[Were he to try to get the drop on Henry, Niles's anticipation of his reaction is pretty spot-on. Since he predicts Niles and only Niles, it's most likely he would only laugh — jump reflexively, but laugh. Were it a surprise ambush, there might be some other kind of reaction honed by one who grew up on the battlefield. It's easy to predict.

Niles cuts right to the point, and Henry smiles at him.]

Well, I started with Abjuration, believe it or not. [He raises a finger.] I've always known how important dispelling and countercurses are, from early on! So compared to Azura, I'm not so different, defensively. Buuuut I've been placing a heck of a lot of study into Necromancy and Evocation nowadays... So, those are my specialties, too!

[He says he's practicing Necromancy so easily, behind this shop, with no fear of consequence. Not terribly wise, but Henry's not known for his perfect subtlety.

Still holding the idea that this is about offensive magic, Henry nods.]

I've got fire and ice spells aplenty, but I'm even working on some injurious and gruesome necromantic spells that pack a wallop... Oooh, it's delightfully nasty stuff. Trust me. I got in trouble, hee hee!