Chapter 87
"Kreacher," Albert said gently.
"It's nothing… I just remembered a bad memory from years ago," the elf muttered.
"Well then, go back inside and rest, alright?" Albert replied.
The two of them returned into the house once things had calmed down.
But among the bushes, a creature was watching—something that was clearly not human, but an animal.
When this creature saw Albert and Kreacher close the door behind them, it swiftly vanished into the distance without making a sound.
It was a large black dog, running with all its might, until it was certain it had put enough distance between itself and Albert's home. Then, it transformed into a man.
His clothes were filthy, torn, and full of holes. We soon discover it was none other than Sirius Black.
"Huff… huff… I think I'm far enough from that place now… huff…" Sirius panted heavily.
"If the Ministry of Magic discovered I used magic near my son's home, I bet they'd capture him," he muttered.
Grrr… grrr…
His stomach growled loudly, a clear sign of how hungry he was. He hadn't eaten in two days—not since his escape from Azkaban.
Sirius looked up at the sky and saw that the sun had only about two hours left before setting. That meant just three more hours until he could meet his son.
"Damn… I'm starving… I hope there's something edible in this forest."
"But first, I need to go to the Dursleys' house… I have to see my friend's son, Harry."
---
Three hours later
Albert, now transformed into an owl, soared above the trees of Wyrton Forest, carrying a bag full of food in his beak. His father had told him about this forest.
He sharpened his gaze, scanning the shrubs and trees, until he spotted something moving in the distance.
Albert quickly swooped toward the sound.
The reason he had taken his owl form was to avoid suspicion. Since his father, Sirius, had managed to escape Azkaban, the Ministry would surely send guards to watch Albert, convinced Sirius would try to meet him.
Transforming into an owl would throw them off his trail. After all, the Ministry didn't even know Albert could transform into an animal.
Normally, anyone who could transform into an animal had to be registered in the Animagus registry at the Ministry—and there were only four names on that list. Voldemort was an exception, as his transformation abilities came from Dark Magic.
The four registered Animagi were: Sirius Black, Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, and Peter Pettigrew.
---
When Albert finally arrived deep within the forest, he spotted his father sitting on a tree branch, his clothes filthy and torn.
Albert returned to his human form and shouted with all his heart, "Dad!"
Sirius froze for a moment—then, after so long, he finally heard the voice of the son he hadn't seen in ages.
A smile broke across Sirius's face, and tears welled in his eyes.
"My dear son…"
He pulled Albert into a fierce embrace—the only family he had left, the only reason he still lived.
"I'm sorry, my boy… I'm so sorry for making you wait this long," Sirius whispered.
"I've missed you so much, Dad," Albert said with a warm smile as he hugged him back.
Though Sirius was his father, Albert often felt like he was also his closest friend, because of how strong their bond had grown.
Sirius gripped both of Albert's shoulders. "Albert! Did anyone follow you?"
"No, Dad. I changed into my owl form, so I bet they didn't notice anything strange."
"Well done. I'd forgotten you could already transform into an animal at such a young age," Sirius said proudly, resting his hand on Albert's head to express his joy.
To be continued…