By now, Pen's knees were to her chest, arms wrapped around her legs as her cloak, face, and arms were the only features of her that could be distinguished from her robes. She'd been watching quietly in shock. How could tonight have gone so wrong? All she wanted was for mama to hold her tight. But that wasn't going to happen for months now.

First a prefect had attempted to intervene, then what looked like a professor. Head of House, she assumed. Papa had described the basics. She was sure further had been described earlier in the day, but so much had occurred since then that remembering the introduction to the castle was the least of her worries.

But the blame couldn't be placed squarely on Autumn. Pen knew that. Knew it would be unfair to the girl that was being so kind to get the whole punishment for being brave. Pen needed to be brave. "She was defending me." She squeaked. Not by any definition of quiet, but not yelling either. The professor's booming voice had quieted the room enough that her voice could be heard in all it's shaking glory. Brave wasn't what she felt though. She felt terrified. Wiping tears from her eyes, she looked between the grouped girls and the professor before burying her head in her knees. She was too tired for all of this.