With a few exceptions, Al usually gave people to the count of three (instances of unwanted contact) before he bolted and found himself a book to hide behind.
He was sure that Craig was a great human being, and a wonderful addition to Jamie's circle of friends, but rules were rules. And at the moment, Al was tempted - oh so very tempted - to round up that mental count of 2.5 (the hair ruffling counted extra) to the magic number.
"Thanks for the invitation," Al said. "Um. Yes. Thank you." He searched Craig's face for some sort of outstanding reason to up his mental count by just a fraction of a unit. He peered closer...
The smile. Yeah, it had to be the smile.
2.6! Rounds up to three. My cue to go.
"Bye!" Albus said, and walked briskly down the nearest path.