"Yes, I understand about being haunted," Severus replied somberly. Gaius' expression was open and vulnerable, speaking volumes about his feelings, and Severus decided to back off rather than risk causing Gaius pain or ruin his evening. "If you can help him as Remus helped me, you will both benefit in the end. I can only hope it does not take you as long, although you have the benefit of working with someone considerably less damaged than I was," he added wryly.