Severus's hand lingered in the slightly thicker, but no less calloused hand of the Gryffindor's. If he had the time to analyze it, he would note that his fingers were longer than Remus's, but more slender. The same with most of their features. They were the same, but not the same. It was those differences that intrigued him enough to keep on holding the scarred digits with his own.

"Scarves are out," Severus said quietly. "But what about neckties?" He pressed his thumb into the meaty part of flesh between Remus's thumb and forefinger. "Spiders?"

He snorted at the look Remus gave him, though he was only playing around.

"You know, Lupin, we're going to tame you. If it works like it should, no one's got any reason to be afraid of you."