It has been over six months since Sirius' death. It still feels strange when Sirius walks into his flat and no one is there, it frightens him, it hurts and he is afraid of the desperate things he thinks of doing when alone.

The war is going their way, finally. Dumbledore has discovered a secret, the Dark Lord is growing weaker. There is a flame of hope in the wizard world now.

Remus feels little difference. The moons are easier, a depressed wolf, it seems, is less dangerous. The Wolfsbane probably helps, too.

He sleeps in the jacket, he works in it, he is defensive of it. It has become an obsession.

Severus has visited him often since Sirius' death. Remus was suspicious at first, but Severus has done little to try and win him over, and has only tried recently. He visits several times a week now, to make sure that Remus eats, changes his clothes, and takes his wolfsbane. They have become friends now, Remus has no doubt that is what they are.

There is no divide between them, with Sirius gone. He knows Severus is glad, and guilty because he is glad. But Remus understands, and doesn't hold it against him. He is glad for Severus' company, and his unquestioning comfort.

And then one day, there is an eviction notice on his door. His land lady had found out a few weeks prior about his condition, and he has been worried about this exact thing. Severus is with him that morning.

"I have a spare room," He says it as a casual statement, not as an offer of charity. Remus, feeling near tears(he feels that way a lot lately) looks up at him.

"I'll pay rent,"

"Only if you want."

"Severus, I..."

"Don't thank me, Remus." There is a small note of bitterness in Severus' voice, Remus looks down, "You know that isn't what I want from you,"

Remus steps forward and hugs him. Remus breaths deeply, and notes that he smells nothing like Sirius did. Severus smells of herbs and oils and potion and ash, It is a solemn and rich smell, which is unappealing at first, but has come to comfort Remus immensely as he sorted it out. Sirius was warm and wild and spicy, with an undertone like honey. Remus was drawn to it at once, it excited him.

The smell on the jacket is faint now.

"I'm sorry, Severus...I can't yet, not yet."

"I don't like waiting, Remus,"

Remus' heart sinks and he closes his eyes tight because... He wants him to, He wants him to wait. He still feels too much pain over Sirius, too much guilt. He doesn't argue, however, and Severus speaks again, and finally embraces him back.

"I suppose, if I have to, I will."