A/n- ::hums annoying Christmas songs:: They just don't go away I tell you! ::curses:: Stupid holidays last even after the damn things are sipposed to be over...

Disclaimer- I'm not even going to bother at this point.

Rating- PG-13 for some, er... Yeah.




Seeing Grey - Part LIX - Credo



I still don't understand why we have these stupid things. Remus grumbled, frowning at himself in the mirror.

They have them because people like James enjoy exploiting their good fortune to the rest of us miserable slobs. Sirius said lightly, armed with a grin and bottle of Whizz-O-Zap hair gel.

Cheer up guys, it's only one night. James commented from the bathroom, still trying to tame his hair.

Sirius threw a pillow at him, scowling.

You know damn well these stupid dances last forever. One night is ample time for you to rub it in that you and Lily have a perfectly spectacular relationship.

While we have none to speak of. Remus added.

At least I found a date. Sirius said, turning to face his bothered friend.

Seems as though Moony rejects all female interest. James continued, finally giving up after breaking his third comb in his tangle of hair.

That'd be plausible, but there's one little problem with that theory. Remus said with a short grin. There is no female interest.

Maybe if you'd get your nose out of a book and spare a little yourself.

Yes, and get slapped down. Might I remind you of Heather, dear Prongs?

James winced in memory of the old attempts at striking up conversation, one that had ended in the striking of Remus' cheek.

You're not bad looking, just... I don't know, don't look so pathetic.

Hey! I do not-

Yes you do. You're worse than Peter. Sirius interrupted.

Where is the little rat anyway?

Library. Couldn't find a date, I think he's trying to learn how to conjure one. Sirius laughed. The black-haired pranksters went on for several minutes chuckling at old Peter jokes until the Common Room clock rang out seven strikes.

Sirius and Remus shared a sigh, while James smiled in delight.

Bugger off Prongs.

Yes, do wipe off that mocking scowl before I go canine on you. Remus agreed, trying to flatten out his ensemble. Scuffed shoes poked from beneath the short robes, and his hair refused to stay cooperative. With one last glance at himself in the mirror, he rolled his eyes.

Bloody dances. he grumbled, shoved along out the door by both his friends despite his better efforts to remain in the dorm.



Ruddy little gatherings. he snapped half an hour later, slumped against the wall with the rest of the dateless unfortunates.

Excuse me?

He turned and was faced with a very pretty girl biting her lip, looking genuinely nervous. Remus smiled.



You're... Remus Lupin, right?

In the flesh. he said hopefully, moving aside to allow her space to stand comfortably. She didn't accept. Remus cursed under his breath.

You knew Alex, didn't you? she asked, still biting her lovely lip.

Damn.'

Yeah, we were pretty good friends. Remus said with a slight sigh, already knowing his battle was lost before it had begun. But Sirius and James didn't have to know that... He smiled, and invited her to follow him to a little round table with a candle in the centre.

You wouldn't happen to know where he is, would you?

You're Mary, his girlfriend?

The tall brunette nodded, and looked around nervously. She had heard some unpleasant things about the Gryffindor.

I can't say that I do, officially. Remus started, resting his elbows on the table calmly. His father had a change of job, they moved out of territory for Hogwarts. He was pretty upset about the move, he found out about it right before the Quidditch match. he lied.

Oh! So that's why he was so ruthless, I was wondering what was wrong. she mused with a nod, encouraging him to continue.

I can only guess that he's still bothered, he hasn't answered any owls our dorm has sent.

Yeah, I keep trying to get in touch with him, but nothing ever comes back. the older Ravenclaw confirmed.

I wish I could help more, but there really isn't anything else I know for sure.

She smiled slightly, and met his gaze. Damn, they always have to be blue eyes, just like Elise.

No, you've been a big help. I was worried he was blowing me off, or worse. she admitted, lacing her fingers together. Oh God... Elise did that when she was concentrating.

Remus shut his eyes, trying to conceal the painful memories, push them away for just one night.

You know, I don't see you around very much.

...Usually in the library, or with the guys. James and Sirius like to drag me around the school.

Sirius Black? Mary asked with very wide grin. One that happened to remind Remus again of his parted friend.

he managed to squeak out, his voice going tight in his throat.

She went on for several minutes with a wonderful tale of some explosion or whatnot, though Remus found it hard to pay attention. His mind was clouded with stupid laughs, pathetic smiles, and lost words.

Would you care to dance, I don't have a date. Alex wouldn't mind, I'm sure.

She smiled again, blue eyes inviting him to join her.

Damn it.'

I really have to go. he said suddenly, standing up from the table and knocking a glass of punch onto the floor. Without any sort of grace he rushed away, leaving behind a put-off Ravenclaw halfway through her conversation.

Always did figure he was weird. she mused with a shrug. There were other boys, it needn't matter.





He turned his face away, holding his knees to his chest for security.

Are you alright?

The lively Defense Professor knelt down, and pulled the curtain away. With a tut and shake of her head, she grabbed him by the shoulder.

Teenage angst strikes again I see. she commented. Honestly, dances aren't so hellish that you need to curl up in a little ball like a first year who just met Forson.

She waited for a smile, but nothing happened.

Care to tell me why you're hiding, and very poorly at that?

I can't get over it. he mumbled.

Displaying the epitome of her social graces, Ms. Horder hit him across the head.

I don't even care to know what you're weeping like a baby over, but it isn't worth it. What's done is done.

She looked down at him, and he finally met her inquiring gaze.

I know that look. she said quietly, smiling solemnly. A lost love, no?

Remus nodded slightly, not sure how he felt. It had been so long, he had never let the reality sink in. harbored in the back of his mind for so long a time, everything was finally flooding back.

That's how life is Lupin. You find something wonderful and Fate bites you in the ass. she explained. The only cure is to stand strong and keep going.

He nodded, barely listening, not gathering the meaning of what was said.

And judging from how you're crouched up as far from the Great Hall as you could get... she went on, nudging him to get up. I'll take it someone reminded you of your old girl.

Another nod, the only confirmation he could manage.

I kept telling Albus these things make kids miserable. Old fool only sees the scarce happy couples that enjoy them... Isn't it annoying, that one bloody pair that seems to be perfect? No relationship problems to speak of... I always wanted to kill them when I was in school. Ms. Horder mused, finally grabbing Remus by his robes. In one swift movement, she forced him to his feet, and began to tug him along to the roaring gala. Jacob Sharp, and that bubbly little what's-her-face. God damn, they went since third year and never tired. I genuinely hope those bastards are trapped in some unhappy marriage with three annoying brats running amok in a tiny flat. God I wish I could see that... she trailed off, and began to talk to herself for some time about other perfect couples that held her most sincere death wishes.

The part of Remus' mind that was still functioning logically was wondering how this was supposed to make him feel any better. After realising he was close to the Great Hall, he sucked up the rest of his woes and wiped his face before Ms. Horder shoved the giant double doors open.

Sixth year men aren't supposed to cry. she told him firmly, pushing him back into the gathering.

Remus didn't move, he stood frozen in his place at the entrance.

No date, huh? the professor said with a crooked sort of smirk. All right then.

Without warning, she grabbed his arm and pulled him off into the crowd.

What're you doing? he asked, trying to be heard over the thunderous music.

Reliving my childhood. she said with a shrug. Honestly Lupin, I've had one too many drinks. My liquor cabinet was open, I was bored... I don't really care at this point.

With an authentic laugh, Remus went along and began to actually enjoy himself. He'd deny it later, of course. But being seen dancing with the young professor certainly had its bragging factor.



I can't believe they're already getting on our case about the N.E.W.T.S. Sirius grumbled, frowning as he quickly exited Potions. We just finished the O.W.L.'s last year and now they land us with another ruddy test.

I don't think it's practice for the N.E.W.T.S. Peter commented, still pale from being openly told off minutes before. With how the Dark movement is going... I think they're preparing us for a war without really telling us directly.

Yeah, well what do you know? Judging from your scores I figured you'd be jumping at a chance to take the N.E.W.T.S. Sirius snapped back.

Peter went red, and quickly removed himself from the conversation, muttering something about the library.

Padfoot, you really shouldn't tease him so much. Remus said lightly, trying to suppress his own smile.

He's a twit.

He'll get his revenge someday. It's cosmic law, the little prat's always get some horribly nasty pay back. James said offhand.


-unless he was the one... unless you switched... without telling me?


Remus shook his head, and parted his pack for Advanced Charms.



Summer... Need summer... Sirius said in a mock-desperate voice, sliding out of his seat. Dramatically, he clung to the edge of the table where his homework lay scattered.

We still have a month. James pointed out.

I almost don't want school to end. Remus mused, starting to draw absent swirls all over his Runes homework.

Sirius and James turned as one, stared openly, and blinked.

Why in God's name would you want to stay in this hellhole of schoolwork? Sirius asked, mouth ajar.

Remus began, but paused. I have a lot of work to do over the summer. he said with a mild frown. Staying here is a lot easier, less stressful I guess.

Remus smiled, and chuckled to himself.

I'm gonna miss you lot over the summer. he added.

Why not come stay with us? Sirius suggested. My father said I could have you all over for a week or two up at his farm. He paused, and turned to James briefly. And yes Prongs, it's within flying distance of Lily's.

I'm in. the Seeker agreed, clasping his hands together.

Anything to get away from my parents. Peter mumbled, nodding to indicate he would come.

I'd like to, but-

But nothing. Sirius interrupted. You're going to stay, if not for a few days then the whole time. You're little city can bugger off. he declared, though in enough of a joking sense to make it obvious no offense was meant.

I don't have the time Padfoot. Remus sighed, setting down his quill and rubbing his tired eyes. I have to get a job, there's a lot I need to do. Too much.

You just turned seventeen for God's sake, stop worrying about financial stuff. James muttered. You're not seventeen-going-on-thirty-five you know.

Hey, Moony. Sirius said in a low voice, hunching in his seat.

What now?

Jenny's staring at you.

WILL YOU LAY OFF ABOUT WOMEN FOR FIVE MINUTES! Remus barked.

The Common Room went silent for a second, until small crowds burst into fits of laughter. Embarrassed beyond comprehension, Remus sat back down in his seat and glared at Sirius.

You're very good at getting their attention. Sirius said lightly, tipping his crooked hat to a group of girls in the corner. You must teach me how to do that.

It's a reluctant gift. Remus groaned, letting his head fall to the table as another pack of females strode by curiously, smiling sweetly at him.

They love him, really, because they don't know him. James gathered. If he got out more and actually dated, I'm sure it wouldn't last.

That's a low hit Prongs. Remus grumbled, face still planted on the tabletop. He had absolutely no intention of removing it until positively necessary either.

They like the mystery. Sirius said, still contemplating who he would try to win over for the weekend. You're like a good-looking social outcast... Or something.

Here, take my advice. James started, flashing an encouraging smile that was returned with a scowl.

No thank you. Your advice typically leads to detentions and preposterous amounts of bodily harm.

Just find some random girl and ask her out.

That's disgraceful and rather rude...

They don't mind. Sirius said. A second later, he was hit very hard over the head with a very large textbook.

Last time I look your way again you filthy pig! some girl shrieked, overhearing his comment.

With a painful sort of wince, Sirius shook his head sadly.

Great, now I've nothing to do Saturday ni-

Padfoot, for what's left of my sanity, please discontinue that thought. Remus interrupted.



Remus, where the hell are you?

Rom? ROM!

Where are you?

Rom, where are you?



It's too close Rom... Rom, please, help...


Remus, hey, Remus!

I didn't-

Eyes snapping open, he blinked, trying to take in the hellish images. Except, they weren't there.

Heart racing, Remus took in an unsteady breath.

It had only been a dream.

Kind of strange, you haven't had nightmares all year. Peter said from his bed, rubbing his eyes. They stopped a while ago-

Shut up Peter. James said softly. He turned back to Remus, and smiled with a shrug. Are you okay?

Yeah, I guess. Remus mumbled, falling back to his bed. Just a little stressed-

Here we go again. James said with a laugh. Without letting Remus finish his sentence, he pulled him out of bed and tossed him a robe.

Come on. he said impatiently, waiting by the door, Invisibility Cloak draped over his shoulders.

Remus began, muffled as he pulled on the robe. -are we going?

Mischief, good Moony, that's where. he replied. I'm tired of you being in a foul mood, so we're going to go an wreak havoc upon this poor, unsuspecting school.

Havoc of what sort?

Oh, I don't know. Explosions in the Slytherin dorms, igniting Snape's hair?

Sounds positively wonderful. Remus agreed.



In no time at all, the pair was happily laughing hysterically as they bolted from the dungeons.

Wonder how long it'll take him to realise his hair's polka dotted pink. Remus mused thoughtfully as he pulled a sharp corner, his invisible friend trailing a few paces behind.

He's bright for Slytherin, shouldn't be more than a waking half-hour.

He's especially bright now. Remus snorted, smiling to himself.


A/n- Sorry about the slight update dely, I've had minor computer problems. Not to worry! Thanks for reading, too. Hope everyone had a decent holiday. Actually... No, I'd best lie. :)

Iggie

Fic of the Day: Revelations by JKLB- A nice little fic. Remus Lupin pays a visit to Sirius' mother down in Hogsmeade after he resigns from teaching in Prisoner of Azkaban. Interesting interactions, and a strangely smile-inducing ending. Go check it out.