A/n- Well, here it is...

Disclaimer- Really, would someone owning any part of Harry-dom be writing lowly fanfics? I think not.

Rating- This one's pretty mellow... I think.

Chapter Keywords- Some more of Caleb in this one, along with a little surprise. Or should I say two...




Seeing Grey - Part XXXIV - Opprimo




After the street lights had come on and the bar slowly lost it's occupants, the two Lupins staggered about the dirt road, leaning against each other for support. With drunken smiles, they stopped at a wooden bench and eased down.

House specials kick ass. Romolus mused, watching a firefly flicker in the distance.

Remus nodded once, the liquor not having as strong an effect on his mind. Down some ways, he watched the lights turn off one by one on a row of little town shops as they closed for the night.

So what've you been doing this year? he asked with a small chuckle.

Not a lot... I applied for a job with the Ministry a while ago, right now I'm working in Diagon. Why you ask?

Just kind of curious... We've been out of touch.

No, you've been out of touch. Never answering my bloody owls... I thought the Ministry caught you or something. They're still looking for that unregistered werewolf from Westbend you know.

Huh. One would think they'd have given up after so many years... Maybe Caleb can do a little creative erasing for me. Remus laughed to himself as an old woman, coming out of her shop, yelled at a stray dog to stop barking.

We should get back, Shelly's gonna throw a fit about me being out again... Not to mention letting you get drunk. Hell, I'm barely legal as it is...

Can you make it back?

Most likely. he said, standing up. A moment later he tripped over his own feet, Remus catching him before he plowed into the mud.

Or not. he grinned, leaning on his brother as they made way back to the small farmhouse.



You aren't in bed yet? a droggy, red-eyed Romolus asked a few hours later, walking into the room after a trip to the toilet. The small crack of light had attracted him like a moth to flame, and he soon found his brother gazing out the window absently.

What're doing this late? he asked, taking a seat on the bed.

Just watching... Listening to the dogs.

You're one weird kid, you know that? Romolus laughed.

Me and El used to sit around at night, just kind of looking up at the stars, or watching people go by in the village. Now it's just habit for me. Sit around and think.

It's summer. You're required to not think.

Not in my life. As soon as I'm back at the Resort de Caleb, I'll spend nights in the basement unraveling the mysteries of odd potions and decoding an old dead mans journal for help.

Sounds... Fun.

It's something to do, I guess. Might as well do something useful with my time.

Romolus shook his head, and for no reason, hit Remus across the head.

What'd you do that for? he whined.

You need to knock off acting older than me, it's getting on my nerves. Stop growing up and be a frickin sixteen year old guy. Go chase some chicks and complain about Quidditch games, or something. Anything besides this. he said quietly, donning his long-forgotten seriousness. You have friends now, and we aren't on the run anymore, not really. Do me a favour and at least try to be happy, cause I'm not if you're not.

Remus nodded his head once, and smiled weakly.

Alright, I'll try.




Remus grinned, and waving goodbye as he flew off into the dark night. An express owl had delivered James' Invisibility Cloak to him, which he now had pulled tight over himself as to not be seen on his way to Canterbury. Satchel at his side and broom zooming off, he felt at ease again, back to his old travel games. Two hours of concealed flight always did a lot to clear his mind, and now he finally had time to clear his thoughts.

So what now? he pondered aloud.

You find a home.' the night whispered. Whether there is one or not, you search.'



Hey, what's wrong? Remus asked, dropping his bag at the door and propping his broom in an umbrella rack. Caleb turned his face away, hiding it in his knees.

What's going on? he asked again, walking in front of him.

...My fault... he finally muttered, swallowing a gasp of strangled air.

Caleb, come on, what happened? Remus coaxed, making the teary-eyes and disgruntled werewolf look up.

At the Ministry, in a few hours... It's my fault. he mumbled, breaking the cold gaze.

What's going to happen? Remus asked again, trying to snap some sense ito his usually over-collected friend.

A couple were caught in London yesterday, their... Their execution is in a few hours. It's too guarded, I couldn't...

Caleb, you can't expect to save everyone, you're being too hard on yourself.

A family is going to die because I couldn't get the nuts to save them. he hissed in an icy voice, taking in quick breaths. They had kids, two of them if I'm not mistaken. They'll be killed too. I'm indirectly destroying an entire family.

Remus hit him sharp across the face, scowling noticeably.

You've spent the last year smacking sense into me, and now you're defying your own logic. Dont' be hypocritical. he snapped. I finally got a grip on my life, because of you. So don't even go and break down, alright? You're my last grip on reality, so don't you dare go mental. Now get up.

Remus turned his back, and started to walk out the door before he noticed Caleb hadn't moved.

Are you coming or not?

came the bleak reply.

To get that family free, of course. Come on, I can't Apparate or drive, I can't do this alone.


This is too dangerous... We shouldn't be doing this. Caleb mumbled, turning a sharp corner in the busy night streets of London.

Dangerous? Oh, go to hell. Remus said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. I'm an unregistered wizard for first, not to mention Dumbledore keeps me as a concealed werewolf at Hogwarts. Don't even tell me dangerous.

You're not registered as a wizard?

No, we were Muggle-born, my brother and I. My mother was a Squib, so we weren't on a registry watch as children. And I received the bite before any real magic showed itself... After that, Romolus pulled some creative strings and kept me from ever begin discovered. My existence to the wizard world was erased... And to the Muggles I was just a renegade that might've known something about the death of my father, so I was on the run. There was never any way for anyone to find me.

Pretty good. Caleb said with a slight nod.



You'll do well, helping me out with my project. I can use a hand with Elise gone...


Caleb, get out of here, now!

There they are, shoot!

Three shots, two solid clangs of metal clashing. Thump.



Get the other! NOW!


Should be fun. Remus said dryly, ignoring his Vision. Caleb smiled, and screeched to a halt in front of the Leaky Cauldron.



Here goes nothing. he muttered, taking in a long breath and pushing open the Ministry building doors. Remus at his side, the pair slipped through the chaotic mass of cart-shoving paperboys and secretary's running off frantically. Motioning to follow, Caleb slipped through a false wall, and into a series of bustling hallways.

Alright, we need to split-

I don't know this building though. Remus pointed out. Caleb rolled his eyes at himself, cursing that Remus wasn't Elise.

Then stick by me. When anyone asks, you're eighteen. Your names Aaron Domingues, you're from Wales, alright? They're strict on ID, and since you aren't even registered this is going to be hellish if anyone has even the smallest urge to ID you.

Don't worry about me, I'm good at keeping the authorities off.

Well, we're at the heart of law right here, so don't slip up. he muttered, slipping inside a crowded room of cubicle's and stacks of papers. At every other corner and every door guards were stationed, grey-clad men with very cold faces.

The Beast division is back here... he said a few aisles later, having smiled falsely at a few coworkers. They carry out the executions right in here, since it's ground level they can, er, dispose of the bodies... Easily. he said with grimace. There's a tunnel under a tapestry in the back, but if we can't make it, turn away.



They... Look, you dont want to witness an execution, it's not a pretty sight.

Remus saw him shaking slightly, and nodded his head once. Come on, let's get this done...




Panting from both disgust and fatigue, Remus put a hand to his side and leaned up against the tunnel wall he remembered from his own escape. The very moment Caleb and Remus had entered the room after wedging past a guard, the guns had been fired, targets hit in a split-second.

Caleb remained motionless the few minutes after in which there was little spoken while the bodies were taken care of. The only noise was the banging of a door across the room, and a few strangled cries. After some time, the executioners left, and an official-looking man in a tight suit told Caleb to take care of the noise.

Following lead, a nauseous and paled Remus entered the room, finding two little boys pounding at the barrier.

Where's Da? one of the twins bellowed, face scrunched up into a red ball. Caleb knelt down, smiling remorsefully, and embraced the two boys together.

The bad men are going to hurt you. he said calmly, hiding his misery from the children. Follow me, it will be fun. We can escape the castle.

He handed a blonde-haired and innocent-looking boy to Remus, and children in arms, they crept their way out of the Beast Division.

Where's Da? the little boy repeated, wiping his teary eyes on his filthy robe. The bad man came in an' he made um leave.

I want my Mama. the other said pathetically, looking up at Caleb.

What's your name? he asked gently, setting the boy down.



And I'm Corey! his brother piped.

Well Jason, Corey... I don't wanna lie to you. I don't think you're going to see your parents again. The bad men took them away. he explained, taking Jason's small hands in one of his own. And they're gonna take you away too if you don't come with us.

But... But Da said not ta' go with strangers. Corey mumbled, tears welling up in his eyes.

We're not strangers, not really. You know what happens on the moon? Remus asked, bending down to eye level.

Mama and Da put us in the basement in dif'rent rooms, and then they say they love us... And, and that we gotta be good. Jason started.

And then they go upstairs. And... We ent see them after that, not till mornin' when we get our special breakfast.

Wait, they're- Remus asked, eyes wide. Caleb nodded his head, holding the confused boy to his chest for a moment.

It's genetic. Two werewolf parents will inevitably produce werewolf offspring. They've never known another life.

After a short moment of silence, Remus put Corey on his shoulders, Caleb doing likewise.

Your Mama and Da were friends of ours, of sorts. So we're going to take care of you for a while. he offered, heading through the tunnel quickly.

'Till they come back?

Caleb pursed his lips, and swallowed. Your parents might not come back, but you can stay with me us for a while. Sound alright?

they said together, eyes blurring again. Corey had his hands gripped tight to Remus' mane of hair, pulling at such a strength that would be alarming for a boy thrice his age. Out of the corner of his eye, Remus could see that Jason was inflicting the same death vice on Caleb's locks as well.

How in hell do we take care of two werewolf twins? he mumbled once they had drifted off halfway through London in the back seat of the pickup.

We... I don't know, we wing it. I sure as hell don't know the first thing about child care, and with El not around... he said absently, eyes locked onto the road.

Can't we try and find them a new home?

We can't give them to a Muggle adoption center, and the wizarding ones are really strict on regulations. They'd be killed on the spot or sent to a living center... It's worse than prison, it really is. I spent a year there before I got out. Caleb said, breathing irregularly for a moment. We can't take these kids anywhere that handles adoptions...

Caleb, you can't keep them. Remus mused, looking back at the snoring twins. You don't know anything about kids, hell, neither of us do.

They don't have a life if I don't take care of them for now.

You won't be able to work if you have them around, more people will die. Remus pointed out. Caleb shook his head, running a free hand through his messy hair.

I can't... I can''t look them in the eye and deny them life. Their parents died because I failed, and I'm not going to let the same thing happen to them.



Moony-

Hey, how's everything? You up for the Quidditch games this weekend? We still have an extra ticket and all that. Maybe you can come stay over here or something till the games. Write me back,

Padfoot



No can do, full moon's on Saturday night, it'd be too dangerous if the game went on for a long time. I'm not going to deny you and Prongs of your sports obsession. Besides, I have a bit of a crisis here, two of them per say. If I leave the shack I'm fairly positive Caleb would be dead when I got back. Seeya.

Moony


REMUS! HELP! Caleb bellowed from the bedroom the moment Remus set his quill down. Two blonde and laughing blurs shot out of the room, tackling Remus to the floor in a sharp thud.



Uncle Remmie, c'we go outside an' play? I wanna play Quiddidie. Corey announced. Remus shot Caleb a glare, asking him non-verbally to remove the two parasites from atop him.

I wanna go get some ice cream! C'we peeeeeease go get some ice cream? Jason begged, banging his powerful fists on Remus' chest.

I don't think you two need any more sugar. Caleb said, plucking them into the air by the backs of their grimy robes.

Remus muttered, rubbing his throat.

We need to take them to get some decent robes. Caleb observed as Corey and Jason began to further tear at their clothes.

What, you atcually have some cash?

Only a little bit, I was saving it for myself, but... We have to go for potion ingredients anyway, we might as well pick them up some clothes.

If we go to Diagon they'll be recognized, won't they? Remus asked, plucking Corey off of his brother and holding him up in the air, legs kicking about wildly.

Nah, the Ministry thinks I got rid of them'. We're safe to be seen in public, for a while anyway. he said with a sigh, lunging to catch Jason. God, for four year olds they're pretty tough. he mumbled.

We better get going, before they tear this entire house down.



Corey, no-Don't touch that-Jason, get back here-

Stand still for a minute-

Jason, PUT THAT BACK-

Don't go back there, come here-No, Jason, knock that off-Don't do-So sorry ma'am, he's a bit unattentive-JASON!

Remus whistled shrilly, making Madame Malkin cover her ears, but the boys finally stopped running amok in the robe shop. Caleb grabbed them by the backs of their new robes, hauling them into the street while Remus paid for the clothes.

Sorry about that. he mumbled.

It's alright... Are those your little brothers? she asked kindly, folding the rest of the secondhand shirts and jeans into a pile.

No, but we're taking care of them. Their parents are gone on vacation, so we landed the little buggers for a while. he lied with an exhausted sigh. Madame Malkin chuckled to herself, smiling at some fond memory.

I used to have little boys like that myself... Just as destructive.

Yeah, sorry about that vase-

Not a problem, it can be fixed. she assured, dropping the piles of clothes into a bag. Well, have fun with the dears. And good luck! she called as he left for the door.

Yeah... We'll need it. he said with amusement, watching the twins escape from Caleb's grasp and dashing through the streets.


Hey, Moony!

Hey Padfoot, what's up? Remus asked, panting as he set his bags down at the ice cream parlor.

Eh, my mum's shopping for wedding gifts, dragged me along. It's pretty dull actually... Sirius said offhand,

Wish I had dull... he grumbled, gazing off at the laughing twins, running around the patio chairs, Caleb at their heels.

Hey, isn't that that Caleb guy, the guy you live with? Sirius asked after a moment.



He looks a bit young to have kids that old.

They're not his.

Brothers? But they look nothing alike...

He kind of adopted them, not really by choice... We're taking care of them now.

No way! Sirius gapped, smiling. Remus nodded, and Sirius hit his leg, laughing.

Lucky, I love kids! he said, smiling at the twins as they dashed by, giggling merrily. Remus' eyes went wide, and he smiled devilishly.

Hey Sirius, want to come stay with us for a while, back at the Retreat?




A/n- I just felt like making a happy chapter, so there ya go... Next one is coming soon, with all it's angsty-goodness. Thanks for the reviews!

Iggie

Title meaning- Opprimo: To subdue, overpower, surpress