[ save him? maybe it's even worse than he thought. is it terminal?

he hesitates, tapping his index finger against the bar. this boy can't be much older than his son; maybe they're even the same age. and god, what would he do if he found out that harry was dying? ]

No, [ he says after a moment, a little faintly. ] We have to do for ourselves when we can, I suppose. [ he should leave. he's not ready to get mixed up in someone else's problems when his own are still so prevalent. ] Still. While we're here, I could do a little research anyway, if you like. I'm a chemist. [ he doesn't trust himself with this. he should take it back. the boy should say no. maybe he will, and that will be the end of it, and he can breathe again. ]