Aldous blinked, taken aback. Though he had not expected the wizard to be enthusiastic about their meeting, the brusqueness with which he was greeted was so uncouth, so...American. In the time before, Aldous had never been given cause to wonder at the fact that the man before him had been tasked with diplomatic responsibility for his country. This, though, was rather too sharp-edged for his comfort.

"Yes, well," Aldous began uncomfortably, "as I am sure your assistant will have informed you, it is purely a matter of quota."

As he spoke, he fished about for the correct papers, procuring them for the gentleman without meeting his eyes. Aldous would be the picture of (awkward) professionalism, even if St.John-Black was less inclined to do so.