"They left because they knew the Chinese were your guests. They stepped aside of their own accord to avoid any misunderstandings."
Looking at the deferential Tom, Vaughn smiled. "Would you mind telling me who they were?"
"I'm afraid I don't know them." Old Tom shook his head. "They only came here because the accident happened on Denmark Street, east of Charing Cross Road. They stopped by to rest after finishing their investigation. What can I get for you two?"
Dumbledore put an arm around Vaughn's shoulders and smiled. "Thank you. A sherry and a pumpkin juice. Has Barty Crouch arrived?"
"Mr. Crouch is already waiting in the room. The entrance is behind the bar. Please make yourselves at home. I'll bring your drinks shortly."
Old Tom handed over a key.
Besides being a pub, the Leaky Cauldron also ran an inn. The entrance he mentioned was simply the entrance to the inn.
As they passed behind the bar, moved aside the liquor cabinet, and entered the inn, Vaughn said evenly, "You should have let me ask a few more questions. Perhaps that Chinese young wizard's exposure of magic wasn't an accident at all. An accident right in the vicinity of Diagon Alley-that's a very troubling coincidence. The information brokers probably think so too."
Dumbledore shrugged. "But the Ministry of Magic has already settled on its explanation. What good would investigating do?"
"At least we could find out who was behind it." "There's no need. They're either against you or against me. As long as there are no attacks and nobody dies, that's enough. Your immediate priority is to honor your agreement and meet the Chinese, my dear. Don't distract yourself with so many other concerns."
Vaughn snorted and said nothing more.
Although he had spent the past few days buried