A/n- Sorry for the delay... Unfortunatly, I'm out of excuses, so just complain this time. o_O

Rating- I think this chapter is more PG actually. I cut back on the foul language for once...

Disclaimer- It's not mine! The stupid poo-heads own it all, and JKR... WHY CAN'T THOSE IDIOTS RELEASE THE DAMN FIFTH BOOK???? (There goes my no-swearing resolution... Sure lasted a long time, no?)




Seeing Grey - Part LXII - Homecoming






With a laugh, he fell forcefully to the ground, letting himself be tackled by the six-year-olds.

Hey squirts, how are you? he asked, trying to find a breath of air between the death-hugs.

Daddy, Remus is home! Corey shouted in excitement, jumping to his feet and running to the back of the house. A moment later, he was literally dragging Caleb through the doorway in pure joy.

Hey kid. Caleb greeted with a coy smile, leaning on his cane. Jason, come on now, let the poor guy breath. he added.

Holding up alright? Remus asked once he was allowed to sit upright. Corey had attached himself to Remus' back, hugging him so tight as though he would disappear the moment he let go.

I can walk at least. Caleb said with a shrug. Every time I transform I destroy all the muscles, so it's a horribly slow healing process. he explained with a sigh. I'll live though.

Do you two want to go get some real food? Remus offered. I'm sure Dad's cooking hasn't improved any-

Hey, watch it kid.

And I know a good little restaurant nearby. he finished with a grin.

The twins looked up at Caleb, towards the kitchen, and nodded their heads eagerly.

The people speak. Remus said. So how about you two go get ready, and I'm just gonna stay here and talk, alright?

You'll be here when we're back, right Remmie? Corey asked, pursing his lips.



The two rushed off in search of their shoes and better robes, leaving the older boys to catch up on lost time.



Remus said, scratching at his head.

Anything new? Caleb tried, not knowing where to begin. Neither wanted to touch the subject of the attacks, nor their own well-being.

Romolus' wife is pregnant.

Congratulations to him then! Caleb said enthusiastically. His smile faded after he noticed the lack of joy on his friend's face.

Shelly, his wife, doesn't want me around. Motherly instincts are making her detest my presence. he muttered.

Sad as it is, I can't blame her for not wanting a werewolf nearby while she's carrying a child. Caleb mused. Women will go to any length to ensure the safety of their children, this is just another way for her to do that.

She never had a problem with me before. Remus remembered. At least, not that I knew of... I don't know, maybe she's always hated me, sucked it up for Rom's sake. Wonderful.

Don't be worrying about it, tonight's time to relax. Caleb interrupted, trying to keep away any troubling thoughts. You're home and the Terrible Two need you to be happy. Besides... Come tomorrow you're starting work again.

Give me a break, I just got out of school! Remus said in shock. You cant seriously shove me back to the Ministry, no way! Their security is going to be hell!

Then I suggest you think of a clever identity for yourself by morning. Caleb smirked, grabbing Jason by his collar as he ran by after his brother.



Thanks for taking the runts, Mel. Caleb said, waving slightly as she drove off in the battered pickup.

So where are we going this time?

There's a pub nearby... One my older rescues owns it, so I can get drunk as hell for free. he said with a grin, lazily walking through the busy city streets.

I'm still underage.

So am I. Caleb pointed out. Both shrugged, and continued on.

Showing up hung over to a job on the first day isn't going to make a great first impression.

It can be fixed... Magic has its advantages once you know how to use them correctly.

Remus deliberated to himself for a brief moment, but gave in to the calls of his id.


Is this Muggle...? Remus asked, trying to keep himself aware of his surroundings. It was determined that werewolves had different effects with alcohol, but two drinks in and the world was already becoming a bit too wonderful.

Gravity sucks, you know. he added distantly, nearly falling off his seat again.

A very far distance away (or so Remus thought), the blurry image of Caleb was talking to an even more blurry image of the bartender. Periodically, one of the figures would point in Remus' direction and laugh at something.

Did you really have to give it to him, Jack? I mean, he's only a kid. I have trouble gutting a swallow of that stuff. Caleb chuckled, watching as his friend fell from his stool.

The Full Moon special... One of my more brilliant creations, no?

If you fancy being a drunk werewolf, then yes. Caleb mused. If you'd rather be able to walk at closing time, then no, it's foolish. He has to go to work tomorrow, anyhow.

You have him taking up your shoes? the youngish man asked, wiping out a glass absently with a dirty dishrag.

I can't likely help incapacitated fellows escape if I can barely walk down the street. he pointed out.

Poor kid though, having to go through all this. He's the one in Hogwarts, right?

Yeah. Surprisingly, the school hasn't kicked him out yet. Only a fraction of the staff knows.

He's got hell to live through. Jack said with a frown, his deep facial features shadowed in the dim light. With the war on our kind, and the war for all of us, I don't know how he'll survive. He's going to be front-line on both domains.

Caleb nodded his head, and decided it was best not to worry about that at the moment. Now, it was more important to keep Remus from wandering out the door with some drunk woman.

Hold on there kid. he said, pulling Remus by his robes as he tried to walk by. Men's room is the other way.

Remus flashed a stupid little grin, and staggered off in the other direction.



Remus let out a long sigh, and gratefully leaned back into his stiff chair. After countless pages of paperwork and other means of identification check, he had finally managed to convince the Ministry he wasn't a spy for the Dark movement. Three hours after walking into the scrambled building, he was seated at his desk, casually reinstating the Glamour charm that made him appear to be one Albert Dainton.

Need these filled by break. his supervisor said, dropping a thick stack of folders onto the untidy desk. He was a small man, glasses pushed far up his nose, hair meticulously combed and slicked. Remus figured he wouldn't have any problems with this boss.

he said monotonously, his voice not his own. He waited a moment, and then called the man back. Where can I find... Romolus Lupin? I have a paper here that needs his signature. Remus said with a hidden smirk.

Oh, those ruddy cross-division forms again... the man said, racking his memory in an important fashion. Beast Department... I'd say fourth floor by the coffee machine, near Central Complaints. I can't be too certain if that lot is still around, though. Their whole division was right in the line of fire during the attack, before we relocated them.

Remus went rigid, and realized he hadn't heard from Romolus since the Ministry had underwent a visit from the Dark supporters.

No worry lad, I'm sure the signature you need is fine and about.

Remus said, remembering to grab a random file before he dashed off.

These young lads, always right on task. the advisor mused happily.



I need a signature from Romolus Lupin, he works in the Beasts and Magical Creatures department. Remus said idly, impatiently rolling his fingers across the top of the counter. The elderly secretary frown, and flipped through a register.

And you're sure he wasn't-

No, he's here. Remus interrupted.

Well, he isn't on my register. the lady said rather stiffly.

With a roll of his eyes, Remus walked away and turned a corner of the busy halls. There before him stood a hundred cubicals, a maze of bustling bodies and half-size walls to sift through.

he mumbled.



Have you seen Romolus Lupin anywhere? Remus asked, stopping at a water cooler for a break.



he started work the day of the attack. he explained, hoping to job the executive-type man's memory. Rough brown hair, tallish, looks to be in his twenties.

Oh, that lad! the man said with a smile and a nod. He rightly took charge of the rescue squad right after the Aurors cleared the place out.

Do you know where I can find him? Remus asked in delight, his mind finally calming down. I need his signature, you see.

Not those ruddy cross-division forms! the man laughed. Oh, those are a pain in the ass. Hm, let's see... Lupin, Lupin... He looked around on tiptoes, trying to peer over the cubical walls. His office was blown to shreds, they had to set him up here with all the other survivors. He should be... Yes, there's his desk. It's right along the east wall by the big window.

Thank you. Remus said gratefully, bowing his head in recognition.

No problem Albert. the man replied, catching the name heading Remus' file.





I've told everyone a hundred times, will you please give me a moment's peace during my lunch break? he snapped.

Remus blinked, not quite sure he had the right person. The man before him was tired and beaten, looking as though he had just come back from an intense fist fight after a week's worth of sleepless nights. Once brilliant eyes were dulled and heavy, underlined by shadowed bags.

What do you want? he asked sharply, waiting for the pesky man to leave.

Are you alright? Remus asked, forgetting his brother couldn't recognize him. You look horrible.

If you've come here to provoke me I'd suggest you leave.

No, I mean... Remus trailed off, and shook his head sadly. I just started...

Oh, you're new too? Lousy time to get a job here. Romolus admitted, slowly letting go of his anger. My first day was on the attack, I came in and expected paperwork and was put on search duty. Instead of pushing paper I ended up shoving wallboard and bodies around for twelve hours...

Must've been terrible.

Here, have a seat... Er, I didn't catch your name. Romolus said, conjuring a chair.

Remus stopped, and shut his eyes for a moment. It would be too risky, as much as he wanted to, to tell Rom who he was. he finished. Albert Dainton.

So where are you stationed?

Disposal of Dangerous Creatures.

Something that looked like rage flashed in Romolus' eyes, and Remus had to fight back a grin.

What's so funny? he almost growled.

Not a fan of my department, I see.

What they're doing is wrong. he said, head hung down to hide his face.

Protecting people from possible death isn't wrong in my book.

And destroying lives isn't right in mine. Rom muttered.

Look, it's been a long day. Would you like to go get lunch or something? There's a decent deli down the corner.

No thank you.

No hard feelings? Remus tried, not wanting to soil the opportunity to work alongside his brother.

He looked up, and forced a short smile.



I never want to see another manilla folder for the rest of my life. Remus groaned, letting himself fall into the engulfing cushions of the couch.

Caleb chuckled from the kitchen. Probably a vain request, seeing as you're going to be working there for a while.

It isn't like I have anyone to free, they're so tied up getting the government back in order they haven't the time to hunt down renegade werewolves.

And when they do find the time, you need to be there. Caleb reminded.

This wa is almost a good thing for us right now... No hunters out after our skin.

And the world fears us even more. Caleb interrupted. We're Dark creatures, and the wizarding society will have no tolerance for us once the war is fully engaged.

Remus shut his eyes, and took a moment to relax in the quiet home.

This really is home now.' he told himself with a solemn smile. It shouldn't be, but it sure as hell feels like home.'

Remmie, Jason took my broom n' he wont give it back! Corey screamed, jumping right on top of Remus in the middle of his thoughts. With a short Oomph!', he opened his eyes and let out a groan.

I did not! Jason yelled from their bedroom. He took mine Remmie, honest!

Good boys. Caleb said, smirking. Always remember to tell Remus when you have a problem. Double dessert if you can leave Daddy out of it.

You are one sick bastard. Remus complained with a sigh. This is just cruel, and very odd, punishment.

That said, he removed the parasite from his chest, held him under his arm, and marched off towards the other room.

God I love summer. Caleb mused.

Oh, go to hell Caleb! Remus shouted as he tried to persuade Jason to unlock the door.



Your wife's pregnant, huh?

Five more months. Romolus said with a foolish grin.

Remus said, trying to return the happiness. It was difficult for him to be enthusiastic when he was pretending to be someone else.

Do you have yourself a girl Al?

Oh? Me, er, no. I rather stay away from women. he admitted.

You sound like my brother. Romolus muttered through his sandwich. After a quick swig from his glass, he chuckled. That kid has so much potential, he just holds himself back.

How so? Remus asked, wondering what his brother really though of him. Sneaky, yes, but he was a Marauder after all he thought.

He's bloody brilliant, but he hangs around this lot of idiots. Romolus said, smiling nonetheless. They're dead-loyal to him though, so I can't complain. My brother is rather antisocial, hence him never finding a girl. I think he's afraid of relationships or something.

He may have a good reason to it. Remus said defensively. Ask him sometime, I'm certain he has a reason to it. Unlikely that a relative of yours is just afraid of women.

Romolus grinned, and finished the last of his meal. About time we get back to work, Al. Neither of us could use being fired.

Amen to that my friend.

The pair cleared their trays at the cafeteria bin, both wishing they could stop lying and let their own secrets out.



Here, put this on and be very quiet. Remus instructed, handing over his emerald over cloak.

The girl nodded, tears streaming down her face as she tried to cope with the situation.

I'm here to help, okay? You'll have to trust me if you want out of here. he instructed, walking over. Her shaky hands weren't able to fasten the clasps, so he did it for her. Absently, he flattened her messy blonde hair down, and brushed a speck of blood from her cheek.

When we go outside, smile and just keep walking. Make sure to smile. Remus insisted. If you look casual and just pay attention to what I'm saying, people will think you're a guest. Got it?

She nodded, wiping at her dark eyes.

he said again, tipping her chin up. Look right at me and everything will be perfect. It's lunch break, no one will second guess a passerby.

Hey, Al! Find yourself a girl at long last? Romolus laughed, cutting him off before they made it down the first hallway. So we're off for lunch then, right?

Remus nodded urgently, hoping Romolus would understand.

he said, smiling at the girl. So who do I owe the pleasure?

This is...

she said quietly, still forcing a smile.

Oh, a bit shy? Alright, well I'm gonna go catch Newhark before he goes off. See you around Al, Morgan. he said, nodding to each. with a last grin to his friend, Romolus dashed off.

See? Everything is fine. Remus said under his breath, taking Morgan's cold hand. He felt a trickle of blood stick to his own fingers, but he kept going.

Just follow me.



Doc! I have a new one that needs a run-over! Remus said urgently, trying to keep his voice down. Morgan had collapsed shortly after the special Portkey had brought them to the Canadian Ministry building, and Remus had to carry her the entire trip through the city and thick wood.

Only a week in and you're already bringing me new guests. Theodore sid with an approving nod. He helped the girl to a table in his makeshift office, and removed the bloody cloak from her shoulders.

My my... They do seem to be getting more violent, what with the Dark activity hurting our kind even more. he mumbled, gently tapping her on her face to wake her. Hello dear.

Where... Where am I? she asked sleepily, squinting in the light. For comfort, she moved closer to Remus, looking directly at him. She blinked, recognizing the gentle eyes, but nothing of his new' appearance. Where's the man who brought me here?

I'm him. Remus explained. I work undercover at the Ministry, to help people such as yourself.

But... This place...

Don't worry. he said, sensing the fear in her broken voice. We're all the same here, every last one of us.

You mean... Her dark eyes fell to the window, outside of which a small congregation of townsmen had gathered to await the new arrival. A very young girl with busy red hair waved, and smiled toothily.

the doctor interrupted. And if you wouldn't mind, I'd rather like to clean up those wounds of yours before they get any worse.

With an affirmative nod, Remus parted with his rescue and wandered into the dusty streets, uncertain of how long he would be able to keep it up his act.

Hey, Lupin.



A few of us are heading into town for dinner, want to come along? Helina asked, leaning against the rail of her small porch. A shabby little house stood behind here, one that served as a home for more people than most people would believe possible for something its size.

I'm not particularly hungry. he tried, starting to walk off in the other direction. A little pebble hit him square in the back of his head, and he turned around.

You're a horrible liar, Lupin. she said, wiping the dirt from her hands. Shut up and grab a clean change of clothes.

With a disgruntled sort of sigh, he nodded his head and hurried back to his own little home.


A/n- Wow! I ACTUALLY got this done while worrying about my grades and being neurotic otherwise. ::waits for the applause, frowns at lack of:: Hey, that's a serious accomplishment for a pyscho-depressive person like me. Well, I hope you enjoyed this rather pointless edition of Seeing Grey. Stay tuned for next week... Er, month... Whenever!

Iggie

(Yes, I know I'm supposed to have Fic of the Day. I have no TIME to read people, truly! ::nervous guilty look::)