The boards creaked as James pushed the door open, his voice low as he muttered, “Come on, we don’t have much time.”

Sirius, with a length of heavy chain slung over one shoulder, grinned and rolled his eyes. “Relax, Prongs. Remus is still human. Mostly, anyway.” "Twat..." Remus muttered, although the tremble in his voice carried weight.

Peter gave a nervous chuckle as he hurried behind them, though his gaze darted anxiously to the looming moon outside. They stepped deeper into the room, shadows stretching long and dark, dust swirling in the cold air.

Then, suddenly, the floorboards groaned under an extra weight. A soft gasp rang out, stopping them all in their tracks. James whipped around, his wand already drawn, as a figure stumbled back from the shadows, alone. MIt was someone from their year, clutching their wand, backing away from the corner.

“What are you doing here?” Sirius blurted, voice sharper than usual. Panic flickered through his usually casual demeanor; he glanced to Remus, whose hands were already shaking.