"What?" His brows knit in confusion, "On the ru-" The comment clicked just a moment too late for him to save face. Elias Grimstone was joking with him. Declan had been so intent on his purpose that he hadn't even realized how his request had sounded. His cheeks warmed, "Oh, no it's nothin' like that. I'm no criminal, I swear." It dawned on him that a statement like that is exactly what a criminal might say.

He awkwardly hurried on with, "I've got nothin' ta run from, 'cept my mum's backhands." He winced inwardly. Did he really just bring up his mother to the famous broommaker? Merlin, this was going bloody well. He may as well have skipped in and asked if Mr. Grimstone had any sweeties in the back.

"I'm a chaser for the Can-Howlers—" He corrected with a pained wince, "And the broom I was usin' was uh.. confiscated. So I'm in need of a new one. A better one."