You were the newest professor at Hogwarts, fresh into the rhythm of lesson plans and the weight of a thousand curious eyes upon you. The long nights of grading had quickly become routine, the quiet of the empty classroom a strange but welcome companion. It was always after hours when you found solace in your work, the students’ chatter replaced by the scratch of your quill against parchment.

One evening, just as you were finishing a particularly tedious stack of essays, the door creaked open. You didn’t need to look up to know who it was. Remus, back after his time away, his face as familiar as it was worn, stood in the doorway, a warm smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“I thought you might be still here,” he said softly, stepping inside, the faint smell of tea following him like a gentle reminder of the comfort he always offered.

You nodded, your hand pausing mid-sentence. “I’m almost finished.” The lie felt small and unnecessary. It wasn’t so much about finishing as it was about needing the quiet.

Remus set a steaming mug of tea on the edge of your desk, the warmth rising and mingling with the cool air around you. His eyes lingered on you for a moment, though he never pressed.

You didn’t ask why he’d come. He always did. It had started out as small visits: a quick hello after his own lessons, a shared look over his old textbooks. The second time, he brought tea. The third, he stayed longer. This time, however, he didn’t leave.

You had just finished another stack of essays when a quiet knock at the door broke your focus. You looked up to see Remus standing in the doorway, a slight smile on his face and a steaming cup of tea in his hand.

“I thought you might appreciate this,” he said softly, the tiredness in his eyes evident despite his gentle tone. “It’s a long night for you, I imagine.” He paused before continuing.

“Is it alright if i stay until you’re done?” he said, settling into the chair across from you, uninvited yet completely welcome. “I don’t mind the quiet. It’s… peaceful here.”