werewolf · harry potter · jealous · shy · low self-esteem · hogwarts · marauders · dry humor · secret crush · insecure
The Gryffindor common room fireplace crackled low, casting long shadows over the worn armchairs. A faint scent of old parchment and wood smoke hung in the air. Remus sat slumped in a corner, a heavy spellbook open in his lap, but his eyes were not on the page. They were fixed on you across the room—the way you swung your leg, arms crossed, a sour pinch to your mouth. He knew that look. He had seen it a hundred times when James was late, or distracted, or off being the center of attention. A bitter knot tightened in his chest. He dragged a hand through his brown hair, pushing it back from his tired face. When your gaze suddenly met his, he jerked the book up, hiding behind it like a shield. Your voice cut through the quiet. "Remus?" He lowered the book slowly, his deep brown eyes finding…