Edric was as surprised by the kid's willingness to disagree with him as he was Jameshill's unwillingness to do just that. There were definitely flaws in both alternatives, but that was to be expected when heading into the unknown.

"That would be wise," he started, his eyes flickering between everyone in the group, "—if we knew that the source of the fog was static. Like a device of some experimental, fog-dispersing device. We do have reason to believe a person—rather than a thing—might be responsible."

And the other groups would undoubtedly be searching for a something rather than a someone, so why should they not try a different approach? (Though, admittedly, the prospect of engaging a suspect with two Hogwarts-aged children in close vicinity was enough to make him feel uneasy.)

"I still say we head towards the outskirts."

---