Oh Alice had volunteered to carve the rune. That was nice brave of her. Were there any other volunteers? Sander looked at Ella and Oichi, waiting to hear from them. Then he realized that this wasn't the only weak spot that needed breaking. There were a few more. So most likely everyone would have a turn at carving.

So yes, Alice could be the first. Sander waited anxiously for her to start because he was all ready to chant the galdr for Nauthiz. Yes it was a mouthful and it did sound silly, but sometimes what seemed silly worked the best.

Carry on Alice, Sander nodded an encouragement to the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain.