Alexander could see the colour draining from the boy, but at least he was inside and resting now. The shock would be setting in, but Arcturus would return with something for him. It was sweet that he was trying to be brave for Philip.
When he said thank you, Philip gave him a knowing smile that Alexander would overlook. "What're friends for?" Philip said in a slightly secretive whisper, leaning away from his father towards Sirius to say it.
It was a strange thing to be witness to, but rather than rush Philip away, Alexander did suspect that Arcturus might need a little support. It was one thing letting him take the lead, but he wouldn't abandon him just when things got difficult.
"Oh, that's good," Philip relaxed when Sirius finally said that it had stopped hurting.
Alexander nodded in understanding. "Philip has been learning some poetry with Mr Leyton. Why don't you see if you can recite one for Sirius now, keep his mind occupied on other things, hmm?" he gave his son a nod of encouragement. He didn't care what gibberish he spoke to Sirius, if it even resembled a poem, it would be enough to keep the boys calmly occupied while the adults spoke and devised a plan.
Philip consented to do so, and kneeled by his friend to start explaining some of the things he'd heard with Mr Leyton. Alexander stood, walking a few steps off with Arcturus.
"Alright, we've got a little time to come up with a plan, now. How about Longbottom, would he have any of this potion stocked?" he asked. He knew he'd gotten some sleeping potions off of him already, so there was a chance at least.