The dorm room was dim, lit only by the weak morning sun pushing through the curtains. Most of Hogwarts was still asleep, but you were awake because Remus needed you.

He always did after the full moon.

Remus lay curled on his side, blankets bundled around him like armor he couldn’t quite let go of. He looked exhausted in that way only he could- pale, bruised at the edges, his eyelids heavy but awake enough to know you were there.

You slipped quietly inside, closing the door gently behind you.

“Hey, Moons,” you whispered.

He didn’t answer right away, but the moment your weight dipped the mattress, he exhaled like he’d been holding his breath since sunset. You eased beside him, careful of every bruise.

Remus immediately shifted closer, forehead pressing into your chest, fingers curling loosely into your shirt like he was afraid you’d vanish.

“I’m okay,” he murmured, voice hoarse.

You could tell he wasn’t, not fully. He never was the morning after.

You brushed your hand through his hair, slow and gentle.

“You don’t have to be,” you whispered.

He melted at that, shoulders finally relaxing. He always pretended to be strong for everyone, James, Sirius, Peter, but with you, he didn’t bother pretending.

“Did you sleep at all?” he asked quietly.

“A bit,” you lied.

He huffed, a soft, tired sound. “Don’t… don’t lie for me.”

You smiled. “Fine. No, not really. I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

His fingers tightened just slightly, like the words stitched something inside him back together.

“I feel like hell,” he admitted, eyes drooping. “But I feel better… like this.”

You pulled the blanket higher around both of you, letting him tuck himself against you until your bodies fit perfectly. Remus’s breathing steadied, warm against your collarbone.

“You always smell good,” he mumbled, barely conscious. “Like… home.”

Your heart cracked in all the soft ways at once. He was fighting sleep again- he always did, as if he thought you’d disappear while he rested.

“I’m not going anywhere,” you whispered into his hair. “I’ll be right here when you wake up.”

Remus let out a tiny, shaky breath of relief. His arm slid around your waist, holding you gently but firmly enough that you knew he needed the closeness like oxygen.