"Yes, I took him to Diagon Alley to buy his school supplies the day before yesterday."
Professor McGonagall smiled.
"Congratulations, Albus."
Professor McGonagall was congratulating him on finding a relative.
At least...
Even when he grew old.
There would still be someone to look after him.
Instead of leaving him to wait alone for death at St. Mungo's.
"Thank you, Minerva."
"If that's the case, Albus, shouldn't you change his surname back to Dumbledore?"
"Since that child has returned to the Dumbledore family, then..."
Dumbledore waved his hand.
"Everyone knows that I never married and never had children."
"So if I changed his surname back to Dumbledore."
"It would bring unnecessary gossip upon the child."
"I'm old enough that it doesn't matter."
"I don't care if people point fingers at my private life."
"But what about Black?"
"I don't want him growing up surrounded by people talking about him."
Professor McGonagall sighed.
"All right, then let's just say you adopted him."
"You're getting on in years, and you chose to adopt a child."
"No one will say anything."
"All right, I need to get back to work."
"You don't need to come help. Take some time."
"Spend it with that child."
"Hmm... Come to think of it, no wonder that child has such a talent for Transfiguration."
"I'm already looking forward to the start of term."
"Cassandra, what's wrong? You've been distracted all morning."
Mrs. Worley asked worriedly.
"N-Nothing. I'm going out for another walk."
"Cassandra?"
But Cassandra had already run out.
She had originally come to Diagon Alley with her mother to run errands.
While her mother was busy.
She had gone to browse the Herbology Shop.
And then she ran into Black.
After that, in the subject she was best at.
She was once again dealt a