A/N: I have someone very close to my heart to thank for this chapter. A lot of you might know her as .com, but I know her as my best friend. She has helped me through so much, and she advertised me without me asking her too. If you have tumblr, I think it would be awesome if you followed her, because she's an awesome person, and she posts really good stuff. Plus, she helped get me 200 views last night alone, and I love her so dearly for that and so much more she'll never know. You'll read this at some point, and know I love you! So yes, thank you! And, to all of you, enjoy!
Remus felt his insides sink. He closed his eyes and shook his head. He turned and saw the shock on the faces of the other Marauders. Sure, the Death Eaters were always killing, but it was discreet, and always one person at a time. Ten Magic-folk had died, all young, from the look of it. The war had changed. It wasn't secret anymore. There was serious war for all to see. Everyone had already known for years, but that didn't stop the Ministry from covering it up. Now, though, it was out. The Wizarding World was at war, the scale of which hadn't been since Grindelwald. Dumbledore was at the Staff Table, and looked thoughtful. McGonagall was beside him, looking down into her soup. Remus sighed. The world was falling apart around him, and he couldn't do a thing to stop it, but look miserably at the news. And that's what he did, as the Marauders sat down to eat. He read, while James and Sirius told each of the Duelling Club staff to meet at the Lake.
They were all there. All in all, there were ten of them. Remus, Sirius, James, Peter, Lily, Emmeline, Marlene, Kingsley, Keiran and Evan. They had since decided that Evan could help staff as well, due to his good relationships with the other Houses. They were sat by the Lake, and talking amicably. Remus was sat well away from Keiran, opting to sit with James instead. Their conversation, rather to Remus' irritation, was about Quidditch, rather than the reason that they were there; the Duelling Club. Seemingly, Kingsley was bothered by the same thing, as he spoke in his calm, reassuring tones, telling them: "I think we had better get to business."
"I agree, Kingsley." Remus said, hastily, gaining himself a few odd looks. "We need to sort out the size problem." The others nodded. "I think... We need to do it in Houses, so we can separate the sheer amount of people."
"We only have the Great Hall, Remus. There's still going to be a crowd." Marlene frowned, "But you're right. Something needs to be done. Maybe we should do it in years."
"We don't have that many tables." Sirius shook off the idea, frowning, "Houses probably is the best idea. That way, we still have the competition element, and we can separate them."
"I think, considering the circumstances," Kingsley began, "That Remus and Sirius are right. We need to consolidate the Houses, but make sure we're all still together. That way, we can control the entire body of the club, while not being overwhelmed." He reasoned. Everyone nodded.
"Good. That's sorted, then." Keiran finally spoke up. "Right, any other business?" He asked, glancing at Remus. Everyone was shaking their heads. Remus had caught his eye, but looked away immediately.
"I'm going for a walk." Remus said, his green eyes sweeping over the Lake. Keiran began to stand, but Remus shook his head almost unintelligibly. With a frown, Keiran sat back down. Remus walked off, rather quicker than he normally walked. Sirius and Lily shared a very brief look, with both of them frowning the same. As Remus became a smaller figure with distance, Sirius watched him, frowning as he saw the boy's head droop.
Remus stared at the ground as he walked, uncharacteristically shoving his hands in his pockets. His face was impassive, and he drew no stares from the people he passed. The Lake was looking beautiful, and the Late Autumn chill only made it look nicer. The small frost on the grass contrasted beautifully with the leaves, still green on some of the trees. The leaves, with their pigment the exact same as Remus' irises, drifted gently in the almost-still air, shaking the morning's dew from their surfaces. Remus breathed in the wonderful, fresh air, savouring every molecule of it. Wizards had no clue of the beauty of Science, and did not know the slightest about molecules, or atoms. Remus did, only through an uncle, a Muggle lecturer, who made sure to tutor Remus throughout the Summer, teaching him things about the Muggle world. Remus knew, with a small feeling of sadness, that he'd need it. Werewolves were sub-human, and did not lead very successful lives. Remus pitied the werewolf that bit him. He'd never known the name of him, though his father told him that the werewolf was a terrible man. Remus had never seen his father angrier than when he'd asked last. He had been told that the beast was a despot, a worthless loner that deserved worse that death. Still, Remus felt pity for him. It must be horrible, being afflicted like this as an adult. Remus was quickly approaching that time, but he was not there yet. Remus was, in all honesty, dreading that time. Not nearly as much, he supposed, as his father was.
Lyall Lupin was, once again, stressed. He was stalking through the corridors with Idaris Shacklebolt, trying to find the Minister. He was somewhere, the rather useless Secretary had told him. "Lyall! Slow down!" The other man said. He had none of the calm in his voice that made his son so respected, though the wizard seemed to expel an aura of authority. It was this that made Lyall slow down.
"Idaris, I have to find him!" Lyall insisted, looking wildly around the corridor. "It's important." Lyall looked the man deep in the eye, though Idaris' look of authority didn't waver.
"Well, I'd imagine he'll be in his office." Idaris stated, looking at the lifts.
"I tried. His secretary said he was out." Lyall groaned softly, looking around.
"Hmm... Well, come with me. I'll talk to her." Idaris said, and began to walk towards the lifts.
"I don't want to leave a message, to be honest." Lyall said, in a rather cold voice. Idaris simply rolled his eyes, and kept walking towards the lifts.
They reached the Secretary's desk once again. "Hello, Ms. Kerigold." Idaris smiled pleasantly at the woman, thin-faced and pretty.
"Hello, Mr. Shacklebolt." The girl smiled back, the pleasantness in her voice reciprocating Idaris'.
"I'm afraid we do rather need to see the Minister. It's extremely urgent." Idaris said, with a certain authority to his voice.
"Of course, I'll tell him you're waiting." The woman smiled softly. She left quickly, and Lyall looked at Idaris, scandalised.
"She... You... What?" Lyall asked, blinking.
"You think the Minister wants to meet with you when you look like you're on the warpath, Lyall?" Idaris asked dryly. Lyall frowned, and said nothing. The Secretary returned, and showed them into the office. It was lavishly decorated, a clear show of wealth and power on the Minster's part. Lyall didn't even pretend to be impressed. The Minister, Minchum, stepped out round a corner. Lyall wasn't impressed by the arrogant way he held himself, or the superior look the man held. In fact, Lyall wasn't impressed by the man at all. However, Lyall did respect the steadfastness in which he fought against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Harold Minchum was in his mid-40s, and age hadn't done him much harm. He retained his good looks that had made him a sweetheart in his Hogwarts years, as Lyall had observed. He had been in the year below Lyall, and had been in Slytherin. His charming ways had gotten him in with Riddle, though Minchum had, rather admirably, taken the good route. Simply from that fact, Lyall couldn't help but respect the man, even if he didn't agree with his methods. Minchum had introduced more Dementors into Azkaban. Lyall had only been around Dementors once, and it was a feeling he'd never forget. Hopelessness, despair and the worst sadness he'd ever suffered. That night, he had went home to his wife, and fell asleep crying. Lyall was not a weak man. He shook his head of any thought of Dementors, and looked at Minchum, who was looking at Idaris.
"Can I help you, Shacklebolt?" Minchum said amiably, not even sparing a glance at Lyall.
"Actually, Minister, it's Mr. Lupin here," Idaris aimed his head at Lyall, "That needs to speak to you." Finally, Minchum looked at Lyall. They'd met, obviously. Lyall had met him on his first day, as he'd come around all the various offices. Even then, Lyall had felt an instant dislike for him, along with begrudged respect. Lyall had to, really. There were only two candidates for the Ministry, Minchum and Dumbledore, and everyone knew that Dumbledore was unlikely to take the office he'd refused for years. Lyall frowned at Minchum, who was surprisingly tall. The slightly greying-hair and the dull, almost grey eyes seemed to match, and Lyall saw stress-lines deep on his forehead and cheeks. Only then did Lyall realise the toll the war must have taken on him. He'd been Minister for little over a year, but the year had been extremely bad. Massacres, freak 'accidents', highly-contentious murders and abundant disappearances, all within his first term. Not many could remain as steadfast as he had.
"How can I help, Mr. Lupin?" Minchum asked, staring at Lyall intensely, obviously trying to judge him.
"I have information about the war. Crucial information that could lead to arrests, and save lives, Minister." Lyall told him, rather quickly. Lyall saw something change in Minchum's face, and he remembered how important it was for him to have some success. How vital it was to have some good come from his time in office, rather than the bad.
"Very well," Minchum nodded, "Do tell me." And Lyall told him everything Greyback had told him, replacing Greyback's name with Banes'.
"You think your source can be trusted?" Minchum asked. They had since relocated to his desk.
"He has no reason not to be. Why would he pretend to betray his master?" Lyall reasoned, glancing at Idaris, who merely shrugged.
"I suppose. And you say this Banes is going to suffer the Kiss?" Minchum asked, seeming very interested in the affair.
"Yes, he is. In a few days, in fact." Idaris spoke up. "I recently went to visit him. I can back up what Lyall says." At this, Lyall had to stop himself from looking at Idaris in shock. Idaris had surely known he was lying, so why was he backing him up? Lyall smiled at the Minister, who nodded.
"Very well. Idaris, if you'll excuse us for a moment?" The Minister looked at Idaris who, looking slightly surprised, left the room. "Now, Mr. Lupin... I know about your son's 'condition'."
"What?" Lyall asked, feeling fear rise quickly in his body. "I—He-"
"Don't worry. My lips are sealed. However, I am acutely aware that he falls into the category you described to me as 'at risk'." Minchum said, his voice taking on a kinder overtone. "I will personally owl Dumbledore, and tell him of the risk."
"Thank you, Minister." Lyall said, sincerely.
"It isn't a problem. For the meanwhile, Mr. Lupin, I think something needs to be done. I think, owing to recent developments, you will have to be removed from the Magical Creature Regulation Department. Idaris will also have to be moved from the Aurors... There needs to be a task-force. You're an expert on Dark Creatures, we could use you." Minchum explained. And Lyall nodded. "Very well."
Remus was still walking. He was getting close to the lesson he needed to be in: Potions with Slughorn. Thankfully, Keiran was nowhere near that lesson, though the Marauders and Lily were. Marlene and Emmeline were in the lesson, though they were across the classroom. Severus was in the lesson, along with Macnair and Avery. The thought of those three Slytherins scared Remus, though he'd never admit it to his friends. Gryffindors didn't get scared. Remus shook his head and looked across the lake, seeing his friends still gathered underneath the tree. He smiled softly, seeing Sirius' shaggy hair; the light reflecting off James' glasses; the shine from Lily's dark red hair. He could hear them, too. It was faint, but he could hear their amiable laughter. It was light, happy. Everything the current world wasn't. When they left the safety of the castle, they'd be launched into a world at war. A world slowly destroying itself from the inside. Remus knew this and, he suspected, so did the others. With the lack of talk about the war, it was obvious. The subject was avoided by everyone, like Dragon Pox. Even the teachers avoided the subject. Days like today, however, the subject was unavoidable. With the widely publicised slaughter this morning, there'd been discussion. Remus paused in his walking. It seemed impossible for him to live in the Wizarding World, what with a war and his lycanthropy. Remus chuckled darkly. Between Death Eaters, the Ministry and general bigotry, he was, in one simple, Muggle word, screwed.
Remus rejoined the Marauders and Lily when they entered Potions. Lily was exceptionally good at Potions, and enjoyed the lesson thoroughly. Slughorn was one of her favourites and, Remus suspected, the feeling was reciprocated. Slughorn loved talking to Lily, and she was always the first to be invited to the Slug Club meetings. That wasn't to say the Marauders were bad at Potions. Remus, in fact, was currently working at an Outstanding grade for it. It's just that Lily was that little bit better. Remus didn't really care. As long as he got his grade, his friend could be as brilliant as she liked. Remus wasn't jealous, no not at all. Never. They entered Potions and Slughorn greeted his N.E.W.T class with his usual, amiable smile. "Ah, hello there!" The walrus-like man was grinning at them now. "Today, we'll be doing something a little bit exciting. We're going to be brewing Beautification Potion. Unfortunately, this will take an hour longer than we have, but I have been able to rearrange with your Professors. Next lesson we have, you'll be with them, instead." Slughorn informed them, and they all nodded. Remus glanced from their table over to the Slytherins. Macnair was looking at them, and looked murderous. Remus was slightly unnerved by this. Avery and Severus were discussing something, too quiet for Remus to hear. Remus met Macnair's gaze, a look that screamed hate to anyone who saw it and, rather ashamedly, shrank back slightly. Sirius was next to him, and felt his friend's fear ebbing out. Sirius' gaze flew to Macnair's, and glared back at him, with such an intense hatred, that Macnair's glare faltered. Sirius smiled darkly, and turned to his Potions book, following the next instruction.
It was a little over half an hour later that Remus next had contact with Macnair. He was wandering over to the store cupboard, when the tall, lank-haired boy grabbed his arm in a way that no-one could see. "You're pathetic, Lupin. Your boyfriend won't be around to save you next time we come for you." Remus went cold at these whispered words, "Oh, yes... We're gonna have some fun, Remus." Macnair left, and Remus was frozen in place. He knew that a threat had been coming, but he hadn't expected one like that. He wasn't even angry or upset at the mention of Sirius, but rather terrified at the idea they were targeting him directly. He glanced back, but was once again grabbed. This time, it was Avery. Avery was short, but just as malicious.
"You tell them, it'll be so much worse, Lupin." The boy threatened, and Remus remained still. "If you tell them, they won't be able to recognise you." The boy chuckled darkly and left. Remus remained frozen for a few minutes, though it looked like he was simply trying to find the right ingredients from the back, where the Marauders could see him from. After he regained movement, he wandered back to them, plastering on a convincing smile, and sat down again. They chatted about nothing, though Remus was very quiet. Even Lily spoke more to James and Sirius more than he did. Thankfully, they didn't notice this. Remus focused on his potion more than he would usually, succeeding in almost knocking himself out, after breathing in too much of the vapour let off from it. After being caught by Sirius, Remus decided to let it brew for a while.
It brewed for 45 minutes. During that time, Remus did a very unhelpful thing: He mulled over the threat. It was terrifying, and he barely hid the fear. In fact, Sirius had informed about 20 minutes in that he was shaking. Remus had simply nodded, apologised, then went back to mulling. He had never been threatened directly, and now... Now, he had no-one to tell. He could see Macnair and Avery smiling darkly whenever he looked at them. They had him trapped. He was the mouse, in this sadistic game. In those 45 minutes, Remus imagined the worst. Torture, humiliation, shame, amputation, even death. Remus put none of it past them. That was the worst part, the unknowing of what to expect. All he knew was that it would be painful. Remus dropped his head onto the desk, feeling his wand brush against his hair. He looked up, and stared at the magical stick. He frowned, slightly unimpressed, before dropping his head back onto the desk.
When the potion had finally brewed, he carried out the last steps, before sitting back, closing his eyes for a second. He would have done it for longer, before a voice broke his idyllic quiet. "Professor Slughorn, do you mind awfully if I borrow Remus Lupin for just a moment?" A familiar voice asked. The entire classroom went silent, and Remus turned, finding Professor Dumbledore stood at the door.
"Why of course, Al- Professor Dumbledore!" Slughorn smiled, though the expression of shock was clear on his face. The Headmaster very rarely came and collected students, opting instead to send notes through other students. Remus stood, feeling slightly awkward, and left the classroom with Professor Dumbledore. They walked in silence, until they reached the gargoyle guarding his office. Professor Dumbledore muttered the password, and they both stepped in. On Professor Dumbledore's pristine desk, there was a single piece of parchment, official-looking and crisp. It bore the Ministry for Magic's insignia.
"Now, I suspect you are wondering why I have brought you out of Potions, where I see you were doing an impressive job?" Professor Dumbledore asked, and Remus got the odd impression of being examined by the Headmaster's piercing eyes.
"Yes, sir." Remus felt the need to observe the formalities in this situation.
"Well, you'd be quite right to. I see you've noticed the letter from the Ministry on my desk, Remus?" Dumbledore asked, though he kept his eyes on Remus.
"Yes, sir." Remus repeated, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
"That letter is from the Minister for Magic himself, Harold Minchum. It concerns you, Remus." Remus felt a stab of worry at these words. This is it. The Minister's found out I'm a werewolf. I'm being expelled. Remus tried to control his breathing, and he prepared for the fatal words. "Your father has told Minister Minchum that there is a plot concerning all werewolves who do not stand with Lord Voldemort." Remus shuddered slightly at the use of his name, and felt slightly confused at his words. "That includes you, unfortunately." Dumbledore was still looking at him.
"The Minister knows I'm a lycanthrope?" Remus asked. It was odd that this was the first thing he questioned, but that was what burned the most.
"It would seem that way, yes." Dumbledore nodded, finally looking away. "How, though, I confess I have no clue."
"I'm in danger?" That was Remus' next question.
"Yes, I'm quite afraid you are." Dumbledore nodded. "However, the Ministry is willing to offer us covert protection, and I daresay I could conjure some up myself." This surprised Remus somewhat, as he'd expected to be told to leave the school. Remus did not want to endanger fellow students.
"Wouldn't it be safer for everyone if I left the school?" Remus asked, slightly fearful of the answer.
"Oh, I don't think so. There is a home for everyone at Hogwarts, Remus, even those who the world sees as 'undesirable'. You are safest here, and so is everyone else." Dumbledore's voice was kind, but firm.
"So I can stay?" Remus asked, feeling a little lighter.
"Yes, I think so." Dumbledore smiled at him, "However, I would advise against anymore duels in the corridors." Dumbledore's eyes seemed to pierce him once again, and Remus blushed deeply.
"Yes, Professor." Remus mumbled, looking down.
"I will be seeing you again soon, Remus, to discuss your 'security'." Dumbledore told him, and Remus took this as his cue to leave.
Remus wandered back to the Common Room, as Potions would be finished by then. He was right, as he found them all gathered in the plush interior he loved so. When he entered, James looked at him in concern. Remus explained the threat, and they all looked pale. He gulped, glad that only the Marauders and Lily were there. Remus sat in an armchair, the Marauders going silent for once. "We need to get this Duelling Club going, if someone's planning to come for Hogwarts." Sirius said, and James nodded.
"Agreed." James smiled, though it seemed too reassuring. "Don't worry, Moony. You've got us."
"Hmm/" Remus frowned at them. Lily was the only one wearing a genuine expression; an abject look of worry. She was looking at him in concern, and Remus caught her eye. Instead of a reassuring smile, he only offered her the same look. She frowned and looked away, while Remus looked out of the window. It was beginning to get gloomy, and Remus could see the beginnings of rain. Remus sighed softly, and turned back to his friends, who had busied themselves talking about the Duelling Club. He made a weak excuse of having to get something out of his trunk, and left quickly. When he rushed to his bed, he breathed deeply, and closed his eyes. There was too much danger. He'd been threatened by malicious Slytherins and now he learnt of a plot to kill him. He was sixteen years old. Remus slumped on his bed, and thought about how it all had gone wrong so quickly. He wasn't safe. And he wouldn't be for a long time.
Somewhere, something is stirring. It can't be seen, only felt. Like a Dementor, the being moves ethereally through the air, casting darkness upon all it reaches. Oh, but this thing can't be seen. Only felt. Felt, and never forgotten. Worse than the aura of the Dementors, worse even than the Kiss, the being steals all hope from it's unfortunate bearer, and leaves them darkened, shrivelled forevermore. Worse, it leaves them with a hole in their very being, a hole that can never be truly filled. It's like an itch that never leaves, a pain that never recedes. It rips at the soul, tears at the mind. Insanity is inevitable, death is a fantasy for those who suffer it's tragic onslaught. It travels like wind, unseen but forever felt, chilling the victim to their core, leaving them a hollowed out mess. Fear is enforced, dread is abundant, and death is forbidden, despite the need for it, the begging for the sweet release. Oh yes, something is stirring. Something big. Madness is inevitable, the being thinks. Soon, it will rain madness over the pathetic mortals who call it an enemy. The fools, they who oppose the will of the force, as if they could ever stand up to its true power. Ha, the being would laugh if it could, but no. Such mortal sounds were beneath him. Still, it allowed itself to feel the amusement of it. As it rumbled through the sky, invisible and, henceforth, unfelt, it spotted its next victim, and allowed itself a grim grin of satisfaction, though its mind was whirring, deciding how best to make the man suffer for his wrongdoings. It decided, and swooped on its prey, enveloping him in darkness, swallowing his soul and everything about himself he held dear. He would be the first to feel the awesome power of this fiendish form.
