Rescued

Go Home: Remus

I took a bite out of my chocolate as I walked the streets of Switzerland.

It was okay, but it didn't match Honeyduke's.

I felt so empty. Harry-gone. Sirius-gone. Even Lily, who I was accustomed to having at my side, wasn't here with me. Remus, it's for them. You've got to stop. I shook my head determinedly and walked on.

"Excuse me, sir, are you interested in something to drink?" I turned to find a pretty blonde holding a tray full of drinks.

"No thanks," I said, not wanting anything at the moment.

"But sir, these are the finest fruit juices in the whole world, made here locally, right in Switzerland." She held the tray out towards me.

"Well, if you--" a hand on my shoulder stopped me.

"Mr. Lupin, we've got to go," said a low and familiar voice. Kingsley Shacklebolt was gripping my shoulder very tight, and muttered something under his breath at the girl. She turned with wide eyes and fled. We walked towards a restaurant, where we sat at a table. I had vanished my broom earlier, but realized I was still wearing my robes. I looked around and muttered something, and they turned into a black collared shirt with grey slacks.

"Why are you here?" Kingsley asked gravely, looking at me with worried eyes.

"I've decided to take a vacation, get a breath of fresh air." I said evenly.

"Alone? Where's Sirius? Haven't you read the news lately?" Kingsley looked urgent now, and leaned across the table. "Remus, there are hordes of Death Eaters here! Remnants of You-Know-Who's old supporters who are still hungry for power! You shouldn't be here! The Daily Prophet was ordered to write a notice on that!" Kingsley looked into my eyes. I shifted uncomfortably. Kingsley's voice took a less urgent tone. "I don't know why you're here, but you certainly don't need to be. You shouldn't be here. I'm here on Ministry work trying to find them. That girl that offered you a drink was one of our most wanted. Go home, Remus. You have to go home." I didn't move a muscle on my face. Voldemort's supporters were here? How had I not heard about this? I definitely hadn't read the Daily Prophet recently, not since I had attacked Sirius. Kingsley seemed to see the wheels spinning in my head. "Remus, just go back. To London. No place is safer. France, Germany-- all these places are filled with Death Eaters. They have tons of followers and so many have been injured or hurt. Don't go to the Americas either. Unless you want to freeze in Antarctica, go home."

"I can't, Kingsley. I know I shouldn't have left--there's no place I'd rather be than home right now, but I nearly killed Sirius. It's for the safety of my friends and loved ones that I'm not there right now. The offer sounds tempting, but I'd freeze in Antarctica before going back ho-to Britain." I licked my lips and looked away. I was breaking my own heart with my words, but it had to be done. There was no other way.

"And do you think that Sirius hates you for it? From what I hear, he's alive and doing well. He's very angry with you for leaving, and is organizing a search party with Harry. You'd better go back before you get them in danger by leading them here. They all still love you and want you home. Go home, Remus." Kingsley was earnestly saying this, and my eyes filled with tears. They still wanted me.

"It's too dangerous." I said, cursing the lump forming in my throat.

"Do you think they care?" Said Kingsley, raising an eyebrow.