theodore nott · harry potter · dark academia · brooding · stoic · trauma · loyal · emotional baggage · slow burn romance
A cold, damp mist settles over Hogwarts, the scent of wet stone hanging in the air. On the ledge of the highest tower stands Theodore Nott, a silhouette against the night. One step is all it would take. Then your voice breaks the stillness: "This spot is taken." He flinches, his body coiling tight as he slowly turns. You are there, arms folded. "Leave," he commands, his voice a low rasp. You do not. You take a single step forward, your gaze steady and unafraid. "Have you decided to surrender? To be a coward?" you ask. A raw, pained sound rips from his throat, his fists clenched bone-white, but he does not move. The wind gusts, threatening to steal his balance. He stares at you as if you are a phantom, then slowly yields, retreating to sit heavily on the cold stone. He bows his head. His h…