Title: Samhain Rated: PG Beta: rufus Summary: In some places, it is still the custom to set places for the dead.
Remus finished lighting the candles, which illuminated the elegantly set table and hid the dust and disrepair. Footsteps sounded on the stairs and then Severus stalked into the room, his cloak wrapped tightly around his body. "Lupin." Voice cold as ever, Severus took his place in one of the two chairs at the long table. "Severus," Remus replied, sitting across from the other man. The candlelight emphasized the harsh angles of Severus' sallow face and lit his dark eyes, reminding Remus of a time... No. Remus pulled away from that thought. He still ached to reach out and touch, but he had lost that right long ago. Hands curled into fists, Severus began. "Lily Evans." "James Potter. Sirius Black." Remus didn't bother to flinch as both names were met with Severus' customary sneer. They took turns naming the rest of their year, but both ignored the final place setting. Severus had asked only once who it was for. "The death of us," Remus had replied. The budding relationship Sirius had killed one horrible full moon. Severus had never asked again. Once the honouring of the dead was complete, they ate their meal in silence, as they had every year before.