A/n- I should have been studying this entire time. In fact, during both 74 and 75 I should have been studying. I'm quite convinced that I have ADD when it comes to exam cramming... New updates seem to be the result (that, and a lot of doodles).





Seeing Grey - Part LXXVI - Captive





They've been gone a long time. Remus said to himself, looking expectantly at the clock. For several hours he had remained in the still room, trying to keep himself calm.

They'll be back. Rhint answered quietly. Carefully she stood up, bringing the sleeping boy with her. Motioning for Remus to follow suit, she lead the way to the makeshift pair of cots in her own bedroom.

I let them stay here sometimes, when Caleb and Melhane want the house to themselves. she whispered, throwing a blanket over Corey. Like any respecting father would, Remus adjusted it, tucking it around the child. Awkwardly duplicating the process, Rhint tried to do the same for the other twin.

This is taking far too long. Remus said again, shutting the door behind him as he went back to his chair. It screeched when he sat down, trying not to break underneath him.

It was just as long when I went. Rhint lied, trying to ease his mind.

I know, but... I just have a bad feeling.

If anyone had a Vision, I'm sure we'd be alerted.

Do you trust your own? he asked her sharply, knowing very well that they both disregarded most of the dreams they saw while awake.

she admitted after a long pause, lowering her eyes. They can be changed, it's only one possible future of many... She shivered for a moment, crossing her arms for comfort.

Why didn't you tell me? Remus groaned, getting up in a rush. As he picked up his cloak by the door, Rhint grabbed his forearm.

Don't go. she pleaded, biting her unsteady lip. A fool, she thought, such a fool for trying to keep it from him.

I'll be back. Remus assured, pulling away. She wouldn't let go.

You're going to... You aren't-

I'll be back. he repeated, and not looking back, he slipped through the door.

Tell the town we'll all be back soon. he said from the porch, pausing for only a moment.

Furiously, he broke into a run for the one-way Floo chimney at the other end of the gravel road.



Well, I guess this solves my problem with the school thinking I was with the Dark. Remus said grimly, struggling to keep the chains off as much skin as possible. I wont even have to worry about them anymore.

Try as he might, he couldn't disillusion himself with the irony. Dammit, I wish I knew how Caleb is doing...

Remus eventually stopped his ramblings, letting the engulfing void of darkness take over. His inconsistent breath was the only sound, coupled by frequent intakes of breath when he shifted his body. The silver pierced his mind, forcing him to lose his thoughts.

he whispered to himself, eyes squinted from the searing pain of his bonds. You need to get out of here and find the others.

Taking in a long gasp of air, he tried once more to pull free from the silver shackles around his wrists. The end was result left him staggered forward, hanging against their cruel support.

he cursed to the laughing blackness. God dammit...



...Expecting to file paperwork, for the love of God.

Everything was a colourless blur, a drunken swirl of shapes that couldn't possible mean anything. Sharp sirens of sound sang to him, the faintest whispers of movement whipping his skin.

Someone was there. A scent, something familiar.

God forsaken life of mine never ceases to screw me over.

One eye at a time, as they seemed to be stuck, Remus focused his weary sight.

Don't move an inch, you'll kill yourself. she snapped.

Violating her command, he couldn't help but laugh.

Thank you. Ms. Horder glared, wiping the spurt of blood from her robes. I simply love being here, you know. Came in expecting to sit at my desk all afternoon, but no, there's a Level Two alert sounding.

Distant, everything seemed distant. By the time he would produce a consequential thought to her words, she was a few seconds ahead of him. The lag only allowed him hear every other bit of information.

Git up from Strategic Resources walks out of here with a Goddamn grin...

One nerve at a time, Remus' body slowly lifted from unconsciousness. He screamed out rather suddenly as the fire washed over him.

I told you to not move. Ms. Horder interrupted, carefully pressing him back against the stone wall, avoiding the many gaps on his skin. He flinched at the impact, but soon took comfort in the cold.

Now stay still, there are only a few screws to this thing. I don't have a key so... Hey, hey! Don't pass out, I'm sure as hell not hauling your bloody arse out of...

Remus, trying to whisper a sorry', gave way to his tired body's request.



Where is he? Did the party- He stopped himself, noticing the grave, empty look the young boy returned.

We found him, sir... He was in one of the, in the... Shivering at the memory, the boy turned his head down. He was still hanging there, sir, still... Just hanging, perfectly still.

Lead me. came the weak reply.


Dammit, stop moving! Ms. Horder snapped, grabbing his slit wrist to keep it from involuntarily twitching against the constant shock of silver. Inwardly she cursed, telling off her own organization. This couldn't be legal, she thought, least humane.

she said to herself, not able to make a single one of the thick screws budge. With all his movement, and the obstacle of his blood, it was near impossible to work. Brute force had done nothing, and not a single spell had yet to penetrate their wards.

Biting her lip, the young Auror-in-training looked up to her bloodied student, hanging against the wall. His feet don't even reach the floor yet, she thought in disgust. He's still just a child.

This is just wrong. she said in resent to her own employers.


Somebody get them before they escape!

I'm on it!






Whas ap'pening... Where're Cal'b an' the others?

Did you hear something in there?

Probably woke up.

The door, he reasoned there had to be a door somewhere in the mass of emptiness, clicked. A second later, a blinding flood of light made him cry out.

Ms. Horder whispered, pulling her hood over her head. I'm sorry... I can't fight them here. With a regretful look to Remus, she disappeared in a cloud of grey smoke and colourful sparks.

Maybe the little boy will finally talk, now. one of them men chuckled, pulling out his wand.

Shutting his useless eyes, Remus let out a small cry.


We're useless if we don't get out of here! We have to go now!

I'm not leaving him behind.

He's dead! Let's GO.

Fuming, Caleb hit him across the face. I'm not leaving ANYONE behind, got that? He saved your sorry carcass before, now return the favour! This isn't a choice anymore.

Stop it... Remus pleaded, no longer capable of screaming, too numb to feel the pain. I don't know, please, just stop.

Doesn't matter if you know or not, ya' damn beast. You're all the same, prancing about in delight of the Dark rise. Where's your master now, hm? Your little Dark Lord doesn't even seem to care for his dirty little pets. We'll slaughter all of you before you even get the chance to run home to your Daddy.

Face smeared with the salt of blood and tear, Remus hung against his chain, softly weeping to himself.

Please stop...



Someone was coming, he could hear the faint tap of every step. Afraid to open his eyes to more pain, Remus let himself fall limp, pretending he was somewhere else entirely.

The door opened, and he remained still, wanting to be rid of his hell at any price. The thought crossed his mind to just let them finish him, though he couldn't summon the strength to call out anymore.

The blackness returned, leaving him to mutely sob to himself for comfort, for recognition of anything at all.



It's too risky for you to take him alone... There should have bee dozens of you.

They left. the voice whispered, harsh from either damage or rage. I stayed behind to get him.

Noble of you, but damn foolish.

Like a bitter honey, he thought to himself, mixed with the scent of dried flower. So calming to be lowered into a field of such.

His eyes are open, but...

He's alive. Ms. Horder assured. Let me take him,

I think your coworkers and yourself have done more than enough.

Dammit, I may work here but I sure as hell don't agree with this. she snapped. Look, there's a sizable bounty for your head, you need to get yourself out of here. There's no time for you to be stalling to keep him safe as well safe.

He's better off with us-

Better off, huh? We sent him back because he was having a rough time at Hogwarts. I figured a vacation would be beneficial, so I argued with the Headmaster and eventually brought him overseas. It may well be my fault for putting him in this situation, but it's yours for leading a child off to fight a losing battle!

Caleb narrowed his eyes, scowling. It's because of your damn Ministries that he's here. And I'll have you know I left him behind-

They're in here!

Ms. Horder cursed, and gathered Remus in her arms.

He needs medical attention right now, I'm taking him back to Hogwarts.

If you Apparate with him, he'll die on the way. Caleb pointed out, grabbing hold of Remus' arm.

Rubbing her eyes, she nodded.

How many more are in his condition?

There's a little girl near dead, two of my raid crew around there, and about a dozen at various levels of injury.

she whispered, looking at the door expectantly, praying it wouldn't open anytime soon. They need St. Mungo's, but I know they can't... I'm going to send the Hogwarts nurse to your city.

What? You're sure as hell not!

They're going to die, kid. she said. Without proper treatment, there is no way any of them are going to live. He is my student, nodding to Remus, she felt a twinge of guilt within herself. Her suggestion had allowed this to happen. therefor I'm responsible for his well-being. Refuse her in, and don't doubt that I'll report the lot of you. It's my job, after all.

Caleb cursed at her cocky grin, how she knew she had won the fight.

What's the quickest way out of her? he asked, defeated.

West entrance is near, but it'll be blockaded. Go to the fifth floor and walk into the coffee lounge, it should be abandoned. The coffee is horrible. she said with a little laugh. There's an open Floo there, since all the security will be elsewhere. Just take the main elevator, no one will suspect it. You're clever, they're expecting your former routes, so they'll only be guarding the smaller exits.

Nodding, Caleb pulled the boy into his tired arms, and started for the door.

Why do you let us escape, so many times? he finally asked, the question on his mind for several months. There's no benefit for you to keep hiding us.

Ms. Horder smiled sadly, her eyes losing their brilliance for only a short moment. What they're doing is murder, and it's my job to stop the Dark.

We're Dark creatures, though. Caleb reminded.

You're only what they force you to be. To me, you're the victims.

Glad to hear that an outsider finally sees that. he said as he disappeared from view.



I cannot continue to treat him here, any of them!

They're not leaving. This is the only home they have, and-

And they're going to die in it if I can't get them better attention!

Bloody hell.

Both turned around, and immediately went to the one bed pulled away from the other dozen.

Jesus Christ, Remus, we thought-

Drink this. Madame Pomfrey interrupted, forcing him to swallow a very foul substance. He objected to the taste, sputtering at the cross of decayed salamander and Dorlip hide, but did not complain outright. It filled his body with a sharp jolt of warmth, something he most was grateful for.

Thought I was dead. he said, rubbing his cracked throat. It seemed every inch of his body was covered with the same thin lines.

Caleb, smiling as if the world had just found peace, didn't restrain himself from hugging the boy.

Don't do that again. he reprimanded quietly, ignoring the nurse's protests. I didn't want you coming along on this one, it's getting too dangerous for you. You're the only one with a life outside, I can't let you come on the raids anymore.

You didn't come back. Remus choked out, swallowing the bit of blood he had tasted in his mouth. So I couldn't let you be taken.

Madame Pomfrey scoffed in disgust at their stupidity.

If it weren't for Dumbledore and that blasted woman, I would turn you in and end this nonsense. Personally, the whole lot of you belong in a mental institution. Barking mad, you are. It's suicide to run off like that, at the Ministry no less!

The two smiled. It isn't insanity, Madame, it's just a way of life.

Not understanding them at all, the young nurse frowned and muttered to herself as she went to check her other patients.



You really have a knack for nearly killing yourself. Sirius said with a respectful grin.

Ms. Horder stormed back into class this morning, during Charms, and dragged us out. Literally, I mean... It still hurts. Peter commented, rubbing his neck.

We thought you had died or something. James offered, the only one of the three looking genuinely worried. Sirius and Peter had just accepted the fact that Remus was accident prone and indestructible and hadn't troubled themselves with worry. The way Horder was rambling, and what with the news article-

Remus asked, frowning. If he was mentioned in the news, it would be the end of his Hogwarts life.

Yeah, the Prophet wrote about it this morning. Long article that explained absolutely nothing. There were only bits and pieces about werewolves, but we figured you would be involved. Sirius laughed. Stupid git, you're granted a vacation and you go and do this.

We got nine out, though. he defended, looking off to the side of the emptied out building that served as a hospital. That lived, anyway.

Don't worry about him getting killed, Caleb interrupted, coming in through the side door to avoid the snippety nurse. I'm sure as hell not letting him come anymore.

The Marauders smiled, all glad that their friend wouldn't be in danger any longer.

Caleb, that isn't-

Fair? You're right, it isn't fair. I shouldn't be allowed to chose for you. he finished, shaking his head. It's also unfair for me to expect you to be the hero any longer, for any of us to. You have a life outside this scrap of a city and I'm not going to let you gamble it for a pack of renegades.

Remus, biting his lip in anger, looked down the length of his bed to his shattered legs. I can still help, once I'm better... I'll graduate soon, you know, and I can come back to help here all the time. It wont be a problem then.

No, you're going to get yourself a job. James said in place of the town leader. I understand what he's saying Moony, and I'll have to agree.

You guys, come on! Remus complained, sitting upright with difficulty. So I take a fall every once in a while, that doesn't mean I should quit altogether! Haven't we always been taught to keep trying-

You shouldn't be taking the falls at all. Caleb mused solemnly. It's not your place to risk your own life, it never was. I was a fool for letting you before.

This... God, come on! I hate us being here as much as anyone else, I hate everything about how we're forced to live. Just because I'm an exception doesn't mean you can exile me from helping you.

James, Sirius and Peter shared a quick glance, knowing what Caleb was implicating was wrong, yet still wishing it to be so.

Remus, as much as I care about you kid, I'm going to have to tell the gate keepers to deny you entrance.

he roared, trying to push himself out of the bed. Sirius forced him back down with the greatest of ease, shaking his head.

You're only hurting yourself by staying here. Caleb said softly, not meeting Remus' gaze. Every time you come back, you grow a little more attached. And then you leave, tearing yourself apart bit by bit. Not to mention you've nearly been killed more times than I care to remember.

But I haven't. Remus snapped, scowling visibly. This place is my home, you can't just kick me out because I was caught ONCE! Dammit, I helped build this!

Exactly. You've done your duty, now it's time for me to do mine. I'm sorry, but this is for your own good, kid. You're going to destroy your own life if I don't stop you from it.

Sirius kept his grasp tight on Remus' shoulder as Caleb left in silence.

Guys, come on! Remus asked, pleading for his release. I belong here, dammit, he's going to ruin everything!

Moony, look at yourself. James said quickly, helping to confine Remus. You could have died, again. It's noble, and I understand how you feel-

How could you possibly understand? You don't know what it's like! Remus yelled. Nodding, James agreed in part.

But I do know what it's like to watch people suffer, Moony. Caleb is right, you're tearing yourself apart living in two worlds. You may like this one better, but it's going to be the end of you.

It should be my choice. Remus groaned, falling back against the comforting pillow. This is my life...

We just don't want you to give it up when there's another choice. Sirius said quietly. We care about you Moony, whether you like it or not.

Grumbling about injustices, Remus simply nodded. He could appreciate their concern, and revel in the fact that they felt he was worth all the trouble, but...

I guess this is one thing I'll let someone else take care of.' he finally reasoned, shutting his tired eyes. Maybe God will give me a little slack, now, a little peace outside this hell...'

I think he needs a vacation from his vacation. Peter sniggered, leaving with his two friends to find a person willing to lend a spare room.

He needs a vacation from life, Wormtail, that he does. James muttered, wondering whether he should smile or frown. It was one of those few situations in which neither seemed appropriate.

Hey Prongs, do ya'-

Remus will kill us if we bother her. he interrupted, knowing exactly what was being planned. Seriously, my friend, don't doubt that he'll come after us.

He's crippled. Sirius objected, discouraged that he had no fellowship for his mischief. He suddenly broke into a laugh, and had to stop himself from falling over.

What's so funny? Peter inquired, thinking Sirius had finally gone mad.

Just... The mental image, of Moony... Running after me, flaming red, you know. Just gimping along all embarassed-like and screaming at me, but... God, he'd look hilarious hobbling after me! Oh, screw it Prongs, that's incentive to go and peeve him!

Sirius, wait! That girl's insane, she might pull her bloody knife out on you again, or-

Just let him be. James said, grabbing Peter before he tried to run off after Sirius. He's a lost cause.

We're all lost causes. he groaned in dismay.




Thanks for reading... I have exams, so, uh, wish me luck? God, I'm going to need it. I've been writing instead of studying! EECK!

A very, very neurotic Iggie



Reader Responses:

Only Human: Ah, Rhint's idea of God rejecting werewolves is actually a very old philosophy. Since they were creatures of evil, created by demons and the devil's followers, they were frowned upon by Christian society. Rather like the witch burnings, werewolves would be prosecuted and put to death if there was reason to believe the individual was cursed. Being demon creations, they were denied entrance to church and at times forced to denounce themselves of faith publicly. Then again, this is only lore, but I felt it would tie in with the story, what with how the wizarding society feels about werewolves. I think it should be rather similar to how the old Christian views were.

FlamingElf: Sorry, my mail was going to Penruia instead, one little typo... It's now fixed!