Growing More Skilled

After learning from Albert that Sirius Black was likely disguising himself as a black dog, Fred, George, and Lee Jordan often made time to wander outside the castle, trying to run into Black around Hogwarts. However, that was undoubtedly wasted effort. Albert had never believed Black would show up near the castle when there were lots of people around.

If Sirius Black's Animagus form had been a cat, he certainly would not have needed to worry about arousing suspicion. After all, plenty of students brought pet cats to school, and a few cats wandering around the castle was perfectly normal. But another dog appearing around Hogwarts Castle would seem highly suspicious. Aside from Hagrid's boarhound, Fang, hardly any students brought dogs to Hogwarts.

Yet Fred, George, and Lee Jordan had never given up searching for Sirius Black because of that.

"What are you doing?"

Albert and Isobel had just emerged from Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop when they saw three suspicious-looking fellows coming out of an alley.

"We're looking for that black dog you mentioned last time." Fred winked at Albert. "Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be here."

"We'll be going now, so we won't interrupt your date." George pulled Fred toward Zonko's Joke Shop.

"Oh, don't tease him, and don't scare him off," Albert reminded them. When he turned his head, he found Isobel looking at him.

"Kids are always full of curiosity." Albert shrugged in explanation.

"Kids?"

"Let's go buy some snacks. What do you want to eat?" Albert changed the subject, raising a hand to point at the nearby Honeydukes Sweetshop.

"You told them?" Isobel was rather surprised that Albert had shared such matters with others.

"They're my friends, and my helpers. Don't worry. For the sake of their dreams, I don't think they'll mess things up," Albert