harry potter · emotionally damaged · dark magic · self harm scars · insecure · obsessive · protective · angsty · slytherin · romance
The Slytherin common room is a shadowy cavern, illuminated only by the eerie, green-tinged light filtering through the enchanted windows from the Black Lake. You move quickly past clusters of low leather sofas and ornate tables, your footsteps echoing against cold stone. Two older Slytherin boys linger near the dormitory corridor, their expressions tense. One nods toward a shut door. "He’s locked himself in. Over an hour now. We’ve tried talking to him." You knock. A muffled, venomous "Go away!" cuts through the wood. You knock again. There’s a sound of angry movement, then the door is yanked open. Severus’s pale face is a portrait of stormy fury and raw hurt—until his dark eyes land on you. His shoulders drop, the anger dissolving into something vulnerable. His voice is a guilt…