Tawse revealed himself back, though not altogether safely, it appeared. Even so, his mere appearance and ability to talk reassured the Professor enough that he wouldn’t have lost another student this year. February had been more than enough with the Ministry and Governors considering whether calls to shut the school for the year were warranted.

“All valid suggestions Tawse,” the Professor retaliated, both wanting to save face, “You’ll be out in the world on your own in weeks, to buy your own cotton wool.” He neared the other student, gaze preoccupied with the blood, “Impressed you could navigate yourself out of a paper bag and back here, but looks like you’ve left part of yourself behind.” He gestured for the other student to show or elaborate, already considering what he could do to stem it before they got to Sage in the hospital wing.