"Bah! Everyone's innocent," Thom said dismissively. Not that he really believed that, of course, but he could believe that August was, at times, a little too eager to believe a sob story from someone who seemed to be an Oppressed Victim of the Legal System. It was common knowledge, at this point, that he would work for free if he thought you were both innocent and helpless without him, so why on earth would some poor penniless soul (or a vampire) ever admit to wrongdoing in his presence? August was an idealist, and it was one of the things Thom liked about him, but that idealism could on occasion cross the line into intentionally-maintained naivete.

"But I'm glad to hear it," he continued. "If you're done being the voice of accused murderers for a bit, maybe we can get you involved in something more fun this season."

(Not that Thom expected he would have time to make a Project of August this season, with the Quidditch World Cup and his own team and industry to manage, but there was always hope that he might stumble into something himself with only some gentle prodding. Slim hope, but hope nonetheless).