A/n- Wow.... Another one down, eh? This goes out to all my Canadian friends. :) And for those wondering, all my weird titles come from Latin words that relate someway to the chapter in question.

Enjoi.

Disclaimer- Oh bloody hell, I don't even want to bother at this point.

Rating- PG-13 for the most part.

Chapter Keywords- And thus we meet the Underground...



Seeing Grey - Part XXXVI - Argentum Admonitio



Are we even close yet? I'm starting to loose the feeling in my head. Remus said with a small grimace, as Jason, half asleep, was pulling murder on is hair.

Should be right here, but... Caleb mumbled, shifting the boy on his shoulders. Remus set Jason down, and started to wander through the thick forest in search of anything man. They had been rambling on through the woods for a good two hours, having found no such sign of humans anywhere.


Hey, look! he yelled, bringing the three nearby. He had stumbled upon a gate, run over with foliage, wedged in-between a rock formation down by a shallow creek.

That could be it. Caleb said with a hint of uneasy excitement.

Remus set his hand against the gate to push it open, and cursed sharply. Before he even had time to tear at the pain, a gun was held to his face.

What business do you have here? the man asked, another creeping out from behind, staring Caleb down. He clutched the boys close to him, swallowing once.

We're trying to find the Underground. Remus said through a tight grimace, trying not to move.

You have to right to be here. the other man said.

You've got to be kidding me! Caleb started, but shut up as the gun was pointed at his head. He dared not make a move for the papers they had been given before. Both twins held tight to his legs, remaining silent, they knew what a gun was, and that guns killed Mama and Da.

Leave now. he said monotonously.

I came here for a reason, we're trying to find the Underground.

You don't belong in the Underground, now leave.

Letting out a breath, Remus held up his hand, which was searing white in the palm.

You have the nerve to tell me I don't belong?

The two men glanced at each other, and lowered arms.

Bloody idiots, having a silver gate. Remus mumbled, being led through the small passage.

Anyone who touches the gate, we kill.

Oh yes, very nice policy. You almost killed your bloody founder! he snapped.

Behind a few paces, Caleb smiled, and waved to the two astonished elders.

one finally blurted out. Oh Jesus, I've been wanting to meet your for so long-

So sorry about that, it'll never happen again-

Looks like you're famous. Remus mumbled, still rubbing his blistering hand.


After nearly half an hour of hiking, the dysfunctional family was lead into a hidden village, not much larger than where Romolus lived, though it was the most amazing either had ever seen. And entire town of werewolves.

This is incredible. Caleb said in awe, walking around the little town, people waving happily at him. The two men, who introduced themselves as Keith and Michael McClasin, led them to a little house in the middle of the village.

You're things will be brought up soon enough. Keith, the larger of the two, said with a nod.

Make yourselves at home.


I'm gonna go walk around... Remus mumbled, shutting the door behind him as he left.

It was wrong, part of him said quietly. The perfect life here was wrong...

Seating himself outside of a little restaurant, he nodded his head to a waitress, wondering how to pay.

You're new here, aren'tcha? she asked with a sweet smile. Yeah, you look clueless.

Just came in today.

So what's your story? I don't mean to be nosey, but I've been here since the beginning, I like to know everyone. she said, sitting down opposite of him, calling inside the building for a steak platter.



Oh, never mind. I'll find out eventually.

Actually, I'm not staying. Remus said quietly, causing her to blink a few times.



I'm leaving, it's rather complicated... See, I came here with Caleb-

she gapped.

Uh, yeah... He helped me out a while back, I've been living with him. he said, chuckling at her stunned face. He has some things to take care of now, so I'm taking over back home.

Wait wait wait. she said, slapping her hands down on the table. You mean to tell me that he's retiring?

No, taking a break.

And you're filling his shoes?

Remus said, biting his lip to stop himself from laughing. She was staring at him as though there wasn't another creature like him in all the world.



So, how much is this? he asked as his plate was dropped i front of him.

No charge. the girl said in a daze. He shrugged, stabbed the meat with his fork, and downed it quickly.



Hey, what're you doing?

Remus looked up at a tired Caleb, worn out from a day of child-care. He flopped onto one of the chairs, sparking the fireplace for light.

Skimming through Cor's journal... I can't figure out why he stopped writing...

Caleb said simply.



Well, that was Elise's theory, as he stopped writing a few pages after he said he wasn't feeling well, and it was at the right point in cycle for our illness. he explained.

Makes sense... Remus mumbled, flipping to the last pages. But somehow it just doesn't fit... I don't know if I'm just delusional or something, but I think he's still alive.

Eh, suit yourself. Caleb said with a yawn, leaning back contentedly. So how long are you going to stay?

Leaving tomorrow.

You can spare a few days for this, it's great. No worries at all.

I've lived paranoid too long, this place is freaking me out. Not having to hide myself is too much to get used to... I already repacked my stuff. I'll be gone when you wake up.

Did you get all the papers?



Well, then all I can do is wish you luck, and pray you dont get caught too quickly.



Remus

Hi. Its Jason just wrightin ta say hi. Im learnin how too wright beter. Com back sown.

Jason


Kaleb is teachin us to right beter. You shuld come bak, its real funy when me an Jason get to go swiming with Matt. Hes a wearwolf two. See you later.

Corey

Remus smiled, and stuffed the sloppy letters in his pocket. Three weeks he had been working in the Magical Creatures Division of the Canadian Ministry, and so far, there hadn't been any captures. for the small amount they paid him, all he had to do was file papers in a wall of cabinets, and run coffee to his managers ever two hours. No one even suspected a thing, and he was slowly beginning to feel confident in his work.

Setting down his mug of tea, he started on a new stack of papers to fill out.

I could get used to this. he mused.

LET ME GO!

The mail boys and anyone else nearby all moved to the side, calm as can be, as their advisors dragged a boy inside towards the back room. Remus kept his face calm, stealing a glance as the boy no older than himself was pulled back, held down by at least five men. He winked, and the werewolf in question looked back at him in puzzlement.

As the routine carried on in the office, as though nothing happened, Remus casually walked back to the water cooler, pouring himself a glass. No one saw him slip inside after the men left, having caged their prey.

What the hell do you want from me? the dusty-haired boy asked, trying to shred the bars on his cage only to discover they were coated in silver. Cursing, he pulled his hands back, eyes watering up.

I'm here to help you out. Remus said, looking around for the keys.

Oh bloody hell, help me as in putting me out of my misery' and all that bullshit? the kid whined, voice full of satire. Rolling his eyes to himself, Remus pulled his sleeve over his hands and picked up the keys.'

No, helping you as in letting you out and giving you directions to a secretive community of werewolves where you wont get caught. he said quietly.

Is this some kind of trap?

Are you some kind of ungrateful dolt? Remus snapped back, undoing the lock. The boy crawled out, looking around, waiting to be ambushed.

Go out that back door, in the closet. There's a hidden tunnel in the lower left corner. I'm going to smash a window to make it look like you're in the courtyard, it'll throw them off. Keep following the tunnel until you see daylight. Wait there for a few minutes, and run like hell. After that, I'll meet you. Just don't stop running, and stay out of wizarding communities. Remus said quickly, handing the boy his cloak. Muttering to himself, he shoved the boy towards the closet, waiting.

Are you gonna go, or would you prefer being shot in the head a few times? he barked. The kid scrambled for the door, and plowed his way into the tunnel. Waiting a minute, as he heard footsteps coming down the hall and could smell the executioner, he swung a chair through the barred window, pulling them apart.

What the hell happened? his manager yelled, looking around in disbelief.

I dunno sir, I heard a crash, and- Remus started in an uncharacteristically feeble voice, hiding his smirk as he staggered back to his cubical.

Yeah, this is great... Caleb's living it up while I register Hippogriffs. he said in mild amusement, checking off a little box and stuffing the sheet in a folder. Life is so odd...


It was very easy to slip out without being noticed. After all, he was a grudge boy, doing nothing important, no one ever came to ask him anything at all. Once outside, he made a mad-dash for the woods, following a fading trail of scent left by the boy. Half an hour later, he stumbled upon the kid, hunched over, trying to catch his breath.

Shit man, how'd you catch up with me? he huffed out.

Werewolf too. Remus said calmly, not letting on that he was just as tired. The boy smiled, shrugging to himself.

Kind of a secret-agent thing going?

Something like that, yes.

Name's Garade. You are?

Remus Lupin... Do you have anywhere to stay? he asked, looking in his deep pockets for a pad of paper and a pen. Without waiting for a reply, he scratched out directions for the Underground.

They'll disintegrate after two hours, so no one finds the city. Just hitch a ride there, tons of Muggles here will give you a lift. Remus said, looking behind him. You'd best be on your way if you want to get to safety in time.

Garade pursed his lips, nodding to himself.

Thanks. Can I repay your or something...

It's my job... Hey, wait a minute. Remus said suddenly, turning back to face his first project.



When you're there, find a guy named Caleb. Tell him I sent you...

Garade smiled, and dashed off into the setting sun. With a sigh, he kicked a stone on the ground thoughtfully.

One down, about a hundred more to go... Remus grumbled. Damn, I wish I knew how to Apparate. That trek back to work doesn't seem very inviting. he reflected with a sigh of exasperation.



Lupin, where have you been? the office manager snapped as he slipped back into the department.

Had a nasty encounter with some bad coffee, sir.

Ah... Same thing happened to Johnson last week. I'll have to check on that... Anyway, get back to work.

Smiling almost smugly, Remus nodded, and sat down in his Eco-Swivel chair as if it were a decorated throne.



Hey kid,

We got a little visitor last night. Good going, you actually got one out alive. Keep it up and I'll have to watch myself... Guess what? Chicks dig kids. Never would have guessed that two annoying little brats are an automatic conversation piece for chicks. This place is great...

I have to go, I'm being stared down by this waitress again. Adios,

Caleb


Wish I could be in paradise right now, but alas, I'm here in this hellhole of paper work and angry office managers...

Remus dropped his pen as another victim of the Ministry Hunters was dragged in. As normal, there was no chaos in the room, people merely moved aside to allow the men pass. Tapping his pen as casually as he could, Remus watched as another man, much older than himself, was carried off to his prison.



What the hell do you want kid?

Shut up and listen to me if you want out of here. Remus snapped. God, are they always so ungrateful to see me?' he mused.

The man remained silent as Remus picked the lock, looking around for a plausible escape. Boarded up since the last escape, the windows were now a no-go.

Hold this for a second. he finally decided, brandishing his own tattered wand. Quizzically, the man took it, and Remus instructed him on what spell would de-ward the wall and blow it up. Handing him a slip of paper with instructions, Remus bowed his head as the old man ran off at full speed.

Any suggestions Lupin? his manager asked several minutes later, having tracked Remus down by the coffee machine.

Move the holding cells to the basement, they'd have less chance of escape. Remus lied, knowing about half a dozen different tunnels out of the building. Old fire exits and emergency escapes, he mused.

Not too bad a thought... I'll look into that kid. Maybe we can get you a promotion to guard, you're a strong lad, quick on your feet. he said after looking the paper-pusher over a few times.

Score.'




Moony! Hey! Sirius said with grace as he jammed the Retreat door open. He and James came in, dropping small bags at the door, looking around cheerfully.

What're you two doing here? Remus asked, looking about for his laundry. It was an old habit of his to never wear shirts unless necessary, from days spent in blisteringly hot factories of his childhood.

My parents are at it with my uncle again. Sirius said, immediately heading for the rusty refrigerator. He keeps borrowing money from my mum, and dad exploded about it this time.

We couldn't crash at my house either, we're renovating. James added.

Renovating... Right.

Sorry to just barge in, but we don't have anywhere else to go. he said quietly, biting his lip. And... Uh...

What, spit it out. Remus said as he went about to partially clean the little house.

Sorry about before. James finally mumbled.



When I loose my temper, I say a lot of shit I don't mean, I mean... Dammit, this is hard to explain. James grumbled, sitting down on the creaky sofa.

Look, you don't have to apologize for a few minutes of jealous rage-

Yeah I do. James interrupted, absently running a hand through his messy black hair. Seriously, I said some things I regret, it still bothers the hell out of me... Padfoot says it's because I never had proper parents bringing me up, cause even when they were alive they were never home. It's not an excuse though... I've been a complete jerk, and I wanna start over. he said, pulling such a solid and stern face Remus was mildly afraid someone was using Polyjuice Potion to impersonate James.

I feel like shit about everything I've said, all the misplaced werewolf comments and all... I just, I don't know, I loose my composure. So... Friends, still?

Remus cracked a smile, and nodded.

Do what you want, I don't care. You're forgiven of past sins as long as you never try to look serious again in your life.

James let out a long sigh, nodding as he grinned. Thank God, that was harder to do than telling Lil I loved her.

It's in the male blood to fear those words as they imply commitment of some sort. Remus said offhand.

Yeah, but once you say it, damn... he shook his head, drifting off to his dreamy little world of closet snogs.



What're you working on? Sirius asked, munching on a sandwich.

Trying to decode all the work in this... Remus muttered, scratching off another possible translation.

What is it?

This old werewolf left all these runes and dead languages in his journal so no one would steal his work, but it's almost impossible to decipher... We're trying to find a cure or any kind of counter-curse.

James came up from behind, leaning on Remus' back.

Hey, cool. Southern C'hien elves, haven't seen that in ages. he said idly, cookie crumbs dripping down the back of Remus' robes.

C'hien elves?

Yea, when I was little, my rents were always off on business trips. I found a bunch of their old books in the library after I broke in, and kinda taught myself some of it. he pondered, reaching over and flipping the pages.

You broke into your parent's library, and taught yourself dead languages? Remus asked, blinking up at his friend.

Pretty much.

My God Prongs, you're too weird... he mumbled with a grin. But regardless, you might save me a few years of headaches. Can you translate for me?

Most of it. I don't remember part of the alphabet, but I can do my best guess. Surprised I even remember any of it, what with all my plans taking up the majority of my thought capacity. he said, finally taking a seat at the kitchen table.

This is one odd fellow... he mumbled minutes later, a piece of scrap parchment covered in fragments of words and sentences. Of what's here, all I can figure out is a load of rubbish about his sick wife and something about black dragon teeth.

So that's what ti was! Remus said quickly, flipping to another page in the journal. He pointed to a small sketch of a long tooth, previously of unknown origins.

Yeah, Californian Longtail. They've been extinct for ages. Sirius remarked.

Hey, whadaya know, he actually paid attention in Care of Creatures. James laughed. Figured he was too busy staring Callie down the whole time.

Oh bite me, like you and Lily weren't mentally getting at it.

Hey! You little-

Remus blocked out the conversation, looking at the small scrawl James had scattered about his own page. There was a connection, his subconscious was screaming it, but he couldn't fit the pieces together.

James, try this, right here.

That messy scribble? Too illegible.

Just try, it could be important.

If you say so.



A/n- Another one down, eh? Well, the next one should be up soon, so keep your eyes peeled. :) And for a few who have mentioned my Remus and Sirius being perfect for each other, sorry to say folks, but I'm not in the slash dig. I'm not some anti weirdo or anything, its just not what I write. So if you're waiting for that couple, dont hold your breath. I'm convinced that canon Marauders were perfectly het, and my fic will follow those lines.

Thank you newbies, I love you all! New reviews are so fun. And oldies comin' back for more. Come to think of it, I'm hyper. Which is very scary as I'm never hyper. Ever.

I shall have to go write my other fic now, it's terribly depressing and will undoubtedly restore me to my normal self. Chaoi.



Iggie


Fic of the Day- Not Myself by Saerry Snape- AU in which Harry grows up on the streets and is eventually brought to Hogwarts. he has a tricky accent though that may annoy the very pants off of you, and you you don't enjoy Snape, be wary of this. It has a strange sense of oddity to it, but it's quite addicting...