A/n- Well, forty-seventh installment....

It just keeps going, eh?

Disclaimer- I own it all. Really. ::rolls eyes::

Rating- PG-13 for language cause I'm a potty-mouth.




Seeing Grey - Part XLVII - Nocturne



So, what, they dropped everything? Romolus gapped, promptly being shoved into the elevator.

A little bit of creative blackmail can go a long way dear brother. Remus joked. Twenty minutes previous, he was fearing his privacy, personal well-being, and most importantly, his life. Now, he was being overly-sarcastic.

You better thank your stars James Potter ever said hello to you. Romolus said distantly, not quite at terms with how well things progressed.

Already have, and I will be for a long time. But I need to find Caleb, the lady in there said the Ministry finally caught on about the... he trailed off as the doors opened, and a woman with more children than she could keep track of squeezed into the small space.

Jenna, press three, will you? No! Jenna, how many times? the mother whined as her little girl hit every button on the board. She turned around, and with a tired look and wrinkled eyebrows, smiled humbly.

I'm sorry, they've been cooped up here all day... she apologized.

No, it's alright. I know the feeling. Remus laughed, empathizing with the mother. The twins were just as bad when they were in shops, and usually ended up breaking most everything they touched.


Seventeen floors and a many shrieks later, the large family finally made it to the third floor, and underwent a screaming fit to exit first.

Weren't they cute? Romolus asked, a glassy kind of look over his deep eyes as the doors closed. Remus hit him across the head, scowling wickedly.

What are you, mad? Haven't the Terrible Two taught you not to have kids? he inquired, impatiently tapping the button for the lobby.

Shaking his head and shrugging once, Romolus half-smiled and leaned against the gold railing.

I don't know, not really. I've always wanted kids, you know, the whole family thing.

You're not old enough to be a father. Remus grumbled.

Go to hell. You're as good as one, in some terms, and I'm your elder anyway. I'm married for God's sake.

Stop pointing that out, I still find it rather creepy. And you're older by what, two and a half years? Bloody hell, that's nothing! And might I point out that you act like a five-year-old sometimes?

Romolus opened his mouth to object, but upon reflection, merely nodded in a silent agreement.

Well anyway, I need to stop by Diagon Alley, I have to owl a letter to Caleb.

Will it be safe, you being a criminal and all? he asked playfully.

If I can get through the Ministry with a false identity on charges of reckless endangerment, and not have them find out what I am, I think Diagon Alley isn't a problem. Remus said indigently.



Caleb-

Everything went well with the Ministry first off, I used James' good wealth in my favour. Secondly, DO NOT try and free anyone for a little while. DO NOT. They finally realised there's a problem and it might not be long before they start linking me and you to all the accidents'. Lay low for a while, alright? If not for your own sake, then for the runts. If you get caught that'll be the third parent they'll have lost.

Remus.

(Tell Garade and anyone else on duty to back down too, alright?)

Remus sealed up the letter, and rang a little bell at the front desk of the Owlry.

Yeah, I need this mailed to a private P.O. Box overseas, express. he said to the old man who greeted him. After an appraising look, he snarled his nose, and went back to filing.

Excuse me, sir? Remus asked again, slightly louder.

Overseas express is too rich for your pocket. the man said stiffly, noting the shambled robes Remus wore. Though they were his best, there were several poorly patched holes and a nice tear on the sleeve from Viator.

Excuse me. Romolus interrupted angrily, pounding the bell for added effect. You mean to deny a paying customer of service? he snapped, colour rising in his face. Remus tugged at his sleeve, non-verbally asking him to back off, though the request was denied.

What seems to be the problem? the store clerk asked with feigned sincerity.

Romolus said, dropping his money bag onto the counter. Apparently you have a problem with my brother here.

Rom, let it go. Remus hissed. He started for the door, but was pulled back monetarily.

Wait outside for a moment, will you? he asked with a forced smile. With a shake of his head and a sigh, Remus sat himself down on the curb, listening to the faint sounds of crashing coming from inside the shop.

A moment later, Romolus emerged with his sleeves rolled up and a smug grin.

Owl's sent. he informed. So, where to?

I don't care.

Let's head back to my place, Shelly's going to be all pissy if I'm not back soon.

Remus snorted, and shook his head.

You sound really old when you say that.

Problem with that?

Yes, actually.



Oh, Remus dear, there's an owl for you in the kitchen. Shelly added after telling her husband off for being late. Romolus raised his eyebrow, questioning his brother.

We left the post three hours ago, surely the owl wasn't that quick. he said as Remus snatched the envelope.

No, it's from James. Remus mused, breaking the fancy wax seal with his family crest imprinted.

Still alive Moony? Good. So what'd you get? Ten, fifteen years? Well, either way I'll break their necks, every last one of them. Sirius is here and heartily agreeing, so rest assured you're going nowhere. Write back so we can stop killing ourselves in worry.

Pete wants me to mention that he's having us at his place for Christmas dinner, so come if you can. I'll owl directions later if you need them.

Prongs, Padfoot and Wormtail the slimy greaseball.

Remus chuckled at the added script by Sirius, and flipped the page over, pulling a pen from his pocket. Very few wizards were aware of the wonders of Muggle pens. Being able to write without an inkwell or complicated charm was extremely convenient, he mused, as he scratched out a reply.

WPP,

Fret not my dear comrades, I'm alive and well. Actually, I'm a bit worried, though I can explain that later. The Ministry went fine, and Lily will be delighted to hear I blackmailed them into leaving me alone. Turns out you were right James, you do supply all of their annual funding. I just let slip that you were there too, and well, they showed me to the door.

I'll have to ask what Rom's doing for Christmas, but sounds good. See you then, possibly.

Moony

He folded the letter up, and handed it to the very fancy and impatient barn owl waiting for him. It nipped his finger disapprovingly, and flew off in a hurry.

Those are good friends you have, you know. Romolus said from the doorway, sporting a content smile.

When they're not sending me to the Ministry, yes, they are. he agreed. For a moment they shared one of those rare, understanding smiles that could melt the heart of the darkest man alive. That is, until Shelly brought that link crashing down with a simple phrase.

Boys, lunch is ready.

They violently hit each other over the head, trying to make it to the sandwich tray first.


Well, you'd better be heading down soon. Romolus muttered softly, flicking through the television channels. For a moment Remus blinked, wondering what he meant.

Full moon little brother. Don't tell me you forgot...

Oh bloody hell! Remus blurted out, looking up at the clock. Dammit dammit dammit. I don't have time to-

The basement is safe-locked. Romolus interrupted calmly, offering a short smile. Me and Shell put it in right when we moved, just in case.

With an apologetic grimace, Remus nodded his head once.

How could I have been so occupied to not notice?' he thought to himself, lifting painfully to his feet. The world felt heavy, trying to throw him back down right after he had gotten up again.

Do you need anything? Romolus asked, donning his familiar soothing voice. It was as much second nature for him as it was for Remus. The full moon meant sacrifices and hardships for the both of them, whether they welcomed them or not.

Remus tossed his robe and sweatshirt on the couch, followed by his beaten shoes.



Alright then...

Well... G'night. he mumbled, feeling the familiar lurch in his stomach as the clock rang out seven pips.

Er, Rem?



Romolus reminded with a grin. He tucked it in his pocket, and chuckled to himself.

Absent minded, are you?

You have no idea. he mumbled, walking towards the door. Pulling the end of his sleeve over his hands, he undid the locks, and stepped downstairs.

What's for breakfast? he suddenly asked, turning up.

Pancakes, why? Romolus replied, beginning to fasten the silver locks.

I need something to look forward to.

The door closed with a laugh, leaving Remus in the dark. A thin ray of dying sunlight crept in through the barred window, resting at Remus' feet. With a sigh, he sat down against the stone walls, and took a deep breath. For a short few minutes, he battled with the wolf, driving away the burning rage until he felt it useless. Slipping away from reality, he backed off into a corner of his own mind,



Ger' up little brother.

Rubbing his eyes, Remus accepted the supportive shoulder as he was lifted to his feet.

What time is it? he mumbled out. Grimacing, his head screamed in protest at the volume of his own voice ringing in his ears.

A little after seven. James owled really early, I had no idea teenage guys were even up before the sun.

James isn't typical. he said in a half-whisper, trying to shake off his post-transformation headache. No matter how many years he had been forced into the wolf once a month, the pain never seemed to lessen. Eyes squinted shut in the dim light, for it seemed as blinding as the sun, Remus hobbled up the staircase, brother behind him.

Where's breakfast? he grumbled, collapsing into a chair.

Shelly didn't sleep well-



Nah, wasn't your fault. We're glad to have you here. Romolus assured. So you might wanna take a rain check on those pancakes... You know better than anyone my cooking is shit.

Got any bacon? he asked, still craving meat. The lingering remains of the wolf strayed in the back of his mind, whispering little notions of habit.

Nope, but if you need any lasagna...

Remus chuckled to himself in fond memory.

Yeah, I finally learned that one. Romolus said with a grin, but he then frowned. It isn't very good though, come to think of it. All crusty, and the cheese tastes like warm rubber.

Just gimme some food.

Idly he sipped the cup of milk, or, more accurately, he downed it in a single swipe as he read James' owl.


Moony,

Change of plans. Peter's parents are going at it again, so dinner's going to be at my place instead. Eight o' clock on the twenty-third, come if you can. Invite anyone you want, hell, I have enough food here to feed Hogwarts for a month. Maybe get your brother and that lot, I don't know. I don't have any family, so it gets dreadfully depressing around the holidays here. Anyway, how was the moon without us around? Sorry me and Padfoot couldn't make it. Well, write back. I'm bored as hell and the servants are off today.

Empty mansions are not fun.

Prongs

PS- I decided to blow some money and had a, er, telafon? I'm not sure how to spell it... Yeah, one of those, installed. Peter suggested it, you know his dad is a half-blood and all. Sirius might get one too if his parents will let him. Electricity is very amusing... I'll send my numbers once I find the paper. You should've seen the look on the electricity mans face when he saw the place...

PPS- Lily says hello.



Telephone Prongs, a telephone. And I'm sure it was very amusing and all. I think I can come to dinner, though I don't think I'll bring anyone. Rom and Shelly are bound to be sick of me by now. I might just drop by randomly, if you don't mind, so if this gets to you first be ready. I wouldn't enjoy walking on you and Lily,...

Moony


He sealed the envelope shut, and set the paper off with Romolus' large black owl.

Whash the he asked through his second bowl of corn flakes.

Twenty-first, I think. Actually, er... Romolus began, and turned to the back of the kitchen wall. He flipped through a calendar that was several months behind, and nodded his head.

Yeah, twenty-first.

I think I'm gonna take off for James' place. he said, swallowing the remains of his second breakfast.

Why? Sick of me already? Romolus asked, feigning a look of severe hurt.

Nah, not yet. he said. He has the place to himself and I highly doubt he's doing anything better than throwing cards into a hat all night. I'll be back in a few days, maybe.

Romolus asked, raising an eyebrow. Knowing you, I'll be summoned by the Ministry to come and pick up my illegal brother.

Might not be far from the truth. Remus muttered under his breath. Lucky for him, Shelly had just made her way down the stairs, red-eyed and yawning frequently.

Morning, love. she said in a daze, kissing Remus on the cheek. He snorted, and after a gallant attempt to hold back, fell over laughing.

I fail to see the humour in this. Romolus snapped, arms crossed across his chest.

Blinking, and rubbing her eyes, Shelly squinted between the two of them for a second.

she exclaimed, blushing scarlet. Sorry, well... You two do look alike, you know...

What, can't tell your own husband from his kid brother? Romolus asked bitterly, thoroughly annoyed by the incident.

Over the short barks of disagreement and pride, Remus slipped his way to the guest room, and quietly packed his satchel.




I told you already, I don't want to make a bloody donation! James yelled through the door. Eyebrow raised, Remus let go of the door knocker, and politely rapped on the door again.

HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO- Oh, hello Moony. James said, replacing his angry glare with a more welcoming smile. Just got your owl not five minutes ago. Come on in, er... Toss your stuff wherever you want. It has a habit of moving around, so it wouldn't matter to hang on to it. he commented lazily.

He followed the bathrobe-and-slipper clad Marauder into a very large sitting room with a high ceiling, a chandelier that cost more than anything a Lupin could ever own, and a very simple Muggle television sitting alone on an intricate oriental rug.

Want some soda? Or anything known to man, for that matter? he asked, flopping down on a garage-sale looking sofa. It was an odd sort of room, a clash of fine sophistication and cheap, poorly-repaired furniture. Most definitely it was all done by James, and it screamed loudly his love for simple things. In the corner of the room, Remus noted, there was a busted beanbag chair, something uncommon to rich children and mansions.

No, I'm alright. he answered after a moment of thought. James shrugged, and switched the television on.

I get four hundred and thirty nine channels up here. he said lazily, inviting Remus to flop down on the sofa. Cost more money than I should be spending, but who the hell cares?

Who keeps track of your spending? Remus asked, watching as the screen flickered between networks, many in different languages.

Some bloke form London. I pay him a bundle to make sure I'm not gonna go broke, or something. I don't really know what half my servants do. They pretty much clean things that aren't dirty and make sure I'm alive during the summer. Oh, and there's a few that work to pick up after Sirius. They get paid a bit more...

Remus smiled to himself. It was a very strange thing, switching between lives so often. From depressed werewolf to Ministry convict, to little brother to friend of the rich kid, only one thing stayed the same.

A little voice in the back of his mind kept whispering that it wouldn't last.



A/n- Thanks for being so patient everyone. Just to show you HOW patient you are, here's some stats-

As of chapter 46-
146,756 words total.
Est. 500 pages- give or take twenty
10.8 average reviews per chapter
102.7 average hits per chapter (come on, review darnit!)
Iggie has left 151 reviews related to other people reading her stuff.

And for those of you not paying attention, that's a WHOLE LOT OF NUMBERS.

You people are great, and I love you. All.

Note- Some people were raising eyebrows about the Canadian blizzard last chapter... Well, to explain, I had an uncle who lived in Canada (I'm not sure which area, all I know is southern) and he was in one hell of a snow storm a long while back. The idea intrigued me, so heh, I stuck it in. Sorry if I'm innaccurate or all, but weathe ris pretty unprediactable ANYWHERE.

Iggie

Fic of the Day- A Witch, Wolf and a Serpent stories by Nytd: One large fic, and a short prequel and ongoing sequel. All worth the time! Involves none other than Severus Snape and Remus Lupin, in a non-slashy adventure. Also plays host to a wonderful chick whom I've grown quite fond of through the stories... Check it out some time.