Vaughn had deliberately left her by Hermione's side. Fruit Tea was about the size of a small leopard, and thanks to her Kneazle bloodline, her fur possessed some magical resistance. She would have no trouble dealing with a few younger students.
Most importantly, tucked inside the little cloth pouch on her chest was one of Fawkes's feathers.
If danger arose, all Hermione had to do was set it alight, and Fawkes could arrive in the blink of an eye—Fawkes was happy to help as well, having long coveted the potions in Fruit Tea's pouch.
Hermione crouched down and smoothed Fruit Tea's fur. "Take me to Vaughn, all right?"
Fruit Tea blinked her amber-like eyes, gave a soft cry, and headed downstairs. Hermione hurried after her.
The girl and the cat returned to the underground classroom, though not the one Nicolas Flamel had borrowed. This was the room normally used for Potions lessons.
In the cold, gloomy air, Hermione saw that Snape's office not far away was still lit, with firelight spilling through the crack in the door.
She could vaguely hear voices from inside. "—Catching Peeves is useless, Professor. He's bound by a Secrecy Charm and can't say anything. As elves, we have no way to invade his mind either—he doesn't even have that organ!"
"If he won't work, what about Creevey?"
"Professor, are you asking me to kidnap a first-year student, then invade his mind without regard for his life?"
Bang!
Something shattered inside the office. Startled, Hermione quickly covered her mouth. Maintaining her Disillusionment Charm, she crept over to the half-open door and peered inside through the gap.
Fruit Tea sniffed lightly, then accurately squeezed in beside her by following the scent. She braced herself against the door crack and looked in as well.
The office was brightly