Merlin help him. Nikolai had never had the patience for swooning women, and he certainly was not about to develop it now. With a sigh, he vanquished the boggart and sent it hastily back into its confinement before directing a pair of older students—one male large enough to assist, and one female with a reputation beyond reproach—to escort Miss Nightly to the hospital wing.

That seen to, the professor moved to deliver the homework assignment before dismissing the class.