Remus,
Eyes closed you look peaceful. No one could tell the difference if you were merely sleeping.
Forgive me.
Two words that hold everything I need to say to you, but they would never be enough. You died for me and for that I will be forever indebted to you. You made the ultimate sacrifice. I find comfort in the fact you died with love in your aching veins. I hope you and Tonks are happy together, wherever you are.
The last Marauder, you fought valiantly, you watched your friends die one by one and yet you remained. Until the very end. You had a miserable life, forever the lonely boy, shoved aside by society. Forced to hide, beg and borrow…never stopping. The thanks you received for it? Betrayal and death…
You endured my father's death.
You wept at Sirius' supposed betrayal.
You mourned at Pettigrew's admission of being the real culprit.
Your heart broke when Sirius followed in death fourteen years later.
Then you found happiness once again, however brief. At least you did not die alone, like you were for much of your life. Even had a son. I will take care of him as if he was my own; no child deserves to grow up alone, without love. Maybe this small service can help towards the life I owe you. You left a legacy and he will know you died a hero, you didn't die for nothing and he will be proud.
You walked the bitter life of mortality and you walked it well, remaining true to yourself. There is a reason you were such a good teacher: the cruelty of life had taught your patience. You loved unconditionally and treasured all the friendships you could keep.
Sirius died for me too. We both saw him slip peacefully into the veil and yet you held me back as I screamed, my soul feeling like it was tearing into millions of pieces. Did you feel like that too? The remorse for that day will never leave me. I went to save Sirius when I thought he was captured, I rushed off without preamble for one reason and one reason only:
After all these years and all the pain you and Sirius had suffered, I didn't want you to hurt anymore.
Well at least you won't have to hurt now. You've been at the mercy of other factors for too long, Remus, now you can live without judgment in wherever your final resting place may be. Lycanthropy means nothing there, I'm sure of it. You can go on without judgement now.
Mum, Dad, Sirius and Tonks are waiting for you. The marauders have once again been restored.
Messrs Moony, Padfoot and Prongs, even in death you remain.
These tears I shed are for you, Remus Lupin… know I weep with gratitude.
You are free now, my weary friend.
Sleep easy.