It was not often that Unspeakables crossed his path—at least, not professionally—and so Aldous always viewed their arrival with a hint of mistrust and a great deal of skepticism. Whatever it was they did down in their offices seldom seemed to bear any fruit (at least not publicly), and so he wondered if they weren’t better suited to more useful jobs. Still, when he greeted Miss Scamander (what a strange creature, to come from a good family and find herself in such a line of work!) it was with his practiced, diplomatic smile, and Aldous extended an arm to gesture for her to sit down.

“In what capacity, Miss Scamander?” Aldous answered, pleasantly surprised—though no more edified—by her cutting to the chase.