The first few days after Sirius had fallen through the veil in the Department of Mysteries were a blur for Remus. He’d grown accustomed to waking up with his limbs tangled with Sirius’, to always making two cups of tea and to making up for lost time. But it was all gone for real, this time.
After almost a week had passed, he had a sudden flash of an idea. He made himself look as presentable as possible, then sent Dumbledore an owl, warning him that Remus would be at Hogwarts that afternoon.
“Remus,” Dumbledore said, with pity in his eyes. “How have you been? I was so sorry to hear of—”
“Were you?” Remus said coolly, “Because you seemed to have no problem letting him rot in Azkaban when you knew he was innocent.”
Dumbledore sighed, “I did not know that for sure.”
“Then you should have pushed for him to have a trial. We both know they would have given him a trial if you’d asked. But you didn’t.” Remus clenched his fists. “Albus, I need your help to bring him back.”
“Remus, that’s not—“
“No, I don’t accept that. If you could give a thirteen-year-old a time turner to attend extra lessons, you can give one to me, so I can bring back the man you condemned. You owe him that much at least.” He tried to slow his breathing. “If not for him, or me, then for Harry. You didn’t have to hold him back from jumping through the veil himself as he screamed and cried for the closest thing he’s had to family for fifteen years. I did that, Albus. Your hands, once again, are clean. But is your conscience?”
Dumbledore was silent for a few moments. “How will you stop him from falling again?”
Remus blinked, “I plan on taking Bellatrix out before she gets anywhere near him.”
“Without being seen?”
“Harry can help with that, I think.” The thought of being under James’ invisibility cloak again, and alone, was almost unbearable. “I’ll tell him it needs to be checked for curses. It’s not unbelievable.”
“Well, you’ve certainly thought this through.” He frowned slightly.
“Are you telling me if there was a way to save the man you loved, that you wouldn’t at least try?” Remus wasn’t sure when he’d started crying.
“I cannot give you a time turner, Remus.” Dumbledore held up a hand as Remus protested, “I cannot give you a time turner, but if you happened upon one in say, that drawer under the mirror. I don’t think I could do anything about that.” He smiled, “And would you look at the time, Hagrid is expecting me for afternoon tea.” Remus stared at him as he stood and walked to the door of his office. “Oh, and Remus? I really am, sorry.”
Remus nodded tightly as he left the room before bolting to the mirror and opening the drawer. In it was a time turner and an envelope addressed to him, containing instructions to get back to the exact point in time he needed to, and wishing him luck. Of course, Dumbledore had known that he would fight for Sirius this time