Unfortunately, even this sole, relatively reliable confidante had secretly defected to Vaughn last year. Her allegiance could hardly have been sincere, of course, but she was even more afraid that Vaughn would expose what she had done in North America.
Fudge was hardly a broad-minded man.
Once he learned that she had groveled before Vaughn, he would absolutely throw her out of the Ministry of Magic!
Under gazes filled with all manner of emotions, Vaughn left the Great Hall of Judgment. Without waiting for Dumbledore, he walked straight out of the office building and returned to Hogwarts through the public fireplace on the other side of the square.
He had taken in quite a lot of information today and needed to sort through it.
By the time he emerged from the green flames of the Floo Powder, night had enveloped Hogwarts Castle. Wearing her tortoiseshell glasses, McGonagall was knitting a sweater by the firelight.
Only when Vaughn stepped out of the flames did she look up. "Mr. Weasley, where is Albus?"
"He's still at the Ministry of Magic. He might have some old friends to see, so he'll be back a little later."
"Merlin, at a time like this, he's still in the mood to wander about outside." McGonagall was displeased, but she did not dwell on it in front of Vaughn. Instead, she asked with concern, "Dear, did your meeting with the Chinese delegation go well?"
"Very well, Professor. The leader of the Chinese delegation, Professor Li Nanyu, is a very kindly legendary wizard, just like Dumbledore."
McGonagall's face immediately fell. "Oh, that is hardly a flattering description."
Vaughn chuckled.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries with McGonagall, Vaughn took his leave and headed downstairs to the hall. Before returning to the Slytherin Dungeon, he made a detour to