A Cat That Could Shop

"I know you want to catch Peter and bring him to me, but that's almost a waste of effort. Peter is cautious, and smarter than you. You won't catch him. If you get the chance, find a way to get me the password to the Gryffindor Common Room. I'll enter the school myself and kill him."

In the dark tunnel, Sirius Black gently stroked Crookshanks's head with his rough hand, telling him what he needed and what he intended to do. He knew the cat was clever, but relying on it to catch that rat Peter was nearly impossible. Besides, Sirius Black would rather kill Peter himself and avenge James.

"Meow!"

Crookshanks gave a soft cry, seemingly indicating that he would keep watch for Black.

"Oh, right, there's something else I hope you can help me with."

Black pulled a slightly wrinkled piece of parchment from his pocket and handed it to Crookshanks. "Harry's broom was broken. I plan to give him a new one for Christmas, but I can't walk into Quality Quidditch Supplies to buy a broom. I need you to deliver this letter to someone at the Hogsmeade Post Office and order an owl in Harry's name. As for the Galleons, I'll have them collect the money from my vault, number 711, at Gringotts—or I'll make up the payment afterward."

In truth, Black had no idea whether this would work, but there seemed to be no better option. If he turned into a dog and carried the paper into the post office himself, it would look suspicious no matter how one saw it. If the people there became suspicious, he would be in serious trouble.

The clever Crookshanks was clearly much better suited to the task.

Crookshanks nodded, agreeing to make the trip for Black.

The man