A/n- Wow, back again. Well, you knew that anyway, so I'm just pointing out the obvious, aren't I?


Disclaimer- JKR and everyone owns anything you recognize. But you knew that, didn't you? Now really, why do I put these here. It's not as if corporate weirdo's are going to stumble upon my fic or anything...

Rating- PG-13 I guess, for now...

Chapter Keywords- Remus kicks some ace, a bit of Quidditch action, and some school partings.



Seeing Grey - Part XXXIII - Breakaway




James and Sirius continued their insistent laughing, trying to calm Remus down as he paced about the locker room.

Lighten up, will you? Sirius chuckled, smiling evilly. You look like an expectant father.

If we don't win this match-

Calm. Down. James repeated slowly, putting his hands on Remus' shoulders.

We're going to win. There's no way a bunch of book sissy's are going to claim our title, alright? And it doesn't even matter anyway.

Of course it matters! Sirius interrupted. This is the Final, if we don't win... Crap, I see your point. he said to Remus, and bit his lip. Do we have time to go over those plays one more ti-

He was cut off by the shrill cry of the whistle outside, and the near-defening cry from the stands as the door flew open automatically.

Alright guys-

And girls!

And girls. Sirius corrected, rolling his eyes at the pompous Kayre. Let's go out their, and kick some ass!

~~

What's wrong with you guys? We're getting our asses kicked by a bunch of little twits! Sirius snapped as a time-out was called.

None of our plays are working- someone started, glaring obviously at Remus.

They must have known in advance, and if I do recall, you were in charge of my play book. Remus pointed out with a well-placed smug smile. James and Sirius grinned, glad to have the old Moony back and running.

Then what do we do Cappie? Alex asked, pinching his bleeding lip.

Remus thought for a moment, and snapped his fingers. The only reason they're killing us is they know every play or formation we have. Little twits probably stayed up all night memorizing them for a week...



So nothing. Screw plays. How about we go back to playing how James and Sirius used to play? he said, and the two grinned wider than ever. Let's play like a bunch of reckless, random fools.





Don't use formations. Screw any plays I've ever taught you, this time, we're just playing. Pretend if you have to, that you're playing against your own team.

So everything we do is just spur-of-the-moment and seemingly pointless? Kayre asked, holding her bat tightly.

Pretty much. James and Sirius can direct you later, they're running this game now. Remus said, nodding his head in confirmation. Come on, lets go kick some ass, and literally this time.



The Gryffindor team, all limping or otherwise bleeding, hung on each other as they made their way back to the school as a muddy and aching whole. Not having any sort of counter, the mighty Lions had stolen the Cup back for the third year straight, all thanks to a bit of reckless flying.

Good game Cap's. Remus said to James and Sirius, both spotting the most injuries from Bludger and flyer collisions.

Good game everyone, seriously. No, not you Padfoot. James mumbled. We really did awesome there, no one is going to mess with us next year now that Remus is back in the game.

Eh, can we save the pep talk for later? There's a party going on and I'm not gonna miss it! Sirius interrupted with an anxious smile.

The three Marauders waited behind for a long moment, for everyone to be out of view. When the cover has passed, Padfoot raised his black head high, howling his victory to the sky, Prongs galloping merrily in a circle, while Moony joined in the chorus.

Life is good my friends, life is good. he said with a smile.


Being a Friday on a Hogsmeade weekend, there was a continuous party, celebrating not only the Quidditch triumph, but the fall of another year. Sirius had gotten the house elves to bring tray loads of food to the Gryffindor Tower every few minutes, and the House soon discovered half of the food was more or less his own invention. Several explosions later, people were taking shift to grab their own food in fear of the Marauders' offerings.



Only two days left... James sighed happily at five the next morning, just laying down for bed. Two days and I'm free of this damn prison.

I'd rather stay in school. Remus confessed, stuffing his face in his pillow.

Are you insane?' Sirius gapped.



Guys, his friends died. I doubt he's gonna be too keen on going back and have a shitload of nasty memories come back. James pointed out with a yawn.

Let's get some sleep, gotta hit Zonko's tomorrow and stock up for the summer.

I hear they're opening one in Diagon Alley. James said lazily.

Wicked! Then we could be fully armed no matter what the season!

And that's a good thing? Peter muttered, pulling his curtains shut.




Just go on, I don't mind.

Of course you mind, I mean...

Better you being happy than me being stuck with a girlfriend who likes her ex. Remus noted, half-smiling. Really, I don't care.

Lily frowned, biting her lip thoughtfully. She nodded her head once, kissed Remus on the cheek cautiously, and busted through the door after James.

Fairly noble of you.

Remus turned around, and found Snape to be sitting behind him, sipping a very illegal beverage without care. He narrowed his tiny black eyes, more than slightly suspicious.

Why'd you do that? You still like her, hard as you try to conceal your emotions it's rather obvious.

She likes him more. I'm not going to waste my limited amount of feelings on someone that doesn't care for me on a high level. It's illogical.

Women are illogical. Snape mused, unfazed by his near-empty drink. All of them.



This is rather frightening. We're sharing a somewhat civil conversation. Remus noted, downing his third butterbeer, longing for Caleb and his tavern benefits.

We'll just have to either forget it happened, or involve ourselves in a splendid fist fight.

The latter seems entertaining enough, and considering I've enough pent up aggravation it could prove to be somewhat therapeutic. What shall we fight over? Typical House quarrel, or more in-depth? Snape asked calmly.

Let's make this realistic. I've been wanting to knock someone about for some time...

Alright then. I have an unanswered ponder we could possibly bicker over.

Remus said blatantly, calling for another drink.

Where exactly do you go over the moon? I always figured you would've been locked in one of the old dungeons or something, but apparently that's not the case.

If I told you, I would violate Dumbledore's trust. And I'd have to kill you.

Splendid. Care to have a push in here or outside?

Outside, preferably.

That's right, you don't have any money to pay for damages. Snape smirked.

Remus dove, toppling over his chair and crashing Snape's table down with a loud snap. The crowd gathered about, and followed as a unit as Snape made a dash for the door.

some Slytherin bellowed, and the whole of the students down in Hogsmeade joined to whiteness the match.

Fairly decent congregation we have here. Remus noted, slice on his cheek bleeding from broken glass he had landed on.

Kick his bloody ass! a voice rang.

A moment later, a large bloke joined in the beating, managing to rip a gash across Remus' face. Falling backwards, he looked at the blood on his fingertips, eyes blazing in realization.

You're the bastard that smacked Lily around, aren't you?

The very soul. Snape said after rolling aside, narrowly avoiding a lunge. Remus smiled, and plowed through the crowd, locked on one unsuspecting individual.

I'll kick your bloody ass you little git. he roared. He was jumped from behind, and Snape held him down for a moment.

This is turning out to be a nice fight. he commented.

Glad we could work it into our schedules. Always good to take out some aggression. Remus muttered, kicking up at Malfoy and freeing himself. He spotted James and Sirius, and Peter jumping to get a look on the action.

Gonna run for it? It's two on one. Snape said, Malfoy standing like a behind him.

No one ever told you the strength of a wolf, did they?

Several hits later, James, Sirius, Lily and Peter were all fighting gallantly to hold Remus down. It was a difficult task, and several time he nearly wriggled free,.

Come on Moony, tomorrow's the last day. Now's a bad time to get yourself expelled. Sirius mumbled, pinning an arm behind Remus' back.

Lay off, this was prearranged. Therapy if you will. Remus snapped, being dragged away from the crowd and bleeding Malfoy.

Let me go, come on... I'm not done with Malfoy.

Wait, you were fighting Malfoy? Lily asked quickly.

Yes, now let-

She released her grip on his leg, and the others didn't have enough weight to hold him down. Remus dashed back to the scene to finish his business.

Why'd you go and do that? He's going to get in a hell of a lot of trouble. James snapped.

No he won't. He's got blackmail against Malfoy, and him and Snape... I don't think he was kidding when he said it was arranged.

What, you mean they're fighting over nothing? Peter questioned, rubbing his nose from where it had been kicked.

Most likely.

Care to go get a Butterbeer? Sirius suggested with a smile.

Nah, I'm gonna go watch Snape get his ass kicked.

I suppose that'd be more entertaining...


So what was with that? James asked, walking back up to the school through a passage. He stayed close to Remus, slightly fearful that he was going to keel over.

I was pissed, Snape's angry, so we decided it'd be fun to beat the shit out of each other.

James blinked, not quite sure if he had heard correctly.

You... Weren't fighting over anything the other did? he asked.

No, not really.

My God, you're completely mental! James laughed.

I had a bad day.

Well no shit, you got your ass nearly kicked.

Lily, well, she kind of broke up with me.

Hiding his delight, James offered a supportive nod. Why though, I mean...

She's still freaked out by the whole wolf thing, when we knocked each other around... She never really got over the shock. Remus said calmly, deciding to leave out the fact that she dumped him for James.

Oh... That, uh, sucks...

He's such a horrible liar.' Remus mused with a concealed grin.



Thank God for summer. James said with a long sigh, leaning back on the train seat. Trunks tucked away and sweets about the room, the Hogwarts Express was soon to depart for the end of another year.

I don't know... I miss Hogwarts during the holidays. Remus mused, crumpling up the latest note from Romolus, a warning that he'd better not run off and evade him.

What are you, nuts? Sirius gapped. Summer is what I live for. Well, that and blowing up Bane, but hell, summer is a bit more achievable. I'd go insane without breaks.

Hate to break it to you Padfoot, but you're already not sane. James said lazily as the train jerked forward.

Point taken.

So, anyway... Care to come to the Quidditch expo's with me and Padfoot this month? I have an extra ticket since Pete had to bail. James offered, munching on a box of Berthi Blotts Every Flavour Beans.

I don't know, depends on when my brother's done with me. He's convinced some family time will do me good, though I beg to differ. Knowing my luck I'll end up scaring Shelly off or something horrible like that...

Hey James, Lily's outside. Sirius noticed a few minutes later, smirking up through the window. Lily ran off quickly, the eccentric Gryffindor at her heels.

Makes me nauseous. Sirius offered.



How does he manage to upkeep the most controversial relationship in school, while I have trouble with two weeks? I mean, hell, he's not that good looking either... he grumbled.

Remus smiled to himself, and lay himself down across the row of seats.

Animal magnetism my friend. That or dumb luck.

He's filthy rich, dating Lily Evans, and the Gryffindor Seeker. The stupid git doesn't deserve any more luck.



Remus, come on. We have a few miles to go before we're safe.

A soggy and disgruntled ten year old blinked up at his brother, and pulled the tattered sheet over his head.

I jus' went to bed... Le' me sleep a little more...

The cover was torn away, and the shabby, beaten, and otherwise miserable boy was lifted up from the ground against his will.

If they catch up, you're caught. If you're caught, you'll be registered. he warned sharply, walking on, sibling in arms.

Why not... Why not let them. They'll let me live, and I'm sick... I'm sick of this life. the young boy whined, yawning. He lay his head against his brothers chest, slowly drifting back to an uneasy sleep.

Little brother, some things you don't understand. The life you'd be given is not one you would want, trust me on this. Never let them catch you. Promise, alright?

Remus yawned again, eyes shut tight. He was bounced once for a waking, and glared at.



Yeah, whatever... Just lemme sleep.

I'm not joking around! Romolus snapped vigorously. If you get caught, your life is over. And mine... I have no reason to even live without you, alright? Just... Don't get caught.



Hey, Remus! Over here!

He was greeted by an unusually smiley couple, each of whom were grinning at him as if they held some dear secret and wouldn't tell.

Ok, what's going on? Remus asked immediately. You two are unusually perky.

Romolus pretended he had no idea what his brother was talking about, and hauled the trunk into Shelly's car.

So, pass your O.W.L.'s? he asked lazily as they drove out of the Kings Cross parking lot.

I don't get my results until next year.

Do you think you passed?

Everything except potions I'm sure I did fine on. he said, closing his eyes for a moment, thinking over the summer.

You know, you two could pass for twins. Shelly commented, looking between the two of them in the mirror. Except... Hm, well, Remus, you look sad. Rom' always a bit more cheerful than you.

Life's been a little crazy lately.

Romolus smiled again, and looked out the window.

You know, you can stay with us if you like. We have a guest room and everything... I mean long-term. You know, until you can get your own place and all.

Hogwarts will last me another few years, and Hogsmeade afterwards. I have a shack to haunt and it's the only place safe enough for me.

We have a shelter, in the basement. Shelly informed, turning off the freeway onto a dusty country road. Rom designed the whole thing, it'd be perfect.

I don't think so... You two don't really need a kid hanging around anyway.



Look, I can live on my own just fine.

Slightly let down, his brother nodded once, and continued to stare out the window.

Why is it we have the most dysfunctional lives? he pondered.

Yours is fine now. So stop worrying about me and live your own... Trust me, I've gone this far already, I think I'll live the other two hundred years fairly well.


Nice place. Remus said with an approving nod. A small little start-house sat in the countryside, surrounded by tall grass and plenty of trees on every side.

It was cheap. Shelly said shortly, tugging his trunk ito the house and up the stairs. There's some food on the stove, if you're hungry. she called down.

No, I think I'll go for a walk.

Hey wait up. Romolus muttered, running off through the door and joining Remus.

Is everything alright with you? he asked once the pair reached the tiny little town full of family shops and general stores.

I guess... he mumbled, looking around for a restaurant. No. I'm not fine. I was never fine and I probably never will be fine. he finally admitted. I'm sick of everything. Damn it, why the hell does there have to be a war?

Nothing goes past you, does it? Romolus mused, walking into a small, crowded bar and ordering two house specials. I figured that you would find out before the media.

Well it's hard to miss it! I mean, when you got caught before... And now all the shit going on at school, it's obvious once you know what you're looking for. Carlison say's it'll be full-scale in three years tops.

I give it two. At the rate all the forces are rallying, it can't be much longer.

God damn it... Everything is so messed up. Why were we given the leftovers in life? All I ever wanted was a quiet existence with a picket-fence family and a golden retriever roaming around in the yard. Instead I get a criminal record, a life on the run as a renegade wizard and my Godforsaken curse. he swore, eyes shut tight. Romolus made motion to put his hand on Remus' shoulder, but decided against it.

Pretty soon things will straighten out. Who knows, maybe there won't be a war, and I know there will be a cure someday.

Someday never comes Rom... It never comes. Not for me. I'm going to live my life stuck with today.



A/n- Well, there's 33 for you... There will be a 34, and maybe 35... I can't really promise a whole lot as of now. But you never know, so keep your eyes peeled. :-/

Iggie



The List, Version One- A collection of fics I recommend you read:

Second Chances by Nataly Ravenlock- A wonderful tale of sneaky deceptions with a very unique Gryffindor gal. Highly recommended.

Story of a Cat by Lady Padfoot-A new twist on the life of Sirius' former girlfriend. Told through the eyes of Crookshank. Full of good humour and new insights.

What Blind Men See by Icebox- Crammed full of Remus Lupin and other angtsy things in very original situations. Creative plotline to say the least.

A Twist Of Fate by Eureka- Twelve year old Harry in an AU, who happens to have a mysterious doggy protector as the orphan prowls the streets.

Cave Canem by Antares- Good old dramatic Remus and Sirius (NOT SLASH!) fic, in which the two meet a lady at a nightclub... Chaos ensues.

Patient 35234 by Mercutia13579- Some Mungo's stuff, it's actually quite wonderful, and I've NEVER seen anything like it. Has some good old Longbottom appearemces in it... You'll see. :)