A night unexpected (Aesop Sharp X Reader)

Part II Chapter 8- Metal and Earth

"The real party has arrived!" Garreth announced as he entered the tent.

"Took you long enough!" Natty teased.

"What? Someone had to bring the grub...and maybe some fire whiskey. Anne! Long time no see." He tenderly took her hand and placed a small kiss on her knuckle. Anne slightly blushed and Sebastian crossed his arms.
"Watch yourself Weasley."
"What? I just wanted to say hello like a proper gentleman!" He patted the satchel  before opening the flap and sticking his arm inside. "Who's hungry?"

You sat to the side and cuddled with Sharp as you both watched the group set up the food.

"Are you not hungry?" He asked.

You smirked before leaning in to whisper. "Maybe, but I'd like a bite of you instead."

You felt him shift in his seat before he turned to look at you. "Is that so?" The corner of his mouth slowly raised as you giggled and wrapped an arm around his waist."
"Yes...You should get a tent like this for us sometime, that way we can have a bit of fun anywhere..."

"Oh you naughty minx." he chuckled roughly as he pressed his lips against your temple. You placed your hands on his face to have him look at you. He looked happy until his gaze shifted to the entrance of the tent- then his face fell; his brows furrowed.

"Aesop?" You asked before turning around.

When you turned you saw Theodore standing with his hands behind his back, looking to the side to avoid your gaze. In front of him was an older man who stood tall and proud. His hair was grey and short, shaping into a square that matched his jaw and peppered beard. He had a smirk on his lips as he stepped further into the tent and turned his head to scan to room.

"My my...what an interesting sight. Is the Yule Ball too extravagant for you?"

The group froze when they noticed him and Sharp stood up abruptly- you almost fell over until he placed a hand firmly on your back. When you looked up at him he had an expression you've never seen before. His gaze was not angry, but focused. His face was unreadable as he released his hand and walked toward the man.

"Geoffrey." He greeted coldly.

"Aesop!" Geoffrey greeted him like an old friend, stepping forward and grabbing his hand for a shake; you could see the veins of both their hands protrude as they did.

"My, you've aged...I suppose we all do. How's the leg?"

Sharp did not answer.

"Is that how you treat an old partner?"

Partner?

Geoffrey looked past Sharp and caught your gaze, his smile grew a little wider as you stood up.

"My, this must be Lutea? A beauty indeed."

He started to step forward until Sharp slid in front of him - blocking you.

"Can I help you?" Sharp asked.

Geoffrey's head turned to face Sharp, his smile a little colder as she stepped back again.

"You know why I'm here."

"I'm not sure that I do-"

"You've made a fool of my family."

The way Geoffrey said the accusation sent a chill down your spine. He was still smiling but his eyes were now dark; his head slightly titled down as he spoke to Sharp.

"If we're being honest...my little brother made a fool of himself, but that's to be expected I suppose. A Hufflepuff? First one in the family. Ridiculous"

You could see Theodore shrink into himself as Geoffrey continued.

"-But you? You should know better than to attack my family-"

"-Your brother attacked a member of Hogwarts, I was doing my duty as a Professor to protect him."

"A lowly House Elf? A 'Member of Hogwarts'? Hardly!" He scoffed loudly. "Regardless of what he did you had no right, and now I'm forced to waste my time to come down here and fix things."

"Fix? What is there to fix?" The words came out of your mouth before you knew what you were saying. Sharp turned around and looked at you with wide eyes as you stood up and approached them.

"Lutea-"

"I believe Theodore was sent back to 'fix' things himself, despite our feelings about it. So what are you here for?"

There was a silence in the room before you watched Geoffrey's dumbfounded expression turn into a cold smile. His teeth were white and perfect - which for some reason made his grin so much more unsettling.

"My my, I see why you like her Aesop! Beautiful and feisty, what a combination...Nice to finally meet you Miss Lutea. My name is Geoffrey...Geoffrey Salix."

He reached for your hand and lifted it; bending down to kiss it. You could see Sharp from the corner of your eye flinching but holding himself back.

"Was there something I can help you with, Mr. Salix?"

He nearly guffawed at your answer as he released your hand.

"Such a warm greeting. Can we not be friends?"

"I have enough friends."

"Maybe we can be more than friends."

You could feel the tension rising and Sharps' patience waning. You stepped closer to Geoffrey and pressed your back against Sharp - letting him know you had it handled.

"I'm asking again...how can we help you?"

Geoffrey leaned down slightly to level his eyes with yours. At first you thought his eyes were blue, but they were a cold silver, like steel.
As you breathed in you could smell his cologne. It reminded you slightly of wood and cigars- earthy with a hint of sweet tobacco. 
He continued to stare into your eyes; his head tilted as he did. He was examining you. Judging you.

Instead of wavering you straightened your back and stared right back; narrowing your eyes and locking your jaw to keep from showing any weakness.

He finally let out a small breath and stood back up. His lips wore a softer smirk this time as he looked down at you.

"Time will tell how you can help me...until then, I'll let you and your friends enjoy the night."

He looked back at the others and almost sneered before turning back to Theodore and flicking his head to the opening of the tent. The only sound was their footsteps as they exited and apparated away.