The fact that he saw her coming was the only thing that kept Ioan from flinching when Meg's hand slid into his. He'd been in the hospital wing for a little over twenty-four hours, wanting (and failing) to hate Anthony for dragging him there, because it meant questions that he couldn't answer. They wanted to know where he was when he was attacked, who had done it, and a dozen other things. So he'd lied. Told them he hadn't seen who it was. They seemed dissatisfied with his lack of cooperation, but left him in the care of Pomfrey and the other healer. He was grateful to Anthony for spending the weekend with him - for not letting him sink further into the darkness of his mind. But now the whole school knew. Bole would find out, and then would...
Ioan's breathing kicked up and his body grew tense and he needed the covers off and - oh. He was in the castle, (relatively) safe. His friends were safe, but for how long? Meg. Meg was there, smiling at him. Seeing her was a harsh reminder of the fact that he had something to lose. Bole knew all their names. Meg's, Anthony's. Everyone he cared about. If anything happened to them, it would be his fault.
He wanted to talk to her. To smile and reassure his friends that he'd be all right. Ioan just wasn't sure it was possible. Not knowing how weak he'd been.
It was difficult to open his mouth for even the smallest of things. He was terrified that the truth would come spilling out. Even so, the longest or roads had to start somewhere. His reply was lacking in anything remotely human, his voice flat and empty. "Hey."