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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It's Halloween, and Alina already dreads the inevitable chaos of whatever party they've planned for later tonight.
Her footsteps echo in rhythm as she makes her way toward the Great Hall, the early morning air cool against her skin.
For once, she's actually heading to breakfast. A rare night of a few hours' decent sleep leaves her feeling... well, not quite refreshed, but at least less tired. Her mind feels clearer, more grounded, and reality seems within her grasp. No visions have plagued her for the past few days, and the last one was blessedly mundane.
Sunlight streams through the castle windows, catching her attention, warm and golden as it spills across the stone floors of the hallway. She allows herself a brief moment of quiet appreciation before stepping into the Great Hall.
The Slytherin table is mostly empty at this hour, save for a few scattered students. Alina slides into her usual spot, her gaze briefly sweeping the room. Pandora and Dorcas are chatting at the Ravenclaw table, but Barty and the rest of his friends haven't arrived yet.
Reaching for a pomegranate, she places it on her plate just as Peter Pettigrew plops down across from her, his familiar bright smile already in place.
"Morning, Alina!" he chirps.
"Morning," she replies with a slight nod, carefully slicing into the fruit.
The moment of quiet doesn't last. Soon enough, Barty, Regulus, and Evan stride into the hall together. Evan, predictably, hurries ahead to sit beside Peter, flashing a smirk.
Barty drops down beside Alina with an energy that feels inappropriate for the hour. Regulus, more subdued, takes the seat next to him.
"Lia," Barty greets with a grin, his tone teasing.
"Morning," she mutters, narrowing her eyes at him. He looks far too excited, probably because of the holiday.
"Are you coming to the Halloween party tonight?" he asks, practically bouncing.
"Yes, actually," she answers, surprising him. "I'm even dressing up."
Barty's head snaps toward her, his eyes wide with mock disbelief. "You? Dressing up? Merlin, what happened to you? Are you being blackmailed?"
Alina rolls her eyes. "Marlene insisted, so I am," she says flatly, cutting into her pomegranate again.
Barty shakes his head slowly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Blink twice if you need help," he quips.
She shoots him a glare, which only widens his grin as he turns to Regulus.
Once she and Peter finish their meals, they rise together, heading off to their shared class.
"So," Alina begins as they navigate the growing crowd in the hallway, "what's this character's name again?"
"Ant-Man!" Peter says, his face lighting up as he launches into an enthusiastic explanation. "His powers are amazing—he can shrink down to the size of an ant but still have incredible strength. And—"
