This really was a hard exchange to have. It must have been Malfoy's unwillingness to even look at him combined with the under-his-breath musing. Despite any and all rational thoughts, it gave Harry a violent sensation of vertigo, suddenly no feeling present neither in his seat nor his body.<br/>It was only Neville's sideways glance that managed to confirm to Harry that he hadn't returned to Hogwarts as an apparation. Either pity or worry was painted across Neville's expression, and thought he met Harry's eye for a moment - a small acknowledgement that he, too, had heard the reservations in Malfoy's comments - Neville didn't interject.<br/>Harry really couldn't blame him.<br/>Another hurt smile appeared onto Harry's features, and he nodded in lack of a better response. He tried telling himself that Malfoy's<span style="font-style: italic">may</span>was infinitely better than a definitive<span style="font-style: italic">will</span>, though that served as little comfort.<br/>"Please do," he encouraged, albeit tensely, as his eyes darted back to Malfoy.<br/>Over the course of his silence the grand doors had opened, and the carriages worth of students had started filtering. Harry, however, made a point of keeping his eyes upon Malfoy. "This seat isn't worth it."