A/n- Thanks for the wonderful reviews everyone! I'm nearly in shock over it!! You are THE best!

Disclaimer- Hm, let's ponder this one for a moment now. After sixteen chapters I would ASSUME you know by now. And really, why would anyone owning HP be writing lowly fanfiction? Hm? I don't own anything! Bloody lawyers...

Rating-PG-13 for now.

Chapter Keywords- Quidditch, more food (o_O), Severus Snape and fist fights.




Seeing Grey - Part XVII - Smitten





Hello Severus. Remus said with a very sarcastic mock-sweetness. It was the day after Christmas, and Snape had been foolish enough to wander the halls late at night by himself. The Slytherin looked about nervously, in hopes of finding a witness, to no avail.

So really, how did you know? I find it rather fascinating. he said while leaning against the wall casually.

Oh to hell Lupin, like I'd bother my thoughts on something as lowly as a werewolf. Snape spat, face growing cold. Remus smirked, knowing he had him scared.

You'd be wise to not piss me off. You know what I can do.

Like you would.

Care to test that? He took a step forward, to measure Snape's will. The pale boy retreated, swallowing.

Gryffindor's aren't famous for being cowards you know. He advanced another pace, still smiling. I'd suggest you tell me now how you know.

Bugger off. Snape said irritably, turning to go. He cringed when Remus put a hand on his shoulder, expecting it to sear with pain as before.

If you want to play, fine, we'll play. I'm told wolves like to toy with their prey before they kill it. Should be fun, eh?

He gave him a playful pat on the back that nearly made the sleepy boy wet himself.

Not so tough without his friends around.' Remus mused with a wicked grin.



God damn... Remus muttered, eyes refusing to focus in front of him. Half an hour ago he had geared up for a riveting Quidditch match, and now he lay in the cold, snowy sand, mind flaring.

Remus! Remus, are you alright? Sirius asked, landing next to him.
Remus' face was already swelling from where one of the Bludgers had collided, bruising on impact. He cursed, as Madam Hooch wouldn't call a foul for the Bludger double-hit. Unfortunatly, there hadn't been anything illegal to call besides rough play.

In the distance, James yelled for a time out, and thankfully it was granted. The entire Gryffindor team rushed down to the bottom of the golden hoops, all worried sick.

Clear out. Nurse Ahmand said, her breath fogging in the cold January air. She shoved aside the six worried players, and tutted to herself.

Lupin? Lupin, can you hear me? she asked loudly, conjuring a stretcher as she went. His eyes were still open, and his tongue was poking out of his mouth, but he didn't answer. Stupid boy, must you always go and hurt yourself?

Potter, Black, don't follow me up. Finish the game. she snapped a second later as Remus' limp body was lifted onto the floating carrier. Reluctantly they remounted their brooms, watching as he was carried up to the Infirmary, followed by several professors.

Come on... Might as well send him a few visators. Sirius grumbled with a malicious glint in his eyes.



Is he alright what- James spilled out, trying to shove into the Infirmary with Sirius a short distance behind him. Nurse Ahmand chuckled to herself, and held them back by their robes.

He cracked a few bones, that's all, and we're not done with him yet. So scram! Go on. she sad sternly, smiling very slightly at their pleading faces.

Go now now, I'll send someone after you when we're done.



We can't do much for the internal bleeding, not with...

You have to do something. Romolus muttered, shaking his head.

You know there isn't a great deal we can do for him. Even Muggle techniques would do more harm than good, as they all involve silver... he has so many complications from transforming that it's dangerous for his health to fix any of his newer injuries. For a werewolf, he's in decent shape though. Usually I'd expect someone a lot worse medically... she muttered, trying to ease the young man's worries. Look, if he's lucky, he'll do off with just a few broken ribs.

And if not, we have to take him to St. Mungo's and have him registered as a werewolf. Romolus said in disgust, hanging his head in his hands. They'll kill him, you know. Without hesitation...

I'll do what I can, but I can't promise any miracles. Nurse Ahmand said after a moment, tipping a potion down Remus' throat. He lay there on the bed, pale, immobile. Romolus looked away, solemn in his own concearns.

His entire life has been a miracle.



Sirius, James and Peter shoved their way into the Infirmary, smiling devilishly as soon as they saw Remus conscious. They fought over the two chairs, Sirius having to stand in the end, and were about to plague their friend with questions when the nurse spotted them.

He can't talk, so don't try and make him. You have ten minutes, then I want you all out of here. she snapped, though allowing them to stay.

You feel alright? Peter asked, breaking along and bothersome moment of silence. Remus smiled, and nodded his head very slightly.

Ah, Jesus you should have seen the game afterwards! Sirius blurted out suddenly.

We killed them! Slytherin's bound to be scared as hell for a while, too. Twenty-one dismounts, sixty eight fouls and not one goal slipped by. he said proudly, smiling. Remus returned the gesture as best as he could manage, and nodded his head again. He grinned after a minute, and fumbled for his wand. Tracing it through the air, little gold letters appeared, his unspoken words, and flipped themselves so the others could read.

Strike them while they're down.

 Sirius asked, blinking.

Exactly. All of them. Except Lily of course. he added with a smirk and wink to James. I figure if they're going to be bastards, we might as well plant some equal game on them.

What've you got planned? Peter asked, liking the sound of all-out war against who had tormented him since he set foot in Hogwarts.

I've had a lot of time to think up here. It's like chess, really. Sacrifice a few things and we can hit them where it hurts.



Remus, you have to stop this nonsense... Lily said quietly a few days after Nurse Ahmand was freely letting Rmeus have visators. Already, Gryffindor had rallied together and planted several lead Slytherin's in undeserving, or so some thought, detentions.

You don't know the half of what's going on. she said, shaking her fiery head. I feel like a traitor telling you this, but Severus is the one that organized your little Quidditch accident. He got the team to do it, God knows why.

Oh, I know why alright.' Remus fumed to himself, clenching his fist's tight.

It doesn't matter. I may have missed out a few years Lil, but hell, I'm sick of them already. he scribbled in the air.

Oh, I know better than any of you that they can be bastards. she admitted lightly, shrugging. But half of them aren't. Well, a third... A fifth? But still, I know they started it, Salazar himself started the feud way back then, but you aren't helping to make things any better. This little game of pride isn't going to fix anything.

It's beyond fixing now, that wall will stay put until Hogwarts itself crumbles. Now, we're just getting even.

Just don't kill anyone and I'll stay out of it. she said with a half smile.

God Lily, you sure know how to take the fun out of life.

Well anyway, when are you going to come back? Everyone keeps asking for you.

I have a tendancy to get hurt easily, so it could be a while... Besides, I've yet to repay dear Snape for his gift.

Just don't land yourself in so deep that you can't get out of trouble again. she mumbled with a roll of her eyes. I have to get back to classes, unortunatly. You aren't missing anything worthwhile...



Lupin, if I catch you trying to sneak out of bed one more time, I'm gonna laugh like hell when your ribs snap again. Nurse Ahmand said, back still turned against the boy. Letting out a mumble of half-words, he swung his leg back into bed, and crossed his arms.

I've been up here for a week, I feel fine, can't I please have one day to walk about? he bargained, rubbing at his sore throat. It had only been a day since his voice had returned, and it was being quite stubborn about functioning correctly.

You're still healing, so until I'm sure that potion did its business, you're not leaving.

Please? My back's going to start forming to the curve of this damn bed if I don't get out of here. he groaned, rolling his eyes.

Fine, you want to leave? she snapped, turning around. Go! For all I care, break half your bones again before they've healed properly! She pointed to the door, frowning. With a mad smile, Remus hopped out of bed, and made a mad-dash for the exist.

HEY! I was kidding! Lupin, get back here before-Oh you're gonna get it. she muttered. Full moon tomorrow, so you can't hide for long... the nurse said to herself.



Hey, Moony! Sirius grinned as he slipped into the dungeons, finally changed of the wretched Infirmary clothes and free to walk.

Let you out at long last? James inquired, glad that Bane was late for class.

Not exactly... No matter. So what's the current situation? he asked with a grin, looking at a band of Slytherins hunched in the corner.

Oh, we've been giving them hell. Surprised you haven't seen all the explosion casualties we've sent to the Infirmary.

I was in my own quarters. he reminded, smiling a bit to himself. It was quite true, he had his own secluded room for use after the full moon.

Oh. Well, we got your brother banding up the older kids, and we've got a second-year wreaking hell too. It's all-out battle, really. James reported after a moment thought.

Excellent. And how's Snape taking it? Remus asked with a devilish grin.

Like crap. He's afraid to walk alone in the halls anymore, fear you come after him.





Remus muttered as he awoke in the Shrieking Shack early in the morning along with the sun. He plucked at the splintered wood on the bed, cursing to himself. His torn wand sparked when he touched it, and fell limp, teetering by the unicorn hair.

Forgot to lock the blasted thing... he mumbled in dismay, shoving the broken wand in is pocket and wiping a trickle of blood from his lip. For a while he sat there, unable to support himself enough to walk back, entire body aching. Nurse Ahmand had been right in thinking the transformation wouldn't go over well when his body was still trying to heal itself. More than anything, he felt a sharp, fiery pain along his once-shattered leg, and he winced at trying to put weight upon it.

Nurse better get here soon. he grumbled. But Nurse Ahmand never came down, and near breakfast, Remus let out a groan as he stood up that wasn't from hunger. Conjuring himself a makeshift crutch, he hobbled his way down the tunnel, and out into the grounds, where he abandoned his aide less someone see. And someone did.

What the hell do you want? Remus snapped irritable, shoving the Slytherin aside and onto the ground sharply. Snape smirked, brushed off the dirt, and smiled in a cocky manner.

Oh, I just came to harass some pathetic little werewolf. he said, walking behind at a safe distance.

Why don't you just tell everyone?

It's so much more fun having my own target. he sneered. For a great distance (or so it felt to the hobbling Remus) Snape followed behind, mocking the Gryffndor to his best ability.

You're simply pathetic like this. he informed. Terribly fun, actually. I should-

Not so fun when you're outnumbered. James snapped, emerging from behind a tapestry.

You're a bloody idiot, Severus Snape. You know that, right? Sirius added.

Snape paled noticeably, and tried to keep his cool image, to no success.

Get out of here before we sic the entire House against you alone. For once in his life, Severus Snape left without a nasty comment or even a wayward glare. Sirius wedged himself under Remus' arm, James doing the same on the other side.

he said quietly.

Not a problem, kind of our fault you were stranded there anyway.

Gryffindor set the serving plates at breakfast to explode on contact, a bunch of the Ravenclaw's helped out. Nurse Ahmand's been busy with a few fried Snakes. Peter said from the side, biting back a wicked smile.

Pity Snape wasn't one of the charcoal-burned. Remus mused as he was shoved carefully through the portal and into a squishy Common Room chair. He let out a sigh, and even smiled.

Yeah, he was busy coming after you. Pete caught him in the act, little hawk-eye...

Hey guys, how far along are you on the Animagism thing? Remus asked after a moment. James and Sirius grinned in unison, and, as usual, Peter let out a hearty moan.

Give us a few months and we'll be done. Sirius confirmed with a smirk.



Rem? Hey, glad they let you out. Officially that is. Romolus said the next day, bumping into him in the halls.

How goes the elder ranks of Slytherin torture? Remus inquired with a smile.

I put the seventh years on guard, and the fifths are too scared to even mess with any sort of retaliation. he said with a proud smirk. You know, mum was right.

About what?

Hogwarts wasn't ready for you. You do know this is going to ignite some huge generational war between Slytherin and every other House, right?

Those were our intentions all along.



Over the month of January and into early February things only got worse between the two Houses. Aside from the constant explosions, ill-wishes, foul glares and snide comments, there was more to the age-old barrier. James and Lily were considered traitors to their Houses, and everyone did their very best to rip them apart. Besides their close friends, no one wanted to see them together, and it had become physically dangerous to sit at opposing tables or near each other in class.

Hogsmeade was just the same.


And what the hell are you doing here Potter? an elder Slytherin snapped at the Three Broomsticks a week before Valentines Day. James smiled curtly, Remus flicked them off, and both sat down with Lily, now immune to anything anyone could say to him.

Evans, get them out of here.

Go blow yourself Johnson. she snapped, instantly putting an end to the tension. Apparently, being nasty towards House mates was considered a good thing to the Slytherins, a sign that she wasn't turning Red' on them. The four older boys shrugged, and went back to discussing the last Quidditch game against Ravenclaw to great length.

God, I'm getting so sick of them! Lily said under her breath as a pack of Hufflepuffs walked by, shooting her odd glances and the occasional stray finger.

At least the Gryff's aren't bothering you. Remus pointed out. Only three Houses against, to some extent.

You only have us against you. she snapped, shaking her head. I'm just tired of everyone trying to split us. she muttered with a long sigh. James swallowed, and bit his lip.

You aren't, er, trying to break up with me or anything... Right? Lily laughed, and shook her head. Remus snorted into his butterbeer, and chuckled along with them.

She's a Slytherin James, she won't relent that easily.

Lily confirmed, and James let out his breath in relief.

You know, once we shut Snape up, I'm sure things won't be so bad. James pondered.

Don't even touch him, he's my target... I have to know how he found out! Remus blurted out, hitting his fist against the table. Lily blinked, and frowned at him.

Find out what?

That I- James clamped a hand over his mouth, glaring furiously at his fellow Marauder. Remus wanted to kick himself right there, and was very grateful James had stopped him.

they both said at once, pretending as though nothing had happened.

Tell me. she said sternly, crossing her arms and giving James the infamous girlfriend puppy-look. Remus put a hand over James' eyes, and shook his head.

Nothing at all. he reinstated, muffled by James' hand.

I'll find out.

James replied after a few shakes of his head, vowing to never fall victim to the puppy look.

I'm a Slytherin, despite what my peers think... she glared at the boys across the table, and went on. I will find out what you're up to.

She said it in such a tone that they both looked at each other, actually fearing their personal well-being.


Get your bloody hands off of me!' Snape yelled. They were rolling in the early-spring mud well out of range of any Professors, Remus trying to beat the grime off of Snape, who couldn't do a thing against the werewolf. Or so James thought.

Remus yelled, hands going up to his face. Snape was smiling, and dropped something back into his pocket before any of the on-looking Gryffindors could notice. Without bothering to worry over himself though, Remus foiled the attempt and landed a blow in Snapes gut, sending him backwards, wheezing for breath. Crawling for a moment, Remus got himself to his feet, and dashed off, perplexed Marauders close behind.

Bastard got silver dust on me! Damn this hurts.... Shit, someone get water or something! Remus yelled, scratching at his face furiously and not daring to open his eyes. Peter, being the only intelligent one in a chaotic situation, did a simple water spell, but accidentally soaked Remus head to toe. He didn't bother scolding him, as it did serve the purpose of scattering the sterling shavings. Still panting from the wire-hot pain, a red-faced and very angry Remus nearly knocked the sink off the wall as he hit it.

Damn him! he cursed, trying to calm down. I swear to God, don't even let me near him or I'll wring his slimy little neck...

You'd best not... James said weakly, clearly wanting to do just the same but knowing it would put a damper on his freedom.

There's got to be a way to shut that little twit up for good. Sirius pondered, watching Remus try to self-heal the little white marks all over his face from silver blisters. His broken and taped wand emitted a series of sparks, and Remus ruefully put it away.

Well, now we have Lily prying and poking, and I wouldn't dare mess with her. James reminded solemnly.

We just need to find some way to really piss him off and keep him quiet. Like, oh I don't know... We can't do something to his friends as he doesn't have any, and we can't likely do anything involving Quidditch as he detests the sport. Peter said.

Couldn't we just get Lily to dig up some personal stuff on him? Sirius asked, tapping his foot on the tile of the Three Broomsticks' bathroom.

Nah, she's trying to pry and poke on Remus, she's out of the question.

Then what do we do?




A/n-Sorry it's been late, ff.net being down and all. Grrrr... Well, anyway, thanks for reading everyone!

Iggie

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