Seeing Grey - Pat XCI - Hiru no Tsuki
Quiet, urgent whispers spread through the congregation like petals in a sudden gust of wind, winding their way carelessly through the ranks. Eyes spread wide, mouths were left open in awe, and excited fingers pointed while edging on kin.

I can't believe... He's here!

the man said harshly, sneering viciously at the young, gossipy woman. She paid no attention to him and ran off, her filthy skirt bunched in her hands, to spread the news.

Emitting a guttural, throaty loll of discomfort, Remus tilted his head. Without the strength to hold it up, his neck gave way and rested his heavy head against the back of the burly man's arm. His tired eyes were granted passing glances of the resting pack, settled in their temporary camp. It was little more than everyone sitting by their possessions, a few small campfires lit to roast freshly captured game.

The land was dry, supporting little vegetation beyond withering moss and the thick of trees. It was very difficult to move the few horses and select wizard-bred variety of cattle they were traveling with. A small pen had been made, with the ten or so beasts tethered between trees. One of the dapple horses neighed violently when Remus was brought past.

A pack of wolves who had made themselves at home with the Underground awoke, and keenly peered at the intruding pair.

With only one eye open, for the other had swelled shut, Remus smiled at the creature.

Worry not, I'm still alive yet. he whispered. Eyes once alight with primal rage slipped into a gentle calm, and a quiet whiney of response echoed through the wood.

Taking a long and filling breath, he allowed himself to drift back asleep, too worn from journey and full moon to try and carry himself.
Found him in Newport, almost dead as the rats he was lying with. The locals made a pretty damn good attempt at ending his life, must've seen him out during the moon.

Though he wished no harm to him, the man deposited Remus on the ground rather clumsily. Rhint rushed forward, scowling at the man, and pushed him away.

Be careful! she snapped, in an instant cradling Remus.

Aye, I mean no ill to him, not at all. I'm tired, girl, it's been a long trip here with him all the way. he said in his own defense, slowly backing off. Without a sound he slipped back into the thick wood, granting himself leave from the reunion.

Shelly, will you try to find Romolus? I'm sure he'll wan to know his brother's back. Rhint said, not tearing her worried eyes from Remus' face. He was pale, far too pale, and in need of the doctor immediately. Shelly would be wise enough to bring him, so she didn't bother to request his presence.

I'll alert Theodore first, Rom's out hunting right now. I'll have someone send one of the wolves after him, they're far quicker than I am. she said with a slight smile. As she left, Shelly paused to rest her hand on Rhint's shoulder, a small gesture whose meaning was perfectly understood.

Inching her way backwards, Rhint rested herself against an old tree, Remus' head cradled in her lap. Before she got comfortable, a small flick of battered wand had a fire struggling for life in front of them.

Remus, why do you always do this to yourself? she asked, not expecting any reply. Always torn between both worlds... Life gave you such a burden.

S'my duty to bear.

Fumbling, for he could not see, Remus found her hand and rested it lightly on his chest. His body seemed to be nulled to any senses, but he could definitely feel her warmth and every breath. The very slightest of smile crossed his broken lips.

Guess there's explaining... To be done. he mumbled. Rather than seeing it, he felt her shake her head in disagreement.

No. For now, we'll enjoy our time. We'll not worry about what's passed and what's to come. Let's rest, today.

Not having the strength to nod, Remus simply let his head fall limply to rest against her stomach, his hand still grasping hers as he drifted asleep once again.
Little Lupin, it's a wonder you're alive right now. Never ceases to amaze me... The young doctor turned around, and pointed accusingly towards Caleb. Same for you, Simmers. You two are wonders of the medical universe.

As long as you can keep us tidied up for the next challenge, everything's just dandy. Caleb said with a small laugh and curt smile.

Well, Lupin, you're free to go as long as there's no more parading in public under the full moon. Theodore said, tying off a bandage. he jerked it, and tied the knot very tight to get the point across to Remus. You've only so much blood in that body of yours, don't go losing any more, alright?

He promptly, and rather noisily packed up his small supply of equipment, frowning and mumbling to himself all the while. With an amused shake of her head, Melhane followed the man to try and calm his nerves.

You do drive him rather insane. Caleb said with another chuckle. He hadn't stopped smiling since he had seen Remus, and made a show of telling everyone that passed that Remus Lupin had returned to the Underground.

I think we both do. he replied with a slight grimace, stretching his muscles for the first time in a day or so. Squinting hs eyes shut and snapping his head once, he forced himself to stand and wake up.

You look positively elated to see me, brother dearest. Remus murmured, leaning heavily to his left side.

Romolus stormed over, and offered a very firm slap across the face as a greeting. Staggering slightly, Remus looked up, eyebrows furrowed in confusion, only to be hit in the opposite direction.

What the hell are you doing here? Romolus nearly bellowed, scaring the few birds who had remained in the forest.

Easy there, Lupin. Caleb said hastily, stepping in before Romolus could raise his hand once more. He just got a clean bill of health from Theo, don't go breaking that.

I'll break his little neck-

Well good to see you, too! Remus snapped, rubbing his face. It still stung painfully on both sides; he could feel the blood rushing to form a bruise.

Pushing Caleb aside, he advanced once more, and grabbed Remus' robes near his neck, almost lifting his brother upward with the force in which he pulled.

The Ministry's onto us, you've been under suspicion too many times, an Auror knows how to find you, and the school year is almost over. What in God's name are you doing here? he asked viscously.

Remus backed up one step, pulling his shirt straight. Frowning and taking another step towards the wood, he lowered his gaze.

Romolus, it isn't how you may think. I didn't just... Give up. Momentarily he paused, and swallowed his nerves. There's nothing for me at Hogwarts anymore. I've already proven it to everyone, and more importantly myself, that I can break the odds. I went, I succeeded in what I tried, and I found friends who would do anything for me despite my curse.

He choked up. They would understand, they would have to. But he also knew he would have to make the Underground move on to escape not only the Ministry, but the Marauders as well.

Graduating would prove nothing I haven't already learned for myself. And besides, Rom, I belong here. You know that, deep down. Hogwarts was nice, but it's over. I wanted to leave on my own terms.

You went so far, brother, only to back down. he answered, looking absolutely crestfallen.

I don't feel bad about leaving, it was of my own accord. Stop looking like the Ministry just captured me.

Don't even joke of that. he snapped back instantly.

Remus nodded, and shrugged lightly. Rom, I'm here to do what I should have started years ago. It's time I take lead of this.

With only a slight moment more of his disappointment and anger, Romolus allowed himself to accept the current reality. His words couldn't change his brother's mind, and there was no use wishing otherwise. He wouldn't go back unless it was of his own will.

There was a slight rustling off towards the thick of trees, and the three men turned to find Rhint rushing through.

she screeched, lunging at Remus and holding him out in front as a human shield. Before he had time to ask what was wrong or worry, he was tackled to the ground.



Laughing, and trying to roll tot he side to lift himself from atop Rhint, Remus managed to grab each of the boys.

Calm down you little runts!

Not so little anymore. Rhint grumbled angrily, brushing the dirt from her shabby clothes. She watched rather ruefully as Remus and the twins rolled about on the ground in their own playful wrestling match, tangled together in a multi-limbed mass of dusty hair and laughter.

Good to see you're all still at strength. he said with a chortle, shoving Corey to the ground and sitting atop him. In no time at all, the young boy had flipped his adoptive parent to face the dirt.

I give! I give! Remus yelled out, smiling in slight pain. Caleb, get them off of me!

Oh, hell no. the man snorted, taking a few steps back. Last time I tried to break up one of their fights, well, I wasn't moving much the next day.

In a single moment, a quiet breath of air, a gentle laugh, a heart throw between family, a shake of the head from a standing stranger, they all ceased their greeting and stood in stunned awe, eyes alive.

Caleb, get them out-

His sentence was cut off, as a hooded figure burst through the thick of wood before he had time to make the request. Instinctively, he pulled both boys to him, shoving them behind his legs as he drew his wand.

Summoning the noise from the depths of his chest, Caleb let out a shrill, echoing cry that was not quite human, though tinged with the howl of a wolf in distress. The old alpha had let the warning ring, and in a moment, every being that heard had snapped to attention.

The Underground was a blaze of movement. Swift bodies twined through the wood, their footsteps mingling in with the braying of livestock. Every able being of the curse was in a frantic, yet fluid rush of defense.

Remus closed his eyes, and for his thoughts, time its perpetual flow seemed to slow almost to a halt. He could feel every breath of the twins on his hand, feel their light clinging to his pantleg and hear their soft whimpers of instinctual fear.

Behind him, the snap of a single twig at the forest floor made the hairs of his neck stand up, his ears twitch backwards, his palms begin to sweat. A spark traveled like a raging fire to his mind, his senses catching the familiar and chilling scent of two individuals.

Pupils dilated to an unnatural degree, Remus struggled to gain control of his logical mind and suppress the wolf. He spoke nothing to the young boys, but they knew well enough his message. They were of the canine mindset as well; under attack, they all reverted to their primitive selves. Immediately they sprinted off at a rate that would startle anyone unfamiliar with werewolves to where they knew sanctuary to be.

Remus' head panned left, and he braced himself for the impact that was coming. He didn't see the figure, but he was aware of the onslaught. In a second, he was on the ground.

No more than a blink in the eye of old man Time had passed until the battle was resolved. A single swift movement had his head slammed against the ground, and too fragile was the skull to withstand the impact. The black-covered body fell to the ground, alongside the pale flesh of Caleb Simmers.

Not sparing a moment to check either beyond a small sniff to sense condition, he burst off to join the fray.
My Lord, I have only the highest distaste for the creature, but I would like to suggest you do not mess with him or his filthy little mate.

Remus tried to open his eyes, but was met with a blinding pain in his head. Almost yelling out in shock, he struggled to take in a breath, so sharp was the jolt.

His wolfen mind took over instantly, and alerted him of several things. On the first degree, he had no idea where he was. There wasn't a single scent that he could recognize as far as location went. And more importantly, he did recognize a few people. One of which he could barely detect as living.

You are classmates with the boy, aren't you?

The man standing in front of him seemed to shiver. Remus shallowed his breathing, trying to take in all that he could without giving off of his consciousness.

My Lord, I beg you to not misinterpret my words as a plea for his life. I wish nothing more than to see this filth suffer for the disgusting dog that he is.

Remus almost smiled. Snape. It made sense, then. The Slytherin had joined in on the raid, and apparently that explained where he was in part. Some sort of meeting point for the Dark mages.

And the two laying at each side, almost devoid of life. He shivered, against his will, as they were so close to fading away.

I do not doubt your hatred for the creature, my dear boy; you cannot lie to me. Your intentions seem somewhat unclear, I must confess.

He is the leader, the alpha if you will, of that mangy pack. To end his life will only send them in an uproar. They will not fear your power, they will only rebel against it. If you wish to bring the pets of your darkness home, they must come to respect their Master. Overthrowing their structure will make them run. he replied, his voice cold and monotonous.

And you are proposing what, young boy? You would do well to prove your loyalty... I am open to suggestion.

Small whispers echoed through the area, seeming to swirl and follow a path unnatural for any sort of room or clearing.

Send him back, My Lord, and allow his woman and the child to go as well. Leave them as they are. They will see your power, but also that you control their fate. One by one they will defect. We left many for dead, so they know your power. But end their lives, and there will be too slim a chance for any to answer the Call.

Bastard.' Remus thought to himself. The hollow, lifeless voice that belonged to the said Lord had begun to answer, but stopped. So slowly Remus felt him moving closer, though he caught no scent. He seemed to possess no scent at all.

A cold hand gripped his neck; a chill like liquid ice swept through his body as he was lifted upwards.

Little wolf, trying to make such a name for himself. How brave you are... Yet such a fool. There is no life for the path you've chosen... There will be no life for your kin if you continue so. I will have you for my pets, or you will die. There is no choice. it hissed, the noise ringing in Remus' ear. He opened his eyes, but by then he had fallen to the ground atop of Rhint.

Severus Snape peered down at him, his face hidden behind a thing mask of black cloth. His eyes were empty to anyone else, but Remus saw what wasn't said. With a halfhearted nod, Remus let his head rest and allowed the darkness to engulf him once more.
Remus, how are we going to get out of this mess?

He shook his head very slightly, unable to reach more a degree of rotation. Everything was sore, and his head was alight with a fire of pain if he tried to move.

The Underground's going to fall apart, whether by deaths or loss to this Dark Lord' and his followers... But I'll be damned if I abandon this. I'm not giving up.

A hand found its way to hs shoulder, and Remus tried to look up. With a cringe, he instead waited for him to walk around into view.

Back from the grave so soon, are you Caleb? Romolus laughed, giving him a welcome slap on the back as he helped the aching man sit down.

Why he didn't finish me off... He knows better than to restrain himself when using the Killing Curse. Hell, he's about the only one of them that knows.

Shouldn't they be awake by now? Rom asked with a yawn. It had been a very long night. Hardly anyone of the considerably smaller Underground had slept through the night, and the breaking sun was a dim reminder of the previous trial.

Caleb nodded, and shifted his weight upon his cane. Doc Theo says they'll be up pretty soon... Corey woke up right away. Little runt has more spunk in his soul than a human body should be able to restrain. he said with the hint of a smile. He's off with Jason right now, singing high-tales about his

And Rhint? Remus asked, looking outward across the hill. Not so long ago, it seemed to him, they had laid out at the very spot one still night, listening to the silence around. The same ghost shadow of the moon had hung overhead...

She'll survive. Caleb answered, though his voice seemed more strained. Theo says she's not well enough suited to survive the curse, since her blood's so mixed as far as magic goes. The more pure wizards or Muggles fair better, as do those who were double-bit. I can only assume Corey's recovery was because of the pure concentration of lycanthropy in his veins.

When will she be up? he repeated, not wanting a lengthy lecture on the workings of werewolves. He had far too much time ahead of him to ponder such mysteries; now was the time to worry for what was present.

With a slight sigh, Caleb offered a shrug. A few days, maybe, he doesn't know. None of us can really guess all too well.
Nodding to himself, Remus let his mind distance itself from the rest of the conversation. He could hear mumbling talk of the Curse, of the Call to this new leader of the Dark forces, and of reconstruction. Caleb sounded far too tired, and he wobbled uneasily on his support rod. Every few minutes, Romolus would offer himself as a brace, but the help was never accepted. So much pride...

So what's going to happen now?' he thought to himself, hanging his head down. It was too much to even keep his eyes open any longer, to look around and see the broken souls wandering through the smokey wood. He needed rest, he needed to lay down and forget of all troubles so very badly. But peace of mind would not grace him, and instead he had to suffer reality.

Why can't there ever be calm? So often... So often I have to face these wars. I tire... There is only so long I can go on, so thin I can be stretched before I run out.'

To God, to himself, to the very essence of life he spoke without words. Hands folded together on his lap, Remus hunched forward, trying to curl himself up securely.

If I stay, the Underground will face so much pain... This Dark Lord wants me for his own army. But to go there... I could never. I belong with the Light.'

Always trapped in the middle, aren't you Lupin? Caleb asked softly, painfully lowering himself to his knees. You're wanted for the Dark, though you belong with the Light, with your friends and Dumbledore. Yet we need you here. I don't see how we could stay together with you gone...

I can't make this choice, Caleb. It was simple before, almost, but I can't do this anymore. Something... Something has to change.

He stood up, and without meeting his mentor's eyes, he walked off down the small hill, towards the shaken camp of werewolves.

It was his choice to make.
A/n- I know, I'm sorry. Life's been insane again, and I wont bother trying to throw down an excuse. I need to stop slacking off on you guys. More will come when it's written...

Iggie