Vaughn knew Professor Snape had surely noticed the diary was missing.
He was probably, like Vaughn, trying to figure out who had stolen it.
Throughout the entire morning of Potions, the professor's lifeless eyes had swept over every young wizard.
The young wizards naturally noticed this unusual behavior as well.
They could hardly be blamed for being sensitive. Anyone who saw a giant "bat" staring at them gloomily through the damp, chilly air of the dungeon would feel uneasy and inexplicably tense.
Ron especially.
He had been trembling with fear all morning, too afraid to look up. Every glance that passed over him felt as sharp as a knife.
Even his skin had broken out in goosebumps from the stress.
Fortunately, until class ended, Snape made no move. He merely had everyone recite their summer assignments as usual before gliding away.
The instant the classroom door shut, Ron let out a long breath, feeling drenched in sweat.
"I'm never listening to your nonsense again!" he complained to Harry beside him. "I must have gone mad yesterday to let you talk me into going— I didn't even consider how miserable it would be if he caught me. Harry, did you put a spell on me?"
Harry rolled his eyes at him. "What spell do you think I know that could confuse you?"
"True enough. We're both idiots."
Ron nodded in relief, completely unconcerned that he had insulted himself as well. He merely asked, "I forgot to ask yesterday—did you finish what you went to the office to do?"
"—" Harry fell silent for a moment, a trace of melancholy and confusion flashing across his face. "I think so—"
"Huh? You think so?"
"It's nothing—" Harry changed the subject. "Did you really see Professor Rosier and Snape fighting?"
At that, Ron, who