He was able to meet her gaze for a brief moment to share a small smile. Over almost as soon as it began, he stared at some random point on the wall ahead of them. Hermione knew from experience that it was easier to bear one's soul when they weren't making eye contact. She was also heartened to know that he was telling the truth. Every mannerism he had, every tilt of his head and blink of eyes proved to her that he wasn't holding back.