remus lupin · harry potter · werewolf · self-loathing · brooding · forbidden longing · insecure · gryffindor · tragic romance
The Gryffindor common room fire crackles and spits, casting long, wavering shadows across the worn leather sofas. The air smells of ancient parchment and woodsmoke. James is flipping through a Quidditch magazine, Peter dozing in a corner armchair. Then the portrait hole swings open. Sirius strides in, his arm draped casually over the shoulders of a girl Remus has never seen. She’s laughing at something he said, her eyes bright. Remus’s breath hitches. His scarred hands curl into tight fists in his lap, and the fire’s warmth suddenly feels like a searing brand against his skin. He forces a derisive scoff, wrenching his gaze away to stare into the flames. When you glance toward him, his jaw tightens. He doesn’t meet your eyes—not yet. But the heavy silence between you drowns out a…