Crushing

The search of the castle continued until around three in the morning. Naturally, they found nothing. It was as though Black had never entered Hogwarts Castle at all.

Professor Dumbledore had probably expected this outcome long ago, but he still had to have the professors search the entire castle, both to reassure the teachers and students and to give the Dementors stationed outside the school an explanation.

The professors and prefects searching the castle had it rough. They did not get a wink of sleep all night, and forcing themselves to stay awake after a full meal was especially difficult.

By the time Albert and Shanna returned to the Great Hall, everyone else was already asleep. Only the energetic Percy and the drowsy prefects remained on watch.

Sure enough, walking around outside was better than staying behind to keep watch. At least they could talk to whoever was beside them and find excuses to slack off.

It was not until dawn that the prefects and Head Boy on night watch were allowed to return to bed. The ghosts would take over from them.

As for morning classes, they were naturally cancelled.

Sir Cadogan, who had temporarily taken over the Fat Lady's duties, was a rude fellow. The moment he saw Albert, he rudely insulted and provoked him, intending to duel him.

"If you can come out of that painting, I'll duel you."

Covering a yawn with one hand, Albert had no desire to listen to the man's nonsense. "The password is 'mongrel dog.' Open the door."

Sir Cadogan reluctantly let them into the Common Room.

The four of them returned to their dormitories to rest. As for the password to enter the Common Room, Nearly Headless Nick would naturally pass it on to the other Gryffindor students.

When Albert woke