Adults often made simple matters complicated.
For example, the Dementors' daytime activity in the Scottish Highlands was taken as a sign that Sirius Black had carelessly exposed himself.
The Ministry of Magic held an emergency meeting and decided to intensify the search in the surrounding areas.
The Magical Law Enforcement Investigation Team disguised themselves as Muggles touring Scotland, while the Aurors moved directly into Hogsmeade.
Though there were only two squads, every one of them was a seasoned veteran of the Ministry.
If Sirius Black dared to show himself, he would never escape their encirclement.
Vincent woke up in the afternoon, read the newspaper, and suddenly felt as if he had somehow become an accomplice.
If Sirius Black was not in Scotland at all, then wasn't he diverting the Ministry of Magic's attention?
"Yo, you're awake?" James walked into the dormitory and looked puzzled by Vincent's gloomy expression.
"Old Vin, you didn't come back last night, and now you woke up looking like this..."
He raised a hand to adjust the nonexistent glasses on his nose. "Your behavior is highly suspicious. Did you do something guilty?"
Vincent smiled and rolled the newspaper into a ball.
Sensing danger, James darted out of the dormitory in a single stride.
Things were much the same in the girls' dormitory.
Hermione was being pestered by Lavender and Parvati, who insisted that she give them a reasonable explanation.
"I—I couldn't sleep last night, so I went to the Astronomy Tower to enjoy the view."
"Oh? And then you fell asleep there?"
"Yes!" Hermione's eyes were especially wide. She was obviously lying through her teeth.
Lavender and Parvati were only young girls, after all. Though they still felt that something was off, they did not pursue the matter any further.
Dinner that day was as lavish