Wait -- had she just smiled? When Severus looked up, it was confirmed. She did smile, and it was infectious, as well. He found himself smiling, too, when he answered, "I can read anytime." And it would probably be easier to do so once he could hear himself think again, so again, he set the book aside and turned back to face her once more.
"Very well," he said with a nod, trying to think of a question. All the things she had asked him were mostly related to this place, so he didn't feel especially comfortable asking her anything too personal. Even if he rather wanted to. "What room have they put you in?" he asked, raising his eyebrows. Still related to the place, yes, but with a more personal bent. Hopefully it wouldn't be overstepping his bounds.