the_debt_of_time

Without another word, the two separated. Once out of hearing distance and nearing
the Leaky, Sirius chuckled under his breath. "And he thought my name was stupid. Poor
girl."
He shook his head as he laughed, once more tapping the small box in his pocket to
make sure it was still there.
He could do this. He could do this.
"Evenin' Tom." Sirius nodded a greeting to the man as he passed through the pub,
walking out the other side toward the large brick wall that opened into Diagon Alley. As
he tapped his wand on the combination of bricks, a swirling silvery mist appeared in front
of him. He turned, wand held out as the mist formed itself into a very familiar corporeal
Patronus.
"Sirius, I'm so sorry.. ." the fox said in Mia's voice. "Please remember that I love you. I
love you more than anything, Sirius, and I'm so sorry that I―"
The words ended, and the Patronus vanished. Sirius stood there feeling like his
world had just come to a crashing halt. Unconsciously, he touched his chest. Something
felt... wrong.
That did not sound like an apology. That did not sound like a declaration of love.
That sounded like... goodbye.