The sky outside Sera's window had begun to dim, the late afternoon light fading into streaks of orange and indigo that slashed across the horizon. Her small flat in Muggle London was cluttered but comfortable, with books piled haphazardly on nearly every surface and a faint scent of lavender from a candle she had burning on the kitchen counter. It was a space she had carved out for herself, a haven that felt safe, even if it wasn't grand or magical. Or at least it had been before the break in.

Sera was washing dishes when the urgent knock at her door shattered the tranquil bubble of her evening. Her heart leapt in her chest. Her first instinct was to brace herself. When she opened the door, Theo stood there, his face shadowed and tense, his normally composed expression shattered by something raw and unguarded.

He stepped inside without needing an invitation, running a hand through his dark hair. "I went to see my father," he confessed, his voice low and frayed, like something that had been pulled too tight and was ready to snap. Sera could see the strain around his eyes, the subtle tremor in his fingers, as if whatever he'd uncovered had left a mark he couldn't hide.

"Sit first and then we'll talk."

Theo walked over to the worn leather couch. He laid his head back and closed his eyes as if he needed to gather his thoughts.

Sera sat beside him, trying to mask the swell of worry that pooled in her gut. "And?" she prompted gently, even though her own defenses braced for whatever storm he was about to unleash.

Theo exhaled, his jaw tightening. "He confirmed it. A group of younger Death Eater sympathizers is planning an attack. They're targeting Squibs and Muggle-borns in London." His words came out in a rush, each one a stone thrown into the fragile glass of her safety. "I've already informed Draco who is speaking to Potter now…"

Theo opened his eyes and licked his lip nervously.

"What is it?" Sera asked feeling the anxiety in her chest grow.

Theo's voice lowered, "My father—he was involved, from Azkaban. Rallying them. Encouraging them. I… I didn't know." He swallowed hard, his voice breaking. "I understand if you never want to see me again. If my family's sins make me too… tainted."

Sera's heart twisted at the vulnerability in his voice. His guilt and shame were palpable, weighing him down like an anchor. For a moment, her instinct was to recoil, to push away the reminder of how entangled his bloodline was with everything she had suffered. But instead, she saw Theo standing there, looking lost and afraid.

She pressed closer into him, her fingers trembling as she reached for his hand. "Your father's sins aren't yours," she said firmly, her voice stronger than she felt. "You can't choose where you come from, but you've chosen who you want to be. That matters."

Theo's eyes searched hers. Something in his gaze softened, his shoulders sagging in a mixture of relief and disbelief. He didn't argue or pull away. Instead, he clung to her like she was his lifeline.

Sera let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "Stay over tonight," she offered, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach.

"Are you sure?" Theo asked, his brow furrowing. "I don't want to intrude."

"You're not intruding," she replied quickly, though a part of her felt a twinge of embarrassment of her modest surroundings. "I'd like the company."

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, then. I'd like that."

As they settled deeper into the small couch, Sera couldn't shake the self-consciousness creeping in. "I know it's not much," she said, gesturing around the room. "It's a bit…"

"It's cozy," Theo interjected, glancing around with an appreciative tilt of his head. "Honestly, I like it. It feels real."

Sera couldn't help but chuckle lightly, but a pang of insecurity tightened her chest. "I just wonder if it feels too… ordinary for you. I mean, I know your life is different."

He met her gaze, his expression serious. "This is normal. Normal is good," he said, his voice steady.

"Right," she said, forcing a smile.

Theo grinned, and for a moment, her worries faded. "It's character," he said, his tone teasing. "I'd take character over grandeur any day."

Sera felt her heart warm at his words. As the evening shadows deepened, Sera knew she couldn't keep her secret much longer. But at least for tonight, she would be his anchor.