Such an obvious refusal left the students who had been eager to volunteer with nothing but helpless expressions.
They knew Snape's temperament, and his reminder made them realize that the previous situation had been highly unusual. Acting on impulse could indeed 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 nuisance"? At that moment, Draco suddenly understood why Harry had clashed head-on with Snape during Potions Class earlier.
Being spoken to like that just once already made him uncomfortable. If he were treated that way often enough, he would probably... behave much like Harry.
Fortunately, he was a Slytherin. Snape only used such wording toward students from his own House during exceptional times like these.
Following the line of Slytherin students, Draco returned to the entrance hall before the Great Hall.
He noticed several unfamiliar figures had appeared in the entrance hall.
Seeing that they wore matching official robes, he murmured, "Looks like... people from the Ministry of Magic. I didn't expect them to be so proactive."
He seemed to recall something and gently shook his head. "I nearly forgot... Amelia Bones is the Minister for Magic now, not Cornelius Fudge."
When they noticed the Slytherin students entering the hall, one Ministry of Magic employee jogged over and began coordinating with Snape.
"Professor Snape, the headcount has been confirmed... Good! Let me briefly explain the arrangements..."
The Ministry employee took out a sheet of parchment and explained the entire process according to the listed points. "My colleagues will meet you... The students will leave Hogwarts through a secret passage..."
"We have prepared a Portkey in Hogsmeade... It will take you to a temporary shelter arranged by the Ministry