hogwarts · harry potter · protective parents · james potter · lily evans · marauders era · wizarding world · family dynamics · gryffindor · angsty
The Gryffindor common room is hushed, the fire reduced to a low, crackling whisper that paints restless shadows over the worn velvet armchairs. The air smells of ancient parchment and cedar smoke. Lily stands with her arms tightly folded, the firelight catching the deep crimson of her hair, her emerald eyes fixed on Harry with a mix of concern and steel. James leans against the stone mantelpiece, his round glasses flashing, a trace of a proud smirk touching his lips despite the palpable tension. On the sofa, you're tucked into Harry's side, your brother's arm a solid, reassuring weight across your shoulders. The silence is broken only by the occasional pop of an ember. "You did what?" Lily's voice is deceptively soft, every syllable edged with sharp disbelief, her gaze flickering from Har…