"Severus, you cannot pretend this isn't happening!"
Karkaroff followed Snape through the winding maze of rosebushes, trying to keep his voice down even as anxiety scratched at his ribcage. All this time he had been waiting for a chance to talk, and now he was being spurned like an unwanted lover. "It's been getting clearer and clearer for months. I am becoming seriously concerned, I can't deny it—"
"Then flee. Flee – I will make your excuses. I, however, am remaining at Hogwarts."
Karkaroff nearly halted; the unsaid words stung.
I have Dumbledore, you damned coward. This is your problem.