Disclaimer: Radish. Spagettios. Nuke the trinket, evil microphone. Yes, thank you, four helpings for me, as the turkey has rung the doorbell. Shoulder blades are people too, curling irons! Ice rink, potato pancake, why is the rum gone. Nick thewaterlogged pistachio, ahoy mateys,melt the ice cream it hath got bells on. (No one ever really reads these things so I figure I can write what I wish.)
Remus sat, numb, in his chair by the fire at Grimmauld Place. People were bustling about, he thought, but he wasn't sure. He wasn't paying much attention.
So. Sirius was dead too, now.
Remus closed his eyes. He shoved the heels of his palms against his eyes and ground them until the stars and shadows came, trying to blot out the world. Too much regret, too many things left unsaid.
He wished he could take back that fight with Sirius, after James had died.
No use wishing, brooding, he told himself. He sighed. It had happened. He couldn't change that. He had to get on with things. Sirius wouldn't have wanted him to mope around.
Besides, Sirius had gone quickly. At least, to the best of everyone's knowledge, he had gone quickly. Sirius had gone dramatically. Remus smiled a little, despite himself. It was the way Sirius had wanted to go, before he got old.
And Harry was safe. Harry was safe. That was the important thing, Sirius would have reminded him.
The last gift the world gave to Sirius.
Remus Lupin got on with his life, but every day he went to the pathetically small, inadequate memorial stone in the back garden, out of sight, and put a flower on it. Sometimes a token or an amusing story about the day. Every day, Remus gave a gift to Sirius, ones he would have given before if he'd had the chance…
No matter, he thought mildly. Sirius was getting his presents now.
Whatever he left, Remus always made sure the memorial patch was clean, just like he used to insist on making Sirius' bed or tidying up the kitchen.
Sirius would have liked that.
I'm done with this story unless someone wants me to do Remus' death or Peter's death. Even if just one person wants it, say the word and I'll write something up.
Hope you liked it. Please share your thoughts...