To be honest, it's...not that far off of the 'when someone has died' need for Remus. It has only been a year for him since everything went to hell in his life and he's mostly been on his own since. The hug is very much needed.

He does hug her back, but lets go after about fifteen seconds. Less than he really needs, maybe, but all he feels he can allow himself at the moment. "Thank you for that," he says, expression a bit lighter. "I really did need that hug. I tend to withdraw when things are rough."