Chapter 89: An Interesting Little Interlude [bonus]
The patrolling professors arrived quickly, dispersing the crowd and asking questions. Lucretius stepped forward as Prefect to explain the situation, with Regulus adding a few clarifications at his side.
The matter was settled without much delay. Finn turned out to be a black-market dealer in illicit magical items. He had stolen an artifact from a Pure-blood family and had been pursued by Aurors for three days before finally being captured in Hogsmeade.
After confirming that neither boy was injured, the professors dismissed them, instructing all students that Hogsmeade weekend would end early. No lingering. Everyone was to return to Hogwarts immediately.
A wave of groans rose from the younger students, but there was no room for argument.
On the walk back to the castle, Lucretius remained quiet for a long time.
Only when they neared the main gates did he finally speak. "Alastor Moody. An elite Auror. A lot of dark wizards fear him. A lot of them hate him."
"I know," Regulus replied.
"The way he looked at me just now…" Lucretius paused, then continued, "It was like he was deciding whether I was Finn's accomplice."
"But you weren't," Regulus said.