"I can tell myself anything and force myself to believe it, because I have control," Severus stated pointedly, wanting to find some footing in this conversation. Over the years, there were plenty of times when his wit and intellect were tested, so he considered this just another of those instances that he wouldn't back down from. Lessons learned the hard way didn't filter through his thoughts as he took a few tentative steps toward Simon and loosened his hold on his parcel only slightly.
"You may wish to set to inspect the potions beforehand. I wouldn't want you to wonder about their quality." It was said with a hint of his famous snark.