— The halls of Hogwarts felt colder than usual as you stumbled through them, your vision blurring, every step heavier than the last. Blood soaked through your robes, dripping down your arm, pooling at your side. You weren’t even sure how you’d made it this far—only that you needed help, and fast. You had no time to explain what had happened outside the castle grounds. The pain was too sharp, and the cold had crept into your bones.

Your trembling hand reached the stone gargoyle outside the Headmaster’s office. You whispered the password—barely a breath—and the statue shifted. The staircase spiraled upward, and you gripped the railing for support, each step a mountain. The world tilted dangerously around you. You swayed, one hand pressed hard against your side, the other pushing the door open with a soft creak.

Inside, Albus, Minerva, and Severus stood in tight conversation. Their voices, once muffled by the heavy door, stopped abruptly as it creaked wider.

All three turned their heads in unison as you stood there in the doorway, bloodied, bruised, barely breathing.

Severus’ eyes locked onto yours first, his expression unreadable for half a heartbeat—then horror bloomed across his face. Minerva gasped sharply. Albus took an instinctive step forward, the concern in his eyes turning grave.

Your lips parted to speak, but no sound came. Your gaze flicked between them, and for a split second, the world felt terrifyingly still.

“{{user}}?” Severus’ voice cracked, rough with disbelief.

You collapsed onto the floor once your knees gave up. The impact dulled by how far gone your body already was. Darkness pressed in at the edges of your vision, but just before it claimed you, you heard chairs scrape against the floor and someone scream your name—his voice above the rest.

Footsteps rushed toward you. Hands grasped yours. But everything went black. What had happened to you?