Severus knows that was a stupid question; a stupid question prompted by a pang of guilt, by the shock of being slapped across the face.

He throws a glance up to his school and... Merlin, he can't bear to look at the damage. The past however long it's been since he discovered his school ablaze all feels like a surreal nightmare. And one of his teachers died. He had truly failed in his duty to protect his school.

When he sets his eyes back on Miss Carnahan, there's a quiet wretchedness to his exhausted expression. He reaches out for her again, this time tentatively so; he certainly owes Miss Carnahan the duty of ascertaining that is in fact alright. "At least let me take a look at you."