"How did it end up sounding like I was some kind of prolific killer?"
After leaving the Headmaster's Office, Albert stopped, turned back to look at the closed wooden door behind him, and could not help complaining.
Albert was actually rather resistant to the idea of killing.
As for those unlucky ones Scrimgeour had gotten killed, they could not possibly be counted against Albert. At most, he had given Scrimgeour a reminder; it had been the Ministry of Magic's court that ultimately sentenced them to death.
What did that have to do with him?
After leaving the Headmaster's Office, Albert headed straight for the nearby Room of Requirement. By the time he reappeared in Hogsmeade, he had already changed into a new disguise.
It was unsuitable for Albert to meet Zonko as Albert, since that could easily cause other trouble. So he had now taken on Lee Jordan's identity. That was also why Albert had not had Lee Jordan go to Hogsmeade with them in the first place.
Hogsmeade was somewhat deserted in the early morning. When he arrived, the shops along the street had only just opened. Albert stopped in front of Zonko's shop and pushed open the red wooden door.
"You're right on time."
Zonko forced a smile as he greeted the visitor, but the moment he saw who had entered, his expression froze.
"Is there a problem?" Albert asked.
"I thought..." Zonko said uncertainly, "the Weasley Twins told me that the one coming to discuss this with me would be the famous Mr. Albert Anderson."
"Oh, you mean Albert!" Albert said rather helplessly. "That guy got married recently, then took his new wife off on a trip. Who knows where they are sightseeing now? I'm handling this matter with you instead."
"This..."
"All right, look over this