Remus bristled, but kept quiet, knowing better than to elaborate on his absence. A lot had been simply keeping out of Black’s way, spending long hours at the library; the other part had been work. Neither was something Remus wanted to explain to Black.<br/>He parted his lips to counter, shifting the responsibility and blame to Mulligan, who had plenty of opportunities to forewarn his students, but he never got to.<br/>The curse died on his lips, and for a moment, Remus’ irritation gave way to flustered surprise.<br/>As annoying as Remus had found Black keeping his cards to himself, Remus was taken aback by the kindness of showing them, now that it was to Remus’ benefit.<br/>It closed his expression off, making a face that was neither quite a smile nor a frown. His cheeks felt warm, now, too. “That’s good.”