Back at Grimmauld Place, Remus, his eyes still closed, could imagine that last hug between he and his friend, it had been so warm and familiar. It had been like home. Sitting there, he could imagine Sirius' arms around him once more, he could actually feel the warmth, and smell the familiar scent of his friend. He smiled a little, imagining being there with Sirius. He imagined Sirius saying, 'I love you,' and so he responded aloud, "I love you as well Padfoot," he said.
When the realisation hit Remus that Sirius wasn't going to be able to hug him again, tears rolled down his cheeks. Once again, he imagined Sirius pressing his lips to Remus' forehead. He could feel the softness, as though he was actually there. Remus moved his arms as though to hug Sirius, and was startled to feel someone there.
"Sirius?" he said, briefly forgetting that that couldn't ever happen again. The arms moved away, and it took a moment before Remus remembered to open his eyes. Opening them, he saw a figure walk out of the room. She sniffed as she left, Remus understood this to mean that she too, had been crying with him. Her paled pink hair drifted limply behind her as she left the room. The 'Crack' that Remus heard, simultaneously, meant that he was alone at Grimmauld Place, once more.
Staring at the doorway for a moment, Remus wondered what she would have made of his brief mutterings, as he daydreamed of Sirius. But before his thoughts could get too intense, he remembered the letter. Tentatively, he picked it up, just to see the end.
I will see you when the time is right,
Your Loving, Padfoot x
He smiled softly, reading the last line over and over until he could picture it in his mind; permanently engraved upon his skull. Placing the letter down next to him, Remus picked up the photo that had also fallen out of the envelope. The picture brought tears to Remus' eyes once more, as he looked down at himself and Sirius laughing together, their arms around each other's shoulders.
Remus placed the photo and the envelope into the safety of his pocket; right beside his heart. He glanced down at the pocket, seeing he and his best friend's heads sticking out above the pocket rim. He imagined Sirius' hand upon his heart once more, and as he spoke, he tried to imagine as though he was speaking in unison with Sirius; "you haven't truly left me," he spoke aloud, "you will always be here."
After looking around the room once more, Remus closed the door to his heart and walked downstairs, planning to get a quick drink, before going to find Tonks. All the while, Sirius was still on his mind and in his heart. Always.
I have to admit, writing this chapter made me cry a little, I feel so mean making Remus suffer, but it was an inevitable part of his best friend's death, I guess.
Thank You for reading, I truly hope you liked it;
I appreciate all feedback and be sure to read any of my other stories.
