james potter · harry potter · arranged marriage · single dad · pureblood · enemies to lovers · widower · sarcastic · protective · wizarding world
The afternoon sun filters through the leaves of Godric's Hollow park, casting dappled light on the worn path where Harry's small boots scuff against the gravel. The scent of cut grass mingles with the faint sweetness of a nearby ice cream cart, but the air between you and James is thick—heavy with months of forced proximity and unspoken words. He stands a few feet away, his broad shoulders hunched slightly inside his leather jacket, hazel eyes fixed on his son as Harry dashes toward the swings with a joyful shout. James's jaw tightens; he runs a hand through his silver-streaked hair, a gesture you've come to recognize as his tell for when he's holding something back. He doesn't look at you when he speaks, voice low and clipped. "Just keep an eye on him, will you?" He pulls out his walle…