A/n- More for ya. Thanks everyone!

Disclaimer- If you even begin to believe I own any of it, my friend, I'm ashamed to say you're more mental than I.

Rating- PG-13 to be safe.

Chapter Keywords- Classes, angst, and a little speck of our good friend Rom.

A/n2- My muse is a drunk, this is the result.



Seeing Grey - Part XLV - Quiane Consto



God dammit!

James grabbed Remus' hand, and pulled at it slightly.

Calm down. he laughed, letting go after a moment. All about the Common Room table lay pieces of Remus' homework, most covered with angry scribbles or tears. It was mid-December, only four days until the holidays and the impending Ministry appearance. It was the understatement of the century to say that Remus was stressed.

he grumbled, setting down the Advanced Charms book he was threatening to tear to shreds. With a small chuckle, James pulled it from his hands, deciding it for the best.

So what are you going to do over the holidays, besides spend countless hours worrying over nothing? he inquired, sitting down with his own book for homework.

Undoubtedly spend time with Romolus, as I know for fact he'll be waiting at Kings Cross for me. Remus said. And that will only make things worse... He's going to fuss and lecture me.

Why not stay with me instead? I have about seventeen guest rooms, I'm sure one will suit your pleasure. James muttered, frowning at his assignment as he flipped absently through the book.

Really? That could prove useful... What about Peter and Sirius?

They're going with their parents to Ireland and Scotland if I'm not mistaken. Family affairs... he said, pausing. You know...

Oh God, you have that glint. That.... Plotting glint. Remus groaned, smiling to himself.

Well, I thought it'd be cool, to go back to the Underground. he said, dropping his voice. Bring your brother along too, it would be fun.

You really like that place, don't you? Remus asked, going back to his work.

James exclaimed, throwing his homework aside carelessly. It's awesome!

You're rich as hell, and you like living at a dumpy little ghost town full of werewolves? Remus asked quietly, rather intrigued with the thought.

Well, yeah... James shrugged, scratching at his head. It's just, well, cool. I guess I like it because I'm really sick of the sophisticated pampered life. Dirt and mud is wonderful. he grinned.

You really are insane, this proves it at long last.

You mean to say you doubted my insanity?

An excellent point.



I'll drop you an owl in a day or two, we'll work something out. Remus said as he shoved his secondhand trunk into the back of Romolus' car. James nodded his head, waving goodbye as he and his chauffeur disappeared from sight.

So, are you ready? Rom asked as Remus hopped into the passenger seat.

Well, I was wondering if you'd like to come and stay with me this time. he said as they pulled into the busy parking lot traffic.

Yeah, and where's that? his brother laughed.



Rom looked over, eyebrow raised.



Before we get all lecture-like and delve into my past few months of life, agree with me. I want you to come and stay with me, and Caleb, in Canada. Shelly can come too, if she wants-

She's with her parents, I took vacation to be with you. Romolus said, biting his lip. Thanks for the reminder about that letter though. Care to explain?

Grinning, Remus shrugged. Not unless you come and stay with me. I'm going to take care of you this time.

With a short roll of his eyes, Romolus nodded his head.

Whatever you say little brother. So where's the nearest Deport Station, besides the one at the Ministry?

Uh, the one at the Ministry.

You'll be checked for ID and registry numbers... Romolus pointed out, clearly confused.

Just hang a left and drive. Remus chuckled.



Alright, where in hell did you get a fake ID? Romolus asked, laughing in amusement as his car reappeared along the Canadian border.

I have my ways.

Man, what have you been doing the past few months?

Er, I doubt you want me to answer that... Get on the freeway here, and go straight to exit fifty-three. Remus added. And roll up your window, it's starting to rain.

Heading the advice, the two windows were raised, and Romolus kicked the car up a few paces.

Odd, driving this way. Wrong side of the road...

Never really bothered to notice. I've been rather preoccupied.

With what? he inquired, glancing at his brother through the mirror. You look different actually. Something's been bothering you...

A lot has.

Elaborate, if you will.

Remus remained silent for quite some time, letting the rippling patter of raindrops ease his thoughts. Where could he begin?

Well, for starters, I might have to appear in front of the Ministry in a week. he began quietly. Romolus raised an eyebrow further, half-glancing with a worried expression.



To cut a long story short, a joke gone awry nearly killed a kid at school, one of the Slytherins found the way into the tunnel and would've found a very unhappy werewolf at the other end. Remus muttered, face drawn to his feet.

So why's the Ministry involved? Do they... Romolus began, voice lost in his momentary panic.

No, they don't know. The kid filed a complaint, we think, and if he only did that it shouldn't be much a problem. Nothing severe, but that's what Dumbledore's letter was all about.

Makes sense now. Romolus mused, rolling his fingertips on the steering wheel in rhythm with the rain. But I know that isn't all of it.

Remus trailed off, wondering how Rom always knew everything. It isn't everything. Shaking his head, he let a sigh escape his cold lips. Now isn't the time... Here, turn right, and follow through this town. he instructed, changing topic.

It's getting pretty nasty up ahead. Rom pointed out. Dark grey clouds loomed overhead, spilling out the very beginnings of a violent storm neither Lupin wanted to be caught in.

Drive a little faster...



Where are we going? Romolus asked, trying to cover himself with his bag of clothes as they ran through the pouring rain between rock ledges.

You'll see, and keep running! Remus laughed, hurdling over the town gate. He spent a moment standing out in the rain, enjoying the downpour as his brother struggled to catch up with him. With a beckoning wave of his arm, he led Romolus into Caleb's little shack of a home, where he found bowls splattered about the room to catch leaks in the roof, and two giggling young werewolves.

Uncle Remmie! they squealed, tackling him to the ground in delight. Romolus dropped his bag at the door, and was able to brace himself before Corey toppled him through the open doorway.

You really should stop bringing people here, it isn't safe. Caleb said disapprovingly from the kitchen, stirring a slightly charred bowl of macaroni.

Nice to see you again... Er... Romolus tried, trying to remember a name.

Caleb Simmers. he offered, taking the pot off the range. Hey, runts, come and get it. Caleb called, and the two immediately scrambled off of the Lupin brothers, fighting violently for first serving.

Hungry little devils. Remus mused.

Growth spurt, this is only a light snack. They melt down about six meals a day... Here, stick these under some leaks. Caleb added, handing over a few assorted plastic bowls. I gotta fix that roof before the storms hit. Odd weather we get up here...

I could help. Romolus offered, looking up briefly from staring off out the window. I'm not the worlds best at fixing things, but I can at least lend a hand.

That'd help a lot, it's hard to find free workers around here. Caleb mused, taking seat at his table and pulling out a few books and papers.

Why's that? From what I saw, this isn't such a tiny place...

Everyone has to pull their own weight, I guess it comes with the territory. he explained, though Romolus didn't quite understand.

Rom, this entire city is composed of escaped werewolves. Remus interjected.

Eyebrows gone missing in his bangs, the eldest Lupin blinked, mouth hanging slightly ajar.

But there has to be at least a hundred people here! he gapped, finally managing to find his voice.

One hundred and forty six, to be accurate. Caleb corrected. Still blinking, Rom ran a hand through his tangle of hair.

This... This is beyond comprehension... I mean, how in hell did over a hundred fifty werewolves gather?

Me, and Remus... And Garade.

Oh, Garade started? Remus asked calmly, stirring a quart of juice for the twins to share.

Yeah, last month. He's pretty good at it, but he's been expelled from Luxembourg already, so-

Hold on. Romolus snapped, still trying to process his thoughts. Back up and explain.

Caleb and Remus shared a shrug, and smiled together.

We double agent the Ministry and help captured werewolves escape. How do you think I met him in the first place? Remus asked, laughing at the stare he received.

You... What, I mean... In the...

Hey, kid, stick this under that spring by the couch. Caleb said lazily, handing over another bowl to catch the dripping water.

No problem. Hey Rom, er, I don't know if you noticed or not, but you're standing under a leak. he pointed out, though his brother seemed to take no action to move.



Not another one. Caleb grumbled, shutting the door on James before he could step inside the soggy hut.

Who was that? Remus asked, munching on a bowl of cereal he had to fight over with the twins.

No one. Caleb said, going back to mopping up the wooden floors. Eyebrows raised, Remus answered the front door as another loud knock sounded.

James, hey! he greeted, glaring at Caleb as he magicked the his friend's bag of belongings near the tattered couch. Glad you could make it.

Aw, I missed breakfast? he groaned, watching in dismay as Corey and Jason tried to beat each other over possession of an apple.

Rich boy didn't bring his own? Crying shame, I'm sure.

Caleb, shut the hell up. Remus snapped. I don't care if the runts kept you up until four. Deal with it.

Parenting sucks. he muttered, giving up with the mop.

Thanks for the warning... Romolus mumbled, having finally woken up. Droggy eyes and sloppy, he fumbled off of the squishy red chair, and looked around for a moment.

Who's tha'?

James Potter. he introduced, nodding once.

Oh yeah, Quidditch boy! Rom remembered, smiling. You're the best we'd had in years.

Thanks... So, what do we do about food? James asked again, rubbing his hands together for warmth. In amusement, he let out a breath, smiling as it condensed.

I love this place. he grinned to himself. Rolling his eyes, Remus bid the cabin farewell, and dragged his overdressed friend into the damp street.

Hey Remus! someone called from above. Walking a little faster, he dragged James into the cafeteria restaurant that was ready to put everything away.

What's with you, dodging girls like that? James inquired as Remus debated a while for food.

Relationships only complicate matters. he grumbled, taking the two bowls of dry cereal gratefully. he flipped two chairs to the ground off of a table, and made himself comfortable. Armed with plastic spoons, the two saluted the server with grins, and dug in.

No, really. We start to wonder. James said through his meal. With a small laugh, he continued ot amuse himself with the simple aspects of second-rate living.

Wonder how?

James went red, and rolled his eyes. You don't date, and you don't have some deep-rooted fascination with women. It scares the rest of us.

I just don't want anything to mess up my life. Lily does her fair share of that to you, and it did just wonders for me. I'll wait until thing's calm down. he said dryly.

You gotta stop letting everything worry you Moony. I'm glad to have you slightly happy again, but... Lighten up. It's the holidays. he shrugged, slurping the last of his breakfast idly.

I hate the holidays. Remus snapped to no one at all.



Hey, Lupins, can you do me a favour? Caleb asked gruffly from his bedroom, sticking his head out the doorway. He ignored the loud crash and following laughs from inside, trying to yell out over the twins' ruckus.

Yeah, what is it? Romolus asked, wiping a few books from the table dry from last night's leaks.

Take the runts down to the wizarding shops, they're only a few miles south of here. I had some cash leftover from Ministry work, and they really need some clothes. Just- knock that off- just get them out of here. I have a headache...

With an affirming nod, the brothers stood up, and after a long while, wrestled the two little boys off of Caleb.

I don't WANNA go! Corey shouted angrily, grabbing at the doorway. In a stroke of genius, Romolus tickled him under his arm, and he let go.

I swear on my life, if Shell even mentions starting a family, drop this lot off at my house. he grumbled, packing the pair in the back seat of his truck with James.



Where'd you get that? James asked, absently munching on an arsenal of treats he had bought while the Lupins were in the robe shop with the two boys.

Get what? Remus asked, dragging a heavy bag of secondhand clothes behind him. Romolus emerged several minutes later, a twin under each arm, shouting apologies to the shop owner.

That cloak, it's cool... All vintage-like. he mused, offering a Cauldron Cake.

It's called second hand. Remus mumbled indigently, though accepting the professor snack.

I like it better than this garbage.

Eyebrow raised, Remus eyed the possibly pure-gold engraved clasps and several-Galleon lining skeptically.

You could be a hero back at the W.U. saying that. Ninety percent of us are poor as hell.

To be honest, I'm, tired of being rich. You guys work, and pull your own... I don't know what it's like. James said thoughtfully as he followed the Lupins to the restaurant.

What do you guys want? Romolus asked, setting the boys down cautiously. Before he could stop, they ran off, and he just rolled his eyes.

Turkey sub would be nice. Remus said, starting to dig in his pockets. His brother shook his head, silently indicating he was buying.



Er... Just get me the ham on rye. he said after a seconds consideration, taking a seat in the outdoor dining area. With a smile, he watched distantly as the twins chased each other about, messing up their new robes in a matter of minutes.

I wonder what life will be like in three years? he pondered, sighing solemnly at a newspaper lying on the table. If there really is a war, I want to fight.

It's suicide. Battle is pointless...

I need to start earning everything in life instead of it being handed to me on a gold, ruby-encrested platter. Thing's just seem worthless if you don't earn them, right?

Shrugging to himself, Remus grabbed Jason as he ran by, trying to take an order from him.

Well what'd I do to earn these headaches? he said, indicating the two that were now halfway up to the roof of the ice cream parlour.



A/n- Well, sorry for my absence of updating lately. Between school and my new found love... No, not like that! Haven't you learned by now I'm as anti-romantic as humanly possible? Nah, my love is Kingdom Hearts, possibly the best video game I've ever played (and that's saying a LOT). For the past week I've put 40+ hours into the game, 40+ hours that normally would have been spent on this fic. So have patience while the lag drifts away. Gomen.

Iggie

-- Wish me luck and all, I'm being forced to go to homecoming tonight ::gags::

Fic of the Day - When the World was Mine by JK who's surname isn't Rowling: Halloween. You know the drill. Except in the eyes of Sirius Black, this isn't an ordinary holiday. Golden Quill Award winner, so several others besides me can highly recommend this!

Title Meaning- Why stand/endure?