"Yes," Jack said, and then added: "And I'd appreciate you holding back on the biting little remarks. I realize you're angry," that much was obvious, it was coming off of Alex in waves, "and I realize you're attacking everyone who's approaching you, but I don't hold with that. I will listen to you, and you can do me the courtesy of saying what's on your mind, rather than resorting to sarcasm and apathy. Understood?"
Jack looked stern. Indeed, he had a different tactic from both Micah and Cressida. Both were strict in their owns ways, but as Heads of their Houses, they were neither aloof nor distant, while Jack could be that. Micah was kind, more of a father than he would ever believe, and Cressida killed with a serene, understanding kindness that seemed to soothe even the likes of Ambriel and Ashton. Jack wasn't like that. Jack stood on respect. On speaking to students as equals. Which meant he teased, he made clever remarks and he called you on it when you were being stupid. It also meant he believed in second chances, and letting everyone have their say. Even when they'd spun out of control, like Alex was doing now. Calming people down after a adrenaline-filled moment -- which was basically what a banshee did when picking up the souls of the recently-departed -- was something Jack could do.
He leaned against his desk, his stern expression melting away for a more understanding one as he nodded at Alex. "So talk to me."