the_debt_of_time

"That's how he was able to keep me company when I became... sick. He was a
great friend." Remus looked down and swallowed hard. "Their... deaths were very hard
on me."
"You knew my mum, too?"
Remus nodded sadly. "Lily was exceptional. One of the kindest witches I've ever
known; amazingly talented and fiercely protective. In fact, there was only ever one other
that surpassed her in that sense," he uttered quietly and then cleared his throat. "They and
Sirius were my best friends. I am very glad to know that I haven't lost them all."
"What will happen to Sirius?"
"I'm not sure, Harry," he replied, leaning up against the edge of his desk. "I have
hopes, and a general plan for the future, I suppose. Perhaps I'll share it with Sirius should
I come across him."
Harry smiled. "If you do, tell him... tell him that our plan is still on. One day his
name will be cleared, and then we'll figure everything out."
"I'll do that," Remus promised, and he folded the Marauder's Map back up, tapping
his wand on the top of it and whispering, "Mischief Managed," before handing the
parchment out to Harry. "I'm no longer your professor, so I don't feel guilty about giving
this back to you. In fact, I hope—and I know James and Sirius would feel the same way—
that you, Ron, and Hermione find some fun uses for it."
"What about my mum?"
Remus laughed, imagining the horrified look Lily would have on her face. "She
would have hexed your arse for even considering following in our mischievous footsteps.
Which your father would say would just be a good enough reason to do so."
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Remus and Harry turned to see Hermione standing in the doorway.
"Come on in, Hermione." Remus smiled and patted Harry on the back. "I'll see you
again, Harry. I promise you that," he said and watched the boy smile and leave the office,
shutting the door behind him.
Hermione protested, "It's not fair."
"Few things in life are. Will you do me a favour, Hermione? Will you take care of
Harry?"