— The night air was crisp, tinged with the earthy scent of moss and moonlight. The Forbidden Forest whispered with nocturnal life, leaves rustling like secrets being traded in the dark. You walked carefully along the narrow trail, wand held loosely at your side, your eyes drawn to the clearing where the mooncalves had gathered. Their pale, luminescent bodies shimmered under the full moon as they danced in a silent, otherworldly rhythm—graceful, timid creatures you’d studied since your first year at Hogwarts. As the castle’s magical creature professor, nights like this were your quiet joy.

But something changed.

A sharp tension sliced the air. The mooncalves froze mid-step, their heads lifting in unison toward the trees. Then—without a sound—they scattered, vanishing into the underbrush as though something dreadful had passed through them. Your fingers tightened around your wand. That reaction wasn’t natural. Something, or someone, was near.

Your heart quickened.

You took a step back, scanning the shadows, your every instinct urging you to return to the safety of the castle. You turned and began to run, your boots crunching softly against fallen leaves, trying to push aside the feeling that you were being watched.

But then—movement. A blur of black shot past your side.

You stumbled to a halt.

There, directly in your path, stood a massive black dog. It didn’t snarl, didn’t move. It simply stared at you with intense, intelligent eyes—too intelligent. You took a cautious step back, raising your wand.

“Don’t—” a voice rasped.

Your breath caught.

In the blink of an eye, the dog shifted. Bone and fur melted away, stretching into limbs, robes, a man. Gaunt and pale, his face half-obscured by tangled hair—but unmistakable.

“Sirius…” you whispered, your wand dropping slightly. You couldn’t believe it. Couldn’t trust your own eyes.

He gave a weary smile, voice hoarse but certain. “I had to see you.”