A/n- I've had some evil chapters lately, no? Hehe...

Disclaimer- I own positively nothing except my eeeeeeevil plot bunnies. (Where the hell did that expression come from anyway?)

Rating - PG-13 cause I'm a potty mouth and Caleb is none too healthy.




Seeing Grey - Part LVII - Tomorrow's Wind




Is he alright?

Doesn't exactly look it. James observed.

Probably had one of his infamously horrible vacations. Peter suggested.

Should we ask, or...

I think he wants left alone.

You're a waste of thought Peter, bugger off. Sirius interrupted with a scowl.

No, he's right. Moony usually needs time to himself after these kind of things.

We don't even know what happened though...

Come on, let's just go torment Snape. James said, pulling his two friends out of the compartment.

Eyes locked on the passing landscape, Remus took in a breath of air sadly.

Tomorrow's the full moon. he reminded himself. And here I am, going back to Hogwarts...

He dug into his pocket, and pulled out the letter the Underground had collaborated for him.

Lupin,

We're going to get him tonight. Don't bother coming, he'll only be more pissed I'll assume. We'll write later, hopefully with good news. How the hell did we get in this mess? He breaks us free, and now we have to do the same... Life sucks.

Hiya dad.

Remus jumped, and let the letter flutter to the floor of the train slowly. Blinking, still believing that he was daydreaming, he tried to collect a reason as to why he was seeing the image of a sickly Corey standing before him.

Oh, Remmie, right? Sorry, I forgot. the little hallucination corrected with an innocent smile. He dug into his pockets, biting his tongue in thought, and produced a small little cluster of gold.

Ya left this at home. Corey announced as he rubbed his stuffy nose on his sleeve, dropping the cloak clasp in Remus' lap. He felt the impact, and twitched.

I must be going insane. he told himself, running a hand through his messy hair.

Dad says you're crazy. Corey said with a smile, climbing onto Remus' lap in desire for attention. Says you need to not worry bout other people so much. Where is Dad anyway? He ent been home in a while. Blue eyes glittering, he waved his hand in front of Remus' face, giggling to himself, waiting for a response. Ya asleep Remmie?

Remus finally asked, blinking periodically.

Uh huh? the little boy answered, leaning back and crossing his legs on his psuedo-fathers lap.

How... How did you get on the train? Remus questioned, face contoured in confusion.

You left early in the mornin', and I wasn't awake in time ta say goodbye. So I took Mellie's broom and I went after ya. he said with another innocent grin.

You flew after me?

I tol'ja I was a good Quidditch player. I'm gonna be a Chaser someday, me'n Jason. Cept he isn't as fast, and he was at Mikes. So I came after you. Corey repeated. He reached up with a pale hand, and flicked Remus on the nose. He jumped down a second later, coughed violently for a moment, then went back to the conversation.

You sure ya aren't asleep?

Corey, you can't be on this train. Remus finally said, snapping back to reality.

Why not? Dad says I can go ta Hogwarts when I'm older if I wanna. And I just wanted ta say goodbye, cause you left, and I was asleep. he said with a little shrug. So where're your friends? I wanna go play.

You don't understand Corey, you can't be here. You aren't allowed. Remus repeated.

Why not? Dad said... Corey trailed off, frowning only because Remus was. He didn't know what was wrong, but he pretended he understood, and continued to act solemn. Where's Dad?

Didn't he come home last night? Remus recalled, looking briefly at the letter lying on the floor.

Uh uh. Mellie was cryin' all night-

Oh my GOSH! Look, he's so cute!

A group of seventh year girls came in the compartment, squealing in delight at the sight of the child.

Oh, he's adorable! one of the Gryffindors said, smiling down at the now happy Corey. He looks just like you Remus, is he your little brother? You know, Romolus never said he had two little brothers. she said with a stupid grin.

I'm not his brother. Corey interrupted before Remus could stop him. He's my Dad.

The four girls stopped smiling, and looked from Corey, to Remus, then to each other with looks of disgust. The Gryffindor, Lauren, took her hand off his shoulder.

He's your... Son? she asked slowly.

No, you see, he, well- Remus stammered, face going red. I'm not his father, I just-

Remmie takes care'a me and my brother, since my Mummy died. Corey contributed.

He's not my child, I mean not like, I just, I just take care of him, and- Remus tried to blurt out.

Hey Moony, we found- Oh, hello ladies. Sirius said, bowing slightly in greeting. He had just burst through the sliding door, covered in little puffs of cotton and fabric fragments from some exploded pillow, followed by James and Peter.

Who's the little brat? Peter asked.

Hiya Uncle Sirius. Hiya James. Corey waved, wiping his nose again.

So who is this kid? Peter repeated, the girls asking the same question soon after.

Somebody get a professor. Remus whined, slumping down into a chair as his once quiet compartment became a chaotic room of flying questions and small explosions from Sirius.



Mr. Lupin, can you please calm him down? McGonnagal asked stiffly, thoroughly irritated. She had instantly showed her disapproval of small children the moment Remus and Corey had entered her office, and had continued to do so for several minutes of the young boys crying.

Corey, look at me. Remus said sternly, tapping him on the head. He looked up, eyes red and watery, sniffling constantly.

I want Da here. he said quietly, diverting his eyes after a moment.

Well Caleb is sick, okay?

People keep yellin' at me. he said as he started to cry softly again. I dunno what I did wrong... I jus' wanted to say g'bye.

Mr. Lupin, he-

Can you just shut up for a moment? Remus snapped, not caring for respect at the moment. Surprisingly, Professor McGonnagal nodded and sat back down at her desk.

It's alright, and I'm sure the professors are all very sorry they yelled at you. he said, glaring at the Transfiguration instructor out of the corner of his eye. You weren't supposed to come here, that's all.

Just wanted to say g'bye, you hardly ever come home. Corey pouted.

I know. Remus said with a guilty sigh. But right now you need to stop crying, alright? No one's mad, and you aren't going to get in any trouble.

Ya sure Dad?

Closing his eyes and mentally picturing the shocked look of his teachers face, Remus nodded simply.

A nice lady named Madame Pomfrey is going to come and take you back on the train, she already talked to Melhane. Madame Pomfrey's going to take you back to the station, okay?

Corey nodded, and blew his nose on his sleeve again. Remus conjured up a few tissues, and leaned forward, giving him a quick kiss on the forehead. With an encouraging smile, he ruffed Corey's hair and stood up.

I have to go to dinner, ok?

Can I come? Corey asked, suddenly bright at the mention of food.

I'll tell you what, Remus said, shrugging slightly. I'll go and bring you a special sandwich.

The one's with steak n ham n' cheese

Yup, my special. Remus assured, bending down to accept the quick hug.

On one condition.

What's that?

No more crying. And you have to promise to never follow me out of town again.

Corey agreed, smiling. He waved as Remus left for dinner, leaving a very befuddled Deputy Headmistress to care for the destructive five year old.


So who was that kid again? Peter whispered as soon as Remus slipped into his seat. The Marauders rolled their eyes, and each tossed a biscuit his way.



You know, he's not really my son. Remus said with a hidden smile during Transfiguration. Caught off guard, McGonnagal dropped her register and turned to face him.

His parents died, and me and my friend are taking care of him. he explained.

I never asked. she said stiffly, pursing her thin lips.

You stared. Very openly at that. Remus said as he continued to try and transfigure his mouse into a cat.

I did no such thing... the professor snapped, walking away quickly.

Over a few tables, Sirius smirked.

Wish I could drive teachers off that fast, without causing bodily harm I mean. he commented.

I don't do it intentionally. Remus muttered with a disgruntled sort of shrug. They just don't fancy me much.

The bell rang out half-past eleven, and the Gryffindors gratefully packed their bags, rushing out the door for Defense. The tense and uneasy feeling since Horder's return had lifted since, and students were itching to know what had happened during her disappearance. With a thick air of wonder and expectation, they gathered in the room across the hall and whispered to themselves for several moments.

Alright, shut up you little ingrates. Ms. Horder snapped, slamming her bag of supplies down on her rarely used desk. The year's going to be over soon and frankly I am sick and tired of coming in every morning to find you congregating around Black or Snape and whatnot, rambling your little hearts out about God knows what.

Someone's having a bad morning. James mumbled.

Something to share, Mr. Potter? You always seem to.

No Ma'am.

Spit it out. she said icily, easily breaking his nerve.

I was just commenting that you sound particularly, er, pissed off. he said with a shrug. We're all a bit curious, you know...

Ms. Horder sat down on the desk, crossed her legs and momentarily drove the men in the room insane. It was only brief, as the women quickly slapped them for staring at her.

You really want to know what happened? she asked softly, sharply. Her once brilliant blue eyes, now dulled angrily to a shade of grey, pierced into those of her students'. All the details, you want to experience secondhand the horrors of being taken in by followers of the Dark?

Most of the room stood rigid in thought, possibly fearing movement. A select few nodded, Peter vigorously shaking his head in opposition.

she said quickly, snapping out of her death-glare mood. Those who aren't fancy with the prospect can wait outside, or more accurately skip the rest of class for this week. Don't bother showing up if you have a weak stomach. She waited, tapping her foot lazily as several people glanced around nervously, not wanting to appear cowardly in front of their peers.

Oh for God's sake, just leave if you don't think you can handle it! the professor snapped, pointing to the fire-scorched door. Because I quite assure you it will not be a pleasant romp through my mind!

Hastily, a small assortment of Slytherins and Gryffindors hustled out the door, closing it cautiously behind them. Horder scowled at the rest of the class, and one more departed. Her final collection left, less than half of the students, swallowed and wondered if they were being wise.

This is going to take a few days. she explained, suddenly calmer than before. I highly doubt all of you will be back tomorrow, and frankly I don't expect it. It's hell, and I intend of making every gruesome little detail and account perfectly clear. This is Defense Against the Dark Arts, and my ordeal was precisely that. Survival when pitted against the scum of mankind.

The remaining class moved a little closer to one another, disregarding that Slytherin was trying to find comfort in Gryffindor.

With a smirk, Ms. Horder began her tale.


Excuse me. Sirius blurted out as the class was released. He ran off, shoving aside anyone in his way on mission to find the nearest toilet.

It was that bad? Peter asked quietly, joining the crowd of others as they curiously asked about the class. The pack that had remained were all white-faced, shaking, and many looked as if they had just witnessed the death of a family member.

Yes. It was that bad. James said quietly. It was ridiculously that bad... Shit, I think I'm going to lose my lunch. he grumbled. Lily let go of his arm, and shoved him off after Sirius.

You alright Remus? she asked, peering at him strangely.

He nodded and even managed to produce a small smile.

Yeah, I'm alright.

Shocked, Lily stood in front of him in wonder. Didn't that creep you out?

When you've lived my life... he trailed off, and simply chose to walk away. Whispered followed him like a shadow, fingers pointing, curiosities formulating ideas.

Remus was the only one to show up on time for Potions, one of the few to make it at all.



Make sure you firmly hold the vile, dragonroot is far heavier than you may sus- Lupin! I said hold it firmly, not crush it! Forson barked.

Sorry sir. Remus said through clenched teeth.

What, and you better clean that before it-

Sir, there's broken glass in my hand. he said painfully, trying not to pick at it.

Cursing to himself, Forson swiftly made his way to the troublesome Gryffindor, and shook his head. Green slime lining his bloodied hand, Remus began to shake with uneasiness.

It really really hurts sir. he blurted out.

the Potions Master barked, startling the boy who was still jumpy from Defense.



Take Lupin to the Infirmary. Forson ordered. With apt reflexes, he grabbed Remus by his collar before he collapsed to the ground. And if he passes out, drag him there. It's important.

James nodded, and quickly slung Remus arm across his shoulder for support.

Why don't you go, he's hard to carry. James muttered.

I'm staying here, for whatever reason you lot of insolent brats are more prone to disaster than usual. he explained coldly. And I really do suggest moving along Potter, dragonroot wasn't meant to enter the bloodstream. There was a hint of amusement in his voice which Remus briefly caught before another wave of dizziness washed over him. Steadying himself under the weight, James rolled his eyes and heaved his friend along out the door.



Sorry Prof... Uhg, sorry, I'm still a bit queasy... Excuse me.

Halfway down the hall, James watched with a grin as Sirius ran for the bathrooms as fast as he could.



Ouch... Geroff you stupid bird. Remus mumbled, his mind still numb from the painkillers Madame Pomfrey had made him down. Swiping with his free arm, he drove the angry owl into submission. He snatched the letter, and swatted it out of the window.

Stupid creature. Remus told himself, fighting to open the letter with only one hand. Breaking the weak wax seal, he smoothed it out, and tried to focus his eyes on the blurry words.

He isn't doing well Lupin, and Theo's stuck. We're out of supplies and I swear to God Caleb's just given up altogether. We need you here now.

W.U.

Releasing a loud and obvious string of curses, Remus rolled out of bed, dragging his limp and numbed hand with him. He carelessly tossed on a robe, and shoved his way through one very disgruntled nurse.


Come on, let me in! Please! he pleaded uselessly, banging on the stone gargoyle. This is an emergency, come ON! Someone's going to die if I don't get in!

Much to his surprise, the gargoyle furrowed its eyebrows, and let out a small rolling grumble.

My friend is in trouble and I need to see Dumbledore. he explained, feeling foolish for talking to a statue that couldn't comprehend anything he said. The stone beast shook its head after a moment of deliberation, and went rigid.

GOD DAMMIT! he shouted, pounding his fist against the figure one last time. He dashed off, not noticing that he had broken one of the horns.



Lupin, may I ask what you're doing in my storeroom, or-

I've got one working hand, sir, but it's sure as hell enough to ward you off. Remus warned, continuing to ransack through the shelves of ingredients.

Lupin! Touch one more thing and I'll-

You'll do nothing. Remus interrupted angrily. I am NOT in a pleasant state of mind right now, sir, so don't tempt me. I swear to God, don't give me a reason to let the wolf out.

He let out a triumphant Ah!' and stashed a box of ingredients into his now old and battered satchel. Forson barked at him, trying to block his way through the door, but was forced aside. He blinked, dumbfounded, as he fell against the dungeon walls. The even-tempered and docile werewolf was finally showing his true colours.

You better not come back kid. he warned quietly, grinning with all the maliciousness in his twisted heart.



If you aren't in my office by morning, I'll send myself to fetch you. And I assure you Lupin, that will outweigh your current worries.

Remus stepped onto the portal square without a verbal display of gratitude, and instantly disappeared in a cloud of thick smoke.

If I lose my job I'll be the first to kill him. she mumbled to herself with a hint of regret.

Yeah? Well get in line. Professor Forson snapped from behind her, hanging in the doorway with a nasty scowl.



Where is he?

His angry yell was answered instantly by a very distraught woman who pointed to a small house at the end of the street. He took the distance in a manner of strides, and threw the door open.

Now isn't a good time. the doctor, Theodore Kemble, said. Especially for you, from what I've heard.



Remus pointed, eyes flaring dangerously with demanding authority. The wise elder, with a rueful shake of his head, put his hand up in defense.

Far be it from me to attend to a dying man, I'm only a licensed doctor. he grumbled, walking quickly out the door.

he yelled loudly, shaking the broken man's shoulder. With no response, he took a strand of hair from the nape of Caleb's neck and in one swift motion pulled it out. Two bloodshot and shallow eyes slowly opened to greet him.

Didn't I tell you that you were going to live? Remus asked angrily, though smiling in relief. You should know by now I don't lie.

Caleb closed his eyes, his face showing clearly all the pain he felt.

Lupin? How'd...

Emotionally susceptible professor. he muttered, not turning to greet the deputy-alpha.

You're trying to save him, aren't you? Garade asked, staying in the doorway. It was another ability inherited from the curse, being able to sense tension. Much like a dog, he kept his distance.

Isn't that what you summoned me here for? Remus shot back, unloading his satchel of ingredients. Something was bound to help...

No, it isn't. he said quietly, frowning. I called you because I firmly believe he's going to be dead by tomorrow morning. Figured you'd want to say goodbye, I don't know.

Remus looked over his shoulder, his eyes making Garade take a few steps backwards instinctively.

So you've given up too, huh? he asked quietly. Just like everybody else, you don't think he has a chance? You're going to abandon him without even trying?

Don't even think that Lupin. Garade shot back, trying to maintain his sense of leadership in the situation. The Muggle hospital gave up on him, so we pulled him out before they let him die. Our own damn doctor, who owes his life to Caleb, can't do anything at all, and trust me, he's tried everything. No one wants him dead, so don't you even begin to think we're giving up on nothing. he said icily. If there was even one thing we could do that would serve an ounce of good it would have been spared at any cost.

Remus said in a near-whisper. Having a little faith, you could have spared that.

Faith and logic are two different things. I don't know about you, but dammit, there's a point when faith wont do anything anymore. Hope is useless when there isn't the beginning of a chance!

Sensing the hostility, Garade immediately withdrew from the room before a fight broke out.

They're all worthless. Remus told Caleb, not expecting for a response.

Hope can do more than any magic in the world, my mum always told me that. Romolus always said... he shook his head, and biting back his troubles, set to work.


What's he doing?

Poor thing can't let go, what a dear...

He's a prat if you ask me.

Shut up.

Who're you to tell us to stop, you little twerp-

He's determined, and he hasn't given up hope.

The small crowd watched through the window in a pitying sort of awe as Remus struggled to brew a last chance.


he mumbled, cursing his luck for only having one useful hand. Without second thought, he disregarded Madame Pomfrey's warning and unwrapped the thick bandages, revealing a swollen hand infected from the dragonroot.

I can worry about it later. he rationalized, carefully testing his ability to hold a jar with his injured fingers. Not caring about the stinging pain, he went on, forcing himself to recall every excruciating detail and thought he had ever heard in Potions class, every line from the hundreds of book he had poured over in the Restricted Section.

Half an hour later, he dropped the vile he was holding, and broke into a frightening grin.

Thanks Snape, for once your worth the trouble. Remus mumbled to himself in delight, digging through his supplies in search of the one final shot at recovery. All your little mocking hisses pay off. he declared, dripping a single drop into his emptied cauldron. The solution sizzled, fizzed, and anxiously awaited its creation.



Hours wasted away, countless ticks on the clock spent crouched over half-made potions and ingredients. Tired but determined to make a difference, Remus summoned every ounce of his strength to endure the dizzying effects of the smoke plumes, the aromas of poisons. His hand had long since blistered over, turning green and polluted from foreign substances invading his bloodstream. Still, it left no impact, and Remus toiled on.

Someone get me a shard of harlon bark. he ordered, voice cracking from the fumes. He turned, hearing no response, and glared at the congregation of spectators.

Do you think I'm talking to myself? he snapped. A small boy ran off with a look of fright, scurrying away from the angered imitation Healer.



Here. You like smoked venison, right?

Remus turned away from his work for the first moment in many hours, and stared at the plate he was presented with.

I'm not the best chef, but... You look really tired, and that usually coincides with hunger for most of us. the girl said, nudging the food towards him with a quirky smile. She noticed his swollen hand, and bit her lip.

You should go see Theodore about that, it's-

Of no concern. Remus finished, ignoring the meal and the nosy woman that seemed to enjoy interrupting his work.

That's very selfless and noble, and whatnot, but you need to live too. she said stubbornly, setting the deer meat down in front of him. You're going to eat it. she said indefinitely.

Remus nodded slightly, and allowed himself to take a pause from his duty.

Painfully, he lifted the fork to his mouth, swallowing a tiny portion of the gift. His hand shook, struggling to hold up the weight, and eventually gave in.

She laughed.

He glared maliciously.

You shouldn't take everything so critically. the girl snapped. Remus squinted, and then snapped his fingers.

You're that girl. he said with a broken voice.

So now I'm that girl'? Pleasant. Nice to meet you.

No, you're Helina. Remus interrupted, rubbing his throat in attempts to massage life into his voice.

Yes. Now really, you need to eat. What with all the fumes and exhaustion you're going to pass out. You can't help him, she said, jerking her thumb at the motionless body nearby. if you can't help yourself.

he grumbled, unable to bicker his way out of the logic. With a roll of his eyes, he downed the food, and went back to ignoring any outside stimulation.


That can kill him.

You think I don't know that? came the rhetoric quip.

Hands scarred from the silver ore, Remus carefully held the beaker between quivering digits. His anxiety taking over, he sat on his knees at the side of Caleb's bed.

You really are crazy. someone from the gallery commented.

I'm not insane... Remus defended, hands shaking vigorously. Just,... I just can't accept it, I wont.

Throwing aside all caution, he tilted the potion into Caleb's mouth, forcing him to swallow.

The Underground held their breath as one, watching with narrowed eyes and skeptical hearts.

I will not let him die. Remus promised himself.




A/n- Holy Mother of God that was long! I think this wins the Longest Chappie Award... Originally it was 12, but then I just kept adding on... And on... And on... And... You get the picture. I gotta stop making these things to lengthy. Ah well. Fat chance of that, no?

REVIEW!!!

Iggie

One Note- Alright, for some of the people commenting... This isn't intended as slash. For whatever reason, a few people are taking it that way. I guess i make Remus' bonds a bit too close or something... But for those wondering, no, there are no slashy feelings intended. Read it that way if that's your boat, but hey, it's not mine. Just tryin' to keep you all informed of my intentions, however twisted and angsty they are.

o_O