Charles had yet to ever feel a mind that was closed off to his, so he blinks when, as he tries to scan Jack's thoughts for anything, he feels nothing at all except a blank wall, cold and strong as steel, he can't hide the surprise that crosses his face. Still, he forces that feeling down as quickly as he could, shaking his head before bringing the smile back to his face. Jack's comment about everyone knowing him makes him laugh despite his faint unease, leaning forward on the bar.

"Well, this is one of my favorite pubs. Close to campus and all of that," he returns, studying the other man and trying to figure out what that strange mental wall could be.

Oh? Is this bloke trying to pick him up? That's a touch unusual. Men usually don't do it for him, though occasionally there has been one or two that caught his interest. The easy manner remains, brows going up. "Oh? What about, then?"