"So what did you do this time?" Sylvia poked Will, who was intent on his meal. "Grand Wizard Behrens even managed to get a mention in a story like this."
Will took a sip of grape juice. "Nothing much. I gave Fudge a hint. Otherwise, with his abilities, he might not solve the case before Sirius dies of old age."
"Why help Fudge?"
"If I said it was for love and justice, would you believe me?" Will asked.
"Not a chance." Sylvia rolled her eyes at Will. "You must have another reason. Was it to help Black? Why would you do that?"
"Do you dislike Black that much?"
"Dislike him? Not really. Technically, Black is my father's cousin. My grandfather always said he used to be a decent young man. I don't know why he did what he did. Fudge, on the other hand, I can't stand. He's arrogant and stupid."
Will set down his fork and turned his silver-gray eyes toward Sylvia. The bustle of the Great Hall blurred into background noise around them, but the space between them seemed much quieter.
"All right. Lupin is my friend, and so is Harry. Helping Black means helping them. Besides, Black agreed to let me see his family's books. That's the Black family's Book Repository."
"I knew it." Sylvia gave a little snort. "You got something out of it."
"Am I really that calculating?" Will smiled. Most of the time, he was.
"Will." Sylvia picked up her napkin and calmly dabbed the corner of her mouth, smiling. "Everyone thinks you're modest and gentle, exceptionally talented, well liked by the professors, and handsome to boot. Honestly, a lot of Slytherin girls are interested in you, even the older students."
Her voice dropped, and a sly look entered her eyes. "But I know...