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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As soon as Alina and James ensure no one is nearby, they step out from the tree. The darkness around them feels heavier now, the only light coming from the pale glow of the moon.
"Who was that?" James asks, his voice tinged with protectiveness.
Alina shifts on her feet, shooting him a sidelong glance. "Snape."
"Snape?" James echoes, furrowing his brows.
"He's also the reason I was in detention," she mutters, rolling her eyes in irritation. "Fucking bastard."
James lets out a soft laugh, and Alina curses herself as her heart gives the faintest flutter at the sound.
Exhaling sharply, she turns to face him. "Let's just find Barty and Sirius."
James lingers for a moment, studying her in the dim light before stepping closer. "You've got, uh—" He pauses, lifting a hand hesitantly toward her hair.
Alina flinches, barely perceptibly, but James notices. His hand freezes midair, his concerned gaze flickering to hers before he slows his movement.
"Just a leaf," he murmurs, plucking it gently from her hair. His fingers linger for a brief second before letting her hair slip away. The leaf falls soundlessly to the ground between them.
Alina's nails dig into her palms as she forces herself to look away. Without another word, she turns sharply and starts retracing their path, her steps quick and purposeful. A moment later, she hears James's boots crunching against the forest floor behind her.
The darkness presses in on her, too thick, too oppressive. She can barely see the trail ahead, her mind too tangled up in the way James touched her hair. She's forgotten to grab the lantern, much less light it.
Merlin, she thinks bitterly, if she survives this night, she might throw herself off the Astronomy Tower just to escape her own embarrassment.
Keeping her gaze firmly on the ground to avoid tripping, Alina trudges forward, focusing on each step.
"Lia!"
Her head snaps up at the sound of Barty's voice, panicked and echoing faintly through the trees.
Up ahead, she catches sight of two glowing lanterns swaying in the darkness. Relief surges through her at the sight. At least Barty is alive. He'd better not be injured.
Quickening her pace, she heads toward the lights, James close behind.
"Lia!" Barty's voice breaks again, this time tinged with relief. As the lanterns draw closer, he emerges from the shadows and hurries toward her, his wide eyes scanning her face with concern.
Alina's gaze flicks over Barty as James walks toward Sirius. Barty is seemingly unharmed. No cuts, no bruises. He looks fine.
"Are you okay?" Barty asks immediately, his voice low but urgent as he moves closer.
