"FILTH! MUD! DISGRACE OF MY FLESH! HOW DARE YOU!" The voice shrieked through the night as the man burst from the house. He ran through the night, trying to get away from his past.
Finally he found himself in an empty field. Tears streamed down his face as he fell to the ground, gasping for air. All he had with him was a bag of money and his wand. He had to find someplace to stay. But where should he go?
His friend was out of town. He wouldn't be back for another week or so. But, his other friend had said he would be at home. Just in case.
Slowly his breathing returned to normal. He pulled himself into a sitting position, wiping tears of his face. Shakily, he stood up and headed for the road. When he finally reached it he held out his right hand. The Knight Bus leaped into view. The conductor swung out of the bus.
"Welcome to the Knight Bus…" The teen began, before catching sight of him, "Blimey, mate. What 'appened to you?" He stared.
"Nevermind, Jake. I gotta get away. Can you take me…?" The man gasped. Jake waved a hand.
"I know exactly where to take you. Got me orders, you see. Got an owl 'bout a week ago, tellin' me I wasn't allowed to take you anywhere but this bloke's house. Offered me five galleons when I got there. Get on." Jake motioned for him to come inside. The man stepped aboard.
"Who sent it?" He asked.
"Hell if I know. No signature. Crazy bloke told me to give you this. Said you'd know what it meant. Me, can't make an ounce of sense out of it." Jake handed him a slip of paper, motioning for him to sit down on one of the beds.
"Thanks. Here's the money." The man said gratefully handing him a handful of money. Jake took it.
"No problem, mate. We'll drop you off soon as we can." Jake sauntered off, grinning. The man looked at the slip of paper. On it were five letters; UMRSE. The man smiled.
"Thanks." He whispered, tucking the paper away.
"Oi. 'Tis your stop, mate," Jake hurried up to him, "Move 'long. Miss. Perkins' feelin' just tad under the weather. We got to get 'er home." The teen ferried him off the bus.
"Thanks again, Jake." The man nodded to the conductor.
"No problem, mate. Take care of yourself." The bus doors closed and with a bang, disappeared.
"I'll try." The man sighed and headed for the house. He could feel a bruise rising on his cheek and hoped it didn't look too bad. He knocked on the door. It swung open to reveal a tall, blond man.
"I was hoping it was you." Said a voice from inside. The man grinned as the figure bounded out and gave him a hug.
"Such trickery. Bribing the conductor." He laughed.
"Well, I was afraid you would run off to Diagon Alley. Then what would I have done?" The other man pulled away.
"Come searching for me I expect." The man rolled his eyes. Suddenly his friend caught sight of his face.
"Oh, what did they do to you?" He touched the bruise lightly. The man winced.
"I'm fine. It's just a little bruise." He tried to smiled, hoping his friend would drop it. No such luck.
"Just a little bruise. Your entire face is swollen." He stared. Tears began to trace familiar tracks down the man's face.
"They kicked me out, that's all. I don't care. I'm just…" His voice trailed off. His friend put an arm around him.
"Come on. Mum is expecting you." They started for the house.
"Thank you, Remus." The man whispered around the lump in his throat.
"Anything for you, Sirius." Remus smiled. Sirius returned the smile. Maybe now he was safe. Away from his past. Finally away from the past.