[ -- which is, essentially, what jaune had said, and ruby, and blake. they're all far too kind, ozpin decides, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. it means he's succeeded -- he would much rather have disappointment than hatred, and to know that his students have collected themselves up the best that they can in order to press forward is a great bastion of hope for him.

she will not win. this war, to tear down everything he holds dear, won't work. hope is a very powerful thing.

but ozpin allows himself the good grace of a soft laugh -- more of a chuckle, really, and he shakes his head slightly -- not disagreeing with her, but in the barest hint of amusement. ]

You will come to see, in time, that the more responsibilities you have, the more things become your fault, regardless of whether or not they actually are. There are a million different decisions that I, and a group of others, could have made differently in order to prevent what happened to Vale. But we chose a million different other paths, and ultimately, that rests on my shoulders. I appreciate your honesty more than you know, and I am sorry that I cannot return mine. Once I have the opportunity to speak with Pyrrha Nikos, you will undoubtably have what you seek. Until then, I ask you to be patient. And...

[ as he ducks his head slightly, to meet her gaze. ]

Never stop questioning authority, Miss Schnee. It is only through the youth that old people like me are constantly reminded of our own errors, our own failings, and so we can continue improving.

[ that is, after all, one of the reasons ozpin had accepted a schnee into his school. ]