Chapter 130
Albert and Salazar emerged from Melanda's memories.
Albert opened his eyes and found himself once again in the room where the small golden statue had stood.
He rose, noticing blood on his shirt. Quickly, he cast a cleaning charm over it, ensuring that no one would see the stain.
After regaining full awareness, he opened the door once more.
Hermione had also recently awakened. Albert walked forward, still in shock, his mind consumed by the revelations he had just witnessed.
Hermione noticed his pale, strained face and immediately sensed that something terrible had occurred.
"Albert… what happened?" she asked, concerned.
Albert, however, shook his head. "It's not worth knowing," he replied.
Together, they left the Restricted Section, heading toward their rooms in silence.
---
Present Day
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were eating lunch together when their Gryffindor friend, Seamus, suddenly interrupted. He placed a newspaper on the table, exclaiming, "Guys! Guys! Sirius Black has been spotted near the school!"
Some students crowded around Seamus, eager to read the headline. Naturally, Harry, Ron, and Hermione leaned in as well.
Harry read aloud:
"Criminal Sirius Black Spotted Near Hogsmeade Village, Close to Hogwarts School!"
Fear and tension rippled through the students. They knew Sirius was a dangerous criminal and a supporter of Voldemort, likely near the school with ill intent.
Amid the whispers and murmurs, Albert entered the Great Hall for his own lunch.
Hermione and Seamus quickly tore the newspaper, hiding it from Albert—aware that the headline referred to his father.
Albert noticed a shift in the atmosphere but said nothing. He suspected Harry had mentioned his father in passing, though the distance between them over the past weeks left him unsure.
He found an empty chair near Ginny and another Gryffindor boy. Seeing Albert approach, the boy hurriedly rose and moved elsewhere, clearly intimidated.
Albert paid no mind and sat down, beginning his meal. He had not eaten for nearly a day, consumed as he had been with mastering advanced spells from the Restricted Section and the narrow chamber beyond the black door.
Ron and Hermione exchanged glances. "We shouldn't discuss this in front of Albert," Ron whispered.
Hermione nodded in agreement. "Yes, we must protect him. He shouldn't be affected by this."
Harry changed the subject. "Forget that for now! Professor McGonagall told me we're visiting Hogsmeade today. Isn't that exciting?!"
A smile spread across Harry's face. Hagrid had told him that Hogsmeade in winter was breathtaking, with its snowy streets, charming shops, and unique local treats.
Ron's eyes widened. "Really, Harry? That sounds amazing!"
He turned to Neville and Ginny, who had been listening attentively. "My sister and I went there once, four years ago. It was beautiful! We even built a snowman in the snow!"
The group laughed and chatted, yet Harry kept glancing at Albert with a peculiar look in his eyes.
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4:00 PM
All the students gathered on the balcony outside Hogwarts, listening as Professor McGonagall called their names for the Hogsmeade trip.
Holding a large sheet, she announced:
"Only students with parental permission slips will be allowed to join the Hogsmeade visit."
She completed the roll call, leaving only two names uncalled: Harry Potter and Albert Black.
To be contined ...