"Two weeks—" Dumbledore looked down at the cat licking its paws by his feet, thought for a moment, then asked, "Will you be all right on your own during that time?"
Vaughn did not hesitate. "If you need to go back to the Far East, then go. I'll take care of myself."
"There's no need to rush. I've only just returned."
"You're not much use anyway. Nicolas Flamel's works are enough for me, and there are Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape too. You should spend your time on something meaningful."
"My dear, your attitude truly wounds me!"
With that joke, Dumbledore's smile faded. "I'll have Fawkes leave you a few more tail feathers. If anything happens—for example, if there are any changes with the Hogwarts Board of Governors—let me know at once. I'll finish my business and return as soon as I can."
Vaughn silently nodded.
Afterward, he dispelled his Patronus and began casting again. Dumbledore said nothing more, merely watched quietly. In the secluded woods, only Hermione's shrill voice echoed from afar, along with Harry and Ron's sheepish, subdued, and occasionally feeble protests.
An angry Hermione was terrifying, but when she was not angry, the feeling was even harder to bear.
For instance, for Vaughn and Dumbledore.
Dumbledore did not stay long at Hagrid's Hut before leaving. Harry and Ron had not even noticed when he left, and he had not said a single word to them.
As for Vaughn—his attitude remained the same as before. While Hermione scolded Harry and Ron, they watched from afar as he cast dozens of Patronus Charms, finally stopping in exhaustion.
He gave them a weak smile and greeted them, but said nothing else.
Yet the more the two thought about it, the worse they felt. Suddenly, they thought Vaughn would have been