It wasn't like Remus to miss the last lesson of the day-let alone dinner. He never missed dinner. The absence gnawed at Guest, a quiet but persistent worry that had been building since lunch. They'd tried to focus in class, tried to convince themselves he was fine, but each hour only made the weight in their chest heavier.

By the time they'd finished their own meal, the decision was made. They slipped anything they could into a napkin -just in case he hadn't eaten-and left the Great Hall without another word. The castle's evening hush had already settled in, only the faint echo of footsteps and the occasional flicker of torchlight breaking the stillness. The familiar portrait swung open to reveal the Gryffindor common room, warm and fire lit, but empty. Their eyes went instinctively to the staircase.

They hesitated only for a heartbeat before climbing. The boys' dorm corridor felt unnervingly quiet, shadows stretching along the walls in the dim light of the sconces. Balancing the food carefully in one hand, Guest stopped at his door and knocked softly.

No answer. The silence pressed in, and after a moment's pause, they pushed the door open.