He was still tense, shoulders tight and his chin lifted. It was the posture of a Malfoy, the kind he had taken often during their school days. This was about losing Potter again, and losing his life as well. As much as he had fought to live this long.

Then those words and he was fairly certain he was already dead.

"Pardon me, but you're going to have to repeat that for me. Also, do find a way to assure me that I didn't die before I believe you came through that door, because I think you have."