Never Forget You

"Remus, are you going to be okay?"

He hardly recognized Molly's concerned voice. It didn't really matter.

"Yes. Don't worry, I just need some rest," he answered

"Alright. Floo us if you need anything, okay?" Molly replied, obviously not convinced.

"I will. Thank you. Bye." Remus waved, and stepped in through the door. It was going to be a long night.

He gazed down the length of the gloomy hall. It looked just like it had a few hours ago, when he was last here, but it felt... cold. Like it was lacking something... a presence. Sirius. Remus didn't bother to light the house as he blindly strode down the hallway. He felt as though he was plunging further and further into darkness; it was getting darker and darker with each step. Down the stairs he went, feeling as though he might slip and fall. A large brown door loomed out from the darkness. Reaching out, Remus took hold of the doorknob, savoring the cold surface, and entered the kitchen.

Sirius.

Gone.

Remus sat alone next to the head seat, and regarded it with glassy eyes. Sirius' seat.

For a moment, Remus believed that, should he raise his eyes to the old wooden door, Sirius would come striding through it with a great smile upon his face. He'd laugh -- his unusual, barking laugh -- and remark about how Remus hadn't changed a single bit since their Hogwarts days.

Remus laughed -- a bitter, self-pitying laugh. Wanting him back wouldn't make it so.

It was so unfair. This didn't have to happen, it shouldn't have happened.

But it did.

Remus' chest constricted with unbearable pain, and he slammed his hands on the table before him. He was so numb that Remus didn't feel the cold contact.

It's too late now.

And you didn't take it.

Remus drew in a shuddering breath, and his eyes swept over the room. Slowly, they landed on a door off to the right. He remembered seeing Kreacher emerge from it one summer morning.

Kreacher.

Disgusted, Remus focused his attention on the dying flames within the fireplace. It was through this very fireplace that Sirius had first invited him to live at Grimmauld Place with him. Obviously, Remus had jumped at the offer.

Upon the mantle piece, there laid an old, dusty mirror. Taking it, Remus regarded his reflection.

His eyes were red, with huge dark circles beneath. His cheeks were pale and tearstained, and his hair was a total mess.

Remus stopped, and for the first time, ran over the evening's events in his mind.

Bellatrix sent him through the Veil.

But what about Harry? He would have done the same.

Harry would have followed you anyway.

Most people don't.

You were scared.

Of rejection.

Nothing. What was it that made you realize this?

We had great times together, times I'll never forget.

I just wish Harry had more memories to hold on to.

Remus was pulled back to reality with the sound of a distant, high-pitched screeching.

After a silent moment, Remus stood up and crossed the kitchen, his hand on the doorknob. With one quick, decisive movement, he retreated through the door, closing it firmly behind him.

I'll make sure of it.