A/n- Yes, ANOTHER. Alright, I'm guilty as charged. Maybe it WONT end, alright? Ha. How about I splice the sequel to it, make it a good ol' 1000 pages? Wouldn't THAT be fun? I'll write something longer then the bloody Lord of the Ring...

Disclaimer- Ah, screw.

Rating- This is probably an easy chapter, so don't expect my typical foul mouth. Well, who knows. I seldom, if ever, follow plans.

Note- Anyone have ANY news on the proression of the new HP books? I've heard everything tht contradicts the next, so I need some clearity.



Seeing Grey - Part XLVIII - Caecus




Remus rubbed his eyes free of morning debris, and looked around. A few fractured rays of sunshine peered inside the room through a portrait window, casting coloured shadows on the floors.

he grumbled, pushing himself upright. It was still very early, as he could hear the quiet sounds of a band of crickets outside.

Where's a clock? he asked no one in particular. After a moment of searching the unfamiliar walls, he rolled his eyes to himself.

Five in the morn? What the hell Moony. Remus grumbled, rolling over on his back. Face no longer stuffed in the pillow, he caught a wafting scent lingering in the air.

he said aloud, pushing the expensive sheets aside and fumbling out of bed. He found a pair of slippers and a robe on a chair back, and after donning them, he crept out of the fancy bedroom. For the sake of novelity, he shrugged and sat down on the spiral stair railing. Grinning as he slid, Remus chuckled to himself. It had been a while since he had done something idiotic for the sake of laughs.

he asked quietly, not wanting to wake James up only hours after he had gone to bed. Peering out another picture window, he relaxed and headed for the front door.

Oh! Um, er, why- Uh, hello Remus... What, um, what're you doing here... Lily mumbled, slipping the house key into her pocket in what he thought was an inconspicuous manner.

And I ask you the same. It's five in the morning. Remus commented, stepping aside to let her in. She shuffled her feet, looked around for a moment, and bit her lip.

Um, came to wish James an early Merry Christmas? she tried, doing a very bad job of sounding convincing.

A very very early greeting. Had you noticed that the sun hasn't awoken yet?

Lily choose to ignore this, and continued to stare up the staircase.

Fine. You caught me, alright? I felt like coming in and pissing him off. she said. After another skeptical glare, she stomped her foot angrily, and crossed her arms.

God, you should work the the Ministry Investigation Squad or something! Lily exclaimed, more than annoyed. GUilty as suspected. I came over to have a lovely snog with him. Jesus, can't I come and see my boyfriend once in a while?

Relax, I don't care. Remus laughed, motioning to the stairs. Lily's face tinted red, but she turned away.

Know which room he dumped himself in?



He changes, I think to piss me off.

Third door on the second floor, on the left... Yeah, the big one. he said after a moment of thought. A few minutes later, Lily had crept in, and a loud yelp from James sounded throughout the mansion.

Remus shook his head as he smiled, and sat himself down in one of the kitchens.

God I have the strangest friends...




So how'd you get here anyway? Remus asked, the pitcher in front of him pouring another glass of milk on its own. A pancake wafted its way onto his plate, somehow pre-syruped.

James connected me to the Night Bus' alert list. she said lightly.

Oh... Hey, where is he anyway? It's not like James to miss a meal.

He's off in the library. Lily said as a roll buttered itself.

He has a library?

Six, actually.

he has six library's? Remus gapped.

Are you deaf? Lily asked, a pleasant level of Slytherin satire present. The one on the third floor, I believe. His Merlin study.

Why's it called that?

It's full of stuff on Merlin. When you're filthy rich you can afford to buy his journals.

He bought... MERLIN'S journals? By now his jaw was slightly ajar, and his eyes were wider than they had ever been.

A few. The Ministry wouldn't let him have some of them... What, you make it seem like a big deal.

Remus muttered, rolling his eyes. As secluded as he had been from wizarding society most of his life, he knew enough to know that owning even a fragment of something that once belonged to Merlin was unbelievable.



Why is it that people just randomly show up around here? Remus snapped, sliding down the stair railings for the third time in the past few hours. Before opening the front doors, he knew who it was. Canine or otherwise, the presence of Sirius Black was obvious.

JAMES! GET OVER HERE! he bellowed, plowing through the door once Remus had unlocked it. Sirius overlooked the fact that his friend was slammed behind the door, wedged between the stone walls and it, as he ran past frantically. In his hand he shook a folded magazine, running to and fro as he shouted hysterically.

PADFOOT! PA- Oh, he stopped, seeing him in one of the dens. You gotta see this! he shouted again, forgetting that the building had a nasty echo. He jumped onto the sofa, shoving Lily carelessly off the end, and wielded the catalog.

James' eyes went wide, and he quickly tore away his glasses, making sure he was seeing correctly.,

No way! he shouted, pointing frantically. No way!

Remus threw the door away, holding hi nose with a grimace. It was now somewhere between two shades of an attractive magenta and deep cerulean colour, though he managed to hide this from view. Standing behind his two companions, he rolled his eyes slightly.

It's just a broom. Lily commented, having gotten to her feet again.

James and Sirius retorted on her, faces scrunched up in offense.

Just a broom? James gapped, thrusting the article into her hands. She looked at the pictures briefly before shrugging it off as nothing special.

James and Sirius mumbled, fighting for the magazine again.

Lily huffed.

All of you. Remus interrupted. Curiosity eventually took the best of him though, and he peered over the other Marauders' shoulders to sneak a glimpse of the new super-broom.

Alright, it is impressive. he admitted.



Christmas dinner came very suddenly, so it seemed to Remus. For the past few days he had remained in James' libraries, reading up on newly-stocked werewolf books that only a rich brat could afford to obtain. When the first knock sounded on the great double-doors, he raised an eyebrow in discovery of Lily and her parents.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Evans looked quite stunned upon seeing the entrance hall. Lily's father appeared to be making a slight thanking to God for is daughter landing such a catch. Mrs. Evans was doing much the same.

Wait, dinner's tonight? he asked, and frowned at Lily's slight chuckle. He realised, a bit too late, that he was clad in torn pants and a borrowed bathrobe that was several inches too short in all lengths.

Be back in a second! he called, dashing up the stairs quicker than anyone could possibly imagine, even on wolfen standards. Cursing mentally, and aloud, he rummaged through a stack of clothes he had brought.

he yelled out, popping his head through the bedroom door. A moment later, his friend appeared, recently-pressed robes folded in his hands.

Thought you might need these. he said with a snicker, hopping back downstairs to greet his girlfriend. Remus hurriedly changed, and was able to stomp his foot in a non-chewed shoe in time to answer the door again.


In no time at all, the Blacks and Mrs. Pettigrew were chatting casually in one of the nicer living rooms, the Muggle television propped in a corner and the battered sofa banished. Peter's mother was currently fuming to Jella Black about her poor excuse of an ex-husband when the door chimes sounded again.

Remus muttered out,confused. He hadn't known that Romolus had brought along Shelly's parents.

Hello Remus. Mrs. Hollen greeted, smiling cheerily.

Sorry, they insisted on coming along. Romolus said quietly, stepping inside. He shrugged slightly, and hung his cloak on the nearby rack.

Moony, who're they? James asked, having come to see who else had showed for his meal.

James, this is my brother and his wife, Shelly Hollen, and her family. Er, this is James Potter. Remus introduced. Grandpa Hollen pat James on the back as he walked by, whistling in admiration of the household.

Nice to meet you. Mr. Hollen said, offering a grin. Terribly sorry to intrude, but it wouldn't be Christmas without Romolus and Remus, so, well, if you don't mind-

It isn't a problem. James assured, reading his face. I have more than enough food to go around.

Well, that might be good. Romolus said with a half-smile. I saw Caleb coming up the drive. Probably brought the little monsters with him to.

Shelly hit him on the arm, frowning, while Romolus laughed in good humour.



It was surreal to watch, Remus thought. All these different families had been brought together by James, united at a single table, not knowing the dark secrets the other harbored. Sirius and his family sat on the left end of the table, along with Peter and his mother. Romolus and company took residence with the three werewolves at his side, along with Lily and her parents. Petunia, it seemed, had strayed away since the last traumatic encounter. James was now seated next to him at the very end. Expensive hams and turkeys covered the table, dished with steamed everything and enough fresh-baked pastries to satisfy a market.

Everyone said grace with the Evans', and eagerly dug into the meal. Remus stopped, and set down the bowl of cut veil.

I don't get it. he announced quietly, staring downwards. The end place, along with the last two rows, were left set even though no one sat there.

James followed his gaze, and produced one of his rare, serious sighs.

It's my silver. he said quietly, indicating the different china and dish ware.



My parents... They're my silver. Every year I leave a place set for them, to remind myself not to worry. I can't remember them, but, either way I get down sometimes. Lonely, you know? he asked, shrugging to himself. I'm probably crazy doing it, but... It feels like they're here, you know?

Why four settings though?

Your parents. James muttered, trying not to sound foolish. He was clearly not used to being emotional in the presence of others. Even if they were rather, er... Well, they cared at some point. You should respect that... he trailed off, the needed thoughts having been spoken.

Remus looked back at the four empty seats, lips pursed. he closed his eyes, and when he opened them, he smiled. His mother and father seemed to be sitting their, hands folded in grace, food upon their plates.


But mum-

Romolus, stop it. I've told you before, there isn't anything I can do.

But daddy's gonna hurt him again, he keeps yellin' and sayin' he's gonna. You can't let him hurt Remmie!

I don't have any control over it, I'm sorry... Please, just go to your room before your father gets back.

Remus gripped at the door frame, hands white and shaking. They were fighting again, over him. Too young to understand, he merely watched as the argument progresses. He didn't need full comprehension or maturity to know that he was causing another fight.

But mum, he'll-

Romolus, I wont say it again. she snapped, never looking up from her newspaper. For such a small boy, Romolus was already showing emotions on his face that one shouldn't be able to produce for many years to come.

he declared bravely. Mrs. Lupin finally lowered her reading, and glared at the defiant child.

Not until you tell me why you're gonna let Remmie get hit again. he announced, arms crossed in imitation of his elders. Why don't ya love him anymore? You never tell him that. Why'd... Why'd ya stop caring about Remmie?

I care for him Romolus, really. It's just, well, things are a little more complicated now.

He didn't notice at the time, but a tear had begun to fight its way from Remus' eyes. Absently he wiped it off, and watched in confusion as his family went on.

Because of him and the wolf thing?

Yes, the wolf thing' is the problem now.

Why? Rem isn't any different, cept during the moon nights.

Your father is, well, I believe he's scared.



With an exhausted sigh, Mrs. Lupin shook her head. I honestly can't say. Remus isn't dangerous at all, so Greg's just being foolish. If there was anything I could do to help your brother, I would dear. But right now... she trailed off as the garage door opened. Romolus nodded his head, and grabbed Remus by the hand as he dashed back for their bedroom.

Don't worry. he said with a cheerful smile. I'm gonna find some medicine for you, and once ya get better daddy will stop yelling all the time.

the little boy asked, looking up with watered eyes. The smile faded from his brothers face, and he pulled Remus onto his lap.



What if there ent a medicine for me? What if, what if mum and daddy keep yellin', and...

I told you not to worry, alright? Everything is gonna be fine. they'll stop yellin' and we can go right back to bein' a family again.



Mum always says no buts. So, no buts. Aw, come on, don't cry...


Remus half-glanced at Romolus, who was at the moment laughing heartily with Caleb over something unknown.

I was wrong.' he mused to himself, snapping back to reality. All along, my family's been right by my side... Caleb, Elise, and Rom... Never more than a step away.'

With a smile, he let out a chuckle meant for nothing.

All this time I've been blind. he said to no one in particular.

Moony, look out- Sirius yelled, though it was too late. A large portion of mashed potatoes collided with his face. A few feet away, two giggling toddlers tried to hide their spoons and don innocent smiles, with little success.

Get back here! Remus laughed, running off after the two boys.



Well, I gotta get going. Caleb said as the grandfather clock in the lounge room struck out ten. These little things are about knocked out from running around so much. he said, indicating the two barely-concsious werewolves snuggled together on a reclining chair.

Too much luxury for them I suppose. Remus said, slinging his satchel around his shoulder. They were the last left besides Sirius and Peter, who had begun to raid the scraps leftover from dinner.

Are you going too Moony? James asked, yawning slightly.



Romolus asked, not knowing such in advance.

Remus repeated.

Alright then, well, pack up. And grab a runt. he said with a shrug, throwing either Corey or Jason over his shoulder. The boy seemed not to mind, and went right on staring about with his eyes half-shut.

Seeya Prongs. Remus said with a short smile, biting his lower lip. And thanks... For everything.

James nodded, and waved goodbye as the four departed.

Are you okay? Caleb asked, laying his half of the twins in the back seat, Remus doing likewise.

I'm fine, why do you ask?

That's what bothers me, you're never fine. he said, trying to start the truck into gear. He cursed, and hit the dashboard very hard. The machine sputtered to life, and emitted a thick cloud of smog out the back end.

No, this time I think I am perfectly fine... Crap, you got my owl, didn't you?
Remus blurted out, angry with himself for forgetting in the first place.

Yeah, not to worry. I pulled Garade out of work, and he can thank you himself when we get back. Caleb said, backing out of the long, winding driveway.

What happened?

The day after I told him to get back the Russian Ministry sector he was working in figured out his ID was forged... They're a bit uptight on security there, and well, he had a little search going for a day. He's back at Jericho though, so it's all good.

Remus chuckled. They had been listening to his conversation before, it seemed.

City of the Moon... Ironic connection.

We needed a nickname, it's too suspicious talking about an Underground in public places. That is, on the occasion we get out anywhere.



Both looked briefly into the rearview mirror, and discovered that the twins weren't asleep anymore.



You said, you said if mum and da' couldn't come back, that you'd take care of us, right?

Remus tensed up, though he assumed it was nothing compared to the sinking feeling in Caleb's gut.

he said with some difficulty, trying to conceal the quaver in his voice.

So are ya gonna be our da' then? Corey asked innocently.

And Remmie too? Jason added.

Both elder werewolves glanced at each other, faces devoid of all colour, lips pressed tight.

Remus stammered.

came the added response.

was the collaborated effort.

Two identical faces beamed in bewilderment at the pair through the mirror, until finally Jason tugged at Remus' hair.

Didja fall asleep?




A/n- Well, another down. A bit lengthy now isn't it? Hopefully the next one will be out soon, now that I'm officially done with my video games and warding off school counselors. Bloody gits.

Thanks for all who review!

Iggie

Fic of the Day- Blood of Mud, Wing of Bat by whippy: Hermione, now married to Chudley Cannons Beater Ron Weasley, is asked to collaborate for a project with none other than Draco malfoy. Oh, how the chaos ensues...

Title Meaning- Caecus is quite simply without sight', or blind. Make the connection, it's written right in! (Try sayin' that ten times fast. Go on, I dare you)


Kittlylace- There, happy? You're personally being thanked for all the wonderful reviews. So sorry I've skipped over... :)

Everyone else, Thanks! Nytd, Kiki, riverlady... All you recent reviewers, Lots of Love to you!

New readers: Anonymous, Kate Lynn, wowsergirl, Janice... Thanks for finding me! And Janice, thanks for the grammar help. I know, I'm terrible! XP This is what happens when you sleep in Lit. class for years on end. The fact that I don't even have a beta could have something to do with it as well...