Beast Foot

Ever since the attack, Ron Weasley had become the center of everyone's attention, and he himself seemed to enjoy being famous. Whenever someone was willing to listen, he happily told them about what had happened that night, adding plenty of "details" of his own.

Neville Longbottom, whose mistake had allowed Sirius Black to successfully infiltrate Gryffindor Tower, was punished as well. The day after Black broke into Gryffindor Tower, Longbottom received a Howler from his grandmother. For a time, Mr. Longbottom had successfully replaced Malfoy as everyone's favorite topic of post-meal gossip.

None of this affected Albert, however. He still lived a busy and fulfilling life every day.

"Here!"

After class, Albert handed a folder to Katrina. "The papers you wanted are all in here."

"Thanks." Katrina hugged the folder to her chest and quietly thanked Albert.

"You're welcome. It was part of the deal." Albert turned and walked toward Fred, George, and Lee Jordan, who were still waiting for him.

"We're planning to check that secret passage."

After looking around and making sure no one was eavesdropping, Fred lowered his voice. "We might be able to find out exactly where Black entered the castle from."

"I checked several times. The portrait is just outside the prefects' patrol route, and Filch doesn't know there's a secret passage leading out of the castle there." George added, "That old guy has sealed off a lot of secret passages lately."

"If Black really entered through there, should we tell Professor McGonagall?"

The moment he finished speaking, Lee Jordan noticed that everything around them had suddenly gone quiet.

All three turned to Albert, waiting for him to make the decision.

"We'll talk about it later. All right, no one's nearby. Hurry up." Albert glanced at the map in his hand, confirmed that no one