A/n- Yes. There's more. I fear there will always be more.

Disclaimer- I'll simplify this for you- Me no own, you no sue. Arigato.

Rating- PG-13 for language, themes, possible violence and other such non-kid-friendly topics.




Seeing Grey - Part XLIX - Tinsel Trails




Christmas at the Underground... Caleb trailed off, smiling peacefully. Over the past week, he had been out in the mountainous range searching for an adequate tree, one that was now planted in the center of the city streets. Dazzling white pixies decorated the entire surface of the tree, it cast a mesmerizing shadow all around the centre. The whole town had been bidding their compliments at such a grand find, and praise followed him around for several days like a loyal pet.

C'we put on our ornaments? Corey asked, tugging on Remus' sleeve. He nodded, and the two boys began to giggle excitedly to themselves.

Where do you want them to go?

Jason began, pursing his lips in intense thought. He then grinned wide, and pointed up towards the middle of the tree, an impossible height for such a boy to reach alone.

Here, climb aboard. Remus laughed, kneeling down in the thin sheet of snow covering the ground. Jason scrambled onto his back, gripping painfully to Remus' hair.

Me too me too! Corey protested, jumping up and down in impatience. Caleb lowered, and scooped the child onto his shoulders in a similar fashion.

No, go ta the left a little! Jason directed a minute later, demanding perfection. Finally satisfied with the position, he looped the little wood carving on a needle and spent a moment arranging the branches around it. Corey moved Caleb over as well, and hung his ornament right next to his brothers.

So, are the two wolves you guys? Remus asked as he lowered the twin.

he said, smiling in a proud manner as he stared at his work of art.

Then who are they? Caleb questioned, following the gaze.

Both our da's. Corey declared, as though it had been obvious. The small and crude wolf carvings, connected by a half moon on either side to form a whole, glittered up above.

The two elders shared a nervous glance, and swallowed.

Oh boy.



Hello... Earth to Caleb... Remus laughed and shook his head. He had been waving his hand in front of his friends face for a few solid minutes before he ever took notice. When Caleb did break his stare, he looked like a deer caught in the headlights of a speeding truck.

Oh. Yeah?

You look quite dead, though if it was intended, then I commend you. A brilliant impersonation. Remus said, sitting down opposite him on the couch.

So what's bothering you?

The runts.

Ah, not ready for the parent blow? I know what you mean... If they call me da'' in public I think I'll have to shoot myself. Where are the monsters anyway?

Out with Mel, I think.

They really should have a mother. Remus said, the faintest hint of a smile playing his lips. Caleb offered him a sharp glare, but chuckled nonetheless.

You're right. he agreed. They do, and that's not something I can help right now. I wish... I wish Elise was still around, you know?

God, would she laugh if she saw us trying to raise two boys!

They smiled and laughed in good humor for a while, until Caleb again fell silent in a solemn state of reflection.

It wont last forever, this calm. Sooner or later, one of us wont be around to take care of them. Those two deserve better than to be left again.

Bloody hell, it's Christmas Eve. Knock off the depression.

Both stopped their staring contest at the sound of a crash right outside their door. Not a second later the door flew open, and Garade hobbled his way in. What he was holding was more surprising than the fact that he had a freely bleeding gash across his cheek.

WHAT THE HELL'S YOUR PROBLEM? Caleb roared angrily.

Oh, sorry for not wanting someone to die!

If you got caught ALL of us would die!

SHUT UP! Remus yelled suddenly, breaking their argument before it got out of hand. He was, for a moment, startled that his outbreak had silenced the two who looked quite ready to tear each other apart. He cleared his throat, and taking on an important sort of frown, crossed his arms.

Both of you stop trying to bloody kill each other. he said at long last, tapping his foot. We obviously have more important things to worry about.

Caleb and Garade shared a short glare before nodding in mutual, if reluctant, agreement.



You're still a damned fool for going after her. Caleb muttered, tearing the loose bandage with his teeth as he tied a knot. Remus rolled his eyes, and told him again to drop the subject.

If he was caught, then we could've been hunted down.

But he wasn't, Remus pointed out angrily, tired of separating the two every five minutes. and we're fine. So can you two at least try to set aside all accusations, at least until we can figure this out? he asked. After glaring at each, he rolled his eyes again, and ran a hand through his mess of hair.

Caleb, just shut the hell up for once. I don't agree with what he did, but it's a little bit late for that, isn't it? he snapped. Upon no response, and finding that neither would even share a look with the other, he slammed his fist down on the table.

Bloody hell... I give up!

With that said, he turned sharply, and slammed the door behind him, leaving Caleb and Garade to care for the injured rescue on their own.



Having a rough day? one of the locals asked as he slummed into a chair at the small restaurant in town.

I think life would be more appropriate. he grumbled.

Well, enter the rest of us my friend. None of this came easy, he said, waving his hand to indicate the city. but it's sure as hell worth it. You should be glad you got picked up when you did. The world's ruthless out there, hell, I never wanna go back to it.

Yes, well I have to. Remus snapped, almost resentfully.

You have kinsfolk out there, or-

No, I have another life out there. he interrupted. I don't stay here...

The older man raised his eyebrows, and smiled to himself in a funny sort of way.

You have security, at least for a good while more anyway, and you still feel attached to the hell that lies outside these walls? Look lad, I don't know about what you left behind, but it doesn't matter anymore, once you-

Don't lecture me on living. Remus snapped again. I sure as hell know enough about it by now... I don't think you understand me clear, old man. he said, and this seemed to upset the man (who was apparently not so old). I'm not whining about having to leave whatever behind. I'm whining about the fact that I can't pick one bloody place to live in.

The elder's features' changed rather quickly. He dropped his amused smile, and his face slowly contoured in understanding, a solemn look.

You're Simmers' save, aren't you? The one who goes to Hogwarts... he trailed off, pursing his lips. Remus followed his distracted gaze, and found both of the twins fighting in the doorway, trying to rip something from each others' hands.

Whoa, what's the problem? Remus laughed, anger slowly fading as he held up Corey by his robes, out of his brothers' reach.

The pair immediately began bickering again, trying to tear the other apart by any means possible. Whistling in such a shrill fashion as he could only do, the two boys, equipped with a canine distaste for high-pitches, ceased their antics at once.

Corey, what's the problem? he asked calmly, keeping a firm eye on each.

We wanna story, but neither of us can read too well. he mumbled out.

He wants a dumb one! Jason interrupted, thrusting his selection in front of Remus' face, or as high as he could get it. Stupid thing abou' a dragon.

Yours is more stupider! Corey snapped back, wriggling free of his psuedo-fathers grasp and displaying his own novel with a hint of pride. Mine's the best one. And da's gonna read it!

No he isn't!

Yes he is!

NO HE ISN'T! Yours is stupid!

He's gonna read mine, a'cause yours is... Is... Corey stammered to find the right word, and in failing to do so, he lunged at his twin instead.

Remus let out a long sigh, and watched for a moment as the boys attempted to lock the other against the ground. Being of equal strength, it was an interesting brawl, as neither could subdue the other long enough, and both were holding with vice-like grips to their own book. After a few laughs and receiving a wayward punch, he finally separated the boys.

How about I read both of them? he suggested.

Corey and Jason glanced at each other, and slowly smiled. The thought had never crossed their minds, and they nodded in delight.

A second later, they were fighting once again over whose selection would be read first.

Those yours? the man asked, a small hint of pity present in his voice.

In a sense.

Maybe you are better off at Hogwarts. he laughed.



Da, what's wrong with the girl in the lunch room? Corey asked, pulling urgently at Caleb's sleeve. He swallowed nervously again, not having gotten accustomed to being a titled father.

She's just sick, that's all. And Corey, both of you, he said sternly, looking away from his grilled steak long enough to glare at the twins. I don't want either of you going near that lady, alright?

Caleb, we've got a problem. Remus interrupted, popping his head in through the door to the cabin.

It's Christmas Eve for God's sake, what's wrong now?

Garade's save presumably has a pack of very angry wolves that are not very pleased with sitting outside the gates. he informed, moving quickly back and forth in agitation. They wont reason, and if I even tell them she's about dead, then... Well, I don't think they're going to be reasonable anymore.

Look, I'm busy. I'm making the kids a real dinner, hopefully. Caleb added, trying to smile at the two boys who understood very little that was going on.

What am I supposed to do then? They will not listen to a thing I say.

It's your problem now, like it or not.

Remus rolled his eyes, and with a heavy sigh, figured it was for the best. It would be the first normal Christmas for the boys, and he didn't need the guilty conscious of having ruined it. With a short nod of his head, he closed to door, and ran back through the frigid streets towards the gates.


Where is Helina?

She can't come out. Remus said shortly for what had to be the tenth time. The pack, seven males and two females, all growled disapprovingly at this knowledge. A white-coloured male who the others called Barret stepped forward defiantly.

Then you will let us inside.

Afraid I can't, there's wards all around this village. Remus explained, tapping at the silver gates. Animals can't get in, lest they're dead.

I do not know of what wards you speak, nor do I care. If Helina is not here in a short minute then we will go and find her. I do not care what I have to kill in the process.

Where's Shebea when you need her?' he mused with a short smile and laugh. He forgot that wolves didn't enjoy laughter to any extent.

There is nothing to be growled at, human. You may disprove of our loyalties and concern, I find it common among you beasts, but we we wish for our pack mate back. Continue to hold her captive, and-

We are holding no one captive. Remus interrupted. He leaned against the side of the narrow rock walls, and crossed his arms, trying to display his own sense of authority. Behaving around wolves was based solely on respect, and communication was nothing spoken. Holding his shoulders square, he narrowed his deep eyes.

Your friend is not well, we are caring for her and healing the wounds to the best of our ability. he said lightly, but stern enough to silence the whispering group.

You will let us tend to our own. She does not belong with the very kind who hurt her so. another wolf spoke.

She isn't of your world any longer, let her be! a cub piped bravely.

They went on for several minutes, blurting out protests, until Remus barked shrilly, cutting them all off.

You're right, she was hurt by mankind, but that means nothing. Do you not injure yourselves in territorial conflicts?

The alpha male pondered this for a moment, and lowered his tail, an act of agreement.

There are differences, that is for natures law. We cannot freely give out our land to those who do not belong. It is disrespectful for another to even attempt doing such.

And humans can't act the same? She was an intruder, different from whoever's customs. They warded her off in the way they thought best. Remus said, finally gaining their attention. She isn't well, and I am not going to let her go until she is. Releasing her to you would only do more harm.

The white wolf finally lowered his head, admitting the logic, showing respect. Without another word, he turned and silently walked off into the wood, his pack following obediently.

Behind the gates, Remus wondered how he had won a debate with a wolf set on claiming what was theirs.

he murmured, shrugging to himself. That worked well, I guess. I'd best well hope that girl doesn't die, else I'm going to have a much harder time fending those prats off.

With one last shrug of surprise, he too turned and headed for one of the many places he called home.



C'we open one?

Yeah, just one?

A little one, one'a the... Little ones, like-

Or a big one.

Yeah. A big one!

But just one. Please?

Yeah da', please?

Caleb smiled at the two dancing irritably at his feet. He smiled at Corey, and nodded his head.

On one condition. he interrupted before either sprite had ample time to tear a crudely wrapped gift to shreds.

What's that? they both asked immediately, too anxious to wait another minute.

I don't think Remus likes being called da', not right now. he said gently, trying very hard not to give off the wrong impression.

In the kitchen, preparing another batch of slightly-charred cookies in a beaten oven, Remus turned his head. Wedging a crack through the shutters that separated the rooms, he listened curiously as the conversation went on.

Why's that? He... He doesn't wanna be our da'?

No, that's not it at all. You see, well, he's still a kid. He isn't ready to be a father. Not yet anyway.

the twins said, not really understanding, and not caring enough to delay their presents. Remus heard his friend let out a sigh, and the twins quickly giggled in delight as they pondered which of the few presents to open.

How bout this one? Corey asked, shoving a box wrapped in slightly-creased wrapping paper, salvaged from previous gifts, in front of Remus. He set down the tray of warm cookies, and took a seat on the only vacant chair.

The little room was over-decorated in fresh garland and glittering flowers indigenous to the magical community. By the sooty fireplace there lay a small pile of presents, nearly all labeled for the twins, though a few townsmen had pooled their savings to repay Caleb and Remus for their lives and freedom.

That looks like a winner. Remus said with a smile as the boy clambered onto his lap. He discretely plucked Remus' wand from his pocket, tapped the box three times, and then threw the tool aside.

Hey, where'd you learn- Remus blurted out in disbelief. Caleb chuckled, and put on a very unconvincing innocent smile.

Bloody git, you're impossible! he laughed, loudly for a while, as the sandy-haired twins began to ravish the paper barriers and cardboard impediments.

they both said as one, holding up their identical items. Remus and Caleb shared a laugh, having bought the exact same broom for the boys.

You like them? Remus asked as the two tore away the last of the faded ribbons and packaging.

Both stared in awe, as for months they had been dreaming of flying around on the small-model broomsticks.

Let me guess... Second hand, five Galleons, new handle and refined twigs?

How'd you know?

I think I went in right after you came out... Caleb chuckled under his breath, nodding his head as Jason began to describe in great detail how wonderful the broom was.

You'll be the envy of every wizard in town, and the Muggles too. Remus said.

Grabbing a cookie as he was pulled through the door, Remus managed to smile and frown at the same time.


I've finally given up hope for ever finding a normal life. he admitted aloud as the twins started to try and mount the brooms, to little success. Caleb took the matters into his own hands, and after a few attempts, the boys were soaring a few feet off the ground in sheer delight.

After a while, abnormal will become expected for you. So, hell, you will find normal eventually, just not on anyone else's standards.

Remus thought about it for a moment, but his musings were cut short when Corey toppled off his broom, having collided with his brother.

he said brightly, caught safely in Remus' arms before he also collided with the solid ground.

Caleb chuckled, and winked once.



Is she alright?

Luckily. I pulled a doctor out of the Hungarian area a month back, he's a saint and then some. Caleb mumbled, closing the door to the back room. The girl who had befriended the pack of stubborn wolves was placed in care of Caleb for the night until she awoke.

Three shots to the stomach... Remus said in disbelief. It's disgusting what they do to get rid of us.

his friend replied bitterly. He perked up upon discovering that Melhane was sitting in his living room by the fire.

Oh, hi Remus... she trailed off, tucking a lock of hair behind her red ear. She rubbed her hands together briefly, and invited Caleb to join her on the small seat.

I'll... I'll just be going. Er, snack or... Something... Remus stammered, collecting his cloak very quickly. Caleb, who was now comfortably placed on the girls lap, smiled thankfully.

There's some money on the windowsill. he added, but was cut off as Remus bit his lip. Pointing up, he cracked a grin. Caleb smiled in delight, and heard the door shut just as he saw the mistletoe overheard.

Outside, Remus gagged to himself, and rolled his eyes.

Damn romantics. he grumbled, kicking his way through the snow, hands in his pockets.



A/n- Well, thanks for reading so far! Recruit some friends, I'm desperate for new faces. Not to imply that I'm sick of you all... I just ant to include a bit of shameless promotion! Hehe... And on news, well, I should be able to finish this within another hundred pages. ::watches as everyone falls dead::

:)

Iggie