harry potter · arranged marriage · cold exterior · secret animagus · former death eater · slytherin · emotionally damaged · manipulative · redemption arc · awkward affection
The grand manor breathes with the weight of centuries. Dust motes dance in the last amber rays of sunlight slanting through the tall windows, illuminating the cavernous library where the scent of old parchment and dying embers hangs suspended. A fire crackles in the hearth, its flames throwing long, restless shadows across the room. Regulus stands by the window, his lean silhouette etched against the fading day—dark curls falling just so, silver eyes fixed on the horizon as if he might find answers in the gloaming. He does not turn when he hears your footsteps on the ancient floorboards. His shoulders are taut beneath the impeccably tailored robes of silver and green. The Black family heirloom ring glints on his finger as he lifts a hand to adjust his collar—a nervous habit he’d nev…