A/n- Here's chapter eleven (wow this thing is getting lengthy!) for all of you faithful readers. I thank you much for reading!

THANK YOU EVERYONE! Your kind reviews are the only thing keeping this going! I'm simply overwhelmed by the positive response to this dingy of a fic. o_O And sorry for my nasty spelling and grammar!!

Disclaimer- As I've said over and over in so many words, i own absolutely nil. Don't even bother trying to say I didn't make this clear, as I've reinstated... You don't care. o_O

Rating- PG-13 for swearing outbursts possibly, I don't know.

Chapter Keywords- Muggle Studies, Marauders gril troubles, Romolus returns!
ANGST WARNING.



Seeing Grey - Part XI - New Moon




School had started without very much commotion. Romolus had been placed back in Gryffindor, sharing the his old dorm with his fellow sixth-years. Bane hadn't changed his nasty ways in the slightest, and Professor Carlison had even given more extra work this semester. The only real change in class was Muggle Studies in place of the old, tiring Runes, as now he had a firm understanding of his work. he had lived as a Muggle for many years, and was basically there to argue and reinforce everything Professor Hellen said.

I want you all to start reading a Muggle newspaper for a small project. she said the first day. Remus and romolus were sitting next to each other, thinking happily it would be a breeze. But once they started piling over their old hometown news, they had a brilliant idea.

Since mum won't write to us, maybe she'll be in the paper. romolus said at breakfast at the end of the first week. James and the others had accepted him as a normal Housemate, though they were rather shocked initially. Remus had always said he was living with his brother, and Peter expected him to be much older.

What they found, in place of an article about a good samaritan or schoolteacher, was a heartbreak.

Oh my God... Romolus said, swallowing. His face was instantly drained from its tan colour, and his hands started to shake slightly. Remus took the paper from him, curious, and let out a small gasp.

She's... Dead? he squeaked out. The people surrounding him went silent, and James shut his eyes in dreadful memory.

Romolus muttered, shaking his head. Entire place blew up. he said, closing his eyes. Without so much as a word more, both boys paid a silent respect, and went about their meal as normal.

Are... You alright? James asked a few minutes later. The Lupin boys sat silent, looking up every now and then to get more bacon.

they said in chorus, smiling slightly.

Look, I wasn't close to her, at all. I haven't seen her in years besides. Remus shrugged.

We weren't exactly on speaking terms either. Romolus said.

Peter, Sirius, and James specially, sat watching uncomfortably. For a while they whispered to each other, unsure of what to do.

Come on, his mum just died for God's sake... We should, I don't know... Something. Sirius said in a hushed voice.

After a while, the two stood up, and quietly went back to Gryffindor Tower. They didn't show up for classes that day, and at night their dorm mates saw nothing of them except a closed bed.






Rom... You can't stay here. she said suddenly, eyes going wide. She refused to move away from the door, not allowing entry for her sons.

We came to visit. Remus said quietly from behind, shoving his way in front of his brother. Wanted to say hi. He looked up hopefully, smiling innocently. The gesture ws not returned.

They're still looking for you. she said, eyes glazing over. Another man died and they think you did it. Get. she pointed off into the distance, past the winding road, and frowned sternly.

But mum-

Just leave, both of you. You aren't part of my life anymore, you left. Now go before the police come and find you.

Disbelievingly, Romolus blinked, confused. She was supposed to have welcomed him with open arms, crying in happiness for seeing them again. Now, now they were being rejected like stray dogs begging for a meal.







Lupin... Lupin, you're late. the Muggle Studies Professor said quietly the next afternoon. Peter, who had been persuaded to take the class as well, shifted in his seat. It was the first time the two had made themselves noticed since yesterday, and they looked like they'd come out from a loosing fight. Remus' hair was sticking out at odd angles, and his eyes were red and droopy. Romolus didn't look any better, and apparently he hadn't noticed that his shirt was on backwards.

Romolus said, slumping into a chair at the back of the room. Remus took seat next to his friend, absently looking through his bag for his late homework.

You alright? Peter asked in a daft tone, pursing his lips. The words seemed to snap some sense of reality back to Remus, who snapped to attention sharply.

Hm? Oh, yes... Fine. he nodded, and offered a small smile that didn't do much to convince Peter otherwise. He shrugged, and both went back to paying mild attention to the lesson on Muggle reliance on electricity.


He seems like he's still asleep or something. Peter remarked during potions later that day. Remus was off at his own cauldron, not paying any attention, stirring as though programed to do only so.

Yeah... Hell, you can't likely blame him though. I mean geez, that's got to suck. Sirius said offhand.

Well remember, he didn't live with her. He said before he hadn't even spoken to her in a long time.

God Peter, don't be so shallow. She was his mother, I mean, you could hate her and still take a hit. How would you like it if your mother just suddenly rolled over dead?

New subject please. James said, paling noticeably. He tipped a few drops of green liquid into the boiling water, biting his lip very hard.

Well what should we do? He needs to be cheered up, or something. Him and his brother both. Peter mumbled a few minutes later. James and Sirius looked to each other for a moment, trying to recall some foolproof plan, but came up empty for once.

I don't know. Sirius finally said, shaking his head. Really, I'm bringing up a bl- His words were cut off as Peter pored in the last ingredient with an evil smile, creating a rather large explosion. As the smoke cleared, the boys were found, covered in soot and green slim, laughing hysterically.

Way to go Pete! Sirius said, wiping the foul-smelling grime out of his eyes. James rubbed his filthy glasses on his robes, trying to clean them off. Where his glasses had been was the only clean part on his face, giving him the appearance that he had a mask on. From the corner, Remus looked over, and started to chuckle to himself.


Potter, Black, Pettigrew! after class! Bane barked out, trying to fan away the smog. They smiled guiltily, shoving each other about the area.


Where are those parasite friends of yours? romolus said, sitting down across his brother in the Common Room, holding the chess board.

Quick game?

They're all in detention, blew up a potion a while ago. he said as he set up the pieces.

Interesting lot of people you hang with. Romolus said with a shrug as his king started complaining about being locked up too long.

I suppose. Remus mumbled as he took a knight on his third move.

So you alright, with mum and all?

I'm fine... At least I didn't kill her. he said quietly, letting out a sigh. We've done without her for a long time, so there isn't any point grieving. Right?

I guess. Romolus said after a moments thought. I'm hungry.

Way to change the subject, O ye of Thought and Depth. Remus snorted.

Well I am.

Want me to snag something from the kitchen?

Nah, I can myself... Oh come on, you didn't expect me to be a do-gooder when I ws here, did you? Geez... I wasn't as bad as Black or Potter, but hell, I had my fair share of run-ins with angry Professors.


After a long and amusing encounter with very overeager house elves, the two Lupins made way back to their tower feeling considerably more cheerful. As they walked along chatting, Remus suddenly stopped in his tracks, looking at his map.

romolus asked, mouth full of eclair.

There's a huge gathering of staff right down the hall. everyone I know, and half that I don't...

Staff meeting. he replied after a swallow. They usually do those during meals... Rather odd.

Wanna check it out?

Sure as hell!



Albus, do you really think it's wise to... Well, things are getting out of hand at the Ministry already.

The boys ducked down outside the staff room, peering into the crack in the door. Many of the Professors were gather around a long, dark oak table, all wearing worried faces.


My dear Minerva, we will all be involved, it is inevitable. Dumbledore said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. This is going to lead into a terrible time, it will last for years. If we do not try and stop it now it is going to alter the future. he looked at Professor Mendell for a moment, who was sitting at the end, eyes shut.

With all respect Headmaster, Carlson interrupted, eye's flashing. It would be in the interest of every student here to stay out of the affairs of the Dark.

Experienced as you are in the ways of war Marck, this is my decision. I am going to try and call up an Order again, while we still-

This is a bunch of bullshit! Bane slammed his fist down on the table, shaking his head and spitting slightly as he yelled. You people are making a deal out of nothing! You can't go off and construct a Second Order, destroy everyone's lives on the Light, over a few crackpot fools running amok in London!

A deal over nothing? McGonnagal snapped irritably, raising out of her seat. A hundred and seventy two people died, in one attack. Don't even tell em this is nothing!

Come on... Let's get out of here. Romolus whispered, tugging at his brothers shoulder.

To tell the students would ruin them! The Muggle born children are fresh from their own war, we can't even begin-

Minerva, please. Dumbledore waved his hand, trying to ease hsi staff. All of you, this is the start of a long, Dark period in history. What we decide now can greatly alter what is to come. he warned, letting out a sigh. Many of our pupils already know of the attacks, and the media is sure to catch on soon enough. They cannot hide it, and I will not try to do so.

Albus, there's someone at the door. Professor Mendell said quietly, one eye now open and smiling at the two pairs of eyes dotting the door. The two bolted off before anyone could even move. Halfway to the tower, Remus finally released his grip on his bothers arm, as he had half-carried him the entire flight.

That was nuts. Romolus said after a moment, smiling.



After taking a brief shower, a soggy Remus emerged into the bustling Common Room. A large pack was gathered around the center, and after much shoving, he discovered James and Sirius gawking over Alex's new birthday present.

Holy Mother... That thing's amazing. I didn't even think they were releasing them to the public yet. Remus muttered, gazing at the broom longingly. He had seen it in a new-model magazine lying around the Quidditch shop while he had worked there.

Did your parents get it for you? Peter asked, fighting his way back into the circle as he was constantly being shoved aside. Alex shook his head, puzzled, and dug around in the wrappings again.

Strange, it doesn't say...

Well don't complain, I mean hell, it's a Nimbus! James said, eyes wide and glossy. suddenly, his former top-of-the-line broom didn't seem so grand. It was a gift beyond what his allowance could tolerate, rich as he was.

You gonna go fly it? Sirius asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet excitedly.

I don't know, it could be cursed or- His words were cut off as a half-dozen of Gryffindors carried him out of the room and towards the Quidditch pitch for a late-night trial run.

You know, now that I think about it, life was very normal after Hogwarts. Romolus said with a shrug from behind him. Not to imply that life with you wasn't a bit off, but hey... It's great to be back.



October came quickly, and with temporary end of Romolus' stay. He received a letter from an old employer, offering a job they couldn't afford to pass up. As he left, as the train pulled away nosily, Remus watched was a rueful sigh.

Everything that's been good in my life is so short-lived. he murmured, turning back around.

At least he's coming back this time, and I'll still be here.


Rom, can we stop pleease? It really, really hurts!

Whining isn't going to make the pain go away, and no, we can't stop. We have to get home before it storms, I'm sorry. he said with a slight tone of irritation present. Remus kicked at the snow covered ground, dragging his injured leg behind him. A small thin line went for well over a mile behind, and Romolus turned around to cover it by spell every now and then.

Can we take a quick stop? Just a minute? he asked again a few minutes later. With a sigh, Romolus Summoned a blanket and set it down over an icy rock. They sat in the forest for a few minutes, Remus rubbing ice along his burnt leg, product of a spill of hot chocolate.

Hey Rem?



You doing alright? he finally asked, the question hanging on his lips for a few moments.

I'm fine.

No, I mean, are you okay with me being gone a lot? I hate it, but I have to stay at Hogwarts for at least another two years. Romolus said quietly.

Nope, I'm fine. Really. Remus said brightly, rubbing his cold hands together and breathing out fog. I get food, and I find places to stay, and I'm really good at stealing things without getting caught. I'll be fine. And cheer up, it's almost Christmas. he said with a shrug.

You're somethin' else little brother, you know that? Somethin' else... Hell, life is interesting enough anyway.

Yup. Okay, let's go. I want to get home, well, to the shelter... Home enough for now, anyway.


The weeks went by, and eventually the Professors began to lay off of him on every subject. McGonnagal had long lost her nervous look after each full moon, Dumbledore didn't check up on him, anymore, and no random strangers asked if he was alright about him mum. And for a brief while, he even thought Professor Carlison was easier on him (Though he learned later it was because of the war threat). During the end of the month Professor Flitwick announced to the class that there was to be a Holloween Ball, much to the dismay of the male populous. James on the other hand seemed almost happy about it.


I can't believe you two are still going out. Sirius said at lunch after the announcement. Lily, who had decided to join for the meal, shrugged as James went slightly red.

It's nuts though. Sirius went on, devouring a steak Remus had been eyeing for a few minutes, mentally debating whether to eat it or not.

No one lasts that long, not at Hogwarts. Under sixth year anyway.

My parents dated in high school and got married. Peter offered.

And they got divorced two years after yo were born, so bad example. Sirius noted. But really, how in hell are we supposed to get dates for this thing? they spur it on us with only three days to choose... he trailed off as a bombardment of food was thrown his way by various Houses, all hating the easily most popular guy in school for his so-called predicament'.

You've got a whole line of girls waiting to ask you! Peter moaned, knowing perfectly well no one would ever ask him.

For a while, as they boys and Lily argued over something, Remus stared off into space. Romolus had warned him to avoid girls, as they would be likely to follow his every move and potentially find out about his lycopanthy. But he had never sat down and thought about the fact that unless some huge discovery or cure was made, he'd never be able to have a serious girlfriend, less get married.


This sucks. he muttered as a few late owls swooped into the Great Hall.

Remus,

I'll be back for the last quarter, I'm staying in Denmark for a while. sorry, but it makes good pay and our bank account was getting a bit dusty... I'll come visit for the holidays if I can. Sorry if I don't write much, it's chaotic here and my hours are long. Have fun and don't go getting yourself killed.

Forever doubtful of your ability to survive,

Romolus


And the day just got so much better. he muttered resentfully, slumping his head on the table.

Great start to the year.



A/n- Sorry if that was a bit too angst-y for all of you... God knows what possessed me to write all that dead-depressing rubble. Well, anyway, thanks for reading (and LEAVING A REVIEW). If you have any comments or would like to discuss anything, contact me or something. :)

Iggie (Who apologizes immensely for the delay in posting as she has been on a trip)