The full moon hung heavy in the sky, illuminating the Black Lake. The water was calm, revealing the sharp reflection of the moon, more focused than usual. Lando wrapped his cloak tighter around himself., clutching his wand, his breath fogging in the cold air. His heart was pounding- not from excitement, but an uneasy feeling he couldn't quite place. Carlos hadn't shown up, but deep down he wasn't surprised. "Moon's reflection... stone... hidden within. Come on, there has to be something here," he muttered to himself.

He knelt down by the water, a quick "lumos" lighting the surface. For a brief moment, the reflection of the moon began to shimmer strangely, faint markings began to etch onto the submerged stones. He leant closer, focused, trying to decipher the faint glimmers beneath the water. "Wait... is that-" Just as he thought he had made some progress, the first howl shattered the silence. It was distant but unmistakably guttural, raw and filled with anguish. Lando froze, hand slipping slightly sending ripples across the surface of the lake.

"The fuck..? There aren't wolves at Hogwarts." A second, louder howl cut through the air; he stood abruptly and shuffled away from the lake's edge as he scanned the tree line, face pale in the moonlight.

He stumbled away, breathing quickly and shallow. Despite his fear, he cast one long glance at the shimmering reflection in the water.

The howls continued, sporadic and haunting, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He thinks about Carlos again, "Where is he? What if he's...no, he's fine, he's in Hogwarts." His chest tightened with unease as doubt began to creep in. Why isn't Carlos here tonight? Why did he avoid this? Another howl ripped the air, so sharp and full of anguish that Lando jumped. "No, I can't- I'll come back tomorrow. When it's... safe." He felt- he knew the answer was right there, just out of reach.

He quickly left the lake as the howls followed him, echoing faintly across the grounds, chasing his retreating footsteps. He kept glancing over his shoulder, every shadow twisted into something monstrous in his mind. When he finally reached the castle he paused at the entrance, looking back one last time at the lake in the distance. "What's out there and why do I feel like I'm missing something important?"

He entered the dormitory, visibly shaken. Lewis, half asleep, stirs and asks if he was okay to which Lando brushed off, muttering something about being tired. He sat on the edge of his four-poster, staring out the window towards the forest, the lake, and distant horizon. Carlos... where were you tonight?

Oscar staggered slightly under Carlos' weight as they stepped out into the cold morning air. Carlos was still shaking violently, his eyes dull, distant. Oscar, with Carlos' help had managed to repair Carlos' clothes enough so that he could leave the Shack. They walked in silence at first, Carlos leaning heavily on Oscar for support, each step felt like it took everything Carlos had left. "You... you're not going to- I mean, I know I can't ask this of you, but...."

Oscar froze in mute horror at what he knew Carlos was trying to say. "I would never, Carlos. I swear on my life, never. I'll keep this secret to the grave." Carlos winced slightly but said nothing, his steps wobbly despite Oscar's steady grip.

"Madam Pomfrey- she knows, doesn't she? About... about this?" His silence was answer enough. He closed his eyes briefly and nodded.

"She... she usually comes. She knows when it happens. I- I don't know why she wasn't there this time, maybe it's still early?"

Oscar frowned, guilt washed over him when he realized just how much Carlos had been relying on someone to be there- someone who understood. "I'm glad I was there, then. You were- you were alone."

They stopped for a moment when Carlos stumbled, his knees nearly buckling. Oscar caught him before he could fall, holding him upright.

"You shouldn't have to see me like this. You weren't supposed to- no one was supposed to-"

His voice cracked, and Oscar's heart clenched painfully. "Hey, hey. Look at me." He hesitated before meeting his gaze, eyes glassy with unshed tears. "When I said I'd listen, no judgment, no questions you can't answer, I meant it. That hasn't changed. And it won't."

Carlos' face crumpled slightly, he looked away, shoulders shaking. "I'm scared, I- I've never told anyone, I've been alone for so long."

O nodded, his voice quiet but steady. "I know. But you're not alone, alright? You've got me now. You don't have to go through this by yourself anymore." The silence stretched between them, but it wasn't empty. It was heavy with understanding and a fragile, unspoken trust. They continued walking, the castle looming closer with every painful step. The wind howled softly through the trees, but neither of them spoke again.

The heavy doors of the hospital wing creaked open as Oscar guided Carlos inside. The scent of antiseptic potions and clean linens filled the air. Madam Pomfrey was already there, bustling about with her usual efficiency. The moment she saw them, her face went pale. "Mr Sainz! I'm so sorry, I- Mr Piastri?" Her sharp eyes scanned Oscar's exhausted face.

"He- he needed help. I couldn't leave him there," he answered softly.

Madam Pomfrey nodded curtly and stepped forward, gently taking Carlos from him and guiding him to a bed.

"It's alright, dear. You're safe now," she whispered into Carlos' ear, her heart breaking for him. It must have been a particularly bad moon, the worst, I've never seen him so hurt.

Carlos' shoulders sagged as he let himself be settled into the bed, his head turning away as if he couldn't bear to look at either of them. Madam Pomfrey turned to Oscar, her voice firm but not unkind. "Thank you, Mr Piastri. I'll take it from here. You've done enough for one day."

Oscar hesitated, his eyes lingering on C, before nodding slowly. A silent look of mutual understanding and a promise passed between them.

"Take care of him."

Madam Pomfrey's expression softened slightly. "Always."

As he turned to leave, he glanced back one last time. Carlos laid still under the blankets, his face turned away, but his hand was clutching the edge of the blanket tightly- like it was the only thing keeping him grounded.

The heavy doors closed behind him with a quiet thud, leaving Madam Pomfrey to care for her patient and the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.