Severus smiled at the sound and the feel of Al's laughter: it was so welcome, so unexpected, like a shaft of sunlight through stormclouds.
When Al eased out of their mental contact, Severus nodded, lipreading his mouthed words easily.
"If you want me to be there, I'm happy to. Or, to rule out foul play, someone should Legilimens the guards. I could offer my services; it's the least I could do."