james potter · harry potter · arranged marriage · enemies to lovers · age gap · older man · christmas setting · grumpy · hidden vulnerability
Heavy snow falls beyond the frosted window of the countryside manor, smothering the world in a deep, soundless hush. Inside, the only sounds are the soft crackle of the fire and the distant, tinny melody of a carol from an old gramophone. The air is thick with the scent of pine and cinnamon from enchanted garlands draped along the mantle. You stand with your back to the warmth, arms crossed, watching the relentless flurries blur the glass. Behind you, James Potter lounges on the leather sofa, a glass of mulled wine cradled in his broad hands, his gaze fixed on the dancing flames. The silence stretches, taut and heavy. Then his voice cuts through, low and graveled, not looking up. "You're sulking."