A Cat That Can Shop

"I know you want to catch Peter and bring him to me, but that would be almost wasted effort. Peter is cautious, and smarter than you. You won't catch him. If you get the chance, find a way to get me the password to the Gryffindor Common Room. I'll enter the school myself and kill him."

In the dark tunnel, Sirius Black gently stroked Crookshanks's head with his rough hand, telling him what he needed and what he intended to do. He knew the cat was very clever, but relying on him to catch That Rat, Peter, was nearly impossible. Besides, Sirius Black wanted to kill Peter himself and avenge James.

"Meow!"

Crookshanks let out a soft cry, seemingly indicating that he would keep an eye out for Black.

"Oh, right. There's something else I hope you can help me with."

Black pulled a slightly wrinkled piece of parchment from his pocket and handed it to Crookshanks. "Harry's Flying Broom was broken. I'm planning to give him a new broom for Christmas, but I can't walk into Quidditch Quality Supplies to buy one. I need you to deliver this letter to someone at the Hogsmeade post office and order an owl in Harry's name. As for the Galleons, I'll have them collect the money from my vault at Gringotts, No. 711, or pay them afterward."

In truth, Black had no idea whether this would work, but he had no better option. If he turned into a dog and carried the letter into the post office, it would look suspicious no matter how he looked at it. If the post office became suspicious, he would likely be in serious trouble.

Clearly, clever Crookshanks was better suited for the task.

Crookshanks nodded, agreeing to make the trip for Black.

The man and