A/n- here's Number Five for all of you. be patient while the plot straightens out! PLEAS SEE MY FINAL A/N FOR IMPORTANT NEWS!



Note for Lily Evans Potter, reviewed chapter 4- More L/J is coming, though I hate to say it, it will not be a main element of the story.



Disclaimer- I won nothing related to Harry Potter and am making no money whatsoever off of this. (Un)Lucky me...

Rating- PG-13 for now, may change as my mood swings into swear-mode.



Seeing Grey - Part V - Cold as Fire





Remus, Remus! Remus get UP!

He awoke with a start, drenched in sweat, eyes flared like a scared deer. Looking around, he saw a dimly lit James standing over him with a worried expression.

What happened? he mumbled.

You started yelling... Looking over, he saw Alex Avery staring at him slightly from his bed, speaking in a squeaky voice. Peter and Sirius were also awake, though not looking directly his way. James let out a relived sigh, and sat at the edge of the four-poster.

We thought you were dying. he laughed, shaking his head. Bad dream?

I... Don't remember. Remus murmured truthfully, lying back down. James shrugged, and wished him good night as he settled back down in his own bed. For a while Remus lay awake, trying to recall what had caused him to yell out enough to wake the entire dorm. But after half an hour of intense thought, he gave up, and tried to catch up on lost sleep for tomorrow's busy day.


Rem,

I got a job working at the Quidditch store down here, stop by if you like sometime. I paid Shelly back finally, so we don't need to worry about money for a while. Hope everything is going well, see ya soon.


Remus tucked the note in his bag as he ran in the halls, trying to find the History of Magic room again. Skidding to a halt, he whirled into the room, crashing into a desk with overdone momentum.

So glad you could join us. Professor Binns said in a monotonous tone, immediately picking up his lecture on wizarding rights of the early 1800's.

The low point during the civil movement of 1829 occurred in southern Scotland. A safety camp for those suffering from werewolf curses was established and made public. Remus eyes snapped open, and he looked up sharply at the ghost.

It is estimated that over one hundred citizens attended this establishment. This was a drastic step for society in terms of acceptance of the creatures. He winced at being referred as such, and clenched his fists tight.

It was a tragedy often compared in such as vampire slaying and frequent Muggle discrimination. One day in, after the opening ceremony, they were taken out for a social gathering. Remus closed his eyes, praying he wouldn't go on, willing him to stop talking of his own kinds cruel fate.

Ninety eight were shot dead by way of silver bullets. Their bodies were found several months later down a river, many of them damaged beyond comprehension. he concluded, no wince in his voice. A horrible lurch rattled Remus' stomach, and he slouched low in his seat, whimpering to himself.

The Ministry overlooked the entire ordeal, and it was generally ignored by the public until the Nineteen hundreds, around the turn of Werewolves Registration amendments. The Ministry issued a short apology, and it has been disregarded since then as a fairy tale.

Remus keeled over in his seat, shaking, curling into a small ball. The class turned to him, bewildered, as Binns glided through the air.

Are you feeling ill young man? he asked. Severus Snape, who was closest, bent down and put a finger under his chin.

He's in shock, I think. he announced in expert analysis.

I always get one with a weak stomach. Binns murmured as James, Sirius and Peter looked down in confusion.

I think perhaps we should call the nurse.



Where... What happened? Remus muttered. Sitting up, he felt a cold towel, slightly damp, fall into his lap from his forehead.

Oh, hello there. the nurse said quietly, turning around from her desk and smiling at him. Looking himself over, Remus discovered he was in the Infirmary, though he hadn't the slightest idea why.

You had a bit of trouble in History I'm afraid. she told him quietly, handing him a pill and small glass of water. He downed it at once, and blinked a few times as his vision refocused.

I would suggest you keep yourself under better cover. the nurse said after a moment. You keep up your spells during werewolf discussions and someone is bound to catch on. We can pass this one off as a medical reason, seeing as you've skipped the past two meals... she looked at him in a scolding manner, and helped him sit up. But you need to watch it. You could cost Dumbledore his job, not to mention mine. And I don't think you want to ruin being able to come here. He shook his head enthusiastically, and she smiled warmly.

Then get along to class before you're late.

What time is it?



Oh goody, just in time for Defense...



Are you sure you're ok? Peter asked again during dinner. Remus sighed, ate a large chunk of steak to convince them he was fine, and nodded his head.

Well you have been actin' kind of weird lately. Sirius reminded. Going off to visit your mum, and coming back so soon, all tired...

Traveling does do that to you. Remus said, stomach twisting.

He has a point Sirius. Remember when your dad got that new house, and you skipped a week to go help move in? You came back looking like you'd been to hell and back a few times. James pointed out. They all considered this, and the subject of Remus' strange behavior was quickly forgotten. But Sirius felt it his duty to counter on his friend in equal terms.

Hey, really James, why've you been acting strange? You skipped Quidditch practice for God's sake, you never do! Peter snorted, and James offered him a sharp kick under the table.

Don't know what you're talking about. James said shortly, suddenly gaining interest in his salad.

You're up to something, you little conniving bas-

Why thank you. he replied, taking it as a complement. Sirius welcomed him, and went back to digging into his friends business.

No seriously, what's been up? he inquired. James stood up, decided he had homework to finish before bed, and dashed off very suddenly.

Lost his mind, I say. Sirius said, watching as he scurried out of view.

Good thing my friend's are all a bunch of nutters. Hell if they ever notice I act strange... It'd be pretty Goddamn normal compared to them.' Remus mused with a smile.



Mr. Lupin, can you come here a moment? Professor Carlison asked that Thursday. Remus dragged himself up to the desk, waiting for the inevitable.

I did not receive your essay due, Mr. Lupin. he said in a quiet, scathing voce.

I don't understand why I have to, sir. he said irritably. You should know that-

I expect the assignment on my desk by Monday. the Defense Master said shortly as the bell rang. With a mumbled reply, Remus walked along with his friends to Charms.



Today class, we will be experimenting with some fourth-year magic. You have proved to be rather skilled in the past, so I am hoping this will go over well. professor Flitwick said from atop his stack of books.

I think we're are going to start with Summoning Charms, yes... Alright, pair up everybody, pair up! said excitedly.

The professor had given Remus a little talk on how it was perfectly acceptable if he couldn't complete the Charm as he was not part of the curriculum last year. As it turned out Remus was the very first to do the charm properly, managing to Summon the book from Flitwicks desk.

Oh! Very good Mr. Lup- he toppled out a sight, and climbed back on his books. Ten points for Gryffindor! Splendid! he squeaked. Remus displayed no proud smile as his classmates would have done, he just simply let the book float in front of him for a while. After loosing interest, he made Flitwick fall out of his seat again by Banishing it back, neatly, to the desk.

What, I've been doing it for years. No big deal. he said as a few people stared at him.

We'll, he certainly isn't lagging behind. a Hufflepuff said with a shrug to her friends.



Idiot boy!

Remus was shoved aside, and a moment later, a small eruption of fire broke out over his cauldron. Professor Bane snarled at his pupil with flared eyes, cursing him mentally.

Remus mumbled, looking intently at his feet.

You just very well could have blown up this classroom! the silver-haired, elderly but cruel professor barked.

I said I was sorry. Remus snapped bravely. What do you want me to do? I can't likely take it back can I? A stunned look came about the much-hated mans face, and he sputtered for a moment before issuing a detention. As he turned his back on the small throng of students, several Slytherin's gave a rare smile Remus' way.

Glad someone had the guts to do that. Severus Snape said quietly. Nearby, Lily Evans nodded her head, giving Remus a very obvious admiring grin.

Jesus Remus, what'd you do to cause an explosion? We're making Calbiance, kind of hard to blow up. James muttered sarcastically, breaking the mood.

I didn't know what I was doing... I never learned the basics of potions, they always bored me to death. he replied sharply. Professor Bane yelled at them to be quiet and get back to work, so the pack disbanded with a few scattered conversations. Since his own cauldron was now a pile of foul-smelling ash and goo, Remus decided to join Peter.

That was great. he said with a wide smile, his own glasses slightly charred from the dust of the explosion. After a failed attempt to clean them off, he simply tucked them in his pocket as usual.

I didn't mean to, really.

Oh, cause it was rather brilliant. Sirius didn't rightly know what he was doing either, his boiled over a minute after yours blew. Would of had hell to pay, Bane hates Sirius. With a prefected passion I'd say. Didn't take a strong liking to having his quill jinxed first day we ever had him... Splurged ink all over his robes. Nasty vengeance he has. Peter said, stirring the greenish fluid idly. A bubble popped very suddenly, and he jumped back.

None of us are very good at Potions... I always ruin them, they turn out all wrong. Sirius is a dimwit with them,

I heard that! Sirius snapped from a few spaces over, glaring at Peter with dangerous intent.

And James likes to mess them up on purpose. He's convinced that one day he can time it to explode right in Bane's nasty little face. he mumbled, scraping a bit of crusted potion off the sides of his cauldron and tipping in a few lacewing flies.

And I will dammit. James snapped as he walked by, accidently' spilling a cup of boiling water on Peter. After a few yelps, he magicked the water away and sneered at his friend.

They pick on you allot, eh? Remus said, fighting to conceal a grin.

I am seriously starting to doubt I'll ever have a normal life. he said in full honesty. Sometimes I think I should have walked right on by when I bumped into James in Diagon Alley...

Remus closed his eyes, and watched a brief flash image went through his mind.

They'll never suspect Peter! Please James, switch... It could be our last chance.!



Awesome save! seventh year Aaron Orvis said with an approving nod during Quidditch practice. Though his intricate plays were definitely setting Gryffindor as lead competition, his skill as a Keeper was also improving. He knew he was, by far, the worst Keeper Gryffindor had seen in many years. But the fact that he was managing to tie the team together to some point was encouraging enough to keep him in place as lead Keeper and assistant Captain. As October second drew nearer, the date of their first match against Ravenclaw, he grew anxious and went on a play-frenzy. During the vast majority of his classes, he would doddle out flight patterns and formations on any piece of paper he could find.

Relax Remus, we'll win. Sirius assured Saturday morning, already clad in his scarlet Quidditch robes. Though intended for good, his words did nothing to calm Remus' raging nerves.

I'm gonna go... Make sure Alex can lend me his Cleansweep...

Go talk to your brother, you have plenty of time to sneak down. James suggested. Remus bit his lip, and looked up.

I never said he was staying nearby. he said shortly. Sirius and james grinned, and Peter rolled his eyes.

Trust me, you can't keep anything secret from them. They always find out. Peter mumbled.

Remus took James' advice and quietly made his way to the statue.



Jesus Christ, they're gonna find out. Remus said for the fifth time since he had sat down at the creaky old table. Romolus chuckled, and set down a pot of tea and offered a glass.

As long as you aren't a complete dolt it'll be fine.

You don't know them... I swear, they could be spies or something. And they get in trouble more than any five people combined, apiece. he said with a small grin, as he now shared that percentage.

Sounds like fun.

It is. Remus admitted.

Well anyway, stop worrying about the game. You're so Goddamn clever they wont even get a chance to score. he said with a smirk.

Care to whip my ass in chess? You keep claiming you're good, I wanna test the little Mooner.


Remus was rather surprised-He hadn't known Romolus could play chess that well. He was shocked when his elder brother had managed to snatch his queen very early in the game.

Doesn't matter, I don't use her much anyway. Remus admitted. Several moves later though, both his knights were in a neat line off the board.

Alright, fine... You are good. when did you pick up chess?

Shelly's father was a fanatic for it, he spent a long time trying to get me hooked on it. Never did figure it out, and he died before I ever got very good. Me and Shell played every now and then in-between my runnings. he said with a small shrug, frowning as his last rook was captured.

Remus said, sipping his tea. Rom cursed aloud, not able to find any escape route.

Checkmate. And you could have moved to c-2, I couldn't haven stopped you there. Remus pointed out. With a grumble, Romolus pointed out the fact that he should be getting back to school.

I'll beat you next time! he swore as Remus departed, much more relaxed than he had come.



Forty-five minutes into the game, it's now twenty-nintey in favour of the underdog Lions. the announcer said, mild surprise in his voice, as Ravenclaw called for a time out. The gryffindors gathered around Remus, all in a state of bliss, patting him on the back.

It isn't over yet, remember, they're clever. We can assume they're going to start using some counter plays against us, so we need to keep up. I say we try using the Metriate formation, it'll cancel any attempts they make to catch the Snitch early out. Remus said, nodding hsi head to himself.

We'd be vulnerable to Bludger work. James pointed out.

It's a risk we need to take if we want to make sure you have all the space you need to get the Snitch. Remus said, letting out a sigh.

Focus all the Bludger work on the Seeker, keep him on his toes as long as possible, don't let him sit. Sarah, Aaron, double up on the center Chaser, they're going to use him as the lead.

And how do you know that? Sarah Virkler snapped, still skeptical of his calls.

Do you want to win or not? The whistle blew, and their discussion was brought to a halt.

Just do as I said, and Sirius... he stayed behind as the rest flew off, facing Remus in the air.



Watch your back in a few minutes.

Why's that?

Just trust me.


It was a nasty sight, watching someone fall from so high above the ground. The opposing Chasers had triple-teamed on Aaron when he had the Quaffle, and distracted the ref enough so as to let way for a very direct foul. The Beaters, working very precisely, ahd taken drastic measure and decided to incapacitate Sirius with an unavoidable Bludger assault. with a sickening thud, Sirius toppled off his broom and hit the ground. The crowd screamed, many of the Slytherin's hooted their applause, while the Gryffindors erupted into a mob.

Someone get the nurse! Professor Heltin, the referee, shouted. Lowering to the ground as one, both teams decided it was bets to call off the match. James was the first one that managed to shove through the crowd and see what damage had been done.

Oh my God... he said in disgust. Sirius' skull was visible through bloody gap on the back of his head where the iron Bludgers had hit him at the same time. Professor Heltin rolled him over, and cringed. His eyes were open, though he was clearly not conscious. Remus shut his eyes, wishing Sirius had taken his advice. He never wondered how he had known, he just accepted it as a neglected warning.

Is... Is he alright? the Ravenclaw beaters asked in minute voices, disgusted that they had caused such.

Of course, just a little bump to the head. the ref said, her words not convincing anyone. The look in her eyes clearly let it be known that it was a little bit more than just a bump.




A/n- I'm now willing to offer a kind of Author Alert on my own. If anyone want's an e-mail whenever this is updated, please contact me!! Drop me a line at AlyssaC7@aol.com (Be sure to put IGGIE as subject) and I'll be happy to chat about anything or such. Thanks for reading, and ALL suggestions are welcome!

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Iggie