Such an obvious refusal left the students who had been eager to volunteer with nothing but helpless expressions.
They knew Snape's personality, and his reminder had made them realize that the earlier situation had been highly unusual. Acting on impulse could indeed easily drag others down.
Draco understood that as well. The only thing he found rather objectionable was Snape's description of him.
What did he mean by "knowing how not to be a hindrance"? At that moment, Draco suddenly understood why Harry had clashed head-on with Snape during Potions Class.
Just being spoken to like that once had already made him uncomfortable. If he were treated that way often enough, he would probably... behave much like Harry did.
Fortunately, he was a Slytherin, and Snape only used such wording toward students of his own House during such exceptional times.
Following the Slytherin students, Draco returned to the entrance hall in front of the Great Hall.
He noticed several unfamiliar figures had appeared in the entrance hall.
Seeing that they wore identical official robes, he murmured, "Looks like... they're from the Ministry of Magic. I didn't expect them to be so proactive."
He seemed to recall something and lightly shook his head. "I almost forgot... Amelia Bones is the Minister of Magic now, not Cornelius Fudge."
When they noticed the Slytherin students arriving in the entrance hall, one Ministry employee jogged over and began coordinating with Snape.
"Professor Snape, everyone has been accounted for... Good! Let me briefly explain the arrangements..."
The Ministry employee took out a sheet of parchment and went through the items on it as he explained the process. "My colleagues will receive you... The students will leave Hogwarts through a secret passage..."
"We have prepared a Portkey in Hogsmeade... It will take you to a temporary