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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Alina lets out a quiet sigh as she steps into the Great Hall the next morning. It's still early—breakfast time—and the room buzzes with a subdued energy.
The morning sun pours through the tall windows, its golden rays reflecting off the polished surfaces of the house tables. It's the weekend, and more importantly, a Hogsmeade weekend. Alina bundles up in a thick sweater paired with a skirt and warm tights, bracing herself for the freezing weather outside.
"Alina!"
Her name is half-whispered, half-yelled from her right. Turning her head, she spots James and Peter at the Gryffindor table, waving her over with exaggerated enthusiasm.
Narrowing her eyes in suspicion, she makes her way to the far end of the table where they sit. Stopping just short of sitting down, she crosses her arms and looks down at them.
"Hi," James greets her, his wide smile lighting up his face. His warm brown eyes lock onto hers with a familiarity that makes her shift uncomfortably.
"What do you want?" she asks coolly, though her tone softens just enough to take the edge off.
James notices it immediately—his smile grows, if that's even possible.
Remus and Sirius sit beside him, both looking groggy and far less cheerful.
"Do you want to come to Hogsmeade with me?" James asks, tilting his head in a way that makes him look both hopeful and earnest.
Alina blinks at him, her eyes narrowing. "What do you mean? I'm already going to Hogsmeade."
If possible, James's expression softens further, his usual bravado peeling back to reveal something surprisingly vulnerable. It's unsettling.
Her worst nightmare, really.
And yet, she finds herself not hating it entirely.
"He's asking you on a date," Sirius cuts in with a grin, not bothering to look up from his plate.
Her gaze snaps back to James, her eyebrows lifting in surprise. James nods, the hope in his smile growing as he waits for her response.
For a moment, Alina simply stares. Then, she gives a slight nod.
James straightens up, his smile breaking into something impossibly bright. "Do you want to sit down?" he asks eagerly, gesturing to the bench across from him.
"Sure."
Peter wastes no time shuffling over to make space, and Alina slides into the seat opposite James. Setting her bag down beside her, she reaches for a bowl of yogurt from the table and begins to eat.
The Gryffindor table is loud—much louder than the Slytherin table she usually sits at—but it isn't entirely unbearable.
"You okay?" James asks, his tone quieter now, laced with concern.
