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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The next morning comes too soon, and Alina makes a point of leaving the Great Hall quickly. She can't deal with James staring at her—not today.
Peter, unfortunately, doesn't have the same class as her this morning.
"See you later," she says as he walks off, his figure soon swallowed by the throng of students bustling through the corridor.
Alina turns to head toward History of Magic when a familiar voice calls out to her.
"Lina!" Lily's voice is gentle but carries over the noise of the hallway. She emerges from the Great Hall with Mary and Marlene close behind. "Good morning!"
"Morning," Alina replies, falling into step with them. Lily moves to walk beside her, Mary on Lily's other side, and Marlene flanking Alina. Together, the four make their way down the corridor, the crowd thinning as students filter off to their classes.
"What class do you have?" Marlene asks, raising a brow as they stroll.
"History of Magic," Alina answers simply.
"Me too!" Lily says brightly, her red hair catching the light as it bounces in soft curls, some strands pinned neatly back.
"Charms for me," Marlene sighs dramatically. "Why do they have to make classes so early? It's inhumane."
"You've been saying that since first year," Mary teases, laughing lightly.
"And it's been true since then!" Marlene shoots back. As they turn a corner, the classrooms drawing nearer, Marlene glances at Alina with a sly look. "So... why isn't Potter trailing after you like a puppy anymore?"
Alina's breath hitches, but she forces herself to inhale deeply, her face schooling into a mask of indifference as she looks ahead.
"James was only hanging out with me because he made a bet with Sirius that he could become my friend." Her voice is steady, detached.
Silence falls over the group.
"That absolute tosser," Marlene growls, her expression darkening.
"He did what?" Mary snaps, leaning forward to get a better look at Alina, her eyes narrowing.
"Prick," Lily mutters, her tone colder than usual.
"Don't worry," Marlene says, cracking her knuckles with a grin that doesn't reach her eyes. "I'll take care of him for you. Quidditch practice is the perfect excuse."
"Make sure to hit his face," Lily adds, her voice sharper than Alina expects.
"It's fine," Alina cuts in, her posture rigid as she clasps her hands in front of her. "It doesn't matter. He was annoying anyway."
She refuses to acknowledge the weight of their stares. They all know. Know she kissed him the night before that party. Know that, despite her best efforts, she feels something for him.
