"It is always good to spend time with an old friend. I truly was sorry not to attend your party, but I didn't think my existing plans, and your gathering, would mix." It wasn't that he was ashamed to be spending time with Mandy. Rather, he enjoyed their friendship as it was, and had wanted to take that time alone with her to talk as they had, rather than bringing her into the mix of odd politics that could become time in a Slytherin gathering. "Besides, this way I was able to have you to myself." He offered a fond smile at that.