That gets Delta even worse glares from the other parents and Theta, who had just raised his head a little, immediately buries it again at the sight of them. Things are still scary. He's heard a faint hum, so there must have been shouting at some point, but that's all he could make out.

The principal has gone red in the face again, but at last relents. 'Very well, we'll discuss the matter now,' he says, still trying to remain in control of the situation. 'Obviously immediate suspensions for all students involved, effective until Wednesday next week.'