A/n - Yes, another one.... Alrigh', maybe this part of the series WILL reach 50 chapter. I don't know.... Well, I'm not even at December of sixth year, so it's bound to be a lot longer. :)

Disclaimer- If you don't bloody know you shouldn't be here.

Rating- PG-13 for swearing violence and misplaced Dungbombs.

Chapter Keywords- Well, Sirius will be none too happy with Snapey-boy.



Seeing Grey - Part XLIV - High Road




Do not worry little wolf, there-

Go away.

But-

Leave me alone. Remus said again, voice barely making it out of his throat. The wolf took a small step forward, resting her snout on Remus' knee. He brushed it off.

You have changed little one...

Well it doesn't matter now! he barked bitterly. Nothing matters! he added in English.

That isn't true at all.

James hopped down from the tree limb, smiling shortly as if he knew all the answers in the world.

What do you want? Remus snapped, looking away sharply.

Do you always have to think people come by just to bother you? Last time I checked it wasn't a sin to worry about your friends. James said. Come to think of it, I should be here. Last time you ran out of Dumbledore's office you tried to kill yourself.

Thanks for the reminder. he mumbled, looking down at the ground. Off in the brush, Shebea growled him a warning to pay attention, though he ignored it entirely.

You might wanna get back to the school, Sirius is in a righteous meltdown.

Why, he'll only be given a detention at worst... Remus said. He's not facing an execution.

You aren't either. James said sternly, throwing a rock at his friend to snap him awake.

Snape filed a complaint with the Ministry...

He's bluffing to piss us off. And if he did, we'll beat the living hell out of that fool if he even tries to testify. he said with the start of a grin. Come on, where's the optimistically wonderful Moony we knew?

James' eyes tried to melt the ice, but Remus merely gazed on.

How can I be optimistic about something I don't believe has a chance?



Dammit Moony, let me in! Sirius shouted, banging on the door hopelessly. With an angry curse, he slammed his fist once more, not wincing at the pain.

Open the goddamn door! he screamed. James' hand on his shoulder snapped him back to reality.

If you haven't realized Padfoot, he's not too keen on letting us in there. Peter said from the corner of the room, not looking nearly as worried as the others. He hadn't been included in the report, so he felt no need to panic. This couldn't be said of the other half of the Marauders.

If he doesn't let us in there, he'll be dead by the time we figure out the damn ward! Sirius blurted out, beginning to pace about.

He has got the top rank for O.W.L.'s. No doubt he'll know some nasty wards. James said calmly, long since figuring there was no use banging about like a madman. Sirius had yet to reach this conclusion.

Go get McGonnagal. Peter suggested.

What good will that do? James snapped slightly, acting much more calm than he actually was. Sirius showed no such restraint.

Bloody hell, he isn't going to come out until he wants to. he grumbled, finally taking rest on his bed. And by then he'll be dead as a knob.





Yeah? What's up? he asked calmly, stirring a can of beans over a broken range.

Why should I even bother?

With what? the boy questioned, turning around briefly. For reasons unknown, his younger brother looked as though he were about to cry.

If I'm never gonna get anywhere with my life, why should I bother? Wouldn't it... Wouldn't it be easier to, you know, not bother? he mumbled, looking up shortly.

Setting down his spoon, Romolus bit his lip, and pulled up a chair in front of Remus.

Yeah, it would be easier. he said, trying to find the magical set of words that could ease his little brothers mind. But it'd be a cowardly escape.

I'm not a coward. Remus scowled, making a defiant face. Suppressing a laugh, Romolus nodded his head.

I know you aren't, you've never been a coward. Brave as a lion. he agreed with a grin. Just remember that kid, always remember that. The journey in life is worth the start and the end alone...

Didn't mum say that before?

I think so, but it doesn't matter... The easy way it out to any problem is seldom the right way. he said seriously, running a hand through his messy tangle of hair. A drop of sweat dripped down his brow that had nothing to do with the blistering summer heat. Wiping it away, he sighed, and shrugged once.

You're going to have to work harder for everything others take for granted, but never let that put you down. There's never a reason to take the easy way out... As long as you have something worth living for, take the long road and tough it through. he offered.

After a long bout of silence, Remus frowned, and stared up at his psuedo-father.

Does God hate me? he asked.

Eyebrow raised, Romolus froze for a second. Why do you say that?

'Cause he punished me with this curse, and all this. the young boy said, waving his hand around, indicating the shabby little abandoned motel room.

It's not punishment for something you did. Romolus started.

Then why can't I live like normal kids? Why can't I have friends? he grumbled, pouting.

You can have friends, and you will. Romolus said, not knowing whether or not to believe his own words. It would be wrong to lie, but he already had so little to hope in...

You'll make friends, and they'll care for you more than you'll realise.

But I can't go ta' Hogwarts-

It doesn't matter. he interrupted, putting his hands on Remus' shoulders.

Thing's will be hard, not point trying to convince you otherwise. But you're not weak, you can live it out. Take what you can, and hold onto them, alright? he asked, trying to smile, though it was difficult.

'Cause everything's worth fighting for, right?

Exactly. Never give in, even if you have to take the rough road a hundred times over. At some point, you'll find yourself in paradise. God's just making sure you're fit for Heaven.

Very slowly, Remus cracked the bathroom door open, watching for a moment as James and Sirius argued violently on what to do. Peter snapped at them, pointing to the sliver of light. Stepping inside, Remus was quietly embraced.

Come on, down to Dumbledore. James said under his breath, smiling to himself.



Can I have a moment alone with Remus?

James and Sirius glanced at each other, and didn't move.

Everything you have to say to him concerns us as well. James said. After a moment of thought, Dumbledore decided it was best not to fight with them.

Alright then. he said.

Biting his lip, Remus swallowed his pride and looked up.

Sir, just tell me what's going to happen. I don't want any sympathetic lies. he mumbled.

With a slightly startled look, Dumbledore sighed. Very well. he said, not expecting him to be so upfront.

It all depends on the complaint Mr. Snape filed, which I'll add he was obliged to do in this case. he said slowly, looking directly at Sirius. Proceedings can go anywhere from a short ordered detention or suspension request, to a small court hearing. he explained, hands folded across the desk.

If it comes to you having to present yourself with the Ministry Remus, it's inevitable that you'll have to be registered. As far as your bother has told me, you're not even registered as a wizard, let alone a werewolf.

You contacted my brother? Remus asked bitterly. Great, now he has to go and worry...

He's still your legal guardian, I'm required to alert him of such things. Dumbledore said.

Well nothing's regulation with me, is it? Next time, leave him out of it. Besides, he's not legally allowed to be a guardian yet, not in Britain anyway.

I'll keep that in mind... the Headmaster uttered to no one in particular, a small smile playing his face. Well, back to the business at hand I take it. As I've said, if the Ministry requires your presence, there will be more consequences than a standard hearing.

How likely is it that he'll be called in? Sirius asked, face shadowed with guilt.

I'm not quite sure, it all depends on Severus' complaint. I can assume it's about a fifty-fifty chance. There are only two officials working the inbox of that department, and I know for fact one is far too lazy to fill out a summons. he said.

Then we pray he picked up that owl... Sirius said to himself.



Moony, outa bed. We have breakfast in.... Now. James said, pulling the curtains open. Remus scowled, and pulled a pillow over his face to block out the sunlight that was interrupting his sleep.

Not hungry. he grumbled.

My ass you're not hungry. James said with a grin, snatching the pillow.

Come on, get out of bed. We need to go kill Snape. Remember?

You wont get away with it... Remus muttered, yawning. Having fallen asleep two hours previous, he was naturally reluctant to wake.

Care to out money on that? Sirius called from the bathroom, toothpaste dripping from his mouth. Remus momentarily produced a mental image of a rabid dog, and laughed it off.

Not really.

Well, anyway, chipper up. James offered, directing the droggy-eyed Gryffindor to his trunk. Even if we don't kill him, I highly doubt he'll be walking for a good few days.

You guys are in enough trouble. Remus said, pulling on his robes with some difficulty, as his arms weren't cooperating. You can get suspended, easily... With your record, hell, they can kick you off the Quidditch team I bet.

Eh, it'd be worth it just to see Snape cry. Sirius pointed out, spitting in the sink and wiping his mouth. Better get to the food. he added.


Remus was particularly glad there was so much clatter about Davey Grudgeon, as none of the immediate students heard his expressed anger.

God dammit! he cursed, scowling at the letter.

Remus,

What the hell?

I'm kind of praying that letter I got from Dumbledore was the work of your sick and otherwise twisted friends. Somehow I didn't find it funny.

Write back now, or I swear on my life little brother, I'll break those doors down.

Romolus

James... Do you have a quill? he asked quietly, still frowning irritably from the letter.

Anyone have a quill? he shouted calmly, an art he and Sirius had long since mastered. From the depths of the Gryffindor table, a battered and chewed-on feather was passed along.

Rom,

I'll tell you over the holidays, I figured we could do something together then. Maybe you could come and stay with me instead of vice versa. It'd be interesting to say the least. And anyway, if something comes up, I'm sure you'll be called in. No need to break anything-yet.

Remus

Bloody git. he snapped at the owl, scowling as it flew off before he could finish completely.

Well, today's the day. Sirius mused, eyes half-shut. Dumbledore said we'd get the summons today...

There's no we' in it. I'll get a summons, and that's if there is one. Remus said, stomach sinking despite how hard he tried to remain optimistic.

I can't strand it. Sirius admitted, eyes locked on his feet. If I hadn't said anything... None of this would have happened.

No point worrying about it now. Rest of the mail just flew in. James said quietly, gaze following one black owl that was going right for Dumbledore. The three waited with clenched teeth as he opened the letter, and frowned.

James grabbed Remus before he could dash off, and upon second thought, did the same for Sirius.

Not this time. he said, pulling them down to their seats. The Headmaster stood up, and began to walk for them. To their confusion, he changed course, and eventually tapped Snape on the shoulder. After a quick conversation, both nodded, and Dumbledore made way for Remus.

Sirius mumbled, looking up. Remus followed suit, and with a leap of heart, noted the small smile across the professor's face.

Well, there's been no official request for a hearing. he said, James and Sirius letting out content sighs at this. Remus bit his lip, waiting for the rest. The way he said official', he knew there was more.

There is, however, he continued, and the others stopped their small celebration. a need for your presence. This isn't a hearing or trial, it's only a request that you verbally state your case to an administrator.

Sirius and James nudged him on each side after Dumbledore left.

Don't worry Moony, everything'll be fine.

I hope you're right... For your sake as well as mine.


The other Marauders did a very good job of distracting him from his own worries. Since the date for his appearance was set for the middle of the Holidays, he had a long time to plan out how to keep himself from being registered, as wizard or as werewolf. During that time, James and Sirius made a personal goal to keep his spirits high at whatever cost.

Twenty-three detentions later they were still bombing the potions classroom.



Thank you! Horder yelled happily, pinned down, arm twisted behind her back. You little moronic fools actually can learn something! For a while I was beginning to wonder! she said. Above her, James grinned so widely, it looked as though he had inherited ownership of the free world.

God above, if the rest of you could do what he did, I wouldn't even have to bother teaching all of you. she said as James reluctantly released her from his control. Keep your arm at all costs, and never let your guard down.
Horder said, engraving the instructions in the classes' mind. Defense was quickly becoming as physically demanding as well as mentally. In the two months they'd had class, only James had managed to properly disarm and contain the professor on his own.

I still think you're insane. Sirius muttered as James took his place on the wall.

Why's that?

Lily looks like she's going to kill you. he said, jerking his thumb in the direction of the fuming Slytherin.

None to fancied with the sight of you and Horder like that. Remus pointed out. Really, I think for your own sake you should tone it down.

No way. James declared, frowning slightly. I want to be an Auror, and this is as good as training as I can get right now. She can bugger off on topic.

Remus bit back a smile, and snorted a short laugh.

Er, James?

What now? he half-asked, enthralled with Ms. Horders instruction.

Lily did bugger off... Right out the door. he chuckled. James snapped out of his concentration, and expertly slipped out the door after his enraged girl.

Hopeless romantics. Sirius mused.


By dinner, it was clear that Lily was still beyond angry. Every time James tried to go near her, she would turn around and bitterly tell him off, a few Slytherin's mindlessly backing her words. Any chance to break them up was well headed with the Snakes. Several of the Gryffindors were even following this plan. It was an obvious fact that James was considered a well-thought potential boyfriend, after Sirius or Alex.

James, give it up. She isn't going to talk to you right now. Remus suggested, Sirius giving a supportive pat on the back.

Chicks are crazy, don't even try to mess with them. Sirius said in all his wisdom, biting into a biscuit.

He's right-

Which is scary. Peter interrupted.

Just give her a little space. Remus went on, glaring at Peter.

You have good time being impossible to talk with... James mumbled, looking up. Maybe you can go and talk to her, or something...

You're not going to bust my head this time, are you? Remus said with the hint of a grin, which was momentarily returned.

Marauders Honour. he promised. But I can't guarantee the Slytherins wont kill you...

I can handle them.


...Maybe not. Remus said a second later, ducking down to avoid a random piece of food that had been thrown in aim of his head.

Come on Moony, you have to get her to speak to me. James pleaded, hands gripping at his hair.

What am I supposed to do, let myself be bombarded with stray curses and mashed potatoes?

I don't care! Just, fix it...

Rolling his eyes at God, Remus left the security of the Gryffindor table and sneaked back to Lily.

he whispered, trying to keep the seventh years from seeing him.

What now. she snapped, not a question, as she stabbed her meal bitterly.

Go talk to James, or I swear to God, he's never going to give any of us peace.

I have nothing to say to him. she mumbled. Before she could squeal a complaint, Remus picked her up, and made a mad-dash back to the table.

There, now talk. Converse and be merry. Remus grumbled, setting Lily down across from James.

For a long time they stared each other down, glaring as if they were two circling bulls. With a hint from Remus, James finally let out a sigh, and made the initiative.

he grumbled, shattering a few thousand years of male statistics by admitting first he had done wrong. Lily cracked a smile, and shrugged everything off.

What, that's it? James blinked. Surely she had to yell and throw something at him, or at least be angry a few days, or weeks, more.

Apparently though, that was not the case. As it turned out, Lily was far from the average Slytherin girl.

And another day lived in the ever-entertaining life of Remus Lupin.' he mused to himself. The Ministry didn't seem as dangerous now that he had reunited two distraught supposed enemies. Nothing seemed worth fuss now.

Hey Moony, pass the chicken, will you? Sirius interrupted.



A/n- Felt this chapter needed a comical ending. Well, onwards! Thanks for the reviews everyone.

Iggie

Fic of the Day- To Build an Empire*** by Azkaban Fugitive: A wonderful little fic, which will eventually (or so she says) be a lengthy tale of Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and a spiffing post-GoF war. No slash. Very cool. Review and get her motivated, alrigh'?