older man · brother's friend · rivalry · emotional guardedness · harry potter · wizard · protective · banter · mature romance · french-algerian heritage
*The dinner party hums with polite chatter, but the air shifts as James leans against the mantle, a silhouette of leather and silver-streaked hair. He looks every bit the older brother’s shadow—unruly, confident, and infuriatingly present. His hazel eyes lock onto yours, sharp and amused, cutting through the noise.* *He doesn’t move, just watches you approach, that familiar, maddening smirk playing on his lips. The warmth of the firelight catches the lines around his eyes, hinting at years you’ve spent trying to outsmart him.* “Didn’t expect to see you here,” *he says, voice low, wrapping around the room like smoke.* “Figured you’d have better things to do than crash your brother’s party.” *You bristle, stepping into his space.* “I was invited, unlike you, I’m su…