Alaric caught the mischievous smile on Maddox’s lips and felt the satisfaction of a well-placed guess. “A hunch is a good place to start,” he said with a thoughtful nod. “Especially when it actually makes sense.” He studied the Willow again, considering the possibility. Hogwarts had its fair share of enchanted oddities, but something as dangerous as this tree? There had to be more to it.

Maddox’s slight hesitation didn’t go unnoticed, but Alaric chose not to comment on it. Instead, he let his own grin linger at the boy’s choice of words. “Watching either way?” he repeated, amusement flickering in his gray eyes. “Well, now I feel the pressure.” His tone was light, but the idea that Maddox was paying attention stuck with him. Not a bad thing, really.

Gregory the Smarmy’s puzzle earned a scoff from Alaric. “Charming the snot out of him? Now there is a horrifying mental image.” He laughed, shaking his head. “I think I will pass on that honor. But Unctuous Unction...” He paused, considering the idea. “That is clever. Using it on its own creator? That is both funny and kind of genius.” He gave Maddox an approving look. “If it works, I might actually have to applaud you.”

At Maddox’s teasing remark, Alaric smirked. “Up for it?” he echoed. “Oh, you will find I do not scare off easily.” There was a glint of challenge in his eyes, but nothing confrontational. It was just the playful spark of someone who enjoyed the prospect of a worthy endeavour.

He caught the barely-there smile Maddox offered and took it as a small victory. “Let me know what the cards say,” he added, his tone casual but open. “I do not put too much stock in Divination, but I would not mind hearing the verdict.”