The way Malfoy broke the silence of the room startled Harry enough for his expression to waver. He struggled to differentiate if Malfoy was peeved at Harry's attention, or if he was being perfectly civil and Harry had just been caugh gawking, something which felt embarrasingly juvenile and like it<span style="font-style: italic">should</span>be cause for irritation.<br/>In the Wizarding World, it always felt like there was a possibility of your own thoughts being not only audible but<span style="font-style: italic">loud</span>to others. Harry paused for a moment, trying to gauge Malfoy's reaction. While none of Harry's thoughts had been explicit or inherently inapropriate, Harry would certainly prefer not having to justify them to the subject matter himself.<br/>In the end, Harry just smiled, resting on his laurels and the expectation that he hadn't misconstruded their budding friendship.<br/>"I don't need anything," Harry reassured, gentle and amicably. Part of him felt like Malfoy didn't know it was past six. "I've finished my work."<br/>No matter Malfoy's gracious attempts to be a good hosts, the fact remained that there was no true neutral ground for Harry to retract to. The kitchen wasn't the Ministry lunch hall, and Harry didn't dare leisure in neither the dining room nor the mantle room without Malfoy. While Harry could certainly spend the afternoon in his room, Harry found that he'd rather spend his time with Malfoy, even if the other was deep at work.<br/>"Did I interrupt you?" Harry asked, some surprise visible in his eyes. His hand stalled, as if fearing picking at the feather had been loud enough to distract Malfoy from his work. Perhaps Malfoy hadn't spoken up because he was done for the day, but because Harry had been a nuisance; suddenly feeling struck, Harry's smile faltered, unexpectedly hurt. "I can wait elsewhere."