This time Regulus breathes out a laugh, incredulous and fake. He shakes his head, hand moving up to rub at the back of his neck. He knew he'd come across this type of opposition, but it doesn't make it any easier to deal with. He wants to stop feeling hollow and lonely, to not feel like he's crackling at the edges and splitting at the seams. Remus' questions hurt but he can't let things go any other way.

He's not in it to clear his name, either. Becoming one of them is the furthest thing from his mind now, especially considering how well an attempt to do the right thing has been reacted to already. He smiles and it's a grimace.

"There are obstacles that only I know how to get past. That only I can get past. I—" his voice wavers finally and he swallows, trying to ignore it and press on. "I don't need to drag anyone else into it. If I can do this on my own then it solves a lot of problems. Anyone that tries to help like that just puts themselves in unnecessary danger. I'm sure I've put you in danger too with just this, and for that I apologize."

There's a keen edge to his smile now, but it's not meant to cut Remus. "Besides, it's for the best. None of them actually want me in the Order, you know that."