A/n- Pardon any errors in this chapter by way of spelling, I was in a rush to get it up so it wasn't edited properly. Hope it doesn't distract from whatever joy you find in reading this.




Seeing Grey - Part LXXXI - Whiplash




Figures, no guard to stop me. he said under his breath, pulling his sleeves down so he could push through the silver gate.

And odd silence hung over the narrow passage, and even for early morning he felt it was far too dark outside.

Lupin's back.

Did you see, he returned!

He must have joined...

Maybe it didn't-

Look how he walks, lad, no doubt he resisted.

Ignoring the scattered whispers as he entered, Remus struggled along towards Caleb's home, one he found to be vacant.

Where's Caleb Simmers? he called out loud, looking hopefully to some of the bystanders he didn't know by name. They turned away, retreating back to their quiet homes.



Melhane came out from the hut next door, frowning deeply as she cradled a crying baby she was obviously caring for. Remus, he isn't here. I think he went to find you.



You aren't supposed to be here, Remus. And... Well, one of us had a Vision, and...

he asked impatiently, sitting down on the step. He was almost sure the young girl had heard how his body creaked, and he went red.

She Saw you defect. To the Dark One. Her eyes dropped, as if she was afraid he had turned, though no one wanted to believe it.

I didn't.

She smiled, her eyes wide. Then... Then how are you, I mean, most of us almost died until someone turned-



I can't tell you everything, Caleb forbid me to. None of us really know what happened the other night, except Caleb, and he took a few people out to track you dow-

I know what happened... I had a Death Eater coax me out of the spell.

Not bothering to explain, Remus took whiff of the scent trail, and with his senses heightened, set off again.



Interesting that you would look here for me. Remus said quietly, stepping out of the shadow the porch cast over him. Looking thoroughly relieved, Caleb took an uncharacteristic show of emotion, and embraced his friend.

Thought you might have died, we lost two when they tried to resist.

Yes, before we start that, would you care to explain how you lot managed?

Caleb lowered his eyes, and took a seat on the cold, icy steps. A small troop of about five men and women behind him conjured themselves chairs or simply sat in the snow.

We know, between the hundreds of accounts, that the other night was an attempt to call all of us into the Dark One's army. Because of the Dark magic in our curse, we have a link with him, it seems. He altered our transformation and invaded our human minds while we were separated, when the wolf takes control.

Remus nodded, knowing all of this anyway. The group behind him shifted uneasily, looking to each other in surprise. Apparently, he hadn't informed his pack.

Those of us who had better control when we transformed were able to meet' with those contacting us. Every person reported the same figure coaxing them to join. Eventually, a few of us managed to force ourselves out of the transformation. At around seven, I woke up, and realised the Dark One wasn't going to take no for an answer.

Melhane said somebody joined his ranks. Remus said quietly, looking out. Rhint was in the small search team, staring at him carefully.

Garade offered himself, the damn fool. Saved us all though... Once he agreed to go, he disappeared, and the rest of the Underground snapped back. Caleb said, looking almost ashamed that he had lost someone. How did you survive? I figured that you wouldn't turn, but...

They thought he had betrayed them, Remus reasoned. They weren't out to rescue him; they were out to kill him. Rhint's expression confirmed this, as she tore herself away, nearly crying.

There's a Death Eater I know at Hogwarts, though he's an unusual case. A friend was able to enlist his services... He was able to bring me back.

So, you didn't...

You doubt me? Remus asked coldly, his eyes saddened. Surely, how could they even consider that he would betray? Of course I didn't, I wouldn't join them... Well, not even if my life depended upon it. And it did, so it seems.

Grinning apologetically, Caleb nodded, overwhelmed.

Good... Good. Dammit, I was worried, when we heard of the Vision-

Visions lie. he said shortly, trying to smile at Rhint. For whatever reason, she wouldn't look him in the eye.

What the hell is all the noise out here? I told you, I don't want to be caroled again, ti's getting a little- Remus? Jesus Christ, Caleb... What's going on?

Hi Rom. Remus said simply, turning to greet his brother. Sorry, I guess we rather invaded your doorstep. Hope you don't mind, but a few of my friends came looking for me here.

Rolling his eyes, Remus opened his door, and waved a hand.

Might as well come inside, it's freezing out. he grumbled, looking very much like a fairy tale Scrooge with his lopsided Santa's hat and Christmas print pajamas mixed with such a frown.

Welcome to the Lupin household, in all it's glory. he added grimly shoving aside a rumpled pile of dirty laundry. He wrongly assumed the lot would think him a slob, and a poor one at that, but he forgot that they owned little more than cracked wooden cabins.

I suppose there's a lot to be explained tonight. Remus mused, looking from his tired brother to the equally exhausted congregation of unhealthy werewolves.



H-Hello, Remus.

Smiling, Remus nodded a greeting. How have you and Romolus been lately?

She looked decidedly nervous, and held onto her husband's hand a little tighter. We're good, you know... Starting over.

A loud crash rang off from another room, and Shelly shifted in irritation.

You'd better go cook them something before that kitchen explodes, love. Romolus suggested. And besides, you always say we should have company over more often.

The disgruntled housewife left the sitting room, mumbling rude things about uninvited idiots.

Sorry about them, you know, we can't help but get crazy at the smell of uncooked meat. Remus said, feeling distraught under his brother's stare.

Wringing his hands together, Romolus looked down.

Remus, I'm-

Nothing needs to be said. he interrupted sharply. What's done is done, and I'm willing to set it aside. I don't think either of us are going to benefit unless we forget the past.

For some reason, Romolus broke into a toothy grin, his childish features surfacing from shadowed depths.

You, my dear little brother, are in love.



Flustering, Remus forced himself to look down, fighting the urge to blush.

Romolus hit his leg, and laughed enthusiastically. I knew it! Oh, this is priceless! Since when, and who? Damn, little brother, how could I miss this? He looked almost saddened at missing such an event, but he continued laughing nonetheless.

Let me guess... Surely it isn't anyone from Hogwarts, I know you better than that, at least I think. No, you'd be afraid to hurt her. So it has to be- Someone from the Underground, then, right? I knew it!

Rom, please! They're going to hear you-

I'm such a fool for not knowing, I deserve it though, what I did... But oh, Moony, you have to tell me! I need to meet this girl. I mean, to catch your attention she must be something else-

He glanced nervously to the kitchen archway, hoping no one had overheard the conversation or whoops of laughter. If Rhint came investigating... He shrunk into his seat at the thought of it.

It's rightly about time you found yourself a girl. By the time I was seventeen, hell I'd-



Delighted to have annoyed his brother so much, Romolus broke out laughing again, unable to gain his composure. Really, what's her name? Do I know her at all, even? Don't go hiding your first love form me now, that's just too cruel.

Much to Remus' horror, three of Caleb's pack peered around the corner to investigate the reason for all the noise. That in itself didn't bother Remus, but the fact that Rhint was with them made him hunch as low as he could get, his face turning a brilliant shade of scarlet,

It's her! Romolus realised, booming again. Priceless, simply priceless!

Er, Remus, what's he ranting about? Rhint asked quietly stepping closer. She had an eyebrow raised now, wondering why her friend was so red.

Rhint, this is my brother Romolus... Rom, this is Rhint. he said in a cracked voice, hanging his head down and running his hands through his messy hair.

God have grace and let me wake up from this.' he prayed silently.



Where's Moony?

Dammit, he brings a lot of company with him nowadays... Used to be a loner, whatever happened to that? Romolus asked dully, sipping his eggnog. I suppose he's up snogging his girlfriend, since there's food present and he isn't.

James and Sirius looked at each other wide-eyed, and shared the same thought.

Jesus, there's a feast of red meat in plain view... He must be shagging or something to miss this! Sirius laughed, letting himself into Romolus' home without any regard for manners. james, showing an ounce of civility, shook the eldest Lupin's hand and called a Merry Christmas!' before he followed up the stairs.

Sh, be quiet! I want to hear!

They pressed up against the door they knew Remus to be behind, and crouched down low.

Don't hear anything.

Maybe they're- No, I hear footsteps!

Do you think he's-

Right behind you?

They turned around in unison, sporting the same guilty grin.

Moony, good to see you!

Funny I should find you uninvited in my brother's home during Christmas break... Aren't you supposed to be living the good life at your mansion? he asked James, straightening his robes. And how did you find me here, anyway?

Well, they wouldn't let us in at the Underground, and I figured you're beyond street-sleeping, so me and James did a little digging.

I don't fund half the Ministry for nothing, you know. James said proudly.

Remus mumbled, looking over their shoulders quickly. Does my brother know you're here?

Yeah, why?

Ten people form the Underground tracked me here as well, so I have no idea where you two are going to sleep. Rom's wife is already a little testy as it is.

Frowning slightly, James sighed. I was hoping you would come join us back at my place for a few days.

But if you're too busy with your girlfriend, I'm sure we could reschedule. Sirius said with a smirk.

Glaring maliciously to get his point across, Remus didn't respond to that particular comment. Turning to james, he continued. I need to be here for a while, stay with Romolus and patch up what can be salvaged of our old relationship. I figure if he drinks enough eggnog he'll forgive me, though I don't know what I can do for myself.

Well, I can't really help your dysfunctional family, but I can bring good news that the Prophet will never tell. Sirius said, smiling in a way reminiscent of Slytherin-bashing at a Quidditch match. You know that werewolf resettlement place off the coast of Plymouth?

Scowling madly, Remus swore. More like a slave factory-

Yes, all fine and dandy, but Moony, they escaped! Sirius finished, looking far too excited.



This morning, we heard it over James' Intelligence Spy Receiver. It's this wicked little Muggle radio that was charmed to pick up on government hearings and-

Get on with the escape, I don't care about a rudy radio!

About a hundred of them, managed to escape the guards- He paused, deliberating whether or not to tell of the casualties, but purged ahead. The Ministry's in a right fit over this, and I reckon they wont be able to do anything about it.

With the war going on, they don't have anyone to spare tracking a few escaped werewolves. James added.

More animated than he had been in weeks, Remus could barely contain bouncing in place. His eyes twinkled with a fire rekindled, and he broke into a genuine smile.

Does Caleb know?

I figured I'd let you have first grabs at starting the inevitable rescue operation. Sirius declared, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. Since I helped push this little movement along, can I, perchance, grab myself a position of, oh, command?

James rolled his eyes, and shrugged to Remus. He's damn jealous over all your illegal adventures. For a few months now he's been plotting some way to get himself involved in one.

Moony, you have to let me come! Sirius pleaded, looking like a begging five year old on Christmas Eve.

Sirius, this isn't some little romp around the dungeons with Dungbombs. Remus began, his excitement faltering slightly. I've almost been killed more times than I care to recall, and I usually ended up home only because of the curse's side-affects. No offense to your immense mischeif-wreaking prowess, Padfoot, but you'd be dead before you could even think of something nasty to say to the enemy.

Frowning in a manner not often directed to a fellow Marauder, Sirius took a step forward.

I fully intend to be an Auror once I graduate. That's only a few months from now! I can handle one or two Ministry lackeys.

It's not the Ministry lackeys I'm concerned about. Remus snorted. Remember Rhint and her tendency to pull out weapons in your presence? I don't think you'd help soothe the angry souls of a hundred oppressed escaped prisoners.

Er, he has a point there Padfoot. James interjected, shrugging minutely.

Come on! Sirius yelled, his face twisted as if he had been insulted to the greatest extreme. I'm not going to screw anything up! This isn't fair at all!

Slowly, piece by piece, he remembered a previous conversation with Remus having shouted the same very words. Unable to defend himself from the retort he knew was coming, Sirius stormed off, taking the stairs by two and slamming the front door behind him.

Well... Er, Remus, which room are you sleeping in? James asked, curtly changing the subject to end the awkward aftermath of an argument.

Pointing to the door directly behind them, Remus raised an eyebrow in question. The guest room, why?

Oh, nothing. James said with a perky smile. Just wondering why your unrequited girlfriend is asleep in there.

Fumbling and blushing red, Remus started to snap that she wasn't his girlfriend, but turned around to peer through the open door. True to word, Rhint had curled herself up on his bed, strangling his pillow in her sleep.

Must be dreaming of Sirius. James laughed, craning his neck to see over Remus. Ah, delightful. Isn't that one of the Quidditch shirts Peter bought for you last year for your birthday?

Going even more red, and wondering how she had gotten hold of it, he simply nodded.

Does wonders for her, you know.

If it weren't so close to Christmas, I would suggest you run full-speed.

Well, I'll be sure to include in my prayers tonight something like Thank you Jesus for being born conveniently close to today.' He stood there for a moment, laughing inwardly, though he could not hide his outward smile. I'm gonna go snap some sense into Sirius before he flips out about this. You're right about it, just so you don't feel bad.

I wouldn't have. Remus said shortly.

Yeah, well... In case you're delayed by anything, Merry Christmas, Moony.

You too...

James quickly followed out the front door, leaving a very tired werewolf to go spread the news of release.



Shouldn't we go back to town and get a few more? Ammen, a middle-aged man that had been with the Underground since it's feeble beginnings, asked quietly.

You were the only ones fit enough to travel, and put up a potential fight- sorry Remus, precaution, you know- so going back wouldn't only waste time. I doubt there's even three more that would be able to withstand tracking down a hundred werewolves. Caleb said wisely, leaning back in the chair he had claimed for himself. The small troop had settled into the living room early in the beginning of day, candlelight flickering shadows all around them. An eerie silence lingered whenever they took time to think, making the entire house seem somewhat eerie.

Funny it took them so long to break out...

I know what you mean. Remus grumbled, looking to the shadowy face of his sleepless brother. That settlement has been running for a hundred years without a major escape-

No, I mean after... Romolus trailed off, fighting an internal battle.

You know something more?

My guilt has been killing me, Remus. he admitted, his voice sounding as dark as the room was. What I did was beyond reason, and it's been killing me ever since... I couldn't forgive myself, I still can't. so I had to do something before I went insane.

Remus' mouth twitched into a smile as realisation dawned upon him.

You didn't...

The Ministry sent me there- I'm still in the Beast Division, you know- and I had a bit of fun improving' their security system. The solid-silver walls that used to guard the place, well... It seems they didn't notice my little Transfiguration for a while. Though I must pride myself, I thought, surly the guards would at least be able to tell the difference between polished aluminum and silver? he laughed softly to himself, shaking his head. It doesn't even begin to make up for what I did, but I must admit, it sure as hell feels good to know that I made a difference.

The brothers shared an amused embrace, convincing each other that everything would be back to normal.

You should come, Rom, it'll be like old times when we'd terrorize local authorities. But oh, Shelly will just kill you, wont she? Remus pouted mockingly.

What she doesn't know wont hurt her. Or me, considering I'll be out of the house by the time she wakes up to find out bed empty of myself. he grinned.

Not feeling guilty about contradicting his own preaching about non-werewolves coming for the roundup, Remus went to help plan their course of action, his brother in tow.

Welcome aboard, Romolus. Caleb greeted, offering an accepting nod. It was the first time that an outsider had won his trust, the first time one would be allowed to join his pack for a hunt.

Looking over at Remus, he realised that most every first time' situation had something to do with that boy.






A/n- Well, here's another chapter for you. Hope you enjoyed it :) I had a brief bout of Writer's Block on this, surprisingly enough. Around the fifth page I couldn't think of anything to include... Ah well, it worked out in the end. Cheers.

Iggie