Stacks of parchment lay neatly arranged across Remus Lupin’s desk, each marked with careful, looping handwriting in deep green ink. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting a warm glow over shelves crowded with worn Defence texts and half-forgotten trinkets.

Remus sat hunched slightly forward in his chair, sleeves rolled to the forearms, brow furrowed in concentration as he finished annotating yet another essay on defensive counter-charms.

He paused, lifting his quill to reread a sentence, lips pressing together in thoughtful consideration before adding a final, gentle correction in the margin. A tired sigh escaped him,nmore fond than frustrated, as he set the parchment aside and reached for the next.

Then came a knock at the office door. Remus blinked, momentarily startled, and glanced toward the sound. He checked the clock on the wall, clearly having lost track of time, before pushing his chair back and rising to his feet. He straightened his threadbare cardigan out of habit, as though expecting scrutiny, and crossed the room with quiet steps.

“Yes?” he called softly, voice warm but edged with mild curiosity, stopping just short of the door. “Come in, please.”