The Collision Theory | Remus Lupin

41. The Broken Family

Last night was a blur: dancing, drinking, more dancing. But Remus was consistent, like the focus point in a camera lens.
It feels more like a dream in the early hours of the morning, lying in bed, basking in the golden light of the sun. But it wasn't a dream, because Miriam still has bits of glitter in her hair, and mine and Lily's shoes are strewn carelessly on the floorboards between our mattresses.

"Aylin," I turn as the door creaks open, my mother's head peaking in, "Morning krasavitsa."

"Morning Ma."

"Could you get Miriam for me and come down please?" She smiles before closing the door. I hear her footsteps quieten as she descends the two flights of stairs.
What's that about?

"Hey Mim." I shake her shoulder, whispering.

"Sleep..."

"C'mon, mum wants us." I pull the cover off of her, and she begrudgingly gets up. We pass the sleeping figures quietly and head downstairs. There's hushed conversations coming from the kitchen which immediately recede as we enter. Mum and dad sit at the table, the Potters, the Lupins and Mrs Pettigrew all standing behind them, "What's this about?"

"Sit." Dad's voice isn't full of amusement like it usually is, it's resigned and empty. We oblige, sitting across from them.

Miriam takes my hand under the table in fear, "Daddy what's wrong?"

"Nothing, everything's going to be fine Myshka," Mum smiles, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes as it usually would, "we've just... we've just been thinking..."

"We need to lay low," dad squeezes her hand, "we're going into hiding."

"Why?"

"Dmitri don't." Mum hisses, but he ignores her, taking out a crumpled piece of parchment from his jacket pocket. He hands out to me and says, "Your uncle- my darling brother- sent this a few days ago."

The writing was elegant and loopy, and read:
Dmitri,
Though I'm aware that you will most likely- once again- reply crudely, I am obliged to ask you to come back to your family. A new revolutionary has risen, you will know well I'm sure who it is I speak of. Your heritage gives you great advantage, and I'm sure He will allow your children to live If you join him.
If you join us.
I'm also sure that you know your position if you do not accept the invitation. Needless to say, I will no longer have nieces, and they will not have a father or mother.
You have until the 26th of December.
Hoping you choose well,
Ahmet Novak.

"What did you say?" I clear my throat.

"I told him to bugger off back to his mansion." He smiles, but it fades quickly when I don't return the gesture.

I don't believe for a second that his family will be merciful, even to their own blood, "So this is the final straw?"

"Yeah, Ahmet's always been a determined one." Dad shrugs, "If we keep out of sight, he might not be able to find us."

"How long?" I mouth feels dry, and for the second time in twenty-four hours my heart is hammering in my ribcage.

"Aylin-"

"How long?"

"Until the killings die out."

"That could take years!" I begin to shout, but stop when Miriam shuts her ears with the palms of her hands, "Please don't."

"Everything's set, we just wanted to spend Christmas with you all before going." Dad doesn't look me in the eye.

I can feel the hot tears pricking my eyes but I don't let them fall. All the words are gone, my mouth doesn't seem to work. Miriam pipes up, "Are you going now?"