Seeing Grey - Part LXXXV - Silence





I can't believe it...

That is not Forson, no chance.

What happened to him? He looks so different.

Remus said nothing, one of the few people in the Great Hall not contributing to the massive wave of whispers that spread so thickly.

I wonder why he changed so much. James mused. Remus noticed that he was frowning deeply, troubled by the professor's face.

Indeed, he does look different, Remus thought. The old scars were still there, but somehow they looked more vibrant, striking in contrast against the pale skin. There was no menacing scowl, nor did he glare at the students who all had their focus upon him. He didn't glare at anyone, not even Ms. Horder, who kept nudging him in the side every few minutes to try and get him to talk.

He looks tired. James said quietly, and his friends all agreed.

Well, we have him first, so we'll know what's wrong before anyone else. Peter said nervously, not touching his breakfast.

This could be interesting. Sirius said with a smirk.



So how is it, sir? Remus asked quietly. The Gryffindors and Slytherins had been sitting in silence for over ten minutes, intently staring at the shadow of a man before them. All were curious to hear tales of war, of Ministry dispute, of the real situation they all had come to accept. Over the holiday, many families had been broken, and nearly all of the seventh year had returned with a different look on the world.

He looked surprised that anyone had spoken, though to the students it was reassuring to see any sort of emotion on the man's face.

It's war, Mr. Lupin, and everything is as to be expected. he said dryly, his voice sounding more distant than before.

How so? Lily asked, not fearing the man any more.

These very walls shall be the foundation for our very existence, Miss Evans. Professor Forson said slowly, tapping his fingers against one another, rolling them lightly. What is to become our history is your own future. Outside you will be faced with the task of shaping humanity, ultimately deciding the very fate of everyone involved.

James and Sirius glanced at one another, then to an equally confused Peter. Remus paid them no mind, as he, unlike most everyone else, was caught in the speech.

I doubt any of you even have a basic grasping of what is going on, even at this very moment, beyond the security of this school. he continued, his voice flowing out in a graceful yet oddly haunting monotone. Albus Dumbledore keeps you all safe from harm, and yet you don't feel that, do you?

He can't protect us forever. a voice ventured. Remus smiled idly as Snape lifted his head up, not unsettled by the attention now on him. He's a fool if he believes he can keep the conflict away from us and out of sight.

Something like anger flashed in Forson's dark eyes, and he moved forward, as if to lunge upon an enemy. he took in a breath, and nodded.

Yes, he is wrong for trying to hide all the truth from you, though Albus Dumbledore is no fool. Mark my word by penalty of death, he said, sounding startlingly cold. This war is going to claim lives, more than any of you can comprehend.

We aren't going to live, are we?

It's our duty to try.

I'm... I'm scared, Caleb, for once I actually think...

Whether or not you're willing to accept it, battle is here, and this war is going to ruin the lives of every one of you.

Cheerful bloke, isn't he? Sirius whispered, the other two nodding in agreement. Much to their dismay, Forson's eyes landed on them, and a flash of his old malice was exposed.

You'll soon find that there is every little to be cheerful about in a what, Mr. Black. he said slowly. Staying close to those you can trust is the only way to salvage hope from an otherwise dark period of existence. But how to trust? You'll find that, already, those you could call friend have betrayed for the Dark.

Remus wasn't sure anyone else had even noticed it, but he had with ease. There had been a definite holding of sight between Snape and Professor Forson for the briefest of moments. Both looked ready to pounce for the short second, though after, it was as if nothing had happened.

Snape said promptly, his voice calm and level despite what Remus knew to be an enveloping fear in his mind.

Forson replied, smiling minutely.

There are Ministry bans on regulating the production of that, sir, as I'm sure you know. Remus mumbled.

The Ministry is refusing to believe that there is a Dark power growing on their grounds, Mr. Lupin. If the Minister and his followers would open their eyes and see this, he went on, snapping off every word like a curse. then I am quite sure they would be encouraging the production of this particular potion.

Lily's hand went up again, though hesitantly. Sir? Isn't it extraneously difficult to brew Veritaserum?

Yes, Miss Evans, it is quite a daunting task. There are very few wizards in Britain that are up to the task. he replied, stopping to crack his knuckles. The sound was very unnerving, echoing through the dimly lit dungeon. If that quota is not raised, though, I'm afraid the art will be lost. And besides, my dear class, your very lives may depend upon the knowledge of who is worthy of your trust, or discovering a traitor amongst your ranks.

A twisted smile crossed his scarred face, and with that, he turned to the board and the throng of students began to scramble for parchment and quills.



His brain must have been fuddled with by the Ministry. James whispered, pretending to take notes as Professor Flitwick went over the final course testing for those partaking in the N.E.W.T.S. Remus was trying feverently to listen, as he had neglected preparation lectures all year and felt rather guilty now that the deadline was approaching.

All the Professors seem a little off now. Sirius answered back. I guess with all the extra work they must be doing for Dumbledore has cut their time down.

How do you know all this? Remus asked, curious enough to drop his attention. It was a rhetoric question, though, as he knew the answer.

Invisibility Cloak, you know, that dandy ol' thing we've had how long now? Really Moony, I told you not to eat those pastries Peter brought us.

So, that's why all the classes were integrated again. Remus mumbled to himself. N.E.W.T.S. preparation is going to be impossible now that I'm back in the standard class.

I'll bet all the Ravenclaws had a field day when they found out. Peter mused.

Everyone's having a field day about it. Remus said, pointing to the Head Table. The Professors were all fighting amongst each other, and Dumbledore was powerless to cease their bickering. Or, at least he was until he decided to intervene magically. The Masters of Arts rose out of their seats, to the amusement of the Great Hall, and shut up immediately.

Well, that done, how about we start supper? he said in a strained cheerful voice, his smile not fooling Remus at all.

Oooh, roast! Sirius said with a sheepish grin, stabbing a plank of meat and slopping it to his plate. The rest of the Gryffindors followed suit, as well as most everyone else.

Again, however, Remus found a secluded Slytherin to be thinking again. he had separated himself from the thinning mass of his peers (more than one seventh year Slytherin had not returned from vacation) and he was slipping intent looks towards the Professors.

What's he up to? Remus wondered, and no sooner did he finish his sentence, Snape turned to look at him.

His eyes flashed for a moment, narrowing slightly. He mouthed something, though Remus couldn't understand. Eyebrows furrowed, he motioned for an explanation. Snape shook his head, frowning, and quickly slipped out of the Great hall unnoticed.

I'll be back in a moment. Remus said, though the Marauders took no care of his leave.

What do you want? he asked, pausing in front of a statue of a very crooked old witch outside the double doors.

It seems that most of the school understands nothing. Snape said lightly, his face set. You, however, it appears you recognize all of this.

I've had to face aspects of this war even you haven't seen. Remus answered, swallowing, his throat dry. But you're right, I'll admit... No one wants to see how bad it is.

They're only aware of it if a Black Write comes bearing their family's name. Snape muttered.

Remus listened as he complained about all the problems with the student body, wondering constantly why Snape had turned to him for conversation. Had they not been sworn enemies since the start? It was tradition for all Gryffindors to despise those of the green and silver. James, though, had found that to be rubbish. And on more than one occasion Snape had helped him, however reluctant he was. His confusing habit of pretending those scarce incidents had never happened continually bemused the him.

Is your House collapsing? he asked after a moment, looking through the slit in the doors to the Great Hall. His eyes rested on the Slytherin table, where a select few were ousted at the far end, alone and quiet.

It's been collapsing for centuries. This war is just another excuse for us to divide once and for all.

Do you really think it will come to that? he asked, even as the other Slytherin's shot sneers to the outcasts.

Our entire heritage, our very foundation, was brought on by the unstable foundation of Dark and Light magic. Salazar Slytherin was not an evil man, though granted he did not have very solid loyalties to pure Light magic. A House that is brought up on that quavering balance cannot last long, and I'm surprised we were not exiled decades ago. There has long since been the notion of removing Slytherin from Hogwarts altogether, and even now, the Ministry pushes for it. Snape said sadly, nodding his head to the doors. Now, there only remain four Slytherins of age that have not defected. Among all the other Houses, we are by the vast majority bound to the Dark Arts and those who wish to control. This war could bring about our end.

And you need me to help you. Remus said, smiling very cleverly. Snape shrugged, and did not react to the look of amusement he faced.

You are not afraid of us, even Potter is and his girlfriend is one of the four loyal to Dumbledore. Since we met in third year, you have shown a different side to me. We may hate each other, Remus Lupin, though I know we share a level of respect.

Nodding, Remus extended his hand. Snape looked at it quizzically, his own remaining firmly in his deep pockets.

A temporary truce, to tie off our loathing and House prejudice until things will settle.

And if they never do?

Well, one day, we may meet again on the battlefield. Consider this a pact to let the other live.

Chuckling to himself, Snape grasped his hand, though he let go as if burned.

This does not change the fact that I see you as a filthy beast.

Nor does it alter the fact that you are a slimy git and an incompetent wizard at most everything practical.

We shall see, Lupin, we shall see.



James, what are you doing?

He had been studiously pouring over his parchment for hours, scribbling furiously and crumpling up the paper to start over at unequal intervals. Already he had gone through the majority of his ink bottle, and snapped three quills as well.

Trying to write. he grumbled angrily, pounding his fist down.

Sirius said with a roll of his eyes. Really, we had no idea that your actions indicated some form of written language.

What are you writing? Remus questioned.



You're writing the Ministry?

TO the Ministry, you great prat! he snapped, and Peter backed off, looking offended.

James, calm down. Remus interrupted, slowly taking the quill from his friend's hand. You're going to go neurotic at this rate.

So why are you writing to them, anyway? Sirius asked, winking at a pack of three girls that strode by. They hurried off in a giggling frenzy, shooting him looks from across the Common Room.

I'm cutting off my funding. he snapped, still glaring furiously at his letter.

Why? Isn't that a bit sudden?

He dug into his pocket, and proffered a thick piece of parchment to Remus.

To the address of Mr. James Potter and co.

Who's and company'?

There are a few other people that have partial investments in my inheritance. he said, tearing up his letter and tossing it into the fireplace. It erupted into a green cackle, and died off with a loud boom that sent several first years from their seats.



In the light of recent events, it has come to our attention that your funding will need to be shifted from certain fields. As you may be aware of, there is a minor conflict involving a few Dark mages that the Ministry is taking care of,

Taking care of my foot. Peter said from behind, leaning on the back of the chair as he read. Bloody lot of paper-filing slobs wouldn't recognize a war if it erupted in their office space.

and it will be necessary to move your financial attention elsewhere. Associates of ours have discovered that you are providing care for Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and several other sanctions at Hogwarts School. It would be in the better interest of your money going to good use, and for the benefit of our society as a whole. Without your funding we will not be able to fully supply our Aurors, and I doubt you would like that under your hat, good sir. We would appreciate the immediate transferal of all Hogwarts-related funding to our accounts.

Thank you for your time and cooperation,

Pilar Cervius Hall, courtesy of the Ministry of Magic Department of Finances and Funding.

That's pathetic! Remus said, frowning deeply. They're rather commanding that you stop supporting Dumbledore, and they didn't do it too subtly either.

James said, finally setting his quill down. And you know what? I don't think I can express me utter rage at this in words.

He stood up, and began to walk up towards their dormitory.

Where are you going? We have Transfiguration in twenty minutes! Peter called.

McGonnagal can sod off for all I care. he snapped back, continuing up the staircase. I'm going to see this Pilar Cervius Hall' and all his ruddy pals at the Ministry. Dumbledore at least will appreciate the Galleons he'll be getting, anyway.



Let it go Peter, he's made up his mind. Remus said with a suppressed laugh.

But, he can't just... He can't Apparate, I mean, aren't there wards? Can he Apparate, I mean-

Look, Peter. Sirius said, slinging an arm around the boys scrunched shoulders. James has more money than you can comprehend. Learn to accept the fact that with enough Galleons, it doesn't matter how many wards Dumbledore has around this castle.

If James wants to leave and speak with the Ministry, he's going to to. Remus finished with a small grin.



Where is Mr. Potter? Professor McGonnagal asked shrewdly, walking swiftly to their table and standing, hands on her hips and wand in hand, with an ugly frown.

He went to go over his financial support with the Ministry. He should be back in about an hour.

Very amusing, Mr. Black, but I'm afraid your prowess at covering for your class-skipping companions is dying away. she snapped. Now, where might I find Mr. Potter? I need to go over your pre-exams for the N.E.W.T.S. and he needs to be here. Where might I find him?

Smiling, Remus joined in. Like Sirius said, Professor, he's at the Ministry. If you really need to contact him, you'd be best to ask for the Department of Finances and Funding.

I wouldn't expect this sort of childish behavior from you, Mr. Lupin, of all people. McGonnagal said with her lip curled down in agitation. I had always figured you the more reasonable of the lot, really now.

She stormed off, tired of trying, and proceeded to snap at anyone in the class who appeared to be off-task.

In the back of the room, the three Marauders laughed to themselves, another battle won.




A/n- Wow. I'm really sorry for the delays. I can't help it, and all I have to say for myself is... Well, crap everyone, there's nothing I CAN say. I'm mentally broken right now, so don't expect another update for a while, it could be a week or two or three, I'm sad to say.

More news when I can think coherently.

Iggie, who needs a vacation and some really strong liquor at the moment
more than anything else she can think of. That, and some sanity. But
dammit, the liquor is cheaper. Sigh.



READER RESONSE:

EVERYONE- Thanks for reviewing, it keeps me going more than you know.

goldensnigdet AKA snitch: Nope, I'm not Japanese. My only childhood friends were, though, and I happen to have an extreme obsession with Japanese anime. Hence all my tidbits, I know the language to some level. Fully an American mut, I am... :)