A/n- Sorry about all the cliffhangers and generally depressing stuff...

Disclaimer- I am rather getting fed up with these, aye... Rowling and Co own it all... ::sigh::

Rating- PG-13 until I say otherwise.

Chapter Keywords- Remus on the Run.




Seeing Grey - Part XIX - Ricochet



Since leaving the ground at night, Shebea, the wolf he often met in the forest, had followed him through the woods and night streets of many towns. She was an excellent companion, and even provided him with directions to an easy meal the first night out.


You should not feel bad little wolf. It was her habit to call him little wolf, as she had heard Romolus and his little brother remark. With a sigh, Remus tore the salvaged meat off the bone before putting the rest back in the fire to cook thoroughly.

I'm just almost sick of living.

Why would you say that? she asked, taking a bit from her own portion.

Well, my pack, they don't say it outright, but they kind of see me inferior.

You are strong, and young at that. There is no sense in being thrown from the pack.

They didn't kick me out or anything... Human packs are a bit different than wolf ones. It's rather difficult to explain really, but... They look down on me. They don't mean to, but a little sliver of their mind believes I'm not as good as they are. he tried.

Because you are only part of them, and only part of us?

Pretty much... It's because I'm not entirely human that's the problem. They're very strict over purity, I've never understood it.

Had you not been bitten would they treat you differently? Remus couldn't suppress his laugh, one thing that he knew wolves did not understand.

If I hadn't been bitten I wouldn't be on the run from my entire community. he mused, tasting the meat before letting it roast longer. I'd have a normal life. And for one I wouldn't be having a conversation with you, to say the least.

I will never understand humans, they are such curious creatures. Fussing over the most illogical of ideals and hating themselves. And war. It has to be the most outright violation of sense known to Earth.

Remus shook his head with a smile, amazed. It took a wolf to teach him the truth about Man and all his mistakes.



Where are you going to stay little wolf? If you have run from your pack, there shant be many places where you wont be spotted by those hunters.

 Remus asked, flying along above the wolf.

You know, those men who wish to kill you.

Oh, the Ministry... Well I can't likely settle anywhere public, I'm dead if I go there.

Why not just stay with us in the forest? I am sure they would not look for you there.

One of my pack has a special map of the forest, they would find me there. And it's far too close to Hogsmeade, the town.

I do not know what to say little wolf. Why not ask your sibling?

Romolus? No... Remus shook his head, and landed in a small clearing to rest. I'm not going to drag him into this. This is my problem.

A problem of one is the same for kin. If you are in dire need, your kin is as well. This is how it is with man and wolf alike.

 he said firmly, shaking his head to assure himself. His life is actually starting to make sense. He may have found a mate, and I wont let myself tear them apart. I'm going to solve this on my own time, without the help of anyone.

You cannot live alone. Solitude will do nothing but slowly kill you.

I have two hundred years yet to live. Solitude is the only companion I have now.






For a day they made way towards London, as Remus had lived there before without so much as raising a hair to the wizarding community. Closer than he might have liked, Remus had to set camp, as the full moon would be rising that night.

Hey Shebea? he asked thickly through his chicken he had caught escaped from a farm, now cooked nicely over open-flame.

Yes?

When I transform, make sure I don't go anywhere. Don't let me leave this clearing, on any condition. There are humans nearby and I don't want to hurt anyone.

Do not worry little wolf, I will keep you here without any trouble. We had a werewolf before, my pack and I. You will be calm in my presence, it is how the curse works.

Thanks Shebea.

Not a problem, none at all.

With a calm mind and easy heart, Remus lay himself down, curled up as typical before the moon. Shebea stayed nearby, one eye open, smiling in a wolfen manner as she gnawed on the remains of her meal.

Just rest little wolf, it will be alright.




What's hap... Remus took in a sharp gasp of air as he was kicked in the stomach, rolled over on his back.

Found him Johnson. the man called, prodding him in the gut to check if he was still alive.

No... Let me go... Remus groaned, trying to see. He was kicked again, followed by a laugh and crunching footsteps.

Pathetic thing, ain't he? another voice asked, picking him up by the front of his robes and looking him in the face.

No... Lemme... Remus groaned, voice barely above a whisper.

Aye, that he is... Come on, Jacobs is offering huge sums for the capture of these things before they get that new law in place. Might as well take my reward while I can, right?

Here, throw him in the truck. We'll have to drive back, Apparating would kill the beast and we need them live for the bonus.

A few paces later, Remus was thrown into the back of a pickup truck along with a dead unicorn. Had he been more aware of anything, he might have realized it had been deceased for quite some time, and had developed a nasty stench. Every neuron in his body was in panic overdrive.


No... Let, go... he muttered, eyes falling shut as he slipped away from the world.



Hey, hey kid!

He rolled over on his back, opening his right eye painfully.

he mumbled, wondering why he felt so horrible.

Here, come on kid, drink this... A small bottle was shoved through the bars and near his hands, and Remus fumbled to down the solution, his mind a blur. Things instantly sharpened, and he was able to see a young man bent down, and the bars of a rusty cage.

What the hell happened? he mumbled, rubbing his bruised face. His left eye was swelled shut, and his entire body ached painfully from transformation sores.

Listen to me. the boy snapped, blue eyes dancing about the room. You've been caught by the Ministry Creature Disposal members. They presented you to the executioner this morning, and he's coming in a few minutes to kill you. he said sternly, trying to find the appropriate key from a loop of many.

What?' Remus snapped, suddenly more attentive. He sat up sharply, and hit his head against the top of the cage. Cursing to himself, he nodded his head as the boy went on.

I'm getitng you out of here, so just be quiet and follow me. Come on, this way. he tugged at the boys arm as the cage lock clicked open, and Remus was pulled through a basement of some sort. Things passed in a blur as the boy, whoever he was, cracked a ward on a passageway and led Remus into a long, winding tunnel. About to collapse after a few minutes of running, he stopped, and slumped against the dark wall.

Who are you? he finally asked, mind racing.

That does not matter now. And please, we must hurry... I'll be arrested for this if I'm caught, and you'll be killed. I'm just tired of people dying without reason. the young man repeated, digging into his pockets and producing another small vial of the potion. Remus downed it, and after a brief second of lightheadedness, got to his feet steadily.

Tell me which way to go, and how to get out. Stay behind for a few minutes, and if you hear anyone, start to run after me. Say I escaped. he said, biting his lip. I have a bad history of dragging innocent people down with me and getting them into more trouble than they should. I thank you, for saving my life. You have to go...

Alright... Go straight until you reach a fork in the tunnel. Go left, and after a while, there will be a ceiling window. Crawl through it, and make sure you're not seen out in the courtyard. Hide behind a big statuye of an angle if anyone spots you. Try to act inconspicuous, and whatever you do, don't dratg any attention to yourself. The west gate isn't gaurded, so you can sneak through if you're quick. And you really should get back to Hogwarts, Dumbledore has been here three times already in a fit.

Remus said with a small bow of his head, and parted with the very odd stranger.



She left, we had only seen her but once. Her scent is fading. the young male wolf informed Remus that night as he lay down, tired and beaten from a long day of running. He made a little whimper of a thank you, and the wild pack raced off under the waning moon. Resting his head against a mossy rock, he closed his eyes, praying he was far enough away from the Ministry and the search party after him.

God Romolus... What am I doing? Everywhere I go I'm screwed. he mumbled, wishing he had his wand or his broom. There's no place left for me, no where...





His eyes shot open, and he almost struck the boy in reflex. Blonde hair shimmering in the early morning light, the stranger smiled, and pulled Remus to his feet.

I thought you'd be around here somewhere... I just wanted to make sure you got away alright, the Ministry is still after you on two accounts. he said. You're lucky you don't look so well. They'd neve rbe aable to recognize you.

Who are you? Remus asked, raising his eyebrows. The boy had an odd habit of turning up in the strangest places. He laughed, and smiled wide.

Caleb Simmers, at your service. he introduced, giving a mock-bow and a grin. Department for the Disposal of Magical and Dangerous Creatures, fourth class.

But... If you work for the Ministry...

I'm an assistant, kind of. he said, and shrugged. Pulling up his sleeve, he showed off a silver scar, two lines of protruding holes. Being a werewolf, I know how it is. he said simply.

Remus smiled, and understood immediately.

You're a werewolf, and yet you work for the very organization that disposes of our kind? Very clever. Remus said with an approving nod, dropping his guard.

I grew up in America on and off, as they don't prosecute as much compared to Britain. I was able to attend some schooling there, since there wasn't Dumbledore in my years. Now I make it my personal little mission to help out all my fellows who aren't as lucky. Caleb said, digging around in his expandable pockets for something as he talked.

I'll get caught eventually, but I'll just go to the Canadian Ministry then. I have friends living over there, so not a problem. Used to living on the run, we all are, aye? he laughed. With an , he pulled a miniature satchel form his pocket, and promptly, and wandlessly, enlarged it.

They took your broom afraid to say, and the wand wasn't salvageable... From the looks of it though that was old damage.

Yeah, I forgot to safe lock it one moon.

Yeah, I know the trouble. Ruined a good many pair of leather shoes that way... Such a horrible aftertaste too. He glanced at his watch, and cursed.

If you need anything, drop me an owl. I've done my research, you're in a lot of deep shit right? Well, anyway, I have to get back before anyone suspects a thing. Caleb said quickly, nodding his head.

Nice meeting you, and thanks for the help. Remus said honestly as he stuffed the business card into his pocket. You can't Apparate by any chance, can you?

Not a problem. Should be quick... Hold tight. Caleb offered his hand, and in a short Pop!', they were gone.



Thought you'd find this handy. I didn't have time to explain a few things, so I'll leave you with this now.

Remus unfolded the rest of his note he had foudn in his satchel, sipping his tea thoughtfully at the little London Muggle cafe.

I have a house in Canterburry, you may stay there at any time if you need. Directions are on the reverse. Dumbledore is rather in a stiff trying to find you, as he has left numerous notices all over the Ministry. You really should go back kid, for your own good. With your old record the Ministry is going to be all over the place for you, and the last place they'd look is Hogwarts.

So go on, get back to where you belong. And if you never need anything at all, consider me the first person to ask.

One werewolf to another,

Caleb Simmers


Um, sir? a small voice said from in front of him. He looked up from the dusty parchment, and frowned.

Remus asked the waitress, who was back for the fifth time.

Are you alright? You look rather ill...

I'm fine. he said with a roll of his eyes.




It was a scrubby little cabin, secluded away from the world, outlined by a wooden fence that was in fact fallen trees dragged in line. The dwelling itself
was only a few rooms, a kitchen, living room, half bathroom and a hammock hanging in the corner. There was a disaster basement with quite a few locks, all scratched and chipped, that reminded him of his old moon shelter. With a sigh he opened the freezer, and wasn't surprised to find only meat, packaged neatly. He didn't take anything, not feeling right being there in the first place. Finding a clean cup, he poured himself some water, and sat down on the torn and dusty sofa. There was a television, though black and white only, so Remus idly turned it on and watched old sitcoms for a few hours.

The retreat did well to clear his mind away. He knew, in the back of his mind,
that Romolus would end up marrying Shelly at the end of the year. It was a fact as clear as the sky was blue, and grass was green. They'd invite him to stay with them, and he'd refuse, then live on his own again. Everything in his life was a continuous cycle, doomed to repeat itself over and over. Things would be bad, then some breakthrough and he'd live a short life of bliss, then be let down and shoved away.

It never changed.



Well into the next day, Caleb came over, opening the door with a smile. Remus was asleep on the couch, drooling slightly, the television playing a 50's show of a stereotypical perfect family.

Figured you would have run off to here. he said, nudging him awake. Remus yawned, and nodded his head, then jumped slightly.

Who's she? he asked, pointing to the young girl making herself at home in the kitchen.

Another one of my little rescue projects, she lives with me now. Kind of an adoptive sister sort of thing. Caleb said, calling her over.

Elise, this is Remus Lupin. Remus, Elise Newman. he introduced, both of them smiling. If you don't mind, we need to stay here for the night before we hit Canada. I got caught again. he said with a shrug, magically igniting the small beaten oven to heat and moving pots about.

It's your house, why should I mind? And what do you mean Caught again'?

I've been kicked out from Greenland, Scotland, northern Russia, France and now England, in order. he said after a moments thought.

Geez... All because of helping people? Me? he asked, feeling a guilty sink in hsi stomach.

Yeah, I don't mind though. Caleb laughed, and started cooking a very large portion of meat that could feed ten men, or barely three werewolves.

Hey Remus, the tall brunette asked after a moment, seating herself next to him. You don't look too well. Are you sick? It is on the wane... She peered at him, her brilliant blue eyes seeming to search his very soul.

He blinked, not understanding. In all honesty he knew next to nothing about his own curse, and most of which he did know was from short book articles.

We're immune to most anything before the moon, but after we're terribly prone to catch something. Caleb explained. You don't know too much do you?

I've never really bothered to learn... he mumbled.

No, I mean social graces. You're quiet.

I only have two good friends now. The others found out. he said quietly, almost to himself. The two others nodded, and dropped the subject entirely for a while.


After a long and filling dinner, Elise disappeared to the basement, and came back hours later with four vials of steamy potion. She downed one, as did Caleb, and the other two were handed to Remus.

One's our own formula for post-transformation. We take one a day for a few days after, it helps to heal everything. Caleb said as he started to cook up another steak for himself.

The other is a common healing potion, as it's the only thing I can do to help you. I was never aloud proper magic training, I learned it all from books. Elise said, assuring him it wasn't poison as he was staring at the blue liquid apprehensively. Have you even seen yourself recently? she questioned, and pulled him into the bathroom. Remus gapped.

His hair was nearly grey at the scalp, thin and brittle. Once blue eyes had turned dull, and his skin was deathly white, devoid of all colour. He had the general appearance of a child suffering from a prolonged case of the flu.

Jesus, no wonder everyone kept pestering me on my health. he muttered, slightly amazed he was so terrible looking. Even the dust covering the mirror did nothing to hide his pastey look.

You really should get back to Hogwarts, it could be serious. Caleb muttered as he returned, frowning deeply.

I can't.



Remus lay down on the floor, on a blanket he had conjured, and looked up at the ceiling intently.

Last year my three friends found out. Two are fine with it, for the most part. he said.

You're lucky, to have found them. There aren't many left in the world.

I know... One is a little scared of me, but we weren't close to begin with. It was a very forced and unemotional friendship, me and Peter. Either of us could have moved away and not a thought would have been shed. But this girl, Lily, we were great friends. he said with an ice seizing his throat.

She's terrified of me now, and she must have told everyone. She's a Slytherin anyway. he added, and the other two nodded as if this explained it all. But God, I can't go back now. I'm sick of having to live in fear of everything, and have people cower from me. I... I want to live a normal life. he trailed off, shaking his head. He had known these people well for less than two hours, and he was spilling out his heart to them without caution. It might have been the fact that they were werewolves, and they shared the same fate, or just that Caleb had given a lot to help him out. Either way, it was a weight lifted from his shoulders, and he started to feel less nauseous the more he went.

I just can't go back. he decided. My brother, he's wasted his life looking after me. I'm not going to steal it from him anymore.

I had a family before I was bitten. Elsie offered, trying to keep him from getting any more depressed. They turned me in to the Ministry as soon as they found out. Caleb got me there, a few years ago.

My mother tried to kill me, I have a couple bullet marks still. Idiot used lead though, didn't really hurt that much. Caleb said thickly, as he was gnawing on his second dinner.

My father shot me, once. Silver bullet to the head. Remus said quietly, his hand running over the mark absently. The others winced, knowing the pain.

Knowing the pain.

That was it, that was why he felt safe. They knew his pain, they knew it all. They weren't close, and they didn't make him laugh like James and Sirius, but they understood. Both of them knew everything, all the suffering and hardships of living each day. All the cruel twists of fate.

Curling the blanket up to his chin, Remus closed his eyes, and le this mind drift away to another world.


That night, Remus slept better than he had in years. No nightmares of his father, no dreams that Hogwarts knew, no fear that the Ministry was going to execute him as no more than a rabid beast. His vision was not plagued by Romolus being dragged to hell along with him, or anything at all.

He simply slept.


In the morning they were gone, a note saying they would be in Canada and how to contact him. Elise had cooked him a large ham for breakfast, and left a flower on the table as a cheerful reminder to stay happy. There were two more vials of the different potions, and a note.

Get on back to Hogwarts, where you'll be safe. You have friends there who are probably running amok without you. Elise wrote in her neat, punctual blue penmanship. Caleb had added his own hasty note at the bottom.

Go or we'll find you, and drag you there ourselves. I'm serious. You're sick and you're depressed, so get the hell out of my house :)



Rom, can we go home now? Remus asked, hiding a clever smile.

We don't have a home, you know that.

Wherever you are, I consider that home.

But I'm right here. he said with a quizzical look.

Alright then, this is now home. Or over there, it's home too. Remus said with a smile, watching the Christmas snowflakes fall silently.

Just what?

Just stay by me, alright? As long as you're here I'm always at home.




A/n- Thanks for reading! Caleb and Elise are soon to become very important indirect kind of characters, so you'll be hearing of them every now and then. If you have any rants, death threats, ill-wishes complaints or anything else, send them to AlyssaC7@aol.com with IGGIE in the subject heading. Thanks, and I hope you enjoyed the nineteenth installment of Seeing Grey!

Iggie