Because the attacker lacked the Mackled Malaclaw vendor's skill at slitting vocal cords with a single stroke, they could only slash wildly. Little Red had probably survived because some of the Purple Shadow Spirit Grass's medicinal effects still lingered in its body.
Hermione slipped her clenched fist into her pocket and said angrily, "No, it isn't your fault. Even if the Dark Lord hadn't used the Extendable Ears to overhear your conversation, he would still have gone after Little Red, wouldn't he, Ron?"
Her furious gaze made Ron shudder. "Hermione, I'm not Salazar Slytherin's Heir. Why are you looking at me like that?"
At that, Hermione laughed instead of getting angry. Her laughter made Ron and Harry think the shock had left their friend... a little unhinged!
"That's right, Ron. You aren't Salazar Slytherin's Heir. Who has the Extendable Ears? I want to take them back and study them properly!"
"I have them. They've been torn apart. There's nothing much to study!"
"This is the first time I've heard of a magical device that can eavesdrop. I'm really curious. Luo Bin, let me have a look!"
Hermione pleaded with wide, moist eyes.
"Uh, all right!"
Luo Bin took the Fake Ear out of the Blue Cloth Pouch. After rubbing it a few times, Hermione tucked it into her pocket.
"Luo Bin, do we still need to move Fang, the Mackled Malaclaw, and Little Red somewhere else?"
Ron asked.
"Little Red can't crow anymore. The Heir won't come back here. Let's keep them here!"
"Agreed. Harry, Ron, whatever happens tomorrow, you two have to come to the Hunting Grounds and feed all three of them!"
Tapping every stone brick in the Castle with the Wooden Mallet was a massive undertaking. Harry and Ron wanted to refuse, but both felt they bore