Those Who Benefited

A great many things had happened over the past few days, leaving the students utterly dumbfounded.

First, Minister for Magic Fudge had suddenly announced in the Daily Prophet that Sirius Black was innocent. He also publicly claimed that the Ministry of Magic had arrested Peter Pettigrew, the culprit who had betrayed the Potters all those years ago, and had revoked the Order of Merlin, First Class awarded to Peter Pettigrew.

Not long afterward, they heard that Snape had revealed to the Slytherin students that Lupin was a Werewolf.

By the time the Slytherin students had spread the news that "Lupin is a Werewolf" throughout the school and written home about it, they learned from Dumbledore that Professor Lupin had already resigned.

Yet the next morning, a flock of Owls still piled Dumbledore's table high with letters of protest. There were even several Howlers mixed in, their voices so deafening that everyone covered their ears.

Whether it was the Daily Prophet or the various rumors at Hogwarts, no one ever connected any of it to Albert.

Though he was the chief culprit behind the whole affair, it was as if he had never existed. Only a few more Special Award for Services to the School medals had appeared in the Trophy Room.

Isabelle and Albert were taking a stroll around the grounds when they happened to discuss the events from a while ago. She gave a simple assessment. "You're as efficient and decisive as ever."

Though Isabelle had no idea exactly how Albert had done it, capturing Peter Pettigrew and restoring Black's reputation had not been easy tasks. Let alone bringing the whole matter to such a perfect conclusion.

"I merely gave things a little push at the crucial moment," Albert said.

"Actually, I'm more curious about what the Ministry of