A/n- Yes, it's me, back again to torment you with another chapter. I hit another dec. Chapter 60... Oh boy, it really doesn't end. o_O Ah well.

Rating- PG-13 for my bad mouth and some crazy students.




Seeing Grey - Part LX - Advance




Lupin-

When are you out of school? Thing's are getting hellish out here with Caleb out of commission. Write back ASAP so I can figure something out.

Garade

Remus flipped the stained parchment over, and grabbed a quill off of Sirius' desk. In the background he could hear Binns droning on about some such rebellion or whatnot, his three friends snoring, and someone talking about Snape's interesting hairstyle at breakfast. With a sigh, he began to scribble his response.

Three and a half weeks, I think you can hold out that long. And will someone please stop lying to me? I know Caleb isn't fine' so stop avoiding it.

Remus

Silently, he folded up the letter and crept to the back of the classroom. Unnoticed, he continued to move back, row by row. In few minutes he was safely out the door and on his way to the Owlry.

Don't make us question your loyalties Severus. He doesn't like wondering who his true followers are.

I would never betray our Master.

Really, now. Some of us ar beginning to think otherwise.

Then you're reaching false conclusions.

Remus stopped, and swallowed quietly. Around the corner he could hear voices that he knew belonged to a band of unruly Slytherin's that he didn't wish to cross paths with.

If you turn traitor there's going to be a price. one of the seventh years warned, his voice cracking slightly. We'll all go down with you. And we don't want that to happen.

I assure you, gentlemen, came the voice of Snape, and Remus knew he was smiling briefly. that I am as loyal to our Master as you are.

There was a short pause, and Remus could faintly hear the other boys talking amongst themselves. Curiously, carefully, he peered around the corner.

You've tested your placement before, Severus, I'd hate to see it happen again. one of the larger boys said, curling his knuckles in what he figured was an intimidating manner.

Yes, I'm sure you would all cry a river. Snape said, rolling his eyes to himself. I assure you again, my loyalties stand where I declare them. Now if you don't mind I'd rather like to be off. Without another word, Snape kept a stiff shoulder and brushed past the small crowd of delinquents.

You can stop staring anytime Lupin. he muttered halfway down the hall.

Eyebrow raised, Remus stepped away from the security of his corner now that the pack had disbanded to loiter elsewhere.

You knew I was there?

I don't need an innate canine sense to feel someone's presence. the Slytherin said. He wasn't sure if it was his imagination or not, but Remus was almost certain Snape had broken into a cold sweat. And the way his pupils had dilated...

Who were those idiots?

Precisely what you title, they're just a meaningless group of idiots. Snape said shortly, trying to end the conversation.

And the interrogation is just normal day-to-day Snake chat? Remus asked sarcastically. What was all that about your Master and loyalt-

Even for a Gryffindor, you ask far too many questions. he snapped. I'd have expected more from you, but apparently I was mistaken. That lot of yours seems to be rubbing off... Now please, if you don't mind, and even if you do, please take your quivering little snout out of my affairs.

You're the one that's shaking. Remus said lightly.

Snape stopped, and turned back to face his enemy. Glaring for all he was worth, his face twisted into a nasty scowl that caused Remus to take a step backwards.

I would highly suggest that you run off to wherever it is you were going. And I mean run. Very fast. he said slowly, emphasizing every word.

Not being one to second-guess an open threat, Remus took the advice and bolted off for the Owlry.



I still can't believe that you and James have been going so long.

It's only been-

Don't tell me the exact date, too depressing. Sirius interrupted, frowning deeply at the Charms essay he had yet to begin. After another moment of intense staring, he let out a disgruntled groan and crumpled up the paper, tossing it into the burning fireplace.

You hadn't written anything, you know. It was completely pointless to burn that parchment. Lily pointed out.

Oh shut up. Sirius grumbled back.

She smiled, and shrugged at Remus. How do you survive being around these ingrates all day?

How do you survive being around James the rest of the time? Remus countered. And no, I don't want you to answer that. he added in haste.

Lily went scarlet, and muttered something that went beyond Remus' hearing.

It's getting rather dull around here. Peter observed. The games of Exploding Snape had died down, and the normally energetic James was nowhere to be found. A blanket of odd silence hung over the Common Room.

Let's go down to Hogsmeade. he suggested.

With a short mutter to indicate that he wasn't ready to admit Peter had a good idea, Sirius stood up and walked towards the portal.

Are you guys coming or not? he asked, cocking his head backwards.

Peter grinned, and readily tagged along.



Hey Rosie, you really should get a patent for this. Remus said idly, swirling his Butterbeer around. Sirius had run off after a pack of girls a while back, Peter at his heels. And Lily was off, with James...

It's the best damn drink I've ever had, anyway. he added distantly.

One of my father's creations. the young bar maid said with a proud smile. She pointed to the far wall, on which hung a large painting of a weary-looking old man with the same sharp cheekbones. He spent the better of his life trying to perfect that drink. It's in out blood, he always said. Every generation has created some lasting mix that we serve here.

Maybe get it in cans, like Muggle soda. he mumbled, still staring at the frothy drink in his hands.

Three years it took me, just to get the consistency I wanted and whatnot. Rosie said with a dreamy shake of her head. It's popular with your lot, though. It has a nice zing to it.

Wonderful zing. Remus agreed, deftly ordering another one of Rosie's fantastic creations. The Three Broomsticks had a dizzying effect one one's mind when it was empty. Lingering fumes from prohibited drinks left Remus slightly besotted in his own regard.

Playing the lone wolf Lupin?

As to you. he said, frowning slightly as Snape took a seat next to him at the bar.

Did you get into a fight? Remus asked after a pause. It may have been from the butterbeer, but that looked distinctly like a large welt. Yes, there's no mistaking it in the light. The red was a blinding contrast to the Slytherin's pale skin.

What's it to you? Snape asked, turning his face into the shadows.

Nothing really. he muttered, not wanting to start his own fray. You should probably tell Forson, and before you get all defensive and arrogant, listen.

Surprisingly, Snape nodded, biting back his tongue.

You damn well know I've got problems-

There was his trademark smirk, voice producing the satire that served as his facade.

-and I know it helps to actually tell someone. You, well, you don't exactly have friends. Remus pointed out. He took no offense, merely nodding at the given truth. Telling your Head of House would be the best thing.

I can handle myself. Snape said firmly, digging into his pockets absently. He let out a sharp curse that was met by disapproval from the various paintings.

Remus ordered him a drink.

Touching to know you almost give a damn about my well-being, but I'm more than capable of settling my own affairs. Snape said authoritivly.

Hey Severus!

Remus watched Snape shrink slightly on the stool, hunching his shoulders inwards in an attempt to hide himself from recognition.

I'm sure. he muttered sarcastically, turning around. Snape offered him a glare, trying to pull him back.

What the hell is this Snape, hanging around with filthy little Gryffindors? the seventh year asked sharply, shoving Snape's shoulder, knocking him off his seat.

Back off. Remus warned, narrowing his eyes.

Oh, and now the beggar boy picks your fights for you? Classic! the boy declared, arousing a round of laughter from his posse. Really Severus, you need to find better company. Precisely why I'm back. Now, you'd best not run off in the middle of a discussion... We wouldn't want anything unpleasant to occur.

If that's supposed to be a threat Boyd, it isn't intimidating in the slightest. Snape uttered, facing his opposition. How about you run along with your crowd and terrorize someone who deserves it?

I couldn't find a better candidate. Boyd drawled, hand going to his pocket.

Take it outside! Rosie yelled, slamming her fist down on the bar. It did enough to warn the lot, and the Slytherin's took a few steps backwards in imitation of their leader.

Come on now Severus, we need to finish our little chat.

I have nothing to say to you. Now good day. Snape huffed sharply.

He made an attempt to brush past, but was grabbed by his robes.

You just want to stay back with your dirty little friend, don't you? he hissed.

That is not my friend. Snape laughed, starting to point to Remus.

The rather large Slytherin took this as initiative for violence, and slammed Snape to the ground.

Get your hands off of him! Remus yelled, rushing forward angrily.

Only a second later, he was thrown against the wall, sporting a cracked lip and a swelling cheek. It would have been perfectly normal, hell, he expected to be struck, but Boyd looked surprised. The aggressor shouldn't be surprised, Remus' conscience told him.

That's not right. Remus mumbled to himself, blinking in confusion.

That's it.

Interesting.

You three, out! Rosie ordered, wand drawn. After one swift movement to scare them, Boyd and his pack retreated to the dark streets. Snape stood to leave, but was interrupted.

You're not going anywhere, lad.

And who's to stop me? he asked with a roll of his eyes, going for the door. By way of magic, it slammed shut in his face.

the bar maid snapped. I'll not have you go back out there and disturb the whole town with another ridiculous fight. Now sit, and finish your drink. she demanded.

Deciding not to further annoy the irate woman, Snape reluctantly slouched into a chair.

Either of you hurt? she asked a few moments later, waiting for Remus to stand up from the wall. Acrimoniously she started to straighten up the empty tavern, magicking chairs back into place and fixing overturned tables.

Slightly confused... Remus said with a shake of his head. No, I'm fine, but...

Don't you ever try to interfere with my business again Lupin. Snape warned with a malicious scowl.

Remus made a stiff face, and curled the corner of his mouth downwards. Yes, pardon me for trying to help you from getting your bloody ass whipped.

I told you, I can handle a few of my own House mates!

Handle as in let them grind you into the floor? In that case then I agree, you could handle them quite well.

Just bug off you stupid beast.

And I haven't heard that one before. Remus mumbled, wiping a drip of blood from his pulsating lip. How much, Rosie?

A Sickle for the pair.

He tossed the equivalent in Knuts on the bar top, and quickly left the hostile environment.

He's such a bloody prick. Remus mumbled to himself as he walked along the barren streets. Most every Hogwarts student had poured out for an inter-House Quidditch game being played in the distance, leaving Hogsmeade in an eerie silence.

Who?



Remus turned around, and chuckled to himself. He hadn't noticed the language gap, and had assumed the voice was human.

he asked, squinting at the dark figure some ways behind him.

The dog cocked his head, and let out a meaningless bark of confusion.

Sorry, thought you were my friend. Remus explained. He was greeted by another playful bark and wag of tail. Care to walk with me for a while?

He was quite sure any onlookers would think him insane at this point. Here he was, a perfectly brilliant Hogwarts student, friend of the famous James Potter and Sirius Black, talking to a stray mutt.

Hi. the dog barked, absently swinging his tail back and forth as he skipped alongside his new friend.

What's your name?

I haven't got one. No human. the animal explained.

You could always pick yourself a name, everyone should have one. Remus said, kicking a stone as he walked. Yes, he must appear mad to anyone watching.

Like what? I'm not a clever dog, I'm told. The lady at the bakery calls be stupid'. Is that a name?

Erm, not really. Remus said with a short grin.

He laughed a second later, overly amused with the dog. It apparently had a stuffy nose, and kept trying to blow air out to clear it, to little success. The end result was the dog had tumbled forward in a somersault from trying to blow so hard, and he smacked against the back of Remus' leg.

You really aren't intelligent. he admitted, shaking his head. I think I have a name for you, though.

Oh, tell me! I've always wanted a name from a human. the dog barked happily, sneezing again.

How about Snuffles'? For some reason it just seems to-

Yes! I have a name, oh wait until I tel the others... Oh thank you!

Glad to know I'm appreciated for something. Remus said with a hint of sarcasm.



Lupin, could...

Remus turned around, and blinked at his professor.

If you have the time... Maybe-

Do you need my help, Professor? Remus asked, fighting the commanding desire to grin.

Forson said nothing, and idly walked back into his classroom. Letting his amusement escape momentarily, Remus followed.

To what can I offer my services? he asked in delight.

Sharply, a large jar of some disgusting- no, he thought, no point guessing at what that is- was shoved to his chest.

And what...? he began, but understood.

Do not smirk at me Lupin, unless you favour a failing grade.

Without the slightest of effort, Remus popped the airtight lid and handed the jar to the Potions Master.

What is that stuff? It smells like sulfur. Remus muttered, pulling his shirt over his nose.

Observant, for a Gryffindor. Forson said offhand, measuring out a small portion of the ingredient. The intestine of a Southern Markie, pickled in a sulfate solution for precisely nine-hundred and eleven days. he explained, adding the rarity to his cauldron. I'd have magicked it open, but that would ruined nearly a century of preparation.

Southern Markie... I thought that was used as a sedative for the nervous systems of rampant dragons.

Well, wonders never cease. At least one of you lot has paid attention in my class. I must inform my colleagues of this miraculous event. Forson said, unfazed by the revolting odor.

Why would you need a sedative powerful enough to knock out the entire student body? Remus asked, still struggling to take in a clean breath of air. A second later, he rolled his eyes at himself. Bloody wonder there, Moony.

In a change of character, Professor Forson smiled.

I'd ask why the whole school perceives me to be a heartless bastard, but I'll assume correctly that it's quite simply too rhetoric.

We have a long history of semi-evil Potions professors. In your predecessor's case, it was unbounded evil.

Since Salazar himself the position of the diligent Potions Master has been seen as the most sinful occupation.

From my own experience, Slytherin's are predominantly a lot of bastards. Remus grumbled, licking a trickle of blood from his lip.

Forson smiled strangely once more, and shoved the foolish Gryffindor from his dungeon without any gesture if gratitude.



A/n- AAAAAAAAH. Writers block. Holy hell, I haven't had writers block this bad since the chapters were still in single digits. I'm SO sorry for the delay. Anyway, hope you enjoyed, and I hope everyone had a nice break over the new year. I'll try to dish out another chapter within a week, but don't cross any fingers. o_O

Iggie