[ Severus watches this squirming progression with the silent attentiveness of someone very used to making other people squirm. His gaze is always intense, but right now it's particularly piercing; not aggressive, not offensive, just needlelike. As if he can puncture holes in the bubble of William's story just by looking-- to see what comes out.

Softly, ] Why is it you're so keen on asking me invasive questions but are unable to handle the scrutiny of being asked about a topic you brought up on your own?

[ His voice is a jarring contrast to his eyes. But the quicksand quality remains.

William is the one who started talking about drugs.

After what is not a very long moment at all, Severus decides he doesn't care about the answer. He rises, elegant movement and spider angles. Cowardice is worse than the language, and he doesn't want to talk about things being inside of peoples heads right now. Sometimes his own aches from the Occlumency, but even he doesn't know why; protesting being trapped, maybe. Or maybe it's being called by that previously mentioned black hole. ]

Drop the items at my office when you're able.

[ If William finds his own past that unbearable...

Well.

He's just going to leave. ]