(no subject)

[theshabbiestofmen]

Who: Remus Lupin
Broadcast:
When: January 14th, early evening

[Remus sits on the floor in James' room, back against the bed, holding the communicator in one hand. The other is tangled in his hair; he pushes his hand through the tangled curls again and again throughout this little speech. Still, he smiles pleasantly enough. This first part is easy, after all.]

Right, hello. My name is Remus Lupin, I've been here a few months, and I've noticed a bit of a trend among those taken. There's quite a few of us with-- well, abilities, for lack of a better word. Abilities that most human beings don't have. They vary, of course, but-- it's an odd consistency. I've met more people with magic than I usually do in a year. Something to think on, perhaps.

In any case: even if it's a meaningless connection-- something that has no significance beyond sheer entertainment value-- I'd be interested to hear what everyone can do. Whether you call it magic or alchemy or even if it's-- god, I don't know, if you have a talent for juggling, I'd be interested. I want to know more about what kind of company I keep.

[His smile fades, now, and he hesitates visibly.]

For example, I, ah. I'm a wizard. Wand and all. I can do magic, which means anything from transfiguration to charms to knowing what plants to use to brew a good cold remedy. It's hardly infallible, but it's certainly useful. And, ah . . .

I'm a werewolf as well. The sort that only changes once a month. It's lasted here, but I seem to have control over it. I take quite a few precautions, so-- so it won't be a problem. I'm not the only werewolf here, nor the only other supernatural creature, but--

[He shrugs. His face is pale, now, the little scars standing out sharply against his skin-- but he forces himself to keep talking.]

I'm used to keeping it a secret at home. And I'm sure others are as well. So I suppose this is a . . . a way to let everyone know. Even if they don't want to tell anyone else, they know they're not alone.

[His mouth twists in a wry smirk.]

That, and I'm tired of keeping it a secret.

Comments

[theshabbiestofmen]

Yes, that's part of my charm. [SO DRYLY SAID] Doesn't work on job interviews, unfortunately.

[eyeforaneye]

I think telling an employer that you were a werewolf would be the first mistake.

Are there other creatures that people turn into like that in your world? Against their wills, I mean.

[theshabbiestofmen]

I'm not actually that stupid, thank you, they figure it out anyway.

[Jeeeeesus Christ, Sasuke.]

Yes. Vampires are one. Werewolves, obviously. Dementors don't turn you into what they are; they take your soul, leaving you functionally alive but a husk.

[eyeforaneye]

[ It's incredible how much he manages to take in stride, even up to dementors... though he looks understandably more curious for it. ]

Are those actually common creatures in your world?

[theshabbiestofmen]

Oh, yes. I've encountered more dementors than I care to these past few years. They can be repelled, but what they feed on is, essentially, us.

[eyeforaneye]

You mean human souls.

[ He's not quite there, but he's making a real effort at least. ]

[theshabbiestofmen]

Precisely so.

[He's a bit taken aback, but pleased-- clearly, Sasuke is clever.]

A person without a soul is . . . I've only met one once, and I never wish to again.

[eyeforaneye]

... Aa.

I've seen those without free will and I feel the same way. There are certain techniques that have no place in a decent world.

[theshabbiestofmen]

Mm. Magic has similar spells-- ones to torture, to impose your will upon others, and so on. We call it Dark Magic. Highly illegal, and morally repugnant.

[eyeforaneye]

[ ... sounds like the sharingan's advanced abilities so far. ]

We have capabilities like those as well, but to control someone only temporarily -- [ As opposed to permanently, which he'd referenced before. ] -- isn't considered as unusual. Torture even less so. It's part of the risk of our roles.

[theshabbiestofmen]

I believe my organization is heading that way. I . . . hope it doesn't, truthfully. Tactics like that have their place, but only in the most dire of situations.

[eyeforaneye]

What is the nature of your 'organization'?

[theshabbiestofmen]

At this point, I suppose in a legal sense we're a rebellious organization. At this point, our enemies-- Death Eaters, they call themselves-- roam free in the streets, and have taken over nearly half the government.

[eyeforaneye]

[ Death Eaters. What a subtle name they've given themselves. ]

... if it's that dire then it sounds like you have no choice but to use the methods you have available, at least as long as you're able to keep innocents uninvolved.

[theshabbiestofmen]

That's the idea. Though I suppose--

[A beat, and then he smiles a bit strangely.]

Well. How far do you go until you've become what you fight?

[AN ACTUAL QUESTION, because he's curious as to how Sasuke will respond.]

1/2

[eyeforaneye]

...

[ And Sasuke actually considers it, too, because this is one question that he has felt the need to ask himself recently. ]

2/2

[eyeforaneye]

... when you start justifying the actions you take that harm the greater good. When you start saying 'it's only a temporary measure' while the people you want to help are suffering. When your actions on paper and their actions on paper, stripped of motivation and intention, start looking the same.

There are two sides to every story. Make sure yours can't be interpreted wrongly or it's just as dangerous as you having been wrong all along.

[theshabbiestofmen]

Well said.

[A genuine compliment, though his voice is somewhat distracted as he mulls over those words. Sasuke is right, of course, but saying something so plainly and implementing it at home are two different things entirely.]

Have you seen someone go too far, or are you speaking purely in conjecture?

[eyeforaneye]

...

I've seen it. More than once. [ He's lived it. ]

[theshabbiestofmen]

I'm sorry.

[Genuinely.]

But I'll take heed of your words. Thank you, Sasuke.

[eyeforaneye]

Aa.

I hope that you do.