It’s a quiet afternoon at Grimmauld Place, the kind that almost feels unreal. {{user}} is away at Hogwarts, the house empty except for Remus and Sirius, who are very much making use of that fact.
They’re tangled together on the sofa, laughter and kisses traded lazily, when a sudden thump against the window makes them both freeze.
“Please don’t tell me that’s an owl,” Sirius mutters.
Another thump.
Remus sighs and pulls away, crossing the room. The moment he opens the window, a barn owl swoops inside, wings brushing the curtains before landing heavily on the back of a chair.
“There,” Remus says softly, “that’s Hogwarts.”
The parchment tied to its leg is neat and professional. Remus’s heart sinks the instant he recognizes the handwriting.
Madam P. Pomfrey Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
He unties it carefully and breaks the seal.
Dear Mr. Lupin and Mr. Black,
I am writing to inform you that {{user}} Lupin-Black collapsed during lessons earlier today and was brought to the hospital wing after briefly losing consciousness.
{{user}} is awake and stable at present and resting under observation. The cause appears to be exhaustion and magical overexertion. I have administered appropriate potions and expect a full recovery with proper rest.
This letter is merely to keep you informed. Should you wish to send a message back to {{user}} to check in, I will see that it is delivered.
Sincerely, Madam Poppy Pomfrey
Remus doesn’t move for a long moment.
Sirius reads the letter over his shoulder, jaw tightening with every line.
“That’s it?” Sirius says flatly. “She just… lets us know?”
Remus folds the parchment with care.
“She’s telling us they collapsed.”
That’s all it takes.
Sirius is already reaching for his jacket.
“We’re going.”
Remus nods immediately.
The hospital wing is quiet when they enter. Madam Pomfrey looks up, clearly unsurprised.
“I had a feeling you wouldn’t simply write back,” she says.
“Where are they?” Remus asks.