[Even when it was very obviously telegraphed. Even when it was Lupin, even today? She still flinches. It's subtle, but present. Adele drops her head a moment, listening. Things she already knew. Things she'd considered. Possibilities that would have to be planned around. Nothing that hadn't crossed her mind at least several times before she ever went to ask Lupin if he was planning anything.

Though that. The last. That pulls a real bitter laugh from her, and she has to look up again. He didn't have to like her to use her. He didn't know her well enough to tell if she was a good person. And they didn't know each other well enough for her to be a liability to him in any way.]

I'm not. Good, Lupin. I haven't been for years. But. [That flash of misery, that very brief moment of vulnerability was tucked away behind a placid mask.] Just. Put me where you need me, when you need me there. You won't have to explain.