A/n- And it goes on and on my friends....

Disclaimer- Puh-lease... I may be a decent writer, but Lord Above, get real.

Rating- A very stressed PG-13 for a very naughty Remmie-kuns.




Seeing Grey - Part LVIII - Dissolutus






Remus' eyes snapped open, and he stared, dumbfounded.

God dammit, shit... Caleb continued angrily. Oh, Jesus Christ...



Should of known it'd be you Lupin. Such immeasurable pain can only follow your trail. Caleb snapped, forcing his diluted eyes open. He winced again, and closed them to block the bright light, that was in real life very dim.

Remus smiled, and let his hands fall to his side.

You're... You're alright. he stammered.

If by alright you mean in hellish amounts of pain... Then yes. Thanks. came the sarcastic reply. Really kid, why can't you just let me-

Here, don't talk. Remus advised, leaning forward to help his friend. Caleb tried to push him away, to no success, and was rolled over on his side. Another trail of blood trickled from his mouth, spilling onto the nice hardwood floors.

I'm not going to let you die. Remus said, grinning as wide as facial muscles would allow. He was greeted with a broken and pathetic scowl, one that didn't last very long.



Both turned behind, and smiled as Jason climbed in through the window, having evaded the restrains of his psuedo-mother.

Dad, are you ok now? he asked sweetly, his lips pressed. He was afraid to come any closer, scared by all the medical supplies and such. Clutching tight to his stuffed wolf toy, he remained by the wall, eyes questioning.

Yeah, m'kay. Caleb struggled to say, trying not to spit out any more blood to frighten off his son. You alright?

Jason nodded, and shrugged slightly. I guess. He glanced over at his other father, tired and dizzy, and silently asked if he could come closer. Remus held out his arms, and the little boy quickly filled them.

Where's Corey? Remus asked, knowing it was what Caleb would say if he could spare the energy.

He's still sleepin'. Mellie gave him some medicine 'r something, he's not awake yet. Jason explained. He sifted his weight, found a comfortable position, and leaned his head against Remus' chest for a pillow.

Did'ja forget Da, it's our birthday soon?

How could I? Caleb mumbled quietly, slipping his hand free. He ruffed Jason's hair, and let out a rattled sigh, smiling warmly.

For the first time, he met eyes with Remus.

I know. Remus answered. This is why I wouldn't let you go.

Caleb nodded, and closed his eyes, falling back on the bed to rest his shattered body. Remus whispered something in Jason's ear, and he giggled, climbing atop his father with great care. The two fell asleep together, content in the others' presence.



Hey, Lupin... Wake up.

He opened his eyes slowly, and looked around in bewilderment.

You passed out from all the fumes in there. I told you to crack a window open, you great prat. Helina said, trying to help him upright. He denied the effort, and did it himself with a small groan.



she interrupted. And, er, you have a few... Visitors.

The young girl stepped aside, and revealed a swarm of werewolves standing at the crooked doorway. Vision still unsteady, Remus tried to figure out whether or not his eyes were deceiving him.

Thank you. a woman at the front of the pack said, bowing her head gratefully.



You didn't give up, on anyone. another man said. Caleb and you, you guys never abandon anyone, not one of us. We'd all be dead...

We were saved once, and you just saved us again.

Remus shut his eyes, and shook his head. I didn't do anything worth praise. My friend was in trouble, and I helped him. This is my job, it's nothing to be seen as noble. he said. I honestly don't want any praise, alright? This is just my job...

You weren't obligated to help any of us. an elderly man said with a half-smile. This disease, you didn't have to search for a cure. But you did. Any of us could have tried the same, and you were the only one to lift a finger. For this we have to thank you.

Remus hung his head low, uncomfortable with the citizen's good words. After a long moment of silence, the majority disappeared after expressing their gratitude.

Like it or not, you've saved us all more than once. Different circumstances, but it's all the same story. Helina muttered, brushing past him.



Hey Remmie, are you stayin' with us?

Remus rubbed his eyes, waiting for them to adjust to the dim light of the safety basement. In a moment he could see the twins huddled close to Caleb, sitting upright in a hammock slung from the corner walls. The older boy was fast asleep, already knocked out from the massive amounts of sedatives Remus had brewed.

Not quite sure. he said with a smile, trying to keep the two little demons from frowning. I'm supposed to go back to school, but it's getting late.

As always, Corey and Jason diverted their eyes, still feeling a deep-rooted shame of what they were. It was a scar that would never heal, embedded into their minds just as with every other that feared the moon.

We were hoping' you'd stay tonight, you know. Corey began, his eyes wide.

Now that Da's better, we thought you could stay a while. his duplicate finished.

With a guilty sigh, Remus nodded his head, setting off a riot of delight that coaxed Caleb from his artificial sleep.

Hey boys, why don't you go get some water for Caleb? Remus suggested. They quickly agreed, bounding up and down happily. Climbing atop each other, they knocked the leather gloves from their high perch and unlocked the pure-silver clasps to the door.

Still use her idea. Caleb mumbled, shaking himself awake. Elise always was brilliant, annoyingly so at times.

Ae you feeling any better? Remus asked, changing the subject before he felt the familiar twinge of pain.

Every centimeter of me hurts, and it burns... Everywhere. Caleb said with a short smile. But I'm alive, so you did your job. Jesus though, you could have gone a little lighter on whatever it was you shoveled into my system. he grumbled, shifting on the netted swing.

Remus said offhand.

Come again?

A classmate of mine once left silver ore in my schoolbag, it hurt so much I couldn't even sleep for a few days. Remus recalled. I figured all your body needed was a good shock. Kicked you right into working order, really.

You could have killed me! One deciliter can make a difference, I mean-

It's not like you weren't dying anyway. Remus snapped, interrupting the outburst. You did a simply splendid job of doing yourself in.

Caleb's cheeks went red, and he turned away to hide is own embarrassment.

Your mind had given up, the body was just following suit. I forced it to wake up and roll into working order.

Thanks, though. Caleb finally admitted. I just... You don't know what it's like, to-

NO! I wanna give it to him! I got it, now LET GO!

Remus chuckled, and quickly went off to separate the tiny brawling werewolves.



He needs to get back to bed, Theodore's going to have my head if he can't tend to his patient.

Nah, we should let them stay for while more. All the medicine in the world couldn't heal Caleb better than that kid...

They're kind of cute like that.

Melhane nodded, and smiled at her beloved who lay motionless in the corner.

Such a shame they're too concerned about their best friend to notice us.

Helina said with a small laugh.

You must admit though, the older woman continued, still gazing at the pack of sleeping boys huddled together. They are pretty damn cute about being idiots.

Stubborn idiots. Helina corrected.

Outrageously moronic, illogical, downright foolish idiots.

The two laughed to themselves, and went away to leave the content family to their own company.



I was beginning to think you weren't coming back. Pity, Gryffindor needed a point reduction. Ms. Horder said with a smirk as Remus reappeared in her office.

He dropped his satchel lightly on the ground, the bottles of leftover ingredients clinging merrily as they fell. Not a second later, he fell to the floor along with them.

A strong pair of hands broke his fall, easing him against the wall.

You always do find a way to ruin yourself. the Defense instructor said quietly, grabbing his injured hand. It was swollen twice its normal size, green with infection, wet from fluid. The cuts had reopened during his transformation the night before, and the two cubs couldn't resist gnawing at it playfully.

She closed her eyes, and muttered some foreign spell. The wounds closed, his had shrunk, and the pain was numbed away.

Speak not a word of it... Dark magic trick. she informed. So, how went your mission?

Remus didn't answer, but his face silenced her question.

Then we're alike... Fighting the same battle, yet in a different war. she mused. Difference being that you've won, I take.

With a small grin, she forced him to his feet, and shoved him in the direction of the door.

You'd better go, your friends have been searching this whole school for you. she said. After a pause, she chuckled at some unshared thought. So is Professor Forson. He's not too thrilled that you stole from him.

Remus produced a fraction of a smirk, and held his tired body a little higher.

I told him not to tempt the wolf.



Moony! Jesus Christ, where have you BEEN? Sirius gapped, grabbing him by the shoulders as soon as he entered the Common Room. Remus took a step back, silently indicating he still ached from the full moon only hours passed.

To briefly sum it up, I've been off testing my limited potion skills in order to keep a guy alive, sitting through one hell of a moon and running around for the past half hour trying to get away from Professor Forson. he said lightly. And how was your day, Padfoot?

he answered with a wide grin. Probably not as productive as yours, but insane nonetheless. See, me and Carrie-

More than enough of that story. Remus interrupted, shutting his eyes at the mental image he had conjured.

Sirius smirked triumphantly, and slung an arm around Remus' shoulder, pulling him along across the Common Room.

Come on, I need a few things from the Restricted section.

Is that the only reason you've been looking for me? Remus asked, frowning.

Nah, not all all. Sirius assured. James needed some help with a time-control water bomb.

Glad to know I'm so missed.



Hey Lupin, is it your birthday or something? Frank Keilts, the older Chaser, asked with a raised eyebrow. Remus shook his head, still staring at the four owls before him in confusion. It was rare for him to receive even one letter, let along four on one morning.

No... Not for a while. he muttered.

Here, I got it. James offered, calming down two of the irate birds with a bit of his omelet.

Remus-

Caleb told me to write to you, poor guy can't really hold a quill right now. He's alright though, confined to bed rest by Theodore but it isn't anything critical. Finish school up soon, we rightly need you back here. Garade has to stay back to keep the town together and we're pretty restless without a strong leader. Hurry home,

Melhane Bright

(The boys send their regards)

You might want to take this one, blooming owl wont leave. I think he wants it delivered properly. James said, struggling to keep the agitated bird from biting him. Remus promptly took the letter, and the bird took off, mission complete.

I thought your birthday was in a week. Sirius said, finally having diverted his gaze from the Hufflepuff seventh year girls.

It is. Remus mumbled, picking at the wax seal carefully.

Moony

How's Caleb doing now? I haven't heard from you in a while, just wondering if you're alright with everything. I'm doing pretty well, I got a job with the Ministry yesterday. Maybe I can browse some files for you. Anyway, I just thought you'd like to know that Shell's pregnant. Scary, isn't it? I have to go, a lot needs to be done now.

Stay tough little brother,

Romolus


Laughing openly in shock, Remus shook his head.

I cannot believe it! he said joyously, overwhelmed with the news.

Everything okay? James asked, more than worried that his friend had finally lost his righteous mind.

Just peachy. Remus replied, smiling in delight. Everything's perfect. For once, I swear to God Prongs, everything is fine.




Don't complain. he interrupted, kneeling down with a stern, quirky sort of frown. You've whined the entire trip and it's giving me a headache.

the eleven year old said with a shrug, biting his lower lip. I'm tired... When are we gonna have our own place? I hate moving around so much.

I know, I know. Romolus sighed, closing his eyes. I'd make things better if I could, but there's nothing I can do right now.

I want to go back to mum.

We can't. he said sharply, snapping the notion from his sibling's mind. You shouldn't want to go back Remus, mum abandoned us. She left us this way. He extended his arm outward, indicating the shabby homeless shelter they were lodged at for the night. On your life, don't you dare wish to go back to that woman.

Sensing the resent in Romolus' voice, he simply nodded.

Can I come to Hogwarts next year? Remus asked quietly several minutes later, having settled uneasily on a stained cot.

Dippet hates- Er, he isn't very comfortable with werewolves. Romolus explained softly, trying to smile to lessen the news. And you don't need Hogwarts anyway, not at all. I'll bet you already know more magic than a third year.

With a hint of pride, Remus nodded eagerly.

I studied all year and I memorized all the books you sent. he blurted out, gripping at the tattered wand in his pocket. But Rom...



I still wanna go.

Pulling his brother close, Romolus embraced the confused boy barely younger than he.

I know Remus, but life isn't fair like that. Not right now anyway.

When're thing's going to change? Or... Everyone's always going hate me, aren't they? he asked painfully, ashamed of himself.

I wont lie to you Remus, so... Yes, a lot of people are going to be afraid of you.

It isn't fair! the little boy cried, slamming his fist down. His hand bore through the tight cotton, leaving another shred to the already mangled bed.
Romolus took his hand, and gripped it tight.

Life is never fair Remus, but you absolutely must not let it get to you. he said firmly. The only way we're going to make it in this world is if you can keep a good outlook.

It's hard Rom. the little boy said quietly, looking down at the cracked tile.

It's hard for everyone. Look around, see? All these people are going through hard times, we're all alike. None of them deserve to be here, and some that have everything deserve this instead.

I deserve this. Remus mumbled, his pale face scrunched up in anger.

No you don't, don't ever think that Rem. Romolus declared, nudging his brother in the side to make him listen. Whatever anyone tells you, and whatever you may hear, you never deserve the hate. You've done nothing wrong, okay?

Yeah, I guess.

Just try to stay happy, for my sake as well as yours. Thing's are going to get better someday, and when they are, we'll be able to look back at this and laugh. Romolus said with an encouraging smile. In a little while everything will be perfect.



Cross my heart and hope to die. Romolus laughed, roughing Remus' hair.



What's with you Lupin? You seem annoyingly upbeat lately.

Remus said distantly, still ignoring the boy as he had been for the past half hour of Potions.

Shouldn't you be off sulking or something? he question, noticeably irritated.

Nothing worth being miserable over.

Oh yes, there isn't a war or anything, no, not at all. the Slytherin mumbled.

Doesn't concern me yet. Remus replied, smiling in an absent fashion.

Rolling his eyes, he turned around to possibly bother Black and Potter. There was just no use getting to the filthy Gryffindor in his current condition. All he seemed capable of doing was staring at the mesmerizing patterns of the dungeon walls.

Lupin, walk out that door and you'll regret it. Professor Forson hissed as the bell rang. The rest of the mixed class gathered their possessions and departed in a chatty mass. Reluctantly, Remus stayed behind. He took a long breath to calm himself, and nodded his head in self-affirmation.

Care to explain why you-

No sir, I don't. Remus interrupted, bravely meeting the icy gaze. I don't need to explain. I had reason to act the way I did. He returned the glare, and to his surprise, Forson's scowl slowly lessened.

You'd make a good Auror kid. he said in a shockingly calm voice, devoid of malice or sarcasm. But that wont work on me.

He smiled, and Remus knew he had lost the battle.

There's no excuse for assaulting a professor. he continued, armed with a nasty glint in his eyes. And stealing, well now lad, that's a whole nother field. You're going to regret that considerably poor decision for quite some time once I'm through with you.

You can expel me from the school and I wont regret one moment of what I did. Remus snapped, eyes narrowed. Nothing could ever make me regret my choices. There isn't a thing in the world... No sir, you can ruin my only freedom in life, throw me from my only security, and I'll never second thought my actions.

Forson continued to glare relentlessly, though with a different intention. What could be causing such a loyal display? Surely the werewolf wouldn't feel so strongly.

Really Professor, go ahead, expel me. I damn-well dare you to do it, because I know you can't.

You doubt me? he asked quietly.

You only take action when there's fear to be found. I could care less what you would do to me right now. Remus said honestly, crossing his arms. So go ahead, try me. No punishment would ever spur an ounce of regret. I'd have killed you sir, if you ahd gotten in my way, and I wouldn't even have cared at this point.

The cold Potions Master nodded, and turned away.

Well said. he muttered, nodding again to himself. You've got guts Lupin... It'll get you killed someday, but you've got serious nerve to spit that out.



Go, you're late for class.

Remus walked off, blinking in mild confusion.

Did I just... Win? he questioned nobody. Maybe there is more to that bastard than I thought. Remus mused with a shrug, running off to Charms.

Everything was too perfect for him to worry about one professor right now.



A/n- Yeah, a considerably shorter chapter. Anyway, merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, have a joyful Kwanzaa, or enjoy the break from school/work! Hope everyone's doing well out there. Thanks to all my new readers, and all my old n' loyal ones too. You make my days worth living :-D

Iggie

Fic of the Day- It Was never This Cold on Christmas by Luinlith: Sirius Black reminisces to a Christmas past when he wasn't locked away in Azkaban. A good little work of angst right in time for the holidays.

http://fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1142078

Title Meaning: Dissolutus- Weak, wanting in energy