A/n- Well, here's my fortieth chapter... Damn this is getting too long.

Disclaimer- Why should I even BOTHER?

This is dedicated to all of those who suffer
from the pain of school. My heart goes out
to you, really. Be thankful you aren't in my
position academically... Here's to all you
unfortunate students. o_O


Seeing Grey - Part XL - Dyclonine



Moony! Hey, how's it been? James asked joyfully as he rolled his way onto the platform, riding the trolly like a scooter.

Pretty good, actually. Remus said with a true smile.

Nice to hear you''re not bugging over ancient curses and all that. Man, you should've come to the Quidditch match with Scotland last week! It was amazing!

It was on the moon. Remus pointed out, no flinching pain visible in his voice this time. James nodded his head once, and went on to explain in great detail the finer aspects of the game. They eventually lingered into an empty compartment, finding Sirius fast asleep, and Peter buried in another war book.

A bit tired, eh? Remus asked, as the bang of James' trunk falling off the rack made Sirius fumble out of his nap. He looked around wide-eyed for a second, and shook his head.

Bad night...

Why's that?

Dreading today. he grumbled, curling up again against the window. O.W.L. results... Mum's going to kill me. he said sloppily, gazing out the window in a distant fashion.

I don't even want to see my Potions results... I'm fairly certain I failed those.

My History of Magic is down the drain...

Sirius passed that, bloody git copied just about everything I did. I really wish he hadn't taped into the ever-annoying low frequency language of dogs. Remus said offhand as the train doors shut, ready to leave.

Well at least I'll get top marks in Transfiguration. James mumbled, looking through the door windows for Lily.

This time, thing's are going to stay normal.'



James asked nervously, holding his exam envelope. The newly appointed Head Boy of Gryffindor had handed them out, and none of the Marauders had yet broken the seals.

Sirius said in a dreading voice. My mum's going to kill me.

Come on guys, this is foolish. The outcome wont be any different if we open them later. Remus pointed out, only to be pelted with various food pieces.

Bloody hell, if we never open them, then we don't have to be disappointed.

We open on three, alright? Remus asked, and the others nodded resentfully, watching as sixth years all around him let out angry groans.

One... Two...

they all said, tearing at the official wax seal from the Ministry O.W.L. department. Crossing fingers and sending out last-minute prayers, the four Marauders unfolded the thin parchment, hearts going faster than ever.

Sirius bellowed, jumping to his feet. Noticing after a moment that everyone was staring at him, he smiled, saluted, and slowly shrank back his seat.

I got eleven! And I passed Potions! he announced, punching the air in bliss. Looking up, Remus saw James, hands shaking, face frozen.

Uh oh. he mumbled, waiting for the inevitable anger and rage. It never came.

How'd you do Prongs? Sirius finally asked, disregarding Peter's pathetic cries completely. After a very long silence, he cracked a smile, a very stupid, dorky smile.



Kick ass, we tied! Sirius said. Hey Pete, what'd you get? he asked, peering over his shoulder. Peter crumpled up the paper, stuffing it in his robes.

he squeaked, dashing off very suddenly.

We'll find out eventually! James called after him, grinning like he owned the world (Which he probably could afford to do, Remus thought). He turned back to Remus, inquiring upon is results.

Remus muttered, almost a question, trying to figure out if he was reading his information correctly. Sirius grabbed the paper, mouth ajar as he skimmed through.

Jesus Christ Moony, you passed everything! How in bloody hell? Look at this! Stupid git scored higher than me on everything but Transfiguration! And we're almost dead-even for Charms...

James took the sheet, eyes glinting madly.

My God, you're one of the highest scores of our class! I don't see how anyone could outdo this...

Well we know for sure Snape beat everyone for Dark Arts, Potions, and Herbology. Sirius reminded.

Yes, but he's horrible on Transfiguration. So no way he beat you out. James said, biting his lip. I wonder if you did get top scores?

Without warning, Sirius stood up on his seat, easily gaining everyone's attention. Clearing his throat, he put on a cheerful smile, waving to make sure everyone was watching.

Anyone get more than thirteen O.W.L.'s? he asked loudly, ignoring all the glares from the Head table.

Yeah right Black, like you got that many! some Slytherin shouted, eliciting a round of laughs.

Not me... My good friend Remus here, Sirius said, pointing downwards. Remus went red, and slouched in his seat slightly. has thirteen, and I was wondering if anyone had higher.

There was a lot of clatter over at the Ravenclaw table, and someone announced there was a tie for thirteen, but no one seemed to have a higher bar.

Anyone? Come on now, he can't really have the highest marks.

Sirius sat down with a shrug, smiling at his friend. Looks like you got top score, along with those Ravenclaw chicks.

It's weird though-

No shit it's weird, you passed everything. And you're one of our friends. I'll bet the professor's will drop dead. James snorted.

No, my potions scores... This said I leveled just below average with them, but I could have sworn I wasn't even going to pass minimum, let alone pass at all. I blew up my bloody cauldron for God's sake, Peter couldn't have done worse. Remus mused.

Yes he could. James interrupted.

Don't question your good fortune! Sirius said happily, slapping an arm on Remus' back. Now, this way, none of the professors can deny you trips to the Restricted Section!

Oh, is that why you're so happy? Remus laughed.

Of course it is. James added, still grinning about his own luck. We can pull some serious damage now that we have a live, full access pass to all the goods.

You're impossible, you know that?

Sirius and James grinned sheepishly, and continued to swallow down any food they could get their hands on.

Hey, where's Carlison? Remus noticed a while later, glancing up at the head table. His seat next to Dumbledore was empty, and on further inspection, he found Bane's to be vacant as well.

If we're lucky, he's dead. James mumbled through a biscuit.





Lily tucked her robes under her, taking a seat on the stone bench she was so accustomed to.

Remus said absently.

Something wrong?

Not really, and that's what bothers me. I'm not used to peace and quiet. Lately, everything's been rather normal. he said, looking out across the still lake.

Calm after the storm? Lily asked, tossing a stone in, rippling the water in every direction. I see the way you walk- you were hurt. she observed.

Sick to be more accurate, but yeah... This summer wasn't exactly normal.

Is anything in your life normal?

Very good point. Remus said with a short smile. Still going with James?

Yeah. No problems. she said, almost apologetically. I finally convinced my parents he isn't the devil incarnate.

Formidable task I'm sure.

Yeah... My father's pretty well with the idea, but my mum... I swear, if I don't marry a Muggle doctor or something she'll never be able to die happily.

At least you have the freedom to marry. Remus said to himself.

You'll find someone. Eventually.

Very unlikely... Either way, I've already got kids to raise.

Lily's eyes went wide, and she turned, staring at him for a moment. He laughed, and shook his head.

They aren't mine, not in that way. he said with a grin. Caleb, my friend, he had to sort of adopt these twin boys. Four year old demons if you ask me. He's trying to raise them on is own, but it's a bit complicated. Everything's complicated.

Just don't worry about that right now. It's the beginning of a new year, a great start for you I hear. Thirteen O.W.L.'s is mighty impressive. You can get a stable job with the Ministry with those kind of scores. she said offhand.

Smiling to himself again, he assured her that a stable job with the Ministry wasn't what he needed at the moment.

Right now, all I want ot do is get a few hundred detentions for setting off Dungbombs during a potions exam. he said.



Did you hear about Carlison and Bane? Peter whispered, nudging Remus in the side. The Defense room was, at the moment, full to the brim with students, and empty by way of a professor.

No, what happened?

Well, apparently Bane was involved in a lot of Dark stuff, and the Ministry caught on. Carlison had taken up active duty as an Auror again, and well, he was sent to investigate. he said, noticeably excited by all the war business.



I'm getting there... Well, Bane was caught with all this crap going on, and Carlison traced him back to one of those Muggle killings last month.

No way!' Remus gapped.

Yeah! He was right in this ring of Dark supporters, and when Carlison cornered him, they dueled it out. Peter squeaked.

What happened then?

Before he could blurt out any answer, the door swung open very suddenly. The entire class went silent, or, that is, the entire male half. In strode a beautiful woman, tall with dark red hair, and the air of a model.

Mouths half open, James and Sirius followed her every move, until Lily hit James across the face, scowling.

Hello class... the lady said calmly, dropping a load of books on the barren desk. My name is Celia Horder. she introduced, every man in the room staring at her, many beginning to drool. Even the reserved Peter Pettigrew was gapping open mouthed.

You can call me Celia, Ms. Horder, or anything but professor. I am not your professor. I was assigned the misfortune of teaching you a few random defense techniques as my advisors figure I'm too inexperienced to head off for war just yet. she said icily, mind a few miles out of the classroom.

What war? a dull Hufflepuff asked from the back of the room.

Great, I'm instructing a bunch of nitwits... Do you even read the newspapers? she laughed. There's a lot of Dark activity going on, all the Aurors have been called in for active duty. That's why your previous professor isn't here anymore, he's off fighting.

After a few minutes of scattered whisperings, mostly form the girls, as still every male wasn't paying attention to anything but Ms. Horder's bust, class began. For a while she just answered a plague of questions on what was happening outside of the castle walls, until the conversation turned again to Professor Carlison.

You may have noticed that your Potions instructor, Bane, she said, frowning at his name, is also gone this year. All lies aside, it's due to the fact that he's now serving a fifteen year sentence in Azkaban for the murder of four Muggles and various other practices of illegal magic.

Another wave of of whispers was cut short as the replacement Defense professor went on with her news.

He was detained a few weeks ago, by Carlison, and imprisoned shortly after confessing to the crimes. His term was cut short since he gave out a lengthy list of others involved in the Dark movement.

Surprisingly, Remus held up his hand.

she asked with mild surprise.

Should you be telling us this? he questioned, noticing how quite a few of the girls were starting to whisper fearfully.

Probably not. And I'm quite certain the entire Ministry would have my head for revealing all of this to you. Considering your age, and the fact that it's inevitable that everyone will know, I think it is best that you find out now and prepare yourselves. Ms. Horder said, sitting on her desk. As she crossed her legs, boys began to file into the front row, fighting for a good look, James included. Lily managed to grab him by his robes and yank him into a seat before he got anywhere, much to his dismay. This is no light matter, and soon enough, each and every one of you will be caught up in the tides of battle. By letting you sink it all in now, I think I'll be doing you a favour.

Yeah, I know what favour she could do me.

Before the unsuspecting Slytherin had time to snigger at his own comment, he was down on the floor, wand at his throat. Ms. Horder smiled sardonically at him, knee to his chest.

Watch your mouth, or watch your back. Your choice. she said sweetly.



That lady is insane. Remus muttered as class was let out.

Yeah, insanely gorgeous. Sirius said, still drooling at the thought of her.

I wouldn't be too keen on having a fancy for an Auror-in-training.

I wouldn't care if she was one of those whacked out Dark prats. James mumbled, forgetting that Lily was right next to him.

God, are you guys going to gawk at her all year? If so, I'll have to demand a schedule change.

They don't let you change them.

Lily shot her boyfriend such a glare that Remus was ready to bet his life it would scare even a Dark supporter in the midst of battle.



So who's a likely candidate for Chaser this year? James asked, mulling over his Charms homework the second day.

Who cares, I just thank God that that moron graduated. Bloody wonder how he managed that, but nonetheless, him and his nagging are finally gone. Sirius said, shutting his book. Well, I have a detention to serve...

You pulled something without including me? James asked, feigning a look of immeasurable hurt.

It was spur of the moment. Bloody Slytherin was just asking for it... Anyway, I have to go.

Who are you serving it with? Any chance you'll get a sneak peak at our mystery Potions professor?

Nah, McGonnagal. She's making me file papers... Just what I wanted...



They have got to be kidding. Remus almost laughed, skeptically watching the nervous little man shuffle things around his desk. He was very short, balding, and looked about as brave as a timid Muggle lab scientist.

Alright class... Settle down... Please, quiet now. he said in a feeble voice. Form the looks of it, James and Sirius were already plotting away, as there was no way this poor excuse of an instructor would ever be as vicious with detentions as Bane. Peter was smiling, wildest dreams fulfilled. No more Bane to bark out orders and linger over everyone's shoulder during exams...

Please, I have to take attendance... No, you there. Excuse me... Class, please settle down, I really have to get this done. he said, voice barely audible above the commotion. Shaking his head in amusement, Remus put two fingers to his lips, and whistled shrilly.

Er, thank you... the professor mumbled as the class slowly sat back down in their seats. He glanced down at his clipboard, biting his lip like a nervous child.

Hello class... My n-name is Professor Whilp... he started. I-I'll be filling in for a while...

Sirius grumbled.

You're professor was unable to, arrive... On time, due to a situation at the Ministry.

God, this guy would be such a pushover. Pity he isn't permanent.' Remus mused as the attendance was slowly taken.



Lupin, wait up a minute.

he asked as Snape emerged from the Advanced Potions classroom opposite of his own.

You still owe me a favour.

Decide yet?

No, I just felt I needed to remind you that you're in my debt. he said casually.

Bloody hell, of course I'm in your debt. You saved my life, and a kids. Remus half-laughed. Snape went cold at mention of that, and quickly snapped back.

I never helped you. You only owe me for the time put into the antidote. he said.

So you're just going to dismiss the fact that you were pulled out of your home to come and save my ailing ass? On top of helping Drew?

In retrospect, yes. As far as I'm concerned that load with you never happened.

Well, as soon as you find an ample pay back, be sure to track me down.

Will do. Snape said very quietly, walking off as though they had never met.

Never will understand that one. Remus mused, looking down at the Marauders Map. Now, to find that Advanced Charms Room...

Moony, where are you going? Charms is this way, or did you forget? James joked, coming out from behind with a wicked grin. Remus didn't bother asking how they had managed ot torture the substitute.

No, they put me in Advanced.

Ah, that sucks! Now you can't help us with our homework. Sirius muttered.

I have to go, sorry... See you guys in Transfiguration.

Alright. Good luck.



Care to join me on a snackage run? Sirius asked lazily. James shook his head, determined to finish his Charms work without begging for any help.



Sure, why not... Already finished all my homework. Remus grumbled, glancing at James' paper as he stood.

Page 284 of my book, last paragraph. he added as he went by. James shouted a thanks, and began to frantically scribble down the notes.

Have any massive vengeance prank to unleash so far this year? Remus mumbled, glancing at the Map every now and then to avoid any professors.

Eh, no one's pissed me off yet. First time we get beat in Quidditch though, I'm sure I can chalk up a nice plan.

Yeah, well good luck this year.



I don't know if I can play. Remus said. Sirius turned around, walking backwards with such an expression as though he had been kicked in the gut.

Why the hell not? You're half the reason we actually win!

I had a rough summer... Caleb would kill me if I went back to flying next month.

Screw him, he'll never have to know! You're the backbone of the team, all your plays and those insane stunts you pull at the last minute. We're going to be pounded if you don't play.

It all depends how quick I can be back to normal... Maybe after Christmas I could join up. Use someone from the reserve team until then.

Blimey, they all suck. Sirius grumbled, backing up into a wall a few times.

It's not my fault... Ok, so getting sick was, but I can't help that now. It's bothersome for me to walk, so I think crashing around on a broom and being pelted with kamikaze Bludgers would be out of the questions.

School sucks.



A/n-Well, that was my Dear God I Hate School ending. I really do hate school. It's so bloody depressing... Anyway, thanks for the reviews. If you need to contact me at all, anyone (to rant, chat, or complain) try iggie@fanfiction.net. Thank ya!

Fic of the Day- Nox Redux by Cas: What happens when Sirius never makes it to Remus' after GoF? The old crowd was never alerted, and a stray black dog was in for one hell of a night...


Reviewer Notes-

aurielo- To hell I'll get sick of Rem and Sirius!! Are you insane? If you haven't figured it out by now I'm literally in love with the blokes. Damn it, if only they were real ::pouts:: And on subject of Drew, I have a little planned for him, but nothing big. He's just a little side character, like Dean or Semus are in relation to cannon.

Fliss- Glad to hear you're enjoying this :) And are you SURE your e-mail works? I keep getting those blasted notices saying it was incorrect...

Reckless Abandon- Dedication? Has nothing to do with it m'friend. Deep heartfelt obsession and slight clinical depression. That's the only reason this thing keeps going and going and going and going and going and going and going... I'm already at chapter 47.

Nataly Ravenlock- There is never enough sugar. Or enough Severus. Ever.

Chibi Hime- Glad to see a new face! Hope you're still reading.

Anya- E-mail at AlyssaC7@aol.com or iggie@fanfiction.net if you need to contact me!

Kiki- Thanks for the praise, really. Didn't know this thing was worth a reread.

Sasina- Yes, I did the brother thing on purpose. I was making up a brother for Remus, and my history popped into mind. And thus our Rom was born. :)



Email Update- I now have Support Services, and thus a new email I use often. YOu can contact em at iggie@fanfiction.net from now on, or my usual AlyssaC7@aol.com. I'm not sure which will be my permanent one, so I might experiment a little bit. Sorry for the hassle.

Chapter title meaning- Dyclonine is an ingredient, oddly enough, in a type of throat spray that temporarily numbs nerve endings. It's from some Latin root meaning to temporarily tranquilize or something, so I thought it appropriate in my semi-normal chapter. ::shrug::