Title: Memory
Author: accio tiara
Rating: G
Summary: "Memory is the ability to retain information over time. Memories are not copies, but representations of the world that vary in accuracy and are subject to error and bias" - Rod Plotnik, Introduction to Psychology.
A/N: Many thanks to Sellarom for the beta. Constructive criticism welcome. :)
Memory
Before, Remus forgot.
He carefully erased every memory of Sirius Black from his mind. All except for one, the last one. Mad laughter, wild eyes, that one he keeps close.
Each morning the sun broke relentlessly through the sky, making the world bright and sharp and slightly unreal. He walked down to the kitchen, sidestepping the crick in the last stair as he sidestepped The Daily Prophet on the table. He made tea and avoided the biscuits he had kept just for Sirius. He cleared the table and washed the dishes the Muggle way, scrubbing at the blood red pain until it was only a murky brown, a dullness in the back of his mind.
Then, when Dumbledore and the rest of the Order offered their condolences, he stared at them with a look of vague surprise, because he refuses to recall the memories that would require condolences.
He turned away from the worried glances they exchanged and finished drying the dishes.
- - -
Now, Remus refuses to forget.
He stores up memories one atop another, shelving them neatly in the corners of his mind. All except for one, the last one. Red light, a falling body, that one he leaves out.
The sun doesn't seep through the windows at Number 12 Grimmauld Place, and the world remains dark and blurred and slightly unreal. He makes tea and notices that Sirius' favorite biscuits are almost gone, so he makes a note to ask Molly if she would buy more when she next goes shopping. He clears the table and washes the dishes the Muggle way, each swipe of the rag another memory cataloged.
Now, when Dumbledore and those of the Order offer their condolences, he stares at them with a look of vague surprise, because Sirius hasn't gone anywhere.
He turns away from the worried glances they exchange and goes back upstairs where Sirius is waiting for him.
- - -