Moonlit Bonds: The Tale of Moony and Snowy

Chapter 19 - The Mystery of Remus's Disappearances

As the days grew shorter and the winter chill settled over Hogwarts, Eliza couldn't help but notice a peculiar pattern. Every month, around the same time, Remus Lupin would vanish without explanation. At first, she brushed it off as mere coincidence, but as the months passed, the consistency of his absences gnawed at her curiosity.

One brisk December evening, after a particularly engaging Charms lesson, Eliza found herself alone with Remus in the library. They were supposed to be reviewing their latest essay on defensive spells, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the unanswered question.

"Remus," she began tentatively, her quill hovering over her parchment. "I've noticed something... peculiar."

Remus glanced up from his own essay, his brow furrowing slightly. "What is it, Eliza?"

"It's just... well, every month around the same time, you seem to disappear," Eliza said carefully, trying not to sound accusatory. "Is everything alright?"

Remus's expression tightened imperceptibly, and for a moment, Eliza thought she had overstepped. But then he sighed softly, his shoulders relaxing. "It's nothing to worry about, Eliza. Just... personal matters."

Eliza bit her lip, sensing his discomfort. "I understand if you don't want to talk about it. Just know that we're here for you, whatever it is."

Remus managed a small smile, gratitude flickering in his amber eyes. "Thank you, Eliza. I appreciate your concern."

Despite his reassurances, Eliza couldn't shake the unease that settled in her stomach. She glanced at Sirius and James, who were engrossed in an animated discussion about their latest Quidditch match strategy across the library. They hadn't seemed to notice Remus's disappearances, or if they had, they hadn't mentioned it.