Growing More Skilled

After learning from Albert that Sirius Black had most likely disguised himself as a black dog, Fred, George, and Lee Jordan often made time to wander outside the castle, hoping to run into Black in the vicinity of Hogwarts. But this was undoubtedly a waste of effort. Albert had never believed Black would appear around the castle when there were lots of people about.

If Sirius Black's Animagus form had been a cat, he certainly would not have needed to worry about arousing suspicion. After all, plenty of students brought pet cats to school, so a few cats roaming around the castle would have been perfectly normal. But another dog appearing around Hogwarts Castle would have seemed highly suspicious. Aside from Hagrid's boarhound Fang, almost no students brought dogs to Hogwarts School.

Yet Fred, George, and Lee Jordan had never given up searching for Sirius Black because of that.

"What are you doing?"

Albert and Isabelle had just left Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop when they saw three suspicious-looking fellows emerging from a small alley.

"We're looking for that black dog you mentioned last time." Fred winked at Albert. "Sadly, it doesn't seem to be here."

"We'll be going, then. We won't disturb your date." George pulled Fred toward Zoko's Joke Shop.

"Oh, don't tease him. And don't scare him away," Albert reminded them.

When he turned back, he found Isabelle looking at him.

"Kids are always full of curiosity." Albert shrugged in explanation.

"Kids?"

"Let's go buy some snacks. What do you want to eat?" Albert changed the subject, raising a hand to point at Honeydukes in the distance.

"You told them?" Isabelle was somewhat surprised that Albert had shared such things with others.

"They're my friends, and my helpers. Don't worry. For the sake of their dreams, I don't