A/n- here's eight for you. Thanks to everyone reading!!!!!

Rating-PG-13, though this one MAY swear a smidgen. Sorry!

Disclaimer- Rowling and all respective owners have full possession of Harry Potter and related material. I in no way intend any copyright violations nor am I making any money whatsoever off of this (XP).

Chapter Keywords- Christmas, James+Lily, revelations and very evil Carlison. o_O


PLEASE disregard my grammar problems, I know I have a ton. Hey, I'm fourteen for God's love, and I don't exactly pay attention in Language Arts... o_O



Seeing Grey - Part VIII - Crystalline




Remus awoke at long before the sun Christmas morning. It was his habit to rise early, and stay up late, as result of years of constant travel. He staggered into the showers, stood under the inviting water for a few minutes, and finally changed into his finest robes. But upon seeing the pile of gifts at the foot of his bed, he let out a startled sort of squeak, and interrupted James' insistent snoring.

he mumbled, looking about as though a killer was in the room. He rolled his eyes, yawned very deeply, and rolled out of bed onto the floor, entwined in his sheets.

Cho up s'early for? he mumbled, trying to find his glasses. Remus stayed where he was, gapping open mouth. He hadn't had presents in a long time, years, since he had still had a family. Romolus never knew where he was while they were traveling all the time.

Cho neva see presents b'fore? James said with a droggy smile. He began to tear at his own pile after freeing himself from his bed sheet prison, carelessly throwing bits of coloured paper all about the room. Remus sat down slowly, picked one up marked from Peter and Sirius, and carefully removed the wrappings.

No, just... Shred it. James said, rolling his eyes. He tore a bit of Remus' package as a sarcastic example, and went back to his own mound of gifts.

Half an hour later, Remus had a very large collection of Ultra-Potent Dungbombs and a huge stash of chocolate Frogs and Every Flavor Beans. James and Alex had chipped in and bought him a wizards chess set (that cost more than anything Remus owned, he thought to himself) that was made of beautiful rosewood and carved stone. Lily had gotten him a Muggle book he had started on the road before, but never finished. Romolus though, had shocked the colour out of his cheerful face.

Oh my God... he muttered in awe, plucking the broom from it's tissue-paper wrapped package. He overlooked the fact that it was secondhand, a few series old, and had broken twigs at the end. The polish Romolus had tirelessly rubbed on gave it a brand new shine, and he had even bothered to apply a fresh coat of gold lettering along the faded handle.

Pretty nice. James said approvingly.

How'd he afford it? Remus asked aloud. He could barely afford to feed himself and pay back debt's to Shelly, he couldn't have bought the broom on his tiny salary. He plucked the note, and snorted to himself.


No I didn't steal it, probably the first thing you thought you stupid git. I've been saving Sickles for a long time, so don't go busting it up. Anyway, hope you have fun and whatnot, but I can't write long. I have to work tonight... Goddamn boss has no heart, I swear. Seeya Moony.

Forever in debt,

Romolus


he said simply, running his hands along it in wonder.



A few people watched with raised eyebrows as Remus ate. He had been out flying all day, taking perfect care not to bend a twig on his broom, and hadn't eaten lunch. His canine appetite went into overdrive, and he was gobbling down stacks of ham and roasted beef at a rate unseen by the Gryffindors.

James said with a shrug as Lily sat down next to him, smiling.

It was a shock to the male populous as far as what James had gotten Lily for Christmas. All of Lily's Slytherin friends-and everyone else for that fact-expected him to buy the most expensive thing he could find and expect it to be perfect. But instead he had spent well over two days of valuable vacation time slaving over Transfiguration books and Charm notes from last month. The product was a slightly off-center lily-shaped necklace pendant he had made from a shiny Sickle. Remus had helped with the colour-charm, it swirled every few seconds to a new shade, and had wrapped it as well. James' attempt at gift wrapping was a laughable similarity to shreds of paper and excessive tape.

What's new? I haven't seen you around all day. Lily said to Remus, sipping her pumpkin juice.

He's been out obsessing over his new broom.

Ah, boys and their toys. Lily sighed. She fingered her necklace importantly for a while, watching as Dumbledore cleared his throat at the Head Table, about to give speech.

Remus dozed off a little, eyes half open and mind fogged with thoughts. He watched, as though from far away, as Lily and James flirted annoyingly, Dumbledore went on about something, and the Slytherins giving him short glances. He reached out to the platter of steak, and idly grasped the fork.

he yelled loudly, snapping back to reality. His face flushed red as every head in the Hall turned on him, though his hand hurt too much to notice as much as he might have. He put his two burning fingers in his mouth, not remembering that silver shouldn't hurt a normal wizard. Looking them over as Dumbledore went on, and the gazes diverted, he whimpered quietly at the searing white marks in diminishing pain.

He also didn't notice that James was looking at him in an all new light.



Are you really going to visit mum? Remus asked, his hand dipped in a bucket of ice as he sat at the kitchen table, directing his pieces about the new chessboard with his elder brother.

I haven't seen her since I started Hogwarts back when, thought it might be decent of me to check up on her. he replied with a thoughtful shrug.

Remus said shortly, promptly taking Romolus' last knight.

You know, I'm never going to beat you. he mused.

You will eventually. he said with such certainty that he almost scared himself.

You know, you've been acting rather odd. Romolus remarked with a curious glint in his eyes.

Don't look at me like that. he said as he took his hand out of the ice, looking at the peeling skin identical to on that of his other hand from the other fork accident'.

That's the same glare Mendell gives me every day. he muttered.

Really? Why?

Something about Seeing the Talents and a load of dung. I don't know, I'm in it for the easy marks. God knows Carlson's gonna fail me on purpose. he snorted, smiling to himself.

Across the table, as he made a perfect check on Remus, Romolus fought to conceal a grin.

Check, my dear brother.

How'd you-What-





As the holidays passed, so did all cover Remus had on his lycopanthy. James was back to no good, for no reason, and he had the help of Sirius once again. Carlsons long lessons on the miniscule details of werewolves didn't help the matters any more either.

They're deathly allergic to silver, it boils their skin. It creates white blisters upon contact, which will eventually develop into a thick callous before disappearing after a week or so. he said in an icy tone, smiling his crooked smile to the class. Everyone copied their notes tediously, even Remus, who knew the lesson far better than anyone else ever would. Had Remus not been sitting right in front of James, he would have noticed the curious glances and attempts to catch a glimpse at his clenched hands.

They are also naturally immune to many sicknesses, though it is more a habit of genetics than unanimous trait. Remus smiled, thinking faking ill would also come in handy at any given time had James dig up any suspicions.

They are also, he said, glaring right at Remus with his cold eyes. Abnormally strong. Said to have the strength of ten men, aren't they, Mr. Lupin?

Yes sir. he grumbled, copying down his words, trying very hard not to break his quill. Or his Professors neck for that fact.

Now, once a werewolf is identified... Mr. Potter, you'd be wise not to pass notes in my classroom. he snapped. James bit his lip, muttered an apology, and went back to listening attentively.

Once a werewolf has been identified, there are many simple ways to kill it. Muggles, as they are partially aware of their existence, are fools about it. There is no way to physically kill a werewolf in combat, as their strength can crack a neck without effort. Remus shivered, remembering just such an instance.

The most successful way to dispose of the creature in question is to shoot them with a silver, or silver coated, as it has the same effect, bullet. If it is lodged in the skin for long enough a period, it will kill them in minutes. They can also be warded off by certain charms and restraints, though I cannot teach them to you yet. he announced to the dismay of many. Breathing irregular, Remus swallowed, face covered in beads of sweat. His hands were clenched tightly, nails digging into his palms.

Carlson asked as Peter daringly put his hand up.

Why do they kill them sir? Wouldn't it be possible to just catch them and wait for the moon to wane? he asked in a startling display of brilliancy never before seen by his peers. Carlson frowned, and gave the boy one of his murderous stares.

They're werewolves, it would be useless ot just catch them. Disposing of them saves innocent lives.

But sir... They're regular people when it's not the full moon, right? a Ravenclaw asked wearily.

Have you not been listening? They're a threat to society, a disgrace! he nearly yelled, making everyone go silent.

You'd do the world a favour by shooting it. They do nothing but cause trouble, and there is no place in society for such beasts.

Closing his eyes, Remus took in a long breath, trying to calm himself, and his fidgeting stomach, down.

Are you alright? Sirius whispered from next to him as Carlson had his back turned, barking down at someone.

Yeah... Fine. he said weakly, resting his head in his hands.

You're really pale. Sirius noticed, leaning closer.

And your eyes are all dilated... You sick or something?

With a mental smile, Remus bent over, and lost the vast majority of his breakfast.




Remus, is something the matter?

Hello Headmaster. he said quietly, wishing he didn't have to be confined to the bed for the night.

This is your second time falling ill in class recently... Mr. Potter tells me they were both during werewolf discussions.

Weak topic. he said shortly, fuming. Dumbledore sighed, and shook his head.

You would be wise to keep low for a while Mr. Lupin, I do not think we can afford letting this out so early. he warned in a very subtle manner.

Alright sir.

Nurse Ahmand had come over, handing him a cup of potion.

The full moon's tomorrow, do you want to just stay here the night? It'd let on to everyone that you really are sick. she suggested.



He staggered back on his own, not waiting for nurse Ahmand to arrive. It hadn't been a good moon, he had been too preoccupied before the transformation. The fraction of his human mind was full of hostile and worried thoughts, and he had scratched himself all night, howling viciously. Taking no notice of the small trickle of blood trailing down his arm, he bit back his pain in his twisted leg, and made way to the Gryffindor Tower to sleep in his own bed.



Turning around slowly, he found James and Sirius blinking at him in confusion right in front of the Fat Lady. In his hand, he held the unfinished Marauders map, looking at it in a daze.

Remus, what's going on? James asked quietly, not allowing him to enter the Common Room.

Nothing. Lemme sleep. Remus said in a daze, angry all of a sudden.

Not until you tell us why you've been acting up. Sirius declared firmly, taping at the map.

That charm you did, that tells where people are, we fixed it. We saw you leave the Infirmary, go off the bounds, and come back this morning. Now. What's going on?

Nothing. C'mon, I'm really tired... he mumbled, trying to shove them aside. Without even meaning to, he slammed Sirius against the wall very hard. He stood up after a moment, rubbing his head where it had collided with the stone.

The hell? he cursed.

C'mon James... Let me get in. he asked. He shook his head firmly, and held out one of Romolus' notes.

Remus, we figured it out. This proves it. Remus snatched the letter, stuffed it in his pocket, and nudged his way to the sleeping Fat Lady.

Stop trying to hide it! James said loudly, grabbing him by the shoulder. With a sinking heart, Remus gained full awareness of the situation as the last of his canine mind faded. Eyes dilating, he crouched against the wall, looking horrified.

We figured it out. Sirius concluded, still rubbing his head. We know what you've been hiding.

I... I haven't...

Remus, it's over.

In a fearful and out of character leap, he tackled James to the ground, mind lost in panic.


Remus! Get off of him! he shouted, trying to pry his little brother from the teenager. He was received by a backhand that sent him hurtling towards a tree, in which he collided with violently. Remus turned back to his prey, teeth barred in between wolf and man.

Remus, come on! You're going to kill him! Romolus yelled, trying to regain himself. In a blur he watched the double figures in front of him, not able to see straight. Stop it! You're gonna kill him! he pleaded again, seeing his brother take a swipe. He didn't remember how it had happened, or why, but now was what mattered. The young man cried out one last time before his head cracked with the ground, he he fell limply to the side. Romolus staggered forward, and slapped Remus across the face while he had the chance.

Oh my God... What've I done? he asked, eyes tearing. Disgusted with himself, he dashed off, running at such a speed his brother didn't have a chance of ever catching him.

At least he's alive. Romolus said in shaken voice, drawing his hand back from the boys wrist. Remus, what am I supposed to do with you? he whispered into the early morning fog.



Remus! Come back- Remus! James shouted, running with all his might after the boy. Sirius finally gave up trying to catch him, and tugged at James' robes to slow him down.

Too fast. he huffed out, gasping for breath. The watched the Marauders Map, seeing the little blob of ink dash out of the school grounds and out of the area.

Come on, I think I know where he's going. There's a shortcut. James said after a moments thought. The two raven-haired troublemakers went off in the opposite direction, bound for the second-floor picture of Sir Alamando.



Rom... Please! Think of something! he pleaded, eyes wide in fear. He was shaking involuntarily, shivering though there was no cold. His hair was still gruffed from his transformation, little trails of blood were dried on his forehead, and he looked as though he had come out of a loosing fight.

I can't! God, you had to screw it up didn't you? Jesus Christ Remus, things were starting to get NORMAL! Auuggh! Rom yelled, pulling at his own untidy hair in frustration. He made a hasty apology for yelling, but went on without offering any solutions.

Well we can't go to Dumbledore. Or anyone! That bastard you thought was a friend will tell everyone, we'll have to scramble. There's no way we could travel safely once it gets let out-

I'll go. Now. Remus decided, sitting up in his chair. You shouldn't have to leave because I blew it. Go back to Hogwarts, live the normal life I stole from you. I can get to Canada on my own, maybe it won't-

His plan was interrupted as James knocked on the door, and opened it on his own. Sirius followed him inside, looking very strangely at Remus and his brother.


Stop trying to hide it Remus, there's no point. James said before Remus could manage an excuse.

He slumped against the wall, eyes flaring out of vision. With a sinking heart, he realized his battle was lost before it had truly begun.






A/n- Sorry this is a short one, I had to cut it off a bit! Well, any comments and suggestions are welcome, and if I'm making any repeated grammatical errors, SOMEONE TELL ME! Thanks for reading, and contact me if ya wanna chat or the like. o_O

Iggie