He is fully capable of being spooky. And grouchy. Having Horvath to lean on has mellowed this version a little. "Twelve and a half," he corrects Horvath with dignity. That half was very important at the time.

Balthazar frowns at the cup of hair, wanting to ask questions, but unwilling to take the risk. "...I'd expect no less of you," he says to Dave after a moment, then looks at Horvath, beckoning him over. "Do you mind dealing with the aqua regia? I'll put out the salt."