[ Incredulity is blandly accepted, jaw setting firm in low level frustration. Maybe their first conversation and this attentive assistance should not feel as incongruous as it does.

It makes more sense, however, when he considers that he is Snape's work. ]

I was, though. Desperate. You said it yourself, a hammer. Maybe not desperate, I was-- I wasn't well. The things I said, Severus, they're not-- they're not why.

[ Already the thread of his point feels like he's groping in the dark, and eye contact breaks. ]

And I was afraid, when you found me.