A/n- Part four, started only three minutes after finishing III ! Aren't I AMAZING? Lol.... Not.....

Disclaimer- I own absolutely, positively, completely and unarguably nothing. So no bother suing me over something I don't make a cent off of!

Rating- PG-13 for occasional swearing, it isn't that strong though. O_O



Seeing Grey - Part IV - Silver Ice




Remus endured six days more torment, from many different people. Dias and his friends sneered at him, acting far more Slytherin than a Gryffindor ever should. Professor Carlison constantly called on him in class, nagging and rubbing in that the Dark Creatures unit was coming up. The silver ladder provided a daily challenge, along with anything else that proved to be made of sterling. But on the one-week mark of his arrival, the real test of tolerance began.


Hey Remus, where are you going? It was late Saturday night, and up in the dorm, he was making himself busy stuffing a few things into his satchel. A book, a pack of candy, a thin set of robes.

I'm going to visit my mum, I'll be back tomorrow around dinner. he said, smiling to himself. The other boys found this perfectly acceptable, and bid him a safe journey as he walked out the door. A little further off in the halls, the young and fairly irritable Transfiguration Professor met him.

Now, don't worry about anyone ever seeing you. We've worked that aspect of this out perfectly. she said in a stiffy, worried tone that fit her well. And I know you've done this before...

Most of my life. Remus said with a shrug.

Yes, well... Dumbledore still insists that you be taken to the Infirmary afterwards, just to check. she stopped at a little statue of a knight, muttered a password, and tapped his helmet. He hopped aside, revealing a tunnel to the outside boundaries.

I think you can handle yourself from here. And do be careful, that Willow is one nasty swinger. she said, conjuring up a very long stick for him.

The knot we told you about is rather easy to see. It's a little to the backside, near the ground. Well, Good luck Mr. Lupin. she said, still nervously, and smiled as he went on his way.


The cold wind blew harshly on him as he made his way. But the whomping Willow needed no such activity to move its branches, it did quite well on its own. He studied how it swung for a moment, found a brief spot where he wouldn't be hit, and jabbed at the little brown spot. The violent limbs froze in place, and Remus made a mad-dash for the passageway.

His footsteps echoed shrilly in the stone tunnel, as he tread on for what seemed like ages. When at last he reached his destination, he found a quiet little room done up nicely. A four-post bed like in the dorms, a side table, a few books on a shelf. There was a plain green carpet covering crude wood floorboards, and boarded up windows.

Well, at least it isn't like my old basement. he mumbled, sitting down on the bed and taking out his Defense assignments. He noted with a smile that Dumbledore had left him a pewter safe so he could keep some belongings rom being destroyed during his transformation.

Two hours... he muttered, lying down.



He lie, quivering, in a pool of his own blood. Pale sunlight crept in, illuminating the small boy who still had remains of his wolfen alter-ego. Every now and then, a limb would twitch, and he would briefly yelp in pain as his mind came back from it's frozen state. On the stairs, another boy stood, afraid to move, frozen in mid-step.

Ma! Ma, he killed him! HE KILLED HIM! Romolus shouted, finally regaining his composure, Ignoring all previous warnings about touching Remus while he was bleeding (The curse will spread!), he knelt down, and gently lifted his head.

Remus! Remus, c'mon... Wake up Remus. he pleaded, shaking him lightly. Eliciting no response, he shook harder, until at last a small animal instinct made him snarl.

Ma! Ma call the doctor! He's gonna die! Call the doctor! he shouted. A beaten woman, blood dripping down her face, appeared at the foot of the steps, shaking her head.

He will not treat Remus. she said. A grunt from the corer disturbed the two, and Romolus began to scream at his father for all his worth.

YOU KILLED HIM! HOW COULD YOU?

Eh, can it you Goddamn brat. That ain't your brother. You ain't got a brother. he said, heading bleeding from several scratch wounds. He came forward, Romolus beating pathetically at him in rage. With one swipe he was sent to the side.

Dammit, you're better off without that beast! he yelled. Mrs. Lupin began to cry, leaning against the wall, watching her two sons with teary eyes.

Stop your damn grieving Coretta, that thing ain't your son. he said with disgust, kicking Remus' body over with his foot. Remus, now on his back, looked up with bloodshot eyes, ravening, wild. In one brief moment, he had his father pinned to the ground, gun thrown aside.

Remus, for God's sake don't kill him! his mother shouted.

The still inhuman Remus disregarded this command, and in a feverent slash, his father lay under him, lifeless. He keeled backwards, blood dripping into his fathers, and slumped onto the floor. Romolus, in awe, crawled over, his own leg bent out of use from his fall. He spread the hair on Remus forehead aside, and saw a glimmer silver bullet lodged right on hsi hairline. Soothing his brother, he dug out the painful metal, and threw it aside.

Shh... It's alright. he cooed, Remus whimpering half-humanly. Mrs. Lupin made a strangled sort of cry, and ran up the stairs in a fit.





Remus Lupin was no longer alive at the moment. In his place, scratching at the bed, was beautiful, and powerful, silvery wolf, howling. The boards of the shack echoed, screaming out his misery, into the fully lit night sky.



He awoke much later, in the arms of who he recognized without seeing as the school nurse. Opening one eye, he could see he was being carried through the tunnel, and soon enough, out of the shack altogether.

Oh, you're awake! the young woman said with surprise, setting him down on a soft patch of grass out of reach of the Willow. She made a fuss of wiping a streak of blood off his face, and getting him to swallow a small bottle of potion. Immediately he felt better, brighter, and the aching pain of post-transformation seemed to lessen. A gentle warmth engulfed his body, and he managed a grateful smile.

Dumbledore said I am to take you up to the Infirmary, but you're alright this time. she said knowingly, checking his ribs for any bruising.

Oh, don't stare at me such! she laughed. My cousin Sarah is a werewolf, I'm quite used to the tending. Precisely why I was hired this year. she said in a comforting voice, helping him to his feet again. Since she was short for a woman her age- roughly twenty, eh guessed- it was easy for him to sling an arm about her shoulder for aid in walking. He wasn't in full control of his body yet, and it felt as though he had been swimming for so long, all his muscles ached. But he made it to the castle alright, and after another does of the steamy potion, he was able to walk himself back to the Gryffindor tower, satchel slung lazily over his shoulder.

he said quietly, voice raspy from howling all night. The Common Room was fairly empty, and he was able to slip into his shower before anyone noticed him stagger in with a slight limp. Turning to golden taps and stripping of his filthy and bloody clothes, he leaned against the wall, enjoying the comforting water and fumes of the bathroom.

So much better than before. he sighed to himself, slowly lowering himself against the wall, closing his eyes.


Romolus, leave him be! Coretta Lupin scolded, slamming the door of Remus' room. It had been a month since the incident, and he lay in his stiff, cheap bed moaning. Werewolves, he had discovered early on, healed very quickly. But it was for minor things- cuts and bruises, usually self-induced. The marks remained, but the pain never lasted. Usually. A silver bullet to the head and four cracked ribs was an entire different story, especially when he was denied admittance to any hospital or treatment from any doctor.

Outside, Romolus made the manner that he was going back to his mothers room he now shared, but slipped back inside to see his brother.

How ya doing? he asked, sitting down slowly on the bed so Remus could see him properly and not have to move. He made a small moaning noise, still hurting from last nights full moon. Transforming while injured so badly had ruined any healing he had managed, and none of the family remedies seemed to have any affect.

Hurts... All over. he mumbled weakly, voice completely shot. Romolus smiled, and lay down next to his brother. brushing away his dusty brown bangs, he peered at the bullet wound approvingly.

You're getting better. he said quietly. Pretty soon you'll be up and about.

What's gonna happen? Remus squeaked, trying to turn over. His face withered in pain, and he let out a long groan.

Don't move. Romolus snapped, though not angry. And stop worrying so much. We're fine. he assured. A little ray of sunlight illuminated his face, his rough features similar to Remus'. But in place of an innocent frown, he had a stern look, worried more than anyone knew.

Police'll come. I killed him. Remus muttered, shutting his eyes again. Romolus tightened the bandage across his bare chest for him, after seeing him fidget with irritation, and pat his head softly.

But he tried to kill you, you had to. Don't worry, everything is fine.

They'll lock me up. Wont care who... attacked first. Lock me up and never... let me out. he said in short breaths, wheezing and sputtering after a moment.

Stop saying such nonsense. Once you get better we're all going to be fine, and better off. A family again.

That'd... That'd be nice. Real nice. he said, smiling ever-so-slightly. Promise? A family again?

Romolus replied, grasping his younger brothers hand and holding it tight.



You tried anyway. Remus said in memory, letting out a sigh as he woke up. The hot water was running out, so he righted himself out, turning off the taps as he went. Wrapping a towel about himself, high on his chest like a girl would, to cover his scars, he stepped out into the steam he had caused. He hung over a sink for a moment, waiting for the foggy mirror to clear out. A solemn reflection looked back at him, clearly tired and worn. Smudging it with his hand in a disapproving way, he made the trek back to his dorm. Minutes after putting on one of Romolus' old shirts and lying down, he fell asleep.



Looks like he was run over by a rampant Hippogriff. Peter suggested. For several minutes the muddy Quidditch-goers had been prodding Remus, trying to wake him, to no success.

Maybe Dias finally got to him. Sirius remarked.

Nah, Dias'd be dead. One helluva fighter. Remind me to never piss him off. James said with a grin.

He probably had a rough trip, let's just go. Besides, I have quite a few Dungbombs waiting to be used. Peter let out a moan, and obediently followed along as the duo set off.

Several hours later, Remus woke suddenly. His face was drenched with sweat, and his hands were clenched tightly around the bed sheets. Slowing his breathing down, he fumbled for a pen and parchment, and wrote a short letter to his brother.

Rom-

Something's up, don't ask and just please follow this request. I can't explain it, but something is seriously wrong. Get out, wherever you are. Leave your job, and get the hell out of town. Write to me as soon as you can, or just come here. i don't care, just please get out of that damn town.


He stumbled out of bed, threw a cloak over himself, and went into the empty common room. Everyone was at dinner, so it took no effort to get to the owlry without being seen. His feral pet, Random, swooped down to his shoulder. A curious creature, it had found him and decided he would do fine as a master. The silvery little bird took the letter in her talons, and flew off after a playful nip.




He was rather amazed that Random brought back a reply the next morning, and for a moment, feared it was his own letter being returned. Tearing it open and offering a bit of bacon as reward, he read quickly, and let out a deep sigh.

Rem,

I don't know what the hell's going on with you. Did something happen? Well, whatever. I'm n Hogsmeade, Shelly's aunt needed a hand around the house so I'm staying there for a while. 2431 Whipstrawe, get your ass here so we can explain a few things.

Your ever confused elder,

Rom.


Swallowing tightly, Remus turned to his side and poked James.



Is there a way to sneak out of school into Hogsmeade? James snorted, and shook his head.

Of course there is! Jesus, there's a path for anything in this school! he exclaimed, the other two nodding their approval.

Can you get me out?

Sure as hell! I know this school's passages better than the people who built it. C'mon. he grabbed Remus by the hand, slipped out of the Great Hall.


Now just follow it all the way through. You'll arrive in the basement of the candy store. Once you're there, you're on your own, alright? I have classes to get to.

Liar. You'd stay if it weren't for Lil-

Shut it Peter! James snapped, going red in the face for a moment. With a hearty smile, he helped Remus crawl through the statue, and into a dark tunnel.




Hey, you made it I see. Rom said approvingly, moving aside the door of the cabin and letting him in. Romolus had changed since they had last seen each other a few months previous. At first glance, many would mistake them for twins, though Romolus as a tad taller and his eyes weren't as grey. He had the face of a trouble parent, which was exactly the role he had been playing his entire life.

They sat down opposite each other at a wooden kitchen table, both letting out identical sighs.

So what the hell is up? You write me, probably middle of the night, telling me to screw the only steady job I've had in three years. Something is seriously up. he said, frowning.

I... It's hard to say. Remus mumbled. After a moment of thought, he looked around, and found The Daily Prophet lying on a counter. With a frown he flipped through, and found perfect proof of what he was trying to explain.

Seribine houses under fire after mysterious local attacked.' he read aloud. The colour drained from Romolus' face, and his hands began to twitch.

Rom, I think I killed someone. Remus said quietly.



I was coming back, it was near the end of the month and I couldn't find a safe-house anywhere. I figured you and Shelly could lock me up somewhere, she did once before when you were out in Canada. he mumbled. I got held up, some guy caught me stealing a meal from him. I got away, but not after a few punches... I didn't make it back. It was right before Hogwarts started, a week or two. But Rom, I think when I switched... The only human part of me that stayed was that anger at him. I... I think I went after him.

We have to get you out of school. Shelly can-

I have to stay, I'm sorry! Remus blurted out. Look, I have friends now, and a semi-normal life. The police wont find us, they only knew us by my problem, not name. No one will squeal. Tell your girlfriend to watch out, someone's is going to want revenge. I'm sorry I fuck everything up all the time. Remus said, eyes watering. He hung his head down, face in his hands.

Everything was starting to get normal again. he whined. Surprisingly, Romolus put a hand on his shoulder, and lifted up his chin. He smiled warmly, and shook his head.

It's fine, really. This way I can stay close anyway, watch over you. he said. Remus stifled his anger, putting it away for another day.

I'll work something out, don't worry. Promise.




Rom, what're we going to do? Remus cried, face scrunched up in anger. The police had come, and Mrs. Lupin had been taken away. Quick reflexes and a knack for hiding had kept the bossy safe, though they each knew they could not hide forever.

We have to run, get away from here. Romolus said in a serious tone, hand firmly grasping his brothers shoulder. They're going to come after us, listen to me! he yelled, snapping Remus back to reality. He wiped away his tears, and nodded his head.

I'll stay with you for now, until after the moon. We have to split.

Why? I don't want you to go Rommie...

We're in a lot of trouble Rem, it's all we can do. If we're caught we have to go into foster care. We'll never see each other again. And we'll be put into jail. So if we split up, they have to work really hard to find us. We're smart, we can keep safe as long as we're not together. Can you handle that? Remus nodded his head, standing up from his place against the basement wall.

Go pack a small bag of things, they'll be here tonight probably. The sooner we leave the more ground we cover. And with that, the two brothers left behind the false security they once had, and entered the real world.

Everything'll be fine.

Thanks Rom, for everything.

Not a problem, little brother, not a problem.



Remus managed to slip into Divination just before class began, taking a seat right by James.

Hey, we missed you in Charms. he whispered as the instructor went on about something about Saturn and Pluto in conjunction.

Had business to finish. he said shortly, more than slightly shaken up. Once the class assignment had begun, and James was busy looking up planetary charts for something, Remus turned around right before the professor tapped him on the shoulder.


I told you it would begin. she said with an airy smile.

What are you talking about? Nothing's changed in the week. he snapped.

Are you not beginning to understand what was once hidden? Surely the Signs have begun. Even now, you know it is true dear boy, do not deny what is obvious. she said in a wispy voice, shaking her head. Remus blinked. It wasn't true, was it?



Precisely m'dear. Give it time, everything will work out in the end. Things have a way of mending themselves.

Thank you. Remus whispered, looking up. His eyes locked on hers, and for a brief moment, an unspoken understanding transmitted between them.

It is nothing child, nothing at all.




A/n- Sorry it is so short! This isn't my best chapter yet, but hey, it's setting the pace. More will be up very soon! Please feel free to drop me a line if you want to chat, discuss, or get a preview chapter. AlyssaC7@aol.com And if anybody hasn't notied by now, I am not the best ypist, and hve a very unreliable spell-check. Sorry for any mis-typed words!

Iggie


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