"So here's the thing." Tate shoved his hands into his pockets and braced his posture in cowboy-stance. His steady gaze took all three prefects in. "I know after what happened last term that our outlook on... well... on everything has changed. I can't imagine having to watch your peers being injured again and you not acting in some way. So in that respect, I'm very proud to have you on my team."

He paused, considering his next words. "But perhaps if something like this happens again, we can react differently. Your thoughts?"