Flames flared in the fireplace, momentarily saturating the office in green light. Snape's eyes were locked on Dumbledore's before the verdant hue had even begun to fade. There was one conviction that he was determined to honor: he would not drop his gaze. Too much remained unsaid, acknowledged only by the meeting of their eyes. 'I'll deal with the Renegades- without interference.' That hadn't been the worst of what he'd said before he'd stormed from the office months ago. And here he stood now, feeling as though his words had never stopped resounding, as though they had echoed through the walls of the office since he'd left. "If you're looking for fresh information, I'm not the man to ask." He'd hoped to sound cold, but his voice came out flat, expressionless- more apologetic than he had ever intended.