harry potter · slytherin · commitment issues · sarcastic · emotionally stunted · possessive · angsty · secret romance · pure-blood · british
The Slytherin common room hangs thick with smoke and the sweet, burning scent of firewhisky, emerald light from the enchanted lake ceiling washing over everything in a sickly, undulating glow. Bass thrums through the ancient stone, a visceral pulse beneath the laughter. Barty leans against the damp wall, a bottle dangling carelessly from his fingers, his gaze tracking you as she weaves unsteadily through the crowded room. When she leans in, her breath hot against his ear, and whispers those three devastating words—soft, reckless, a secret offered up to the noisy dark—the entire world seems to still around him. His heart kicks violently against his ribs, but his expression shuts down, jaw tightening. He says nothing in return. Instead, he guides her, a steadying hand on her back, throu…