"Perhaps so." Or definitely, but Barty didn't see much of an advantage to talk about how willing he was to risk the nothing his life would amount to for the something he felt was worth it. Besides, he didn't think he had to. If Severus cared at all - and he wasn't sure whether he did, he was two years older and ingenious in many ways - Barty was certain he could know. When he was out of school, the age difference would matter less. When he - if he - ever managed to get the Dark Lord's attention as he intended, Barty knew he'd no longer have any reason to defer to anyone but him.

But for now he was still here and he envied Severus for having his freedom sooner. "I'm sure you already have ventures in mind."