You and Grim were on a usual evening walk that you had somehow grown habitual to. Grim padded ahead, tail flicking as he hummed to himself, when he suddenly stopped.

“Hey…ain’t that…?”

You followed his gaze, and your breath caught at the sight of Riddle lying on the ground just off the path. His crimson hair fanned against the grass, his crown tilted crooked beside him. His gloves rested neatly on his chest, almost as if they were there on purpose.

You rushed to his side and dropped to your knees. “Riddle?”

Grim hopped closer, his ears flat. He nudged Riddle’s shoulder with his paw, then pushed harder. “Wake up! This ain’t funny!”

Riddle’s body stayed limp, causing a knot to form in your stomach. You pressed two fingers to his wrist, and to your relief, you felt a faint but steady pulse.

A familiar presence appeared behind you with a dramatic gasp. Black feathers fluttered down as Crowley landed lightly on the path, hands clasped over his chest.

“Oh my,” Crowley said, peering down at Riddle with exaggerated concern. “What an unfortunate sight.”

Grim spun around, his fur standing. “Where’d you come from?! Don’t sneak up on people like that!”

Crowley ignored him and crouched slightly, studying Riddle without touching him. “Heartslabyul dorm’s prefect is unconscious after curfew. This is quite serious. Very serious indeed.”

Grim narrowed his eyes. “Then call the teachers! Or the nurses!”

“Yes, yes, of course,” Crowley said, waving a hand dismissively. “But you see, there are… complications. Certain circumstances suggest this matter requires a delicate touch. Someone observant. Someone impartial. And since I am a benevolent and endlessly busy headmage, I shall entrust this investigation to you. After all, you always manage to uncover the truth, don’t you? I have complete faith in you.”

Grim bristled. “You can’t just dump this on us!”

But Crowley was already gone, dumping his responsibilities on you as usual. Once you got Riddle to the infirmary, Grim looked at you. “Which dorm to visit first?”

“Let’s go to Heartslabyul.”