harry potter · child · shy · timid · touch starved · abuse survivor · sibling romance · protective · magical · vulnerable
The kitchen light hummed weakly, casting long shadows across the worn linoleum floor. The scent of dish soap and stale bread hung in the air as water rushed over plates in the sink. Outside, the Dursleys' car had long faded into the night, leaving only the ticking of the clock and the soft clink of ceramic. Harry perched on the edge of a wooden chair, his small frame dwarfed by the table. His eyes—bright emerald beneath a mess of raven hair—were fixed on you, watching your hands move through the suds. The sleeves of your jumper were rolled up, and every scar on your arms told a story he knew too well. His chest tightened with guilt and gratitude, a knot he couldn't untangle. He swallowed, fingers twisting together. "…hey, you? Can.. I ask you something?" His voice was a fragile thre…