A/n- Sorry this one is late, I've been out on a trip... Well, with much ado, here it is!

Disclaimer. Iggie takes no claims to Harry Potter. Nor does Iggie make an ounce of money off of this thing... Iggie is sad for this :(

Rating- PG-13 as I swear... o_O

Chapter Keywords- Summer, Marauders conspiring, Quidditch, break from reality.




Seeing Grey - Part X - Sunset



Ah man, you have to come stay with us! Sirius said as the train began to fill with students departing for the summer holidays. The year had ended on a bright note for Remus, as for once in his life he had a home and friends to come back to.

I'm staying in Hogsmeade for a while... Romolus is with his girlfriend in London right now, apparently there's some Dark practicers on the rampage down there. So I'm taking up a job at Zonko's, I already talked it out. he said, shrugging. I'll be sure to send you prototypes. he added, the other three boys smiling as they stepped aboard the train door frame.

Well, if you get a chance, write to us. James lets us stay every summer, his place is... Unbelievable. Peter said. After a long bought of goodbyes and well-wishes, the train whistled, and pulled away into the warm afternoon sun. Sighing ruefully, Remus turned on heel and walked back towards Hogwarts to collect his things.


Dumbledore said you're welcome to stay here. McGonnagal said as he towed his small trunk into the common room with the aid of a Levitation Charm.

Oh, no, I'm going down to Hogsmeade for a while. he said shortly, shrugging as he went back upstairs for his satchel.

We set up accommodations so you can access the Shack whenever need be. she called as he gave a last look at his dorm before shutting the door.

Thank you. he said in an embarrassed way almost, tugging his floating trunk of belongings with him out the portal. He held his broom over his shoulder, too overprotective to stash it away.

Well, tell your brother I said hello. she said oddly, handing him a small package for Romolus.

Oh, he's away right now.

You're staying on your own? She blinked a few times, eyebrows furrowing underneath the thin glasses. He handed back the envelope, nodding his head.





Lupin! Hey, wait a minute! he turned around, and was greeted by his huffing boss. Forgot your paycheck you dolt. he said with a smile, handing over the sealed packet. He opened it as he was bid good day, walking through the busy streets into The Three Broomsticks for a drink.

he muttered, amazed that he had earned so much in only two weeks. He dumped the small pile of Galleons and Sickles on to the table, careful not to such the silver coins, and smiled.

Hey Rosetta, gimme a butterbeer!



Rom,

Hope everything is going well with the order business and all. I got my paycheck today- Four Galleons and two Sickles. Pretty soon and we can afford to rent our own place, eh? That'd be nice... If I get the chance, I might go and stay with James for a week or so, hopefully you'll be back by then.

Anyway, what's been up? You'd better come back soon, it's dead boring here. I've actually stooped to heading back to Hogwarts and studying. I know, mutant genetics... Well, I have to go cook Mrs. Cremsaw her dinner, she lets me stay cheap if I help out...

Hope everything is alright,

Remus




he muttered, looking about in pure awe as he walked through the back room of Quality Quidditch Supply. He had taken up a nightshift as a stock boy for the weekends when it was open well into the next morning for the extra money. He was now the proud owner of a two-bedroom cabin right off of Hogsmeade, and within walking distance of the main square. But the increase in bills resulted in his need for extra Galleons each week.

You actually ridin' that thing? the store manager, a young man with a a burly look, asked his fifth day on. Remus had been sitting on a box of spare broom handles in varying colours, polishing his own broom.

he said in a slightly hurt tone.

God, that's... Old.

It's fine... I can't really afford any better besides it.



Romolus! Finally! he said happily, punching his brother in the arm. He smiled, and lifted the heavy trunks into the small cabin with complete ease.

Pretty nice place. Need's some decoration... But hell, it's almost a home. he said approvingly, looking around. He looked in the dusty old mirror hanging in the cramped hallway, and frowned at his reflection.

You do look older. Remus agreed, though his brothers comment was not made verbally. Worrying more than I have recently.

Eh, thing's will get better pretty soon. The Ministry managed to round up that band of Dark mages, so I dont have to worry about Shelly's family anymore. he said, sitting down on the couch with a long, deep sigh of relief. He smiled dumbly, and closed his eyes.

I'm going to come back to Hogwarts, for a few months. he announced. I'll start during summer, next week, so I can finish school and not be in your way. I figured I have to start acting my age sometime. he shrugged. Remus smiled, and helped him unpack some of his things into the first-floor bedroom. He shoved the small collection of robes they often shared into a drawer, and smirked.

Romolus, I think Shelly left her, um... Yeah, you might want to get this back to her. he said with a stupid smile. His brother turned his head head from the next room over, went bright red, and Summoned it promptly.

Yeah, she might want that back. Remus repeated.


Remus,

Come on! You have to come this weekend, the Wasps are playing and we all got tickets, an extra for you too! Sirius is already here, and Pete is coming, so think about it, will you? I'm sure you can fit a few days in, and I checked the charts-No full moon, so don't go giving me that rubbish again. Anyway, you're coming whether you like it or not, so just get to Diagon Alley Thursday at noon. We'll meet up, alright?

James

(And you'd better be there Moony, we can track you down you know.)

He smirked at the last line written in Sirius messy writing, and set down the letter an irritable grey owl had delivered. With a few moments thought, he wrote back a reply on a scrap piece of parchment on the creaky kitchen table.

James,

I can make the game, but I can't stay... Maybe next year. I have to work this weekend, but I have Sunday off, so I'm up for Quidditch. I'll check with my boss to see when I can leave. I'll see you in Diagon Alley hopefully on time, so sorry ahead if I'm late.

Remus





And Morrison takes the Quaffle!

Remus squirmed in his seat, cheering with the rest of his friends in bliss. It was the second half of the Quidditch game, and the Whimbourne Wasps were obliterating Puddlemore United at a score of 210-60.

Isn't this great? James asked loudly over the roar of cheers that came about as Puddlemore scored a goal.

If United gets the Snitch, they win. Remus noted, looking about for the tiny golden ball through his borrowed Omnioculars. He watched the Puddlemore Seeker, bloody from a Bludger collision, looking about frantically for the Snitch from high above the field.

Ten Sickles the Wasps win. Sirius said as they scored another goal, disabling the Seeker from catching the Snitch.



Romolus, where are we going? Don't we have to get some dinner or-

I'm taking you out.

Out where?

To have some fun.



Jesus, has it been that long since you've done something for the hell of it? he asked, peering down at his confused brother. We're going to a Muggle circus, it's free and I don't feel like getting in trouble with the police again. Besides, I won't get to see you again until summer. the second-year said with a small shrug, shoving his tense sibling through the line of coton candy venders. They stepped into a grand area, a high-top tent filled to the brim with small children and smiling parents.

Remus said simply, looking around.

Come on, we can get some food... I found a few Muggle pounds in the street. Want some peanuts or... That works. he trailed off, shrugging to himself. Remus had gone by one of the cotton-candy men innocently, and grabbed a serving right off the tray without notice.

A while later, after the crowd had settled down and an announcer in a cheap suit came into the ring, Romolus had managed to find front-row seats right in front of one of the three rings. Remus sat, intrigued as much as the six year olds, as he had never seen such a thing in his life. The thought never occurred to him to feel childish, going to a kiddy show, for this was such a new thing for him. Fun.

Remus squeaked as an elephant came by, an elegant dancer high atop its back. A moment later, the gigantic beats was running amok, scared out of it's whits by some natural instinct. Romolus swallowed, and tugged at his brothers hand.

Come on... Before they bring the tigers out. he muttered, towing his sibling along through the frightened crowd. It wasn't until weeks later did Remus realize he had caused the pang of fright that sparked the nasty accident for the dancer and the large creature.



No way, Puddlemore has been doing awesome this season! James argued, snapping his friend back to reality.

Yeah, was. Note the score. Peter said sharply, watching as the Puddlemore center Chaser took a hit to the head from a Beaters bat. James grumbled something no one could comprehend, and a minute later, smiled smugly as his team scored a brilliant goal by breakaway.

Oh yeah, they're gonna loose alright. he said sarcastically a while later as Puddlemore began a comeback. Sirius grumbled a bit, looking hopefully at the Wasps Seeker, waiting for her to make some brilliant dive.

Unfortunately, for him anyway, it never came. She was busy cursing off the referee over a foul when Puddlemore finally caught the Snitch, and won the game by twenty points. Remus sat, slightly sad that the fun was over and he would have to go home. The pack waited as the crowd piled out of the stadium, discussing the finer points of the hour-long match.

You kids want to get some food? James' caretaker asked as they walked along in the bustling pathway.

Nah, lets go to Sirius' for a while. Kay?

Alright by me. Sirius said, smiling as James had forgotten the ten-Sickle bet.

Be back by ten, or I'll track you down. Besides, I know where he lives by now. the adult said, smiling as he set up a Portkey for the kids out in the Disapparating Lot.



So how exactly does it work? Peter asked for the tenth time that night. They had all crammed into Sirius small bedroom, lying on the thick carpet over the still in-progress Marauders Map. James hit him across the head, rolling his eyes.

You're thick as a rock, you know that Pete? Sirius muttered, digging through a shelf of books for something while once again they had to explain the map to Peter. With a nasty grin, he pulled out a very volumous book, covered in dust and dog-tagged in several corners.


You have GOT to be kidding! James said, wide-eyed as he read through the discoloured pages.

I mean, come on... This is illegal! Not Hogwarts detention-illegal... More or less lock you up and pay a hefty ifne illegal. he said with a grin, not caring one way or the other if it would involve breaking several laws. Not to mention impossible! he added, flipping through the intricate directions.

Aw come off it, it'd be fun as hell if we could manage it! Sirius said, rolling over on his back. And it could help Remus, that's why I suggested it in the first place. he said defensively. Remus looked up at mention of himself, snatched the book away from James, and blinked.

Don't even THINK about it. That's so dangerous, no way. Never. he repeated, trying to shut the book. Sirius grabbed it back from him, and turned a few pages while rambling on.

Look, I know enough about werewolves to say it can help a lot. You'd be calm while with animals to some extent, right? I read about a guy who stayed with a pack of real wolves when he transformed, that way he'd never hurt anything outside of a rabbit. Seriously, we could roam around and stuff and never have to worry. Since we wouldn't be human you'd never try to bite us.

You'd have to be a complete idiot to think you can master Animagism, and not to mention without anyone noticing! I mean hell, that's supposed to take years to learn, even with watch from the Ministry. And you can die, alright? Don't even try it.

He groaned in dismay as James and Sirius sported identical grins, both looking at each other maniacally. Peter looked on in confusion, his mind stressed enough from the Map instructions.

Guys, please... You can't.

Wanna bet?

Not preferably...

Hey Sirius, that reminds me. Cough up the cash.




Hey Rem, where's the stuff on Advanced Transfiguration? Romolus asked loudly from within the Hogwarts library. Dumbledore had given them special access, and thankfully, they had no restraints on how loud they could be while studying.

Two shelves over from the Potions stuff. No, the other way. he called, shutting his own book on fifth year Defense studies. He had reached the conclusion that Carlison would never stop giving him extra work, so he decided to learn everything in advance to save time. James and Sirius got him in so many detentions he had been running thin on time to actually do his work last year.

Man, it's weird being back here... Deju vu or something. Romolus said as he sat back down at the dusty table. He dropped down a stack of huge books, and a packet of worksheets McGonnagal had given him.

I'm only taking a few classes this year, the ones I really need. Already worked everything out with Dumbledore... He's a great Headmaster, you don't know how lucky you are. he said, smiling. Dippet was... Oh God he was horrible. Hated me with a passion.

I've heard stories. Remus said with a fond grin.

Whatever it is, load of dragon dung.

Speaking of which, are you taking Care of Magical Creatures? I was thinking about trying it for a while despite my problem.

Why would I bother, I've been caring for a magical creature once a month for many years. he said with a kind grin, implying no offense towards his brother. I'm doing sixth-year Potions, seventh Transfiguration, seventh Charms, sixth Defense, and a mixed Muggle studies for an easy grade. he said after a moments thought.

Oh no.... Remus' face fell, and he snarled a bit. We're going to be in the same class...

With a grin, Romolus pat Remus on the back, laughing to himself.

You planned that didn't you? Oh, you're gonna get it... I'll sic James and Sirius on you.


Hey Moony-

Dead depressing, isn't it? Classes start in a week... Ah well, we got the Map fine-tuned, I'd send it to you but I don't trust that blasted owl of yours. Nasty little thing... Anyway, just popping a note of warning. James is really serious about the plan, and we're wondering if you'd care to join us in our little escapade. We dragged Peter down, so he's in. Write back so we can work it in.

Sirius


DEFINITELY NOT. I still think you're all a bunch of nutters for even attempting. Don't go crying to me when you're stuck with a back of fur and a dog snout. Have fun explaining that one to Bane.

With love and ill-wishes,

Remus



Those are a bit small, aren't they? Romolus asked, letting out a sigh as he gazed at his brother. Remus' old robes had long since gotten too short, or torn to bits, but they were having trouble finding secondhand ones that fit properly.

Closest things they have, and they're better than my old set. he said quietly, Banishing them back to the rack and searching for longer ones.

Well, with the money you saved from your second shift, I think we might be able to get new ones... he counted out, the contents of his money bag strewn about the table.

Then you can't afford any, and yours are far worse than mine. I'll live with these ones, they aren't so bad... Maybe Lily can take out a hem for me or something. he said with a shrug, taking them to the counter. Madam Malkin, a young blonde witch with a few pins in her mouth, smiled warmly at him.

Here you are dear, I'll take a bit off. No trouble at all. Remus went red, not comfortable taking pity from strangers, but thanked her repeatedly nonetheless as he collected his bag. Ten minutes later, Romolus carried a sack of his own new clothes and they went hurriedly into the streets of Diagon Alley.


You wand's a load of dung. Remus noted as Romolus attempted to conjure himself a glass of water. The spell had backfired, and his wand emitted a jet of sparks instead.

I've had it since I was nine, of course it's a bit beaten. We can't afford anything... It'll do for a few more years until I can get a better job.

God, I bet we're the only people under sixteen worrying all the time about jobs and rent and that. James is lucky as hell, and he takes it all for granted. Remus sighed, setting his things down on a bench as they watched packs of people go by, arms full of expensive new things.

Hey, we're making it on our own. That's priceless, eh? You're not some spoiled little brat who gets a present and frowns. Thing's will work out in a while, once I finish school enough to get better pay.

You've been saying that for years. Remus muttered miserably, gazing longingly at the Quidditch store and its new display. When is it gonna happen?

Someday, honestly.

Yeah, like someday there will be a cure, and someday the Dark will stop trying to take over. Someday's never going to come, is it?




Rom, come on! He ran on, looking back occasionally. His brother started to fade from his view, not possessing the inhuman speed his younger sibling did.

Hurry up, they'll catch us! he shouted, skidding to a halt. Romolus waved at him, trying to tell him to go on, but he stood his ground.

I wont go without you. Not again. he muttered as he ran slower so they wouldn't loose each other. Sirens rang in the background, and Romolus sped up, breathing erratically in an attempt to keep away from the police.

In here! Remus dragged him into an abandoned apartment building, and with a tense moment, they listened as the screeching sirens went past.

We got away. Remus said after a long while, Romolus still trying to catch his breath.

Yeah... This time anyway. he said shortly.

Oh, they'll give up after a while. They don't have the time to chase us out of town.

You know, someday we'll find a normal little town, and settle in. I'm sick of running all the time.

Maybe someday will come today. Remus said optimistically, digging a bale of food from his pack. Without another word, the two boys made due on their meal of leftovers, neither caring about anything in the world.


At least we're safe, and together. Romolus had said later that night as they curled up under the growing moon.





A/n- Sorry if that was a bit dull, but it sets way for the next chapter. I promise that eleven will be terribly exciting! Really! Well, thanks for reading, and please be so kind as to leave me a review! If you want to discuss my story, anything Harry Potter, or if you just want to ramble endlessly about nothing, drop me a line at AlyssaC7@aol.com.

Iggie