Al watched the party from his surveillance spot, when he caught sight of something... disturbing.
One of his respected uncles was conversing with Alex. About books! Eureka! There are book-lovers at this gathering. Alex was a Ravenclaw, after all. Of course a Ravenclaw wouldn't be caught without one.
However, as Aunt Audrey joined in, Al realised that the book discussion did not sound friendly. Al listened quietly and frowned at their flawed argument technique, wondering if he should cut in and remind them about the fact that Scor's grandfather had long hair and that didn't ruin his standing in society.
Al did not.
But he did do something else instead. Accio Grandmother's cookbook!
The book that flew into his hands was larger than the standard dictionary and just as heavy. Good! It was worth being seen with a book, even that book, in a case like this.
Armed with his favourite weapon, Al moved forward and did what he did best. He stuck his nose into the open book, and walked right between his Aunt Audrey and Uncle Percy, making sure that his elbows and sharp book corners inflicted maximum discomfort.
He disappeared into the crowd without saying a word. Al wasn't sure he respected his Uncle Percy and Aunt Audrey as much as he thought he did. He was, however, willing to be proven wrong, someday.