RUN - James Potter

Chapter 16

Antonella's excitement was astronomical. She skipped with every step, thoroughly enjoyed researching the history of Corpus Potions, and even managed to ignore or laugh with James Potter. Professor McGonagall informed them that the winner would be announced before the Christmas holidays, and Antonella could not hold her excitement. It was December 15th. 

"I can't believe Corpus' ancestor created the imperious curse," Matilda exclaimed, as she laid herself out on Antonella's bed, "It's just so- so fucked up!"

A loud groan from Asterin filled the room, "If you mention the research one more time, I will throttle you," She threaten, "Get ready- we will be late for the party!"

It was the night of the Hufflepuff party, and Antonella knew that the professors would be ignoring the noise from the Hufflepuff common room. Asterin had found out the second she was on the Hogwarts Express, and had decided, even before James told her to go, that all of them would be attending. Saying, 'We only live once'. 

Asterin was sitting in front of a mirror, focusing on drawing her eyeliner, as Erika and Elsie raided Asterin's closest for a dress. Antonella watched from the side, as Matilda muttered, 'Dumb bitch', and glared at Asterin.

Self-declared leader (what Asterin loves to call herself), decided they would all be somewhat matching, but different styles and colours. Of course, Antonella expected no less for Asterin to have the dresses already sent to her from her parents.

Asterin, as always, was a bomb shell. The bright red dress showed her curves, her eyeliner brighten her eyes, and her heels were to die for. Matilda, who was already dress in green, was in a tight green dress, her dark black hair curled into a mess. Elsie wore a golden long and flowing dress, complimenting her dark hair and skin, and Erika decided to go with a deep blue dress.

Staring, Antonella could only feel awkward in her own silver dress. She had manipulated the dress since she was given it, adding long sleeves, and changing the bottom. Previously, it had been long and skin tight, but Antonella modified it; short and pleated. 

"Andyyyy," Matilda groaned, "Can I steal one of your shoes?"

Rolling her eyes, she picked up a pair of black heels, and threw them at the girl.

Staring herself down in the mirror, she could see all the imperfections... but for the first time. Antonella stood tall and breathed. She was unique.

Squealing from Elsie alerted Matilda and Antonella that Asterin was ready to go, dramatic in how she flipped her straight hair. "Can we go? I have a god complex to show off."

Antonella was never social enough for parties, always feeling like she was misplaced, and in the wrong spot. She couldn't carry conversations like Matilda, or wow audiences like Asterin, or laugh obnoxiously loud like Elsie or drink as much as Erika. She was, simply, Antonella, trying her best to blend in the crowd.

Talking to Thomas McKinnon about the upcoming week for patrols, she stood staring at everyone enjoying them, Sirius Black in the centre of it all, with a cup of butter beer she hadn't even touched. Eventually, even Thomas left, and Antonella was about to join Asterin, when she heard shuffling behind her.

The slow steps behind her, and the clinking of shoes, alerted Antonella of James Potter presence. She would not give him the satisfaction to turn, to stare, to even acknowledge him.