Everything
Talia sat in the bay window in the living room, staring at the blue sky. Tears still ran down her cheeks, and she gave up wiping them away. Her house was empty now; Dumbledore left two hours ago, taking baby Guen with him to see the zoo, then to spend the night at her aunt's house. Talia was glad for the silence. She pulled the fateful letter out of her pocket, to look over it again.
To whom it may concern,
If you are reading this, I am dead. Actually, I'm laughing as I'm writing this...I don't see why I need to, but my dear friend Remus has forced me to. Writing this letter certainly sounds safer than the life in a dark closet, which was my alternative...
Anyways, what few possesions I have, I would like to go to Harry Potter. If I die before it happens, then I'm sorry you never got to live with me. Don't forget about me!
If need be, this letter needs to be given to Harry and a woman named Talia Brubanks as soon as possible. Talia, I'm sorry I never told anyone. If you're reading this now, tell everyone. I always wanted the world to know...tell Harry first, if you will.
Since I have nothing to say, being so young and doubtful of a death so soon, farewell, good friends and family!
Love,
Sirius Black
"Padfoot"
An inky pawprint was stamped beside the last word. Talia smiled sadly, remembering Sirius. He was always so funny...she would've never guessed he would die such and early. He had only been 32; only a year older than her.
Talia also remembered when Dumbledore started to walk out the door, her daughter in his arms.
"I'm so sorry, Talia," he had said. She nodded. "I was just wondering...how did you know Sirius?"
"Sir, I'm really sorry, but I'll tell you some other time," She had replied, her voice cracking. Dumbledore nodded.
"I understand. Good night, Talia."
"Bye-bye, Mommy!" Guendolen waved happily just as Dumbledore closed the door. Thinking about it now, Talia almost envied her daughter; she had no idea what was going on, and she would never be sad at the loss of Sirius; she probably wouldn't even remember him.
Talia also felt bad for Harry Potter. He had been there; seen Sirius disappear behind the Veil. That's what Dumbledore had told her. She stood up and walked over to her writing desk, intending to write a sympathy letter to Harry. She picked up a quill and began.
Dear Harry,
I'm sorry this letter is so late, but I just recently found out about the death of Sirius Black. We are both suffering a great loss; Sirius was a wonderful man. I-
Talia stopped writing and threw the unfinished letter in the fire. It was too formal; too cold to express enough sympathy. Of course, it was impossible to express enough sympathy. Talia pulled out a fresh piece of parchment and began again.
Harry,
You don't know me, but hopefully you will soon. I knew Sirius, too. He is the greatest man I have ever known. I'm sure it's the same in your case. I want to meet you soon, so we can talk, get to know each other, remember all the good times with Sirius. We have both lost someone very close to our hearts. In you case, a godfather you hardly knew. In my case, though no one knows it except him and I, a husband. We have both lost our everything.
