Severus gives him a long, measuring look. "I think you're caught up in the idea at the moment," he says finally, "and it's something you'll want intensely whenever you're reminded, but I don't think it's your first priority. And I'm glad of that. For now, I need him where he is. We can put his image first on the list, if you like."
He nods.
Severus laughs, knowing it will draw eyes to him (although not so many as there would be if these weren't strangers), and retorts, "Stop yourself," as he winds Rus briskly in a circle for a few moments, and then lets him go, like a top.
(gives you cardamom for the holidays?) Alas, the cat might need long-term treatment. :( She's lost nearly two pounds she couldn't afford since her last check-up; the doc thinks her GI system isn't absorbing all the fluid or nutrients she's taking in. :((((