A/n- Things start to normal out again, well, as normal as it gets with James and Sirius around!!

Disclaimer- Why must I even BOTHER? It all belongs to You-Know-Who (no not that one...)

Rating- This one is PG-13... Surprise there, aye?

Chapter Keywords- Quidditch! And all the other fun Marauder stuff as well... I threw in some Romolus as well.



Seeing Grey - Part XXII - Innocence




Rom, you have got to be kidding! Remus laughed, clutching at his chest for air.

Dammit Remus, this isn't funny...

Oh to hell it isn't! he blurted out, face red with humour. Romolus' was a brilliant shade of its own, but for other reasons.

Come on, this is serious...

Sorry, but-honestly Rom-what... Are you thinking? You're sixteen for God's sake!

Forget I said anything...




Remus wasn't sure how the Gryffindor team had managed to snag a spot in the Quidditch Final without a proper Keeper, or any plays for that fact. But somehow they did, and two days after the break was over, Remus found himself back on his new broom high above the pitch.

You up for the game? This is the Cup... We have to win. James said quietly at lunch. Remus poked at his meal absently, breathing in slowly. He had woken up very sore and nauseous for whatever reason.

I don't know if I can last very long, I feel really sick again. he admitted, pursing his lips.

I'll just get a fast catch then. James said importantly, offering a smile.

We can pick up the slack, don't worry. Either that or you''ll make some insane play and we'll blow them away. Sirius added. after a long meal and encouraging words from the only people who knew anything about him, Remus nodded his head and went back to get ready for the afternoon match.




We're here for what promises to be a great match! the announcer said as the entire school cheered from the stands. The players rose as one into the air, Remus gripping his broom handle very tightly in anticipation. The minute the whistle blew, he swallowed, and took in a long breath.


I've been sick lately, you all need to pick up for me. he had said right before the match in the locker rooms. I have a few new idea's, I'll call you out when we get the chance. I'm saving the time out.



Surprise surpise everyone, the cunning Snakes are refusing to give any slack to our struggling Lions. he announced miserably, grumbling out the last bit. Thirty minutes into the match, Gryffindor was already down by seven goals.

Remus, pick it up! Sirius yelled as he streaked by, only to be rammed by several Slytherins.



And once again the Lions are falling prey... This could be a long and nasty match folks.



Look, I can't stop anything, I'm way out of practice and not in perfect health yet. Remus muttered to James as Slytherin argued with the referee, giving them a few brief minutes to plan. He ignored the sniggers, and went on.

Sirius, I need you to keep tab on their Beaters. Alex, you focus on the Chaser, Morigan. he said as they nodded. If the Quaffle strays into my area, Sirius, drop what you're doing, and find a Bludger... I'll explain the rest in the air. he said hastily as the whistle blew. Ten minutes went by, in which Gryffindor dropped even further behind, until the plan was in progress.


Sirius, hit the Quaffle! Remus shouted as it dropped from the air, victim of collision. He turned sharply in the air, bat raised, and bit his tongue down as the Bludger came spiraling towards him. With a mighty crack, he sent it directly opposite, his bat splintered down the middle from the force. The two balls collided enough for the center Gryffindor Chaser to get on course, and she promptly scored.

Nice call Remus! Sirius said as Amanda Remmings did a few victory loops.



Sirius caught on to Remus plan soon enough, and watched as he zoomed out of he Keepers normal area. A few of his teammates shot him quizzical looks as he went by, stopping about midfield. The crowed yelled as a Slytherin, armed with the Quaffle, raced towards the goal, and shot a long ball to avoid a defensive Chaser. Sirius held his cracked bat high again, and with perfected precision, knocked the Quaffle off-course and back towards the center point. Remus reached up, grabbed the shiny red ball, and to the amazement of many, managed to wedge it through the smallest hoop.

He scored? James blinked, looking on in disbelief. Nonetheless, he joined in the cheering, and pat Remus on the back.


With a very odd goal by the Gryffindor Keeper, the score is now 30-170. The Lions better catch that Snitch if they want a win!

Come on James, that puts us in position! Alex yelled, hurling past a Bludger, bat raised. Their possible win was taken away minutes later as Slytherin scored a penalty shot, putting the Gryffindors in a very foul mood.

What's our play Remus? the team asked as a Slytherin time-out was made for a dismounting.

Kick some ass.

Sounds good. they all agreed, smiling as one entity.


The hell is this-sorry Professor-what are the Lion's doing? the announcer asked in disbelief. The Beaters had abandoned all tactics, and were flying in the most illogical and random patterns, smashing into anyone who didn't dive out of their paths. James wasn't even attempting to find the Snitch, and spent the majority of the next ten minutes speeding up to someone and pulling away sharply. The distraction worked, and soon enough, Gryffindor managed to pull into a game-ending position.

James, behind you! Remus yelled, pointing wildly. The Slytherin Seeker was way in advance... With a steady swing, Sirius and Alex sent the Bludger diving at double-speed, and railed the opposition out of the way just in time for James to grab on to the tiny golden orb.

GRYFFINDOR TAKES THE CUP!


The whole team was on the ground tackling each other excitedly, yelling out with the ecstatic crowd. They spilled out onto the pitch, and for a long moment, the whole Gryffindor house was in a euphoric bliss, carrying their triumphant team back to the tower for a week long celebration.

See Rem, things are getting better! Romolus said in a slur, not even caring that the punch had been spiked long ago.

After all the hell we've been through, I guess we're finally getting our compensation.

Damn right little brother! And this time it'll last!

I really hope you're right...

Hesh Moony... Try d'pun... Sirius said droggily, swaying about.

You do realize that punch is actually a very potent a Bloody Dragon, don't you?



Never mind...


By April the commotion had died down, Remus was finally healthy, and things began to resort back to the norm again. The Marauders were now setting a school record for setting the most collective detentions with all their pranks, and Remus was proud to admit he was a lot of the cause. All of his course work became harder, as everyone constantly complained about the O.W.L. preps, but he didn't mind. Now, truly, his life was beginning to make perfect sense, or as much sense as it could with James and Sirius around, and the bullet-prone Caleb dropping him humorous notes every now and then.



Hey, when is your birthday? James asked one morning, watching as a bunch of Hufflepuff's conjured a cake for their friend.

Three days. he said, not paying attention. Sirius and James scoffed at him, and hit him upside the head.

And you didn't tell us? Stupid git, how are we supposed to get you presents in time?

I don't like birthdays. Nothing to celebrate in my opinion... He let out a groan as James smiled his plotting smile, and Sirius, using his mischief telepathy, duplicated the look.

Guys, please... Whatever it is, please don't.



The day before his birthday, Elise and Caleb sent him a very long letter by way of one very angry little owl.

Happy birthday Lupin, and all that... You can stay up here this summer if you'd like, I doubt we'll be there very often. America and South America are ridden with werewolves and the western States just kill them outright. We've got a lot of people to help out so we'll be really busy. How's that potion stuff coming along? If you can get us a book... It's a handwritten piece by a man simply named Cor, and it should be at the very end of the Restricted Potions shelf. We really need it, it could have a coded cure in it, we're not sure. It's the only one in existence so we can't check elsewhere. Thanks, and Elise needs to ramble for a while. Adios.

Remus, that book, the journal from Cor, it might say why you got sick. He was a werewolf, and he's about the only one who ever bothered to learn anything about the Curse itself. I don't know if I should even bother, but read the thing through a couple times, alright? And happy birthday! Your brother told me.

:)


Romolus, why are you talking to Elise? he asked as the owl stole half of his breakfast unnoticed.

Oh, that girl you were staying with? James and Sirius started to snicker horribly, and turned away from Remus entirely.

Found one of your letters, decided to write her. Not a problem I hope? he asked with a wicked smile.

You don't have to check up on me for God's sake.

Oh, and like you don't delve into me and Shelly's lives.

Point taken...



James, come on! Let-Me-Go! Remus yelled, trying to pull away from the crowd packed into The Three Broomsticks. Latching onto an arm apiece, James and Sirius aisle-walked him back inside, and Peter clamped a cone hat on his head.

Guys, please...

Today's your birthday, we're legally obliged to torment you. It's a rule. Sirius said as a bunch of the Gryffindors started hooting for him, and someone produced a very large cake.

Does that satisfy that canine appetite of yours? James asked quietly, smiling as Sirius lit the candles. Knowing better than to lean in and blow them out, Remus ducked, and covered his head just in time for the cake to explode. The whole pub erupted in laughter, covered in delicious frosting and mutli-coloured cake. Remus picked a clump off his robes, and stuffed it in his mouth.

I'sh goo. he said with an approving nod, pelting Sirius with a piece, who was the only one clean. A massive cake-fight was soon underway, and Madam Rosmerta didn't even bother to scold the mess. She laughed along with everyone, and joined in the allied war. No one left the pub that day without being covered in more cake than not.



So what are we looking for again? James asked from under the cloak.

A handwritten journal by a man named Cor... It should be at the end of one of the shelf's. Remus muttered pulling out many dusty books carefully. They had a habit of setting off charms and alerting the caretaker or his nasty little cat.

This it? James asked, pulling down a filthy and almost molded leather-bound collection of parchment. Remus smiled wickedly, and blew on it. There was no title, but the inside confirmed that it was the correct book.

'Property of Cor.' he read, and nodded his head. He turned to go, but James didn't follow.

Hold on, I need something else on Animagism, and I might as well get it while we're here. he muttered, digging through a shelf a few steps over. Finding three large books of his own, the two raced back to the Common Room at lighting speed.


Monday, June fifteenth, nineteen three,

After seven and a half years of constantly living on the verge of death, I believe I have discovered the catalyst of my condition. Several of my colleagues have claimed they have experienced some illness after the moon on occasion, so it can be concluded that it is a common ailment of lycanthropy.


Remus had kept himself awake for two days straight, absorbed in the journal of the werwolf. When he had been sick, he had learned to cope with little sleep, and now it was proving most useful. Knowing little about the curse that plagued his life and caused all his problems, the journal had been fodder for his eager mind.


Thursday, July first, nineteen three,

As we had thought, the illness is repetitive. I am not sure why I am constantly falling ill, or how I am surviving, but it proves most useful for our research. My council discovered it primarily attacks the central nervous system, devouring all off the vital nerve lines. We cannot be sure, but our experimenting will continue as long as life stays with me.


Hey Remus, come on! We're going out to test! Peter called from the Common Room. Tucking the rotten journal under his pillow, Remus grabbed his cloak and followed the Marauders out to their special clearing in the Forbidden Forest. He watched Sirius change again to the great black dog, and for a long moment, he was able to stay. After letting out a bark that Remus understood as , he changed back into the normal Sirius.

God, you're so much better than us. Peter said in slight dismay, kicking at the ground.

Don't worry Pete, we'll help you. James pat him on the back, and smiled.

So Jamsie, when are ya going to let us see what you're form is? Sirius asked after another quick transformation.



Well no crap, but come on, I know you can change.






Wednesday, August first, nineteen three,

Things are not going well. My illness is progressing at an alarming rate and I have lost my sight altogether. As long as there are tests to be done I shall try and stay alive. Mayana discovered a partial cure for it, though I will reject all treatment until we understand this problem. One cannot solve a problem until he truly understands it, I believe. Our council is very close to finding an actual prevention for the disease, though we don not have the time to test it on our youngest member, who has yet to fall ill on the wane. We will know in due time.

Remus, get your nose out of that nasty book and shoo this owl off! Romolus yelled from down the table, swatting at a circling tawny. He snatched the parcel from it's talons, and bribed it some bacon to go away.

Remus,

Went hunting again and Elise is making me get rid of all my venison, so I sent you some jerky. Consider it a very appetizing birthday present of sorts. If you want any more, just ask, I have more than even I can eat in time... I might not be able to write for a while, work's hell now that I have an actual job. What a shame, I resorted to working in a Muggle restaurant... Anyway, happy belated birthday and all that, and enjoy the chow.

Caleb

You gonna eat that? Sirius asked with a glint in his eyes, looking intently at the sealed tube of fresh jerky. Remus offered one, and soon enough, half of his canister was empty.

This stuff ish aweshome! Sirius said thickly. What ish it?

Remus said as he nibble don his own, nodding his head approvingly.

Wush venshon?



Sirius spit out the meat, and gobbled down a glass or two of juice.

Sick! I just ate Bambi... I think I'm gonna be sick...




As June came around, Remus had a few surprises in store for him. One he was unaware of for many years, though the other was a shock. Mentally he told himself he should have been expecting it, but nonetheless, Romolus' words had nearly knocked him out of his seat. Very quietly Romolus had pulled him aside during a Hogsmeade weekend, and pulled a little box out of his pocket.

What's that for?

I'm... Er, gonna... Gonna ask Shell to, er, marry me.

He blinked, and looked down at the little emerald and diamond ring that probably cost more than anything the Lupin brothers had owned in their lives. Looking back up, he raised his eyebrows, and wondered briefly if it was a joke. But the nervous and expectant demeanor on Romolus' face was an expression that could not be feigned.

You're serious, aren't you? he asked quietly, looking down at his feet.

If you say it's alright, I'm going to ask her.

Why would my input matter? he blurted out, thoroughly convinced his brother was barking mad. But after a moments though, he knew the answer. Romolus would be gone from his life if they married, and neither of them were quite ready to let go. He wanted to yell, to scold his brother for even considering abandoning him, but something stopped him. Without even realizing it, he said there was no problem. No problem? Of course there was a problem... He just wasn't ready to acknowladge it. He should have prepared for this, when Romolus hinted eariler, but his mind had refused to accept any chnage.

You sure? Romolus asked hesitantly, biting his lip. Cause if you don't want me too, I can wait...

No, it's fine. Remus lied, and forced a smile.


Don't worry Remus, we'll see each other on the holidays. Romolus said as he shoved Remus off the Hogwarts Express.

But... I'll miss you. It'll be horrible if you en't around. he muttered quietly, not looking up from the ground.

I'll always be there for you, alright? his brother said sternly, hand on Remus' shoulder. He tipped his chin up, and smiled. Even if we're a continent apart, I'll be there right beside you. Promise.

Alright... But I'll still miss you.

Don't waste your thoughts little brother, keep them all. You have to be tough now, and smart. he said, still smiling in a warm way. For years that smile had kept Remus together...



And remember, I'll be right there. Right beside you.

The train issued a long screeching whistle, and in a few moments, Remus made a sad conclusion. No matter how hard he tried, he still missed Romolus, and he wasn't always by his side.


Positive it's alright?

Remus concluded, and scuffed his brothers hair. Mum would kill you if she knew.

I doubt she's in any condition to kill me., seeing as she's dead and all.. And I'm sure Mrs. Hellen will have her fair share of verbal lashings.



Throwing away all his worries for the time being, Remus walked back to The Three Broomsticks with his brother. He laughed and smiled along with his friends, and in doing such he went back to living a lie, concealed behind a facade of carelessness.




A/n- Hope you liked Part 22! More is on the way, I promise! And this isn't a Lupin promise either. :)


Iggie