While Amosta was away from Hogwarts, someone had attempted to break into his office. That was no small matter.
Professor Dumbledore was summoned at once.
He wore snowy-white pajamas beneath a purple robe trimmed with gold. Bent over at the waist, he held his half-moon spectacles with one hand while the fingers of the other lightly prodded the cold doorknob.
"I share your view, Minerva, Severus—"
After a careful examination, Professor Dumbledore straightened up and said calmly,
"Someone attempted to open Amosta's office. Fortunately, they failed to breach the protective magic on the door."
"But who would do such a thing, Albus?"
Professor McGonagall stepped forward, clutching her chest anxiously.
"What could they possibly want from Amosta's office?"
"I'm afraid we can only draw conclusions after an investigation."
Firelight turned the half-moon lenses on Dumbledore's thin nose golden. Harry could not make out the gleam in the blue eyes behind them, but he could hear the gravity in Professor Dumbledore's voice.
"Perhaps they wanted to obtain something valuable from Amosta's office."
It was a perfectly reasonable guess, yet there was something unreasonable about it as well.
Everyone knew that Professor Breen was the most plain-living member of Hogwarts staff. If someone searched Filch's office, they might find a few valuable items, but Professor Breen's office contained little more than all manner of documents.
"I suggest a thorough investigation, Dumbledore. Veritaserum might be used on certain suspicious individuals."
Snape looked at Harry, his voice light and airy.
"Thank you for your suggestion, Severus. A search of the castle is indeed necessary—"
Dumbledore seemed not to understand Severus's implication. He merely said,
"Amosta will certainly wish to know who wanted to open his office. Perhaps you could write him a letter and tell him."
Before Professor Snape could reply, Professor Dumbledore turned