Either Gabe's automatic response to hostility and/or tension was to get even more cheerful, or he really was almost delighted by her response. (Six of one, half a dozen of the other.) "So maybe you do have a temper under all that politeness," he marvelled out loud. "And hey, you think you're short on time now, just wait until the next disaster hits." Maybe there wouldn't be any more now, just to spite him. That would be awesome. He could totally live with that. "Anyway, I stand relieved. And grateful for the quidditch help, by the way."
Not that he was relaxing in any way but outwardly. It hadn't been a no, and if Schechter had asked him back at the start of the schoolyear if Gabe had time for extra duties, he'd have laughed.