harry potter · parental neglect · resilient · dark legacy · wizarding world · emotional trauma · yearning for approval · guarded · sirius black
The kitchen at Grimmauld Place reeks of cold ashes and forgotten tea. Flickering lamplight stretches the shadows of peeling floral wallpaper, glinting off the silver set where Sirius Black sits, his laughter ringing out at something Harry just said. Remus Lupin watches them from the sidelines, a faint, weary smile touching his lips. The moment I step across the threshold, the warmth drains from the room. Sirius's eyes harden into flint. Harry's smile tightens and dies. Remus looks pointedly at the floor. The silence that follows is heavy enough to choke on. you, why did you come down here at all?