A/n- Sorry in advance for chapters taking longer. as I started a new fic so not ALL my time is devoted to SG. Anyway, on with the fic!

Rating- PG-13, though this chapter is pretty light on swearing.

Disclaimer- This again? Alright, I own NOTHING. MWPP and all related things HP belong to Rowling and any of those lucky to get in on the deal.

Chapter Keywords- Snape, Slytherin anger, detentions, Animagism, and yes, Romolus.

Thanks guys!



Seeing Grey - Part XV - Ullatenus




His eyes snapped open, and for a brief second, Remus Lupin thought he had been dreaming. Without bothering to get dressed properly, he fumbled his way out of bed, and dashed across the Common Room as though his life depended upon it. Through the halls he went, running as fast as his legs would carry him, until he skidded to a halt at the Infirmary door, breathing erratically.

He... Here... he huffed out, clutching his sides as Nurse Ahmand answered. She let out a sigh, and ushered him into the hospital room. Before she could warn him on anything, Remus bolted forward, and threw himself around his brother.

Ah Jesus... Hurts. Ger off. Romolus mumbled. Too strong dammit.

He backed off, though he could do nothing but smile at the moment.

I'm not even going to ask how you knew he came in... Ahmand said with a shrug, going off to leave them for a few moments as she searched for some odd-end potion.

Full moon tonight. Romolus said in a scratchy voice, giving a half smile. Remus smiled, unsure to else to do, unsure if he could do anything else.



Remus, you'll have to leave for a while.... If you haven't noticed he's a wreck. Now shoo, come on, I'll send for you when he's in condition to elaborate on the potentially gruesome details of his misadventure. Reluctantly, he let himself be shoved out of the wing. He didn't bother to be angry, as he was in such a state of complete euphoria.

Unfortunately the first person he met on his way back happened to be a certain slimy-haired Slytherin.

Watch it. he snapped after being plowed over by Remus. God damn werewolves. he muttered, rubbing his head. Had Remus been paying attention to anything around him, he would have noticed. Instead, he just walked on by, headed for the kitchens to snag an early breakfast.



So are you alright? he asked again. For over an hour he had been sitting on the bed, biting his lip, unable to think of anything intelligent or proper to say.

I'm fine, geez. You half expect me to keel over dead or something, aye? Look, I got out, that's all that matters. he said quietly, itching at his bandaged arm.

That is precisely why we need you for a moment. Dumbledore said from the doorway. The two looked up, and were greeted by the sight of a very elderly Minister and a few other stiffy-looking officials.

Madam Blair is unfortunately in no condition to relent us the facts of what happened, so that leaves you Mr. Lupin. the Headmaster said with an irritated sigh. It was very obvious he did not want to bother either of them, nor separate them for that fact.

I'm sorry Remus, but you'll need to leave the room for a while...

Can't I stay? he asked daringly, looking up. Dumbledore glanced at the Minster, who merely shrugged.

As long as you're quiet, I dont see why it would be a problem. he concluded after a moment.



We spent three nights there, under forced silence and restraint. Romolus said quietly, looking intently at his feet. They brought two more prisoners, a young girl and her father, and we left for Paris shortly afterwards. The men have a base there, and several contacts with the French Ministry. the Minister closed his eyes, and nodded. On the way there, Sarah Blair and a few others were talking one night, the men got drunk... They didn't notice we were communicating. We made a plan, as the father they had brought, his daughter had a wand that the Death Eaters-

one of the officials asked, blinking.

Death Eaters, that's what they referred to each other as. Well the Death Eaters, none of them checked the girl for a wand, as she was only six or so... The father had hid it in her dress when they were caught. We managed to ambush one of the Death Eaters and three of us got away. he said, clenching his fists. The others stayed behind to hold off... So we could escape. No one from that group survived. Sarah got me and the little girl out. After the child was back in her mothers care, I made my way to Kings Cross and walked the way here. he finished, his eyes shut.

For a while the Ministry men conferred, and argued for some time.

Can you identify the so-called Death Eaters' in any way?

No. They never removed their masks, and the one that didn't have a mask kept his face covered by hood. Romolus muttered resentfully, starting to shake quite a bit. I... I cold recognize their voices. Their laughs... I wont forget how they laughed when they killed off the father... You have to find them. Romolus squeaked, his voice barely above a whisper, though drenched in malice.

Alright, enough of that. the nurse snapped. He's in no state to relive hell. Go on. she said, even the Minister of Magic not daring to defy the fiery woman.

Thank you Mr. Lupin... We'll be sure to contact you if we discover anything of use.


Remus, you'll have to leave too. You have classes, as it is Monday. Nurse Ahmand reminded, pulling him by his robes. I don't care if you want to stay, get on off to your lessons. He'll be here when you're back, I assure you.



Mr. Lupin, I would advice you to pay attention, seeing as you have a large test on this material next Tuesday. Bane hissed as he walked by.

My my, this is a mess now isn't it? he said with a sarcastic tsk. It was true in most regards, as Remus' potion was nothing like it should be. It didn't even resemble the supposed final product.

I think Mr. Lupin needs a partner to show him what the hell he's doing. he decided, looking about the room. Ah, Severus. Lovely, you seem to be doing this well. Come here and show our resident daydreamer what a real Memory potion should look like. Bane said with a twisted half-smile.


Well if you're not going to do anything useful then at least measure out the skillworms. Snape said irritably a few minutes later, having drained Remus' pathetic attempt at the assignment down the sewer. He held out a set of scales, though Remus made no movement to take them.

Come on, I'm not doing this whole bloody thing for you just because you're incompetent in everything. he nudged the scales in Remus face, and rolled his eyes.

That's right, oh, my mistake. Werewolves can't touch silver, can they? Rather useless beasts, you are. he said with a snide grin, taking back the sterling instruments. This time, Remus caught his words, and not even thinking, tackled him to the floor. He swung once, Snape recoiling after a single blow, as the entire class scrambled to get a view of the fight. After a second hit, there wasn't any fight left. Bane had plucked Remus from the ground by his robes, and Snape, to the amusement of every Gryffindor and even Lily, had been knocked out, now sporting bloody gash across his forehead.

If you weren't such a goody-goody with Dumbledore I'd have you expelled. he snapped, shoving Remus off to the side and pinning him against the dungeon walls.

If you ever, ever, pull something like that again in my classroom, you're out. For good. he sneered, releasing his grip at the throat of Remus' robes.

If any of you move while I'm gone, you'll be scrubbing filthy floors for the rest of the year. Bane snapped to the class, picking Snape up and hanging him across his arms. He walked out, and the moment his footsteps died away, the entire class scrambled about, talking loudly. Every Gryffindor in the room piled around Remus, congratulating him on a well-aimed punch to a deserving Slytherin.

You were right James... Last year I thought you were being a jerk, calling him all that. I gave him a chance... He didn't deserve a chance. Remus snapped, eyes flaring angrily.

We told you he was scum. Sirius said with a grin, patting him on the back.

But it bothers me... He figured it out. he muttered. James nodded his head, understanding, though the others hadn't a clue as to what he implied



Remus didn't bother a sorry look for Snape, lying with a very bruised face nearby Romolus, when he passed by after class. He pulled up a chair, turned it around, and sat backwards, talking things over with his brother for a long time.

You're going to have to get a job again... I lost my wand and everything I had in the attack. Romolus said after a while, his voice still very raspy. He put a hand to his throat, massaging it for a moment. I'm using an old spare school one right now. Piece of crap, it's even worse than my old one.

I'll work something out with the Professors, maybe see if I can get a weekend job down at Zonko's... But hell, don't worry about money. We can fix that... God I'm glad your back. he finally blurted out.

Sorry boys, but you'll have to part... Severus complained you're being too loud and he needs some sleep. You rightly put him out of commission. Nurse Ahmand said, peering around the curtains. Snape smiled wickedly as Remus went by, waving a bit with the stupid grin still in place.



I'd just love to wipe that slimy smile off his face. Remus muttered at dinner, glaring back at Snape.

Wouldn't we all. a Gryffindor girl a year elder than he said offhand, poking her steak thoughtfully. He got me a detention with Carlison before, cursed me in the halls, and I got blamed for it! Little twit needs a good kick in the ass if you tell me. Not to imply that you didn't do just that, but... she trailed off, and left the conversation.

Yeah, pity you didn't finish him off. Sirius said with a disappointed sort of sigh.

He could have, easily, so don't even say that. James mumbled. So, um, Remus, what do you want for Christmas? he changed the subject in hopes of lightening the mood.

A bit early, we've still got a while to go...

Last year I ended up getting it all the day before, so Lily convinced me to shop early.

Ah, chicks... They tamper with your minds, they do. Sirius commented with a grin.

Yes well at least James can keep one long enough to learn her full name. Peter said quietly, hiding a large smile.

Oh, that's it. Sirius snapped, grabbing Peter by the neck of his robes. That right there deserves a beating. He dragged him out of the Great Hall, Peter kicking and yelling all the while.

They're impossible. James rolled his eyes, and went back to finding out what everyone wanted for the holidays.

I want Snape to drop over dead, that's what. And I want to know how he bloody found out.



Romolus waved from the Infirmary window, watching Remus slump along through the dark field that night to the Willow. Since he couldn't see, Romolus conjured up a pebble, and hit Remus in the head with it to get his attention.

Remus smiled slightly in the full moons light, waving back. Chuckling to himself, he headed off towards the Whomping Willow for another night of silent hell.


A week later, Nurse Ahmand finally got fed up with Remus visiting after every other class, and let Romolus go. The first morning he was back, as he entered a bit late, every eye in the Great Hall followed him. He smiled to them all in a teasing fashion, and sat down with all his stunned friends.


Er, hi... Rom... We thought... We thought you were dead. Kat Sanders said with raised eyebrows.

Nope. Alive and kickin'... Either that or I'm a very convincing ghost. he said with a smirk, biting into a waffle.

I resent that, young fellow. The Fat Friar mused mournfully as he glided by.



Ah, Mr. Lupin, glad to have you back. Professor Hellen said, not a trace of sincerity in her voice, on his first day back in Muggle Studies. She pulled a chart down from the ceiling, and tapped at a picture of a war diagram.

Seeing as it seems very fit with all this Dark nonsense, I thought now would be the perfect time to start a lesson on Muggle war, as different from wizarding war.

She droned on for more than half an hour, pointing out all the excruciating little details on how foolish Muggles were about who and why they fought. When the bell finally rang, the mixed class of ages and Houses nearly made their own war to get out of the room. It was brilliant thing to watch, the alliances they made to throw each other aside, then betray who helped them as they elbowed each other in the faces, trying to squeeze by. It was commonly agreed thereafter that the door frame was much too slim.

God, she just never shuts up. Romolus muttered. I come back from hell just to have it all over again.

I still don't see how you can joke about it... Remus mumbled, walking back to the Common Room for break.

Look, people who get angry all the time, they're miserable. If you can laugh at yourself when you make a mistake, life is so much easier to handle. I have the same perspective for the past. There isn't any use worrying over whats already happened, so I just laugh at it. he said in a mildly philosophical way.

Sirius was right. Remus laughed under his breath, smiling.

That dolt? What could he be right about?

That you're out of your righteous mind.

Hm, I misjudged that one. He's smarter than he looks.




You alright Remus? It's been a while. Romolus said over the hum of falling water. For over an hour he had been sitting in his' clearing out in the Forbidden Forest, drenched in rain. Without waiting for a response, Romolus picked him up, and dragged him off to the cover of thick tree.

You're going to get sick. he muttered.

Already am, doesn't matter. Remus replied after a moment, shaking his head in a doggy manner, sending drops of rain flying in every direction.

So why are you out here, in the rain, at night, by yourself?

When you were gone, I was out here for a while, and I met a nice wolf. I was just kinda hoping to see her again. he said with a half smile and a shrug.

Cross-species dating just won't work little brother, hate to break it to you. Romolus joked. All things said, it just wouldn't work out in the end.

Very funny... Too bad she wasn't human. I got along with her anyway.

You sound like a less-than-evil Parselmouth, but in relative terms of a different creature. That always did freak me out, the whole talk to dogs' thing... Creepy.

Remember when I adopted that stray two years ago? Remus smiled, and fell back on the wet grass. You kept telling me to stop growling at it over who got to eat the bacon.

It was ham.

Same thing. The both started laughing, wherein Romolus joined him on the ground.

Good to be back... For a while I almost thought I wouldn't make it. he admitted.

You lost hope? And here I thought you never did...

I just made it out that way. Father kind of thing, wanting to set an example for you.

Well, it worked. After reality kicked me in the ass I never doubted that you'd come home.

Good to know there was one of us. Romolus muttered, closing his eyes.

God damn, you're right... This is relaxing. he sighed, smiling. A minute later a wolf howled off in the distance, and before Romolus could stop him, his brother answered the call.

Ok, freaky wolf things... I'm out. He scrambled to his feet, and after a hasty parting, made a mad-dash back for the school.


Why does he flee from me? You are of kin, are you not? He should know I will not attack those of your pack.

Romolus isn't a canine kind-of-person.

Well, pity. And I did tell you he would be alright, did I not?

You got me there...




Whash Remus asked thickly through his breakfast, peering across the table at Romolus' letter. He handed it over, frowning still, and shook his head.

One of the Ministry Aurors sent me this...

R. Lupin,

As we had promised ,we will keep you up to date on the antics of your previous captors. Unknown to the media as we are frankly tired of them, there's been another attack in southern France. It seems that there are more than three Dark practicers in this organization, as the newest event has an estimated twenty participants. They've established a small base there, though the French Ministry has done nothing to to destroy it as of yet.

Sara Blair, second-class Auror, Dept. 963 of Dark Dealings


Hm. Sounds fishy. Remus said after a moment, giving it back.

What about fish?

Nothing Sirius.

Rom, why do you have that look on your face like your hiding something I would really like to know?

Because I am. And no, I'm not going to tell you... Oh look, it's conveniently time for me to get to Potions. Romolus announced, standing up with the rest of his sixth-year class.

Seeya Rem!



How'd you find out? Remus snapped, arms on either side of Snape's head. Asking for a bathroom pass had been plausible enough for McGonnagal, though she didn't know Remus had been watching the Marauders map, knowing Snape was out of class and in the perfect ambush location.

Wouldn't you like to know. Snape said with a grin.

I'm not scared of you, you know. If you touch me, even leave a bruise, I can just go tell Bane. He'll have you kicked out faster than you can blink.

That won't stop James and Sirius. Remus pointed out, returning the nasty smile. And I don't have to leave a mark to hurt you. he said quietly, letting go.

There are so many unpleasant ways to hurt you without leaving a trace of evidence.




A/n- Sorry these things keep getting shorter and shorter, I've unfortunately had a brief spell of Writer's Block recently. Not to worry, it always passes. Well, thanks for reading, and if you'd be kind enough to leave a review I'd really appreciate it!! And Remus will love you forever! o_O


Iggie

Title meaning- Ullatenus: In any respect or regard