A/n- Well, here comes another summer...

Disclaimer- Yuppers. I'm very sick fo these, but those evil lawyers are out to get us fandom citizens... I own nothing and I am making NO money off of this whatsoever.

Rating- PG-13 I think, I'm not sure if I swore in this or not...


Chapter Keywords- Return of the Werewolf Duo... And Remmie gets a bit of a challange. o_O





Seeing Grey - Part XXIII - Craters



Who're you?

Remus set his bag down at the door, and raised his eyebrows quizzically. There was a very tall boy, who looked a bit older than Caleb, holding a crossbow to his face the moment he stepped into the cabin.

Remus Lupin...

Oh, you're that guy Caleb warned me about... Sorry. he said, lowering the bow and going back to watching TV. Grabbing a glass of water, Remus sat down next to the boy quietly.

I'm Sanford. he said after a long, tense silence.

One of Caleb's rescues?

Yeah... You?

he muttered, getting nowhere in the limited conversation.



When'd you get bit?

Remus said a while later at dinner, having cooked up a large slab of venison from the freezer.

I was five, I think. I don't even remember life before the bite. That was the longest conversation the pair had in the next couple of days. A few mornings later, Aaron Sanford left without a trace, leaving only bare steak bones as mark of his existence.


Remus! Hey! Elise squealed, rushing inside and strangling him in a hug for no apparent reason, much in the manner of Lily. Caleb came in a minute later, pulling the remains of deer for dinner. he said simply, and went out back to prepare his kill.


So how'd school finish off?

Alright I guess, compared to what I'm used to... he said over a game of chess. My friends are almost done with Animagism, my brother's engaged, and I've gone two years without the whole school knowing what I am.

Formidable task... I'm impressed. We have trouble staying in a small town for a month without letting it slip by. Kind of inevitable in our field of work though. she said with a shrug. Remus stood up very quickly, and Summoned the journal from his bag. He handed it to Elise with a large smile, and she gapped, open mouth.

I told you, the Marauders can get anything.

This... This is priceless. Come on! she said with wide eyes, grabbing him by the wrist. They abandoned their chess match, and busied themselves down in the basment laboratory. For three days they stayed down there, both extremely overactive and determined to untangle the age-old problem of werewolfism.


Oi, are you guys snogging down there or what? Caleb asked late at night, jumping the staircase and offering a tray of steaks.

Here, stir counterclockwise for a few minutes, I can't feel my arm anymore. Elise mumbled, rubbing her tired eyes and falling against the wall next to a snoring Remus. She plucked the journal from his lap, and brushed a bit of dust off the next page.

God, we have to leave soon and there's so much to do...

Lupin can handle it.

We can't just dump the future of our kind on him Caleb, he's already going through his own hell. If you haven't noticed by now he's really depressed. Elise said, stifling a long yawn. She smiled at the sleeping boy, and flipped a few pages.

The plight of the werewolf is not an experience anyone understands. Even those of my kind, they cannot comprehend the individual torment I face every day. It has taken all my strength to open my eyes each morning and stumble out of bed. When I was a child, there was no strength. I simply wanted to cease, to be no more. Even now, in my old age, I find it hard to arise each morning with the sun.' she read, handing over the journal. Caleb stopped stirring, and looked down on his weary rescue project.

By the end of the summer he'll have aged ten years. he mused.

He's already far older than his friends, despite any biological reasoning... What's to become of us Caleb? Why do we have to endure such torture, on our own? There's thousands out there who don't have us to help. Remus is one of the lucky ones...

We were never the lucky ones. he said, sitting down as well and charming the spoon to stir for him for a few short minutes. I never took the time to sit back and remember life before all of this. Before I started my little project... God, it's been so long. I've been doing this since I was his age El, for almost five years now. he realized. Resting his head back against the wall, he closed his eyes, and ran a hand through his messy hair.

You need a break.

I can't take a break at the expense of lives El, you know I couldn't. Right now, just sitting here like this, probably five are going to die because of it. It makes me sick. he mumbled. Old man Cor was right... I'm tired of having to wake up every morning and walk around, living a lie.

You're miserable too... she said, resting on his shoulder. We're all miserable. Everyone of us...

It comes with the curse. No matter who you are, the minute you get the bite, your life's over.

We can change it Caleb, we can fix all that. Remus, and you and me, everyone. If we change things now, if we can find a cure... Maybe someday no one will have to know our pain.

It could be hundreds of years, far beyond our life span. And after we do die, maybe no one will care again. Caleb said quietly.

We have to try, we owe it to everyone to be different. It only takes one person to change a world... You've been that one person, for me, Remus, everyone.

No, I haven't done anything. The kid, Lupin, he's gonna be the one to change it all. I don't need my precog to See that... Him and those friends of his, they're going to set the world back in it's proper place. he said with a dreamy smile. Elise let out a sigh of the night, and clung to his arm.

Tomorrow's the full moon. she said, voice barely above a whisper.

Tonight technically... Should we move him up to a bed?

Let's stay like this... I like having you two around.

We all like having someone who understands around. It's a shame the world doesn't understand.

They will, someday.



Remus awoke the next morning to his two new friends sleeping silently on him. With a smile, he slipped out from under their weight, and busied himself with the experimental potions. Finding the already splattered journal nearby, he took a seat, and flipped to a random page.

This illness will not pass me. I fear I will die a slow death if we do not find a cure. But, then again, aren't we all dieing slowly as it is? Our kind, they all slowly degrade until they are nothing more than the primal form they take once a month all together.

Maybe this plague is a gift.



Hey, want to come hunting with me? There's a few old stags out in a meadow nearby, this place is overrun with them... I've got an extra bow. Caleb offered once they had all risen and showered. Not even bothering to look up from Cor's journal, Remus muttered a bleak no' and continued to read.

Come on Lupin, you're going to drive yourself insane if you keep reading that morbid little book.

He's right... Go out and have some fun. Caleb's hilarious when he hunts, because he's actually very bad at it. Elise tried, laughing as she was thwarted on the head with a couch pillow.

You wont be saying that when I bring dinner home! he yelled, laughing himself. Remus didn't move at all, and went on reading for quite some time after Caleb had left. Finally, around noon, Elise snatched the journal from him, and stared him down.

Come on, we have to go do something. she said, leaning down in front of him, arms on the table. You've been sitting there like a little worm.



Come on... Where do your friends live? she asked. That James boy you were talking about, or any of them. Go over and... I don't know. Do what you usually do with them.

I'm not going to show up at a house if I haven't been invited. It's rude.

Oh come off it, you need to learn to live a little. she said playfully, dragging him to his feet. If you wont go to their house, why not invite them here?

I like being alone... It's very quiet, and I can get work done.

We all like solitude, it comes with the curse... But you're depressed.

I am not depressed. he mumbled.

Liar. So come on, either go somewhere or I'm gonna drag you out to town for a few hours.

It's the full moon tonight, so-

Oh for the love of God Lupin, you can't let one little, well... You can't let it control your life! Elise rolled her eyes at herself, and pulled Remus out the door.

We're going out whether you want to or not. You need to get away from life...



Remus walked back to the cabin a while later, frowning deeply in a solemn manner. He had tried to have fun, laughed along with Caleb and Elise, but it was all in vain. His mind was not to be distracted from his worries, preventing him from truly enjoying himself. Hiding behind a facade for years did nothing to blind his friends though, and they had brought him home after a long car ride, and a serious discussion on the potions. Distracting himself with an important task seemed to be the only thing that kept him going, and in talking about it, he let a little bit of his worries drift away.

After they had parked the rusty pickup truck in a shed behind the cabin, the two laughing werewolves stumbled into the room, hanging on to each other.

What's so funny?

It's been so obvious! Right under our noses the entire time! Elise laughed, sitting herself down on the couch.

I can't believe neither of us saw it before! It's just ridiculous how simple the whole thing is...

You're a genius Remus, I swear!

Whoa, slow down... First off, what the hell are you two talking about? he asked, starting up the Muggle Mr. Coffee machine.

Look, we're putting a complete cure on hold until we can understand the basis of Cor's studies. But what you were just talking about... In the presence of animals, we have more of a human mind and are less prone to injure anyone. Your friend's and Animagism-

The principal of keeping a human mind while transformed. Elise interrupted.

Caleb confirmed, biting his lip like an excited child who couldn't find a way to word his eagerness. The potion, I think I know a way it could be brewed...

Remus' eyes went black, and he froze. This... This was a major leap in everything. Werewolves wouldn't even be a threat to society, or themselves, if it were possible...

How? When and-

There's a bad part though. Elise said, starting to loose the humour of her stupidity. We don't have at least half of the ingredients I think would have the right affect, and... Well, no, we can't be sure yet. she said, shaking her head. Come one Caleb, let's go get some work done-

What about me?' Remus asked quietly, hanging his head down.

Alright, both of you... Let's get this written down before we forget any of it.

Full moon, it'll have to wait.



Remus, go take a break... You're about to fall asleep in the Amphritrite goop. Caleb yawned, eyes barely staying open. The morning after, as soon as the sun had risen, the three had emerged from the locked rooms and set to work. It was at least a day and a half later, and all attempts thus far had exploded or resulted in a product far from what they predicted.

Caleb yelled, slamming his fist down as another batch exploded in his face. This is so goddamn annoying.

Well you can't expect to do it in a day.

Yeah, this is probably going to take years to complete... Remus said thoughtfully, eyes fighting to shut.

We've suffered long enough. Caleb mumbled. We shouldn't have to wait any longer... I'm just tired of it all. The Ministry could find a way to destroy every one of us by the time we find a cure.

Well until then, we have to try... Remus said in a daze, leaning forward slightly. With a smile, Elise put a hand on his chest, right as he fell asleep standing up.

Help me take him up stairs...

Won't make it. Just sleep here...





Remus awoke a few hours later to the insistent nipping of James snappy owl, Preilla. She bit him on the nose again, hooted angrily, and perched on the edge of an empty cauldron while Remus read his letter.

Remus,

As soon as Peter can stick his transformation, we'll be full-fledged illegal Animagi. Care to come over for a bit of a celebration? You still haven't seen my house yet... You're welcome to stay for the next moon, if you like. Well anyway, Sirius is here and we're still alive, so write back as soon as you get this. I had to bribe Pre to even go out for the trip, she was in a foul mood. Surprise surprise... Well, I have to go, Sir's about to blow up what's left of my best room. Seeya later.

James


Remus bit his lip, and tapped a pencil against his knee thoughtfully. Preilla hooted shrilly at him to hurry along with the reply, and started Caleb awake.

he blinked, looking around for a moment. What's goin' on?

James wants me to come stay with him, for the next moon... They mastered Animagism. he said in disbelief, shaking his aching head with a small smile.

Well what the hell are you waiting for you stupid git? Go pack your stuff! Caleb laughed, ruffing his hair and hitting him on the head.

But, what about-

Look, you're not going to change the world in one day, alright? Go off, live your life.... Fine. Be tough about it. Caleb said, hiding his smile as Remus wrote a declining note and made to hand it to the owl. He snatched it away, scribbled a Be there soon', and threw the boy over his shoulders.

Let me go! Come on Caleb, this isn't... Funny. Ouch! he yelled, hitting his head against the wall as the older boy carried him up the stairs, laughing all the while.

Caleb, let me go! We have to work!

Lupin, for once, I don't car to hear your opinion. Caleb said with a smirk, magically binding him to a chair while he searched around for the satchel Remus was seldom seen without. With a satisfied nod, he picked Remus up again, slumped him over shoulder, and Apparated out of the area.


After an hour of searching for the secluded resort, Caleb finally dragged Remus up to the wide, magnificent doors of the Potter Estate. A cheerful looking butler answered, raised his eyebrows, and inquired upon Who the hell are you?.

This is Remus Lupin, I'm, er, just here. he said shortly, looking inside. Remus let out a pathetic sort of mumble, and shut his eyes.

Er, Master James? There's someone here to see you... I think! the man called, yelling up a spiral staircase. James appeared a minuet later, and slid down the curved rail with a grin.

Who're you? he asked, blinking. And what've you got? he added upon seeing Remus' dangling feet. Caleb finally set his hostage down, pat him on the back, and placed a hand on his head.

I'm Caleb, and I would sure as hell hope you know Remus.

Ah, you're that loony guy he lives with, aye? James smiled, holding out his hand. James Potter.

Nice to meet you... I have to get going, I've got a girl back in the basement and a few potions probably near exploding. Terribly sorry. And with that said, the very spontaneous and illogical Caleb Simmers disappeared from sight, and Remus was hustled inside.

Very odd fellow.

You don't know the half of it...

Come on, Sirius made a new kind of Dungbomb we want to test...



Late at night, Remus lay awake on the floor of James' large bedroom, staring up at the black ceiling. For a few hours he had been unable to sleep, thinking about the potions and all the good things that could come of them. But the other half was thinking of Romolus, and how he wouldn't see him anymore.

Deep down, he felt guilty for ruining his brothers life. And now he wouldn't be able to ruin Romolus' life...

Wonder if he even asked her yet. he mused aloud. Knowing him it's unlikely...

Rom,

So how'd Shelly take it? I swear, if you didn't ask her... And you're a Gryffindor for God's sake! Well, I'm staying at James' house for a while, probably a few weeks, write if you need anything. And I swear to God, if you didn't ask her... I have to go, I think it's four in the morn. See you later, I hope.

Rem





Elise! Hey, where are you, I think I found... he trailed off, and looked around the cabin with a frown. Elise? Elise! he yeled, cupping his hands. With no response, he peered outside, but the pickup was still parked.

Probably working. he mumbled, taking the basment steps in three's.

El... Elise! he blurted out, eyes widening. He rushed to where she lay on the ground, and put an arm under her limp head.

Elise! Come on, wake up!




Remus! Rem, come on, get-



His eyes snapped open, and he was about to grab for his wand and curse whatever moved before James put a hand on his chest.

Calm down for the love of God. he muttered, Sirius snoring in the background. You're screaming like a banshee... Nightmare or something?

Yeah... Bad dream...

The lights went out, and Remus was left to stare at the ceiling, breathing erratically. For a long moment, he considered writing his friends at his new home, but shook his head in the end.

Just a dream.

Assured he was being a stupid git, he fell back asleep in the luxury of the guest bed.





A/n- Sorry this one took so long, I've been waiting for ffnet to start working properly... Grrrrr... Well, the next one should be coming soon. Thanks for all the reviews!!

Iggie