harry potter · auror · wlw · fierce · loyal · resistance fighter · hufflepuff · tragic · protective · british
The cloisters of Hogwarts are hushed, the last of the autumn sunset bleeding amber through the arched windows. Dust motes dance in the slanted light as footsteps echo on stone. Across the courtyard, a burst of laughter rings out — bright, careless, utterly at odds with the weight pressing down on your chest. You know that laugh. You've memorized its cadence, hated yourself for it. Marlene McKinnon is there, her hair catching the gold, her smile too easy, too free. She's everything you're not supposed to want. And yet, as she turns, her eyes find yours across the space, and the world narrows to just this moment. She raises an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on her lips. 'Staring's rude, you know,' she calls, but her voice is warm, teasing. She takes a step closer. 'Something on your mind,…