A/N This chapter does contain an expletive and some moderate bullying. I will indicate where this is with a horizontal line. Also, this chapter is dedicated to RoseBlood, who I know will be very frustrated at a certain part of this chapter! As always, review, follow, favourite but, most of all, enjoy!


Their weeks were very busy and, before they knew it, Remus found himself preparing for the first meeting of the Duelling Club. They were in a small area of the Great Hall, sanctioned off from the rest by McGonagall, giving the Marauders and the other student staff body space to prepare and organise. Outside, Remus could hear the roar of at least a hundred students, and felt an anxiety rising within him. He wasn't prepared for this. In fact, the idea of a beating by the Slytherins and a looming threat of Death Eaters almost scared him less than the idea of teaching an army's worth of students, all eager to get casting. Remus twiddled his wand in his hand, as Marlene went back over the plan. They would be starting with Rictusempra, the Tickling Charm. Sometimes seen to be something of a novelty spell, Marlene assured the other leaders that it should be treated seriously and, if they didn't believe her, she'd happily prove her point in a 'practical' manner. After this, James and Sirius (the two most reluctant of the leaders) backed off. It was almost time for them to begin, when Remus saw Keiran lurking near the other side of the room. Swallowing his reluctance, he wandered over to him. He was greeted by a warm – if not convincingly genuine – smile, which he returned. The older boy looked... Haggard. Remus frowned as he approached. He could see bags under Keiran's usually alert face, and could see an absent expression on his features. The boy had obviously not slept. "You okay, Keiran?" Remus asked softly. The boy once again turned to face him, smiling a little more weakly.
"Yeah, I'm fine..." The words were slow, quiet. Remus recognised them well.
"You haven't slept." It wasn't an accusation, more of an observation.
"I guess not." Keiran's tired smile turned to a weak smirk. Remus noticed something new in the boy's face. His eyes were oddly red, redder than the usual tiredness would excuse. His hands were clenched at his sides, and his eyes weren't centred on Remus' precisely. Has he been... Crying? Remus asked himself, and tried to hide the shock these words brought about him.
"You okay, Keiran?" Remus asked again, though his voice was this time more sympathetic.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Keiran nodded, in a very small manner. Remus turned away, but felt a shaking hand on his arm. "Remus..." Keiran whispered, and Remus looked back at him. Keiran's eyes were watering now, and Remus could see the faint look of desperation on his face. "That... Slaughter. M-My uncle... He was killed." Keiran whispered, before looking down. Remus' eyes widened, and he moved closer to Keiran.
"Merlin..." Remus whispered to himself, "I'm so sorry, Keiran." He put a hand on Keiran's shoulder, though the boy still looked down.
"I haven't slept since I heard last night. I haven't stopped crying, either." Keiran gave a watery chuckle, and Remus could have sworn he heard a sob mixed in. Thankfully, the others were too busy talking amongst themselves to notice the scene happening just a little away. Then, Keiran looked at Remus, a desperate look in his eyes. "He was always the nicest man I ever knew, my uncle... And now they killed him. I'll get them. I'll get them all." Keiran was speaking to himself now.
"Keiran, no good can come from revenge." Remus recounted something his father had told him (though not realising the wisdom behind them), and patted Keiran, somewhat awkwardly, on the shoulder. "Everyone hates them, mate... We have to be better than them."
"Oi! Lovebirds!" James shouted to them, snapping them both out of their reverie. Remus glanced Keiran hurriedly hiding his face from sight, drying his eyes, "It's showtime!"

James and Sirius stepped out first, and the crowd slowly hushed. They gave a short introduction to what they'd be covering today, and the fact there would be a duel between two members of each House, whoever was nominated. The winners would face the opposing House, and those winners would face each other. It was all very simple, so they said. After a short while, Remus stepped out, and began to explain the various roles of the leaders. Looking around the hall, he saw some familiar faces, and others not-so-familiar. Also, he saw several more Professors than he'd assumed. Professor Vector, Madam Hooch and even Professor Dumbledore were gathered at the back. What in Merlin's name have we started? Remus asked himself, before glancing at James. If James was nervous, he wasn't showing it, grinning in a cocky sort of way at the various students assembled. All of the student leaders had stepped out now. Lily looked apprehensive, while Marlene and Emmeline looked slightly pleased with themselves; Sirius, like James, was smiling in an arrogant manner. Finally, Keiran was looking about the hall, hardly hiding his frown, which dragged at the edges of his mouth. Remus felt a pang of sadness for the boy, before he was whisked away to lead his House in practising the spell, along with Evan. James, Kingsley and Sirius left for Gryffindor, and Marlene and Emmeline left for Hufflepuff. That, rather unfortunately, left Lily and Remus with Slytherin. With a glance between them, they set off for the table, set up with the necessary equipment. Professor Slughorn was there, and Professor Vector walked over too. After all, Slytherin had been her House when she'd studied there. She looked happy enough to be there, though looked sternly at the sniggering group of Slytherins, who had began when Lily stepped onto the table. Taking a deep breath, Remus stepped up after her, and began to instruct them.

Surprisingly, it was a moderately pleasant experience. There were very few Slytherins who made any sort of derogatory statement towards them, and most of them were fairly polite. Professors Vector and Slughorn seemed to be in the amiable mood too, as they both happily stepped up to show the students 'how it was done'. This drew the eye of Professor Dumbledore, who Remus very clearly saw chortle near their table, as Slughorn rolled over laughing. Remus saw Vector smile in an amused manner, and she bowed when applause rang out from the shockingly amiable students. Remus himself had small duels with one or two students, one being remarkably close, causing much laughter and applause for both of the participants. Other tables around the room were doing something similar, and Remus glanced at the Gryffindor's table, and was surprised to see Professor McGonagall duelling with a student. In fact, this spectacle drew many an eye, and several students stopped to watch her duel with the student, a tall seventh-year. The student was extremely skilled, and actually challenged the older witch. Several times, McGonagall barely blocked or dodged the spell, though she finally doubled the student over in laughter. Much applause was received, and many cheers. Remus could have sworn he glanced McGonagall actually smile, before she stepped down.

A very short hour later, and it was time for the House Duels. Slytherin had selected two of its very best, two boys. Alistair McCowen, a tall, broad-shouldered seventh-year, who had almost beaten Slughorn, and Jimmy Stebbins, a hard-working, tough boy, in the same year as the Marauders. Remus watched the duel between the two with interest, before deciding to go and have a look at the other Houses. Ravenclaw's duel was going wonderfully, with both students, neither of which Remus recognised, using the spells very creatively, and very nearly hitting each other every time. It was extremely compelling, though Remus forced himself to look away, at Keiran and Evan, stood side-by-side. Neither was looking at the other, though Evan smirked at Remus when he caught him glancing at him. Remus blushed and rolled his eyes, walking off to the Hufflepuff Table. Professor Sprout was talking animatedly to Marlene and Emmeline, while the duel was happening. Remus had to dodge as a badly-aimed spell shot at him, and chuckled softly. Emmeline saw him and smiled at him, and he happily returned the smile. After leaving that Table, he ventured over to Gryffindor. As expected, that duel was the most intense. Remus could feel the energy stemming from it. James and Sirius were each backing a competitor each, shouting encouragement at the unfortunate subject. One boy and one girl, they both seemed to be handling themselves remarkably well. Kingsley was stood by the middle of the table, looking impassive. Remus stood by his side. "Impressed?" Remus asked the boy, looking at him.
"Hmm. Not yet." Kingsley answered thoughtfully.

It was only ten minutes later that the first round of duels had finished. McCowen had won from Slytherin, though very barely. He would be opposing the Ravenclaw victor, a tall girl, with a friendly sort of face. Clearly, McCowen thought her to be of no large threat, because a cocky grin passed over his face. Remus smiled softly, having witnessed the lethality of the meek-looking girl when he'd seen Ravenclaw's duel. He glanced at Keiran, still stood by Evan, though his eyes were trained on the ground. The boy was perfectly still, hands clasped in front of him. Remus closed his eyes and sighed, before walking slowly over. With one look at Remus, Evan walked off with a polite, understanding smile, leaving the two alone. For a few moments, they simply stood there, watching the commotion around them. Then, as softly as a whisper, Keiran had slipped his hand into Remus'. Remus didn't react, only allowing himself a small smile. "I'll be leaving in June. You realise that, right?" Keiran whispered to him.
"Yes, I do." Remus nodded, smile turning somewhat sad.
"Do you care?" Keiran asked him, turning his head to him.
"Why would I? It's only the end of November." Remus smiled softly at him. "That's a good six or seven months away." Remus looked at him, and saw a genuine smile on his face. Remus then said something remarkably comforting, but also remarkably foolish: "Your uncle would be proud, Keiran." He had hardly finished his words, when he saw tears streaming out of the older boy's face. Remus closed his eyes, inwardly chiding himself, before hugging Keiran, who all but collapsed into him. People were beginning to stare, and Remus led him carefully from the Hall, nodding to James, who nodded in understanding.

Elsewhere, the Darkness is stirring. At its feet, the previous victim lies, broken, battered, and dead. The soul had been delicious, the screams divine. Dark tendrils wrapped around the cadaver, lifting it from the ground, blood still oozing from the many wounds. Even in death, the body seems to be screaming. The Darkness remembers the begs, the screams for 'mercy'. The Darkness had never shown mercy, nor would it ever show the pathetic concept. Mercy was a foolish decision. Mercy left loose ends, and loose ends left enemies, and enemies left risk. Risk could not be left undefeated anywhere, or it would spell disaster for all the Darkness had built over the years. The Risks died, and the risk died with them. The Risks were becoming fewer and fewer and, soon would be gone. There was still some, but they would be easily manipulated, destroyed or broken. The body in front of the darkness amused the Darkness, and a rumbling came from its centre, a sort of twisted chuckle. The rumble travelled wide, shaking the snow of the pathetic, idyllic village at the cave's foot. The rumble grew louder, as a feeling akin to amusement reverberated through the Darkness' form. The Darkness turned its eyes, surprisingly human, onto the village below, seeing the first streaks of green, hearing the screams accompanying them. Soon, the Risks of this pathetic village would be eradicated, and the Darkness would move onto the next problem. From now, the Darkness could see it, standing tall in the moonlight. Grand, old and wonderful, the Darkness set his sights on Hogwarts.

Remus and Keiran were stood outside the Great Hall, talking about nothing in particular. Keiran had stopped crying, and was even smiling weakly now. They had been chuckling, and their hands were interlocked. They didn't think much of it, really. They were just having fun. They could hear the fizzes, bangs and shouts of glee and anger from the Hall. The Duel between the Houses had ended, and the victors were, unsurprisingly, Slytherin and Gryffindor. Just from the sound, Remus could tell the Duel was highly intense, and Remus could hear James and Sirius shouting encouragement to (and Remus felt a pang of pride at this) both Houses. The rather happy moment was broken in one single shout. "MURDER!" Filch came bounding into the Entrance Hall, where the two boys were sat. They both stood immediately. The Duel in the Hall continued, and Filch burst into the room, screaming once again, "MURDER IN HOGSMEADE!" There was absolute silence in the Hall at this point. All of the teachers seemed frozen as they stared at Filch. The shabby-looking man looked terrified, before saying, in a much quieter voice, "Death Eaters in Hogsmeade." His words seemed to invoke something in the entire population of the Hall. The teachers, bar Professor Dumbledore, went deathly pale. Starting with one student, the younger years began to scream, even some Slytherins. The student leaders looked ready for action, and were joined by the older students. Within seconds, there was silence again, as Dumbledore raised his wand and shot sparks in the air. All movement ceased.
"All Heads of House will escort their students back to the Common Rooms. They will inform the students of the situation, and tell them that it will be fine. If the Duelling Club organisers could stay just a moment, please." Dumbledore said authoritatively and, within a few moments, the Hall was clear apart from the 10 students who had helped organise the gathering. All apart from Kingsley looked somewhat nervous. Remus moved from Keiran's side and stood by Lily, who looked pale. "You are all safe," Dumbledore began, and glanced at Remus, "But I fear the school may be in some danger. As most of you are Prefects," He glanced at Remus, Lily, Kingsley and Keiran, "And those who aren't I trust implicitly, I feel no reluctance to ask you all to stay up a little longer, and assume guard duty." Dumbledore finished, surprising all of them. "There are ten of you, four Heads, and myself. Therefore, two of you shall be assigned to one Professor." Dumbledore sounded like he was giving a lesson, telling them each to get into groups for their activity. They all, however, appreciated the severity of the situation. Almost silently, they split into groups. James and Sirius would be accompanying Professor McGonagall; Evan and Keiran would accompany Flitwick; Peter and Kingsley would be with Slughorn; Marlene and Emmeline would be with Dumbledore. That left Remus and Lily with Professor Sprout.

It was a little over an hour later, and Remus, Lily and Professor Sprout were stood atop one of the battlements, looking over the courtyards. From there, they could see one of the buildings in Hogsmeade aflame and several others missing sizeable chunks. They could also see tiny specks running around the village, various protective spells being cast and, even from the distance, they could feel the atmosphere of fear. Remus felt disgusted, and was feeling sick with fear. He looked at Lily, who had a similar look on her face. Professor Sprout was frowning and, when she found Remus looking at her, mumbled "This is a senseless war. We're all people. All equal." Remus felt a cold sobriety at the Herbology Professor's words.
"That doesn't stop people from thinking that the natural order demands superiority." Remus nodded at her, receiving one in return.
"It only takes one evil, twisted idiot to start a war." Lily chimed in, sighing. The other two nodded and, for the first time, the three felt truly equal to each other. Remus, the lycanthrope; Lily, the muggle-born; and Professor Sprout, the Herbology Professor and Head of Hufflepuff House. They were equal, and all felt comforted by the other two's presence. Remus looked over the castle, before looking at the other two.
"What if we lose? The War, I mean?" He asked, and Professor Sprout looked at him, "What if Vol-... He wins?"
"Then... Then our world is doomed." Professor Sprout said, truthfully. The usual, jolly smile had disappeared from her face. "If we lose, all we've strived for is worthless."
"We won't lose." Lily said, though the words sounded somewhat desperate, "We can't lose."
"Unfortunately, Lily... We can. We seem to be losing more every day." Remus was being honest, more honest than he strictly needed to be.
"But we can have hope," Sprout smiled kindly at Lily, "We must hope."
"Excuse me. I'm going to the bathroom." Remus stood, frowning, and stepped out.

Remus stepped into a darkened corridor. It wasn't just dim, it was pitch-black. Remus brought his wand up, mumbling 'Lumos', and stepped forward. The floorboards beneath him creaked as he stepped, and Remus immediately felt on edge. There was a mysterious energy to the darkened corridor, something he couldn't quite place. He could feel it, it alerted his nerves and made the hairs on his neck stand on edge. It felt like static electricity, but with a different feeling. Remus was extremely uncomfortable in the darkness, and darted his eyes around every crevice he could see. His wandlight was creating an eerie shadow over everything it was blocked by, only increasing Remus' hesitance about stepping even one step forward. Closing his eyes and regaining his composure, he stepped tenderly forward. The energy was becoming more and more intense with every step he took, until he could physically feel the warmth against his cheeks. It was more than unnerving now. It was terrifying. Remus felt like he was stepping into a horror film, and gulped rather louder than he would have liked. Fear was crawling up his throat, stealing his breath and threatening to suffocate him. As if hearing him, the wandlight increased its own intensity. He glanced around the corridor, looking back at where he'd come from. He could wait, he decided. He began to walk, before freezing completely in place, the Full Body-Binding Curse illuminating his skin for a brief second. Macnair stepped out from behind a cabinet, smiling maliciously. Avery came out from a doorway, where he was joined by Snape, Mulciber, Wilkes and several others. Remus' eyes were free to wander over them, and he would have winced, if he had been able. Their looks of malice were enough to tell him he was in trouble.


Bullying/Violence Starts Here!

The boys silently carried the frozen Remus into a room adjoining the corridor. Remus could still breath, though only through his nostrils, as his mouth had been closed at the time. This was somewhat painful. The boys carrying him weren't exactly careful, either. Several times, he received shoulders in the stomach, or an elbow in the face. When Remus' frozen form was finally thrown onto a table roughly, he was already bruised. His wand was taken from his pocket, and thrown aside. He was unfrozen, but could not move before a mutter of 'Incarcerous' and a flick of Mulciber's wand bound him with ropes. Remus' mouth was still free, however. "What in Merlin's name do you think you are doing?" Remus attempted to subdue his fear with rage. "When you get caught, you'll be-"
"We won't be caught, Lupin." Wilkes grinned down at him, before pounding a closed fist onto his face. Remus felt a heavy thud, and a massive pain. His nose was rather obviously broken, and Remus could feel blood already streaming. It was intensely painful, and he had to bit back a yelp. He would not give them the satisfaction of hearing him yell out or scream. They seemed to consider him, smiling maliciously.
"You should have known, Lupin... We don't like to be embarrassed." That was Macnair. Even without seeing him, Remus could recognise the voice.
"Well, maybe you should be a little more careful with your wandwork, then." Remus retorted. He knew he shouldn't be goading these people, but he couldn't help it. He was a Gryffindor. Gryffindors tended to have moments of outstanding stupid bravado. This moment earned him only another painful punch to the face. More blood streamed, and Remus bit back a groan. He rolled his eyes.
"Shut up, Lupin... You think we're scared of you? Or your pathetic friends?" Avery asked, moving closer to him. "Stupid Potter. Blood-traitor Black. Mudblood Evans... Don't even get me started on Pettigrew. They'll all get theirs, soon enough." It sounded like a promise.

In the half-hour that followed, they used jinxes, hexes and even some curses on Remus, who simply sat there, in silent agony. The pain was making him delirious now, and he could feel hot blood dripping down his shirt. It was horrible. The wounds burned, and he felt sick to his stomach. In that half-hour, they kicked, punched, and hurt every place they could. Remus felt helpless, pathetic even. It seemed like forever for him, and he almost fell under several times.

Bullying/Violence Ends Here!


Thankfully, a noise sounded in the corridor outside. They all jumped back, and faced the door, away from him. Remus turned his head to his wand. He'd done it before, he could do it again. He opened his wand hand, and screamed inwardly 'Accio! Accio! ACCIO!' And, to his slight surprise, he felt the reassuring feel of wood in his hand. Silently slicing the ropes that bound him, he kept his hands behind his back. "It's just Peeves. Stupid poltergeist." Snape snarled, looking back at Remus. Did he seem... Hesitant? Remus didn't have much time to question it, as Macnair approached him for round 2. A red jet of light shot from Remus' wand, straight into the Slytherin's chest. Due to the force of hatred and malice from Remus' non-verbal Stunning Spell, Macnair shot straight into a display case, shattering the glass into thousands of pieces. Yells rang out as the Slytherins reacted, and Remus shot up, sending another Stunner straight at Regulus, who had been lurking near the door. Regulus crumpled, and Remus sprinted through the door, hearing various fizzes and bangs as he left. He could see light illuminating the passage. He couldn't run forever, and he was injured and tired. Then, an idea occurred to Remus. The idea was risky, and wouldn't bring help straight away, but it would definitely work.
"DEATH EATERS!" Remus yelled at the top of his voice. The spells and the footsteps stopped completely. Remus paused, panting. He had no clue if anyone would have heard him. Then, he heard footsteps running from the other direction. There were five of them. Lily, Professor Sprout, Keiran, Evan and Professor Flitwick ran at full pelt at him. Evan and Keiran grabbed Remus as the Slytherins came back around the corner, wands drawn. Without noticing the two Professors (it was still rather dark), another few Stunners were sent at them.
"Impedimenta!" Both Professors shouted, and Avery and Macnair stopped dead in their tracks, though their feet still stepped. They just didn't move anywhere. Everyone had wands drawn, and the numbers were almost equal. Remus knew, however, that not one person would ever cast. Remus felt himself panting again, blood was still oozing out of him. Remus collapsed slightly onto Keiran, who caught him with one arm, the other still aiming his wand at the Slytherins.
"What on Earth do you think you are doing?" Flitwick finally broke the silence, his high-pitched voice intoned with fury. "What in Merlin's name have you done to this poor boy?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Keiran asked coldly. "They've tortured him."
"No we haven't, Decebal." Avery returned coldly.
"Then why is he bleeding so badly?" Evan retorted, twisting his wand threateningly.
"Ask him." Avery shrugged coolly. All eyes turned to the bleeding Remus, who was semi-conscious against Keiran.
"I don't think he's in a fit state to answer." Professor Sprout said sternly, "Now answer the question!"
"We didn't do anything." Mulciber smiled at them, "You can't prove we did."
"Remus!" There was a loud shout, and thunderous footsteps, as James, Sirius and McGonagall thundered towards them. James ran over to him, while Sirius and McGonagall joined the group aiming their wands at the Slytherins. Remus could barely register them. His vision had suddenly dissipated, and his mind was bleary. He was barely conscious, and was wavering quickly. "What have you done to him, you bastards?!" James yelled at the Slytherins. They all looked slightly taken aback at the yell, as did James' side.
"Potter, Black, take Mr. Lupin to the Hospital Wing quickly." McGonagall told them and, with some protest, the two Marauders dragged Remus along to the Hospital Wing.

They waited with him all night, long past visitor hours. Within an hour, they were joined by the rest of the Student Guard. Kingsley looked, as always, impassive, while Sirius, James, Peter and Keiran looked faintly worried, the massive anxiety hidden behind their pretence of strength. Lily had been crying a lot, comforted by Emmeline and Marlene. The others had tried their best, but had gotten nowhere. The teachers had escorted the Slytherins to Dumbledore's office. Marlene and Emmeline had told them all about Dumbledore's reaction. "He was furious. I've never seen him so angry. I've never heard of him being so angry. You could feel it, I mean really feel it. It was like solid rage. I've never seen him move so fast, either." Marlene had told them, inspiring a chuckle from them, "He shouted, too... When he got there, he shouted those Slytherins into submission. I swear I saw Snape cry." Again, they all chuckled, apart from Lily. The night wore on, and none left his side, though, occasionally, they did fall asleep. Madam Pomfrey walked over at one point, dressed in her nightgown. Sirius had fallen asleep, his hand resting on Remus' ankle, and she shook her head at him. The others were expecting a sharp chiding about hygiene or visiting hours. Instead, she simply said, in a very kind voice: "Pointless... They could have killed this poor boy." At this, Sirius snapped awake, looking at her with a look that he shared with the others; abject terror. "Oh, you mustn't worry, dearies... He will be fine. It'll just take a few days. I don't know what they've done to him, but... It's very serious. He won't stop bleeding, though I've managed to minimise the flow... I hope Albus expels them all." Madam Pomfrey's face was stern now. Remus and her had always shared a fairly good relationship, what with needing to be there at least every month. Though she'd never admit it, Remus was one of Poppy Pomfrey's favourite students. He was always very kind, and she had enjoyed conversations with him well into the night, after particularly bad nights. Now though, with his friends gathered around him, wearing the expression of worry that she so horribly felt, she put a hand on Remus'. It was as cold as if he were dead. Poppy shook her head, physically having to hold back tears. She was used to seeing Remus Lupin bleeding and unconscious, though not from being attacked by another student! It was an outrage! Poppy glanced at Sirius, frowning softly. Oh, he felt the way Remus did, Poppy was certain of that. He wore a different sort of worry than the others. It wasn't the worry of 'Please be okay.', it was the worry of 'Please don't leave me like this.'. Poppy's heart ached at his look, and she felt the deepest of sympathies for both boys. Sirius bore all the signs that Poppy needed to see to know he was not happy. How could he be, coming from such a household? The Blacks had hated Sirius from the day he was sorted into Gryffindor, this Poppy knew. When Poppy had first met Sirius, he had seemed like an arrogant, spoilt brat. As the years wore on, Sirius had revealed an entirely new side of him, as he sat by Remus' side every month. He had cared for Remus, spoken to him like no-one else had. He was still joking around, though Poppy had, on several occasions (following horrific transformations), found Sirius crying by Remus' side. She knew that, if only he was there, he would be crying now. It was obvious in the grey eyes. Sirius had dulled his eyes too much, counteracting the deception. Poppy shook her head at all of them. "He will be fine, I promise you all. As for those Slytherins... I'm sure Dumbledore will deal with the appropriately." She concluded, with a genuinely kind smile at them all, before leaving them with their friend.

When Poppy returned in the morning, they were all still there. The only one awake, however, was Sirius. At some point in the night, Remus had moved closer to Sirius, and their hands were interlocked when Poppy glanced over them. Sirius tried quickly to remove his hand, but Poppy simply smiled softly at him. With a little more ease, Sirius put his hand back in Remus'. Poppy glanced at Keiran, asleep in the chair she'd transfigured for him. Certainly, the boy was handsome. Smart, too. But Poppy knew where Remus' true loyalties lay. They lay, obviously, with the boy clasping his hand. Unfortunately, neither of the boys would notice that, unless it was presented very obviously to them. Poppy chuckled softly, a noise not common for her. It was light, and pleasant to hear. Sirius looked at her questioningly. She simply shook her head, and he shrugged. Slowly, the others began to wake. Poppy noticed Sirius removing his hand, though not before Lily saw it. Poppy and Lily shared a look, though they weren't entirely sure why. Sirius smiled at them all, "Morning, sleepyheads." He said, in a mock sing-song voice.
"Shut up, Sirius." James groaned, holding his back. The chairs really weren't the most comfortable, Poppy realised with a frown.
"For once, I agree with James." Lily chuckled, looking down at Remus. "Remus?" She asked softly, to no avail. Sirius watched Remus with a sigh, and closed his eyes. Poppy could have sworn she saw him muttering a prayer.
"How is he, Madam?" Kingsley asked her, turning as he asked.
"Still unconscious... I'll keep him comfortable. You'll all be informed if something happens." Poppy reverted to Madam Pomfrey, the authoritative matron of Hogwarts, "Now, all of you should get off to breakfast. I assume Professor Dumbledore will wish to speak to you all." She nodded at them, and they left. Poppy glanced at Remus once more, before walking back to her desk.

Madam Pomfrey's prediction turned out to be right. Before they'd even entered the Hall, they were approached by the Headmaster himself. "Ah, I have been hoping to speak to you all about the events of last night." Dumbledore said, and moved them all to a quiet corner of the Entrance Hall. There were too many of them to sit, so they all stood, waiting for Dumbledore to continue. "Now, this is the second instance of Remus' involvement in a Duel in the last two weeks," Dumbledore began, but was cut off by James.
"Professor, he was attacked! He didn't do much duelling!" James sounded indignant, with good reason.
"I am fully aware of that, Mr. Potter, thank you. Actually, he did a remarkable job of stunning Mr. Macnair into one of the old cabinets... And your brother, Mr. Black, actually..." Dumbledore smiled softly, before continuing, "A letter has been sent to the Ministry, regarding all of those involved, and to Remus' father, who is expected any moment now. I will be expecting their decision by lunchtime." Dumbledore informed them, before turning to look out of the open doors of the Entrance Hall. "Ah, here is Mr. Lupin now!"
"Dumbledore!" Lyall looked haggard, exhausted. "Is my son okay?"
"Poppy informs me he is doing wonderfully, Mr. Lupin." Dumbledore smiled amiably at the man. Lyall turned to see the others stood there.
"Sirius, James, Peter... Are you all okay?" Lyall looked genuinely worried about them for a second.
"We're fine, Mr. Lupin." James nodded at him. The man looked completely breathless. "Remus is in the Hospital Wing. We stayed all night with him, watched over him."
"Thank you... All of you." Lyall nodded to them, then looked across at the others. "Kingsley?" Lyall asked in slight confusion.
"Yes, Mr. Lupin?" Kingsley asked, with a calm composure.
"I didn't know you and Remus were... Particularly close." Lyall smiled quickly at him, "Your father never shuts up about you... He's very proud, deservedly so."
"Thank you, sir." Kingsley nodded modestly, before Lyall looked at Lily.
"You must be Miss Evans." Lyall stated, smiling softly, "Remus is always talking about you. Your talent at Potions, your ability to listen." Lyall stopped as Lily turned red. He looked at the others, "I'm not sure I recognise you all from what Remus has told me... But you must be a McKinnon?" Lyall smiled at Marlene, who nodded, looking confused. "Yes, I knew your father. Good man."
"Thank you, sir." Marlene swelled with pride.
"Hmm... Who are you?" Lyall asked Emmeline, smiling softly.
"Vance, sir... Emmeline Vance." Emmeline answered in a quiet voice.
"Vance? That's a name I haven't heard in a long, long time!" Lyall chuckled, "Your father used to work for the Ministry, yes?"
"Yes, sir, he did!" Emmeline smiled at Lyall, who returned it.
"Good worker." Lyall nodded. Now, his gaze turned to Evan and Keiran.
"Your names?" Lyall asked in a calm voice.
"I'm Keiran, and that's Evan." Keiran said, "Keiran Decebal."
"Related to Jonathan Decebal, I presume?" Lyall asked, and Keiran nodded.
"Hmm... Never had any direct contact with the man... Terrible business." Lyall's voice turned quiet, before he turned to Evan.
"My name's Garnett. Dunno my mum's maiden name. She died in childbirth." Evan shrugged, looking away. Lyall nodded soberly.
"Dumbledore, I'd appreciate if I could see my son." Lyall said, and Dumbledore nodded, having observed the exchange.
"Potter, Black and Pettigrew, I believe I could organise with Professor McGonagall that you could miss the first part of Transfiguration, if you'd like to accompany Mr. Lupin?" They all nodded, and followed Dumbledore to the Hospital Wing, Sirius lagging slightly behind.