A/n- Sorry I've been slow. School's been a complete bitch to me, and I'm in the middle of a mental crisis. Many pardons.

Disclaimer- WHEN THE BLOODY WILL WE GET THE NEXT BOOK? Sorry, had to burst. I own nothing. The LAME ASS MORONS working at the publishers UNFORTUNATELY own it all. ::grumbles::

Rating- PG-13 for my infamous foul mouth that I'm trying to cap a bit.

Note- Sorry if it's a grammatical disaster, I'm too depressed and lazy to edit. :-/ ... ... ... ... ... ...


Seeing Grey - Part LII - Rustic Planes



He shut his eyes, trying to block out the early rays of sun leaking through a hole in the wall, one produced by Prong's antlers months before. It was too painful to face the day yet.

Moony, are you up yet? Sirius said gently from behind the door.

We have to get going. James added in a low voice, knowing all Remus' senses would be in overdrive so soon after the transformation.

he grumbled, trying to push himself up from the ground. The door creaked open, and the two entered cautiously.

Here, Peter though you'd need a new one. James offered a spare cloak of his own. He helped to tear away the battered one, ridden with blood streaks and bite marks.

Remus struggled to button it with his partially unformed hands, and decided just to hold it together.



He accepted the two shoulders, and with some difficulty, hobbled over to the bed in the Shack.

Do either of you have any food, by chance? he asked a moment later, breaking the silence. James shrugged, and Sirius began to rummage through his expansive pockets.

I've got... he started, dumping Dungbombs and firecrackers onto a nailed-down table. Some peppermints. Oh, wait, those aren't real candy.

Here, beef jerky. James proclaimed, tossing over a wrapped piece.

Shamelessly he ravaged the bit of meat, unable to contain himself. The two chuckled, and smiled in amusement.

Pomfrey's coming. Remus announced after gnawing away at the last speck of beef. Sirius' nose twitched, and he cursed lightly.

Well, see you at breakfast then.

James yawned.

Remus nodded, and licked the last remains of the meat off his fingers in a slurp.



You don't look very well. Alex observed, pursing his lips in thought.

Same for you. Remus replied honestly. He had bags under his reddened eyes, and he looked as though he hadn't slept in quite a few days.

Had to sort some things out. he mumbled quietly. Me and Dumbledore...

Remus nodded in understanding, and he decided to mind his own business.

When's our next game? he asked James after piling down a bowl of cereal.

Day after next.



We could always set the pitch on fire.

Not necessary. Remus assured with a smile.

Ah, nut. Sirius mumbled. Well, a fat lot of help that does for us then. Wait a minute, plan just snapped to mind. I'll be off. he said shortly, dashing away before James could join in. He snapped his fingers in disappointment, and shrugged.

For reasons he didn't know, Remus found himself staring up at the head table.

Dumbledore, old and smiling, reading the newspaper in complete denial of the headlines. McGonnagal, nervously telling off two Hufflepuffs flinging food at one another. He looked past the Divination Professor, Professor Forson, the Herbology instructor arguing with the Astronomy Master, and then understood why he had been prone to gaze up.

Miss Horder's seat was empty.

That's funny, she never misses a meal. James said, following his stare.

Wonder where she went. Remus mumbled, looking around to see if she was anywhere.

Please, God no!

Stupid girl, be quiet-

NO! ANDREW!

I said be quiet you foolish little girl!

Moony, hello? Moony!

Remus blinked, and shook his head.

he said, swallowing the lump in his throat. James raised an eyebrow, and peered oddly at him.

You look like you just saw a ghost.

Maybe I did. he concluded, and stood up. Excuse me...

Remus shoved away from the Gryffindor table, past all the sneers from his enemies, and presented himself in front of Dumbledore. For a moment the old man wouldn't be distracted from his morning read, though a quick clear of the throat gained his attention.

Is everything alright, Mr. Lupin? You look dreadful.

Do you happen to know where Ms. Horder went this morning? Remus asked, keeping his obvious concern hidden. I noticed she isn't here.

I believe she went to visit an ill friend... Dumbledore trailed off, and frowned. Did you happen to See something out of the ordinary? he questioned, wording the phrase so any overhearing Professor's wouldn't understand its meaning.

Remus nodded slightly, and bit his lip.

Here, come to my office. I need to go over a few things with you. the Headmaster declared, standing up gracefully, though in an urgent fashion. It was something only one accustomed to trouble and the desire to calm others could manage.

Yes sir.


They walked silently through the halls, Dumbledore taking a passage that he knew only appeared every other Wednesday. After a brief discussion with a painting, and the murmur of a password to the gargoyle, they were seated in his circular office. Images of previous Headmasters blinked lazily at Remus, and decided he was of no interest.

Immediately, Fawkes took a few steps away on his perch. Dumbledore looked at his pet for a second, and shrugged slightly when he disappeared in a puff of fiery plumage.

Now, what do you believe happened to our young Defense instructor? he asked calmly, folding his hands atop the messy desk.

I, erm, I heard her. Remus started, trying to recall the very blurry nightmare. She was yelling, and I saw her crouched down, I think she was holding something. he said. He shut his eyes, and nodded in confirmation.

There was another man, he had a deep voice, kind of tall. He was demanding that she stop whining, to be quiet. Nervously, in concentration, he scratched at his head, trying to flatten it down.

Dumbledore smiled in a fashion to calm him down, and nodded his head. What were the exact words?

Again he closed his eyes, blocking out reality for a moment, In reverse, he recalled the sounds, the images, a flash of light.

Be quiet, stupid girl.' he recited. She yelled out again, something about... Sir?

he inquired, blue eyes shining behind a crooked nose.

I know from before that she had a, er, friend, named Andrew. Did he die?

Dumbledore frowned, and let out a long, desolate sigh. I do not know. He was an Auror, and as far as I could guess they were extremely close. He was taken hostage, and the Ministry refused to meet the demands.

Remus nodded, remembering past experiences that had before seemed distant.

She called out his name before I lost the image. he finished. She's in trouble. Or, she was.

Do you think it was a Vision of what is to come, or merely a replay?

I can't honestly say.

Dumbledore uncrossed his hands, and pushed himself upright.

Is there anything else you saw that might be of assistance? I'm going to see to this myself, assuming the Ministry doesn't wish to be involved. They're in utter denial that we're facing another war.

I saw a flash of light. It wasn't green though, sir. More like metal.

I'll look into that, thank you Remus. You'd best get back to breakfast, I have a lot to take care of.

Nodding absently, Remus made his way back for the Great Hall, wondering what exactly was going on.

Maybe that will teach you to mess with us.



YES! Free period! James shouted, punching the air triumphantly.

You know what that means. Peter snapped to no one in particular, hiding himself behind a book.

Sirius and James shared one of their infamous grins, eyes glittering dangerously. It was the type of mischievous glint that would send most of the Hogwarts staff running out of shear frustration, or in fear of bodily harm. Usually they came hand in hand where the Marauders were concerned.

You're determined to make this prank the one big one, aren't you? Remus asked rhetorically. And moreover, determined to get yourselves expelled.

Probably close to the truth. Actually, no. Second thought, we had too high of O.W.L.'s for them to give us the boot. Sirius decided. At least, I don't think that lot would expel us...

You underestimate their tolerance. Peter piped.

And we overestimated your intelligence. Bugger off you stupid prat-

Leave him alone Padfoot. said James with a hint of vexation. Now, back to the Grand Master Plan. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation, and disappeared through a corridor, Peter going in the opposite direction very quickly.

Remus looked around distantly, wondering what to do now that his friends were preoccupied. Lily was surely off with some of her female companions, and he knew for fact that Alex would refuse any offers to socialize for another week still.

Great, there is absolutely nothing to do. he declared, kicking at the ground as he dragged his feet along. A few steps and a wrong turn later, he smacked into something tall and hard.

Watch where you lurk. Snape said angrily, getting back to his feet.

I wasn't lurking.

That's all you and your lot of friends do, lurk about and torment my House.

They deserve it sometimes. Remus said distantly.

You worry about Avery... Well, commends for you Lupin, you actually figured something out on your own.

Bugger off.

And ruin this perfect opportunity to taunt you while no teachers are about? You take me for a fool.

You are a fool. Remus reminded without a smile.

I'm rather surprised you and your cronies haven't rushed off to the Avery's place and decided to tell them off. You gits are brave, and loyal. Stupid as hell yes, but damned to hell with bravery.

I'll take that as a compliment. Remus said lightly, looking around for something to do or somewhere to go.

Do you want something? he asked after noticing Snape wasn't walking away.

Keep an eye on Avery for me.



You wouldn't understand. Snape said, shrugging slightly. He wont have a lot of time left to be happy, I was just figuring he might get desperate.

What the hell do you mean?

Rolling his eyes, Snape turned away, his sleek black robes rippling behind him.

Just forget it.



He turned around, expecting to find Snape back t pester him some more, only to find Professor Forson.

What the hell did I do now? he wondered quietly.

Lupin, er...

This is new, he thought. The Potions Master was, for a rare occurrence, not glaring at him with intent loathing. He looked genuinely concerned about something.

Can I speak with you?

I'm here, aren't I? Remus asked sarcastically, not quite sure how to determine the situation.



He turned his head, and back, finding no one in the halls. Waving his arm to indicate such, Remus raised an eyebrow. We are.

Office, now.

Rolling his eyes behind the mans back, the bored Gryffindor deftly followed through a series of long passages and curving tunnels.

You know, I believe Sirius was right. he mused out loud with a smirk. It is a cosmic law that all the Potions professors enjoy places where light may never find.

Sit down. Forson said in a stiff voice as he opened his office.

And to what do I owe the pleasure of being here?

Cut it. he interrupted rather snidely. I'm not here to play your little games of pride and ridicule. I need you help.

Remus was now interested. Rare indeed to find a Slytherin Head of House requesting assistance from a student, Gryffindor at that.

What can I possibly help you with? You know better than anyone I'm a wreck at potions-

Dumbledore wont say it, but I damn well know you have the Sight. he said bluntly, dark eyes narrowing. Far be it from me to be in emotional distress...

I don't know where she is. Remus finished. His sarcasm faded, his childish smirks flickered away, and he nodded seriously. I would have come forward if I could have offered anything else.

You know more than anyone, more than those damn friends of yours. I know what the hell that foolish girl is doing, but I need there where and why. And who. he sputtered angrily, though his rage wasn't directed at anything in particular. You know at least one of those. I highly doubt your illustrious career of eavesdropping and spying would reveal anything less.

With a slight pause to collect himself, Remus shut his eyes. Pushing away his anxiety, his fears, and concerns, he let himself drift to another conscious state. His security zone, where the hateful words of strangers couldn't be heard, and the pains of the wolf didn't exist.

Her, well, that Andrew fellow. He was killed or whatnot... Remus remembered, mumbling distantly as he tried to recall anything useful.

Dean Callahan, an Unspeakable she's close with. He should know. he snapped suddenly. He made a mental note to thank Sirius for prying in other peoples' business.

Dean was murdered last night.

At seven? Remus wondered for reasons he couldn't explain.

He didn't see Forson's look of mild shock.

Then she's after whoever killed him. he concluded. Two of her closest friends down around the same time, a personal injury to her pride. There's no way in hell she isn't thinking of anything but revenge. Remus said slowly as he focused back into reality.

Forson literally jumped to his feet, and started for the door. He was only gone a few paces before Remus let a sigh escape, and stood.

WHERE THE HELL IS HE? I'LL KNOCK HIS HEAD OFF!

He only had time to blink in bewilderment before he was tackled against the ground.

James, come on! Sirius yelled in the background. Geroff, I said gerOFF!

Arms barely restraining him, Sirius rammed his own head against his friends.

Look around you dolt, she isn't here. he barked, scowling.

James, red-faced and passionate about God knows what, pursed his lips. He uttered something incomprehensible, and ran out of the room.

I don't even want to know. Remus interrupted before Sirius opened his mouth in explanation. I do not want to know.


So what the hell were you doing in there anyway? Sirius asked a while later. Remus was busy staring at the wall, intrigued with one eye seeing vibrant colour, the other locked on greys and whites.

Forson needed some help with a little far-Sighting. he said simply.

Sirius, who wished to leave his ego intact, nodded as if he understood what was said.

So what was with James rushing in like some barking-made dragon?

Thought you didn't want to know. Sirius teased.

He did rightly pound me to the floor, I'd at least like to know what id di to cause such a foul temper. This is Prongs though, maybe there is no reason on second thought.

Sirius mumbled with a slight grin. You see, Lily was missing, and you never came back... Since you didn't show up on the Map-

Oh God, he didn't! Remus laughed.

Considering years past-and you know how jealous Prongs is, honestly, he could give a thirteen year old girl a run for her money-he just assumed... Sirius trailed off, unable to restrain his amusement. The pair chuckled for a good while before winding down to a few scattered chortles.

How could he even begin to think I'd be off in a closet with his girlfriend? I'm not that shallow, am I? Remus finally asked, frowning slightly.

Don't mind him, he's just territorial. Hormonal little git of a Seeker when he's worried about Lils. Sirius shrugged.

How do you explain the rest of the time then?

An excellent point.




Is there a party I wasn't invited to? Sirius asked, poking Alex in the side. he twirled his finger in the direction of the head table.

'O n ish he explained, mouth dripping with oatmeal. A group of passing girls made disgusted faces at him. In recovery and hopes of a date, he quickly swallowed and waved after them.

Party, what? James snapped, looking around wildly with a stupid grin.

he observed, squinting as he had misplaced his glasses. Where's that slime ball of a Potions instructor?

No way, he's gone? Sirius spluttered. This is cause for celebration! he declared, standing up in his seat.

Remus and James pulled him down half a second later.

Definitely not reason to celebrate. Remus said bitterly, choking on his own voice. He pointed upwards, where the last of the owls were fluttering in with grim news. Sirius snatched a Daily Prophet from a local second-year and gapped.

No way...

Remus sighed. She could rightly be dead for all we know, and Dumbledore's gone...

They can have Forson. James interjected. But if they take Horder I'll boycott the bloody school. I have to have one class to look forward to. he mumbled.

No Prongs, you mean look at. Sirius corrected with a small grin. One class to look at.

Same thing. he growled, tossing the grim headlines away before he became too engrossed in the dwindling coals of war.

I hate life. Alex said angrily, dropping his elbows on the table remorsefully.

Chipper up mate. Sirius said, slinging an arm around his shoulders. Alex tried to slip away, to little success. Thing's can only get better, you know?

No, I don't.

Dear God, if you're there, pull the world through this one. Remus muttered with his eyes shut tight. This is definitely not a time for you to give up hope on Man.


Glancing at his friends, his peers, all around, he clasped his hands in his first true prayer.

Save those who are innocent, be it expense for those such as I.




A/n- Another down, another down. ::sighs:: I've been having a really rough month, as always. Anyway... Expect another posting pretty soon unless by some rare chance of event I get to take a short vacation for the Thanksgiving weekend. Yeah, fat chance at that...

Iggie

Fic of the Day- Sins of the Father by Vada: Lucius Malfoy is on trial during the ongoing war. He muses of the Malfoy family, the Ministry, his life and good and evil... Come on folks, it's good ol' Death Eater Drama. :) Go check it out.


Do I even need to remind you all to review anymore? I think it's just that you're so nice.... I HOPE!! %@$#