A/n- Back for MORE? Wow, you've got a lot of free time on your hands :)

Disclaimer- Ah, shut up you bloody lawyers. It's people like you that make society so effed up. I think they bloody know who HP belongs to!

Rating- PG-13, as usual.

Chapter Keywords- Well, more devling into the less chipper points of being a werewolf...



Seeing Grey - Part XXXVIII - Ice



Seeya later Moony, Sirius said, snatching up his bags. He bent down, and hugged each of the little boys as if they were his own. Ruffing their hair, he bid them goodbye, James following suit.

Bye there, Black. a woman said with a wink as she passed by near the city exit. Scowling, James put down his wand, hands at his side.

Why the hell does every chick here ignore me completely? he blurted out.

Remus smiled, as the answer had finally came to him at long last. They smell Padfoot. he laughed.



They smell the canine scent of Padfoot, and mistake him for being a werewolf because of it. James doesn't have that scent, so they know he isn't cursed. he explained with a stupid grin. Sirius smiled, and concluded he would have to come back more often when in dire need of a girlfriend.



Lucky bastard. James muttered as the Night Bus pulled in outside of the forest edge, right on a Muggle backroad. They climbed aborad, waving goodbye, James still frowning angrily.

Are ya gonna stay with us? Corey asked as they walked back to the town.

Not for long, but I'll come and visit. Remus said absently, not even noticing how the boys were tugging at his hands.

But why not? Don'tcha wanna stay? Jason questioned.

I can't stay, I have a lot of work to do...

Can't you stay a little longer? Corey pleaded, hanging on his arm.

No, I can't, and will you please stop pestering me? he grumbled, closing his eyes for a moment. Slightly hurt, the boys nodded, and let go of Remus' hands as they ran off ahead.


You leaving? Caleb asked, peering inside from the doorway of the small house.

Yes, I have to get back to work. I start again tomorrow and I need to cross a few of these files with Ministry records-

Caleb shook his head, stepping inside quickly. Remus, stop it, alright? he said in a sharp voice, stepping down on the folder Remus was about to pick up. Knock it off.

Knock what off? Remus asked, not looking up.

God dammit, I knew it would be a mistake to send you off to work. Caleb snapped. Stop acting older than you are, alright? Your life isn't in any danger and you're getting depressed again.

I'm fine.

That just proves you're messed up! Caleb almost laughed, pulling Remus' head up. You're eyes are dead, just like they used to be. For once, just do me a favor and forget about all the worlds problems, at least until you're out of school. For God's sake kid, you're sixteen.

You were young when you started, and might I add, you're still young. Don't be a hypocrit.

You're different. Caleb said, not letting Remus collect the papers spread about the floor. You've got friends, and a chance at graduating Hogwarts. Don't blow it off by throwing away your childhood.

After a long pause, he dropped the stacks of papers, and stood up.

Alright then. Remus said at last, not meeting his friend's gaze. I'll try to stop.

Caleb said with a smirk. Now get out of here.

Where to?

Get back to work, as long as you don't take it seriously.

Done deal.



Just keep going, don't stop. Remus said, offering a small smile to the young boy. Instead of directing him to the Underground, as he looked too weak to make the trip, he told him of a good hideout to lodge at until Rmeus could take him back to his own rented flat in Ontario.

Nodding his head, the boy took the peice of paper and dashed off through the concealed passage.

Seven down... Remus mused, running off a minute later to find his supervisor. After a long conversation full of shouting, a small team was sent off after the boy. None of them knew they were going exactly the wrong direction, thanks to a bit of false information on Remus' part.

Too easy. he said with a smile, putting his feet up on his desk and closing his eyes, security hat tipped over his face.


Hey, you alright? Remus asked, sitting down at the booth. The boy had found a small diner to hide in, as it was the perfect place. No Ministry personell would think of looking for an escaped werewolf at a Muggle resturaunt.

Won't stop bleeding, and they took away my wand. the boy said, pulling up the bottom of his shirt to reveal a gun wound in his side. Remus bit his lip, and pulled the kid to his feet.

We'll get back to my place, I'll get it fixed up. he said calmly, helping the boy to stagger out of the establishment.

So who are you? he asked a while later, mounted on his broom and flying low to the gorund through a deserted forest.

Remus Lupin, werewolf double agent. came the short reply.

Cool, like in movies?

Kind of.

Well, that's cool anyway. And thanks, you know, for getting me out of there.

No problem, it's my job.

I didn't think I was gonna make it out alive...

Scary as hell, isn't it? Yeah, I was in your shoes before. Remus said, slowing down as they reached a street. He waited to make sure no cars were nearby, and zoomed across into the next wall of trees.

How'd you get out?

A little help from a friend.

The boy smiled weakly, and held his arms tighter around Remus stomach.

Been on a broom before?

Only once... My sister took me flying out in the counrtyside on my birthday. he trailed off, resting his head against Remus' back. Sensing a bad memory, Remus dropped the subject, and continued on in silence.


Here you are, it may not look too great, but it tastes alright. Remus said quietly, handing the boy a plate of lasagna. Pretty much all I can cook, but we can get some fast-food tomorrow.

he mumbled, not digging in right away.

So what's your name, I never caught it.

was all he said, not looking up at all. He continued to poke at his food, never taking a bite.

Something wrong?

You remind me of my father a bit...

Remus sat down at the other end of the couch, careful nto to bother the healing child.

Rough family life?

My mother left after I was bit, and my father was always a bit of a drunk... It got worse when my sister moved out. came the small reply.

Thing's will get better. Once you're well enough to travel I'm going to send you to a small town pretty close by, a bunch of my friends live there. All werewolves, so you wont have to worry about anything. Remus said, changing the subject. He let out a sigh, and stood up, trying to smile encouragingly.

Try to get some sleep... I'll be back tomorrow by ten if nothing sudden comes up. There's some food in the fridge if you need anything, and the bathroom's down the hall to the left. he said, putting a blanket on the couch. Good night Drew.



With a shake of his head, Remus turned off the lights, and turned in for the day.



By the time Remus got back from his half-day at work, his rescue had already gotten out of the shower. He was at the sink at the moment, washing off a can of soda that had exploded on him, towel wrapped around his waist.

What happpened to you? Remus asked slowly. The entire backside of the kid was covered in fairly recent gashes, red from the hot shower water. Drew turned around sharply, shrugging.

Scratch myself sometimes, you know. he mumbled, trying to sip his drink casually.

Those aren't scratch marks, they're too deep and too thick. Remus said, striding over and turning him around. Cringing to himself, he took in a short breath, closing his eyes.

Your father do this to you, huh?

Drew tried to move away, but Remus kept a strong grip on his shoulder.

Did he?

The boy nodded, eyes squinted shut.

He... He got really mad at me... I was being too loud, at the moon. he stammered. I couldn't do anything...

He can't hurt you anymore, don't worry. Remus said quietly, pulling to boy into an embrace. It's a good thing the Ministry found you though...

They didn't... My father, he turned me in.

With a frown, Remus nodded his head. There were some words best said silently.




God dammit, it just makes me sick. Remus muttered. Lily had invited him over for dinner, having finally convinced her parents that the Floo Netwrok wasn't the work of the devil. Her sister Petunia had locked herself in a bedroom the moment Remus arrived, followed shortly after by James and a very sooty Sirius.

Mum never cleans the fireplace. he said with a shrug, dusting himself off before he sat down on the couch. So what're we ranting about now Moony?

Lily smiled at the nickname as she always did, and went off to find her parents so everyone could be introduced properly.

Eh, Remus is going on about the Ministry and all that. James remarked, munching on a cracker from the tray on the coffee table. With an approving nod, he stuffed the rest of it in his mouth and tested another.

Not bad for Muggle stuff. he said offhand.

Guys, this is my mum and dad. Lily said, pulling her parents into the living room. They were smiling nervously, trying to size up the boys, guessing at which was James.

Mum, dad, this is Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and James Potter. she introduced. Her red-headed mother smiled again, biting her lip stiffly.

Which is James? Her father asked again, nudging Lily. She rolled her eyes, and pointed to him.

Tall with glasses, Gotcha. he said, nodding his head to James.

Well, if you three can go wash up, dinner's almost ready. Mrs. Evans said, staring at the blackened Sirius with a frown. he raised an eyebrow, not knowing he was terribly filthy.

I don't reckon she like sme too much. he said as the Evans' went out back to set the picnic table.

You're covered in soot you git, that's why she gave you the death glare. Remus pointed out.

Well I know they don't like me. James grumbled, wiping off his glasses nervously.

Of course. You're dating Lily, they're supposed to be over-protective and hesitant to enjoy your presence. Sirius said as he tried to make himself more presentable.

Thanks for the encouragment. he muttered, walking outside with his friends uneasily. Deciding to play it safe, he sat across from Lily, not too close to either parent.

Remus snapped under his bretah as he picked up his knife. It fell to the table with a clank as he held his fingers, face scrunched up bitterly.

Remus, come inside for a minute, I wanted to show you something. Lily said very quickly, standing up and draging him into the kitchen.

God, I'm so sorry! I should have remembered that you can't touch silver... My mum always throws a big deal about having company, I should have remembered she'd bring out the fancy dishware. Lily blurted out. Remus shook hsi head, running the bblistering fingers under the tap.

It's alright... Do you have anything cheap around? he asked. Glancing out the window, he saw that they had already said grace, and Sirius was busy devouring the whole meal.

God, I can't beleive this... Lily grumbled, rummaging through a drawer. She shrugged, and handed a steel fork and sppon to her friend.

Put them up your sleeve and switch them when no one's looking. she said as they went back outside. Mr. Evans was already beginning to ask James about everything.

Daddy, stop interrogating him. Lily snapped. He's not a criminal.

I was just-Well, I-Oh... Fine. he said with a smile, giving in to her glare.

Thish ish really goo'. Sirius said thickly, a peice of spaghetti hanging out of his mouth. Mrs. Evans smiled akwardly, looking at her daughter as if scolding her for habnging around such people.

Lily, where is your sister? Mr. Evans asked a moment later, noticing they were one person short.

You know how she is, she refises to come out of her room. Lily said with a sigh. Convinced we're going to flip out and turn her into a frog or something.

Sirius and James smiled identically, and Remus laughed. They were already planning some sort of evil prank to pull.


I have to get going... Remus muttered as the grandfather clock struck eight chimes. He stood up, and offered his hand to Lily's parents.

It was nice meeting you Mr. and Mrs. Evans. he said. I really hate to leave so abruptly, but I have to get to work.

her parents asked.

Yeah, graveyard shift... Well, goodbye. Thanks for invitng me Lily, talk to you later, alright? he said, tossing a pinch of powder into the fireplace. The flames tuirned green, and as he stepped in he could hear the Evans' whispering to their daughter.

Now why couldn't you date such a nice fellow like that? That Potter boy seems a bit, well, reckless.

Lily snapped, vanishing in a whirl.




Bad news kid,

That fellow you sent to us isn't doing very well... I think he came down with the illness, but I can't be sure. Regrdless, he's having a hard time fighting this out. It strikes me odd though, he's sick well out of the normal range for when we come down with it. Anyway, if you can spare the time, we could use your help back here. You're much a better Healer than most anyone around... If you can't make it, at least send some potion lists that could help out.

Sorry to bust the bubble of happiness,

Caleb.


 Remus snapped, crumpling up the letter angrily. Shit shit shit. he cursed. God dammit, why the hell does every undeserving kid have to have the worst life possible? he asked out loud, rushing to his shelf of books. Sitting down, he quickly began to file through Cor's journal, trying to locate a list of ingrediants that James had decoded for him.

Scratching them out on a peice of parchment, he went through a few more sources until he had compiled the best list of Healing potions he could muster.

God dammit, why did this have to happen now? he questioned, licking an envelope shut and handing it to the delivery owl. The bird flew off quickly, carrying the feeble hopes of recovery for Drew with him.

Why does everything fall apart right when I start to put it all together? Remus questioned, sitting down on the couch. Much as he wanted to, there was no way he could quit work right now. He needed the money badly, and too many other lives were at stake.

An idea suddenly popped into his mind. It was absurd, and doomed to fail, but it lingered.

he told himself, trying to banish the thought. Nonetheless, he soon found himself back at his desk, quill in hand.


Don't take this as a request for help on a personal level. A kid's probably going to die fairly soon, and I don't know who else to ask. Just don't think of it as helping me, and try to do this, alright? I need help... There is nothing else I can do right now, I'm obviously desperate. So shove our differences aside and throw me a bone.

Inculded is a list of what I know, though I don't know if it will be any help at all. If you can't do it fine, but at least try. This kids life is at risk.

Think about it. I doubt even you could be that cold.

Remus Lupin.


He folded up the letter after attatching a scratch of information. It was silly to think that he'd even get an answer, he considered it foolish to even try.

Then again... He's got such an ego on projects... Remus muttered with a smile. He whistled shrilling a few times, and after a while, Viator flew into his third-floor window, mouse hanging from his mouth.

Er, thanks... he said as the partially-eaten meal was desposited in his lap. The owl hooted loudly once, grabbing the letter and flying off impatiently.

Stupid thing. Remus grumbled. It better get the right adress, or I'll consider making it a lovely wall decoration.

Falling back on the couch, he stared up at the ceiling for a good few hours. He knew already that there would be no sleep to speak of for several days to come.

Summer sucks.




A/n- Sorry this one's so short! Next chappie will be out fairly soon... Thanks for all the reviews! You're all the best!

Iggie

Fic of the Day- Slytheirn Rising series by J.L. Matthews: Also a fandom legend, if you haven't read this, I'm slightly ashamed. It's an AU twist on life from the eyes of four Slyth girls that could rival the Marauders in certain ways. VERY good. :)


Reviwer Notices-

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EVERYONE ELSE- I love you to Heavens Ends. You guys seriously keep me going, you have no bloody clue... Thanks for sticking with this beast of a fic so long. I commend your tolerence! Cheers!


new notice- there might be a slight delay in updates for a few weeks or whenever... i've just had what little pride i had shattered to bits, and i don't really want to write right now. sorry if this pisses anyone off, but I'm a bit preoccupied trying to ward off my only friend for various reasons. gomen nasai.