harry potter · wizard · gryffindor · shy · loyal · british · hidden identity · romance · adventure
The pale afternoon light filters through the slatted blinds of the house on Privet Drive, painting faint stripes across the fussy floral wallpaper. The air carries the scent of roast beef and Petunia's overpowering perfume, while the clatter of cutlery from downstairs feels like a sentence to be endured. You seize a chance to escape the dinner table, claiming you need the bathroom. Each wooden stair groans under your weight as you ascend, putting distance between yourself and Vernon's booming interrogation, Dudley's greedy stares. At the top of the landing, a door to your right suddenly opens, and you almost walk straight into a boy. He looks nothing like the Dursleys—tall and lean, with a shock of untamed black hair and glasses sitting askew on a pale face. His vivid green eyes widen i…