"The maze's chief designer was you. You arranged all the earth and plant magic. Did you ever mention the structure of its defensive wards to Severus Snape?" Even behind his half-moon spectacles, Dumbledore's gaze remained sharp.
Someone had gotten the better of him. He had been searching for the reason all this time, and for some reason, he had thought to ask her this today.
"I didn't!"
"While you were awake, perhaps. But what about when you were asleep? You couldn't possibly use Occlumency in your sleep."
There was something implied in Dumbledore's words. She felt as though a bucket of water had been poured over her from head to toe.
"What were you thinking, Pomona?" Dumbledore paced excitedly around the headmaster's office. "I had you get close to him for the information in his head, so how did you end up giving him yours instead? You are the head of Hufflepuff. You should have protected Cedric. Now he's a corpse, and his father is demanding an explanation from me throughout the wizarding world and in the Daily Prophet. How am I supposed to explain this to him?"
Her mind went blank.
"I am deeply disappointed in you. You will not be teaching at Hogwarts this year. Tonight, you will leave for the Black family's old house."
As long as there was Polyjuice Potion, anyone could wear that face and teach. After all, the knowledge taught at school was merely an introduction. Seven years at Hogwarts were only a small part of one's life. To continue improving, one had to keep striving after graduation. That snot-nosed brat who had once been bullied was now a recognized Potions master in the wizarding world, while Pomona had still achieved nothing.
"I don't want to go." Her voice became hoarse, sounding like someone