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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TW Blood.
The morning sun streams through the tall windows of the corridor, casting slanted beams of light onto the cold stone floor. Another day of classes lies ahead, but Alina's thoughts are elsewhere—entirely consumed by Tom Riddle.
Despite getting six hours of sleep, she feels the dull weight of exhaustion. Perhaps it isn't just sleep deprivation; perhaps her mind is beginning to unravel, slowly but surely.
Her footsteps echo softly as she makes her way to Defense Against the Dark Arts. The project she and James Potter have worked on is due today, which means yet another conversation with him.
Not that she cares. Not as much as she usually would, anyway. Her mind is too tangled, too preoccupied.
Even if she's overtired, why is it him she keeps seeing in her thoughts? Why not someone she knows better, like her mother or father? Anyone but Tom Riddle.
It's peculiar and unnerving, and Alina can't make sense of it. Frustrated, she shoves the intrusive thoughts into a mental box, locks it tight, and forces herself to focus on the present. The sensation of weaving through the slow-moving crowd of students grounds her as she nears the classroom, the rhythmic tapping of her shoes on the floor a welcome distraction.
Finally, she arrives and slips through the doorway, her gaze scanning the room before moving to the shared desk she and James occupy. He isn't there yet.
Sinking into her seat, Alina pulls out the parchment they've worked on together. She skims the neatly inked lines, double-checking the contents for any glaring mistakes. Satisfied, she relaxes slightly, her shoulders dropping as she waits for the class to begin.
The professor, Mrs. Elm, sits at her desk at the front of the room, jotting down notes with quick, fluid movements. The scrape of a chair being pulled out breaks the quiet, and Alina glances to her right to see James settling into his seat. He looks nervous, which isn't unusual for him these days.
Without a word, Alina returns her attention to their assignment. Ignoring James has become second nature, and today is no exception.
A few minutes later, Mrs. Elm rises from her desk, her stern voice cutting through the low murmur of the classroom. "I hope you've all completed the project I assigned last week," she begins. "Today, you'll turn it in and then partner up to demonstrate the Shield Charm. One of you will cast the shield while the other casts a spell at it. Then you'll switch roles." She fixes the class with a sharp look. "I trust you will not choose spells that could cause permanent harm."
With that, she gestures toward her desk. "Bring your assignments up here, then move your desks to the corners to clear the center of the room."
Alina doesn't hesitate. "Move the desk," she instructs James curtly as she stands, gathering their parchment. Without waiting for a response, she strides toward the front of the room, weaving past the other students.
