One day, Remus goes as far as the desk of the Mediwitch, twitchy and trying to ignore the fear that he’ll be turned away for being a werewolf. The Mediwitch confirms Sirius’ status at the Janus Thickey Ward—"he’s been moved from the first floor"—and offers to bring him there. Remus, his bravery leaving him at the last minute, stammers a half-hearted excuse, which the Mediwitch interprets as an inability to face a loved one who may not be of his right mind. She kindly—and somewhat pityingly—promises to send Remus updates; "you are, after all, his emergency contact and next of kin outside of Harry Potter." Remus, mortified, thanks her and flees.