A/n- Yes, another one. I have to cut this thing down or it's gonna hit 40 chapters...

Disclaimer- JKR and all of those other corporate monkeys own it all...

Rating- PG-13 for, er, yeah...

Chapter Summary- ::smiles innocently::




Seeing Grey - Part XXXI - Concealment





Well, I think it's safe to assume you two are going to the dance together.

Remus choked on his breath, and dared not to open his eyes.

I told you.' his muse reminded in a cocky voice. Now you're in for it.'

Lily said, amazingly calm. She smiled up at Sirius, who in turn shrugged, and sat down against the willow tree.

So, er, how did this... Come about? he asked curiously. A very mortified Remus bit his lip, and turned the other way, face a brilliant shade of red.

Why are you out here? he finally asked.

James got busted for trying to kill some Slytherin, so I had nothing to do. I was just wondering who was-

Can you leave? Lily asked politely, not moving from her place against Remus. On the ground. In the dark.

Oh, er... Sorry. I'll, uh, just be off then. Sirius said, standing up and walking away quickly. Lily started laughing, and rolled to one side.

Ahhh that was too funny. Sirius, embarrassed, who'd have thought? she joked.

So, um... Where were w-



Remus wandered into the Common Room an hour or so later to find his friends waiting for him. Swallowing, he stepped through the portal, and just waited for James to flip out.

I don't get it, I didn't do any lasting damage... James mumbled angrily.

Remus took a seat, guessing that Sirius hadn't said anything yet.

Bane's making me clean the dungeons, the night of the dance! I mean, ok, so smashing his head against the wall wasn't a bright idea, but still- he grumbled, arms crossed. I was gonna ask Lil if she'd go with me.

Oh, ab- Sirius started, but Remus left him a canine growl that the others never heard. He rolled his eyes, and decided to shut up for the time being.

So now I'm going to be scrubbing floors all night, when I should be out having fun. he whined, kicking his feet around angrily.

Maybe you'll finish in time to still come. Peter said, flipping a page in his book.

Not a chance, not with Bane. He'll just find something else for me to do.

Remus frowned, feeling slightly guilty about lying, but he reminded himself he hadn't said anything. With a shrug and an easy mind, he went up to take a cold shower.



During the Charms exam, Remus ended up sitting right by Snape. The bruises he had taken were clearly visible on his pale face, and the small cut on his cheek stood out like a neon sign.

This really is war on every level.' he mused, filling in a row of bubbles accordingly. Three years, Carlison said. Hell, what's to become of this world?'


Hey little brother,

You're coming to stay with us this summer whether you like it or not. I haven't seen you in so long... We're picking you up at Kings Cross, and no trying to evade. You know I'll find you. Hope all is going well, and good luck with the O.W.L.'s... Don't fall asleep, whatever you do. For some reason the professors seem to punish rather harsh if you drool on your test packets. Well, anyway, all's well here.

Full moon tomorrow, just a reminder.

Romolus

 Remus muttered, sending Viator off with a strip of bacon and sip of juice.



Remus said, and Sirius knew immediately by the tone of his voice what was tomorrow.

Damn, that'll be hard, we have our Herbology exam at five, that won't be over for quite some time. I mean, Shorron will let you out early, but not us. Sirius said.

I know, and it's gonna be hard going back to the old routine... he mumbled, now more depressed than ever. He tucked the note in his pocket, biting his lip thoughtfully.

Maybe some misplaced laxative can fix that problem... Wouldn't be hard to sneak out if Shorron was running off to the John every ten minutes. Sirius pointed out, smiling wickedly.

You wouldn't...

Care to place some money on that?

I'm broke, remember?

Damn. Well, worry not. Either that or we can time some rockets to explode or start a small fire in the next-over greenhouse.

You will be my downfall, my friend... No doubt about it.

Sirius, how... How could you? Lily and James, how could you betray them? How could you ruin us?

Snapping out of his daydream, Remus shrugged, and went back to devouring his breakfast.



Sirius growled, wand up his sleeve. Remus nodded very slightly, still filling out the last bubble on his test, as the plan was carried out. without warning, a crash rang from the next greenhouse, and Professor Shorron began barking out orders to stay still and complete the test. She busted out, busying herself with the small fire, while the students all spilled outside, yelling and cheering as one. Sirius slipped away to a hidden passage to wait.

Up at the school, Madame Pomfrey was just beginning to come and collect Remus when she noticed the flame. Walking a bit faster, she shot an accusing glare at the boy, and led him back to the school unnoticed.

What happened there? she asked stiffly on the way to the Willow.

Something exploded I guess. Didn't see anything... Probably the Mongolian Whopping Vines, they always cause trouble. he said with a shrug, taking a tree brach as they neared the massive and violent tree. He prodded the small knot, and bid good night to the nurse as he dashed into the tunnel. As Madame Pomfrey turned to go, she cast her blind side, and never saw the black beast slip in after.



So how long? Sirius asked, taking the liberty of undoing the safe for Remus. He set his wand and shoes inside, along with a quill, before lying back on the shredded bed.

Couple minutes I'd say. he estimated, judging from the intensity of his headache.

came the small reply. So, er, not to be nosey or anything, but... Moony, what's it like?



Yeah, if you don't mind me asking, I mean...

There isn't a whole lot I can compare it to, nothing you'd have experienced. Well, it hurts hell of a lot more than any Quidditch accidents you've had, and I'm sure they're plenty. It's agonizingly slow, everything stretching... Feels kind of like being pulled apart by every limb all at once. More or less, I'm ripped from my body, and I trust it's nothing like Animagism. he said. He noticed that Sirius was almost shaking, eyes shut, mind trying to block out the images.

Nothing at all. he mumbled a minute later. For me it's just as natural as breathing, I just think about this, and it happens. God, I can't believe... Sirius shook his head, still in awe over lycanthropy.

You'd best change Padfoot, the moon's about to come out. Remus warned. With a slight nod, Sirius changed, in a blink, to his canine counterpart.



You alright Moony?

Remus tried to roll over on his back, but found it too painful to move. He instead opened his eyes, and tilted his head up so he could see. Sirius was crouched over him with a look of startling worry on his face.

I'm fine. Remus managed to squeak out.

You're a horrible liar... Can you sit up?

Remus said after trying again to move. Sirius helped him to his back, and moved him up to the bed fairly easily.

he asked, unlocking the safe.

Yeah, thanks. was the weak reply. Clutching at his side, Remus winced, and pushed himself sitting.

Last moon of spring, always was one of the worse... he grumbled.

Do you need anything, I mean... You don't look too great. Do you think you're sick again, or-

Definitely not. he assured. Whole different league of pain... I'll be fine once Madame Pomfrey gets down here. Which reminds, you better get out of here unless you want to get caught.

Are you positive you're alright? Sirius asked again, heading out the door.

Yes, now leave.



Padfoot, just go! She's coming down.

Sirius dashed out of the tunnel, managing to hide in the brush right before the nurse came into the clearing.

Oh, you're a mess... Better get you cleaned up, there's that social tonight, isn't there? Madam Pomfrey asked with a tisk, trying to get him to stand. Instead, she slipped her arms under him, and Remus was carried all the way to the school in darkness.

Make sure you're there for breakfast! Sirius howled, galloping along behind them. Remus smiled back, nodding his head as he was hauled inside the dormant school.


How you managed to pull a muscle inside there is beyond me. Madame Pomfrey muttered, offering a few vials of unpleasant potion. Remus hid his guilty smile, not letting on that he had ben running around the Forbidden Forest all night with a midnight companion.

Yeah, well, you're not a werewolf. You have no idea what it's like. he said, which shut her up immediately. She healed a few cuts, and sent him on his way back to the dorm for an hours worth of sleep.



Sirius, will you shut up? You look fine. Peter grumbled. Sirius had been complaining over the past hour that he still looked like crap.

Yeah really, you sound like my brother did before his wedding. Remus commented, chuckling at the memory of the misplaced boxers.

You're brother's only a year and a half older than you though...

That didn't stop him. was the simple reply. Remus surveyed himself in the mirror, frowning. Second hand dress robes and scoffed shoes didn't even compare to the state of his tangled and messy mop of hair.

Eh, you don't look too bad. Sirius commented.

Why not take James' robes? He's not using them, I doubt he'd mind. Peter said from the bathroom, also trying to tame his hair.

Too small, I tried. He's pretty scrawny.

You're just bulky. Sirius pointed out in all truth. I'm surprised you aren't chubby like Pete, what with how much you eat and all. Again, I stress the fact... If I ever piss you off, please give me a head start. he added, smirking.



Ah shit, what time is it? Alex asked from the corner, rushing about.

Uhhhhh, ten till seven.

Shit! I'm supposed to meet Carrie in five minutes!

Sirius' eyes went wide, and he spun around. Carrie Dorlian? he gapped. The seventh year?

She's only sixteen.

Jesus Christ, you nailed a seventh year! Sirius stammered.

You're going with he best looking girl in the school, don't complain. the Chaser reminded. This seemed to cheer Sirius up slightly, but his ego was still stressed.

So Pete, do revel who you're going with. Sirius asked after a moment.

He mumbled something incomprehensible, and scurried out of the dorm.

We'll find out eventually! Sirius called. He sighed, and sat down on James bed, looking around the quiet room.

This is going to suck with James gone... I'll have to wreak havoc all by myself, given you have a date this time. Which you do, don't you?

Come off it.

Oh, James is gonna murder you! he laughed. Really, he's so pissed he didn't get to ask her! All through practice he kept complaining...

Well he isn't going to know if someone doesn't blab it off. Remus said, in such a tone that Sirius stopped laughing right away.

You can't possibly believe you can hide it from him, do you? he asked, blinking. My God, you are completely mental! Barking mad.

Why the hell is everything I do in life wrong? I mean, Jesus, it's pretty damn illegal for me to even be here, did you know that? The Ministry had laws against me being in public schools. Dumbledore's risking his job so I can try to live like a normal kid. Remus snapped miserably. So why, of all things, is it wrong for me to like someone? I mean God... Everything in my life is quite simply screwed to hell.

Eh, don't worry about it. James'll get over her eventually.

Remus closed his eyes, and for some reason, saw a brief image of a chapel.

I don't think he will. Which leaves me, yet again, screwed to hell.




Half an hour into the dance, Remus had finally given in and let himself be dragged to the busy dance floor. It hadn't occurred to him before that he didn't know at all how to dance.

Just relax. Lily said with a shrug as the band started a dreadfully slow song.

Uh, how about we go get some-

His sentence was cut off, and following the very firm lead, he tried to calm down and just dance. It was very hard, what with Lily hanging off of him and half the great Hall staring at him like he was a beast. He caught a glimpse of Sirius, leading a crazy waltz with his laughing date, cutting through the floor wildly.

The song drawled on, all the while Remus shuffled his feet, unsure of himself, avoiding the glares from Gryffindor and Slytherin alike.

James is going to kill me. he muttered to himself.


Overcoming his dislike of dancing, let alone publicly, he eventually began to have fun. Lily was being completely wild, though a small brush when some Slytherin's came by left her silent for some time.

A small feeling in the air caused Remus to loose his voice as well.

he muttered with wide eyes, looking at the doors as they split open.

he said, taking her by the hand.

Want to get out of here for a while?

Well yeah, but... We're not allowed to leave, and-

Come on.

He wriggled through the crowd, pulling her by the hand as he went. Careful to evade James and Sirius, he wedged through a pack of Hufflepuff girls, and to the very back of the room. Leaning inconspicuously against a school crest hanging on the wall, the pair slipped through the false brick.

I swear, you know every passage in this school! Lily exclaimed, laughing as she was led about.

Just about. James knows them all by heart... And Sirius has a knack for finding more new ones than anyone.

What about Peter?

He has the useful talent of getting lost and landing us detentions. Remus said, trying to remember the way out of the school from where they were. Deciding to loop around backwards to ward off James, if he spotted him, he pulled her up a few staircases and around to a hidden tunnel that led to the grounds.

This good? he asked, setting down on the far side under the cover of a willow tree that leaned into the water. She nodded, sitting down, exhausted from running all over the school. Tucking her dress underneath, she threw her shoes aside, dangling her feet into the clear water.

So what're you doing this summer?

Not sure... I'm staying with my brother and his wife for a few days, they're rather making me. I suppose I'll end up helping Caleb out, I'm old enough now. he said offhand.

she questioned, trying to recall someone by that name that was at the school.

He doesn't go here, never did. he said.

Is he foreign?

Not exactly... To make a long story short, he's a friend I met in a peculiar situation and I owe him a favour. I live at his house, well, sort of... It's a bit complicated.

Everything about you is complicated. Lily reminded, smiling. She looked up at the bright moon, a sliver short of full, reflection glistening in the water below.

Beautiful, isn't it? she mused.

I'm not too fond of the moon.

she said awkwardly, biting her lip. He sat down next to her, feet in the water and robes off by the tree.

Wanna go for a dip?

What? It's the dead of night, and I'm in a dress!

Don't be such a chick. Remus teased, knowing she would give in eventually. After much persuasion, Remus gave up, tossing his shirt aside. Lily went scarlet as he shed his pants, and clad only in boxers, dived ito the sparkling lake.

Come on, it's not that cold. he lied, trying not to shiver. He laughed as she turned her head away, embarrassed at his lack of clothing.

Just come in, it's fine!

I'm not going to ruin the only dress I own. she mumbled.

Then Summon something from the school, I know for a fact you have a ground-level window on this side of the building.

I'd rather... Not. she said, humphing as a pair of shorts and a shirt were magically zoomed right into her hands. Remus grinned, and threw his wand back to shore.

Oh... Oh fine. she grumbled. Turn around... Oh for the love of God. she rolled her eyes. and took refuge behind a bush. A shrill scream made Remus jump right out of the water, and rush back.

I did not mean to startle her. Shebea whined, head down to the ground in apology. Remus let out a long laugh, and shook his head. I heard you, I was just coming to see what all the commotion was. I really didn't mean to frighten your friend. she reinstated.

Shebea had her head bowed on her front paws, an odd, pleading look in her eyes.

Lily stammered, pointing to the confused wolf.

Lily, this is my friend, Shebea. he introduced, and growled the same to the wolf. They both blinked up at him, somewhat confused at why he was again laughing.

Shebea, this isn't the best of time. he said after a moment, Lily having run off in another direction.

Is she your mate?

Remus snorted, and shook his head in amusement. Not exactly...

I'll just leave, I do not think she has taken a liking to me very much... I will see you around, before the holidays I hope?

 he said, and parted.


You have some very odd friends. Lily mumbled, stepping a little way into the water, and jumping back at the cold.

It's freezing! she exclaimed, Remus coming up from behind. Without warning, he grabbed her, and tumbled into the water.

Oh, I'm going to get you! she called, surfacing, hair a dripping mess. With a laugh, Remus dove underwater, thinking there was no way the night could get any better.




A/n- yes, I know... My God, a HAPPY chapter! What was I THINKING? And good Lord above, romance... Lock me up, right now. I have no idea where this came from, but hell, it's sticking. ::whistles innocently:: Well, next one will be... Interesting. To say the least.

Leave a review, pretty please!

Iggie

P.S.- After hours of negotiation with my Lit. teacher, I've managed to con some more time for my work. A slight ease off my load, so expect a few more chaps out of this beast for now. I was able to quit my job too, and with good health recently, I can now get some serious stuff done. Good news, aye?