Since the fire? Julian had been sick for longer than that. Was the virus just moving slowly in him? Did he have more magic stored away than she did? Panic seized him then; how much magic did he have left? How much longer could he call himself a wizard, a member of the magical community? How long could he fool everyone? The Slytherins?
How much longer could he call himself Julian Todd? Because once his magic was gone, so was his family name. He would be disowned for sure. His parents were neutral in the war, but magic was magic. There was no room for a squib in a pureblood household.
He felt sick.
"The subject is raw for you now," he managed to get out. "Perhaps over time you will grow accustomed to it. There is nothing we cannot get over."
The words rang hollow though, and in his daze he completely missed the fact that he had included himself when talking about her situation. There was no way he would be able to get over something like that. His whole life had been built on the assumption that he would have magic forever, and now that assumption was being threatened by the distressing reality that he may not have it forever. Nothing was for sure.
He dragged himself out of his thoughts to pay more attention to Astoria.
"I went to a muggle village once that was a lot like Hogsmeade but without the butterbeer," Julian said. "Don't tell my parents though, please. I'd rather not get lectured. But... it wasn't bad. If we must, we can make a niche for ourselves there."
This time, he was aware of the inclusion. He swallowed, resolutely not looking at her as he murmured almost too quietly to hear, "I may be joining you there."