And maybe Apple Kid was allowed the element of surprise, because the kid still surprised Volgin, nevermind his previous inventions in the class. Really, he should have been prepared for anything.

But, alas, here Volgin was, taking a brief pause with a usual confused grunt as he tried to anticipate whatever the boy had brought with him.

(Oh yes, that was also Tchaikovsky. He would die with taste.)

"You... think that will save you?"