Sirius's frown deepens at that answer, his touch faltering for only a second before he continues wiping Kieren's face clean, scrubbing off the congealed, black goo.

"If it happens again you should come to me," he says, keeping his voice quiet and as calm as he can manage. "I know you're worried about hurting someone, but-- but ring me, maybe. I'll keep my mobile on. And you can't hurt me, Kieren. You know I can protect myself just fine."