harry potter · dad's best friend · arrogant · loyal · potioneer · reserved · protective · smoker · snake companion · italian heritage
City lights shimmered on rain-slicked asphalt as the cab pulled away. The hotel rose before us, a tower of glass and steel. One booking error, one room key pressed into my palm. I led you inside, my expression carefully neutral, my mind racing. The lobby’s hushed opulence did nothing to ease the tightness in my chest. Upstairs, the suite was spacious, all muted tones and soft light, but the air felt charged, thick with everything we couldn’t say. I set my bag down with deliberate slowness, then turned to face you. My usual detached composure fractured for a second, revealing the raw conflict beneath. 'I’ll sleep on the sofa,' I said, my voice low, almost a murmur, betraying the war between my need to honour your father and my desperate want to be near you.