A/n- Wow. This thing has reached sixteen chapters, and I thought I'd have given up at FOUR. Seems AGES ago now doesn't it? Hehe. Well, anyway, on with the insanity!

Disclaimer with a Twist:

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
I own squat Shit
So Ha! You can't Sue!

Rating- PG-13 because I swear. I think you all know that by now...

Chapter Keywords- Christmas, Marauders, travel, Shelly, food.



Note--I'm redoing all my previous chapters, in a random order mind you, because my lack of grammar skill is getting on my nerves. So be on the look out for BETTER chapters!

Seeing Grey - Chapter XVI - Backdraft


So where are you going to stay anyway? I mean, you said you had to give up the house down in Hogsmeade... James said, passing the sign-up sheet around the Common Room. Remus had given it up without signing, shaking his head with a sigh.

We're just going to wander for a bit. Loiter in any town that will take us. It's not so bad, really. And we'll be back for Christmas, we just wanted a week and a half to drift about.

That sucks.

No, not when things have always been like that. I guess you wouldn't really know, you've grown up in a pampered mansion. To me, luxury was a bed with sheets. I had actually forgotten beds had those for a while... he smiled weakly, and shrugged. It's not a big deal, and we enjoy it. Partially because we can do whatever the hell we want, and because we know in the end we have a place to come home to. You don't know what it's like, not many do. Having a home to come back to is the biggest relief...

You're very odd. James said with a shrug, Anyhoo, wanna come play Quidditch? Me and Sirius were going to go round up a bunch of people, we know all the House passwords.

I know, I got them for you. Remus said with a smile, nodding.



Seeya James! Remus yelled, waving as one of his butlers drove off in the fancy Muggle car from Kings Cross. With a sigh, he tightened the satchel, the only thing he had brought with him, and looked up at Romolus.

So, where are we bumming this time?

I scraped some money off the Ministry for damages, so we can stay at the Leaky Cauldron for a night or two without any damage. Besides, I have to swipe some things in Diagon Alley.

Well we'd better set off then, we only have a few hours to make the journey...

We can catch a ride.

What, with Muggles? Remus asked, rolling his eyes sarcastically.

Who else? Someone's bound to be headed for the London main. Romolus said, heading off through the busy station.

Like they'll pick up a bunch of strangely dressed boys needing a ride to a mysterious and not well thought of hotel-tavern downtown.

It's worth a shot. Would you rather walk?

We should have asked James for a ride...

Good thinking. A bit late now though, isn't it?



Hey, how about you carry me a bit? Romolus asked hopefully, stopping to sit on a curb about an hour from Diagon Alley.

Hey, how about you carry me? You're strong enough.

Oh, come on! Have pity on the hostage! Romolus said with a pathetic mock-frown.

Not in your life.

Come on, my feet kill.

We've been over-pampered at Hogwarts, lost all the Travelers Touch. he said, biting into his Transfigured sandwich which used to be a rock. Apparently, it still pertained the aforementioned taste.

Blehck... I really need ot pay attention in class more. he muttered, swallowing his pride along with the dung-tasteing food.



Hey Tom, would it be possible to get a cheap room?

Oh, hello there Lupin's! Glad to hear you're safe. the innkeeper said with a smile, wiping out a mug. Not a problem, you can stay long as you like for a nights price. Our business is rather, well, low at the moment. Everyone's scared from the Dark activity. he said, digging through a drawer. He produced a shiny silver key, which Romolus took with a smile.

Thanks Tom, it means a lot.

Not at all, not at all.

The two walked up the stairs, dragging their feet along,a nd finally reached room 23. As soon as the door was open, Remus flopped inside, and claimed the bed all to himself.

I guess I get the couch then. Romolus said with a shrug, folding out the cot and lying down. He rolled over, and looked at Remus thoughtfully.

Maybe things are getting better for once.


Found him out by that old warehouse, beat up a few kids, sir.

Remus struggled against the man holding him, unable to break free. If he tried any harder to free himself he'd hurt the man very badly, and after countless nightmares on killing others, the young boy was terrified to use his strength.

Let me go! he yelled, only to have a hand clamped over his mouth. Romolus would have simply bitten the man, but in his case, that would present dire consequences.

I won't put them through hell.' he thought to himself, kicking furiously.

Think he's a runaway?

He's filthy, so I'd e'spect so. Want me to go get the records?

You do that, I'll keep watch on him.

Aye, sir? Be careful, he's one strong little fellow. the officer warned, handing him over to the sergeant. After receiving a sharp kick in the shins and an elbow to the gut, the man cursed, and pulled out his shiny handcuffs. Remus couldn't see them, but the moment they touched his hands, he started yelling at the top of his lungs, writhing in pain.

Aw, buck it up lad, we're going to find your parents, alright? the man asked, clasping them shut. Remus kicked harder, the pain searing through him like bullets.

It's not that bad, please stop screeching! the man pleaded, covering his ears. Remus collapsed against the ground, cheeks wet and eyes red, face scrunched in pain.

Let... Let me GO! he yelled, the pain becoming unbearable. He pulled his hands apart, snapping the chain links, yelling again. Breaking through two officers who came at him, he tore through the door, sobbing, into the night streets.

he yelled, falling over a few miles away, crying into the forest dirt.



Remus! Remus, get up



Romolus slapped him across the face, and pulled him upright.

Wake up dammit! he cursed, shaking him. Remus' eyes snapped open, and he mumbled something, then looked around.

God, you're too old to be having nightmares. Romolus said, hair sticking out in every direction and eyes simply refusing to stay open.

he mumbled, closing his tired eyes and letting out a strangled sigh.

he asked after a moment, falling back on the bed.

he mumbled back, head buried in a pillow and tangle of sheets.





For being here, for making it out alright. he said, smiling into the darkness.

For always being there, no matter what. Even when you weren't there, you kind of were...

Sh'too early... Morning. Romolus said in a slur before falling back asleep.




Mr. Lupin, I would advise you to use the front door.

Romolus stopped dead in his tracks, making a sour face.

Caught in the act. he muttered in dismay.

Under normal circumstances, Mr. Olivander said, peering around the corner from atop his sliding ladder on the shelves. I would turn you in to the Ministry. he said, smiling after a moment. I remember every wand I've ever sold, and you young man, haven't one of them.

He Summoned Romolus' battered and cracked wan from his pocket, and shook his head.

Twelve inches, rosewood, and a fine phoenix feather in there. Pity. he said, letting out a sigh.

If you had come in this would have been easier, as I'm sure your wand has not been at its best for you.

I don't have the money. Romolus said strangely after a while, figuring he wasn't going to be arrested.

Not an issue. It is my duty to equip all witches and wizards properly, and that is what I intend to do. Now get down from that window, and let's get this done right.



So where are we going again? Remus asked in a daze, walking on for many hours.

Shelly's, for now. I have to see her.... his brother replied with a lovesick smile Remus had seen many times on James. With a sigh, he dug into his satchel, and bit into a poorly conjured sandwich.

How long are we staying?

Only a few days, it'll give us a chance to rest up. Shelly can drive us back to Kings Cross too, if she isn't busy otherwise.




She's a Muggle? Remus hissed the minute they made way into the driveway of a classic picket-fence home.

Her Mother is a Muggle born, as was her older sister that died, and a brother who lives in Romania. So the family is accustomed to magic. Oh don't look at me like that, I can fall in love with whoever I want... Romolus muttered in his defense, stopping short before the door.

In all the years you two have been at it, you never once mentioned she was a Muggle.

So. Doesn't mean a thing. And hey, if it makes you feel any better, she has a very small mount of magic in her blood... A Squib of sorts. But don't mention it, she gets rather testy if you rub it in... he pressed the doorbell, and was promptly greeted by an elderly-looking man with an amazed smile.

Shell! Shelly, he's here! he yelled. A thunder of footsteps echoed from the staircase, and a very flabbergasted girl, much taller, and older, than Romolus answered the door. She pulled him inside, and hugged him in a death lock.

Shell, you're... Killing... Me. Romolus gasped out, trying to wriggle free and not burst out laughing.


My God Rom, we... We thought you were dead! she said, eyes starting to leak. Her mother came in from the kitchen, and smiled happily.

Good Lord Romolus, good to see you again! she said heartily, hugging him as well. He was shuffled into the house, everyone fussing frantically over him for the better part of an hour.

As good as part of the family. the grandfather said with a smile, putting a hand on Remus' shoulder. Want some food, they might be like that for quite some time.

Yes please.

AH! Romolus, he's so cute! Shelly squealed at dinner, seeing Remus for the first time. He himself was rather amazed. Shelly, whom he had expected to be a young girl, had to be at least three years older than Romolus. Like her mother, she was very tall, with lengthy brown curls and curious blue eyes. She had inherited the father's wispy smile, and his dark complexion.

I don't know why you didn't bring him over before. she said thoughtfully, poking at her meal absently. All she seemed interested in was staring at Romolus, which she had been doing since they had arrived, in an almost obsessive fashion.

Remus dear, would you like some more? We have plenty. Mrs. Hollen sid with a smile, holding out the tray of teriyaki chicken. He took another serving gratefully, and swallowed it almost whole.

So how is everything with you two? Shelly asked after a moment, still smiling.

they both said at once.

Is Hogwarts going well? the mother tried, sitting down after rushing about with the meal all night.



And I take it everything else is fine?

the said together, sporting identical grins.

God, this is just like the perfect little family I always daydreamed about.' Remus mused as they all sat down to watch television. It's almost surreal...'


So when are you two kids gonna hitch, anyway? the grandfather asked at breakfast-a meal of pancakes and orange juice-the next morning. Romolus spit out the majority of his drink, and Shelly rolled her eyes.

Dad, he's barely sixteen. Mrs. Hollen said nervously.

So? Me and your mother got married when we were fifteen! the old man complained, smiling. And it isn't as if he's not part of the family already. he pointed out.

Grandpa, I highly doubt we're getting married.

Well hell Shelly, he is over all the time, and you two are nuts about each other. Mr. Hollen said.



Mum, dad, calm down... He's still in Hogwarts for another two years.

Er, actually, this is my last. I'm doing seventh-year course work now, so I'll finish everything this summer. Romolus mumbled.



Dad! We are not getting married! Shelly blurted out, her face very Gryffindor-red at the moment. Remus couldn't help but let slip a chuckle, and soon enough, both Lupins were almost lolling in laughter, along with Mr. Hollen.

And what's so funny? Shelly snapped, frustrated.

Your mother, she panics about everything. Mr. Hollen said, trying to fight his laughter.

You too. Romolus managed to squeak out, smiling wickedly.

God, men are impossible.



I don't know how you managed before. Remus said, flopping down on the icey ground of the thick forest. For a day straight they had been walking the mountainside terrain back to Hogwarts, following the train tracks.

Used to it. Romolus said a moment later, landing nearby. They had been borrowing Shelly's broom, alternating who would walk and who would fly to conserve energy.

Just be glad it isn't snowing now. Romolus added, wiping his forehead. After a few minutes, he stood back up with a long groan, and helped Remus to his feet.

We'd best be going if we want to make it back by Christmas.




Mr. Lupin? What... I thought you went out for the holidays? McGonnagal asked, eyebrows raised high above her thin glasses.

We did. Romolus said with a shrug, helping to dust the sheet of newly fallen snow off his brothers back.

But... How did...

We walked... Are we too late for breakfast? Remus inquired, sniffing in the fumes from the Great Hall.

Er, just started... she blinked a few times, trying to grasp the reality that Romolus had once again made the trek from Kings Cross to Hogwarts, and with Remus as well.

Well, we'll be off then. Romolus said with a cheery smile, rubbing his numb hands together.



Hey, Moony! You made it! Sirius said with a devilish grin as he sat down, gazing intently at the eggs and bacon strewn about in golden dishes. he hadn't eaten in a day, and his eyes glinted maniacally as he looked about.

Famished are you? Peter asked with a smile as the majority of the breakfast relocated itself onto Remus' plate.

he said between mouthfuls of food.

Ok, now that you're back, we have some plans we need help-

Sirius, please no! I want to go one week of my life without detention! Peter pleaded, interrupting with a groan.

Rubbish. Now, about the Marauders Map...


Goin' to bed... Remus muttered with a stout yawn, dragging himself up the staircase. Very thankfully, he fell down on his bed, pulling off his cloak thereafter. For a long moment he just let the warm feeling of an actual bed sink in, vowing to never take a mattress for granted again. He rolled over on his back, smiling up at the dark ceiling.

Good to be back...







A/n- Thanks everyone! Several people have voiced their concerns about my new fic. Well, hate to disappoint a few hopefuls, but it is not in any way based on Remus or Romolus. Rem barely makes an appearance in later chapters... So don't expect much. And I'm still debating whether or not I even want to post it. So... Yea... Thanks for all the reviews! I love you all!

Next chapter will be up in a day or two.

Iggie