Her response earns her a raised eyebrow - as though to ask, 'Did you think I meant I wanted this done tonight, in the middle of the Catenrat party?' However, while he can acknowledge that she needs to research (it is what Granger does, after all), there is a sense of urgency. So instead of arguing or insulting her, he decides to go for the proverbial jugular. He doesn't mention how she owes him her life many times over, or how her friends would not be alive if not for him. He doesn't bring up his past with her at all.
His tone is neither harsh nor unkind, but still firm - the sort of patient tone he might use with Mozenrath. A mentor speaking to his apprentice; how he should have spoken to her when she was his student. "Understand this, Miss Granger: Martha is in danger because of me. Her continued association with me is what will draw the attention of Bellatrix and any other loyal Death Eater who finds their way to Baedal. What they do to Muggleborns is nothing compared to what they will do to the Muggle wife of a traitor."
He pauses to let that sink in before pushing himself to continue. "I come to you because I trust your abilities. You are a sympathetic party and the brightest witch of your age. If I must taint her in this way, then there is no better choice in ally than you. However, if you are incapable - if this insults your delicate sensibilities - I will find someone else. They will not accomplish it with half your skill, nor will they be nearly so trustworthy."
His jaw works for a moment, and in his expression there is the barest flash of resentment. He hates pandering to her, and he hates stooping to this level, but he isn't willing to lose Martha the way he lost Lily. At least with Lily, he didn't know what he was missing. If it wins her complicity, he decides, then it's certainly no greater a cost than taking a second Mark. He swallows his pride and manages one last, barely audible word: "Please."
no subject
His tone is neither harsh nor unkind, but still firm - the sort of patient tone he might use with Mozenrath. A mentor speaking to his apprentice; how he should have spoken to her when she was his student. "Understand this, Miss Granger: Martha is in danger because of me. Her continued association with me is what will draw the attention of Bellatrix and any other loyal Death Eater who finds their way to Baedal. What they do to Muggleborns is nothing compared to what they will do to the Muggle wife of a traitor."
He pauses to let that sink in before pushing himself to continue. "I come to you because I trust your abilities. You are a sympathetic party and the brightest witch of your age. If I must taint her in this way, then there is no better choice in ally than you. However, if you are incapable - if this insults your delicate sensibilities - I will find someone else. They will not accomplish it with half your skill, nor will they be nearly so trustworthy."
His jaw works for a moment, and in his expression there is the barest flash of resentment. He hates pandering to her, and he hates stooping to this level, but he isn't willing to lose Martha the way he lost Lily. At least with Lily, he didn't know what he was missing. If it wins her complicity, he decides, then it's certainly no greater a cost than taking a second Mark. He swallows his pride and manages one last, barely audible word: "Please."