Theo couldn't help it, but Gellert's smile made him uneasy. It wasn't that he actually found it unsettling--quite the opposite--but the man himself always stirred awake his inner nervous, eager-to-please intern that flailed when their boss showed up. He refrained from flailing about, but given how much esteem he was sure his father must've lost the Nott family in Gellert's eyes, Theo didn't think being eager-to-please was inappropriate in the slightest. Besides, he didn't want to give the slightest indication of hosting any treasonous thoughts, not that Theo had any to speak of. Theo desperately hoped that he'd never have to look up at Ismene or any of her underlings in a dark room equipped with any number of blades, blunt instruments, and potions again.
"Sir, I'm pretty sure all bets are off when it comes to coffee, but I certainly admire you for suffering with us. You're far braver than me--I've discovered a newfound addiction to tea ever since I started working here myself," Theo replied. A look of concern crossed Theo's face when he heard how busy Gellert was. "If there's anything I can do to lighten your load, sir, please let me know. It's my job to make yours easier."