Cedric is grateful for the gentleness. He doesn't know how he'd handle anything rougher right now, not after...that. All he can think to do is reach down and pet one of the cats, as if that will calm him down.

"I don't think it'll work. If the magical core is damaged, no amount of tape can fix that," he says miserably, looking away from the bag. He can't stand it.

So many options, gone. It makes him shiver, thinking about how vulnerable he now feels.