"So you won't," Sirius says, knowing full well it's another empty promise, but unable to stop himself. He can't fathom Kieren returning to what he'd seen that day in the park, can't fathom having to be the one to take him out of his misery.

So he won't. Merlin, he can't.

"Listen to me," he says, still forcing Kieren to meet his eyes. "There are ways. There must be ways. If you're bleeding, there must be be bloodflow, yes? So Kell might be able to do something with that. Maybe with Newt even. They can work together and me with them. Two wizards and a scientists. We'll figure it out, Kieren. I'm not letting this win. I won't let it take you."