Seeing Grey - Part LXXXVI - A Forbidden Loyalty





I can't take this anymore. Remus groaned, rolling over on his side and looking up at the top of his four-poster. If I have to read one more word about Veritaserum I'm going to flip.

I still find it hard to believe that he's actually having us brew it. James mumbled, his eyes red and glazed as he read through a thick volume on his bed.

I don't. Peter snapped. That guy is-

Yes Pete, we know. He's the work of Satan himself. Sirius said with a smile, having finished his reading the night before. He was positively delighted to see everyone else working tirelessly while he scribbled in modifications to the Marauders Map.

Look, he's clearly violating more than a handful of Ministry regulations- laws even- that are punishable by-

You worry about rules too much. Sirius said with a shrug.

Tearing himself away from the text, Remus frowned at his friend. You know, Padfoot, he's right. Forson could land himself in Azkaban for this.

Peter squeaked, obviously afraid he would join his least-favourite professor behind the bars.

Relax, you skitty little rat, no one's sending you to Azkaban. Sirius said with a chuckle. That is, well, unless they find out about Wormtail.

Hey, if I g-go you're all c-coming with me!

The three laughed with good heart, and tossed a barrage of pillows to the paranoid Gryffindor.

How you made it to be a Lion is beyond me, Pete. Sirius mused as his pillow burst into a whirlwind of feathers.

Where else would he go?

No clue. Remus agreed, deciding Veritaserum could sod off for the night.



And what would be the end result of diluting the serum to a grey shade, rather than blue, Mr. Lupin?

He knew that Remus didn't know the answer, and still he persisted. No one else in the classroom was certain, except for Snape, and he even received pitying stares from the Slytherins behind him.

Whatever portion of Professor Forson that was civil on arrival had long since disappeared, it seemed.

I don't know, sir. he replied in defeat.

Ten points from your House, then. And I'll see you after class, Mr. Lupin, obviously you have not been doing your required reading.

Nodding, not feeling up to the fight, Remus accepted the injustice.

He's such a bastard. Sirius mumbled.

Mr. Black, you may join him.

he cursed, forgetting that the man could hear where his elder professors could not. And we have Quidditch practice tonight...

Is that all you care about? Peter asked shakily, glad to have avoided the detention string.

We have a match tomorrow! he offered, frowning as he took notes on the proper way to dilute the blood of a white gospel newt. Against Ravenclaw, you see, it determines who plays Slytherin next.

We'll just have to practice in the morning.

You have class, remember? James pointed out. Remus blinked for a moment, then let his head fall with a sharp thud' to the desktop.

No, I didn't. he grumbled.

It isn't our fault you opted to take so many N.E.W.T.S. Peter said, scribbling again when Forson shot him a glance.

Not our fault you're a stupid git. Sirius said under his breath. Remus was sure the comment had been heard, however, because his better hearing caught a remark about someday and revenge.



Hey, Remus! Care to come down to Hogsmeade with us?

Startled, he turned around wondering who had called him. To his great surprise, there was a group of very pretty seventh years coming around a corner, smiling directly at him.

Er, me?

How many other Remus' are in this school? one of the Ravenclaws laughed.

A blonde girl, Hannah, shrugged. We thought you might enjoy a butterbeer, it's on us. Madame Rosmerta is trying a new recipe tonight.

Um, well... he stammered, loosing his composure. Fool!, he thought to himself. Don't pass this chance!

I kind of have detention, with professor Forson.

The five girls made identical faces of sympathy and disgust.

Did Sirius get you in trouble again? a brunette asked with a catty grin, one that was very disturbing.

Well, we both pulled it on ourselves, you see. he said, knowing his face was a ridiculous shade of crimson by now.

Will you out in too long? Hannah asked again, obviously wishing for his company more than the others.

Er, I can't say, really...

Shouldn't be too long, you know. We usually cause more damage than we should down there.

The girls burst into a fit of giggling as Sirius hopped down from a tunnel behind a high-hung painting and landed on his rear.

Rubbing his backside, Sirius returned the grins. How about we meet you at nine?

It's a date! the blonde said with delight, rushing off with her friends. As they passed, Hannah went red and whispered something very new to Remus.

I... I... Uh-

Lighten up, Moony. Sirius said with a woot. What's a little harm in some fun? You're seventeen, really. Why not?

Still flabbergasted, he didn't answer, simply standing in place as if petrified.

Oh, come off it. Sirius mumbled, rolling his eyes. We're going to be late if you don't hurry on.

Five minutes and several corridors later, Remus was still contemplating what the girl had whispered.

Are you sure that they meant- I mean, really, I may have just heard it wrong- How could she possibly think that I-



Sirius stopped suddenly, and crept around the final corner in the dungeons. The hallway lights were flickering softly, and he expertly dimmed them to ease his shadow away.

Motioning for Remus to join him, he slid to the other side of a tapestry across from Forson's doorway.

Someone in there. he mouthed, pointing.

Indeed, someone was in there.

Do you honestly think that these kids aren't going to abuse its use? You've practically laid it out for them!

Exactly, Celia, exactly! came the delighted hiss that only belonged to the Potions Master.

That's horrible.

Why do you say such a thing? Surely you aren't curious to see where their loyalties will fall.

Is that what this is all about? Miss Horder snapped, her voice tart. Just a little continuation with your war against the Ministry? I'm none too pleased with them myself, but I haven't resorted to engaging my students in illegal activities.

Obviously she doesn't know the law too well. Sirius whispered to himself, smiling as the display went on.

It's so much more than that! the man tallied back. I am not so petty as to do this solely to aggravate the Ministry when they're too weak to oppose.... No, Celia, there is much more to this.

Remus shivered, suddenly disturbed by the tone.

Our students are going to decide this war, they're going to decide the fate of humanity itself! The Dark Lord will soon rise to power, and we will be helpless to stop him. It will be the students! Their generation will have the power to shape this battle into what they will it to!



They need to know the truth now! His voice was slipping, too urgent as he could not speak quickly enough. Who among them will truly be on the Light side of the teetering war? Who will slip the side of the blade? They deserve the chance to not make a mistake-

Something slammed down on a table, and Professor Forson stopped. Through the narrow crack in the door, Remus could see him backing away.

You may have issues with trust, my friend, but you are manipulating these children in a way I do not see fit.

Come now, Celia, you are their Defense instructor. You owe it to them to ensure their safety-

They are people facing a thin balance. Like all others in the world, they will have to decide their allies as they will. I will not have you choosing for them.

Veritaserum will show them the truth, it will reveal all there is to know about those they distrust! They will make the right decision only then!

Again he shivered, though this time in fear. All there is to know? The school would fear him more than the traitorous Slytherin if they knew his true identity.

He waited, watching more intently than Sirius would understand.

You want their lives exploited? Miss Horder asked, quietly but still fierce. Nothing will be hidden if you let this continue. Many will be hurt by this, destroyed before they have a second chance. You're going to expose the lives of some who deserve the right to hide it.

He swallowed. She knows it, she means me... Please, let her stop this...

You are acting out of emotion, Celia. That is not in your training. Forson said back. Miss Horder walked out of the small field of vision, though Remus figure she had taken a seat a one of the student desks.

I wont deny that. she said after a moment. I hated school as a child, not so many years ago, really. I was the highest class when the seventh years started Hogwarts, they may even know me.

But not for what you were. What you tried to hide-

Do you think I had a choice? she snapped vehemently. No... Nor more than you could chose your appearance.

They never knew the truth then, things would have been different-

Miss Horder snapped into view again, and she put her hands around Forson's neck. To the pair of Gryffindor's great surprise, she lifted him off the ground, not visibly straining.

I will never regret what has become of me. she whispered. Remus looked over, wondering if Sirius could hear now. His gaze was locked; surely, then.

I was raised by a great man, despite what they said behind my back. And I will never regret my parentage, I care not for the cold stares I receive still today! It was not a choice, and I will never feel the hatred!

She let him go, her face flushed with anger. Forson, however, looked as though nothing had happened.

They deserve to know the true identity of those they consider allies. he said quietly, turning away. I am sorry you disagree, whether it be for the boy or in all honesty. I will not change my actions.

You're a coward. Miss Horder said, grabbing her cloak from a chair. This is all just an easy way for you to fulfill your experiments. I'll have nothing of it.

She stormed out of the room so suddenly the boys barely had time to duck behind the tapestry. For a moment, Remus thought she had seen them, as she stopped and looked around before taking off once more.

The staff has lost it. Sirius muttered, motioning for Remus to follow him to detention. Bunch of nutters...

At least they keep it interesting.



Do you think he'll notice if we leave? Sirius asked quietly, his voice barely audible over the grinding of his brush against the dungeon floors.

Probably not. Remus figured, looking up. Professor Forson was behind his desk, asleep behind yesterday's copy of The Daily Prophet.

Want to go see if Hannah was really just pulling your leg? Sirius asked with a wicked grin plastered across his grim-covered face.

Going red, Remus forced himself to concentrate on his cleaning.

We'll never sneak out of here undetected. he mumbled, gritting his teeth.

Oh-ho! Is fair Moony losing faith in the Great Marauders?

Rolling his eyes, but smiling, Remus stopped grinding his brush against the tile floor.

What's the plan? he asked, giving up.

Sirius grinned in delight, and pat him on the back.

I knew you'd stay with us. We had our doubts in the beginning, Moony, but thank God you stayed with us.



Sorry it took so long, ladies. Sirius sid, brushing back his hair habitually as he took a seat. The pack had decreased in numbers, now left only to hannah and the other giggling blonde girl, who was still chuckling to herself just from Sirius' presence.

Remus sat down, feeling slightly unnerved by what he had been thinking about for the past hour and a half. Hannah's cheerful and playful flashes of smiles weren't helping his nerves.

So, Moony here wanted to know if you were serious bout earlier. Sirius began, though he stopped when Remus glared at him.

The girls started giggling again.

He looked around, regretting ever stepping foot in the pub. Madame Rosemerta was behind the bar, cleaning out several mugs. No escape there. Very few students were left at the tables, most having cleared out for the closing shops or school.

Damn it, I need a way out...' he mused, trying to look calm. Hannah smiled again, and he found himself sinking low in the chair.



Delighted, he turned around, and for the first time in ages he was thrilled to see Severus Snape standing in the doorway.

We need to talk. he said icily, his beetle eyes flicking to the two girls. They stopped giggling.

Sorry, business to take care of. he said with mock disappointment, hurriedly exiting the pub.

Thank God. he mumbled to himself, exhaling. You couldn't have better timing.

This isn't a leisure call or mission to save you from whatever petty misery you were undertaking. Snape said irritably. He was looking around sharply quite often, and urging Remus to step into the alley next to the bar.

I take it you need my help, now.

Well, I had no idea a Gryffindor could be so swift.

So what was so important that you called upon a lowly Lion for support? Remus asked, following suit as Snape pulled his hood up.

Snape was frowning, thoroughly out off by something.

You need my help brewing something? Remus asked, almost laughing. I would think that you, of all people, would know of my sheer incompetence on the manner of potion brewing. Come now, you mock me daily of it.

I know of no one else who has such frequent detentions with Forson, and I am sad to admit that your skills as a thief must be polished at this point.

Ah, so it's ingredients you require. Remus said with a nod. Well, anything that needs to be taken, I can probably manage.

I need them quickly. Snape said, still frowning. he was withholding information, that Remus knew, but he didn't ask.

How soon?

Tonight, by midnight. The potion needs to be brewed no later.

Something clicked in the back of his head, and an image flashed of the dungeon's blackboard.

You're making Veritaserum, aren't you?

Well, you really are quick to the uptake. Snape said dryly, smiling to himself in amusement. Honestly, sometimes I believe you were unfit to be Sorted to Gryffindor.

Forson is going to notice, and I'll be damned if he doesn't know why such certain ingredients would be stolen.

It matters not. he replied, shrugging minutely. Our beloved House Master has lost some of his sanity to the war, and I very well believe he'll be delighted that I'm brewing something outrageously illegal on my own.

Shaking his head, Remus chuckled, silently agreeing.

Well, I'll head back then. I was in detention with him and snuck out. Might as well go back. If he wakes up while I'm in there he wont suspect a thing...

Snape narrowed his eyes, and pressed his pale lips thin. I'll tell you what I'm using the potion for later. Now is not the time.

Remus nodded, drew his hood tighter about his face, and departed for the candy store's passageway to the school.






A/n- Wow, I'm not dead. Isn't it amazing? I can't explain what's been happening lately, and I don't want to start, so I'm going to give a brief sum. My life is taking a loop right now, and I'm officially calling a break. Hate to disappoint, but SG will be on extended delay. This might change, but I can guarantee there will be no regular updates for a month or longer. Sorry for the shock of this, but most of you knew it was coming.

Iggie