A/n- Thanks to all of you who've read this far! :)

I'll just skip this bull crap for now....

Rating- PG-13, but I say the eff word once. Sue me.

Chapter Keywords- Letters, questions, and answers.



Seeing Grey - Part XXXIX - Morning



Dammit, what's taking so long? Remus snapped, turning away from the window. It had been three days since the letter should've been delivered, and he had already received an update on Drew. Supposedly he was off for the worst, and nothing Remus had suggested did an ounce of good. Having no sleep in a very long time, he was irritable and in a very violent mood.

Sitting down on the couch and flipping the television on, he sat in a state of half-consciousness for a good twenty minutes, until the shrill cry of Viator snapped him awake. He hurriedly opened the letter, frowning deep.

And what's in it for me?

Remus was tempted to write something along the lines of How about the satisfaction of saving a life?', but figured that wouldn't do any good.

I don't know, we can work something out once school starts. I wont back out of it... But please, this kid is almost dead. He needs something and SOON.

Remus underlined the word soon' many times, emphasizing the importance of the work. Handing the note to his carrier, he watched him fly off into the night once more.


Remus was silently thankful for the lack of werewolves brought in at work during the following days. Constantly half-asleep, there was little chance he could handle helping anyone if the occasion arrived. All he had the capacity to do was shuffle his feet about and look off distantly through the windows, waiting for his reply. When his answer finally came, he went into a fit of swearing so loud that several departments were wondering what was going on.

God DAMN him! Remus snapped, shoving his way out of the building while completely ignoring all the odd looks.

Sorry Lupin, not good enough for me.

The slimy fuckin' bastard!

Temper, temper Lupin.

He turned around quickly, and had to use every nerve of self control not to kill him on the spot.

Murdering a man in front of a foreign Ministry is a very bad idea.' logic pointed out.

What the hell do you want? Obviously you don't give a shit about helping out. Remus snapped, trying to walk away before he did anything he would regret. Snape smirked coyly, and followed.

Flattered as I am that you would find me that heartless, I actually have finished your little task. Snape said. Stopping in his tracks, Remus turned around, and watched as a little vial was tossed to him.

Half is to be administered at dusk. The rest should be taken exactly three hours later. Wait any longer and it will kill him. And it has to be done tonight, or else half the ingredients will have rotted into a very potent poison by then. he said with a straight face. Remus nodded absently, holding the solution as if it were his weight in gold.

Thank you.

I have done nothing. Snape said calmly, Disapparating without so much as farewell. With a grateful sigh, Remus sprinted the rest of the way to the broom check-in station, defying all the laws of exhaustion and starvation. A very small little fragment of his mind was wondering how Snape learned to Apparate such a distance without Ministry authorization, and how he knew when exactly he would be outside. The remainder of his thoughts were screaming at him to go to sleep and stop running.



Shove off! Remus yelled, hurdling over the gate before either of the new guards could utter so much as a threat. Feet racing a mile a minute, Remus dashed into the town at record speed, looking around desperately for someone to direct him.

Where's the sick kid? he shouted, finding no one in the streets. Glancing up at the sky, he let out an angry groan, and yelled again. The bleeding sun was just beyond the hills, nearly gone from view.

Giving up on anyone, he started picking random houses, until at last, he found the majority of the town piled into the recreation building.

Move it! Get out of my way! he screamed, panting wildly. Drenched in sweat and limping from a twisted ankle, Remus shoved through the congregation, throwing himself to the back of the room.

What the hell- a lady asked, roughly shoved aside a second later. As he bent down next to the bed, Remus pulled the tiny corked vial form his pocket, and fumbled to open it. Holding it to ghostly white lips, he drained half of its contents, helping the boy to swallow.

What the hell are you doing? Caleb asked sharply a moment later, slipping through a backdoor. He didn't even recognize the shaky form of his friend.

Got... An antidote. Remus huffed out, suddenly too exhausted to even stand. Caleb peered closer, and pulled a face.

What did you do, run half the way here? he asked, after figuring out who exactly was causing the small riot.

Remus mumbled, eyes going heavy. Before he had a chance to steady himself, he keeled over sideways, falling to the ground.


What time? Remus snapped, eyes finally opening. He sat up, despite the woman trying to hold him down, and he looked around wildly. It was dark outside, and already he could hear crickets chirping their songs.

What time is it? he bellowed again, head an aching mess. Ignoring all the pain through his entire body, he rolled off the bed, trying to steady himself.

It's eight twelve, and wh- someone started, but Remus had already left. Staggering out the door, he checked where he was, and tried to run back to the ailing boy.


Where's... The vial? he huffed, kneeling down at the bedside, having a difficult time taking in any air. Someone pointed to an end table, and Remus almost broke down.

Most of it spilled when you passed out. Caleb said quietly from the corner, holding up the tiny fifth that was left in the broken beaker. Remus snatched it from his hands, struggling to hold it steady.

Please let this be enough... And not too late. he prayed, hands shaking as he poured it into Drew's mouth. Caleb put his hands on Remus' shoulders, easing him back against the wall.

Slow down for a minute, you're not in so great of shape yourself.

I had a bad transformation last night. he grumbled, not letting himself close his eyes. He waited, watching the deathly pale form of what used to be a healthy boy, praying for some sort of response.

We need to get you to a doc kid, you look worse than him nearly. Have you even eaten lately?

Not for four days... Haven't slept longer than that. he mused in a half-voice. How is he though?

He's gotten worse since you blacked. Caleb said quietly, pulling up a chair. The crowd had been cleared away, the McCorsin brothers standing watch outside to keep them away. Pulse is completely erratic, his breathing's shallow... I don't know if he's gonna live.

Snape couldn't be wrong. He has too... Too much pride to screw up a potion. Remus mumbled, his own voice very weak. Undergoing a seasonal moon while being under so much stress totally devoured all strength a werewolf had left.
The pressure of keeping another alive did nothing to help this.

I don't know who he is or how he's suddenly an expert of this, but... Just don't get too let down if the kid doesn't make it. Caleb said as gently as he could. Remus nodded his head once, hands and legs shaking beyond his control. Eyes rolling back into his head, he slumped against the wall.

Remus? Hey what... What the he-


Caleb, get out of here now! There isn't much time!

One, two, three shots.



Hurry, get the other one!


Remus, hey!

Eyes snapping open again, he had to look around for a moment to keep from yelling out.

I think you blacked out again. Caleb was kneeling in front of him, face white.

Remus whispered to himself.



I... I saw the same thing twice, the same Vision... Except it wasn't the same. he muttered, breathing quickly. Before, they shot you... And now I took the hit, and...

Remus, calm down. You're talking nonsense. Caleb said sternly, pulling him upright.

Closing his eyes, Remus nodded his head, slowing his breaths. he muttered.



Come on Lupin, get up... Come on now.

Letting out a groan, Remus was hauled to his feet, arm slung around someone else.

Drew alright? he barely mumbled, unable to open his eyes.

He's fine, come on...

What's goin' on? he asked, his head hurting more than it ever had in his life.

Just lay down.

He felt the backs of his knee's pressed against the side of his bed, forcing him to collapse onto it. For a moment he was shuffled around, a pillow placed under his throbbing head, until at last he heard a voice he recognized.

Wha's goin' he asked again, not bothering to try and see anymore. He welcomed the warm mattress with open arms, relaxing as a wet towel was laid across his forehead.

One of the Healers thinks you caught whatever the kid had. Caleb informed, moving back and forth from the bed to somewhere else. I don't think that's it though. Remus rolled over on his side, turning away from the bright morning sun.

I feel alrigh'. Remus mumbled, slowly falling back asleep. Before he could mutter his first snore, he was flipped over on his back again, the light forcing him to stay awake.

You've been muttering in your sleep for the past four hours, so I highly doubt that constitutes as he was told sarcastically. Giving up, Remus opened his eyes again, seeing painfully bright blurs move about.

Where am I? he questioned, fighting to move his hand to his face.

Hogwarts Infirmary.

Why'm I here?

Because you're not well, so shut up and just stay still.

After a good five minutes of attempts to process a thought, he was finally able to register something logical.

he grumbled out, barely able to speak now. Everything was a blur...



Snape... He's got...

Got the what? Caleb asked as more of the white blurs moved around, many of them stopping to talk in lazy voices.

Remus? Hey, Remus. Caleb asked, bending over. He moved his hand in front of Remus' face, and tried hitting him lightly on the cheek.

Uh, nurse? Excuse me! Nurse!



Oh joy. Look fella's, he's alive. And here I thought there was a God after all.

Painfully, as it hurt to move anything, Remus opened his eyes, looking around. The first thing he saw was Snape scowling down at him, thoroughly displeased that he wasn't dead.

Well, apparently I was right. I'll just be off then, cursing existence altogether. he said dryly, standing up and walking out. Remus tried to speak, but soon found it impossible.

Your little git of a patient's alive, if anyone cares. Snape added as he slammed the door shut. Madame Pomfrey made her way over, smiling nervously.

Feeling okay? she inquired, busying herself with a few potions nearby. Again he tried to speak, only to have his own words muffled out. His hands wouldn't move, but he could feel something over his face.

Oh, I think you'll be alright now. the nurse said, removing whatever it was that had been there. Remus immediately started coughing, lungs filling up with empty air. After a few seconds, he calmed down, and looked off to the side.

Wh' he asked in a slur, mouth not responding quickly enough to form the words.

That odd boy dropped you off again, banged on the doors for a good hour. He's lucky I was even here... Preparing for the start of term, well... You were all feverish and a bit disoriented.

'N th' day?

Oh, today's, well, I believe today is Monday.

Yes'erday wa' Tues'ay... Remus started.

Last week dear.

Closing his eyes, Remus just stopped worrying now.

Been through it before, I'll just reckon they know what they're talking about.' he told himself.

Where's C'leb?

The boy who brought you in? she asked, helping him to down a disgusting potion that Snape had undoubtedly made to be foul on purpose.

He left after we had you breathing stable... There's a note he left, right next to you. she added. Remus was looking directly at it, but his hands wouldn't move more than a good inch. With a smile, Madame Pomfrey unfolded it, laying it on his lap.

Kid,

Glad you're better, since you're reading this you must be alright now. Anyway, news update. The twins send their wishes, little runts wrote some very messy letters to me last Wednesday asking if you were okay. If you're wondering, no, you didn't catch whatever Drew had. No clue on your medical condition, ask the nurse on that one. She doesn't fancy me too much... Well, all's well down here, and I'm back at work now. You need a leave of absence more than I did, and besides, Mel can handle the twins better than I could. And chicks dig kids ;) Get better soon, I need your help on a few potions... I know you're not great with them but hell, best I can hope is to not explode them every five minutes.

Suck it up kid,

Caleb and the entire W.U.

He chuckled a bit at the short notes the twins had scribed on the margin, but soon discovered it was a very bad idea to laugh.

Just get some rest, God knows you need it. You're chalking up quite a medical record young man.


By the following Thursday, he was at last permitted to leave his bed, though not alone. Madame Pomfrey would follow him around as he walked through the school, trying to get used to his legs again. Every now and then he'd stumble, collapsing to the nurse's help.

So what happened to me? he asked that afternoon, sitting out by the lake where he and Lily would often retire to think.

I'll assume, from the accounts of your friend, that it was a series of many things. Transformation trauma, stress from work and other... Things, physical exhaustion from lack of nutrition and sleep... Also a bit of head trauma and a very ill-timed fever. Add them up and you were, and are, a complete wreak. she said lightly. I didn't know what to do with you outside of stabilizing your breathing, but that friend of yours insisted I call Mr. Snape up to the school. He was a bit reluctant, but he did brew a few remedies for you. Did a world of good.

Sighing to himself, Remus rested his chin in his hands, looking out across the sparkling lake.

Why is it I have the worst luck in the world? he mumbled.

Contrary Mr. Lupin, you're terribly lucky. Not many would have recovered so quickly-

I shouldn't have come down with it in the first place. My God, I'm sixteen and I had a full time job overseas. Bloody hell... I need to start over.

School starts fairly soon, it'd offer you a chance to begin anew. she suggested.

Yeah, knowing me, trying to relax would finally do me in. God knows He's tried before.



Downing his daily dose of odd-end potions and other medications, Remus let out a sigh, watching a congregation of nurses in training moving about the Infirmary. For some reason, they were whispering in forbidden conversation, frequently pointing to newspapers lying held in shaky hands.

Taking his wand, and disregarding the warnings not to use magic, he Summoned a loose Daily Profit and immediately understood all the commotion.

So, the attacks have started...




Feeling better? Caleb asked, helping him into the beaten old truck again. Remus slumped into the seat, glad to be sitting again, and nodded his head.

Actually, I feel rather like shit to be frank. It hurts like a bitch to walk, I can't stay awake very long and thoughts take a very long time to process.

Eh, maybe all that trauma when you weren't breathing caused some brain damage. he joked as the engine thundered to life.



Right when I got you inside you stopped breathing. It was hot as hell outside, and top that to you being unconscious, you weren't breathing at all for a minute or so. Pomfrey had to bust out some Muggle oxygen mask thing... Didn't understand it at all, but hey, you're alive, so it's all good.

Did I almost die or something?

Again. Yes. Caleb said with the manner as if he were announcing the daily forecast.

Remus said with equal calmness. Well, all works in the end, and at least this way I won't feel guilty about taking a break from everything.

Good theory. Too bad it'll never happen...



Remus awoke later to find himself already inside the Underground, having been carried the long walk through the canyon pass. He also discovered that the twins had made themselves comfortable in his bed, one being on top of him, the other curled at his side. With a content sort of yawn, he slung an arm around one of the boys, falling back asleep easily.


Remus, didn't' I tell you not to try to get any work done? You're on doctors orders to sit around all day and do nothing. Caleb snapped irritably, Apparating into the room from the inner village. It was impossible to magically move from the outer bounds of the village inside, as protection from any unwanted visitors, but Caleb had learned he could be as lazy as he wished while inside the city bounds.

I can't not do anything, it's driving me crazy. Remus grumbled, taking back his papers. I wish James was here, I can't translate an ounce of this gibberish.

I still say that kid's out of his righteous mind, learning a dead language.



Come again?

He knows seven dead languages, and two that are nearly such. Remus added. And yes, he is out of his mind. We all are. he said cheerfully, a change for him. A few days of bed rest and easy living had done him wonders, mentally more than physically. It was still a painful task just to get up to use one of the few local community bathrooms.

If you say so... Well, I have to go get the Terrible Two, so be prepared for a good tackle when I bring them back.

I don't think I can take another round of them... Hurt like hell yesterday. he mumbled offhand, pushing himself up from the couch with a groan. God, I feel like an old man... I can barely walk.

Go get drunk, that always does me a good deal when I feel a tad off.

I'm not too keen on alcohol... But the restaurant sounds good right about now. I can evade the twins for a while anyway. he said, getting up very slowly. After twisting his back a few times, he took in a breath, and walked stiffy for the door.

You know, maybe you should-

Don't you dare suggest I get a walking stick. I will not degrade myself to that. Remus snapped, Caleb laughing joyfully behind him.

Yes, well when you fall and re-crack your ankle, we'll see who thinks what! he joked as the door was slammed. Outside, Remus stared down the dusty strip as though it were ten miles, and not a mere four buildings to the cafeteria resturaunt.

Need a hand?

Garade hobbled his way over, moving quicker on his crutches than most people could jog.

Maybe you need the sticks. he said, watching Remus nearly trip down the stairs of the porch.

I'll be fine...

Yeah, well you kept saying that when Simmers was dragging your sorry arse out of here two weeks ago. So don't mind me if I don't take you too seriously.

What'd you do to your leg anyway? Remus asked, changing the subject away from his own miserable health.

Got shot. he said simply. Our Healer was having me snatch a few things from an old hospital down in the Muggle town, and some old crazy guy took aim at me just because I went in his yard. Took me a long time to get back, so it got infected and all that...

Sounds pleasant.

Yeah, well at least I didn't almost kill myself from an overload of stress. he joked. Simmers ranted about it for a while when he came back to check up on Drew. I can't believe you... Working for the Ministry and all that. You of all people should have a normal life.

Funny, everyone keeps telling me that. Remus said, trying to suck up the aching in his legs as he neared his destination.

Ever consider that they're right? Garade asked, leaving before Remus could ponder any further.



So, you feeling alright? Remus asked, sitting down gratefully. Drew shrugged, and let out a short laugh.

I should ask you the same, shouldn't I? he asked.

About what?

Stressing you out, I overheard Caleb talking a few days ago-

Nah, I'm alright, save for a speck of muscular damage. Another day lived in the life of Remus Lupin.

For the first time, they both smiled, truly starting over on a new slate.



A/n- Geez. I wrote this and the last chapter in one day. And they're long too. I have too much free time.....


Keep the reviews coming!

Iggie

Fic of the Day- Lunar Eclipse by McSplunge the Rickmaniac: Just a nice little poem about everyone's favourite werewolf.

Second Chances by Nataly Ravenlock: I put two, since the first is a poem. This is a great tale of Severus Snape and a Gryffindor gal by the nickname of pit bull. VERY entrertaining and otherwise thought provoking.

Come on guys, review! I have this goddamn race going with one Saerry Snape, that she isn't aware of, I'm trying desperately to have more reviews than her. I know, childish... Sue me. It's always been a goal of mine to have more reviews than an author I really admire. Help me out. o_O


Note note-

Yes, I need to rant more. Just wanted to give you the low-down on what's PLANNED for this fic. After Seeing Grey, I intend to write a short maybe six-chapter prequel that will give depth to Rem and Rom's life before Hogwarts.

On from there, we have post-graduation until the ill-fated Holloween night. Will most likely contain lots of dark stuff, considering it is war.

After, we have post-Holloween in which Remus will be undeniably depressed and poor.

Maybe a bit of PoA rambling too, though I may merge this part with the above said. Could contain post GoF as well... So, if I can keep myself going this year, expect a lengthy series. Enjoi.