Harry and Hermione exchanged a glance. Scabbers had been missing for some time. Ron had searched everywhere at first, but gradually given up.
Still, the matter had always weighed on Ron. He had never believed Scabbers had simply wandered off, because he clearly remembered holding the cage as he fell asleep that night.
When he woke up, not only was Scabbers gone, but the cage had vanished too.
"Do you still suspect Vaughn?" Harry took a sip of pumpkin soup.
Ron remained silent. Of course he suspected Vaughn, but Vaughn was so busy these days that he was hardly ever around. There was no reason for him to waste time on something like this.
Yet apart from Vaughn and Fruit Tea, he really couldn't think of anyone who would have designs on Scabbers.
His ordeal in the Forbidden Forest that night, followed by Umbridge's threats, had briefly driven Scabbers from his mind amid all the pressure-until he had a dream last night.
He had dreamed of Scabbers being tormented by that horrible big cat. After waking with a start, he had tossed and turned for the rest of the night.
The Burrow, Ottery St Catchpole, Devon.
Molly came down the stairs in her dressing gown, rubbing her sleepy eyes with the back of her hand. She had had a lovely dream last night: all her children had returned home, gathering together under one roof. Best of all, Vaughn had brought his girlfriend home-that diligent, studious, sweet, pretty little girl.
It had made Molly oversleep, something that rarely happened in the Weasley family. Both Arthur and the children were accustomed to being jolted awake by her shouts.
As she descended the stairs, Molly muttered complaints about Arthur not waking her, though what she really worried about was whether her husband