The fog at the gate...
At breakfast and at the beginning of each lunch period, Snape gives a speech. His voice is grave and conveys a deep and honest concern.
"Students, the school is now on a lock-down. Silent Hill has once again invaded the nexus. For those of you who have been here for some time, you understand the grave implications of that statement. For the rest of you, be aware that Silent Hill refers to a particularly vicious haunting that occurred in a small town. Strong local energies were twisted by human violence into a prowling and voracious psychic pit hole. Contact with this force can and most often will result in horrific nightmares, hauntings, being pulled into the vale of the dead and physical assault by the denizens thereof. Silent Hill is not content to remain within the borders of the town that birthed it. The dark energy will stain and cling to anyone it touches, and will infest your own energy with its sickness if it can. You can bring Silent Hill home with you."
Now that the threat has been revealed, time to present the options. The next statement is clear and definitive.
"The school is protected from the influence of Silent Hill. However, it is imperative that all students and staff be cautious and aware of their surroundings when in the nexus at large. Sudden, dense fog and unusually derelict buildings are its heralds, and should you encounter them, return immediately to the school."
Snape pauses, eyeing the student body. Well he knows that the surest way to incite an young person's curiosity and all but guarantee that they will go snooping is to tell them to keep out. This must be discouraged. He leans forward, gripping the small podium used for announcements, and peers hard at them with black, relentless eyes.
"Students, I would threaten you with suspension for willfully courting this evil, but I do not want to discourage any who might suffer its touch from seeking help." There. If that doesn't scream Serious Business, nothing will. "These are not monsters to fight, there are no trophies or treasures to find and no glory can be won from this thing. It does not care who you are or what powers you have. It does not fight fair. It does not have mercy. If you touch it, no matter how or why, if you have even the slightest worry that you have even seen a sign of it, come back here."
If anyone has any questions, now would be the time.
"Students, the school is now on a lock-down. Silent Hill has once again invaded the nexus. For those of you who have been here for some time, you understand the grave implications of that statement. For the rest of you, be aware that Silent Hill refers to a particularly vicious haunting that occurred in a small town. Strong local energies were twisted by human violence into a prowling and voracious psychic pit hole. Contact with this force can and most often will result in horrific nightmares, hauntings, being pulled into the vale of the dead and physical assault by the denizens thereof. Silent Hill is not content to remain within the borders of the town that birthed it. The dark energy will stain and cling to anyone it touches, and will infest your own energy with its sickness if it can. You can bring Silent Hill home with you."
Now that the threat has been revealed, time to present the options. The next statement is clear and definitive.
"The school is protected from the influence of Silent Hill. However, it is imperative that all students and staff be cautious and aware of their surroundings when in the nexus at large. Sudden, dense fog and unusually derelict buildings are its heralds, and should you encounter them, return immediately to the school."
Snape pauses, eyeing the student body. Well he knows that the surest way to incite an young person's curiosity and all but guarantee that they will go snooping is to tell them to keep out. This must be discouraged. He leans forward, gripping the small podium used for announcements, and peers hard at them with black, relentless eyes.
"Students, I would threaten you with suspension for willfully courting this evil, but I do not want to discourage any who might suffer its touch from seeking help." There. If that doesn't scream Serious Business, nothing will. "These are not monsters to fight, there are no trophies or treasures to find and no glory can be won from this thing. It does not care who you are or what powers you have. It does not fight fair. It does not have mercy. If you touch it, no matter how or why, if you have even the slightest worry that you have even seen a sign of it, come back here."
If anyone has any questions, now would be the time.