," she greets him as he falls in beside her. They share the same morning class, which has been shuffled around due to the career meetings. Some students are dropping or adding more courses.
"Did you finish the Potions homework?" Peter asks, squinting slightly as if visualizing the assignment. "I only managed one parchment, but I thought Professor Slughorn wanted two."
"It only needs to be one," she assures him. "But if you're looking for extra credit, you could add a few facts on the back." She picked up the tip from Regulus, who always goes above and beyond for Slughorn's approval.
"Thanks, Lina," Peter replies, offering her a relieved smile.
They reach the classroom and take their seats together, soon finding themselves paired up for the day's work.
Class that morning is uneventful, barely demanding any focus. The little work they're given is easy enough to finish during the lesson. Soon after, Alina and Peter are on their way out, Peter heading left to his next class, while Alina turns right.
That's when she spots James Potter in the corridor, fidgeting with his hands as if he's waiting for someone.
"James?" Alina approaches him, eyebrows raised. They do have the next class together.
