After Apparating with George, the two appeared in a remote suburb surrounded by abandoned houses. The Order of the Phoenix headquarters was hidden here.
"It's not far ahead."
Just as George was about to reveal the location of the Order of the Phoenix headquarters to Albert, Albert suddenly stopped him.
"What is it?" George immediately surveyed the surroundings warily.
"Your Animagus form is very distinctive."
Albert waved his wand and dragged the shadow lurking beneath the abandoned house's shade into view.
"Not every wizard is as perceptive as you."
The black dog transformed back into Black in front of Albert and greeted him.
"I'm sure everyone will be happy to see you."
"What were you doing just now?" George asked curiously.
"When we arrived, we triggered the Intruder Charm left behind by the Order of the Phoenix," Albert explained casually. "Black probably came to see who had arrived. If it was an enemy, he could look for a chance to ambush them."
"More or less."
Sirius gave Albert an admiring look, then walked ahead of Albert and George to lead the way.
"We're here."
After walking a little farther, the three stopped before an empty patch of ground.
"Welcome to 19 York Village."
As George finished speaking, the outline of a dilapidated house appeared before Albert.
Albert had indeed expected that one day he would come to the Order of the Phoenix headquarters. He just hadn't expected to come for this reason.
"Dobby, take George back first, then come back here later."
After George told him the location of the Order of the Phoenix headquarters, Albert suddenly spoke to the air beside him.
The House-elf Dobby appeared out of nowhere, reached for George's hand, and prepared to Apparate away with him.
"Wait—"
Before George could finish, the House-elf had already