In truth, he mostly just wants to know what Snape knows already. And what he knows depends on who he's met.

That he might be curious independently of that isn't given due consideration.

But at this point, intentions are struck clear from the other man. Why isn't he at work. Feeling around for a grey area between refraining from answering at all or spilling everything takes up some precious seconds of time, precious increments of burning cigarette, and probably, Severus' patience. It still feels strange, for him to be here, in his quarters.

"I can't," he finally says, with the tone of someone cutting something loose. His job, apparently, or rapport. "It's been a long time."