Padfoot

Since the attack, Ron Weasley had become the center of everyone's attention, and he seemed to enjoy being famous. As long as someone was willing to listen, he would tell them what had happened that night, adding plenty of "details" of his own.

Neville Longbottom, whose mistake had allowed Sirius Black to break into Gryffindor Tower, was punished as well. The day after Black entered Gryffindor Tower, Longbottom received a Howler from his grandmother. For a time, Mr. Longbottom successfully replaced Malfoy as everyone's favorite topic of mockery after meals.

None of this affected Albert, however. He continued to live a busy and fulfilling life every day.

"Here!"

After class, Albert handed a folder to Katrina. "The papers you wanted are all in here."

"Thank you." Katrina hugged the folder to her chest and thanked Albert quietly.

"You're welcome. It was part of our deal." Albert turned and headed toward Fred, George, and Lee Jordan, who were still waiting for him.

"We're going to check that Secret Passage."

Fred looked around. After making sure no one was listening, he lowered his voice. "We might be able to figure out exactly where Black entered the castle from."

"I checked it repeatedly. The portrait happens to be outside the patrol routes of the security staff, and Filch doesn't know there's a Secret Passage there leading outside the castle," George added. "That old man has sealed off lots of Secret Passages lately."

"If Black really entered from there, should we tell Professor McGonagall?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Lee Jordan noticed that everything around them had suddenly gone quiet.

All three turned to Albert, waiting for him to decide.

"We'll talk about it later. All right, no one's nearby. Hurry up." Albert glanced at the map in his hand, confirmed