Severus nodded, his expression rather sardonic. "So for most of them, the whole idea of making life or death decisions is either an academic or even completely abstract concept." He arched an eyebrow. "In a sense, the entire set up explains how the Council has reached that point. If only one Slayer is active at a time and the average Watcher does things by the book, thus condemning the Slayer to an early death, you can see how they have had no impetus to change their ways. I'm sure the assumption that has been made is that the Slayer in question was either unlucky or just not good enough."
A curious expression grew on his face. "What was so different about Buffy and Giles? What made them buck the trend? Was it one or the other or both?"
A thin smile passed across his face. "I have always done my work alone. Yes, ostensibly I was part of a team. Two teams, if you like, but I didn't have the luxury of being able to trust any of them." He looked rather sardonic again. "Not that anyone in their right mind would trust many of the Death Eaters but there were also precious few among the Order whom I was willing to trust."