Which reagent reacts with acetamide to produce methylamine?

Aniline is treated with $NaNO_2 + HCl$ at low temperature to form:

Amides may be converted into amines by a reaction named after :

An aromatic compound $A$ having molecular formula $C_7H_6O_2$ on treating with aqueous ammonia and heating forms compound $B$. The compound $B$ on reaction with molecular bromine and potassium hydroxide provides compound $C$ having molecular formula $C_6H_7N$. The structure of $A$ is

The major product is:

In the reaction sequence $CH_3CONH_2$ $\xrightarrow{?} CH_3CN$ $\xrightarrow{\text{reduction}} CH_3CH_2NH_2$,which dehydrating agent is used in the first step?