Things made a little more sense to Remus with that explanation.
"Someone has to do it," he said gently, not quite believing he was about to say something that could very well sound as though he was trying to convince the other man to be with Severus. "There has to be someone willing to make those decisions no matter how distasteful they are. If the last seven years have taught me anything, it's that I'm selfish enough not to be able to make that sacrifice. I will sacrifice many things, even my own life. But I can't sacrifice the people I care most about. Still, I respect Dumbledore for being able to do what's necessary, Severus as well, if that's what he's chosen to do."
Remus found himself answering the smile easily, warmed by it almost even though he still wasn't entirely certain where things stood despite beginning to understand why things were being asked.
"Ah, about that Map." Seeing Peter had sidetracked Remus from the thoughts that had occupied his thoughts as he left the Headmaster's office. It was only now that he remembered the conference he'd had after the previous day's staff meeting.
"The Headmaster invited me up to his office for a little chat about it after the meeting yesterday. I think he's all right with it existing since the security is much tighter. But, when I mentioned I would be willing to request access be given to someone else on staff, he asked it be him. I didn't want to mention your involvement or the fact I intended to ask you without talking to you first." And given what he now knew about where things stood with all three of them, he was very surprised to be living to tell this tale to Regulus at all!