It dawned upon McGonagall that the situation might be even more ridiculous to her staff than she could ever have expected; she noted she would have to readjust her approach for the next conversation she was going to have. Unable to help herself, her eyebrows arched, humoured by Malfoy's colorful reaction.<br/>"You shall see professor Potter a few days before the students arrive," she countered, her suppressed smile bleeding into her voice. She didn't know whether or not to fault Malfoy for this reaction - surely she couldn't<span style="font-style: italic">blame</span>him. "He owled me yesterday to accept; he needs a few weeks to arrange the keeping of his home while he is absent. He will join us as soon as possible."