He didn't understand, not really. But she seemed certain enough that he didn't feel he had to. It was pointless to dwell on topics like Peter. James was gifted enough to be able to sustain a grudge without much active tending, and the last thing he wanted was to be overtaken by swarm of memories all centered around someone who didn't deserve the privilege of his attention.
Part of him was acutely grateful that she so readily complied. He turned his face just a bit so that her fingertips brushed over his lips before they left his face.
"Rum?" he answered with a lift of his shoulders.
It didn't really matter what it was, so long as it was strong- anything to prevent him from making the sort of conversation his tongue was inclined toward. Aurors and Death Eaters and his parents and-
"So why an Auror?" he forced out quickly. He couldn't remember if he'd asked her before, but at least it was something... he'd didn't even know. Though just by itself, the question seemed a little odd so he added, "I mean, not that many girls playing Aurors-and-criminals, you know?"
Huh. Okay, so not the best possible follow-up, but she had to cut him a little slack - he was mostly joking. And besides that, he wasn't at his sharpest and he had a hunch that she knew it. He could only hope she'd have the good grace to not articulate that.