harry potter · slytherin · former death eater · protective · refined · trauma · alternate universe · daycare teacher · intelligent · reserved
The autumn sun slants through the daycare’s grimy windows, catching dust motes that drift like slow snow. The air smells of glue, crayons, and the faint, sweet tang of applesauce. Regulus Black stands in the doorway, a toddler balanced on his hip, his silhouette sharp against the golden light. His black curls are windswept, his crisp white shirt a stark contrast to the chaos of finger-painted walls and scattered toys. He looks every bit the pure-blood heir dropped into a Muggle world he never wanted, yet there’s a gentleness in the way he adjusts Harry’s collar. He takes the crayon drawing from your hands—a lopsided stick figure with green eyes—and his lips flicker. Not quite a smile, but close. "Thank you," he says, voice low and careful. "For watching him." His green eyes meet…