A/n- Well, here's another...

Disclaimer- Only to save my own ass, I shall have to point out that I own NOTHING. There, I said it... ::cries::

Rating- PG-13 for a few... Er, suggestive themes...

Chapter Keywords- ::Hums wedding march::, stray boxers (!), cake and wine... Possible chaos, do I smell?




Seeing Grey - Part XXV - Red Checked Blue








Remus opened his eyes in a daze, wondering who had woken him up from his much needed train nap. The previous night had been a full moon, and traveling to Hogwarts right when the sun had risen wasn't his idea of relaxing.

Neither was the fact that Severus Snape was glaring down at him.

Scooting back in his seat slightly, trying to calm down.

What do you want?

Funny, you're usually not that snide. Oh, full moon last night... Snape trailed off, and blinked a few times. Anyway, here.

Remus raised his eyebrows, wondering why he was being offered a sealed bottle of a very nasty looking green solution. Snape let out a mutter of something, and dropped it in his lap.

Remember this? he asked after producing a very stained and battered scrap of parchment. You dropped it over the spring holidays, and I couldn't resist a challenge. You know how I hate to find a project incomplete.

Blinking in rapid succession, Remus snatched the vial up, held it to the light, and gapped.

Does it... Work?

How should I know, I'm not a bloody werewolf. And your stupid list was all wrong. Half of your base components were completely off and counteracting... And I would have though you'd know that Alcaphros will make you slightly, er, prone to loose your meal. he said, sitting down across awkwardly.

It would be worth it.

Well, anyway, Snape mumbled, checking to make sure no one saw him in the same room with a Gryffindor, and a poor cursed one at that.

Thank you. Remus said after a moment of silence. This could help find a cure... I didn't know you cared.

I don't. Snape assured in all honesty. The fact that there was a potion someone couldn't brew amused me. Don't get yourself all fancied with the thought that I care to help lowly little beasts like yourself.

Remus hid his smile, and nodded his head. It was just typical for him to say such a thing, but nonetheless, he was extremely grateful. A little flicker of understanding shot between the two of them, and for such a brief second, it lasted Remus a lifetime.



What the- Remus snapped, waving out his hand and trying to fend the bird away. Three days later in the Great Hall, an owl he had never seen before was making a very valiant attempt to lodge itself on Remus' plate, carrying a thick letter. He managed to snatch it free, and offered toast as a peace treaty with the rueful creature.

Whosh it frem? James asked through his porridge.

My brother...


Moony,

Well, we're going for the twenty-third, and thanks for the heads up. Funny, it rained all day on the fifth. Stormed like hell... Anyway, September twenty third you're coming here for the wedding, I already contacted Dumbledore and he doesn't have a problem with it. Don't worry about robes or anything, we've a bunch up here for you. McGonnagal will find you the day before and arrange all the traveling. And if you're wondering about the nasty git of an bird, his name is Viator and it used to be Shelly's. Bloody wonder she wanted to get rid of him... You're welcome to keep it if you want, considering you're insane and all we thought it'd be worth a shot. Stupid git nearly bit me hand off last week. Well, I have to go... And get all clammy and nervous and such. What'd you get me into?

Forever wondering what I did to deserve you (hehe),

Romolus

Hey, anyone got a quill and parchment handy? he asked, and somewhere down the table, a piece and a pencil was passed along. Snapping at the grey hawk to shut up, he wrote out a reply.

Good timing, I have a test that day if I'm not mistaken. Bane's a nasty bugger... So is this blasted bird. Trying to eat my breakfast, of all things. I dearly hope you were being sarcastic about that last remark, and I know you were, but you puzzle me sometimes. Good luck with the girl, God knows they're impossible. See you soon,

Remus



Too thin. Bane said offhand as he strode by during that week. Remus kept his sigh to himself, knowing the potion was almost perfect. Having spent so much time in the basement with Shelly and Caleb, he had picked up a few tips for potion brewing.

he mumbled, and went back to stirring the luck potion.

What's with that? He usually gives you more crap than that. Sirius said after Bane lectured him on proper diluting of armadillo blood.

I got a bit of practice over the summer.

So far you've gotten better at everything over the summer. James mumbled, his own potion a pathetic blob of pink goo.

Hey Pete, you should try that. You know, being smart. Sirius said with a grin, only to receive a handful of something to the face.

Good job Peter, you took my advice for once... Need to start sticking up for yourself at some point.


Lily said tightly, sitting down at the Gryffindor table a week in. A few people gave her unwelcome glares, hoping last year she had finally given up and had left for good. Remus didn't look up from his meal, and simply nodded a response.

Are you still mad at me? she asked after a moment, not caring that the vast majority of the boys were drooling somewhat at her. James was having a very hard time containing himself, and resorted to arranging his peas and corn in separate piles on his plate.

Now why should I be mad? Remus muttered sarcastically. No, I can't seem to think of anything. Care to give it a go?

Look, I said I was sorry. she said halfheartedly. I... Didn't think.

That much was apparent.

Look, it wasn't an easy thing to cope with, alright? In all honesty I'm still having trouble with the fact that... Well... Yeah. she grumbled, biting her thin lip. I thought about it all summer, and I feel horrible. I left so much unsaid-

Yeah, like an apology.

Well, sorry then. I'm sorry I acted like a complete and total bitch. Lily admitted, poking at her food thoughtfully. But I am, really! All summer I had horrible nightmares that you'd never speak to me again.

Then we had something in common.

Lily hung on that comment for a long time, and finally made eye contact. I really am sorry Remus. she said quietly, James again fighting to contain himself. I didn't mean to be like that...

I can't blame you, but it hurt... We'll see. I'm sorry, but I can't go right back to trusting you again.

she said with a forced smile. Now about that Arithmancy homework Collins assigned...



Potter, Black, pay attention! McGonnagal snapped.

Oh, but we are. James said bravely, smiling to himself.

Yeah. You were offering your views on the basic principles of human Transfiguration. Sirius remarked.

And the dangers involved when switching between forms, how the transaction can occasionally falter if the subject isn't concentrating solely on the final product. James added. A few of the Ravenclaw's shot him amazed stares, and the professor shared this stunned look. Sirius and James shared one of their identical grins, acting extremely innocent while laughing their heads off mentally.

Remus shook his head, and went back to copying notes.

How they manage to get away with everything is beyond me.' he told himself.

You're the reason they get away with it. You taught them to be liars... You've had so many years of practice.' his muse reminded.

Lupin, are you listening?

Yes ma'am. he grumbled, snapping back to attention.


Lupin, if you want to make it on time I suggest you hurry along. McGonnagal said in a dry tone at the end of the month.



He pushed through a pack of Gryffindors gathered around Sirius (he didn't bother to look why) and followed his professor through the halls. Eventually they stopped in the teachers meeting room, where an emerald fire was burning brightly in the hearth.

It's pre-designated to send you to the Hollen household, as requested. she informed, nudging him forward. You are to return in three nights at six p.m. Be on time or the portal will not be open.

Yeah... Bye. he said, and stepped through into the licking flames. A moment later, he stumbled out of the Hollens dirty fireplace, covered in soot.

Hey, little brother, glad you could make it. Romolus said with a small smile. He held out a hand, and pulled a wind-blown Remus to his feet.

he grumbled, thoroughly hating the Floo way of travel with a passion. His brother tried to smile again, and led the way up a set of mahogany stairs to the guest room.

I thought you guys were having a Muggle wedding. Remus said with a frown, eyeing the dress robes hanging by the day bed.

Nope. Her mum decided this would be all right...

What about her Muggle family? It'd be a lot easier just to do it Muggle style. he pointed out, dropping his satchel at the door and flopping down on a recliner. Romolus went silent for a short while, and his face fell into a rare display of sadness.

She doesn't have any family outside of her brother. he said in a quiet voice. Mother, she's an Auror... Everyone was killed by Dark supporters. Sister, grandparents, aunts and uncles... he trailed off, and shivered to himself. Remus nodded, grimacing as well. In a few hours, these people would become his deceased family.

Hell, I'll have a mother figure now.' he mused to himself.

Rom, I don't mean to really ruin the wedding or anything... he started after a long minute. But I have to clear some things out.



I'm not going to visit often, I probably wont come to holiday events, and I don't really want to be a part of this family. he said, going on before Romolus could protest. I'm not going to mess your life up now. You and Shelly... I'll only cause problems with you guys. Bad enough having me as a brother, you shouldn't have to look after me like a father. Remus said after a mental debate. The words left his brother speechless, unable to counter with anything intelligent.

I... Rem, what...

This is your life, I'm not about to go and ruin it. Better off if one of us can live happily ever after, right? Remus concluded, eyes shut and teeth gritted. He had to yell at himself to not get emotional, and to suck it up.

Remus, we're bothers, we have to do it together... It's always been that way...

Exactly. Things change, I've changed. It's your life, and your choice to make. But no matter what, I'm not going to tear away the only thing you have and the only person you love.

Remus, you're... I've always looked out for you, I-

And now it's my time to look out for you. Remus interrupted, looking him in the eye. Romolus was stunned, to say the least, and he was frozen mid gesture. In a plain and indescribable way, he was hurt. The very core of him pained to hear such words. You need to forget about me Romolus, and live your life without me now.

I... Can't. he said, hands finally falling to his side. Blue eyes watered, and shut tight. I can't just forget about you, never. Nothing could make me forget about you.

For once big brother, you're wrong. Remus remarked, mouth moving without his knowledge. Romolus left the room in a blur, leaving behind an equally confused Lupin.


Where's my sock? Remus! Someone, where's-No, where are my shoes? Romolus shouted, running in and out of doors, pacing through the hallway in the fashion of a Muggle cartoon character. With a screeching skid, he stopped short of the bathroom, and snapped the door open. Toothpaste dripping from his mouth, a rabid-looking Remus raised an eyebrow.

Sock! Shoes! Romolus demanded, fidgeting as though he had to pee.

Er... Couch, second pillow, and kitchen, respectfully. Remus said thickly, foaming spit falling into the sink. His brother dashed off, thundering down the stairs, yelling about everything.

he muttered, rolling his eyes as he spit again. With a dreadful sigh, he fought to tame his messy hair, and resorted to using a bottle of Muggle hairspray nearby. Careful to avoid the hyperactive groom-to-be, he went back in his room, and struggled into the stiff shirt and fancy black robes.

Shelly! Where's my hat? a voice bellowed from below, followed by the cackling laugh of Grandpa Hollen.

Swear to God that boy has lost his mind. Shelly's mother mused affectionately as she strode by, hat in hand. Kicking his dirty boot sunder the bed and tying on the rented leather loafers, Remus surveyed himself in the mirror with a nasty face.

You look great. Shelly said from the doorway, smiling in a nervous manner.

You too. Remus added, returning the grin. She was clad in a mix of Muggle and wizarding fashion, a beautiful and elegantly sewn white, flowing rode that trailed out into the hall.

Mums old dress... She insisted I wear it. Anyway, it fits and we're not rich, so it'll do. she sid with a shrug, checking the mirror that her curled and upped hair was still intact.

Where's my tie? Romolus bellowed again, thoroughly in a state of panic. With a sigh and shake of her head, Shelly left, twirling the missing article in her hand.

And I'm going to be related to that bafoon. she muttered with a laugh, grabbing Romolus by the neck as he ran by.

A few minutes later, after countless shrieks for another missing sock, Remus pulled his brother into the guest room and forced him into a chair.

Do I look alright, I mean, my hair and the robes and-

Shut up. Remus snapped.

I really don't think this tie goes with the shirt, but Sarah insisted-

Shut up.

And Richard's in a right out fit, everything is going all wrong and I-

Shut up. Remus said loudly, very lightly hitting his brother across the face. He blinked a few times, and let out a breath.

I needed that.

I know. Remus smiled, looking down on him. Listen to me for a moment.

This again?

You look fine. Everything is going to be perfect if you stop running around like a Norwegian Ridgeback that just made acquaintance with Sirius Black. he said, smiling in a serious manner. I called the chapel, and everything is set up, and I even double-checked on the hotel in New York. Nothing. Is. Wrong. he repeated slowly, letting out a sigh, as it did nothing to erase the panic from his brothers face.

he finally said, handing a small bottle over.

Where in hell did you manage to get scotch? Romolus asked with a frown, downing the glass nonetheless.

Doesn't matter, but I knew you'd need it. Now shut up and go get married.

He got to his feet, clad in a set of robes a Lupin should never own, and was halfway to the door when Remus stopped him.

Brother, dearest?



You did remember your boxers, correct?

With a small yelp, Romolus dashed down the hall frantically. Laughing, Remus noted he went into Shelly's room, and not his own. Dashing back to the bathroom, armed with his red plaid undergarments, Romolus began to yell about something again.

Oh yes, and bloody wonder what you two did last night. he muttered as Shelly waltzed by.

Oh God, that's a sad thought. Lord, I'm going to be sick...' he mused, running to the other bathroom before he lost his breakfast all over the rented robes.

Gross. Rom... and Shelly. But Rom... God that's so terribly, terribly wrong. he groaned. My brother...



He watched in dismay as the two stood up at the alter, hands together, smiling like embarrassed children. All around the small church, the selective family were all gazing with teary eyes at the couple.

Our family should be here.' Remus thought in a very deep state of depression. They would be if it weren't for me. Mum would be here, father wouldn't be dead...' his mind told him. Unconsciously, his fingers traced over the white scar on his hairline, eyes going blank.

Everything would be different, this would all be so different. Rom would have his family here, Shelly would have in-laws... Well, he wouldn't have his boxers.' he mused, fighting back a small chuckle. With another pang of loneliness, Remus nearly grimaced as they both said I do. eagerly.

It's alright lad, he's still your brother. Grandpa whispered in an airy voice as they kissed. Nothing' will take him away from you. That boy's devoted to you.

he grumbled, staring off into oblivion as Mrs. Hollen positively broke down crying.

Oi, sucker up Sarah, nothin' to cry about. Grandpa laughed.


Bye! Owl us when you're there, be careful! Mrs. Hollen yelled, waving with teary eyes. Romolus had his bride seated behind him on a fancy broom, her dress trailing out behind as they kicked off into the afternoon sky. Shelly turned around, smiling gleefully, waving back to the very small crowd of family. As they flew off into the day, Remus shut his eyes, head hung to his chest.

Goodbye big brother. he mused, and slipped away, unnoticed, forgotten.




A/n- I know, a sappy ending to a slightly cheerful chapter, but I couldn't help it! Next one will be out really soon!

Iggie