Max applauded Tate's speech while chewing a mouthful of Shepherd's pie. His objective at the feast was to be seen and to say very little so that he could actually eat his meal (too often, he had to sneak into the kitchens and fix a snack because he never got around to eating).

He swallowed and turned to the Headmaster who was seated to his left. "Nice and to the point, Tate. Well done!"