"That doesn't make it easier," he replied quietly. But Stephen had given him a lot to think about, even if he wished it was necessary. "And next you're going to tell me that it's not supposed to be easy right?" He sighed again, wrapping his arms around himself.
"That's not really advice you know. Just do it," he said, and smiled just a little. "But thanks anyway. For the advice, anyway."
He was reminded of their conversation at Malfoy manor, how Stephen had lectured him about not blurring the lines between friends and patients, and wondered how that combined with this made any sense. It didn't, but perhaps that was the point.
"I'm sorry for bothering you with this. You probably wanted to enjoy the party. I'll let you get back to it, but if you change your mind about needing help, you know where to find me." He smiled again, and then went off to hopefully find Sandy.