Responding immediately, his fingers squeezed back. For a moment he just lingered there, gaze fixed on their hands. She was safe, she was alive, she didn't hate or resent him. This all meant a great deal. Not only could it mean things about his success, but she was there. When he needed someone most. His mother may not be the warmest person most of the time, but she knew him better than anyone. Not many would want to have their mother at school with them, but he'd been feeling so agonizingly alone, he more than welcomed it.

At last, he gave no more of a response than a nod. Reluctantly, he let go of her hand and rose to his feet. Straightening the front of his suit, he cast a glance around the common room. How private would they need? They could duck into any of the dungeon classrooms, and have decent privacy, but there were risks of being overheard. There was, however, one place he knew that guaranteed privacy.

"This way..." was all he said as he started for the common room door.