Eileen watched the conversation unfold with the same fascinated stare that she would have directed toward four brass 'stones knocking into each other on the playing field.
"Mmm. One wouldn't expect anything less from the Headmaster of Hogwarts, yes?" she echoed her son's latest statement, "After all, the children must be protected at all costs, especially in the eyes of their many observers. I do believe we ought to take the Headmaster's prudent warning into consideration when we discuss my next year's birthday plans, Mister Burke. Stargazing is gaining quite a damning reputation these days. Perhaps I should warn Professor Lyons of such development."
She turned to her son. "My sincere apology for disturbing you at such early hour. I hope that the distraction of our arrival didn't interrupt you from your more important... duties."