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...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
James Potter POV.
Life is good. For the first time in what feels like forever, really good.
Warmth blooms in James's chest as he stares at the ceiling of his dorm, a warmth that wasn't there until yesterday.
Alina kissed him. And then she said they could be together.
Merlin, everything feels... right.
"Oi," Sirius's voice cuts through his thoughts like a spark to dry parchment. James blinks, tilting his head down to see Sirius standing at the foot of his bed, an expectant look on his face. "Wish me happy birthday."
James grins, the kind of grin he hasn't worn in months. Genuine, wide, and utterly carefree. "Happy birthday, Padfoot."
Sirius narrows his eyes suspiciously. He's already dressed in his uniform—or rather, his version of it. The tie hangs loose around his neck, and the top buttons of his shirt are undone, exposing the sharp collarbones that shift as he cocks his head.
"What's got you in such a good mood?" Sirius asks, his long black hair falling over his shoulder as he studies James like a puzzle he's not sure he wants to solve.
James opens his mouth, ready to blurt it out: Alina Nightshade kissed me. Alina Nightshade wants to be with me. But he snaps it shut just as quickly. He's not supposed to tell anyone. That's what Alina wants. No—what Alina needs. She made it clear they have to keep it a secret, and he's not about to risk ruining the best thing that's ever happened to him.
Instead, he forces a shrug, still grinning as he says, "I'm just excited for your party tonight."
Sirius raises an eyebrow, unconvinced. His stormy gray eyes flick toward Remus, who's methodically packing his schoolbag nearby, before returning to James.
"Sure..." Sirius drawls, stepping back toward his bed. He throws one last glance at James before starting to pack his own things for the day.
Peter's bed is conspicuously empty, as it has been most mornings lately. He's been keeping his distance, teetering on the edge of their friendship like he can't decide whether to forgive them for the mess that's come between them all.
James sits up in his own bed, running a hand through his hair. His uniform is wrinkled, but he can't bring himself to care. Not about that. Not about anything trivial, not now.
Because he's with Alina Nightshade.
That's the only good thing James Potter has ever done. And it's enough.
"Prongs?" Remus's voice cuts through his thoughts this time, calm and steady as always. James looks up, his eyebrows raised, to find Remus watching him with quiet concern. "You ready to go to breakfast?"
"Yes," James says quickly, hopping out of bed. He stumbles as he reaches for his shoes, shoving them on hastily.
Sirius and Remus exchange a glance. James barely notices it as he grabs his bag and hurries to the door.
