A/n- Back for more! Sorry those Christmas holidays took so long, my mental mood has been off recently and i needed to prolong that eventful time period.

All suggestions welcome, at AlyssaC7@aol.com. Cheers!

Disclaimer- Come on, you SURELY know I own NONE of it by now!

Rating- PG-13 for swearing, pranks, and randomly scattered Snape torture.

Chapter Keywords- Oh, is Hogwarts gonna be wishin' the Marauders stayed on vacation!



Seeing Grey - Part L - Escalating Tyranny



How the hell are we supposed to get one of the most heavily guarded ingredients from the locked cabinets? Peter asked irritably, wishing to brush aside the entire plot. James and Sirius glared at him venously, and shook their heads.

Fine, chicken out. More glory for us anyway-

And more detention time. Peter interrupted. He gathered up his armful of books, and took residence at a table furthest away as possible across the Common Room.

Alright, who needs him anyway? James said to himself.

Us, we need a distraction. Remus reminded with a small grin. Much as a pain in the backside as he is, the little prat make a wonderful distraction.

Moony's right... Again. Sirius grumbled, letting out a long sigh. We need to come up with a new plan if we want to get that stuff.

Can't you substitute the colostrum for something else? Admittedly, this is more risky, not to mention more illegal, than most of our recent escapades. A mother dragon's first milk is hard to come by.

Stop worrying. James snapped in good humour. It's not if we'll get it, it's how we'll get it.

Besides, anything else wouldn't be as practical. I was down in the Restricted Section a few nights ago and I stumbled across a Healing book. That colostrum is dead-useful. You know, if we took a few more things while we're down there, I'm sure me and James could whip up an ointment-type-thing that could fix up your transformation scars.

Holy Jesus... You know what this means? James blurted out with a mystical sort of awe.

Sirius said, eyebrow raised.

Enlighten us, if you will.

It means... It means that Padfoot actually reads!

Sirius and Remus promptly thwarted him with two very fluffy pillows that soon exploded into a storm of feathers.

No, but really- James chocked out between smacks. The new guy, Forson, he's too much of a git to notice- hey, that's not a legal blow- so we shouldn't have a problem getting the stuff- Sirius, one more time and I'll-

Total git, is he? I haven't seen him yet.

He isn't much of an improvement off of the last bloke... What's his name...

Professor Whilp. Sirius offered.

Yeah, him. Well, Professor Forson's gonna be easy as anyone, I swear. We ran into him in the halls first night back when we were trying to change the Slytherin banner to show a pink bunny rabbit when he found us.

Should've taken the Invisibility Cloak. Remus said offhand. James scowled at him for a moment, but went on.

He was too scared to even issue us a detention for God's sake.

A complete pushover. Sirius added.

So really, it wont be a problem to borrow a few ounces of a little ingredient.

A little Class-A Non-Tradeable Goods ingredient. Remus snickered.

Sirius and James shared a short look, and shrugged.

Not a problem.



James gasped, clutching at his side as he scrambled to get the rest of the Invisibility Cloak over him.

What happened?

Padfoot, well, he knocked over a beaker... Turns out Forson's not such a pushover. Not when he's angry anyway.

Remus rolled his eyes, and walked along down the hall with some difficulty, as James was trying to run instead.

Dammit, he shouldn't have gone that way! he cursed, glaring at the little dot labeled Padfoot zooming along through distant passages. He was supposed to stay with me...

Then you both would have been caught. At least with the new professor we have the benefit of the doubt. That, and he wont be familiar with out criminal record. Remus half-laughed, watching Sirius do a wonderful dive into a new tunnel he would have to draw in later.

James assured, smiling nervously. He'd best not crash about too much, he'll break that vial at this rate.

You mean you guys actually got it? Remus gapped.

You doubt our mad skill? James asked. After a short glare, he rolled his eyes, and turned a corner.

Alright, pure luck. Who cares, we got it anyway. It should be enough to create that storm...

What storm?

Oh, our original plan was to create this wicked potion we read about in the Restricted Section. It makes a small, controlled thunderstorm wherever we please.

Slytherin Quidditch match, right? Remus asked with a grin.

Precisely. Wouldn't it be grand if we could get Peter to release it right before they catch the Snitch or something? Scare the pants off of those gits-

Are we on the third floor? Remus asked suddenly, looking around. Before James could answer, he spotted a tapestry of a wizard who was leaning against his sleeping horse, and he turned around sharply. Taking a brief mental recap, he pulled James through the false wall and up a very steep staircase.

When'd you find this? James asked in delight, discovering they were now a mere hallway from Sirius.

I had to have some place to hide from you guys... Remus mumbled, pulling his companion flat against the wall. A second later, Argus Filch ran by with what seemed like a slight limp.

Sirius said casually, slipping into the little stair nook.

Why's Filch limping?

Sirius smiled sheepishly, and shrugged in a very non-innocent way.

So, get the goods?

Of course.





Remus cursed under his breath, trying desperately to clean up the mess before Professor Forson noticed. For the few short minutes he had known the man, it was already clear he had an extreme dislike for werewolves.

I see you've wasted yet another vial, Lupin. he spat vehemently. Remus jumped slightly, not realizing his instructor had been right behind him. Swallowing his anger, he ignored the small whisper the man had added, mopping up the mess with gritted teeth.

You're gonna let him say that to you? Sirius whispered, canine abilities picking up the remark.

Remus sighed, shutting his eyes for a moment. A tiny voice in the back of his mind was quietly telling him to go and seek revenge. He shoved the wolf aside, and magicked the broken glass into the trash.

Come on, you can't let him say that to your face! That's so-

Mr. Black, one more word and you'll be having a joyful time cleaning the Slytherin Common Room. And I assure you, it's quite untidy. the new Head of House barked from the front of the room. Currently, he was doing a wonderful job of harassing Peter and what was left of his feeble nerves and faltering self esteem.

Bugger off. Sirius snapped before he could hold his tongue.

Professor Forson's face went rigid, the colour rose to his high cheeks, and for a split second Remus could sense that Sirius was actually frightened. The short but burly elder advanced on his pupil while the rest of the class remained in a state of stunned silence.

Watch your mouth Mr. Black. the professor spat icily, in a tone that would put even Bane to shame. He stressed every syllable, making the short warning seem like a death threat.

Remus swallowed again, hands frozen in place. He dared not move, let alone breath, for fear that Forson would turn on him.

I want to see both of you after class. he hissed, turning around sharply. The class jumped at the sudden movement, and remained still until the man retired to his office.

What did I do? Remus asked himself, though knowing the answer.



Late Friday night found Remus and Sirius on their hands and knees, scrubbing furiously at the grimy walls of the Slytherin Common Room. It had been well over an hour, and not even a single layer of filth had begun to come off the stone. Remus guessed there had been some party or wayward assignment that splattered the greenish mold across the walls and floors.

a seventh-year Slytherin snickered, watching with extreme amusement as his adversaries worked. Remus could hear distantly the rude comments of the other House members, though Sirius' ears were not as tuned, for the better. As it was, he was already using every ounce of self-control he possessed not to get in a fight, and he knew very well Sirius would show no such restraint.

Worst of all, Remus could see from the corner of his eye that Snape was watching with a stupid smirk at the top of the spiral stairs.

Do you want something? Remus finally asked, annoyed that he was being stared at for such a long time.

What could I possibly enjoy more than watching you and Black clean up filth? No, I am quite content. he said with a distinct sneer.

Remus rolled his eyes, and ground the brush into the stone floor a little bit harder.

What's the matter Lupin, you don't seem too delighted to be here. You should feel honoured to set foot in the Serpents Nest. Snape said, motioning with his hand about the near-empty Common Room.

More like the Serpents Dung-Hole. Sirius mumbled with a frown.

And I'm so sure the Gryffindor dorms are more... Sophisticated. I take it you have random mismatched chairs strewn about, in addition to old furniture and distasteful paintings? Yes, well, pardon me if I enjoy something a tad more... Sensible.

Oh, so dead rodents are in this year? Remus asked casually, producing the carcass by the tail. Snape scowled, and opened his mouth to say something.

And the general gloomy feeling, I take it that's fashionable as well? Terribly sorry, but my tastes are a bit beyond stone walls and the whole dungeon-esque feeling. You understand, of course.

You would have made a fine Slytherin, Lupin. Pity you were wasted with two such curses. Snape mused, and at that he turned back to his dormitory.

Did he just compliment you? Sirius questioned some time later, blinking furiously.

I believe he did Padfoot.

Ok, now I'm thoroughly creeped out. And it has nothing to do with the dead mouse.



Caleb, please! You have to listen to me! If you go out there, you might not make it back, not right-

I'm not going to let them die.

So you're going to get yourself killed, taking an impossible chance at saving them? That's a pointless move.

This isn't chess; this is life. I don't care whether or not it's a logical sacrifice. It's a risk I have to take. I don't have a choice.





That's a lie... You have a choice. There's no need for you to go and-

This isn't about me anymore, is it? This is about your Goddamn insecurities. Grow up, plain and simple. I'm not going to be around forever Lupin, and neither will your friends.

How can you-

I'm leaving. Don't even bother coming along, it's obvious you couldn't give a damn.


Remus. Hey, wake up, will you?

He let out a small moan, and stirred awake form his restless sleep. After focusing, Remus saw Peter sitting at the side of the bed, brows furrowed in concern.

You were kind of talking, again. he mumbled quietly. The others had not been disturbed, as was apparent by Sirius' and James' chorus of snoring.

Remus said under his breath, rolling over on his side. For a moment Peter stayed, contemplating whether or not to question what had caused the disturbance. Eventually, he shrugged, and quietly made his way back to his own bed.

Damn imagination. Remus said into his pillow. In a manner of seconds, he was once again drooling contentedly, the visions forgotten as the sun rose.



I can't believe things have gotten this bad. James muttered in dismay, shaking his head. Across the table, Alex Avery grabbed the newspaper.

Oh Lord... he muttered, going white.

What's wrong? Remus asked, noticing immediately the shallow look his face had taken. Alex shook his head, trying to disregard what he knew to be true.

Remus snatched the paper back, and looked for a moment, trying to figure out what was causing the sudden change in the usually cheerful Quidditch player. Alex attempted to grab back the paper, but it was too late.

That's your brother, isn't it? Remus asked quietly, as not to let the others hear. With a drastically white face, Alex nodded.

He didn't come home over the holidays... I mean, I always figured, you know, but... I never thought... he trailed off, eyes shut tight, trying to hide the shock he felt.

I never thought it was real. he finally said, chocking on his own voice. He's always been involved with some shaky people, but, you know, you don't really believe your own family's going to... To.... Again he had to pause, hands beginning to shake in his lap. My parents never disapproved of his company, they'd let all of them stay over in the summer. I think... I think they're in with it as well.

With what?

The Dark movement, you know... With the war. he stammered nervously.

Remus blinked once, and tried to fathom what was being said. It was a blow close to home, right on his own level, with his friends. Before, it had been a distant encounter, a brief clashing with Romolus being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now it was striking another front.

Hogwarts was being hit.

You need to tell someone. he decided, nodding his head in self-confirmation.

I can't turn in my own family. And...

Alex, what's wrong? James asked suddenly, Lily having gone off. With nothing to occupy his thoughts, he had realised there was a broken Gryffindor sitting next to him.

he whispered, jumping up from his seat. Nothing at all.

Alex Avery ran off rather quickly, and Remus dared not follow him.



Now, the proper way to conduct the spell is to make sure you're holding your wand correctly, and to pronounciate-

Excuse me, Celia?

Remus, along with the rest of the class, turned to see who was foolish enough to interrupt Ms. Horder's class.

What the hell do you want? she snapped angrily, not pleased to see the man. Remus raised his eyebrow for a moment, wondering where he recognized the very short and irritated executive from.

He bit his lip for a second, and beckoned her out into the hallway with his eyes.

Just spit it out Langlis, I have a class to teach. Ms. Horder barked, once again doing a splendid imitation of the former Potions Master.

He works for the Ministry... Remus whispered to himself. He remembered briefly his encounter under the Head of Department for the Dark Prevention Committee. Slouching in his chair slightly, he tried to avoid recognition.

Celia, it'd be best if-

Spit it, or get the hell out of my classroom. I'm busy trying to teach these gits how to keep themselves from getting killed. Emphasis on trying... Potter! One more time and I'll have your neck! she snapped again. James grinned, and dropped whatever he had been attempting to slip down a Slytherin's back.

Again the man bit his lip, though this time it was a more concerned fear instead of the uneasiness of being around Ms. Horder. He shuffled his feet for a moment, delaying whatever he needed to say.

It's about Andrew... he said, trailing off as he turned away. Most of the class hadn't been paying attention to the professor, though Remus caught the look of pained shock in her eyes. After a single blink, it was gone.

I understand. You can leave... Thank you. she said quietly, forcing some authority into her tone. For the remainder of the class, she lectured a hair quieter than normal, only snapping out when she felt she needed to reinstate her power over the students. As the bell rang, everyone was grateful to leave the tense room.

Come on, we're going to be late for History of Magic. Peter muttered, James and Sirius following behind as they passed through the door.

I'll be there in a minute. Remus said absently, waving them off. As the other Marauders shrugged and departed, he gathered up his books, and walked to the front of the room.

Ms. Horder had her back faced towards him, leaning against the chair, hugging her knee's tight.

Are you alright?

She jumped slightly, for once having let her guard down. After a short pause, she nodded her head.

I don't need your spells to know you're lying. Remus said softly. It wasn't something new for him, seeing others in distress. He was a master of the emotion himself. There was no fooling a fool.

Just leave. I don't want to talk about it.

Penning it up will only make it worse. If you don't mind me asking, and if you wont pin me down, can I inquire as to who Andrew is?

I need to be alone. the young instructor finally said, voice cracking mid-sentance.

It doesn't help. At all.

I don't care. Just... Go away, or something. You're going to be late for class.

Does anyone actually care if I show up late for History? It isn't as if Binns will notice that his least favourite student is missing. Remus snorted, smiling sardonically.

Why do you say that? she mumbled, still staring firmly at the base of the floor.

He isn't too kindly taken with having a werewolf in his classroom.

For a moment, she looked over her shoulder, eyes red but curious.

You didn't know? Remus gulped, wanting very much to smack himself in the head. She shook her head, seeming more like a child than an adult in such.

I never knew...

Figures, I go and tell one of the few professors who wasn't informed. Bloody hell, after this year, I'm sure they all will. Remus snapped to himself, rolling his eyes at his own carelessness. But... If you didn't know, then why didn't you ask why I was always late, and in the hospital wing?

Dumbledore told me before I started that you had a medical condition. I didn't feel it my place to question someone else's personal life. she said simply.

Remus raised an eyebrow, stunned slightly. He hadn't been around many people when they first learned, in his presence, of his true identity. It was by far a surprise to not find discrimination and hateful glares, or even a hint of superiority.

Thank you, he said at last, snapping back to reality. For understanding.

She shrugged as if it was nothing, and turned away for a moment.

Do you know where Greg's office is? Ms. Horder mumbled, wiping at her eyes.



Professor Forson. she corrected.

Third floor, the eastern hallway. He's the only door on the left with a window pane intact... James and Sirius had a bit of fun with some rockets they were experimenting with.

Thank you... For giving a damn. Most of the staff and students here don't see past a pretty face and stone heart. she said as she raised herself to her feet, as though lifting an additional hundred pounds with her.

Don't tell anyone about me, alright? They already hate me enough as it is...

You secret is safe here... And if you tell anyone that you saw me cry... Rest assured Lupin, you'll be spending many a night in the hospital wing, and it will have nothing to do with the lunar cycle. Horder said, smiling slightly in a pained way. I'm the cold-hearted Defense bitch, after all. I have a reputation to uphold.




A/n- Thanks so much for reading this far. Well, I might have a slight delay, nother personal crisis I need to attend to. So the next bit might not be up for about a week or so. Sorry.

Iggie


Fic of the Day- A Twist of Fate by Eureka: I know I've had it here before, but you really must read it. This is simply a delightfully interesting fic involving a young Harry on the streets and Padfoot. Go review, motivate the writer to post more often.