Snape/Lupin Drabble Community

Title: Thought and Memory
author: red_day_dawning
Challenge: #164 -- thoughtful
Word count: 200
Ratings: PG-13
Warning/s: character death
Disclaimer: Based on characters and situations created and owned by J K Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
A/N: Thought and Memory are Odin's ravens, Huginn and Muninn. They perch on Odin's shoulders to whisper secrets to him. A traditional verse:
The whole world wide, every day,
fly Hugin and Munin;
I worry lest Hugin should fall in flight,
yet more I fear for Munin. From wikipedia

They say the dead never really leave us; that those we have loved remain, forever with us, through empty days and long dark nights. This is presented as solace and balm – I smile to see your predictable response to this offered wisdom.

And yet, surprisingly, there is a comfort in communicating with the you that lives on inside me – the you constructed of thought and memory, and a longing that never fades.

If your presence within me was real, what would you say? Would you have words for me at all, you whose death was a message of departure, an unmistakable and final goodbye? Wasn't your death, the loudest silence, notice of your termination of all communication with me?

I startle when Neville knocks at the door; caught in the act of this silent communion.

Neville, all diffidence and respect, despite teaching at Hogwarts, a fellow-teacher now, says "I'm sorry Remus, am I disturbing you? You seem so… thoughtful."

"I am full of thoughts, indeed. But I'm ready to checkmate you now. Are you up to the challenge?"

I smile to hear your words, disparagement and snark. And perhaps I'll play chess better with you as my guide.