A/n- Thanks for staggering back for more!

Disclaimer- My God, do you really think I own anything? Whatever you recognize IS NOT mine. Everything else belongs to my muse, Steve.

Chapter Keywords- Just read it, eh? You'll find out.

Seeing Grey - Part XXXV - Tiro


Uncle Remmie, when are we gonna have supper? Corey asked, bouncing on Remus' knee with a pleading face. He had mastered the skill of telling them apart, Corey's face having a long, thin scar trailing down to hs neck, Jason being unmarked for the most part.

Sirius started laughing, arm wrestling the other boy, and loosing quickly. It seemed to amuse him, as he pleaded for a rematch. Again he lost, only being able to resist for a matter of seconds.

C'we go play Quiddidie? Jason asked after loosing interest in the contest.

What's Remus asked.

Sirius informed, nodding his head. Remus and the boys were already outside, armed with battered brooms, though Sirius was stopped.

Hey, Black, help me in here for a minute. Caleb asked from the kitchen.

Skin that for me, will you? he asked, pointing to a small deer lying on the table. Unsure of himself, Sirius took up the knife, and began tearing away small patches of skin.

You and Remus close? Caleb asked after a few minutes, stirring some sort of stew.

I guess so, we get along better than him and James, for the most part anyway. Cause of Lily, it's kind of complicated.

Typical, everything in that kid's life is complicated.

Yours too, right? I mean, in general, it'd be hard for werewolves... Sirius said, trailing off for a second. I don't mean to sound offensive or anything, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to generalize-

No, it's okay. You're right, which is pretty damn rare for someone unaffected. Caleb mused. He's lucky as hell to have found you, you know that Black? There's a few hundred werewolves in Britain, and all but us have lives of solitude and concealment. Only a few ever find companions... Those kids I'm taking care of, their parents were both werewolves. They were killed in front of us, just for trying to live normal lives and raise a family.

That's horrible, I mean, it defies ever basic law of guaranteed living the Ministry ever established! Bunch of bloody hypocrites!

You're pretty smart for a Gryffindor. he laughed, simmering a pan of vegetables from the garden. Yeah, it's pretty shitty for us. Those kids inherited the curse, so they'll never know what it's like to have a normal life. Werewolves were never meant to have children.

So Moony can't have kids? Jesus... His whole life is screwed. Sirius mumbled, throwing aside another strip of skin. I never really knew before how bad it was. Last year and all, it was just a small problem once-a-month that we found a fix for. None of us ever really took the time to sit down and imagine how much it alters his life.

Steals away everything you have, making you start from scratch. Caleb said absently, shaking his head. He's been lucky as hell, what with his brother early on in life, and me saving his sorry ass from the Ministry before they registered him. Now he has you and that rich kid he's always telling me about, Jesus, he's the luckiest of our kind I've ever met. The Fates or something are pleased with him.

Caleb, HELP! Remus yelled from outside. Caleb busted through the door, face stuck up with worry from the pleading yell. The moment he saw what was wrong though, he nearly burst out laughing, Sirius showing no such restraint.

Get them off of me!

Sad sight really. Our Hogwarts bad-ass getting his ass kicked by four year olds. Sirius said with a smirk.



I just don't like the idea of raising kids that can overpower you. Remus mumbled over dinner.

Life's not fair, get over it. Caleb said with a short smile, watching Corey and Jason fight over the last slab of venison.

How are you two gonna feed them? I mean hell, they eat as much as Remus does.



What, they do! Sirius exclaimed, grinning.

He's got a point though... Remus said. We can barely feed ourselves, let alone two more.

And I still have to keep reserves for my rescues. Caleb groaned, setting his fork down and standing. He took the twin boys by their robes, dangling them in the air to stop the bickering, and carried them off to the bedroom.

Who gets the couch? Remus asked, raising an eyebrow. All three of the boys looked at one and other, and in a flash, there was a death-fight to claim the sofa.



Two weeks of laughs and piggish living went by quickly. Now that Sirius had gone to James' for some quality Quidditch time, Remus and Caleb took alternating shifts working. Most of their income was from any odd-job down in the villa, bringing in just enough money for food and anything else they needed to amuse the twins. By start of July, it was obvious that they couldn't keep Corey and Jason. Sadly, Caleb went on a hunt to find any adoption center or family that would care for two werewolves.


Remus,

No luck on homes yet, but there's other news. I've got a woman, maybe in her twenties, coming to the Retreat in a few hours. She's hurt pretty bad, she got beat in her village this morning. Help her out, and try to keep the Terrible Two off of her. Chaoi.

Damn, this wont be easy with Sirius back here. he grumbled.

No sooner had Remus set down the letter, delivered by an angry express owl, the door creaked open. He lunged forward in time to catch the woman before she keeled over, and he helped her to the couch.

Who's that? Corey asked, biting his thumb as he came inside.

A friend. he said simply, smiling at her for a minute. Can you go find Sirius?

Is she sick? the little boy pondered. 'Cause Mama knew a potion for sick wolfs.

No, she isn't sick. Please, go find Sirius?

He went swimmin' with Jason.

Go get him will you?

Be back! he said happily, running off in a blur.




Are you sure you're gonna be alright? Sirius asked again, eyes not meeting her own. His gaze was elsewhere at the moment. Remus cleared his throat, warning his friend to look up before he was kicked.

I think I can manage now, thank you both. she said. I really have to get back, your friend booked me passage to Norway for a while, I need to get... Going... she trailed off, glaring down at Sirius. He was once again focusing only at her upper chest, and she responded by gingerly bringing her knee up to his gut.

Bug off. she snapped to him, and slammed the door shut.

God Sir, I can't believe you. She's been through hell and you have the nerve to stare at her like that. Remus said with a roll of his eyes.

What, she was hot! he said defensively, in a small voice, rubbing his stomach.

Well she was... After a glance at the clock, he cursed, and scrambled about the messy room for his clothes. I have to get off too, I'm supposed to meet James in a little while. Sure you're not going to come?

I was planning on taking the Terrible Two up to my brother's for a while, scare them into not having kids for a few more years. I still don't understand how you can get them to actually behave... he said with a smile, grabbing Jason as he ran by and pinning him at his side.

Eh, I've always had a way with kids. Well, I'll see you around, all of you. Sirius started, but paused as he opened the door. Scooping up the child in his arms, he hugged a goodbye, and tossed him carelessly to Remus, Corey laughing all the while.



Romolus said gruffly, words cut off as he was tackled to the ground by the boys.

Remmie, ya never said ya had a twin like us! one of them piped.

Well, this is my brother Rom, but he isn't my twin. Remus explained, snatching the two boys as Shelly came in.

Er, please tell me those aren't yours... she started, Romolus going starch white.

Remus, what the h-

Oh God, no. They're not mine. Well, not really... he snorted, grabbing Jason by his robes before he broke anything valuable. They're kind of, well, me and Caleb got landed with them. The Ministry executed their parents, and no one wants to take in two little werewolves. Shelly, you might want to lock them up in a safe bedroom until they calm down. They busted into my chocolate supplies after Sirius left. he added, advice immediately taken.

They're afflicted? Both?

Parents were cursed, and it passes through birth. Caleb's paternal instincts kicked in and he refuses to give them up until we find them a good home.

Do not look at me. Romolus said quickly. Anyway, glad you're here... It's great to see you back on your feet again.

Caleb needed a well-deserved break with hsi bottle of aspirin.

Poor bloke...

Optimism has its advantages. he said dryly, peering into the kitchen. You mind if I raid? We're broke, and the Terrible Two eat more together than me, you and Sirius combined.

Raid away, we're financially stable for the most part, we can spare a few slabs of steak for a hungry traveler. he said with a smile, sitting down at the kitchen table. Off in the back of the small house, he could hear two very whiny boys running all over his bedroom, Shelly trying to order them still.

Those things will kill you, eh? Man, I don't understand how things so small can pack so much energy.

They're werewolves, add the unnatural strength to the bounciness of an ordinary four year old and you've got a three-foot demon from hell. Remus said through mouthfuls of an oversized sandwich.

So what're you gonna do with them once school starts?

Remus set down his snack, shrugging to himself. I think Caleb wants to keep them, hell, I know he wants to keep them. It's so improbable that anyone would ever take them in as actual children and give them proper care...

A single eighteen year old renegade can't take care of two boys on his own. Romolus said skeptically.

You don't know Caleb...



Uncle Remmie, I'm scared. Jason confessed, climbing up on Remus' lap. He set down his books and vials of potion, and looked at the boy with a smile.

You've done this before, it won't be any different.

But Mama and Da aren't here... he said quietly, biting his thumbnail nervously.

Me and Caleb are, it'll be alright. he tried uneasily. His lack of experience with children, not to mention just people in general, was making it very difficult to soothe a werewolf at the point of tears.

Tell you what. If you tough it out tonight, I'll take you out for hot fudge sundae's tomorrow. Just us.

Corey ent coming? I get um all to myself?

Remus nodded, and the little boy cheered up considerably.


Best way to a werewolf's heart is through his stomach.

That's not true El, I mean... Is that roast beef?


Just us.


All throughout the night, a wolven Remus Lupin had to endure the pathetic cries of the twins. Off in the distance, through the cracking cement walls, he could hear Caleb barking in distress, trying to calm the two distraught boys. For hours on end they wailed on, until slowly, the cries faded to barely audible whimpering.

Once the sun had dawned, Remus and Caleb staggered out of their cells as two bloody messes, and picked the silver locks of the other confinements. Picking a boy apiece, they emerged a minute later and trudged upstairs for the shower.


You alright? Remus asked lazily, offering a sodden towel for the boy to clean himself up with. Corey nodded his head, wincing as he fumbled to wipe away a wound.

Here, let me get it. Remus tried, pulling his wand from his back pocket. He dabbed up the trail of blood, and inexpertly closed the gash.

Not as good as your mum I suppose, but it's the best I can do.

C'we get our sundae's now? I' hungry. he said quietly, smiling. And can we bring Corey too? And Caleb?

Remus agreed, washing his face thoroughly and flocking his bangs down to cover the new array of scars.

Why do you hide em all? Jason asked lazily, picking at one of his many scabs. They go away after a while, no use hidin' em.

With a small smile, Remus shrugged. I just don't like them...

I do. They make me look tough. Me an' Corey always have a contest ta see who has the most.

You take pride in your scars?

Uh huh. The other kids said they were cool. he piped happily, bouncing down from his seat on the sink and carelessly running off to find his brother.



Jason, get off of him! Caleb yelled, snatching the boys shirt and plucking him from the ground. Corey looked up, red faced, and spit on the ground, a jumble of blood and tooth going with it.

Neath, you knofed ou' some teef. he said with a smile, poking at the three small specks. Caleb rolled his eyes, and pulled Corey to his feet.

You alright? he asked, voice low with concern.

I'm arigh'. the unfazed boy said, running off after his twin without bothering to cry over his teeth. Rolling his eyes at life, Caleb pocketed the three teeth for potion use, and let out a sigh.

They're pretty odd. he commented, sipping the rest of his milkshake.

Do you mean to imply that you aren't?

Point taken. Caleb mumbled. I wish I could keep the little runts.

You can't afford it, and you don't have the time. Shouldn't you be getting back to work, I mean, hell...

People are counting on me, I know. The entire Werewolf Underground praises me.

Who're they?

All the people I've helped out, and some that my projects have helped. There's a small congregation of them in southern Canada, in a small town off the shores of Lake Ontario. A good hundred I'd say. he said, watching the boys tackle each other, both trying to win possession of the last candy bar.

Hundred? Jesus, I didn't know you did that much.

I've been at it for years. he said simply, crossing his arms. Funny though, I'll be wanting to retire before I hit twenty.



Yeah? What...

Let's go to that Underground, surely somewhere there will take the Terrible Two. It'd be safer, and they'd grow up in an environment where they'd be accepted as a normal person. There isn't anything more you could wish for, for us anyway. Remus pointed out. Caleb grimaced, as though the words hurt him in some way, and he clenched his fists tight.

You don't get it... I want to keep them.



he barked irritably, causing the twins to momentarily stop their game of tag. Dammit, I'm not going to let them go.

Remus bit his lip, nodding his head a few times, at loss for proper words. What could he say? There was a parental instinct inside of Caleb that has finally emerged, and at a very inconvenient time.

Take a break. he said at long last. Stop being the hero and double-agent... Go take some time off, live in the Underground with our kind. Keep both of them, and raise them there...

Too many people will die. A roomful of them will have their lives cut short.

Stop being s selfless, it's wrong. Human nature, remember? Don't you have any care for your own needs? To hell with them, alright? Stop being the hero and be happy, God knows you deserve it. Remus snapped. He extended his hand slowly, pointing at the tumbling, laughing, and cheerful boys across the yard. They deserve it.

Caleb's eyes went out of focus, and he stared off at nothing for quite some time. Finally regaining his composure, he nodded only once, and swallowed.

I'll get you an internship at the Ministry. It would be simple really... I tell them I'm moving, and that you're to take my place. You look old enough and they wont recognize you from before. I can get some help in forging legal papers and bloodwoork, create you an alternate identity. he said monotonously. But only for a year. Next summer, I'll come back. This is only temporary.

Remus smiled to himself, and shook to close the deal.

Let's go now, to the Underground. I'm sick of living here anyway.



Remus threw the last of the bags into the pickup truck, wiping his forehead of sweat. The afternoon sun had been unforgiving, and the entire lot was burning in the heat.

Did you get everything? Caleb asked, conjuring up two bottles of water for the sleep twins. They took their drinks, and climbed into the rear of the car, curling up on pillows for a nap.

Everything but the vials and all that, it'd break on the trip.

What about El's notes?

Boxed with all the books and Cor's journal.

With a heavy sigh, Caleb shrugged, and jumped into the battered vehicle, Remus seating next to him.

How long is it going to take?

The transport station is four hours, and once we get across the continent, it'll be another three hours until we're near the site. After that, we'll have to drive around and try to find it.

And you expect the runts to behave the entire time? he asked, looking back through the window at the sleeping children as the truck slowly pulled away from the shack.

Not at all. This is why we have a supply of chocolate on hand. he said, nudging a brown bag of candies next to him.

Nice parenting. Remus snorted.

What, it shut them up!

Yeah, only so they get even more hyper five minutes later.

Well then you just give them another piece.

Very bad logic...

Oh, bugger off... Caleb grumbled.



We there yet? It's gettin' boring. Corey whined, poking his head through the back window.

Almost, only another hour I'd say.

I gotta use the bathroom. Jason announced with ultimate grace.

You just went twenty minutes ago. Remus noted.

Well I gotta go again.

Caleb rolled his eyes, and stopped at what had to be the tenth rest stop since they had entered North America. The two boys ran off for the toilets, Caleb following after shortly.

You are a wizard, are you not? someone asked, thick with accent. Remus turned around slowly, finding a small girl, barely large enough to seem ten or eleven, looking up at him with curious blue eyes.

Are you lost? he asked calmly, looking around for her parents.

You are a wizard. I knew it. she declared proudly, holding out her hand. After a moment, Remus shook it shortly, wondering what was going on.

My name is Gabriella, I was told you would be coming. she said, trying to bit down her heavy French. Seeing his confused look, she bowed her head, and started over.

I am from the Underground, I am here to help you slip through. Here, take these. she said, handing him a packet of papers. They will let you through the Muggle securities.

Er, thanks... he said, looking around. He wasn't quite sure to believe the little girl or not. He looked back to ask her if it was some joke, but found her to be gone.

What're those? Caleb asked, the boys o his shoulders as he came up from behind with a hamburger in his free hand.

Some really odd little witch just gave me them. he said, handing them over. Caleb shuffled through them, and smiled.

Wicked! Fake ID's, we'll have no trouble passing the border now... Damn, they even got some for the runts. he said offhand, heading back to the rusty blue truck. He deposited the kids in the back, handing them some more candy and burgers, and paused.

Can you drive for a while? I need to sleep.

I don't know how to drive...

Ah, it's simple. I can have you going in five minutes. Caleb said with a grin.



Surprised we're still alive. he mumbled, finally taking over the wheel. With a guilty smile, Remus shifted back to the passenger seat, glad to be gone of the wretched machine.

I'll make a note to take drivers lessons, it might come in handy sometime. Remus said, face pale from nearly crashing several times.

So anyway, how far are we? he mumbled, watching as tree's blurred by on an abandoned highway.

Well, after the crossover, we shouldn't be too far now. Those papers saved so much time... American's are pretty uptight on security and all that. Paranoid if you ask me. Caleb mused, pulling off the main street to some dirt road. I'd say another half hour until we're in the general area.

And then what?

We look around, and pray we're not lost.

And if we do get lost? You didn't have enough money to refill the gas tank, we'll be stuck. Remus pointed out, looking back to check on the boys every few minutes.

Er... Well, I brought my crossbow. There's sure to be deer out here somewhere...



A/n- Thanks for reading this far! I love you all ::group hug::

::looks about nervously::

Sorry bout that. No clue what possessed me to do that... ::is pretending hug never happened::

Sorry for that too. A few too many painkillers I think....


Iggie


Thank you to- The Happy Neopian (hehehe, Rommie-kins) Moon, Lara, Amphitrite, smile7499, FlamingElf, sasina, Kittylace, Tawny Wolf, Anya Dvorak, Kimagure, Reckless Abandon, Mercutia13579, Rykatu*L, Lyria Padfoot and all my other recent reviewers that I cannot remember off the top of my head at the moment. YOU ARE THE BEST a writer could ever possibly wish for :)


Fic of the day- Witch, Wolf, and Serpent by Nytd: Gotta love it. Involves random coolness with Remus and Severus (not slash). Check it out.


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