Lupin's words made Aberforth's eyes widen, and he stared at Vaughn as though he had seen a ghost.
He really wasn't treating Aberforth as an outsider!
How could he dare discuss something like that right in front of him?
Aberforth reckoned that if he sent a letter to the Ministry of Magic reporting this, Vaughn might well find himself on trial tomorrow.
A premeditated attack on a wizard in a Muggle street didn't merely violate the International Statute of Secrecy; it trampled on the Ministry of Magic's authority.
"Who said there weren't any other wizards present?" A smile appeared on Vaughn's face. "Don't worry. This will be in the Daily Prophet first thing tomorrow morning."
"How's that friend of yours doing?" Vaughn's knowing half-smile made Lupin flush.
Clearly, the Chairman had seen through his little maneuver.
Lupin had called Sirius his "friend" rather than naming him precisely because he was wary of Aberforth.
Although he knew about Aberforth's relationship with Dumbledore and his wholehearted support for the Order of the Phoenix in the past, from Vaughn's perspective, Aberforth was still an outsider. He cleared his throat lightly, then said, "Ahem-he was injured, but it wasn't serious. And no Muggles at the scene were caught up in it."
Lupin noticed that as he finished speaking, Aberforth's painfully tense expression relaxed.
"Pass a message to your friend. Tell him to rest for a few days and get himself in the right frame of mind," Vaughn said quietly. "Once public opinion has had more time to build, I'll arrange for him to meet Harry."
Lupin perked up. He knew that Harry was Sirius's greatest concern right now, and that Sirius had been looking forward to seeing him.
He was certain Sirius would be delighted when he passed on Vaughn's message.
Vaughn continued, "Remus,