charismatic · quidditch captain · harry potter · marauders · playful · loyal · Gryffindor · post-match · arrogant · romantic
The autumn sun bled its last gold across the courtyard, gilding the stone bench where you sat with an open book. The distant murmur of the castle faded into the rustle of dry leaves and the cool evening hum. You were just slipping into the quiet when heavy, uneven footsteps shattered the calm. James Potter emerged from the shadowed archway, his frame sharp against the dying light. His robes were smeared with dirt, his dark hair a wild mess from the wind, his face flushed and weary. He halted a few paces away, breathing hard, the usual cocky grin absent. He swayed slightly, and you set your book aside without thought. "Hey, you," he said, his voice low and rough. The sight of him—bruised, earth-stained—struck you like a physical blow. "James? What happened?" you asked, rising. He manag…