A/n- Yeah, back for more, eh?






Seeing Grey - Part LXXII - Caution





You'll find that the reaction between the Merkweed and the secreted salamander... Yes, Mr. Lupin? Professor Forson asked very dryly, the foul taste back in his mouth after a summer break.

If you don't distill the salamander extract inside of the-

I am the Potions Master of this school, am I not? Forson growled.

Yessir. But, the extract will-

Are you making implications that I am incompetent in my own art? he asked, stepping closer to Remus' desk.

Merely suggesting an alternate way of brewing a very explosive potion. Remus replied, his voice level.

Professor Forson took no note of his warning, and continued on with the lesson.

Smiling and shaking his head slightly. Remus grabbed the back of James' and Sirius' robes, pulling them more towards the door. Less than a second's passing later, the centre of the room had erupted into a chaotic whirl as students tried to avoid the slop erupting from Forson's cauldron.

I did warn him... Remus said offhand, watching in amusement as the hem of Snape's robes caught fire.

From the corner of the room, pressed against the grim-covered walls of the dungeon, Professor Forson glared with malicious intent.

One more year. he mumbled to himself.



Romolus, wait! I want to say goodbye! Rom, take me BACK! Remus wailed, fighting weakly against his brother's grasp.

came the cold answer, in addition to a stronger hold.

The little boy, struggling as much as he could, couldn't break away from his brother.

Why wont you let me say g'bye to mum and father?

Romolus stopped at those words, and set his younger sibling down on the ground.

Remus... Did you have a bad dream recently?

The nine year old nodded, looking over his shoulder at the little house in the distance. To him, it didn't seem so lovely at the moment, though he couldn't remember why.

Something happened to... Father?

Uh huh. But it was a dream... I wanna say g'bye Rom, cause if we're going somewhere they'll be worried-

he interrupted quickly, his face growing more dim. what you saw wasn't a dream, alright? Father's dead, and mum doesn't want us to come back anymore.

W-what? Father... NO! He can't be, Rom, don't lie to me! Father isn't-

He tried to kill you Remus, and you...

NOO! I didn't do ANYTHING! STOP IT! the boy shrieked, wishing his nightmare would vanish.

I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!


Startled, eyes dilated to their fullest extent, Remus sprang forward in bed, nearly knocking his head against the upper rail.

he muttered, rubbing at his head. His hand came back soaked in cold sweat.

Y'alright Moony? Sirius asked, half in a daze.



Mm. Don't worry about... It. he said, yawning halfway through as he sat up.

Some of the first years have been screaming all night.

The war's getting to everyone. Remus said to himself.

Only the one's who've lost someone know it's happening. Sirius said bitterly. The malice was still obvious when he spoke of the war, his need for revenge all too clear.

Hey, do you want to go Dungbomb the Slytherins? Remus suggested, wanting to distract Sirius from his sister's death as well as himself from plaguing memories.



Fumbling to gain their composure, the pair quietly slipped into the common room. To their surprise, they found at least four Gryffindors unable to find peace of mind, all sitting in silence around a dying fire.

What's happened to Hogwarts, Moony? We can't even be happy anymore.

War's happened... I have a feeling this is just the beginning. he replied with a grim shake of his head.



Now, the difference between the Polish Underwood Goblin Rebellion of 1562 and the Polish Underwood Goblin Rebellion of 1673 was-

Exactly eleven years? Sirius suggested to himself, eliciting a small round of chuckles from the surrounding Hufflepuffs. Despite the lack of attention, as per the norm, Professor Binns went on without inhibition.

I swear, he talks about these menial little ruff's as if they're important! Peter exclaimed, having sized a fairly long knowledge of war throughout his years of reading. If only he'd move on to the Nomlock Seiges, or even the damn Salem Witch Trails. American wizard history is better than this rubbish.

James smiled, Sirius rolled his eyes, and Remus simply let out a sigh. Double History with the monotonous old gohst was not exactly his idea of an enlightening two hours.

Eventually, Remus fell victim to the lullaby drone of the ghastly professor, his head resting evenly on his folded arms.


Dumbledore, this is nonsense!

Malachi, calm down-

Keep your fat little nose out of this! the man snapped, glaring angrily at a smaller cleric-looking fellow to his left. Facing the congregation once more, his face returned to its previous look of fury.

To let the school remain open, despite the constant threat, would be shear madness. he explained, something in his voice speaking the unspoken intent.

My dear councilmen, Dumbledore said calmly, his hands neatly folded atop the circular table. There will be a threat to the lives of these children regardless of this school's state. Hogwarts, in reality, is the safest stronghold that the magical community posesses at this time. To release the children would only greater their chance of harm.

So you'll carry on, and risk losing an entire generation of Britain's magical population to save a few?

came the even reply, accompanied with a short smile. I will not intentionally place my students in the path of Dark Magic.

The blonde-haired man, his smooth, pale face brimming with hatred, opened his mouth to speak.



Minerva, what is it?

There's been- Oh God sir, there's been an attack! she stammered, compsure forgotten.

Stone-faced, no longer smiling, no twinkling left in his eyes, Dumbledore stood up.



The Quidditch picth! I told those boys not to play after hours, but-

Who was it? the pale man barked, briefly looking back at Dumbledore with an accusing stare. If my nephew was even harmed-

It was the Gryffindor boys, Potter and Black.

Anyone else?

The whole team was out, I'm not sure who... Was caught under the fire.

Already movign towarsd the door, Dumbledore hurried the woman for details.

When did you find out?

The young Lupin boy, I found him not five minutes ago, he's in shock-

Gather up the staff, and arrange for all the students to meet in the Great Hall. Seal off every possible entrance to this building.

What about Lupin?

What of him?

He may have seen the attack, sir. Minerva explained, unconsciously wringing the side of her robes in nerve. And he keeps mentioning the Snape boy, when we can get him to speak at all.


Remus' eyes snapped open as he jumped to his feet.

Where is everyone? he demanded, his heart racing. The Hufflepuffs were gone, and the Marauders were nowhere to be found.

They left, class has bene over for some time.



Your friend, the little one, Percy or whatnot, suggested that you catch some sleep. I agreed to keep watch. the gohst muttered depressedly, unhappy with having to play babysitter.

Do you know where they went? he asked urgently, nearly umping on the balls of his feet in anticipation.

The tall one... Samuel, or...



Ah, yes. That may very well be his name, come to think-

I need to know where they went! Remus interrupted impatiently.

Professor Binns declared, as if a student had never said anything rude to him before. Something about that ruddy sport, with the little flying balls and such...

Remus was out the door before he even had time to try and remember the name.




Watch where you run, beast.

What'd you do to them? Remus bellowed, hsi face flushed with anger, voice raspy from his anxiety.

Confused, the Slytherin took a step backwards.

Have you gone made at last, Lupin?

I swear to God, if you even touched them I'll rip you're slimy little head off! Remus snapped as he ran by, desperatly stumbling to reach the school grounds in time.

Stupid creature. Snape muttered, brushing himself off. He's going to regret pissing me off so often.



James! Sirius! Peter, are-

He stopped, completely out of breath, as he reached the stands. Fighting for his last bit of endurance, he jumped over the barrier rail, and nearly cried out in delight.

You're all okay! he said triumphantly, waving his arms in hysteria.

More the baffled, the three Marauders parted from the mixed-House scrimmage and hovered nearby.

I see you woke up. Sirius started, smiling despite his confusion. We thought you could use a little kip, so we didn't wake you to come along. Hope you don't mi-

I had a precog, a Vision. Remus interrupted. There was a meeting in an office with most of the staff and some Ministry-looking blokes and they were all arguing and then McGonnagal rushed in all flustered and she started-

Whoa, Moony, calm down! James laughed, not understanding a word he had said.

Taking a much needed breath, Remus nodded, and started again.

I had a Vision, while I was asleep.

Yeah, they're called dreams. Everyone has them. Peter said dryly.

No, this was a precog! Remus snapped. There was a Dark attack, and you guys were all out here playing, and...

Confused yet again, the trio turned to see what Remus was staring at.

What's that, a hippogriff?

There aren't wild hippogriffs arouns here. Sirius muttered, rolling his eyes at the shorter boy. For a brief moment, Remus wanted to grab hold of his friends and run, until he realised the flying figure wasn't a Dark mage.

Hello there boys. he said without any true emotion behind his words, wiping his sweaty brow as he dismounted. James, in awe, pointed to the broom.

Ah, yes, the new Cleansweep model. the man said with a smug smile.

Why're you here? Peter asked without thinking. James nudged him in the side for being rude.

I have a bit of business with your Headmaster regarding current events... Can any of you point me in the right direction? I seem to have landed on the Quidditch Pitch, not the front gates. he said.

Remus, nervously swallowing, pointed northwards.

That was the pale-faced man... He's going to try and get Dumbledore to close the school down. Remus whispered, his eyes following the dark figure.

Eh, don't worry about it. Sirius said with a shrug. Come on, let's just play soem Quidditch.

'Want to be Kepper, now that you're out? Peter really is a joke, you know. James said with a playful shove of his friend.

Absently, Remus stared at the figure slowly climbing its way out of his view.

No, I need to go find Dumbledore...

Shrugging to themselves, the other three Marauders mounted up and went back to the waiting teams.



You have to let me in! Remus protested, trying to wedge past the bothersome caretaker.

Unless you fancy dangling from my dungeon walls by cuff, I would highy reccomend you leave. Filch hissed, his pestersome cat circling between his leg like an expectant shark.

Look, there's going to be a Dark attack out on the grounds, and noody will lsiten to me-

Possibly because of what you are. Filch said, his crooked, cracked lips twisting into a wretched smile. But, why should we doubt you, For, you are a Dark creature yourself, tune to their calling.

Unfazed by what he had grown immune to, Remus stood rigid.

I need to speak with Professor Dumbledore immediatly. he repeated, his face locked. And so, sir, I suggest you let me through.

Still smiling his God-awful smirk, Filch chuckled to himself. Your dear old Headmaster is in a meeting, I'm afraid. It seems the Ministry is unsatisfied with his handling of the current state of affrairs-

The angry caretaker never had time to finish his lecture.

Don't worry, my pet, we have many years to get back at those bothersome children. he said to his cat, beaming a very frightening affection towards the wiley young creature.



Dumbledore, this is an outrage!

We simply cannot allow this to carry on any longer, my friend. I hate to bring myself to it, but we need to set this to rest before anyone gets hurt. We'll be under tedius fire if we don't halt this school's-

Are you simply concearned about the Ministry taking blame? Dumbledore interrupted gently.

Outside the office door, Remus waited, praying he would have a chance to enter before his Vision became a reality. How he wanted the Marauders to leave the pitch! Surly, though, they would think him mad.

Come on... Hurry up. Remus muttered, nervously glancing through the fog-glass window of the door. Scattered blobs of dark mass surrounded the table, Dumbledore's lopsided purple hat at the far end.

Dammit... I need to get to Dumbledore! he snapped, cursing his frequent conflicts. Looking up at the clock, he saw that an hour had gone by.

This is taking too long, if something happens, they're...

Not saying anything else, Remus slipped through the unmapped passage and back into the Hogwarts halls.



Hey Moony, decide to join us yet? Sirius called, waving merriy at the mounted Gryffindor. Pete quit on us, we could really use you in go-

The Slytherin Common Room ignited. he lied, forcing a look of sheear enjoyment to his face. Come on, you all have to see this!

Eagerly, James and Sirius beckoned the fifteen players to follow as they raced off to the castle.


Behind, only a short flight of a minute or so, a small band of men clad in ghastly masks marched through the Forbidden Forest.





What is it Minerva? he asked curiosuly, wondering why she had burst into the office during his meeting.

There's- Outside, by the pitch-

Calm down, please, start again.

One of the Slytherin boys just brought Remus Lupin up to the Infimrary, he's been knocked out.

What happened? Dumbledore laughed. Did Mr. Black blow something up in his presence-

There's been an attack, by the Dark supporters. Apparently he had gone outside looking for someone and... He...

The gathering fell silent, and one by one, each of the Ministry men turned to face the old Headmaster.

It was only a matter of time. he said darkly, pushing himself to his feet.




A/n- Fear not, for more shall come soon. Rejoice.

Iggie