For the first time over the course of the conversation, Harry's smile finally faltered. Yet again, a nagging feeling of doubt filled his chest and for a brief moment, Harry seemed to lack any sense of direction. He wasn't fully able to articulate what he had expected of an interaction with Malfoy, but he found that this had left him feeling both disappointed and unresolved.<br/>With a little, accepting nod, Harry's eyes yet again shifted to Neville. A smile had returned to his lips, but this time it was only barely superficial. Harry found that almost too readily accepted the fact that Malfoy didn't want him there; it had made Harry's heart drop, suddenly regretting even inviting McGonagall into his home those three weeks prior.<br/>To some extent, Neville must have seen it. Both Harry and Neville parted their lips, a mirrored attempt to fill the uncomfortable silence, but neither of them ever got to say a full sentence.<br/>"Professors," McGonagall greeted somewhere behind Harry, unintentionally cutting the two Gryffindors off. "How good to see you back at Hogwarts, Potter."<br/>Almost startled, Harry turned to face her. The awkwardness of their interaction was only enhanced by Harry's borderline disoriented attempt to gather himself. His smile went crooked as he laughed an exhale, trying to dissolve the pressure he felt on his chest. "Thank you for having me, Minerva."<br/>As the headmistress approached, she offered both Neville and Malfoy a smile, seeming far more relaxed than the last time Harry had seen her. "Longbottom, Malfoy - good morning."<br/>When she continued, she once again directed her attention towards Harry. "Professor Wilkner left a vacant seat to the left, if you'd care to join us for breakfast."<br/>"Oh, thank you, but I just finished up," Harry said, not even thinking twice about that lie. Though Harry had lingered standing up, he had only just gotten to the Great Hall. Neville, who<span style="font-style: italic">had</span>been there and had had his breakfast, knew that, but also apparently knew better than to comment on it.<br/>Harry, however, found that once he had started, the lie came easily. His smile had returned somewhat, feeling almost relieved, now that he no longer needed to face the fact that Malfoy didn't seem to want him there, not even for polite pleasantries. "I arrived late last night, and I was just heading back to finish getting settled."