There was so much to process. Parvati, not living at Patil Manor. Parvati, working as a healer. Parvati, looking more beautiful than he could bear.
Although Draco was just as arrogant as he had been while he was still with Parvati, he was a little less selfish. At least, less selfish enough not to crumple at her feet and to beg for her comfort. He knew that he didn't deserve that.
"Do you not read the news?" Too late, he realized how that might come off. But hopefully the exhaustion in his eyes would communicate that this was not his intent. Taking relief through a sip of his drink, he stared down at the counter. He was sure that if he kept his eyes on her, the shock he felt would be too clear. Shock at how good she seemed. He had always remembered her as a pretty girl: wide eyed, demanding, innocent. The thing that frightened Draco about Parvati was how much it seemed like she needed him. He hadn't been able to handle that sort of responsibility. He could scarcely handle himself, how could he give her what she wanted? That was his reaction at the time. Parvati seemed like she wanted so much from him, and he felt so unable in response.
But now, as she stood in the gloomy candlelight of that pub, she seemed like she didn't need him at all. In fact, she seemed like she didn't need anyone at all. She was poised, assured, and so graceful. At once, he felt so young and foolish. Ironically, he felt so inexperienced in front of her suddenly.