I'll be alright, [ louis says with a small, hopefully-reassuring quirk of his lips-- not quite a smile. those are fairly rare, especially when he actually means them. ] If there's anything being a Slytherin taught me, it's to be careful.

[ to be careful and to hide what he really feels. he'd learned that his first year. hell, he'd learned that just writing the news to his family, that he hadn't wound up in gryffindor like the majority of the weasley clan.

he hauls himself up to sit on the desk, watching his father carefully. ]

I'd like to stay with you. Close to you, anyway. [ a pause, then carefully, a little uncertainly: ] I've been.. ah, hearing things, though. From.. people. I think that could be handy, if it comes down to it. I don't look like a Weasley, I have a French accent. I could play another person if I need to.

[ he's good at acting. and he has no idea if it'll be any use, but he's leaving the option open to.. whatever resistance forms. ]