Regulus tenses slightly when Remus pulls him closer like that, breath catching once. But he doesn't pull away, just relaxes after a long moment's pause. He doesn't speak for a while, just sitting still and breathing. He feels stupid, spine stiff in Remus' embrace, but he doesn't know how to act.

"You don't have to tell me that any more," he murmurs. "I needed it when I was walking to death." He closes his eyes, breath shaking. "But you don't have to pretend that you were wrong now, because you were right. I'm not dying, so I don't need pity."

It feels hollow and poisonous and like ash and dirt in his mouth but really, he can't help but believe it. "Merlin, I'm even worse than you think, anyway. Don't tell me I'm not a monster."