He glanced up at the Manor.  His parents were away, but he should write them a note letting them know he'd released the birds here. He should tell them Hermione had flown the coop.  He should let his father know she'd taken the files.  He should say he was at a standstill with the research.  He should do all of those things, but he didn't.  He didn't want to hear his father say in drawling tones of indifference that when the pain got bad enough, she'd come back.  He didn't want her to be with him because she had no choice.  Even if he was kind, that was... Pansy had used the word despicable and she was right.