the_debt_of_time

"They're just scars, Hermione," Remus cleared his throat, still unable to look at her.
"'Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared
with scars.'"
"That's beautiful."
"Khalil Gibran," he mumbled. "Poet."
"Wizard?"
Remus let out a shaky breath. "Muggle."
"Professor, is there something you're not telling me?"
"Remus, promise me something?"
"Anything, love."
"Promise me that... that you'll always trust Sirius. Always remember that he's a good man.
And when he needs you the most, please take care of him for me."
Take care of Sirius. At Hermione's words and the memory of his broken promise
to Mia, Remus's shoulders began to shake. His head fell forward into his hands, and the
tears returned with a vengeance. After a few moments, he could feel Hermione's small
hands patting his back, consoling him.
"Sirius is dead."
Hermione gasped. "No!"
I'm so sorry, he silently thought. I'm so sorry I failed you, Mia. I failed you all.
"Where's Harry? Oh my God. Oh, Remus." When Hermione said his name for the
first time, he cried harder. "Remus, I'm so sorry. He was your best friend and... Are you
all right? I'm sorry, of course you're not―"
"Are you all right?" he asked her, turning slightly to see the soft light from his wand
reflected on her worried face.
"I'll be fine. I'm more worried about you and Harry."
"I'm... I'm used to losing the people I love. Don't worry about Harry. It's my job
now to take care of him."
"Mine too," Hermione whispered.
Remus turned away from her and choked on a breath that was trying to escape.
"Our job," he agreed after he was able to speak again. "Get some rest, Hermione."
"It still hurts. Is that normal?" she asked, touching her rebandaged ribs.