the_debt_of_time

"Both of you shut up," Mia said from behind them. James had the sense to at least
look slightly ashamed. Sirius only grinned at her. "All right. You all know why you're here.
We've had terrible instructors in the way of Defence, and this year―"
"We have a prejudiced prick," Sirius offered.
"Well, er... yes." Mia sighed. "None of you are stupid, and I know some of you
read the Prophet. It's not just Muggles and Muggle-borns that are being targeted. You hear
how the Slytherins talk. Blood-traitors." She pointed to herself, James, and Sirius. "That's
what we are," she said clearly, "and we're called that because sides are being chosen. A war
is coming, and I'm not foolish enough to think that we're safe because we're teenagers."
"Do you really think war is coming?" Frank asked with a frown.
"I think it's already here, but we're not being told anything about it," Mia admitted.
"I can't say much, but I've heard my parents talking."
Frank nodded, looking down at the ground sadly. "Me too. My mum had a meeting
with Professor Dumbledore over the summer. After he left, she came and told me to start
taking my Defence and Potions classes more seriously. I think she's wanting me to go into
Auror training when I graduate."
"That would be amazing," Alice said with excited eyes.
"We need to be able to protect ourselves," Remus declared, standing beside Mia at
the front of the group. "I'm sure you've all heard about Death Eaters by now. We need to
know how to fight them if necessary."
"Not just Death Eaters," Mary bitterly spoke up, arms crossed over her chest. Her
normally flawless, beautiful skin was marred by a sickly black and purple bruise that started
at the bottom of her left hand and flowed upward against her shoulder and collarbone,
ending at the edge of her jaw.
"No." Mia frowned at her friend, feeling her stomach turn at the sight of Mary's
bruise. "Not just Death Eaters. I think Slytherins are being recruited here. Everyone saw
what Mulciber did to Mary last week. That was Dark Magic, but since they can't prove
anything, he's getting away with it."
"There's no denying it now," Remus said, putting a hand on Mia's shoulder. "We
don't know who or how, but the Slytherins are learning Dark Magic."
Mia did not miss the look of sorrow that crossed Lily's face as her gaze fell.