In the Past
As they settled into life after school, the small group of friends were looking toward their futures. James had proposed to Lily two years after graduation, and with Sirius and Moira at their sides (Lily's sister, Petunia had refused to have anything to do with the wedding), they made their vows. After another year, Harry was born and adored by Uncles Sirius and Remus and Aunt Moira.
Moira had surprised everyone by taking a job with the Ministry as an Auror, hunting down the most dangerous of Voldemort's followers, the Death Eaters. Remus worried silently for her, for only he had been present for her near collapse upon entering her parents' house again after they left school. While the others worried for her physical safety, Remus was terrified for her mental stability. He had seen her many times in her work, focused by a drive unmatched by those around her.
He too worked for the Ministry, sorting and compiling the information brought back by field agents and, surreptitiously, sharing what was learned with Professor Dumbledore, who was leading his own Order against the dark forces of Lord Voldemort. Both James and Sirius worked closely with Dumbledore, protecting those who had been targeted by Voldemort, using the information gathered by Remus, Moira, and an unknown source within the Circle of the Death Eaters.
Christmas allowed on of the few times they all gathered without the pressures of the job weighing on them. Remus arrived at the Potters' first, bearing gifts for everyone, and followed closely by Sirius, also carrying several gifts. Lily relieved them of their packages while James directed them to the kitchen for wine, as he was holding young Harry.
"So, Sirius," Lily said when they were settled. "Before Moira gets here, what's the big secret? What'd you get her?"
"There's a secret?" Remus blinked up at his friend.
"Evidently not," Sirius answered. "I see James isn't very good at keeping them."
"In my own defense, she figured that out on her own. I never told her there was one."
"Come on, Sirius. What is it?"
Sirius reached into his pocket and produced her gift.
"What is it?" Remus asked, staring down at the tiny black box Sirius held in the palm of his hand.
"Sirius," Lily gasped, "Is that what I think it is?" Her hands covered her mouth.
He nodded, grinning madly.
"Oh, Sirius!" she gasped, throwing her arms around him. "I can't believe you're really going to do this! I'm so excited. May I see it?"
He held out the box for Lily to open. She took it from his hand and removed the lid. "Oh, it's beautiful," she sighed. "Not as beautiful as mine," she quickly added, smiling playfully at her husband. James looked over his wife's shoulder, gently rubbing Harry's back, coaxing him to sleep.
"It's nice."
"It's better than nice, James. It's perfect. She'll love it!" She turned again to Sirius. "When are you giving it to her?"
"Tonight, hopefully. Not here, of course, but after the celebration. You'll know when we come over tomorrow what she says."
"What is it?" Remus asked again, trying to hide the panic in his voice.
"An engagement ring," Sirius answered proudly. "I'm asking Moira to marry me."
"You're- what?" His head spun, and he was thankful he was already sitting on the couch.
"I'm asking Moira to marry me," Sirius repeated. "Are you all right, Moony? You look ill."
"It- I-" he stammered. "The moon. I need some air."
"But you still have another week," Sirius protested as Remus staggered out the front door to the porch.
James handed Harry to Lily and followed him. He found Remus sitting on the steps, cradling his head in his hands.
"Remus?"
"What James?"
"How are you?"
"How do you think?" He didn't look up. "You knew about this?"
"He mentioned it. I didn't know it would be this soon. I'd have warned you." He sat next to his friend, staring out at the dark street. "You should be happy for them," he said quietly.
"I am. For them both."
"Then what are you doing out here?"
"Breathing."
"Remus, you can't be mad at him. You know that."
"James?" he asked, sitting up. "How would you feel if Lily ended up with Sirius instead of you?"
"You mean if two of the people I care most for in the world found happiness together? I'd be happy for them."
"That's easy for you to say," he huffed. "You already have Lily."
"True, but," he looked at Remus in a way that told him the 'but' would not be a happy one to hear. "You never had Moira. You never took the chance, Remus. Sirius did. You can't hate him for what he has never known."
"Are you practicing that speech for Harry someday?"
"After watching you for the last few years, I hope not." He smiled boyishly, running his fingers through his already mussed hair.
"Yeah," Remus replied with a weak smile. "Me too."
"I'm going back in before Lily puts the baby to bed. Are you coming in?"
"Yeah," he said, getting to his feet. "I'm coming."
Once inside, Remus forced himself to look at the ring. It was perfect. A simple silver band with a single diamond. It was just the type of ring he could imagine on Moira's finger. The perfect ring for their perfect marriage.
The rest of the evening was a blur for Remus. Moira arrived full of smiles and Christmas cheer, but Remus could not bring himself to celebrate. She was right there, just a few feet away, but in a few hours, she would be lost to him forever.