The soft rustling of parchment filled the otherwise silent corridor as you hurried toward the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, clutching a half-finished essay on magical creatures. It was late, far too late to be wandering the halls, but you had no choice—Professor Lupin had mentioned earlier that he’d be in his office after hours, and you needed his guidance before the assignment was due.

As you approached the classroom door, you noticed a faint golden glow seeping from the cracks around it, casting long shadows down the stone walls. Taking a deep breath, you knocked gently.

“Come in,” a calm, familiar voice called from inside.

Pushing the door open, you found Professor Lupin seated at his desk, a cup of tea steaming beside him and a worn textbook opened before him. His robes were, as usual, slightly shabby but clean, and his graying hair fell in soft strands over his tired eyes. He looked up as you entered, offering a kind but slightly curious smile.

"Ah, I was wondering if someone might come by. Is everything alright?" he asked, his voice as soothing as ever, yet tinged with concern.