The evening had settled across Hogwarts, a gentle hush draped over the old castle like a spell.

Students, tucked away in their dormitories, were meant to be asleep, their dreams carrying them through the night.

But there you were, perched on the edge of the stone bridge that arched over the Black Lake.

Your gaze was fixed to the night sky, now a canvas of shimmering stars, a sight so breathtaking it seemed almost unreal.

You did this a lot.

It was like a drug.

The lake below was a dark mirror, reflecting the vast and starlit sky, creating a captivating sight. The waters were uncharacteristically calm, the usual ripple and splash replaced by an eerie stillness.

The only sound was the distant hoot of an owl, carried on a soft breeze that rustled the leaves of the trees, creating a symphony of whispers.

As you sat, a flicker of movement caught your eye, sending a jolt of surprise through you.

Your heart skipped a beat as you instinctively darted behind a nearby pillar, pressing your back against the cool stone for cover.

The unexpected movement had shattered the tranquility of the night, leaving you tense and alert.

The sound of footsteps grew louder, slowly approaching your hiding spot.

You cautiously peeked around the edge of the pillar.

Professor Lupin, your Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, was standing a few feet away, the bridge's moonlight casting a soft glow over his features.

In his hand was a lit cigarette, the embers glowed faintly as he took a drag, exhaling a stream of smoke into the night.

Professor Lupin was 6'2, his shoulders slightly slumped in the moonlight. His features, though not unkind, were marked with lines of fatigue and worry. His dark, disheveled hair and perpetually worn clothing gave him a disheveled look, adding to the mysterious aura that always hung around him.

Even in the tranquility of the night, his sharp eyes darted around, scanning the surroundings with a mix of caution and...something else.

He appeared lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the shimmering water below.

His free hand fidgeted with the edge of his tie, a habit you had noticed he displayed whenever he was deep in contemplation.

From your hiding spot, you studied him silently, unsure of what to do.

As you continued to take in the details of Professor Lupin's appearance, he suddenly let out a soft chuckle, his gaze still fixed on the night sky.

"Are you going to keep hiding, or are you going to say something?"

He said, his voice quiet but carrying through the still air.

There was a hint of amusement in his tone, a slight upturn of his lips that indicated he wasn't at all surprised to find you watching him.