A/n- You know what's just downright sick? Seeing Grey is about 900 pages. I'm not even kidding you. Each chapter is about 11 pages long, times 82... This is ridiculous. I'm ashamed of my lack of social life! THIS STORY MOCKS MY BOREDOM!!!!




Seeing Grey - Part LXXXII - Far, Far Away




Simmers, there's a group of ten over this way! I don't want to mess with them, so I stunned them all.

Good thinking... Ammen nearly had his arm snapped by a bloke half an hour ago. They think we're from the Ministry.

I could use-stop it!-some help over here! Remus yelled, having his face smacked again by the angry four year old. He didn't know there would be small children involved, and this particular one seemed to be very angry.

I want my mum! he wailed, kicking desperately.

Maybe if you'd stop flailing about like an ingrate I could find her! Remus snapped. He looked around, desperate for help, though no one was in sight. The woods surrounding what used to be the werewolf settlement were thick with mist, making the difficult task almost impossible.

Caleb! Where in God's name are you?

I want my MUM!

Oh, for the love of God... Remus muttered, struggling to bring out his wand. A short whisper later, the little banshee was limply hanging over his shoulder, no more trouble. Bloody demonic children. he said under his breath, stopping dead. Angrily he realised he had lost the rest of the pack, and had no idea where they were.

So many people had been through these parts in a short time, a particular scent was impossible to track. His canine mind was whirling, caught in an eddy of spiraling sensations he couldn't keep track of.

he said, walking a few steps forward. he had caught the current of someone's trail, but it was too faint even for him. Hey! Can anyone hear me out there?

There was a rustle somewhere in the distance, and he hurried off. Now, there it was! Surely of an injured person, that was human blood...

Stop it.' he told the wolf, peering around. If only the mist would disappear his task would be so much easier!

Ah, there you are. he said in relief, managing to track the scent to its source.

He set the young boy down, propping him up against a nearby tree carefully (though he felt no desire to keep him in perfect care).

Hey, are you-

What he had wrongly assumed was an unconscious man lashed out at him, though it took little effort to dodge. He was weak, and too slow to ever hope landing a hit.

I'm not with the Ministry. he assured, removing the satchel slung about his chest. He quickly removed strips of broken cloth he had brought along for such a case, and looked the man over. It seemed every inch of open flesh was covered in blood, some already dried and caked to a deep rusty colour.

How do I know that? he asked disorderly, the words hardly forming into comprehensible english. Remus guessed he tried to open his eyes, but they were sealed shut by bruise and blood.

You don't. Remus replied, helping him sit upright. The man objected, edging his left arm in a shoving motion. The other hung limply at his side, shattered visibly.

Figure I'd be dead, though, if you were. he slurred. As he was pushed against the tree, he broke into a violent fit of coughing, blood spewing from his blue lips.

Don't talk. Remus ordered firmly, pushing him back against the tree to steady the boy-he saw now he could barely be older than himself-who seemed too frail to even stay awake. Remus feared that he would be lost soon enough, noticing how much blood had pooled around the area.

I don't want you to respond, just nod or shake your head, alright? he asked, holding a bandage between his teeth momentarily to tighten it. The boy let out a groan, the muscles in his face contracting in pain. Nonetheless,s he nodded.

Have you been out here since everyone broke out?

He nodded, drops of red falling from his sandy hair. Remus put his hand there, and drew it back in horror. The entire topside of his head seemed to be leaking from many wounds.

Did the guards catch you?

He nodded, and opened his mouth to speak.

I'm of the curse as well, speak that if it is easier.

The smallest of smiles formed on his pale face. Someone chased them off, but I heard their shouts. About a mile west, maybe, I can't smell them any longer. They may have died. The guards never returned afterwards.

I see you were shot...

Wasn't silver. Reserve guards weren't prepared, took the wrong ammunition I suppose. he growled, his functional arm twitching as another bandage was pulled tight around his forearm. Remus apologized, and held his small bottle of water up.

Drink, you need it badly.

Not thirsty. Can't, anyway.

Neglecting the decline, Remus held it to his lips and forced him to swallow.

Do you think you can walk?

No. My left leg is destroyed, I felt it crack this morning when I tried to crawl.

Pulling up the grey settlement-issue uniform, looking much like one from a prison, Remus found a bullet lodged below the knee.

You're a right mess, you know that? he laughed grimly.

Guard knew me. Could have killed me, thought it more fun. Was here for two hours, only firing when he felt I was getting used to the pain.



There was a long pause, the boy trying to steady his breathing to little success.

Why are you out here? You aren't from the

My friend has been taking werewolves all around the world and moving them to his city. We've an entire town, just full of us... No one knows of it, so we're free to live in peace.

Oh, you're from... Jericho... They speak of you often.

They know of us? he asked incredulously.

You are our only hope. But, one thing bothers me... Did you not organize this?

Remus shook his head to himself, feeling guilty. They should have tried before.

My brother did, he isn't one of us though. It was his way of repaying a debt.

Send him my thanks.

You can tell him yourself, once he comes. Remus insisted, sitting down finally. he had been kneeling for some time while tying the bandages, and he was loosing circulation in his legs now. Settling on the other side of the tree, he was able to keep an eye on both the child and the injured boy.

What's your name, I never asked before. he noticed.

I was born Luke, though no one has called me that in years. Slowly he reached up to his broken arm, and tore the sleeve away. A serial number was tattooed onto his forearm, bands of circling scars going the length of his arm below it.

Zero one one four zero three. he recited.

What are the scars?

We were banded by silver, all of us, you will find, have the same scar. I was the timekeeper, though. We were never told the days and years inside that place, so I kept record. The lines above are the months since my imprisonment. The lines below my number are for each person that died.

There has to be at least a hundred...' Remus thought sadly, shaking his head again. I always figured it was bad, but this?'

If I die, my brother of curse, please take note of my marks. I do not wish them to be lost.

You're going to be fine, alright? My brother, or the man who founded Jericho, they'll be here soon.

Hundreds of us fled. If you are all out here searching for us, there will be no time to track just me.

You aren't worthless to us. Remus said calmly, shutting his eyes for a moment. Everyone's worth the risk of saving.

Such idealists. Luke mumbled with a choking laugh. I cannot complain, though. In all my years I never gave up hope that I would someday be free. Most everyone thought I was crazy.

It isn't crazy to wish for freedom. Remus replied.



He couldn't remember how long ago it was when he lost the feeling in his body. For hours they had been walking on, forced to haul the injured and weak by magic or strength alone. Remus, rested from waiting to be found, had been given the task of magicking not only five injured, but he had one man on his back as well.

Here, want me to take them? Caleb offered, taking his wand out. Nodding gratefully, Remus cast down his own Levitation charm and exhaled. Flitwick was right, prolonged use of that was very draining...

He was marching on behind a floating body, and it wasn't for some time that he recognized the beaten face.

Told you, Luke, you'd make it out. he said, pushing the person slung over his shoulders upwards a few inches.

Opening an eye with some difficulty, the boy smiled. You never said there was a Healer in your midst.

I didn't know. came the honest reply.

He turned his head slightly, grimacing, as he tried to get a better look at his rescuer.

You're Remus Lupin, right? They told me about you.

Probably far from the truth... Most of the Underground has a very hero-worship view of me. I just happen to be in the right place at the right time fairly often. Remus said.

For that habit, I'm very grateful. Luke said with a short laugh, closing his eye and trying to sleep again.

Looking around, Remus watched the huddled packs of newly freed men and women look around in awe.

So long, it seems, that they haven't seen such a luxury. Caleb said from behind him, his eyes seeing the same. Some of them have been in there their entire lives, never walking beyond the walls.

Is the Underground so different? Most of you don't leave, save for a few trips to buy food.

Smiling, Caleb disagreed. The fact that we can leave whenever we want is enough for us.



Rhint had trudged up alongside him, carrying the child Remus had found before.

When are we going to be to a safe point?

My only contact for this area is another thirty miles. It's going to be a few days, at our rate of travel.

Remus stopped, and a wide grin split his lips.

Where's the nearest town?

We can't go into town-

I need to use a telephone. Remus interrupted, impatiently shifting the man on his back again. My friend James-

He funds the Ministry! I'm not-

He also has his own transport! Look, I just need to the nearest town!

Rolling his eyes, Caleb pointed west, and soon enough, Remus had traded the body for spare Muggle change with another Underground member and was promptly sprinting through the woods.





Hey, Moony, how did everything-

Fine, fine. But the Knight Bus, could we borrow it? There's almost two hundred of us here and some of them aren't going to last the journey to Caleb's safe house.

Sure, but Moony, the driver... James trailed off, and there was a brief conversation on the other end. Alright, I'll send it over. I already know where you are, tracking phone, you know. Modifying these Muggle things is so simple, and-

Thanks James. he cut off, smiling broadly. Send it about three miles east of me, it'll be easier. He paused, and briefly fought with his better judgment. You can come, too, we could use the extra hands. And Sirius, if he isn't still mad.

The other side of the line closed with a snort of laughter, and Remus didn't hesitate to run back to his pack.



Welcome aboard the Knight Bus! Sirius greeted with a tip of the driver's hat.

I am not getting on that thing. Rhint hissed from beside Remus, her eyes narrowed dangerously.

Laughing, he pulled her aside to make way for those being loaded onto the bus.

Geez Moony, we might not be able to fit everyone. James said idly, sticking his head out of a second-deck window.

Well, make room. he shrugged, hand on Rhint's shoulder. She was making movements towards the door, and he knew she was clutching the knife in her pocket. Rhint, please, not now.

How can he find that acceptable? she yelled as Sirius made a rude implication. His damn male logic!

That is an oxymoron if I ever heard one. a young woman laughed as she stepped onto the bus.

Frustrated, Rhint stormed off to the back of the long line of those waiting to board. Remus darted in front of a conjured stretcher for a pair of young girls that had been knocked out, and he sat down on the front seat.

You do know how to drive this thing, right? he asked quietly, not wanting to overhear that the driver was a first-timer.

Oh sure. Sirius said with a goodhearted grin. Prongs told me everything on the way here, and I read the manual.

Seeing the apprehensive look, he rolled his eyes. I got it here, didn't I?

Yeah, well, just make sure it gets back. Otherwise you'll have quite a number of unhappy werewolves to deal with.

Sirius tipped his striped hat, and with an Aye Aye' went back to adjusting various golden knobs by the steering wheel.

Hey, is there any food? someone shouted out. Soon enough, nearly everyone was asking for food, peering around the neat little cabin of the bus.

Caleb, we need to get going quickly. There's going to be a riot soon if we don't get everyone back to the Underground. he called through an open window.

Er, there isn't enough fuel to go that far, you see. Sirius said. This runs off of charged sources, we haven't magicked it completely.



Don't worry, we just need to stop at James' for the night so it can recharge.

Caleb... We have to detour at James' house so this bus can recharge for the journey back. he passed on, slightly disgruntled. Caleb nodded, not wanting to complain about free transportation.

Can his place even hold us all?

laughing, Remus nodded. This is James Potter, after all. Of course he can shelter us... Hell, he could fit the whole Underground in his house with room to spare.

the Gryffindor called from the top deck, shrugging. I've only been to half the rooms there, honestly.

You truly do keep the strangest company. Caleb said with a grateful smile.





Catching their squeal from several yards distance, Remus was able to brace himself for the impending tackle. Instead of being thrown to the ground as he normally was, he swooped the two boys into his arms in one graceful movement.

Hey, how are you guys doing? he laughed, swinging them around in a big circle.

Mellie said that you weren't gonna be back for a while. Corey said, frowning slightly as he was set down. Did she lie?

No, she didn't lie... I'll be leaving in a day or two, and I don't know how often I'll be coming back. Remus said seriously, trying to offer his best smile. But I'm here now, and that's what matters, right?

C'wer play Qu'ditch? Corey asked, running around Remus in an excited circle as he walked towards the long, empty storehouse.

Sorry boys, but I have a little work to do. Later though, tomorrow maybe. I'll sneak my friend's broom, you can fly a real Comet.

Their blue eyes went wide with delight, and they tagged along, whispering about secret flying techniques until Remus had to part.

Cute kids.

Oh, they're not mine. Remus said, flushed red as the woman laughed.

Sorry lad, but they look remarkably like you, and you seemed... Well, fatherly.

Shrugging, he nodded to the chuckling lady and looked around hopefully for Caleb or Garade to receive instructions.

He isn't here anymore.' his conscience reminded, and he felt a twinge of pain. They had lost one to the Dark already.

Ah, Lupin.

An orderly looking man a few years his elder appeared, holding a clipboard and a hovering quill. We could use a spare set of hands over in the hospital, if you can find Theodore-

I'm not the best of Healers. he admitted quickly, not wanting to be on medical duty. It would run well into the next morning, and he needed sleep.

Well, the boys out hauling everyone in here could sure use a little extra power-

Nate, don't even. I'll not have you taking him to grudge work.

The sandy-haired man shook his head with a smile, and waved in a dismissive fashion as he walked past. Romolus, grinning ear to ear, took his place.

You know him?

Ah, he was at the Ministry for a while. Romolus explained, wiping a streak of mud on his forehead. He didn't succeed in removing the dirt, only spreading it wider. Remus said nothing, concealing his amusement.

Well, dear brother, you seem to fit in very well around here. he said with an approving look. Various people passing by would stop to greet Romolus, tipping a hat, or merely acknowledging his presence with a nod.
Yeah, I was a little worried at first. he confessed, sighing. I hadn't really been involved with anyone before, only Caleb and the like... I guess the name holds enough respect around here, they accepted me right-off.

Lupin, holding respect. Remus tried, the words sounding strange coming from him truthfully. How odd, isn't it? All the years we spent being the filth and scum, yet now...

Now you're a saint, with Caleb I mean, but it seems a lot of them favour you. Romolus pointed out. From the corner of his eye, he saw a young girl trip, and he quickly sidestepped to grab the tray of potions she had been carrying. Almost bowing gratefully, she scurried off, red in the face. Romolus laughed out loud, and shrugged.

Why would they prefer me? He started this, He indicated the room, and the town and all its people. without him-

Without you there would be no hope to tie it together. Romolus interrupted, donning a small, serious look. I see how everyone looks at you when you don't notice them. They take comfort in you, little brother, because you broke the norm. Making it to Hogwarts, surviving more than your share of hazard...

I'm only human, Rom, don't they realise that? he asked, the words directed almost to someone else he couldn't see. Someday I could fail, and if they place too much in me-

But you wont fail, never completely. was the warm response. Even if you were to die they'd only see what you've accomplished.

What I've accomplished? Remus asked himself, his tone almost humorous. I can see that they look up to me for hope because I escaped the stereotype, but... I just don't think they should hold me so highly. It's only going to come back to hurt them in the end.

Well, they do, little brother. Like it or not, you're their hero.

Remus shook his head, and pushed through the crowd surrounding his brother and himself. He wasn't in the mood to deal with anyone now, the words spoken having destroyed his desire to help out. Those around him felt the unsaid message and allowed him space to think.

Remus walked for some time, not seeking anywhere in particular, just feeling the need to move, to busy himself without being involved in anything. Eventually he sat down on a mossy patch of hill overlooking the stone building below. The lights were on, sparkling through the windows, the light blending with the soft hues of sundown.

Rare for me to find such a calm. he sighed, falling backwards gradually. The ground was damp, cool from the winter evening, and it soothed his sore back. I suppose it wont last much longer...

He closed his itching eyes, needing to relieve the stress of being awake any longer. Slowly, he took in a deep breath, something he had neglected for far too long. The air filled his lungs, brimming with an energy he didn't want to release. So long since he had felt this way, his mind clear. Seldom could he lock way his thoughts and truly relax.

A dull smile across his lips, he turned his head to the side, ready to let consciousness slip away.

Someone was there.

In the back of his mind, he recognized the person at once.

She lay down beside him, close enough for him to feel the warmth and steady breathing upon his face.

It's cool outside. she muttered, shifting slightly. Calming, isn't it?

Remus mumbled something incoherent, a simple noise of agreement.

Obviously she sensed his thoughts, and became silent. With only slight hesitation, she moved closer, pressing against his side. He felt a hand cover his own, and to his own surprise, he relaxed.

It'll be like this forever, someday. Rhint whispered to the rising stars, the shadowy wisp of a waning moon. We'll have peace someday...

Remus said, believing the words he had so long denied. some day, there will be peace for us, calm like this...

They both lay together, neither speaking again. For some time they remained alone, basking in the tranquillity of the hill.








A/n- Yeah, where the hell did that come from? :: shrug :: Iggie's been feeling a little weird as of late, so don't mind if the next few chapters are of a new variety. Fear not!

Iggie

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Again, I send my deepest thanks out there to everyone reading. Many of you have neglected school or work to scroll through the pages, and most all of you have more than once stayed up until the early hours of morning. Newcoming readers, you have a sort of determination I admire, for 80 some chapters is a lot to catch up to. My old and faithful friends, I thank you, truly. You keep Seeing Grey going!