A/n- Thanks everyone for reading! keep the reviews coming and I'll keep the chapters coming! And I'll review yours too if you drop me an e-mail at AlyssaC7@aol.com


Rating- PG-13 for swearing (this time I really do!)

Disclaimer- Rowling owns it all, baby! I own anyone you don't recognize, well, my muses own them, but hey...


Chapter Keywords- Dance-dance cha cha cha! Remmie gets some romance, Animagism plots, Dark rising. o_O

This is Version 1.0 of XII. I might come out with a different one in a few days or so, be sure to keep an eye out!



Seeing Grey - Part XII - Ephemeral Bliss




As the music pounded in the background, Remus tapped his foot against the stone floor with a sigh. The tables of the Great Hall had been stored away, leaving a very large dance floor and decorative lights everywhere. A few circular tables were already filled as the dance had begun, and Remus was among a small group of dateless students backed against the far wall.

This bites. Alex muttered, brushing a hand through his hair.

Remus replied inattentively, looking about hopefully for someone to dance with. Lily had offered at one point, though the shame of being a wall dancer was far easier to deal with than James' jealous wrath, so he turned her down quickly.

Jesus Christ, how'd PETER snag a chick? Alex mumbled with dismay, hanging his head. Remus looked up, and was amazed to see his less-than-popular friend dancing with one of Sirius' old girlfriends. A rather pretty one, he observed with a sinking heart.

We're the only Gryff's left now. he noticed, looking at the diminishing wall of leftovers. Alex? Hey, you alive? he waved his hand in front of the boys face, and had it shoved away. His Housemate was staring off into the distance, waving back at someone looking directly at him. In another moment, he became the only boy left not dancing or chatting with friends.

Excuse me? You want to, well, dance?

He turned around, smiled gratefully, and nodded his head to the blonde Hufflepuff girl that had been standing next to him for over half an hour. They danced for a while, and as the lights dimmed down, Remus was horrified to realize he was slow dancing right alongside Lily and James.

Hey Rem, finally catch one? James joked, smiling as he swayed back and forth with his girlfriend. Rolling his eyes, Remus lead the girl away out of view of any Marauders or potential harassment.

So how is it you're so different from everyone else? Jamie asked quietly as the slow music went on, her hands cupped around the back of his neck. For a moment Remus panicked, and swallowed after he calmed down.

I don't know. he said simply.

The Slytherin thing last year, that was pretty neat. No one's ever had the guts to stand up against tradition.

Someone has to. Wizards used to never marry Muggles, not until someone broke that. We'd have died out if they hadn't broken old custom. She smiled at his cleverness, and let out a sigh.

A bunch of my friends think you're a bit off, not staying loyal to the old ways. And I heard a bunch of people saying-

I don't even care what people think of me anymore. he said shortly, smiling shortly.

Jamie! C'mon, Aaron's free!

I have to go. It was nice dancing and all. Jamie said, backing away and running off after her friends with a red face. No sooner had she disappeared into the throng of students did Sirius and his pick of the week come up behind him.

Hey Moony, who's the chick? Pay her to dance with you? he joked, hitting him on the arm. Remus smiled in good humour, and hit Sirius back a little harder than he meant to.

Jamie Morgan, and no, you'll be thrilled to know I didn't have to bribe her.

Poor chap, are you? One dance and you're content. Tsk tsk.

That's more than we've done. his date snapped, scowling at him. You've spent the entire night watching other girls' asses. Now come on.



What in the devil are you doing? Remus asked, shutting the door quietly behind him. The Marauders had assembled in an old, abandoned classroom late Holloween night, a cauldron and several books strewn about the place carelessly. Sirius held up the thick book on Animagism, and smiled.

Don't tell me you're still trying that rubbish? Remus muttered, sitting down on a dusty chair in the middle of the room.

Of course they are. Peter mumbled, stirring a pot of foul-smelling, steamy potion absently.

And what is that?

The book says we have to make it one year in advance, and let it crystalize under two season moons... Sirius read from the stained book. It helps the transformation the first time, so we don't get stuck.

Peter squeaked, dropping the spoon for a moment.

Forget it Pete, you'll be fine. James said with a roll of his eyes.

And when do you expect to get this thing mastered, you brilliant, intelligent people?

Probably the summer of fifth year I suppose. If we practice three times a week, and on Sunday nights... he went on for a moment, rambling over a schedule he had obviously put a lot of time into.

And how in hell do you think you can do all hat? Quidditch starts next week, plus next year we have O.W.L.'s, we'll have to study all the time. Remus reminded. James considered this, and concluded that it was a negligible fact.

Look, we can get this done, really. It won't be hard at all to keep away from the Ministry, seeing as we can pull off setting fire to Bane's hair without leaving a shred of evidence. Sirius said with a smirk. This will be easy compared to that.

You guys are mental, you know that? Barking mad.

Hey, we do it all for you. He gave a sarcastic bow, smiling evilly.

Oh come off it James, I know damn well the consideration of me is only a perk to the potential havoc you could wreak if you could turn into God knows what. Remus said with a grin.

Care to join us? This is the last chance, this potion has to be finished tonight. Sirius offered. Remus let out a sigh, and glanced at the book page that was open.

I'm allergic to Halamon claw, sorry there. That potion would right out kill me... Thanks anyway.

Suit yourself.

Well, I think I'm going to go to bed, it's full moon tomorrow...

Come on, stay and watch... It should be rather interesting. Sirius said with a shrug, motioning to Peter. If he blows it up a jolly fight will ensue.

Tempting, but I think I'll pass...



Remus,

Thing's aren't going so well down here, a band of those Dark supporters are stationed near our village in Aarhus. I'm going to stay in hiding for a few days, I'll write to you every night if possible. Don't worry, I'm living with an Auror woman so nothing will happen to me. Chipper up, I'll be back as soon as our vault is nice and full.

Stop frowning or I'll laugh when it sticks like that,

Romolus



Remus, what's bothering you? Nurse Ahmand asked, furrowing her eyebrows at him. He shrugged limply, wincing as his shoulders ached from the night before. She wiped a trail of blood off his face, and healed the thin scratch line expertly. Remus shuffled his feet, shifted his weight on the creaky hospital bed, and shook his head.

You're usually a bit more, well, alive. Something's bothering you more than normal werewolf woes.

My brother's in Aarhus right now, there's a lot of those Dark practicers there.

You're, worried aye? Your brother is a tough lad, I met him a few times up in the Infirmary. He'll manage on his own alright.


Romolus! Come on, Rom! Remus shouted from his outpost high on an escape ladder. Several men from the social service department had caught up with them in southern Britain, and his brother was now being held to the ground as someone tried to tie his hands behind his back. It was a few days after Christmas, and the pair had been on their way back for King's Cross, though they never made it that far.

Just go! Romolus shouted as one man spotted the other boy they were after. Remus shook his head, throwing rocks at the annoyed and slightly angry men below.

I'm not going to leave without you! he yelled above the howling wind.

You're a bloody prat if you stay! Just leave bef- his words were cut off as one man place a hand over his mouth, giving up on calming him down. They succeeded in tying his hands, and started ot lift him up. A few steps towards the car, and Romolus bit his hand, and kicked the man holding him in a very bad place.

he yelled, though Remus simply jumped down from safety. He pulled the ropes free, smiling, and tugged Romolus along through the snow as they were pursued.

You're a right-out git, you know that Remus?

I'm not going to leave without you.

I could have handled them on my own you know. I had it under control. he huffed, dashing down an alley and up onto an staircase high above.

Oh yes, right up till they almost had you in the truck. Really had it going in your favour. Remus said sarcastically, pulling him into a boarded up window and crouching against the wall.

I would have been fine. Romolus whispered indigently, sniffing in his nose in the freezing night. The roaring wind allowed them free movement, and once more, they escaped all chances they ever had of being captured.



He slid down the slippery wall, letting the water drizzle down his bruised back in a massaging manner. Closing his eyes, he bit back the pain of post-transformation, and let out a shaky sigh.

Come on Rom, I'm not there this time. You gotta work yourself out of battle...

*

What's going on? Remus spun around on the spot, trying to see through the dense fog clouding his vision. Squinting with all his might, he began to see shapes, images of running people and wispy flames high atop a building. he ran towards, going through people rather than making solid contact, though he hardly noticed.

Romolus! Rom, where are you?

Another fire sprang up amidst a shrill cry of a hundred villagers, all running for their lives. In the distance, up on a small hill of ruined house, he saw three hooded figures, smiling devilishly in the moonlight.



The figures turned towards him, wands raised, grinning in the most horrid fashion known to mankind. In a wisp, the green light flashed outwards, casting the small gaggle of innocent lives to the ground, never to rise again. Remus found himself to be still standing, though he didn't understand why.

ROM! WHERE ARE YOU? he bellowed, not caring about the immediate danger. In another wave and flick, the green bolt passed through his body, casting him to the ground painfully.

he muttered, mouth still open as he took in his last breath.

*


Remus! Get UP! James slapped him across the face, and in reflex, Remus grabbed him about the neck for a moment, nearly snapping it in fright. He apologized hastily as his friend rubbed the bruising, muttering something.

Remus huffed, eyes wide and face drenched in sweat. The rest of the dormitory was still asleep he noted once he was calmed down, and it puzzled him slightly.

I cast a Silencing Charm the moment you made a noise. James explained, though the question had not been voiced. So what the hell just happened? Screaming your bloody lungs out like you were being killed or something.

I was. Remus said quietly, swallowing and hugging up his knees.



I was in Aarhus... I know it. That's where my brother is, and something happened. Or is, with those Dark mages. he realized, shaking his head.

James, where's the Map? I need to go, for a minute... Come on, where's the bloody map? he asked loudly as Sirius snored contentedly next to him.

You're acting mental. James said quietly, biting his lip. He Summoned the Marauders Map, looked at the blank parchment for a moment, and shook his head.

Please? Just tonight, I'll be back.

Look, you were just screaming your head off, and now you're saying some towns is under attack or whatnot. If you go anywhere I'm coming with you.

Before he could even yell, Remus grabbed the map, and shoved him aside, running out of the room with wide eyes and a pale face.

What the hell is up with him?


Professor Mendell? Excuse me but-

You Saw it, did you not? she said quietly, not turning from her seat facing the fireplace. Remus took off his gloves, sat down on one of the round tables, and muttered a quiet confirmation.

How can I stop it? Or has it already-

It has not happened yet. It will not until tomorrow, but you cannot change it. Seeing is a gift not to be used in the alteration of history.

My brothers going to die!' Remus blurted out, slamming his fist down and splintering the table edge in two. I'm not going to sit around and loose the last bit of family I have!

It cannot be changed dear boy... Grieve now, so it will not be so hard. she said quietly as the fire crackled, emitting a flickering glow about the dark room.

You're the only one who can help, no one will believe me! Jesus Christ, I don't understand anything... Why can I See everything? I was there, as him... But I couldn't stop it.

It is a talent awarded to those cursed by lycopanthy by the Fates. A compensation of sorts... It will not develop fully for many years, but you will receive brief flashes of what is there. Seeing what will be is one of those talents.

Then can I do anything to stop it? I don't care about altering history, I'm not going to let him die. he snapped, gritting his teeth and clenching his fists tightly.

There would be no way to contact them, the village is sealed. The Dark powers have already gained control of the entire area. He will die, along with all the others. There is no way to evade such a fate.

That's not true! he bolted from his seat, tears streaming down his face as he jumped the ladder. Collapsing halfway back to his destination, he fell onto the wall, crying hysterically like a child.

No... I can still do something. he told himself, not believing a word of it. He'll be fine, he said he'd be fine. He can tend himself.


Mr. Lupin? Mr. Lupin will you please-

Go to hell. Remus snapped. Carlson went cold, started yelling over something, though Remus heard none of it. He didn't care about the sniggers from the Slytherins, or the odd looks from his friends, or even the threat of suspension for disrespect. He had sent an owl, three of them, and one had already come back. Dumbledore had merely pat him on the back, saying it was a silly nightmare and wasn't anything to worry over. James had laughed and ruffed his hair, saying he was quite simply mad.

Maybe I am mad. Barking mad. he told himself in the halls, being thrown out of class for calling Carlson an ass openly.

Lost my righteous mind, I have. he smiled for no reason, and chuckled to himself. Nothing wrong at all. Rom is fine, everything's fine. Perfectly fine. Just spiffing. Fine.

Remus? What's going on? Lily bent down next to him, having successfully sneaked out of class right after him.

Oh, nothing. Everything is perfectly fine. he repeated with a bland smile. Lily looked at him with wide, concerned eyes, and shook her fiery head.

What's going on Remus? James says you've been talking about your brother, that he's going to be killed tonight. A dream, or premonition you claim.

Oh, just a nightmare. Load of rubbish. he said in his mad voice, still chuckling. Lily, biting her lip, slapped him very hard across the face. He blinked, looked about for a moment, and shrunk to the floor all the way.

He's going to die with the rest of them. Slaughtered like pigs. he muttered weakly, shutting his bloodshot eyes. I was there, I saw it all Lil. All killed, for no reason at all... They don't believe me. None of them, except Mendell and she won't do a thing. Going to let him die... Lily took in a breath, and held his hand for a minute.

I believe you Remus, really. I know all about Seers. And you can help him. Just tell him. she said as if it explained the worlds problems.

Tell him in your mind Remus, it's all you can do. Romolus is strong, he can make it if you help him.

He won't make it on his own. He'll die like all of them, those three sons of bitches...

Just... Just th-Remus! She caught him halfway as he keeled over, eyes still open and mouth lagging. Lily hit him a few times, electing no response, and bit her lip.

What is going on with you Remus?


*

Romolus, come on! We have to get out! he yelled, slamming the door open. Part of his mind knew this was his brothers house, though he didn't know exactly why.

Rom, get moving! They're going to attack, tonight! COME ON! he bellowed, dashing up the stairs. His footsteps echoed behind him as he ran back down, finding the second story vacant.

he peered into the kitchen, and frowned deeply. Is reflection showed him not to be himself, but Romolus.

Damn it. he muttered, shutting his eyes. What in hell is happening?

*


He's been asleep for a while now Headmaster, we can't find anything wrong with...

Remus opened his eyes, and looked around at the blurry image of the Infirmary.

Hello there. Dumbledore said with a warm smile, sitting down on the edge of the bed. Remus tried to focus his eyes, only to receive a very nasty headache in the process.

Wha happ'n? he mumbled, his body not responding to his mind quickly enough to form a sentence.

You collapsed after Defense, and Miss Evans found you. You've been out cold for two days now. Nurse Ahmand said in a relieved voice, fumbling around in a closet for some remedy. Remus sat up very suddenly, and tried to get out of bed, though he was stopped short.

You're not to leave this bed, lest this wing. Dumbledore warned, shaking his head with a gentle smile. Not for a few days anyway.

But Romolus, Aarhus... What-

Dumbledore frowned, his silvery beard quivering for a moment. With a sickening thump, Remus lay back on his pillow, eyes leaking.

Oh my God... It happened, didn't it? Unable to cry, he shook his head, not even waiting for an answer.

No one even listened to me! I could have... Done something...

If you'll calm down, I think there are a few things you need to know.

He's dead, isn't he? Remus looked up into blue eyes, and broke down.




A/n- Sorry to leave you on a cliffie, but I passed by 11 page limit I try to follow! More will come soon, I PROMISE! Leave a review please! And a Post Script to someone who remarked about Alex's broom, it'll be in the next chapter. :)

THANK YOU EVERYONE! Your support and reviews keep this going! Thanks to Lynx, Aurielo, Lyria Padfoot, Rykatu*L, Fyre Eye, smile7499, DS, Noon da Elf, Amphritrite, GryfinndorSeeker (Haven't seen you in a while tho) and The Great Kelly The Great. I love all fo you guys so much! And anyone else I forgot to mention. You people are the greatest!!!!

Iggie (who promises to get the next chapter up REAL quick!)