Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On Christmastide Eve the Potters went to Godric 's holler, like usual. It was completely sour by the fourth dimension they Apparated to the tunnel, but there was plenty of light streaming out of the tall house 's windows. As they walked closer to the billet, Albus could hear the roars of laughter coming from inside.

`` Harry ! '' the threshold to the burrow flew unfold and George stood in the doorway to recognise them, a mug of eggnog in his hand. `` How are ya, match ? ``

`` I 'm great, George. I see you 're already intoxicated, '' Harry grinned at him.

`` A drunkness only Mum 's eggnog can add, '' George III went back into the sign and Albus and his folk followed.

Albus smiled to himself as he saw the usual chaos that was Christmastide Eve at his grandparents'house. His sea of redheaded first cousin were milling around eating and laughing with each other. This was what Albus loved about Christmas at the tunnel. He grabbed a couple biscuits from the nearby tabular array and went to obtain rosebush. She was sitting on the floor near the hearth with Hugo, Victoire, and Teddy.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted over the noise, `` Over here ! ``

Albus pushed his way past Georgia and Gabriella who were laughing at something Fred was saying. `` Hi rose wine ! What 's been going on ? ``

`` Not a good deal. Uncle George, Uncle Bill, and Uncle Charlie are drunk. My dad 's on his way and so is Aunt Alicia. ``

`` Would n't be Christmas Eve if they were n't, '' Albus laughed.

`` gran 's been refilling the cookie platters and talking with my mum and Aunt Fleur. I think she 's about to put on Celestina Warbeck, '' rose gestured to the nearby tuner that mollie, Hermione, and Fleur were looking at. Fleur threw her paw up in the air and glared at molly. `` Yup, here comes Celestina. ``

`` Mum hates her, '' Victoire shook her head, `` She 'll be heading for the eggnog now. ``

Sure enough, Fleur poured herself a large mug of eggnog as Molly settled down to listen to the wireless. She was the only when one listening, though. Albus could get a line bits and part of a heated Quidditch give-and-take going on between his Uncle Charlie, Uncle George VI, Aunt Alicia, and Heather. Harry was making his way over to them now. It amazed Albus that his uncles and aunt could carry on a fully understandable Quidditch discussion while drunk.

`` How long are you staying, Victoire ? '' Albus asked.

`` Just until after Christmas. I 've got to get back to St. Mungo 's in a couple days. But I 've been here since yesterday when Amy left for Commonwealth of Australia. I did n't need to be alone in the apartment, it would 've gotten awfully drilling. ``

`` You would n't possess had to be alone, '' slip winked, `` And it would n't give been boring. ``

Victoire playfully slapped him. `` slip ! Do n't let Mum try you say that. ``

`` Oh, Albus, '' pink wine began, `` Both john and Amanda can occur to my house on the 28th. Well, they can only come over for the day, but that should be enough metre. Matt 's still not for sure. He said he wo n't do it until after he gets back from Australia. ``

`` Ok. Great, we can wreak Quidditch ! ``

`` Quidditch ? '' Hugo snapped his school principal away from his coffee batrachian cards, `` Can I play ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus replied.

`` The 28th ? '' Teddy commented, `` I 'll come over, too. I do n't have to be back at the Ministry until the 29th. I 'm up for some Quidditch. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` We can get a real plot going. I 'll just tell my dad I 'm going home with you. '' Albus looked around the room and saw Harry in the midst of a Quidditch discussion. `` Hey, Dad ! ``

`` What is it, Al ? '' Harry got up and squeezed his way through the crowd over to Albus.

`` It 's all right if I go to Rose 's home on the 28th, right ? And stay a mates solar day ? ``

`` That would be amercement, '' Harry said, `` But we 're actually going to Dudley 's house for New year 's Eve, so we 'll come get you on the 31st before we leave. ``

`` We 're going to Dudley 's ? '' Albus stared at his dad.

`` Er, yeah, '' Harry gave Albus a half smiling, `` aunty genus Petunia and Uncle Vernon will be there as well .... ''

`` What ? ! ''

`` Dudley thought it would be a good idea, considering that Kaden is a star, '' Harry explained.

`` All right, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't really need to see auntie Petunia and Uncle Vernon, but he did n't really make a choice.

`` I 'm sure they 'll be ... civilized, at least, '' Harry gave Albus a hug before leaving to repay his Quidditch discussion.

`` Well, at least I can come over for a few days, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but you 've got to go see the Dursleys, '' shift screwed up his facial expression in disgust.

`` It 's definitely going to be an occupy day, '' Albus replied.

`` I 'm sure it 'll be alright, '' Rose assured him. `` Plus, Kaden will be there. ``

`` That 'll ca-ca it even more concern, '' Albus grinned.

`` You know, he 'd fit right in with this lot, '' rose gestured to the loud and rough Weasley family around them. `` Except without the red hair. ``

`` Hey, I have n't got red hair ! ''

`` Neither do I, '' Victoire agreed.

`` I do, '' Teddy laughed as he changed his hair from its common blue to red.

`` You 're not technically a Weasley, '' Rose commented.

`` stopping point sufficiency. And anyway, who knows what 'll materialize in the next few long time, '' shift winked at Victoire, who giggled. chemise threw his arm around Victoire and kissed her.

`` better not let Gran see you doing that, '' blush wine warned.

`` Always a stickler for the principle, huh Rosie ? '' teddy bear laughed and lengthened his hair until it was the complete reproduction of Rose's.

`` Do n't do that ! '' rosiness groaned, `` And I do break convention. Just ask Albus. ``

Teddy shortened his hair's-breadth again and turned to Albus. `` Really ? ``

`` She does, '' Albus confirmed, `` Quite a few prison term, actually. ``

`` This I 've got to listen. ``

`` Maybe another clock time, '' Albus glanced at Rose. Albus had n't really decided whether or not to tell shimmy about the new map. virtually of rosebush 's and Albus 's most recent ruler breaking was done in order to trace it. Albus knew he was n't going to tell his cousin about it, but he was n't certainly about teddy and James. One part of him thought they deserved to know, considering that their father and grandad were both Marauders, but on the other hand he kind of liked keeping it a secret.

`` Aw, come on, differentiate me. ``

`` Another time, '' Rose said adamantly.

`` Oh, fine, '' shift huffed, `` But I will feel out. ``

Albus spent the residuum of the evening talking and playing games with Rose, Teddy, and Victoire. He was really enjoying the prison term off from school and getting to pass metre with his entire family at once. By the time he climbed up to the noodle sleeping room that he shared with James and a few of their cousins, he was tired and stuffed from all the biscuits.

******

`` James ! Albus ! '' Albus snapped his centre open at the sound of his figure the following sunrise. He immediately recognized the voice as belonging to Lily. He heard her footstep bounding into the elbow room. `` Albus, Saint James the Apostle ! It 's Christmas ! Wake up ! ``

`` Hi Lily, '' Albus yawned.

`` trade good, you 're up ! James IV ! Get up ! ``

`` I 'm up, I 'm up ! '' James mumbled.

`` We 've got nowadays, James ! '' Lily grinned.

`` Right ! '' James said excitedly and Albus heard him crawling to the end of the top berth to his pile of presents.

`` I 'm going to open mine ! '' Lily shouted as she ran out of the room.

After Lily 's ahead of time wake-up phone call, everyone in Albus 's elbow room was up. Albus settled down to open his own pile of nowadays with the other boy. The initiatory few boxes were filled with afters and versatile Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes merchandise. The next was this twelvemonth 's Weasley sweater. It had a red quaffle stitched onto the front with a naval forces blue devil background. `` Opened your sweater yet, Epistle of James ? ``

`` Sure did, '' James River replied, `` Red with a putting green tartar on it. ``

`` Mine 's blue air with a red quaffle. ``

`` Excellent. ``

Albus opened the next few nowadays, which consisted of numerous Holy Writ and other clothing point. He also got a Broomstick service Kit, which would be useful since his Firebolt 2000 had a few twig that needed to be plucked. Albus saved the present from his parents for live on and was about to open it when James I gave an excite shout from the bed above.

`` Whoa ! ``

`` What is it ? '' Cedric asked and jumped off his bed. Ben followed and the two of them ran over to James IV 's bed.

Albus crawled out of his bed and joined his cousins. `` What ? '' he asked.

Epistle of James had a huge grin on his side as he held up a blank piece of parchment. `` Look what I got. ``

Albus stared at the parchment. `` You 're kidding ! Dad gave you the Marauder 's Map ? ``

`` He sure did ! '' King James I shouted.

`` This is perfect ! '' Cedric exclaimed.

`` I ca n't believe he gave it to you, '' Ben grinned.

`` That 's great, James, '' Albus smiled, `` But why you and not me ? '' Albus could n't help but feel a little left out, even though he now had his own Marauder 's Map that would potentially be better than the original. But his dad did n't be intimate about that, so why did he give the Map to James ?

`` Dunno, '' James shrugged. `` What did they get you ? ``

`` Have n't opened it yet, '' Albus picked up the package from his parents and tear off the wrapping.

What he saw made his oral cavity fall opened in electrical shock. This would excuse why James got the Map ! Sitting in the middle of the torn wrapping, was the Invisibility Cloak. `` He, he gave me the Cloak, '' Albus whispered.

`` fountainhead, that 's why you did n't get the map, '' James replied, `` This is brilliant ! ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, pulling the cloak out of the wrapping. He laughed to himself as he thought of how he and rose went through all that problem of stealing it earlier in the month and now he got it for Christmastide. `` Guess this is why Dad wanted the Map back. ``

James laughed, `` We gave it back only for him to collapse it to me. I think we ought to percentage them. ``

`` That 's a unspoiled idea, '' Albus agreed, not mentioning that hopefully he would have his own map working soon.

`` And share them with us, too, '' Cedric gestured to himself and Ben.

`` Of course we will, '' James assured them. `` We just have to be sneaky about it. We ca n't let all of Hogwarts know we 've got these. ``

`` I 'm going to go Tell rosebush, '' Albus wrapped the Cloak around himself and left the room. He had never worn the Cloak at the burrow before and he thought it was really mirthful that he passed Eddie on the stairs and Eddie did n't even acknowledge him. He pushed open the door to the room that Rose shared with Victoire, Georgia, Gabriella, and Calluna vulgaris and waited for the girlfriend'reactions.

Heather jumped when she heard the doorway spread out and saw that no one was there. Victoire and Gabriella laughed and then shrugged. rosebush got up from her bed and walked cautiously over to the door.

`` Boo, '' Albus pulled the Cloak off and grinned.

All five girls shrieked as they saw Albus emerge from the Cloak, then they all started laughing. `` Where did you get that ? '' rose wine demanded.

`` Dad gave it to me ! ''

`` He did ? '' Victoire stared in amazement. `` Wow, that is really capital. ``

`` I just ca n't believe he gave you that, '' rose wine grinned, `` I 'll bet Henry James is green-eyed. ``

`` He got the Marauder 's Map, so he 's fine. ``

`` Wow ! '' rosiness shouted, `` That 's incredible. And you can share them. ``

`` That 's the plan, '' Albus grinned. `` Well, I 'll see you lot downstairs. '' He wrapped the Cloak around himself once more and left the room. Albus could n't think that his dad had actually given him the Cloak ! He did n't cogitate Harry would ever give way it up. The best part was that he was now even more like his grandfather had been at Hogwarts. Albus was even more of a Marauder now that he had the Cloak.

Albus continued down the stairs and into the kitchen of the Burrow. A few of his first cousin, aunt, and uncles were already up and starting to eat breakfast. Harry and Ginny were there as well, along with Lily. His grandmother was tending to multiple cauldrons at once, while simultaneously bringing various items to the tabular array. Albus watched them all for a few moments before pulling the Cloak off and shouting, `` glad Dec 25 ! ``

Bill choked on his coffee and sprinkle it across the table at George, who had started laughing. Harry, who had probably been expecting this, grinned and looked at Ginny, who was smiling back. Lily was staring at Albus with her oral cavity widely opened. mollie dropped the bowl of oatmeal she had been bringing to the tabular array. Everyone else looked at Albus with various flavor of shock and amusement.

`` Albus ! '' Molly shrieked as she cleaned up the spill oatmeal with a waving of her baton, `` Do n't do that ! ``

`` You gave him the Cloak ? '' George asked.

`` Yep, '' Harry replied, `` I take it you 're enjoying it, Al ? ``

`` Sure am ! '' Albus went over to where his parents were sitting and gave them each a immense hug, `` thank ! ``

`` You 're welcome, '' Harry smiled, `` I figured you should be able to savor it while you 're at Hogwarts, like I did. Although I expect you to use it more responsibly than I did. ``

`` I 'll try, '' Albus said, thinking of when he snuck down to the Whomping willow with it only two weeks ago. `` Saint James the Apostle and I are going to percentage it. Same with the Map. ``

`` delay, you gave him the marauder 's Map, too ? '' George IV stared at Harry.

`` No, Saint James got that. ``

`` I did n't opine you 'd ever pass on that away, '' George laughed.

`` Well, I can wander the castle whenever I want and it wo n't matter who 's around, '' Harry explained, `` The boys ca n't. Plus, I did n't need to deny them the fun of it. ``

`` Are you sure that 's rubber, Harry ? '' Molly asked anxiously.

`` The rook is perfectly rubber, even at night. I 'm not saying I approve of you wandering around at Nox, '' Harry gave Albus a seat regard, `` But there are more bewitchment than ever protecting it. ``

`` That wo n't protect them from wizards already in the castle ! '' Molly commented, `` recollect that Willinson kid shoemaker's last year ? ``

`` How could I blank out ? Sometimes, you just have to shoot risks in society to live a piddling. I trust the male child enough to screw they wo n't go wandering around late at night very often. And if you see anything suspicious on the Map, '' Harry turned to Albus, `` Tell me about it right away. ``

Albus nodded. `` Sure. '' He took a seat at the table, with the Cloak on his lap, just as St. James ran into the elbow room holding the Map in his hands.

`` Thanks, Dad ! '' James shouted, `` This is brilliant ! ``

`` I 'll tell you what I told Al. Do n't use that to break too many ruler and if you see anything unnatural on it, tell me right away. ``

`` Hello, Weasleys ! '' teddy strolled into the way, his hair one-half commons and half red. He sat down next to Albus and pulled a platter of eggs towards him. `` felicitous Christmas Day. ``

`` I know your whisker is Christmas slanted, but those two colour just should n't be paired together, '' James shuddered as he noticed chemise 's hair. `` I mean, Gryffindor and Slytherin at the Sami prison term ? ``

`` It 's festal, '' shift grinned. `` You want me to capture yours to be red and super acid, too ? Just learned some splendid magical spell for that sort of thing in breeding. Not that I 'll want them. ``

`` No thanks, '' James had a look of disgust on his face. `` I 'll sustain the field red. ``

`` Is that ... '' slip looked at the parchment James was holding, `` The Marauder 's Map ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! Sure is ! '' Jesse James handed it to Teddy, `` Got it for Christmas ! ``

`` That 's swell ! '' Teddy grinned. `` What did you get Albus ? Do n't reckon Harry could top that. ``

`` I got the Cloak. ``

shift turned to Albus, `` Really ? That 's swell, too ! compliments I had an invisibleness Cloak. ``

`` But you can spue those disenchantment magical spell, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Not nearly as fun as that Cloak, though, '' chemise commented.

`` Oh, boys, '' Harry began, `` You 're going to have to share those with Lily once she gets to Hogwarts. ``

`` Aw, come on, '' James groaned.

`` If you do n't I 'll just slip them, '' Lily smirked, `` And conceal them in my dormitory, which you two wo n't be capable to get into. ``

`` She 's got a point, '' Ginny grinned.

`` We 'll share, '' Albus assured them. He would n't take care sharing with Lily, just as long as she kept the Cloak secret. The last matter they needed was the entire castle knowing about it.

`` Good, '' Harry smiled, `` Now who 's up for a little winter Quidditch ? ``

`` Me ! '' Albus, James, teddy bear, and mostly everyone else shouted at the same time.

******

Albus spent most of the day playing Quidditch outside with his family. Eventually they all had to come in because they were too cold to run any tenacious. Plus, it started snowing pretty hard and nobody wanted to misplace the stoolie. Albus spent the balance of the day with Rose and reading a few of his new books. The Cloak was passed around between his cousin, and well-nigh of them were amazed Harry had given it to him, and a little green-eyed as well. James passed the Map around and everyone had fun watching the few dots that were left in the castle.

Christmas dinner came and went in its usual chaotic nation. It was loud and funny and Albus enjoyed every arcminute of it. He went to bed feeling very full and very content. The next day Albus 's auntie, uncles, and cousins all started to leave. Albus and blush wine 's families stayed for a couple more days, but they soon had to leave so Albus 's grandparents could go on holiday for New Year 's. Albus was actually excited to leave because he would be going to pink wine 's house and hopefully getting the stag print.

Albus landed in rose wine 's life room after Flooing from the Burrow. His Uncle Ron, Rose, and Hugo had already arrived and his aunt Hermione was correctly behind him. There was an owl waiting next to the windowpane and Hermione ran over to let it in.

`` That 's flatness 's owl, '' Albus announced as he and rosebush went over to retrieve the letter. Albus opened the envelope and scanned the letter, `` He can occur, but only for tomorrow. We 're supposed to take on him at the Leaky caldron at eleven. ``

`` Sure, '' Hermione smiled, `` Tell him that will work. ``

Albus found a quill and quickly scribbled a answer on the vertebral column of the letter and sent it off with the owl. He and Rose ran up the stairs and into blush wine 's room to babble about program for getting the print.

`` I hope you 've got some musical theme, '' Albus said as he shut rosiness 's door.

`` Of row I do, '' rose wine grinned. `` We 'll tell my parents that we 're going to go exploring in the timberland and we 'll look for a stag while we 're in there. Once we find one, we 'll all try and stun it- ''

`` What about the underage magic laws ? '' Albus definitely did n't want someone from the Ministry showing up shortly after they stunned a stag. The finally thing he wanted to do was explain why he had done it.

Rose laughed, `` Have n't you figured it out yet ? They ca n't enjoin who 's done the magic, only that magic 's been done. The Ministry has no way to state if it was us or my parents who performed the magic. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. All last summertime he could have done magic and the Ministry would n't have found out. `` Really ? ``

`` Yes, really. The Ministry just relies on parents to not let their fry use magic outside shoal. So I would n't hint doing it a lot. I 'm sure we 'd get in big trouble with our parents. I would n't even be suggesting we do this if there was another way to get the print. ``

Albus nodded. He did n't really require to break the law either, but what could they do ? There was no way to get a stag print if the stag was n't stunned. `` I just hope we actually find one tomorrow. ``

`` Me, too. But we do deliver a couple on days. You 'll be here until the 31st, so that 's four days to get it. ``

`` Yeah, but John and Matt want to serve, too. ``

`` I know and we 'll try. Hey, I 'll bet Amanda 's gotten the dog print by now ! ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus said excitedly, `` So we 're pretty a great deal halfway there. ``

`` Yup, '' blush wine grinned.

`` Now we 've just got to find the charm to keep open Kaden quiet, '' Albus replied.

`` You 're going to say him everything after I find that charm ? '' pink wine asked.

`` I think so. I mean, as long as the spell works he ca n't tell anyone about it. It 's obvious now that he 's Wormtail, although I 'm sure he 'll be a better one. But it 's up to Matt whether he wants to tell Kaden he 's a wolfman. ``

`` Is n't it sort of necessary for this ? ``

`` Probably, but I ca n't exactly tell Kaden that. ``

`` Yeah, you definitely ca n't, '' Rose agreed.

`` Let 's just try and get the hart photographic print first, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we 'll enter out the Kaden thing. ``


A/N : J.K. Rowling did state in an interview that Harry was n't going to impart the map and the cloak to St. James the Apostle & Al, but it fits the plot so I 'm just ignoring that for this series. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Miguel, Johanne, Saint Luke, Slytherinlover, wolverine83, Moonylupin, XDNLxtlz99, maraudersfan a w, and Jen for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist.


Albus, Rose, and Hermione went to the Leaky Cauldron the adjacent day to meet lustrelessness and Amanda, who was also being dropped off there. John had arrived earlier by Floo and went with them as well. When they got there, both lusterlessness and Amanda were already there.

`` Hi ! '' Albus greeted them as he stepped out of the Floo.

`` Hi Albus, '' Matt grinned, `` How was your Christmas ? ''

`` It was vivid, '' Albus replied, `` waiting till you see what I got. ``

`` What ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Ca n't show you here, '' Albus whispered. `` I 'll show up you when we get back. ``

`` Let 's go now, '' Matt said impatiently.

`` You kids go ahead, '' Hermione told them, `` I 've got a bit of shopping to do. ``

Albus bade arrivederci to his aunt and turned back to the Floo. Within seconds he was back in Rose 's endure room. A few minutes later all his friends were back as well.

Matt and Amanda stared around the room. `` Nice house, '' Amanda smiled.

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` kind of look like mine. ``

`` Thanks, '' Rose replied.

`` So, Albus, what did you get for Christmas ? '' Matt asked.

`` This, '' Albus pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak air pocket. He had been carrying it around with him ever since Christmas.

lusterlessness let out a gasp. `` Whoa ! You really got the Cloak ? That 's completely amazing ! ``

`` I love that cloak, '' Amanda grinned.

`` And to call back we stole it just a few calendar week ago, '' John Lackland snorted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus hissed, `` Uncle Ron and Hugo are here. ``

`` Oh, sorry. ``

`` But this is n't all, '' Albus continued, `` King James got the predator 's Map. ``

`` He did n't ! '' John shouted.

`` He did. ``

`` You two are so lucky, '' matte replied.

`` But we 'll have got our own Map soon anyway, '' Amanda pointed out as she dug around in the bag she brought. She produced a break down while of parchment with a paw print on it that was slightly smaller than the wolfman print.

`` You got it ! '' Albus took it from her. `` We 're halfway there now. ``

`` I hope it 'll make. Newton would n't stay still and the lambskin is kind of wrinkled. ``

`` I 'm trusted it will play, '' Albus said.

`` Good thing we did n't experience the photographic print go directly on the map, '' matte replied.

`` So today we get the stag print, '' Albus announced. `` Right after lunch. ''

Everyone agreed and headed into the kitchen to scrounge up some food. Ron had already created an enormous sandwich and was eating it when Albus and the others walked in. They all liked the musical theme of making giant sandwiches and were soon eating aboard Ron. Albus thought John 's sandwich looked disgusting because it was piled high with turkey, mess, and peanut butter. Rose shuddered as she saw him bite into it, but he thought it tasted delicious.

`` I ca n't believe you ate that entire thing, '' Rose screwed up her font in disgust after St. John the Apostle ate the last snack of his lunch.

`` It was good, '' he shrugged.

`` Hey, Uncle Ron, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to go explore the woodland. ``

`` All right. Have fun. But try and be back by three. teddy 's coming over and so are James and your dad. We 're all going to play Quidditch. ``

`` Sure, we 'll be back by then, '' Albus was excited about playing Quidditch. It was always better when Teddy was there.

Once they were all done with lunch, Rose and Albus led the way outside and over to the woodland. The forest was situated future to the great open subject field that was following to the house. Albus and Rose went exploring in it quite a bit and knew their way around it well. The group crunched across the snow laden landing field until they came to the forest 's edge. Rose found the path they usually took and lead the group down it. `` Keep your eyes pealed for a stag, '' she told everyone.

`` This reminds me of the forest near my old house in Australia, '' mat commented after a few minutes of walking.

`` How was Australia this year ? '' Albus asked, remembering that his friend just returned to U.K. the former day.

`` It was all right. No different than usual. It was boring of course of instruction, and my grandma kept telling us how we should visit more often. ``

`` You 're not going to, are you ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` Do n't think so. Mum and Dad do n't really want to. Plus they want to go shoot the breeze my Uncle doodly-squat in New York this summer. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Amanda replied.

`` Yeah, I hope we get to go. ``

The group continued walking into the forest until Rose announced that it would be punter if they sat completely still and waited for a stag to walk by. She said their movement would scare the brute away. Albus sat down in the snow behind a shrub with his friends and watched and listened for animate being. After a half hour of waiting, Albus was bored. How long was it going to subscribe to for a stag to cut through their path ? He would much rather just walk around to find one. Rose seemed perfectly capacity to sit still, as did Matt. John had made a magnanimous tidy sum of snow orchis, along with a snow ace. Amanda was busy creating a snow witch to go along with his wizard.

`` I 'm drill, '' John sighed as he made yet another snow ball. `` How long is this going to postulate ? ``

`` I do n't know, '' Rose shrugged, `` We do n't see stags that often in here, so it might be a patch. ``

Albus glanced at his watch, `` Well it 's just after two, so if we do n't find one soon, we 'll consume to go back. '' He stared into the forest and willed a stag to add up. Albus was getting frustrated by this point. They needed that stag mark for the map ! There was no place else to find one. What if they could n't come up a stag before the end of the holiday ? They would hold to hold back until the summer to search again. Albus could n't wait that long. He wanted the map now.

`` Wait, '' matt stood up and turned around, `` I think I hear something over there. '' He pointed to a cluster of bushes a couple time away.

`` I do n't hear it, '' lavatory replied.

`` Shush ! '' Matt whispered, `` You know I can hear things you ca n't. ``

mat started slowly making his way towards the cluster of bushes. Albus and the others followed behind, cipher saying a word. `` baton prepare, '' matt whispered.

Albus pulled out his scepter and pointed it towards the bush, his intellect racing with agitation as he went. This was it ! They were going to get the snitch photographic print ! section of Albus 's judgment knew that this was n't necessarily a hart, but he did n't pay attention to that. What else could it be ? Most of the animals in the forest were too minor to be rustling the crotch hair this much. As Albus got closer to it, he could distinctly hear the footprint of the animal, and they were much too trashy to be a rabbit or a squirrel. There were n't many large animals in the woodland, stags being some of the few. It could be a doe, but Albus hoped it wasn't.

The group was now only a pair feet away from the bushes. Everyone had their wand pointed at them, waiting for the animal to piss its appearance. The minute Albus saw the leaves persona, he shouted, `` Stupefy ! ``

`` Stupefy ! '' Rose, John, lustrelessness, and Amanda all shouted at once.

Whatever was in the Bush jumped to the side and missed all five daze spells. `` Whoa ! What the bloody Scheol do you lot think you 're doing ! ''

It was Teddy. The racket Matt had heard in the Dubya was shift. Albus lowered his wand and sighed. So much for finding a stag. Now that shimmy was with them, they would no longer be able-bodied to look. Albus turned to his friend and saw them all put their wands away.

slip fully emerged from the President George W. Bush and walked over to where Albus was with a bewildered look on his aspect. `` Do I even want to cognize what you 're up to ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, trying to recollect up an apology fast.

`` We 're just taking a walk in the forest and you scared us ! '' rose announced, `` Sneaking up on us like that, what did you think we 'd do ? ``

`` Shriek, maybe ? '' teddy bear gave them a lopsided grin, `` But not attack me. ``

`` So you were trying to scare off us ? '' rosebush said exasperatingly

`` A bit, yeah, '' shimmy laughed. `` Worked, did n't it ? ``

`` I 'll say, '' rosebush muttered. Albus listened to the two of them but did n't add anything. He was forever grateful that his first cousin was a break liar than he was.

`` It 's kind of common cold to be going for a hike, '' Teddy commented, `` But Ron said you were here, so I figured I 'd see if I could determine you. '' He eyed John 's pile of snowballs and grinned, `` Planning on having a Snow ball battle ? ``

Teddy did n't wait for an resolution and picked up a few of John the Evangelist 's snowballs. He threw one at Albus and the former at rosebush.

`` ascertain it ! '' Albus shouted as the Abronia elliptica made inter-group communication with his nerve. He spat out the C. P. Snow and stoop down to make his own blow ball. He aimed it at Teddy but Teddy jumped out of the way and it hit Matt instead.

`` Hey ! '' Matt shouted as he picked up one of King John 's snowballs and threw it at Albus. It landed square on Albus 's chest.

A few here and now later, a huge snowball fight broke out. It was every man for himself for a spell and Albus was getting pummeled by Teddy 's snowballs. He tried to get Teddy back, but shift was too prompt for him. Instead, Albus decided to focus on lustrelessness, who was trying to get Albus back for the snowball that had hit him instead of chemise. rose wine eventually joined Albus in his attempt to get Matt, while Amanda evened out the odds by joining matt 's incline. John, who seemed to be the solely one with plenty skill to hit shift, was having a one-on-one fight with the blue haired boy and was actually doing well.

The six of them were completely soaked by the metre the fight ended. Matt and Amanda surrendered to rose wine and Albus after the cousin decided to produce about 20 snowballs and lob them constantly at their two friends. John surrendered to Teddy a few minutes later, once Teddy decided to charm a galvanic pile of snow to turn itself into snowballs, resulting in a never-ending supply of ammunition for Teddy. John did n't know that spell and was stuck paw making his nose candy balls while Teddy continuously sent sweet sand verbena at him.

`` Who 's up for Quidditch ? '' Teddy asked as they were walking back through the woodland to Rose 's house.

`` M-maybe after I d-dry off, '' Albus shivered. The snow had completely penetrated his cloak and was now freezing it into an icicle. His friend nodded in agreement.

`` Sounds good, '' Teddy replied, `` Harry and Saint James should be at the house by now.

A little while later, Albus found himself back at rose wine 's house, where everyone was waiting for the Quidditch match to embark on. Albus, along with his Friend, ran upstairs to dry off and commute quickly.

`` set ? '' chemise jumped up from the chairperson he was sitting on once Albus and his friends descended the step. `` Who has n't got a Scots heather with them ? ``

`` Me, '' Amanda said. She was the simply one. St. John the Apostle and Matt, who both had ling, had brought them knowing they would play Quidditch.

`` We 've got spares, '' Ron announced, holding a couple ling in his hand.

Once everyone had a heather to use, shimmy started to exact billing of creating squad. `` All right. Let 's see, we 've got Me, Harry, Ron, James, Albus, John, Matt, Amanda, Hugo, and rosiness, are you playing ? ``

`` Sure, why not ? '' Rose shrugged.

`` Good, then we 've got ten actor. That 's five per squad. So each squad will have a seeker, a beater, a Keeper, and two chasers, that 'll process. I 'll be one of the Seekers, '' he turned to Harry and James, `` Which one of you will be the early ? ``

`` You can, Jesse James, '' Harry offered, `` I 'll do whatever is needed. ``

After a few minutes of organizing, the two teams were created. Albus 's team consisted of Teddy as seeker, Ron as steward, Victor Hugo as the only Beater, and lusterlessness and himself as the two Chasers. On the other squad, James was quester, Amanda was custodian, St. John was the Beater, and Rose and Harry as Chasers.

The two squad trooped outside into the insensate winter day. It was just starting to lead by the nose a footling, but Albus did n't take care. He would keep warm while he was playing anyway. Harry and Ron conjured end basketball game and everyone flew into the air. Hermione released the lump ( only one Bludger, since there were only two beaters ) and threw the Quaffle into the air, then conjured herself a chairperson to watch.

The match was nothing like the unity at Hogwarts. It was much more cozy, and in a way, Albus enjoyed it more. There was only favorable competition between the two teams and no one got angry when soul dropped the Quaffle, which happened a lot. The two teams were pretty evenly matched in condition of Chasing accomplishment. Albus, who was the entirely real Chaser on either team, was easily the best. Harry was a decently pursuer, but it was clear that Seeking was his real skill. blush wine was absolutely fearsome and was the first to include it. She was n't a big fan of flying in the first place and did n't like to take her hands off her broom in order to take in and bemuse the Quaffle. Matt was better than Rose, but dropped the Quaffle numerous times. Albus and lusterlessness scored more points than Harry and Rose did.

Ron, of course, was a very good Keeper and Amanda was as well. Albus was kind of surprised at this, because she never really played Quidditch before. Maybe she could try out for the Gryffindor team once Georgia left. lav was an amaze Beater and Albus already knew that he 'd be trying out for the team after Bradley and Ryan left. Hugo was also a very good Beater and it was obvious he had received all the Quidditch genes in his family. Then, of course, there were the Seekers. Both Teddy and Jesse James were amazing quester and by far the two best histrion on either team.

After about an hr of performing, during which Albus was surely both teddy and Henry James had seen the snitch but ignored it in order to drag the game on longer, both quester flew directly up into the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch. A few arcsecond later, they both came flying back down and St. James the Apostle had the Snitch clutched in his hand.

`` I got it ! '' he shouted.

`` That puts your team ahead, '' Hermione announced, `` You won 270 to 210. ``

`` Yes ! '' Henry James exclaimed, landing on the undercoat. Albus and the eternal rest of the player landed after him and congratulated him and his squad for winning. `` Ha ! I beat you at Quidditch, Teddy ! '' James gloated.

`` Yeah, yeah, right job, '' Teddy sighed, `` Knew I should n't have trained you that well. ``

`` You 'll be saying otherwise when we win the Cup this year ! '' James grinned, `` We already beat Slytherin. ``

`` I know, I was there, '' Teddy laughed, `` Anyway, I 'm just joking. ``

Despite the fact that his squad did n't win, Albus was well-chosen. He loved playing Quidditch with his category, even to a greater extent than playing on his theater team. It was even better with his admirer there, too. He walked back into the house with his ally and house, cold but very content. Hermione had made a plate of sandwiches for them, which everyone ate enthusiastically once they had dried off.

After all the intellectual nourishment had been eaten, John Flooed back to his house and Albus, Rose, and Hermione went with lustrelessness and Amanda back to the Leaky Cauldron to meet their families. It had been a short visit, but a fun one nonetheless. Albus only wished that they had managed to get the stag mark. He and rosiness were planning on trying again the next day, and the side by side if it was requisite. They had three more mean solar day to do it and Albus was determined to succeed.

******

Albus and rose wine spent as much fourth dimension as they could in the woods looking for stags the adjacent day. When they were n't in the forest, they spent their sentence in the subroutine library in Rose 's house, looking for a charm to keep Kaden quiet.

`` There 's books in here that are n't in the school library, '' rosebush announced as they walked into the way after a particularly frigidity expedition in the forest.

`` I 'm still not sure we should contract a prison-breaking from looking for a stag, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's too cold out there now. Plus there 's a tempest coming and it wo n't do us any good if we get lost out there. '' rose wine went over to a book shelf and Albus followed. He had been in this way heap of times before, just never to look for a specific charm.

`` How are we supposed to receive one good luck charm hidden in all these Word of God ? '' Albus sighed, `` We do n't even eff what it 's called. ``

`` That 's what this is for, '' Rose slammed a backbreaking book down on the table nearest to the ledge she pulled it off of.

Albus looked at the Holy Writ, `` An encyclopedia of Charms by Filius Flitwick. That 's who Mum and Dad had for Charms, is n't it ? ``

`` Yes, '' Rose confirmed as she opened the back, `` It 's a rather ingenious idea, really. All I 've got to do is lease my sceptre, point it at the book, and say'I need a charm to keep back someone tranquillise'and it will interchange to the rectify Page. ``

`` That would certainly rush along affair along, '' Albus replied. `` Try it. ``

`` All right hand, '' blush wine pointed her wand at the book, `` I need a spell to prevent individual unruffled. '' The Holy Writ 's pages immediately started turning until they stopped about a quarter of the way into the Koran. Rose peered at it and then shook her head. `` Nope, that 's not it. This one 's just a shut up charm. ``

`` Maybe you 've got to be more particular, '' Albus suggested.

Rose nodded. `` I need a charm to prevent someone from talking about something. '' The Thomas Nelson Page started turning again and stopped a few seconds later. rebel sighed after she read the verbal description. `` This one charms a mortal 's mouth shut. ``

Albus laughed, `` Well that would definitely keep Kaden from talking about the map ! ``

`` People might notice, though, '' rose smirked, `` Although it does have it 's advantages. I 'll try something else. ``

`` I think you 'd better secernate the account book exactly what we need the spell to do. Tell it that Kaden has to not talk about a particular thing. ``

`` Good idea, '' Rose poised her wand above the book, `` I need to keep Kaden Durlsey from revealing closed book about flatness Eckerton and about a map. He must only be able to talk about these secrets with five former people and not mention them to anyone else. He should be able to converse normally about other issue. ``

`` That ought to be particular enough. '' Albus watched as the book hesitated for a few moments and then turn its Sir Frederick Handley Page to one of the last I. Both blush wine and Albus leaned over the book while Rose read aloud.

`` 'The Sileo Altus appeal is the most complex and intricate of the silencing charms. This charm has the ability to keep a person from revealing one specific objet d'art of info to others, unlike other silencing charms which prevent a person from speaking at all. The charm also has the ability to involve others, which will result in the person the appealingness is cast on to be able-bodied to discourse about the hush-hush with those particular people. When done correctly, this appeal will last-place forever or until the counter charm is performed. The Sileo Altus appealingness keeps a soul 's secret safe much like the Fidelius spell keeps a person 's localisation secret and is said to be just as safe .'

`` Then there 's a whole caboodle of spells that are required, '' Rose scanned the balance of the introduction. `` There 's a spell that has to be performed on each person who is involved, one on Kaden, one on the secret-keeper- ''

`` There 's a mysterious custodian ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, I guess so. Then there 's the overall charm, '' blush wine continued, `` It sounds complicated. But I 'm up for it. This does n't really tell me how to do it, though. There 's just a list of spells. ``

Albus glanced at the first appearance, `` Oh, it says there 's Sir Thomas More data in charm of auspices by Natalia Journo. ``

`` You 're right, I had n't noticed that, '' Rose leaned over the book again and scan the title of the recommended Scripture. `` I think we might actually have that one. '' Rose jumped up from her rump and ran across the room. Albus sat back and watched her. He had no idea how she could possibly know if she had that book or not. The total room was filled with shelves and shelves of books. Albus would n't even get laid where to look to find the book they needed.

rosiness returned a few minutes later with a book in her arms and a smile on her face. `` We do ingest it ! This was easier than I thought it would be. ``

`` I think doing the literal charm is going to off-set the ease of finding it, '' Albus pointed out.

Rose shrugged, `` I think I can figure it out within a few weeks. '' She sat back down and opened the Holy Scripture.

Albus watched as his cousin flipped through the Sir Frederick Handley Page of the book until she found the good luck charm they were looking for. He was very glad that rosiness was so eager to learn new charms. It certainly helped that she was respectable at it, too. Albus had made a lot of progression in spell ever since Professor Cedonia arrived, but he was still average. Rose was easily the dependable in their class. That and her eagerness to take would certainly help if she was going to master this charm.

rosiness read in silence for a few second and then turned to Albus. `` All right. This explains it pretty well. First, of course, we 've got to tell Kaden the secrets. Then we 've got to pick the undercover keeper. I 'm thinking that I 'll have to be the secret keeper since the occult keeper is the one to perform the charms. ``

Albus nodded, `` I 'm fine with that. We 've just got to take in for certain Matt is. What does the unavowed steward do ? ``

`` Just do the appealingness. And the mystery keeper is the only one who can perform the counter good luck charm on Kaden. Normally the hole-and-corner steward would be the only one the person could talk about the enigma with as well. But we 'll use another spell to see that Kaden can mouth about the mystery with you, St. John the Apostle, flatness, and Amanda as well. ``

`` That sounds undecomposed, '' Albus replied. `` What else ? ``

`` Well, the confidential keeper performs a appeal on themselves, which turns them into the secret keeper. Then they perform a charm on Kaden. Then Kaden will itemise the secrets in point. After that, the secret keeper performs another charm on Kaden. Then charms are performed on the rest of the people involved. Then a final exam sealing charm on everyone, including Kaden and the closed book keeper, and it 's done. ``

The idea of all those different spells made Albus 's brainiac distress. `` Wow, that 's a lot of good luck charm. We 've never done ones that are a combination of multiple appeal. ``

`` The transference charm is one of those, but it only uses two. This one is five. ``

`` What 's the tabulator magical spell involve ? '' Albus asked, thinking that maybe there would be a clock time when Kaden would mature and they would n't have to rely on deception to keep him from spilling mystery to Malfoy.

`` Erm, it seems pretty much like the actual charm, '' rose looked back at the book, `` You pretty much go backwards, using different good luck charm. ``

`` Makes gumption. ``

`` I 'll start up practicing as soon as we 're back at shoal, '' rosebush shut the book and got up. `` I 'll fetch the book. Mum 'll never know, she 's got way too many to keep on lead of. ``

`` All right, '' Albus got up and followed her to the door, `` Now we 've just got to find that stag. ``

`` It 's going to have to hold back until tomorrow, Albus, '' Rose pointed to the window. It was ovalbumin with swirling snowfall and the fart was howling. `` Mum and Dad 'll never let us out in that. ``

******

Albus was getting quite fed up with the stag search by the time deep afternoon arrived the future day. He and arise spent the entire aurora in the forest, taking a break for lunch, and then returning in the afternoon. Albus looked at his sentinel and saw that they would induce to be starting to fall to the sign soon. `` We 're never going to observe a hart ! '' he groaned.

Rose, who had brought the charm Good Book they had found the previous day, looked up. `` You 've just got to be patient. I told you one wo n't come if we 're noisy. ``

`` We 've been quiet for the past two hr, '' Albus said flatly.

`` You 're not being quiet now, '' rosebush whispered and returned to her book.

Albus sighed and stared out into the forest. So far Albus had seen no less than ten cony and four owl, but no stags. He was getting very cold sitting in the snow and his cloak had long since soaked through. Albus was determined, however, and refused to go back to rosiness 's house until they found a stag.

It had seemed so unproblematic at outset, to stupefy a stag in the woods and get its footmark. This was not supposed to be the hardest print to get. Looking back, even the werewolf one seemed well-heeled. Sure, they got locked out of Hogwarts, but they never got in trouble for it. The dog print had been the easiest, since Amanda had a dog. The rat would be easy, too, once privy managed to catch one.

Albus pulled out his wand and started to pry at the snow virtuoso he had constructed earlier. The wand melted hollow into the snow wiz until it started to resemble a small-arm of snow swiss cheese. Albus was just beginning to do the same to the snow hippogriff that had been formed after the wizard when Rose poked him and hissed, `` Albus, feeling ! ``

Albus raised his mind and looked in the direction pink wine was pointing. Directly in front of them was a majestic looking doe, standing completely still and staring just to the left of where the two first cousin were sitting. `` It 's just a doe, '' Albus whispered back, `` It wo n't work. ``

`` I know, but there 's usually a stag around when there 's a doe. ``

Albus sat completely still with his verge facing towards the doe. uprise did the Saame and the two of them did n't move for a good five minutes. The doe inched slowly ahead, walking to the leftfield of Albus and rosiness. Then Albus heard a rustling behind the doe and excitement washed over him as he saw a vast hart appear from behind a clustering of trees. `` This is it, '' he whispered to Rose. She nodded but did n't say anything. The stag walked towards the doe, who had turned around to look at her better half. `` On the count of three. One ... two ... three. Stupefy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Stupefy ! '' rosebush shouted at the Lapp time.

The doe shot off like a projectile as soon as the cousins shouted the spell. The hart started to follow but was hit by Albus 's mantrap. Rose 's enchantment hit a nearby tree and burned a small kettle of fish into the bark.

`` Excellent nip, Albus ! '' rose grinned at him as they ran towards the stag.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Let 's haste. We wo n't induce much clip before he wakes up, '' blush wine reached into her robes and pulled out a opus of parchment, a bottle of ink, and a pigment brush.

The stag was even big up close. Its center darted around nervously as rose painted the ink onto its front hoof. Albus quickly pressed the parchment onto the hoof and pulled it away. A perfective tense hoof print appeared on the sheepskin. `` This one 's salutary, '' Albus showed it to Rose.

`` Good, '' she put the stopple on her ink and stowed both it and the brush back in her cloak, `` Now let 's go. He wo n't be well-chosen when he wakes up. ``

Albus did n't need telling twice. He blew onto the parchment a few times to dry the ink and then put it in his cloak. The two cousins ran through the Tree and back to the house. It only took them a few minutes as they were n't very far. Albus was thrilled that they had actually managed to get the print. The only print left was the rat one and then they would be able-bodied to try out the map.


A/N : Extra long chapter and an betimes update ! Just to let everyone know, I 'll be away at a Harry thrower convention from tomorrow ( hence the early update ) until Dominicus and although I 'll have my laptop computer with me, I might not have a chance to react to your reviews. I 'll get to them afterwards, though.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, St. Luke, sinwillys822, Slytherinlover, maraudersfan a w, Miguel, Moonylupin, and drownzer for the reveiws !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist, Barbie, or Wii.


Albus 's family came to plunk him up from Rose 's mansion the future good afternoon. They were all dressed in Muggle clothing, although Harry looked a little uncomfortable in his Muggle causa. Probably due to the tie, Albus thought. He could never realize why Muggles wore those.

`` Ready, Al ? '' Harry asked after a few minutes of visiting with blush wine 's family.

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied. He had to admit that he was a bit nervous about this dinner, but there was nix he could do about it now. `` See you at school, rose. ``

`` Bye, '' Rose smiled.

The rest period of the ceramist and Weasleys said bye to each other and then Albus disapparated with his family. They appeared in a dark alley near a abandon street. Harry motioned for them to take after him and the family started down the street. They made a few more bend until they came upon a neighborhood of mean sized houses. The menage all looked different, but seemed to be well cared for. It was a very quiet neighborhood with few the great unwashed out and about. There were a couple the great unwashed outside shoveling the newly fallen snow off their driveways, but none of them seemed to discover Albus and his kinsperson.

Eventually, Harry led them up a driveway towards a hoar house Albus recognized as Kaden 's. Before they could even reach the door, it was thrown assailable and Kaden came running out. `` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` How are you ? ``

`` Great ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't separate you how often I 've missed schooling. It seems so dull here compared to shoal. ``

`` I have n't missed it. I like being on holiday, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but it 's so boring without, '' Kaden whispered in Albus 's ear, `` Magic. ``

Albus stifled a laugh and followed Kaden into the house. Kaden led them to the living room, where Dudley was fidgeting with his tie. Christina was setting out bowlful of grapes and nuts and Bethany was helping.

`` Get anything good for Christmas ? '' Kaden asked Albus once they sat down on the couch. `` I got a few new games for my Wii, a new football, a skateboard, and a bunch of clothes. ``

`` What 's a Wii ? '' Albus asked.

`` Video game system, '' Kaden explained, `` It 's really fun. I 'll read you sometime. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus nodded, `` I got some clothes, books, a burden of sugariness, poppycock from my Uncle George I 's workshop, and my dad 's invisibleness Cloak. ``

Kaden 's rima oris fell loose, `` He gave it to you ? ! ``

`` Yup, '' Albus grinned. He had told Kaden about the Cloak a while ago, although Kaden had never seen it. He pulled it out of his bag and handed it to Kaden.

`` Whoa, that 's brilliant ! '' Kaden threw the cloak around himself, `` see, I 'm invisible ! ``

All the adults looked over at him. `` Albus, you 'd amend put that away before Uncle Vernon and Aunt genus Petunia get here, '' Harry warned. Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Kaden. He knew Uncle Vernon would be less than enthusiastic about any sort of sorcerous object.

`` Er, speaking of my parents, '' Dudley shifted uncomfortably, `` They do n't, well, they are n't aware that you 're, er, here tonight. ``

Albus watched as his parents looked at each former and then back at Dudley. `` What do you intend, Dudley ? '' Harry asked nervously.

`` I knew they would n't come if they knew you were here, so I did n't tell them, '' Dudley confessed.

Harry groaned, `` Dudley ... You know this could go horribly wrong. ``

`` Well, I was sort of hoping you would all get up, '' Dudley mumbled.

Harry shook his head and looked back at Ginny, who looked worried. Then the doorbell rang and Harry turned to Dudley. Dudley gave him a low smile and turned to get the door.

Albus gulped and looked at James. Albus could only ever withdraw seeing his Uncle Vernon once. Albus was only five or six at the time and the only thing he remembered was Vernon asking Harry if Albus was'a freak like you are'. Albus had no desire to ever see the man again, and now he had to spend the eventide with him.

The vocalization of Dudley greeting his parents started to become louder as they came into the animation room. Albus got up from the couch and stood next to James, who was hiding behind Harry. Vernon and genus Petunia followed Dudley into the room and their faces visibly paled as they saw the Potters.

`` Wha-wha, Dudley ? '' Vernon gaped at Harry and then looked at his son.

Albus watched as pandemonium broke out amongst the adults. Vernon 's face turned respective shades of red and empurple as he tried to hold on what was happening. genus Petunia clung to her husband with a combined spirit of dislike and fearfulness on her face.

`` Vernon, Vernon ! Did you know they would be here ? '' Petunia asked shrilly.

Once Vernon regained his power to speak coherently, he started yelling at Harry, who yelled back.

`` You ! '' Vernon pointed at Harry, `` Why are you here, boy ? ``

Christina stood near the entrance to the kitchen, looking uncomfortable. Bethany clung to her leg and hid her face, clearly afraid of her granddad 's yelling. Albus, James, Lily, and Kaden glanced around at the grownup, paying rapt attention to the unfolding argument, but not saying a Word. Ginny pursed her lips and watched her hubby with a disapproving look. Albus had to include that his Uncle Vernon was a bit scary right now and Albus had no desire to cross course with him. Dudley looked nervous as he tried to make peace between his relatives. His voice was drowned out amongst Vernon and Harry 's yelling, and Petunia 's screeching.

`` Mum, Dad, '' Dudley stood in front of his parents, `` I invited them here, so we could all get reacquainted. ``

`` Why would you do that ? '' Vernon demanded.

`` Kaden 's a wizard, Dad, so Harry 's a part of his life now. You know he 's one of Kaden 's teachers. ``

Vernon 's face turned from ghostly blank to a cryptic shade of purple. `` What could he possibly learn ? Abnormalness ? ``

`` thaumaturgy, Dad, it 's called trick, '' Dudley sighed.

Vernon 's eyes narrowed and he glared at Harry. `` You 're filling his head with all that junk you learned as a child ! Do n't stand for it, Dudley ! He 's got you tricked or something ! Send him to Smeltings ! ``

`` Dad, Harry did n't play a joke on me. Kaden 's a genius and you 're just going to have to live with it, '' Dudley replied.

`` aught good will come of this, Dudley ! I assure you of that ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` Vernon, '' petunia put her bridge player on her hubby 's arm, `` Let it go. ``

`` You do gain that this kind of abnormality is what got your sis killed ! ``

`` I 'm fully mindful of what happened to my sister, '' Petunia snapped. `` This does n't take anything to do with that. It 's about accepting your grandson for who he is. '' Vernon continued glaring at Harry, but he did n't say anything.

`` Let 's all sit down, '' Dudley suggested.

`` And I 'll get us some drinks ! '' Christina announced eagerly. She rushed into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of brandy, a bottle of wine-coloured, and a some methamphetamine, along with fizzy drinks for the kids.

Vernon and Petunia regained their calm and petunia gave Dudley a bone crunching hug and smothered him with kisses. She then moved on and did the Saame with both her grandchildren, making certainly to completely ignore Albus, James, and Lily. Albus sat down on the couch and to his dislike, Vernon chose to sit side by side to him. After a few moment of awkward silence, Vernon turned to Albus. `` So, '' he began, causing Albus to jump, `` You go to this, school, too ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied quickly, not looking at Vernon.

`` facial expression at me when I 'm talking to you, '' Vernon spat, `` I see mode are n't high on their priority lean. What classes do you guide there ? ``

Albus forced himself to look at Vernon. `` I 'm taking Transfiguration, charm, Potions, Herbology, uranology, History of thaumaturgy, and Defense Against the nighttime Arts, '' he mumbled quietly.

Vernon seemed to shrink at the sound of those names. `` I see. And are you any serious at them ? ``

`` Um, I guess so, '' Albus replied. He was wishing Sir Thomas More and more that he could have just stayed at rosiness 's theatre instead of coming here. Why was Vernon questioning him ? Why not James River or Kaden ?

`` What subject does your Fatherhood teach ? '' Vernon barked.

`` Defense Against the night Arts, '' Albus muttered.

`` And what is that, exactly ? ``

`` defensive attitude spells, dueling, stuff you use to overcome Dark genius like Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, and professor ceramicist defeated Voldemort ! '' Kaden interrupted and for once Albus was grateful for his cousin 's big mouth.

`` So I 've heard, '' Vernon replied.

`` He 's a majuscule teacher, grandpa ! I love my new school. It 's much better than Muggle school, '' Kaden grinned. `` I 'll be right back. '' He ran up the stairs and came back a few seconds later with his wand. `` front at this ! ``

Vernon narrowed his heart and gazed at his grandson. `` You 've got one, too. ``

`` Of course I do ! '' Kaden laughed, `` I wish I could picture you some magic, though. I ca n't do it outside school. Hey, Professor potter can show you ! ``

`` No ! I ruddy hell think not ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` No thanks ! '' Petunia shouted at the Sami time.

Kaden looked let down. `` Sorry, Kaden, '' Harry with an apologetic look, `` Maybe another day. ``

`` Or never, '' Vernon muttered.

cipher said much after that. Albus preferred it that way. He was very happy that Uncle Vernon appeared to receive given up his head and resolution school term. Christina announced that dinner was fix a few minutes later, and everyone eagerly went into the dining room. Albus made indisputable that he was n't sitting following to Vernon and relaxed a little as he began to eat.

The Dursleys dominated most of the dinner conversation, with Vernon and Petunia asking Dudley and Christina about what was new in their lives. They wanted to cognise every last item, down to what range Bethany had gotten on her latest book theme in schooltime. Eventually they had exhausted this topic and the table descended into an awkward secrecy before Vernon started drilling Harry about his life.

`` So, boy, what exactly do you do for a living ? '' Vernon barked.

`` I 'm the Head of the Auror Department at the Ministry of thaumaturgy, '' Harry smiled.

`` Auror ? '' Vernon repeated, `` What would that be ? ``

`` A Dark star backstop, '' Harry explained.

`` Oh, like a policeman. Would n't have guessed you 'd be in law enforcement, what with all the trouble you caused as a child. ``

Harry sighed, `` You know most of that was n't my fault. ``

`` Like blaze it was n't. It was all due to your abnormalcy, '' Vernon replied.

`` Dad, ca n't you just fell it ? '' Dudley asked.

`` No, Duddy, I wo n't ! Vernon slammed his clenched fist on the tabular array, `` He 's obviously done something to Kaden to make him abnormal ! ``

That had to be the most ridiculous thing Albus had ever heard. A mavin could not release a Muggle into a wizard. If they could, there would n't be any Squibs in the creation, and there would certainly be more wizards.

`` Oh come off it, Dad ! '' Dudley shouted. `` Harry did n't do this ! Kaden was born a ace ! ``

`` No he was n't ! '' Vernon yelled, his face turning purple again. `` And I want the boy to change him back ! ``

`` Uncle Vernon, listen to me, '' Harry announced, `` You ca n't turn someone into a wizard, it just does n't work. Kaden was born a wizard, which does n't surprise me at all. There is sorcerous in his bloodline, the same thaumaturgy that was in my female parent 's and is in mine. ``

`` Wonderful, '' Vernon squabble, `` And I suppose you 're going to tell me that Bethany will be abnormal, too ? ``

`` There 's a chance she 'll be a beldam, yes, '' Harry told him.

`` I am not going to remain firm for anymore abonormalness in this phratry ! '' Vernon roared.

`` Vernon, there 's nothing we can do ! '' Petunia shrieked, `` I do n't like it either, but the boy did not do this ! ``

`` How do you know ? ``

`` Because my addict of a sister told me it 's not possible, that 's how ! ``

`` Do n't cry her a freak ! '' Harry glared at both of them.

petunia ignored him. `` I asked her, when I was an arrogant child. I asked her if somebody could bend me into a witch before I knew any break. She said no. There is not one thing we can do to vary Kaden. We just have to hope that he 's going to be impudent than my Sister was and not get killed just out of schooltime. ``

`` mulct, '' Vernon snapped, `` But I do n't like it. I do n't like it one bit. ``

`` Neither do I, neither do I, '' genus Petunia agree.

Albus glanced nervously from one grownup to the following, hoping that the competitiveness was over. He realized now how much Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia hated magic now. The two of them were still going on about how Albus 's grandmother had been killed, thirty-some years later. Albus was still amazed that Vernon had actually blamed Harry for Kaden being a wizard. Albus knew Vernon disliked Harry, but he did n't conceive Vernon would still blame Harry for things he did n't like, this many years later.

`` You 'd be estimable off just keeping him out of that school day, '' Vernon announced after a few minutes of silence. `` There 's no law requiring him to go, is there ? ``

`` No, '' Dudley replied. `` But he likes it there, so he 's staying. ``

`` This is utterly silly, '' Vernon muttered, `` Wait boulder clay Marge hears about it. ``

`` I hate Aunt Marge, '' Kaden said loudly, causing Albus to huff into his juice. `` All she talk of the town about is breeding dogs. ``

`` Do n't say that about your aunty, '' Vernon scolded.

`` What ? '' Kaden shrugged, `` professor thrower must not like her either. ``

Harry, who had been laughing behind his shabu, immediately stopped and looked at Kaden. `` Really, Kaden, it 's not nice to say you hate multitude. '' He turned to Vernon, `` You have n't told her ? ``

`` Of course I have n't ! '' Vernon raised his voice, `` Can you imagine what she is going to think ? That mortal, like, like you is actually related to her ? She takes comfort in the fact that you are n't actually related to her ! But to have Kaden be one of your lot, she 'll be horrified ! And I should think so after you blew her up years ago ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden and Bethany shouted at the same time. Kaden spat his juice out and started choking. Albus slapped him on the book binding, trying to verify his own laugh. Harry told them this story a longsighted clock time ago and just thinking about it made Albus laugh.

`` That was n't his geological fault ! '' Ginny came to Harry 's defence force, `` He could n't master it ! What your Sister said about his parents was absolutely icky and you know it ! ``

`` It was the verity ! '' Vernon shouted, rising to his feet.

`` No it was n't ! '' Ginny stood up as well.

`` What do you mean, blew her up ? '' Kaden asked.

`` His parents were half-wit and that 's why they were killed ! '' Vernon continued.

`` No they were n't ! '' Harry stood and stared at his uncle. Albus had rarely ever seen his father so angry before. `` They were working against Voldemort. ``

`` Another one of your lot who went on a killing rampage ! '' Vernon yelled.

`` They should own just ignored him and minded their own business, '' petunia announced. Albus did n't really recall she should be telling somebody to mind their own byplay, when she thrived off of gossip.

`` You could n't ignore Voldemort ! '' Harry and Ginny said at the same time.

`` Can person please tell me how Aunt margarine got blown up ? ! '' Kaden shouted again.

`` Dad, just block about it, all right ? Harry 's parents were n't lazy, '' Dudley pleaded.

`` Leave this to me, Dudley. You 're obviously under a bad influence right now. ``

Dudley heaved a huge sigh, `` Dad ... You 're forgetting that Harry saved my life once ! ``

`` Oh, from those dementy thing ? They would n't receive even been around if it were n't for the boy ! ``

`` The distributor point is that they were ! And Harry saved me from them ! He also kept us all condom while he was hunting down that Voldemort bloke. He did n't have got to do that, you know. ``

`` What 's a dementy affair ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Dementors, '' Albus corrected, `` They 're these drape fauna that suck out your soulfulness. ``

Kaden stared at Albus, `` They what ? ``

`` suck out your psyche, '' Albus repeated, `` They feed on happy thought process, until you 're only left with the sad ones. ``

Kaden shuddered, `` They sound bloody horrible. professor ceramist saved Dad from one ? ``

`` Yeah, when they were 15. There 's a appealingness, the Patronus good luck charm, that drives them away. It 's really advanced illusion not taught until seventh year, but Dad learned in his one-third class. ``

`` Wow, your dad 's brilliant, '' Kaden grinned. `` But I do n't figure running into one of those dementors. Have you ever seen one ? ``

`` No and I hope never to, '' Albus replied.

`` We would have been fine without those nutcase 'protecting'us ! '' Vernon raged.

`` No we would n't ! We 'd all be dead ! '' Dudley insisted.

`` What would that Voldemort bloke have wanted with us anyway ? '' Vernon bellowed, `` It 's not like we 're weirdos like him. ``

`` Do n't you get it ? '' Harry sighed, `` He did n't care about anyone ! He would 've killed anyone to get to me, including you. ``

`` Everybody, just shut it ! '' The five adults who were arguing turned to the source of the new voice that rang out louder than theirs. It was Christina. Everyone stopped arguing and stared at her. `` Thank you. Now I only understand parts of this row, but everything you 're rowing about has happened in the past. Ca n't you just put it behind you and try to get along ? Look at you, you 're standing there arguing about poppycock you ca n't vary, in movement of your nipper. What kind of case are you setting ? Put aside your conflict, if not for yourselves, do it for the kids. ``

The adult said nothing for a few moments while Christina glared at every one of them. Eventually, Harry spoke, `` She 's decently. We should just try and get along. '' Ginny nodded in agreement.

`` That 's what I was trying to secern you, '' Dudley commented.

`` fine, '' Vernon fuss, `` I 'll tolerate the boy. But you are making a grave fault with Kaden, Dudley. ``

`` Good, '' Christina replied and stood up. `` I 'll go get the pudding. ``

The ease of the dinner was much more enjoyable. Harry quickly told the report of when he blew up margarin to douse Kaden and Bethany 's oddity, but there was no more mention of magic throughout the rest of the meal. The conversation centered on topic that could be equally proportional to Muggles and thaumaturgist, such as the weather. Albus did n't say anything, choosing instead to quietly eat his pudding while listening to the adults'deform conversations. He was just happy that they were no longer arguing with each other.

After dinner party, Albus, King James, and Kaden escaped to Kaden 's bedroom, which he was eager to show off. The entire thing was decorated with versatile football paraphernalia, with a lot of stress on Manchester United. James found this highly entertaining and fagged quite a few minutes laughing at the posters, in which the players remained completely still. Kaden spent a while showing off his Xmas present to Albus and James and soon wanted to show them how to take on his Wii.

Kaden led Albus and James back downstairs, where the adults were discussing railcar over coffee. Albus was very well-chosen that he did not have to sit through that discussion. Albus followed as Kaden went down another flight of steps of stairs and they descended into the cellar. The basement was clearly the rumpus room of the house, as it was cluttered with all sort of Muggle toys. Lily and Bethany were playing with Bethany 's Barbies in one corner and neither of them paid much attention as the male child entered the room.

The Wii was set up in the middle of the room and attached to a television that was against the paries. Albus had never played a Wii before and was kind of curious about it. James was as well, although he got sidetracked by a remote control car. He drove it all over the room, completely amazed at how the car seemed to move by magic.

`` The things Muggles come up with, '' James grinned as he joined Albus and Kaden in front of the television.

Kaden spent the side by side hour teaching James and Albus how to flirt the Wii. They started with Kaden 's new racing game, which was actually pretty complicated. It took Albus the adept percentage of an time of day to figure out how to spiel it. James caught on a bit faster, but neither of them could top Kaden in skill. Albus found that the secret plan was incredibly fun and almost wished he had one at his household. Once they successfully learned the racing plot, Kaden went on to teach them how to toy a couple Thomas More games. Lily eventually wandered over and wanted to acquire, too. By the clock time midnight came around, all five of them were taking turn of events playing biz and Albus was having a great time.

Albus was form of defeated when his dad called them back upstairs to count down to the new year and hoped that everyone was still acting civilly. They were, as Albus found when he entered the support room. It did n't really reckon like the grownup were enjoying themselves, but they were at least acting polite, which was honest enough for Albus.

Shortly after they rang in the new twelvemonth, Albus 's parents decided it was time to leave. Albus had no arguments against this because he was tired and did n't really want to spend anymore prison term in the same family as Uncle Vernon. Harry politely shook hands with Vernon, said auf wiedersehen to Petunia, and told Dudley he would owl him soon. Vernon kind of flinched at the mention of the word 'owl .'Albus completely ignored Vernon and Petunia, and told Kaden he would see him on the train ride back to school. Once the obligatory goodbyes were said, Albus and his family left the home, only to Apparate back to Grimmauld Place a few streets away.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Miguel, Moonylupin, Denas, Ginny, Luke, and drownzer for their reviews !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to include that he was happy to be going back to Hogwarts. After the nearly calamitous dinner with the Dursleys, Albus spent his clip working on homework or goofing off with James and Lily. By the end of the vacation he was actually form of tire and happy to be seeing his friends again. Plus, the sooner he got back to school, the sooner he could try out the new map.

The thrower met the Weasleys and the Dursleys at King 's Cross and entered weapons platform 9 3/4 together. Both families were running late again and Albus, rose, James, and Kaden only just made it onto the string before it left. James immediately left to determine his friends while Albus, Rose, and Kaden wandered around trying to ascertain their friends.

John and Amanda were sitting in one of the compartments in the middle of the train. Albus opened the door and walked in, followed by blush wine and Kaden.

`` Hey ! '' John greeted them.

`` There you are, '' Amanda smirked, `` Almost miss the train again ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus laughed and sat down next to her. He wished more than anything that Kaden would leave so he could differentiate John and Amanda that he and Rose managed to get the hart mark. All the print were currently residing in Albus 's bag, just waiting to be transferred onto the map.

`` So how was your family line dinner party ? '' can grinned and looked from Albus to Kaden.

Albus and Kaden exchanged coup d'oeil. rose wine stifled a laugh. She had already heard about the dinner shortly after it happened.

`` It was ... eventful, '' Albus said. `` Not something I want to do again. ``

`` What happened ? '' John Lackland asked eagerly.

`` My grandpa went mad, '' Kaden shook his head. `` And my grandma kind of did. ``

`` What did they do ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Well, they form of did n't get it on we were coming, '' Albus began, `` So they started off by yelling about that. ``

`` Then they started shouting about how my dad should n't let me go to school here, '' Kaden continued.

`` And Uncle Vernon wound up claiming that Dad had somehow used a charm to release Kaden into a ace, '' Albus explained.

whoremaster and Amanda burst out laughing. `` You 're kidding ! '' John Lackland exclaimed. `` He actually thought that ? ! ``

`` Sure did, '' Albus grinned. Now that the dinner was behind him, he was able to laugh about it. Looking back, his Uncle Vernon did seem mad, and not nearly as shivery as Albus first thought.

`` And my nanna of all people told him it was n't possible, '' Kaden laughed. `` Apparently she wanted to be a enchantress when she was a kid. But the salutary part was when Grandpa brought up aunty Marge. ``

`` Who 's that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` My grandpa 's babe, '' Kaden explained, `` I ca n't stand her. But apparently Professor ceramist blew her up when he was 13 ! ``

trick and Amanda started howling with laughter. `` That is absolutely brilliant ! '' John shouted.

`` This I 've got to hear ! '' Amanda grinned.

Albus smiled at them and told the chronicle of his Aunt Marge. Saint John the Apostle and Amanda laughed even harder when they had heard the completely thing.

`` What happened adjacent ? '' lav asked once he had calmed down.

`` wellspring, we went down to the cellar and played with Kaden 's Muggle video games, which was a lot of fun. ``

`` And the adult stayed upstairs, '' Kaden added. `` Which was probably bloody awkward. ``

`` Then we left shortly after midnight, '' Albus told them. `` Hey, Kaden, what happened after we left ? ``

`` Oh, yeah. Grandpa tried to convince Dad to not let me go back to Hogwarts. He thought Dad would be more likely to agree without you lot there. Dad told him to stop and eventually he gave up and left. ``

`` You going to do that again anytime soon ? '' toilet asked.

`` Hopefully not, '' Albus replied.

`` Let 's do it at your house next, '' Kaden grinned, `` I want to see a genius sign. ``

`` I doubt Dad will let Uncle Vernon and Aunt petunia in the house, '' Albus told him, `` But you 're welcome to come. ``

`` Over the summer, then, '' Kaden said.

`` We 'll come, too, '' rosebush announced. John and Amanda nodded. `` And matte. ``

Kaden looked around the compartment and then back at Albus. `` Where is he, anyway ? ``

`` Er, he had some, er, Healer appointments, '' Albus said quickly. Hopefully that would satisfy Kaden 's curiosity.

`` Oh, for that disease he 's got ? ``

`` Yeah, the one you ca n't say a thing about to anybody, '' Albus glared at him, `` And that includes this. Do n't secern anyone where he is. ``

Kaden nodded. `` I wo n't. I 'll keep away from Malfoy and Willinson. ``

`` Good, '' Albus said.

******

Over the next few twenty-four hour period, Albus kept trying to find some clock time to tell John and Amanda about the hart print, but it was unvoiced to shake Kaden off. It seemed the only meter they were away from him was when they were in class or in their dormitory at night. Neither were good opportunities to talk about the map.

In the meantime, Malfoy was trying to enter out why Matt was n't in school. The full moon was n't until the watch week, so Albus was going to induce to endure Malfoy 's questioning for a while longer. Nothing seemed to satisfy him. Albus was also preoccupied with what was going to happen this full moon. He was sort of concern about Matt taking the new wolfsbane potion.

All the student and teachers seemed to be falling into their usual turn. Dueling and Quidditch practices started up again. Both Kate and Georgia were working their team hard and Albus was feeling the effects. Between that and the increased amount of homework the teacher were spirit on assigning, he had hardly any clip for anything else.

A couple days into the term, Kaden finally had one of his tutoring sessions. Albus and his admirer seized the chance and ran to the Room of requisite as soon as Kaden left the common room.

`` Finally ! '' John exclaimed as he threw himself onto one of the couch in the room. `` I thought I was going to die of rarity ! ``

`` I never thought we 'd get away from him ! '' Amanda said as she sat down next to him.

`` It 'll be sluttish once Rose figures out the magical spell to keep him placid, '' Albus replied.

`` You found one ! '' John sat up and stared at Rose.

`` Sure did, '' rosiness grinned and pulled the book of magic spell from her house out of her bag. She opened it to the right page and handed it to John and Amanda.

The two of them read it for a few bit. `` This is incredible, '' Amanda smiled, `` You think you can do it ? ``

`` given a bit of practice, sure, '' Rose replied. `` We just have to do sure as shooting Matt agrees to it. ``

`` I 'm for certain he will, '' John said, `` I mean, this charm will definitely keep Kaden from telling anyone. ``

`` I 'll depart working on it now, '' Rose took the book back, `` I have n't started yet because I do n't want anyone to ask why I 'm trying to learn it. ``

`` So, did you get the stag print ? '' can asked eagerly.

`` Sure did ! '' Albus reached into his bag and pulled out the three mark. `` We just need the rat now. ``

john picked them up and looked at him. `` Excellent ! I 'll try and get the rat soon. Then we can channelize them. ``

`` We should wait for mat, '' Albus told him, `` He 's a part of this as much as we are. ``

`` Oh, yeah, that 's a good idea, '' toilet set the prints down on a nearby mesa. `` You know, I think this is the first time we 've been in here without him. ``

`` I think you 're right, '' Albus commented. It was form of strange, really. All the former multiplication they had been in the room, flatness had been the one to ask for it. cipher said anything for a few minutes. Albus could tell that everyone was thinking the Sami thing he was, what would happen with flatness 's new potion.

`` Well, he 'll be back soon, '' John said after a while.

`` As long as aught goes damage, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Yeah, but just think if this potion works. That would be gravid, would n't it ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, but he could n't serve but think the new potion would n't work any beneficial than the old one. Why should it ? If lustrelessness was resistant to wolfbane potion, why should a unlike variety of it work ?

The four of them spent the remainder of the evening in the Room. Rose worked steadily on figuring out the spell, but did n't really get anywhere. It was an extremely hard charm, after all. Albus, King John, and Amanda worked on their homework and talked about what they thought the new map would have on it.

******

Albus became more and more uneasy as the full Sun Myung Moon approached. His protagonist seemed to as well, and John especially developed a very shortsighted electrical fuse. Kaden seemed to get the brunt of this but he took it in stride. The night of the actual full moon, Albus had Quidditch practice. He became so distracted during it that Georgia called for a rupture during practice and demanded to know why Albus was dropping so many Quaffles. He lied and told her he was worried about a metamorphosis exam the next day. Luckily she seemed to accept this and wished him luck on his exam. Albus tried special hard during the second base one-half of practice session but still missed a lot of easy passes.

Albus entered the common room after recitation feel incredibly sore but not at all wear upon. He had been hit with legion bludgers due to his want of concentration. Normally Albus would have been exhausted after such a practice but he was too dying to be tired tonight.

His protagonist were sitting at their common table which was covered in homework. Not that much of it was being done. Kaden was the only one feverishly working away at an essay. John, Amanda, and even rose were staring off into zero with their unmoved homework in front man of them. Albus quickly stowed his ling in his dormitory and joined his booster at the table.

`` Hey, '' Albus said as he sat down next to Rose.

`` Hi, '' rose wine mumbled. John and Amanda gave equally unenthusiastic greetings.

`` Hi Albus ! '' Kaden looked up, `` I 'm glad you 're back. This lot has been incredibly muffled. ``

Even at a metre like this, Albus could n't help but express joy at Kaden 's cluelessness. `` Hi, Kaden. ``

`` How was exercise ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not that great. I got hit with a couple bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' Kaden winced.

`` Yeah, my arm hurts pretty bad, '' Albus commented.

`` Just go see Madam Pomfrey, '' Rose suggested, `` Your arm looks tight. ``

Albus glanced at his arm. It had turned a adorable purple blue sky color in the time since he had received the setback. `` All right, '' he stood up. `` I 'll see you in a bit. ``

Kaden stood up as well. `` I 'll descend with you. ``

Albus did n't experience like telling Kaden not to bother, so he nodded and Kaden followed him out of the common room. Albus did n't babble much on the way to the hospital offstage, but Kaden kept up a streaming comment about what went on in his course that day. Kaden must consume felt the motivation to share it even though nothing particularly exciting had happened that day. The corridors were utterly deserted and Kaden 's voice seemed awfully loud. Albus glanced at his ticker and saw that it was almost curfew. He wished he had brought his Invisibility Cloak. Of course, none of the teachers could give him detention for being out of his commons room in gild to go see Madam Pomfrey, could they ?

Albus pushed the door to the hospital wing exposed slowly and saw that madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, writing something, and glancing out the windowpane every few seconds. The moonlight was streaming through and illuminating one of the seam. There were n't any patient role in the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth, which Albus thought was kind of strange. Albus rarely ever saw the place empty. He walked quietly up to Madam Pomfrey and Kaden followed. The nurse did n't even seem to have noticed them come in.

`` Er, excuse me, Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus said once he was a match feet in front of the desk.

The nurse jumped and looked up, clutching her marrow. `` Oh, Albus ! You scared me. What are you doing here ? ``

It suddenly occurred to Albus that madam Pomfrey was probably thinking about Matt as well, since she usually took guardianship of him after the broad moonshine. `` I got hit with a brace bludgers at practice tonight. I was, er, variety of distracted. ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey stood up and gave him a sympathetic look. `` I understand. Let me see. ``

Albus held out his arm and Madam Pomfrey clucked her tongue as she inspected it. She pulled out her wand and touched it to his arm, muttering a spell as she did so. Albus 's arm felt warm and tingly, and then formula again. The pain was gone.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` No trouble. Anywhere else ? ``

`` I got hit on my back too and it kind of suffering. I 've got no idea if it 's bruised or not. ``

ma'am Pomfrey looked at Albus 's rear and performed the Saami healing spell. It felt immensely better.

`` I think that 's it, '' Albus said once she was done.

`` You 'd better be off to bed, then, '' she said. `` I 'm certain I 'll be seeing you soon. ``

Albus nodded and turned to get out. He and Kaden were soon back in the empty-bellied corridor.

`` Why were you distracted during praxis ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Shush, '' Albus hissed, `` August 6 exam tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, that 's probably why whoremaster, Rose, and Amanda were so quiet. ``

`` Yeah, that was it. ``

The two of them continued their trek to the common room until they practically bumped into two former people as they turned a corner.

`` keep an eye on it ! '' a moth-eaten voice shouted and shoved Albus aside.

Albus pulled out his verge and lit it, shoving the light in the faces of the two strangers. They were Malfoy and Willinson. `` You watch it, '' Albus muttered.

`` Get your wand out of my expression, '' Malfoy seethed. `` What are you doing here anyway ? ``

`` What are you doing here ? '' Albus asked.

`` None of your business. ``

`` You just answered your own question, then. ``

Malfoy turned to Kaden. `` Ah, it 's the Mudblood cousin-german. ``

`` Do n't call him that ! '' Albus shouted.

Malfoy ignored him and continued to glower at Kaden. `` Maybe you know where Eckerton is these days ? ``

Kaden glanced nervously at Albus before answering. `` Uh, no, I do n't. ``

`` Fine, '' Malfoy snapped. `` I know you wo n't say anything with ceramist around anyway. I 'll just wait until you 're alone. C'mon, Willinson, we 're leaving. ``

`` You 'll do no such thing, Mr. Malfoy, '' someone said from behind Albus.

Albus jumped in fearfulness and turned around to see prof Patil. Great, he thought, now they were going to twine up in detention. Why did they always wind up in hold with Malfoy ?

`` What are you four doing out of bed ? '' Patil asked briskly, `` You know you 're not allowed to be wandering around after hour. ``

`` Uh, '' Malfoy stammered, `` We were, er, uh, well we just wanted to, um- ''

`` Do n't disoblige, Mr. Maloy, '' Patil cut him off. `` Whatever lie you come up with is not going to win over me. '' She turned to Albus and Kaden, `` I 'm assuming you were not out for a stroll with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Willinson ? ``

`` No, '' Albus confirmed, `` I was actually just in the infirmary annexe. I got hurt at Quidditch recitation. Kaden was with me. ``

Patil looked at Kaden. `` Is that true, Mr. Dursley ? ``

`` Yes, ma'am, '' Kaden replied quietly.

`` We were there, too, prof ! '' Malfoy shouted out, `` Willinson stabbed himself with his quill feather while we were doing preparation. ``

Patil glanced at him skeptically. `` Well, we 'll just go see Madam Pomfrey and affirm all your taradiddle. ``

Any color that had been in Malfoy 's face drained. The four boys quietly followed Professor Patil to the infirmary flank. Albus was very relieved. gentlewoman Pomfrey would tell Patil that he and Kaden had been there, and then she would n't give them detention.

Patil opened the doors to the infirmary wing, but dame Pomfrey was no longer there. Patil motioned for the boys to stick around there and she strode over to the nurse 's position. She knocked lightly and waited for lady Pomfrey to appear.

`` I hope I 'm not bothering you, '' Patil said once Madam Pomfrey came out.

`` Not at all, Padma, '' Madam Pomfrey smiled, `` I was n't numb. Is there something you need ? ``

`` I was wondering if any of these four boys, '' she gestured to Albus, Kaden, and the two Slytherins, `` Were here recently ? I caught them all out of bed and all of them insist they were here. ``

Madam Pomfrey gazed at the boy. `` fountainhead, Albus and Kaden were here about XV moment ago, but I have n't seen the other two in quite a while. ``

`` That 's what I thought, '' Patil nodded, `` Thank you. ``

`` Not a job, '' the nurse replied.

`` I 'll look at you two back to your common way, '' Patil said to Albus and Kaden. `` As for you, '' she glared at Malfoy and Willinson, `` You will add up back to my office and we shall arrange for detention. ``

Malfoy and Willinson sulked and muttered under their breathing spell as the five of them exited the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward. Albus laughed to himself on their way back to Gryffindor column. Malfoy and Willinson were glaring daggers at Albus and Kaden the whole way back, but Albus just smirked at them. They could n't do anything now anyway, not with Patil around. But surely they would blame Albus and Kaden for their custody and Albus would experience to watch out the next few days.

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that Night, despite his weariness from Quidditch practice. He fell asleep in the wee hours of the morning and woke up only a few hour later. John was just as exhausted and the two of them stumbled down into the rough-cut room, only to determine rose slumped over a book at their usual table.

`` rose ! '' Albus shook his full cousin 's berm, `` Wake up ! ``

Rose slowly lifted her head and then jumped at the sight of Albus and Gospel According to John. `` Wha-what are you two doing ? ``

`` Uh, it 's morning, Rose, '' Albus explained, `` We 've got to get to Transfiguration in an hour. ``

`` Oh ! '' Rose jumped up and pushed her shaggy fuzz out of her facial expression.

`` What were you doing down here ? Did you ever go to bed ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, could n't sleep, '' rosiness shrugged, `` So I came back down and worked on the Sileo Altus appealingness. I just ca n't figure it out. It 's driving me mad ! ``

`` That 's a really high level spell, Rose. You know it 's going to take you a while, '' Albus reminded her.

`` I know, I know. I 'll get it eventually, '' rosiness sighed, `` I guess I 'll go change and get hold Amanda. Then we can go down to breakfast. ``

A few second later, Albus and his friends walked to the Great Hall. Albus noticed Malfoy and Willinson at the Slytherin table as they walked by and both of the Slytherins were shooting daggers at Albus.

Kaden was already at the Gryffindor table and immediately hailed Albus and the others to sit near him.

`` Did you see Malfoy this morning ? '' Kaden asked once Albus had sat down.

`` Yeah, he 's not too happy. ``

`` curiosity when his detention is ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Who knows, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't particularly give care when Malfoy and Willinson were going to serve detention.

Kaden began to talk about some potion he was going to be brewing that day, but Albus tuned him out. All Albus seemed to be able to think about at the bit was whether the new potion lusterlessness had taken worked.

As if on cue, a large brown owl flew down and landed neatly side by side to Albus 's plate.

`` You 've got a letter ! '' Kaden shouted eagerly.

`` I know, '' Albus rolled his eyes and pulled the letter off the owl 's leg. He gave the owl a few bits of pledge and the magnanimous hoot flew off.

Rose, who was on Albus 's other side, looked over his articulatio humeri as he looked at the envelope. lavatory and Amanda were leaning over the table and Kaden was leaning over Albus 's other shoulder.

`` Wonder who it 's from, '' Kaden said.

`` It 's from Matt, '' Albus told him. `` That was his owl. ``

`` Maybe he 's telling you when he 's coming back ! '' Kaden shouted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus, John, rose wine, and Amanda said at once.

`` Well, we 'd better be off to Transfiguration, '' Albus said and gave Rose a pregnant glance.

`` Yes, we 'd better, '' rose stood up.

`` Are n't you going to open it ? '' Kaden asked.

`` On the way, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'll get along, too ! ``

Albus sighed and got up from the table. He could n't open that alphabetic character in figurehead of Kaden. pink wine, John, and Amanda got up as well and followed Albus out of the Great Hall. Kaden was right behind him, but Albus did n't make bold give it yet. Kaden stalled in the entryway Hall, but eventually gave up and headed down to the dungeon for Potions.

`` Well, now we have n't got time to register it, '' Albus groaned and glanced at his scout. `` Why could n't he have left sooner ? ``

`` 'Cause he 's Kaden, '' lavatory shook his head.

`` We 'll just record it after History of trick, '' pink wine said as they climbed the steps, `` We 've got the whole afternoon off. ``

The forenoon dragged by at an extremely slow pace, in Albus 's opinion. Transfiguration was n't too bad, since it was a pragmatic lesson. Malfoy descended upon Albus and the others after the form was over, wanting to recognize where Matt was. Albus lied and told him Matt was having a later holiday with his grandparents and then took off for history of Magic, ignoring Malfoy 's complaints about detention that followed.

story of Magic was as boring as common. Albus thought he saw the clock 's hands go backwards at one percentage point. He passed notes with John and Amanda while blush wine took greenback. She seemed to experience inherited her mother 's ability to rest awake during that class. John nodded off at one point and Albus had to prod him wake up with his quill. prof Binns did n't even seem to notice.

After account of legerdemain finally ended, Albus and his protagonist went to the Great student residence to grab a quick lunch. Kaden was there when they arrived and immediately launched into an explanation of the potion he had just brewed. Apparently it was so impressive that Slughorn gave him a bar of Honeyduke 's umber and an invitation to the next Slug ball club meeting.

`` What ? ! '' Albus choked on his Cucurbita pepo juice.

`` Yup, '' Kaden grinned. `` The next coming together is this Saturday. He told me that a lot of your cousin go. ``

`` Er, yeah, they do, '' Albus coughed. He had not been expecting Kaden to get invited to any Slug Club meetings. Albus had n't even gone to any since the late year. He just told Slughorn he had Quidditch practice or too much homework to go. Slughorn had n't even had his Christmas party this year. Albus was n't certain why, but he was guessing it was because he had n't been capable to find anyone celebrated to attend.

`` But he said you 're always too fussy to go, '' Kaden said, `` will you go to this one ? ``

Albus groaned inwardly, `` Oh, I do n't know .... ''

`` Please ? '' Kaden pleaded.

`` amercement, '' Albus sighed. It could n't be that bad now that Quinton Willinson was gone. And it was just one meeting. `` But just this once. And if Peach State calls for Quidditch practice, I wo n't go to the meeting. ``

`` Yay ! '' Kaden shouted.

Once Kaden left for his side by side stratum, Albus and his admirer went straight for the elbow room of requirement. Albus and rose sat on one of the couches while whoremonger and Amanda sat on the polar one. Albus reached into his bag and found the letter.

`` Here it goes, '' Albus whispered.

`` That potion better have worked, '' John the Evangelist said.

Albus tore undecided the envelope and unfolded the letter. He read it aloud.

honey Albus, Rose, John, and Amanda,

finale nighttime lusterlessness told me to write you
and separate you what happened if he couldn't.
Since he ca n't, you have probably guessed
that the potion did not work.

`` hoot ! '' Gospel According to John shouted.

matt will explain more when he gets back to
Hogwarts. I 'll just say that it 's not worse
than common. He 's at St. Mungo 's right wing now so
the healer can detect the after affects of
the potion and the transformation.

He only has to last out in St. Mungo 's all-night
and then tomorrow he 'll be back at dwelling house. I 'm
pretty sure he 'll be back at Hogwarts on
Sunday, but we 're not exactly sure.

Hope you are all doing well. I 'll see you
soon, maybe at the next Gryffindor
Quidditch match.

From,
Amy

Albus folded up the missive and looked at his acquaintance. `` Well, I guess that 's it, then. ``

`` At least it was n't any risky, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` Yeah, '' rose agreed.

Nobody said anything for a few minutes. Albus felt very disappointed that the potion had n't worked, but he was surely it did n't even add up close to what Matt was feeling.

`` Maybe he 'll let us get Animagi now, '' John the Evangelist suggested.

rose wine glared at him, `` He wo n't. He 's still in that survey, which means he 's still got to take that potion for the next two years or so. Then there 'll probably be another one for him to test. And maybe that one will work. ``

`` fountainhead, it would still be poise to suit an Animagus. ``

`` Then you can do it when you 're sure-enough, '' Rose said, `` You could n't do it now anyway, it 's too advanced. ``

`` Albus 's grandad did it. ``

`` When he was in fifth year, '' blush wine reminded him.

`` Fine, three more than years then, '' John shrugged.

blush wine sighed, `` Matt wo n't let you join him on the wide Moon, though. And I would n't suggest doing it behind his back. ``

`` I wo n't, '' John assured her, `` I just think it would be a fun thing to do, be an Animagus. ``

`` Definitely, '' pink wine agreed.

Albus and his friends spent the intimately office of the succeeding hour talking about what they would do if they could translate into animals. They all agreed that listening in on people 's conversations and sneaking up on hoi polloi like Malfoy would be top on the lean of hooey to do. Eventually, rose insisted that they all start their homework, which took them most of the eventide to complete.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Saint Luke, Denas, Moonylupin, phoenixy friend, drownzer, and potterfan296 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that Quinton Willinson was no longer at Hogwarts, Albus still dreaded the punch golf-club group meeting on Saturday. His rational number position told him that it would n't be nearly as bad with Willinson gone, but Albus still was n't looking forward to it.

Kaden, on the former hand, spent the twenty-four hour period leading up to Sat talking non-stop about the Slug Club merging. Albus had already explained in particular what they involved, but that did n't stop Kaden from constantly wondering aloud about what the meeting would be like.

Saturday arrived quickly and Albus was still without an excuse to not attend the coming together. Georgia had not called for Quidditch practice that day, mainly due to the fact that the Ravenclaws booked the pitch shot all forenoon and the Slytherins had it all afternoon. The two family were scheduled to play each other the following Saturday.

`` It 's time for the Slug Club merging, Albus ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly a few bit before eleven.

Albus sighed and got up out of his death chair in the coarse room. `` See you lot in a little while, '' he said to toilet and Amanda.

`` rich person loads of fun ! '' John laughed.

`` See you later, '' Amanda grinned.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose, who had also decided to go, set off for the dungeon. Albus hoped he would only have to bide for a lilliputian while, maybe an hour at near. Just long enough for Kaden to see what the meetings were like.

The coming together was held in the Potions schoolroom and a few students were milling about when Albus, rosebush, and Kaden walked into the way. Albus recognized most of them from finale year 's encounter. A few of his cousin were there as well, but not all of them. James IV was n't there, but Albus knew he had dueling practice that day. Albus was also felicitous to remark that Felix Willinson was not there. Of path, after what happened with Quinton and his father, Albus guessed he should n't be surprised that Quinton 's cousin would n't be invited to the type slug Club.

There was a table full of solid food along one of the position bulwark and most everyone was crowding around it trying to get some lunch. Slughorn had a plate of food in front end of him and was sitting at a large table in the figurehead of the room.

Albus led rose and Kaden over to the table and picked up a plate.

`` What is this poppycock ? '' Kaden pointed to a platter of some variety of meat.

`` Pheasant, '' Albus replied. Slughorn always served pheasant at his meetings. Albus tried it last twelvemonth and hated it.

Kaden shrugged and piled the pheasant onto his plate. Once Albus and his friends had gotten enough food, they sat down at the table across from Slughorn. Shortly after, everyone else had sat down at the table as well.

`` unspoilt to see you all again ! '' Slughorn greeted them and then turned to Albus. `` And Albus and rosebush ! I 'm very happy that you two decided to come ! How have grade been going ? ``

`` good, '' Albus replied.

`` Excellent, excellent, '' Slughorn nodded, `` We also have someone new here today. This is Kaden Dursley, '' Slughorn gestured to Kaden. `` He 's Albus 's cousin-german and is turning out to be quite the Potions brewer ! Lily 's genes must be coming out in you ! ``

Kaden grinned, `` Potions is fun. Loads better than Transfiguration Day. ``

Slughorn laughed, `` Do n't let Professor Patil hear you say that. But I daresay I agree with you. ``

Kaden laughed as well and then took a large snack of pheasant. Albus watched him as he did so, wondering if he 'd care it. Kaden chewed for a few instant before a big smiling appeared on his face.

`` This material is fantabulous ! ``

`` I 'm glad you like it ! '' Slughorn said.

Albus chuckled to himself. Of course Kaden liked the pheasant. If there was one matter Albus had learned about his cousin over the past tense six calendar month, it was that he 'd eat pretty much anything. This was obviously something he had inherited from his father.

Slughorn soon launched into a lengthy explanation of what he did over his holiday and who he had spent meter with. ( `` Barry Ryan used to play for Ireland, you know. '' ) Albus found the whole thing rather slow but he noticed that Kaden seemed to hang on Slughorn 's every Logos. Rose seemed to be paying attention as well, but probably only out of courtesy.

Albus let his mind wander as Slughorn continued talking about his dinner party with Barry Ryan. flatness was supposed to retort to Hogwarts the next day, which meant that in as picayune as XXIV hours, they could be having the map working. well, if they could sneak away to the Room of essential, that is. Albus hoped pink wine would have that magical spell working soon. Then they could just do all of this with Kaden. It would make it a altogether lot easier. Of grade, matte still had n't said that he agreed to distinguish Kaden even with the appeal. Albus kept forgetting about that component. But why would n't he agree ? The charm seemed like it would work well.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose wound up staying until the end of the meeting. Kaden was enthralled by the intact matter and Albus knew he would pass up to leave early on. Albus was incredibly bored by the time the affair was over and Rose looked as bored as Albus felt. Once the meeting was finally over, the three of them said sayonara to Slughorn and left the dungeons.

`` That was so chill, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Boring 's more like it, '' Albus replied.

`` How can you think it was boring ? '' Kaden stared at Albus, `` Slughorn knows so many renowned people. ``

`` reliance me, it gets old after a piece, '' Albus said.

`` wellspring, are you two going to the next one ? ''

Albus looked at rosiness. She did n't look like she wanted to go to the next one either. `` Er, well, I might take in Quidditch practice. ``

`` And I 'll probably make too much homework, '' rosebush explained.

`` I 'd go even if I did bear too much homework, '' Kaden told them.

`` That really is n't a good idea, '' rose wine warned him. `` You 'll get behind. ``

Albus laughed as Rose launched into a discussion about how important time management is and how homework should always come first. The three of them were nearly to the common room by the metre rose finished and Kaden was wearing a space flavour on his face, much like the one Albus had worn during the Slug Club meeting.

******

`` Got any theme what metre he 's coming back ? '' lav asked shortly after dejeuner the future day in the common room.

`` No idea, '' Albus shrugged.

Albus, John, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda were all sitting around their common table in the park room. Rose and Kaden were playing chess and it was apparent that pink wine was going easy on Kaden. The two of them had been playing the same secret plan for fifteen hour. If Rose wanted to, she probably could cause beat Kaden in five minutes. John and Amanda were both working on the Transfiguration essay that was due the following day. Albus had already finished that particular essay and was watching rosebush and Kaden 's chess match.

`` Queen to D3, '' Kaden said. The queen gave Kaden a menacing blaze and then reluctantly moved to the square.

`` Bishop to D3. '' pink wine 's bishop smashed Kaden 's faggot to art object. `` checkmate, '' Rose grinned.

`` Crap, '' Kaden muttered as his king dropped its brand in defeat.

`` You 're getting a bit better, '' rose said as she repaired all the pieces with a wave of her wand.

`` Do you have Quidditch drill today, Albus ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah. Empire State of the South managed to reserve the tar for an minute after dinner party. The Hufflepuffs were n't too glad, but Empire State of the South got it first. ``

`` I hope flatness gets back before you leave, '' Amanda said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed. `` But Amy did n't say when he 'd be coming back. ``

`` He 's going to have a load of homework to make up, '' Kaden announced.

`` That sounds like something you 'd say, rose, '' John laughed.

`` How 's your essay coming, John ? '' rose smirked.

`` Yeah, yeah. I 've got the first paragraph done, '' John grumbled.

`` I 've only got one More to go, '' Amanda said.

`` deprivation to wager again, Rose ? '' Kaden asked.

pink wine shrugged. `` Sure, why not. ``

rose wine and Kaden set up their pieces and started to play again. Albus watched them. It was pretty funny to check the two of them recreate cheat. Kaden would sit there forever figuring out what movement to make and once he made it, Rose would smile and move one of her own musical composition within seconds. Rose 's move usually involved killing one of Kaden 's pieces.

The portrait hole to the common room opened a few transactions later and Albus looked up. Matt was just climbing through and headed heterosexual person for Albus 's table once he noticed them.

`` Hey, Matt ! '' Albus grinned, `` Welcome back ! ``

`` Hi Albus, '' Matt grinned back. He looked old-hat, but well-chosen. There was still a yellow bruise on his os frontale, but former than that he looked fine.

bathroom, rosebush, Amanda, and Kaden all looked up from what they were doing and greeted lusterlessness as well. Matt grabbed a professorship from a nearby table and sat down future to Albus.

`` How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` All right, '' Matt shrugged.

`` Er, Kaden, '' Albus began, `` You know how you said Matt 's got a lot of homework to make water up ? ``

`` Uh-huh, '' Kaden nodded as Rose declared checkmate once again, `` poop ! ``

`` Well, it would probably be a good idea for him to go see all the teachers now about it. So, we 'll all go with him to do that, since we 're in his grade. We 'll help. You can stay here since you 'd probably be bored. ``

`` Ok, I 've got my own homework to start on anyway. ``

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` lav ? Amanda, pink wine ? You can come with us. ``

`` Sure, anything to put off finishing this essay, '' King John closed his book and stood up.

Once they were out of the common room and into the corridor, lusterlessness turned around and looked at Albus. `` You 're not really making me go collect all my prep are you ? ``

Albus laughed, `` No. Just had to believe of an alibi for Kaden to bide there while we went to the Room. ``

`` trade good, '' John said, `` I do n't really desire to go pull in your prep with you. ``

`` You wo n't take in to. I 've already gotten it. They owled it to me over the holiday. I 've already finished it all, '' Matt explained.

`` You 're farther along than John, then, '' rose laughed.

`` Shut it, Rose, '' John said.

The five admirer continued their pass to the way of prerequisite, which manifested itself in its usual form for them. They walked into the Room and settled onto the usual scarlet and gold furniture.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened with this new potion ? ``

`` well, it did n't bring the way it was supposed to, but Amy already told you that, '' Matt said.

`` Did it help at all ? '' rosebush asked.

`` Nope. ``

`` And you 'll still deliver to keep taking it ? '' privy asked.

`` Yeah, that 's what stinks, '' matt sighed. `` It did n't solve the way it was supposed to, but it did former stuff. ``

`` I thought it was n't going to stimulate any bad effects, '' Albus said.

`` They were n't really serious English effects. It just made me really tired. ``

`` But you 're always tired before the full Moon, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, but the potion made it regretful. Usually I can at least go to morning classes on the day of the full moon but with the new potion I 'll just sleep right through them. It makes me tired as soon as I start taking it, which is a workweek before the full synodic month, just like the regular Wolfsbane was. ``

`` So you 'll be tired for an stallion week ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` The Healers are trying to find a potion to countercheck the fatigue duty, but I doubt they 'll own one in time for side by side month. ``

`` I do n't get why you have to observe taking it if it does n't even ferment, '' John shook his head.

`` Because they have to constitute sure it was n't just a fluke or something. That 's the matter about these subject, they have to do multiple trials to analyze the effects and poppycock. ``

`` There 's a probability it might work future month ? '' Amanda asked confusedly.

`` I suppose, but I doubt it. ``

`` You do n't seem that upset or anything, '' rose wine commented.

`` I honestly did n't think it was going to work. My parents told me not to get my promise up about any of these data-based potions. Plus, this was only the first base one I 've tried. They 'll descend up with others. ``

`` I just hope one of them actually works, '' lav replied.

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed, `` You 've got no idea how much I wish that.

`` Let 's not spill the beans about it anymore now, though. You 've got to state me if you got the snitch print ! It 's been driving me mad for hebdomad now. ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus grinned. He had almost forgotten about that. Almost being the key word. The new map was always on Albus 's mind now. `` We got it. rose and I did. ``

`` splendid ! '' Matt exclaimed.

`` And I 've got the transference charm all worked out, '' rosiness told him.

`` John 's just got to get the rat print, '' Albus said.

`` I 'm working on it ! '' John replied, `` It 's harder than you 'd think to pick out a rat during Potions. ``

`` Well, we 've got threefold Potions tomorrow, so try then. Slughorn 'll be having us brew the whole class probably, so just restrain your eye out, '' Albus told him.

`` I will. I 'll pay more attention to potency rats than to my potion, '' John grinned.

`` I would n't suggest that, '' Rose smirked. `` It 'll explode or something, since you 've got Goyle as a pardner. ``

`` Eh, I 'll take one failing tier if I can get the rat print, '' John shrugged.

`` Well, try to get the rat without destroying your potion, '' Rose sighed.

`` Just think, this clock time tomorrow, we may bear the map working, '' Matt commented, `` That would be awe-inspiring. ``

`` We 'll have to get away from Kaden first, '' Amanda pointed out.

`` And I 'm not entirely sure enough the map will work after we do this, '' Albus said, `` It almost seems too simple. ``

Albus had been thinking this for a few sidereal day now. They had had an incredibly well-off prison term getting the mark. Almost too easy a time. Dogs, stag, and rats were quite usual and anyone who could wander a round-eyed Petrificus Totalus magical spell could get those prints. The only one that would be difficult for the fair wizard to get was the werewolf mark. Even so, Albus did n't think the Marauders would make it this easy to access the map.

`` I 've been thinking the same matter, '' Rose agreed.

John groaned, `` That would suck. ``

`` We 'll get it eventually, '' Albus assured him. `` Plus, the map said we had to be like the vulture. We have n't done anything that only the vulture could give birth done so far. We got a crew of paw print. Anyone can do that. ``

`` Not anyone could get a werewolf photographic print, '' whoremonger pointed out.

`` I know. But it 's not something only the marauder could ingest done, '' Albus told him.

`` speech production of the predator, '' King John turned to Rose, `` How 's the Sileo Altus magical spell coming ? ``

`` The what ? '' Matt asked.

`` Oh, yeah, we 've got to tell you about that, '' John said. `` Want to explain it, Rose ? ``

`` Sure, '' Rose shrugged, `` It 's a charm I found in a book at my house. It 's a way to establish sure mortal keeps something a underground. Kind of like the Fidelius spell, only it 's for verbal secrets, not places. Whomever performs the charm is the Secret keeper and only that person can undo the charm. After the spell is performed, the somebody ca n't talk about the secret with anyone except the Secret Keeper and anyone else who was involved in the charm acting. It 's a way to keep Kaden from telling anyone that you 're a loup-garou. ``

Albus held his breathing space as Rose explained and hoped that lustrelessness would reckon it was a good approximation. Albus watched as Matt thought about what Rose had said. Albus could n't really narrate what he thought. lustrelessness looked a bit surprised, almost like he did n't mean Rose would have got ever found a charm to do that.

`` well, what do you remember ? '' Albus asked after a few minute silence.

`` I 'm not sure, '' Matt said quietly, `` bequeath it really act ? ``

`` I 'm somewhat sure it will, '' rosebush said, `` The alone thing that will surmount it is Veritaserum. ``

`` And what if Kaden drinks Veritaserum ? '' Matt asked.

`` When would he pledge that ? '' John raised his eyebrows.

`` I do n't cognise, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` But he could. ``

`` I really do n't think he would. ``

`` What if he did ? What if he spewed all about me in the center of the Great Charles Francis Hall or something ? ``

`` I doubt he 's ever going to imbibe any Veritaserum, '' rosiness said,"And even if he did, someone would get to ask him if you were a werewolf. He would n't just randomly start telling people."

`` Is there even any of that in the palace ? '' Amanda asked.

`` There 's some in Slughorn 's secret Potions cupboard, but that 's it, '' Albus answered, `` But that 's locked anyway. ``

`` See ? Hardly any opportunity of Kaden drinking any, '' John said.

`` Yeah, but still ... I do n't know ... '' Matt groaned, `` I just do n't really want to tell him. ``

`` I know. Just think about it, ok ? '' Albus gave Matt a half smile.

`` All right, '' matte sighed, `` We do n't need Kaden yet, do we ? ``

`` No, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm not sure when we 'll need him. The map just said we had to be like the Marauders, which means we 'll demand someone to be Wormtail at some spot. ``

`` And I want to test that appealingness out before we use it on Kaden, '' Matt said.

`` We will, '' rose assured him, `` I 've got to practice session it anyway. ``

`` So, anyone got any secrets we can practice with ? '' St. John the Apostle grinned mischievously.

******

`` settle down, patch up down, '' Slughorn barked at his class.

Albus turned around in his seat. He had been talking to St. John, who was sitting behind him next to Goyle. Albus was sitting next to Limbert and lusterlessness was looking thoroughly miserable next to Maloy in the next row over at the front. Slughorn was still plowing forward with his inter-house married person in socio-economic class, but Albus did n't cogitate it was helping to decrease the hostility between Gryffindor and Slytherin. So far, the best that had happened was silent loathing during pragmatic example and jinxing and hexing at worst. Based on the little affaire d'honneur between Ethan and Garth Octavius the previous week, it was only a matter of time before things really got out of hand.

`` Thank you, '' Slughorn said once everyone was paying aid, `` Today you 'll be brewing the mental confusion Potion I taught you about on Friday. He waved his wand at the blackboard, `` Directions are on the card. You have the full class. ``

`` Light the firing, '' Limbert grunted as he got up from his chair.

Albus nodded and pulled out his sceptre. Albus and Limbert had come to an wordless arrangement with brewing potions. Limbert would call for ingredients while Albus lit the fervency and unpacked all the various scales and knives. Then, Albus would fix the component while Limbert added them and stirred the cauldron. Albus was fine with this since Limbert was a full Potions brewer than he was.

Limbert returned with the ingredients and Albus started chopping them. He never said anything to Limbert while they worked and Limbert never said anything to Albus besides the periodic 'pass the asphodel'or something of the like.

Albus listened to everyone else in the stratum as he chopped up ingredients. He thought it was especially amusing to hear to John and Goyle.

`` No, that 's not clockwise, '' John groaned, `` You 're stirring counter-clockwise. ``

`` Oh. ``

`` Stir it the other way ! '' John shouted.

Albus stifled a jest and glanced to his left, where rosebush and Leigh Montague were having a similar conversation.

`` They 've got to be chopped fine than that. It says minced, not diced, '' Rose instructed.

`` They look hunky-dory to me, '' Vivien Leigh snapped.

`` No, they wo n't work like that. Let me do it, '' Rose grabbed a knife and started mincing the shrivelfig.

`` Fine. You do the solid affair if you 're so chic, '' Leigh huffed.

`` You can raise the cauldron. Clockwise, '' Rose replied.

Albus was n't close enough to either Amanda or flatness to hear what was going on at their mesa. It looked like Amanda and Dalila Avish were working much the same way Albus and Limbert were, since neither of their mouths were moving. Malfoy appeared to be yelling at Matt for something, but Albus could n't quite make out what it was. matte got up from the table with a bowl fully of something and then emptied it in the bin. When he returned to his table, he started carefully chopping something up. Albus was guessing it was more of whatever he had thrown away.

Albus continued mincing his shrivelfig and listened mostly to John and Goyle. Limbert kept smirking every so often, which gave Albus the belief he was listening to John and Goyle, too.

`` bread and butter stirring CLOCKWISE for another minute, '' John said slowly and clearly, `` Then switch to COUNTERCLOCKWISE. I 've got to go get something. Do n't do anything besides the inspiration. ``

Goyle grunted and Albus heard whoremaster get up. Albus felt a prod in his face and looked up to see John standing next to him. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

John pointed to a street corner of the room, near the closet of ingredients. There was a large rat sitting there. Albus shuddered and looked back at John.

`` I 'll be back, '' trick winked at him.

Albus tried to condense on his shrivelfig, but he could n't stop glancing up at John the Divine. He was almost to the cupboard now, and the rat still had n't moved. Albus watched as whoremaster pointed his wand at the rat, but he could n't see what spell John was using due to the noise in the room. Luckily everyone was concentrating on their potions and not paying an ounce of aid to John. Albus grimaced as can picked up the rat and shoved it inside his robe. Albus was incredibly happy that John was will to do the rat print. The cerebration of putting a rat in his robe creeped Albus out.

St. John went into the cupboard for a few moments and came back out carrying a jar of something. Probably a cover story, Albus thought.

`` Got it, '' John the Divine whispered to Albus on his way back to his desk.

`` Excellent, '' Albus said.

Suddenly there was a garish plosion from somewhere behind Albus and he felt a hot liquidity land on his heading and drip down the binding of his robes.

`` Ouch ! '' he and Limbert shouted at the same time.

`` Boody Hell ! '' John exclaimed as the orange tree potion landed on the straw man of his robes.

Pandemonium erupted in the classroom. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to gaze at the exploded potion. Albus turned around and saw that the explosion had come from Gospel According to John and Goyle 's caldron. Goyle was wearing a stupefied face on his face and was staring into space while holding his ladle in the air. His face was covered with potion as well as his robes. His hair was singed and there was a small fire on his table.

Albus could feel the potion burning down his back and it hurt like hell on earth. It felt like his tegument was on fire. He got up from his chairwoman and felt his back. His robes were sunburn straight through. Saint John the Apostle 's and Limbert 's were as well.

`` What did you do ? '' Slughorn asked as he strode to Saint John the Apostle and Goyle 's table.

`` Uh ..., '' Goyle stared up at the ceiling.

`` You must 've gotten potion in your oral fissure, '' Slughorn shook his head. `` infirmary Wing. Who else got hit ? ``

`` I did, '' Albus, can, Limbert, as well as Karina and Celeste Yeardly ( who had been sitting behind John and Goyle ) said at the Lapplander time.

`` infirmary Wing, all of you, '' Slughorn replied, `` If one of you could please ready trusted Mr. Goyle arrives there, that would be appreciated. ``

Limbert immediately dragged Goyle out of the elbow room with Celeste following. Albus and St. John walked a little mode behind them and Karina behind them.

`` idiot, '' John muttered as they climbed the stairs out of the dungeons.

`` What did he do ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not a clue, '' John shrugged, `` Not what I told him to do. ``

`` I heard you talking to him. It seemed pretty square. ``

`` well, he 's dumber than a troll, '' toilet groaned, `` Merlin this clobber burns. ``

`` At least we did n't eat any of it, '' Albus pointed to Goyle, who was stumbling down the corridor like he was drunk.

`` True, '' john laughed and then lowered his voice, `` Hey, it was Worth it since I got the rat. ``

`` That thing 's not still in your robe, is it ? '' Albus glanced warily at John.

`` Er, yeah, have n't had a chance to take it out. ``

`` I just hope it stays stunned. ``

`` It should, '' St. John said as they followed Goyle and Limbert into the infirmary Wing.

brothel keeper Pomfrey was already engaged taking care of a girl who had gotten bitten by something in attention of Magical animal and told them they would feature to await. Once she had finished healing the girl, she moved on to Goyle, since he was n't able to sit still and was wandering around the room tripping over things. She took forethought of Limbert, Celeste, and Karina, and then moved on to the bed Albus and lav were sitting on.

`` You lot again ? '' she sighed, `` I 'm surprise it 's only the two of you. ``

`` Well, Matt, rosiness, and Amanda were all too far away to be hit by the potion, '' Albus explained.

`` I swear the lot of you are exactly like your grandad and his friends, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey shook her promontory as she handed Albus a potion.

John the Evangelist, who had just started drinking his own potion, choked and coughed the potion up onto the bed. He turned and grinned at Albus, who grinned back. Well, Albus thought, that was the general idea of the map.

Madam Pomfrey sighed and with a wave of her sceptre the potion was cleaned up. `` Drink the rest of it, '' she instructed them.

gentlewoman Pomfrey applied some sort of salve to their burns and a few instant later they were allowed to go forth. The nurse told them to go directly to their dormitory to get new gown and that she did n't require to see them in the Hospital Wing for the adjacent few weeks.

`` Fat chance that 'll happen, '' John smirked as they started back to Gryffindor Tower.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. It seemed like one of them was always winding up in the Hospital Wing. Albus himself had already been there twice since returning to schooling after the Christmas holiday.

`` Next Quidditch mate is what, in three weeks ? '' lav asked.

`` Just about, '' Albus said.

`` Then you might be back there soon, '' john joked.

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` I did n't down myself there last match. ``


A/N : extra long chapter ! Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, Miguel, invisiblecloak, potterfan296, Luke, and drownzer for the revaluation !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or frank Sinatra.


Albus and John were immediately bombarded by Kaden when they entered the common way. pink wine, Amanda, and mat were standing just behind Kaden with smirks on their faces.

`` Did your cauldron really burst ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` The potion did, '' whoremaster replied, `` And it was completely Goyle 's break, really. I gave him directions as to what to do and he screwed it up. ``

`` You know, '' rosiness said, `` You 're not exactly the best potion brewer either, bathroom. ``

`` Are you two all right ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah. ma'am Pomfrey sorted everything out, '' Albus assured her.

`` So what are you doing tonight, Albus ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he followed Albus and John to the dormitory room room access.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had been planning on grabbing a speedy dinner party with his supporter after he changed gown, and then header to the room to try out the new map. They had all the paw mark ( John had gone up to the dormitory ahead of Albus with the rat and got the print from it. Albus did n't want to recognise what happened to the rat afterwards ) now, so Albus was impatient to try it out. But they would n't be able to if Kaden was around.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

Kaden spent the integral evening with Albus and his friend. Normally, this really would n't have bothered Albus, but that night his cousin was driving him mad. All Albus wanted to do was try out the map, but he could n't cerebrate up a in effect excuse for them to go somewhere and not let Kaden come. So they spent the evening in the common room, working on homework.

Albus and his champion were far too busy the succeeding few days to try out the new map. Albus had Quidditch practice on Tues and Thursday and dueling practice session on Wednesday. rosiness had dueling practice on Friday. John normally had his practice on Saturday, but due to the Quidditch couple, it had been rescheduled for Billy Sunday. Any bit of time where neither Albus or his friends had any pattern, Kaden was around. It was n't until Saturday, following Slytherin 's spectacular deprivation to Ravenclaw, that they were finally able to try out the map. Kaden had been recruited to tutor a young man first class in Potions and was going to be spending a few time of day in the donjon after the Quidditch match.

`` Come on, let 's go try it now, '' Albus whispered to his booster after Kaden left the usual room.

`` Got the mark ? '' flatness asked.

Albus nodded and grabbed his bag. They quickly left the common room and ran for the room of Requirement. They almost bumped into a Ravenclaw prefect, but luckily he was feeling generous ( to the highest degree likely due to the Quidditch win ) and did n't bawl out them for running in the corridors.

mat paced three metre in nominal head of the empty-bellied wall and as soon as the door appeared, the five booster ran inside. Albus set his bag down on the table and everyone crowded around it. Albus pulled out all four mark and the map.

`` All right, '' Albus unfolded the map, `` rosebush, you 're good with the good luck charm, right ? ``

Rose nodded, `` I 've practiced it and it works every time. ``

`` Good, '' Albus stared at the map, unsure of how to get down, `` Er, maybe I should do what I did net meter to get it to tell us we 've got to prove we know the piranha ? ``

`` Probably, '' Rose agreed.

`` wait ! '' John shouted, `` Can I do it this time ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus shrugged and handed John the map.

`` Excellent, '' lavatory grinned and pointed his wand at the map, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Padfoot. ``

Ink appeared on the map, but not nearly as much as when Albus had done it earlier in the year.

'No, you 're not .'

The ink disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

`` What ? '' whoremonger shouted, `` But it worked end time ! ``

Albus 's Hope plummeted. Why was n't it working now ? Was it on some kind of a timer ? Like it could only run on a certain day of the month ? He had been so excited about getting the new map to work, and now it would n't even tell them to prove they knew the Marauders.

`` Let me try, '' Matt grabbed the parchment and pointed his baton at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Moony. ``

'No, you 're not .'The map said once again.

`` This suck, '' John muttered, `` It worked last-place time. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to be Albus, '' Rose suggested.

Albus wordlessly grabbed the map and pointed his own sceptre at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The ink he had been expecting to look rose to the airfoil of the parchment and formed the familiar spirit words.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the Marauder 's Map, Second Edition .'

`` Ha ! '' Albus grinned in excitement, `` There it is ! ``

`` But why did n't it work for us ? '' John asked dejectedly. `` Does that mean we ca n't be Padfoot and Moony ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus sighed. He really hoped his friends would be able to be Padfoot and Moony. Who else could be Padfoot and Moony ? The map would n't even work without mortal to be Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Albus could n't do it alone.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs. However, you could be the sec Prongs .'

`` See ? Why did n't it say 'However, you could be the second Padfoot'when I did it ? ``

'When four male child, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendly relationship and roguery, they may award themselves as the next contemporaries of Marauders. These four booster must each defend one of the vulture, for if even one is missing, this map will not function. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the enigma of the Marauders. try out that you know, and you may continue along the route of discovery .'

'The way of life of find ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

'Oh, believe me, Mr. Padfoot, I am not. Mr. Moony came up with that wholly thing .'

'Then I pay my wish on the phraseology to Mr. Moony .'

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and set out proving that they know the Marauders .'

'Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and also advises that if whomever is reading this has no thought who the predator are, that they quit while they 're ahead .'

'The vulture wish you upright portion .'

`` Well, now what ? '' John asked.

`` I guess we 've just got to transmit the paw photographic print, '' Albus said tentatively.

Rose picked up the paw photographic print and the map, setting them down in front of her. She pulled out her wand and muttered an incantation at the wolfman print. Then she muttered another incantation at the map. The werewolf print appeared on the map, just as it had been on the other piece of music of parchment.

`` That, was blooming amazing, '' John the Evangelist said in awe.

Albus agreed. He was forever grateful that his cousin was so bright. Albus did n't guess he 'd ever be able to pull off something like that. At least not until he was at to the lowest degree in 5th year.

Rose repeated the function with the dog, stag, and rat mark, positioning them in the exact like way that the little chump that the predator had put on the map.

`` There, '' she said once she was done.

The five Friend stared at the map for a few endorsement, waiting for something to befall. The paw prints were n't doing anything and neither was the map. No new ink had appeared and the paw print were n't disappearing or anything.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Maybe I 've got to tell the map that we know the Marauders ? ``

`` Worth a shot, '' John shrugged.

Albus pulled the map over to him and tapped his wand to it, `` I, Albus Severus potter, the mo Prongs, know the marauder. ``

The paw print quickly faded until there was nothing left but a blank parchment. Albus glanced up and looked at his friends before returning his gaze to the new map.

'Prongs agrees that you do jazz the Marauders, and is especially imprint that you managed to get a loup-garou paw print .'

`` It worked ! '' Albus shouted happily.

'Due to your obvious knowledge of the vulture'closed book, we shall now tell apart you more about this map. When the vulture were 7th year, they realized that within a few poor month, they would be gone from Hogwarts, and the school would be left without their gaffer mischief makers.

'Prongs suggested-'

'Do you always talk about yourself in the third someone, Prongs ?'

'Only when I have a stroke of splendour, Padfoot .'

'Not too often then, right ?'

'Oh, get on with the explanation, Prongs .'

'Calm yourself, Moony. You 're letting your furry self show .'

'Shut it, Prongs .'

'All right field. Anyway, I ( felicitous now, Padfoot ? ) had a stroke of brilliance that the predator could find a way to ascertain that they would never be gone from Hogwarts .'

`` I knew it ! '' rosebush shouted in glee, `` I knew that was what this was about ! ``

'The Marauders decided to create another map. The world-class map was only the beginning. The marauder wanted to find a way to put themselves into a map, in order to help the next generation of mischief Almighty. That is what this map is about.

'However, not just anyone would be able to accept access to the map .'

'Yeah, we would n't want any old blockhead stumbling upon it .'

'Right, Padfoot. Or even worse, having Slytherins get their worthless mitt on it .'

'I shudder at that idea, Moony. Anyway, the marauder had to cypher out a way to assure that only those worthy would be able-bodied to access this map. The Marauder 's Map is actually quite simple to fancy out, compared to this one. All you have to do to open that is say a certain phrase. For this map, you have to be a certain individual to open it.

'You may or may not induce figured out that in guild to get the number 1 bit of data out of this map, you have to be a blood relative of one of the Marauders. However, not everyone representing the marauder must be related. Because, you know, we might not all have kids .'

'Yeah, you would n't want to be passing along any genes, Prongs .'

'Better mine than yours, Padfoot .'

`` That 's why only Albus could do it ! '' John shouted.

Albus felt immense succour from this. John and Matt would be able to comprise Padfoot and Moony.

`` So really, only William James, Lily, shift, my dad, and I could get it open, '' Albus said.

'The relaxation of you must be Gryffindor boys, because we want you to be like us .'

'Lily wo n't like that, Prongs .'

'I know, Moony, but Lily does n't know about this. I do n't be after on telling her, either .'

`` Guess that counts out my baby, '' Albus commented.

'So, now you 've proven that you know the marauder. Your next footfall is to prove that you are the side by side predator .'

The ink slowly faded once again until the lambskin was as blank as before.

Albus stared at it for a few moments, thinking about what he had just found out. The map was n't going to work yet. He had been so sure that all they 'd have to do was bear witness they knew the Marauders. But now they had yet another thing to do. They had to prove that they were the next piranha. How were they going to do that ?

`` That was unearthly, '' John said.

`` I 'll say, '' Matt agreed, `` They did n't even really tell us what it was a map of. ``

`` Yeah, they just said they wanted to make sure as shooting they 'd never pass on Hogwarts. Like the map is a part of them, '' John replied.

`` To be dependable, it sounds a bit like a Horcrux, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, but it 's not like they put their psyche in there, Rose, '' Albus pointed out. `` It 's like the marauder 's Map. It 's just enchanted. ``

`` I still wish we knew what it was a map of, '' John muttered, `` I mean, this is n't fair ! We spend week getting those paw mark and we still have n't figured the map out. ``

`` I knew you 'd have to do something like this, '' Rose said, `` Otherwise it would n't matter if there were four of you to represent the Marauders. If it was just this, Albus could ingest done the whole thing himself. ``

She made a good distributor point. Albus had n't really thought about that, but it was on-key. They had to do something that required each of them to interpret one of the Marauders.

`` I guess we 've got to prove we are the Marauders, then, '' Albus said, `` inquire what that involves. ``

`` Maybe we 've got to do something the marauder would throw done, '' Matt suggested.

`` Like get illegal Animagi ? '' John grinned mischievously.

`` No ! '' lusterlessness sighed, `` I told you, you 're not doing that ! ``

`` I do n't cerebrate that 's it, '' Rose began, `` How would you go about proving to a piece of paper that you 're illegal Animagi ? ``

`` Maybe we 've got to perpetrate a Brobdingnagian japery or something, '' Albus said.

`` Again, how would you turn up that to the map ? '' Rose asked.

`` Well, does anyone have any other ideas ? '' Albus asked.

`` We 'll think of something, '' Amanda said, `` I mean, there 's got to be a way. ``

`` Of row their is ! '' pink wine said, `` We 've just got to go to the library and see if we can bump anything there. ``

`` We ca n't do anything anyway until you 've got that Sileo Altus charm down, Rose, '' Albus pointed out.

`` right, '' Rose replied, `` It 's coming along well. I just require to get some practice. Anyone want to be my tester ? ``

`` I will ! '' John shouted and jumped up out of his chair.

`` Ok, total here, '' Rose got up and went to the other face of the room.

Albus watched as the two of them worked. First, they had to think up a secret, which took a good bit of time. can finally suggested that the secret be 'Filch likes to dance in the moonlight with a farseeing hold mop with Frank Sinatra music playing in the background knowledge .'

Albus burst out laughing at that. `` Filch ? terpsichore ? ``

`` Yes, '' John said in a serious tone, `` I saw him once. He was rubbing the mop head to his human face and had on a flavor of pure joy. ``

`` And soon you wo n't be able to tell anyone about it, '' Amanda grinned. `` What a shame. ``

`` Yes, it is, is n't it ? '' Saint John the Apostle laughed. `` You lot can still diffuse it around, though. ``

`` Ok, lav, let 's try it, '' Rose said.

blush wine pointed her sceptre at herself and recited the charm that would take a leak her the undercover keeper. Then, she pointed her wand at John and said a slightly different charm.

`` Now you say the orphic, John Lackland. ``

`` Filch likes to dance in the moonlight with a long handle mop with wiener Frank Sinatra medicine playing in the backcloth, '' Gospel According to John smirked.

`` Good, '' Rose replied and then performed another appeal on can. `` I 'm not ready to try including other mass yet, so John will only be able to babble about Filch 's small habit to me. ``

rose waved her wand around in an intricate pattern and then said one final stage incantation. She lowered her wand and stared at john. Then she turned to face Albus.

`` There. Now you can try asking him about it, Albus. ``

Albus grinned, `` All rightfulness. So, John, heard anything interesting about Filch lately ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' John shouted, `` Actually, just the former nighttime I saw him and he was- '' trick 's backtalk continued moving but no audio was coming out of it.

Albus and Amanda burst out laughing. John looked like a Fish out of piddle. `` I think it worked ! '' Albus shouted.

rosiness was staring at John with a fragile look of disappointment. `` Not quite. He was n't even supposed to be capable to make a motion his mouthpiece. You know, in case hoi polloi can read mouth. I guess it 's a start, though. ``

`` Definitely. I mean, this is a really advanced charm. You ca n't have expected to get it on the 1st try, '' Albus pointed out. Although, he did kind of think Rose expected to get it on the kickoff try.

`` I suppose, '' Rose sighed, `` I 'll just undo it. ``

Rose waved her scepter around and muttered some more incantation. `` Ok, he should be able-bodied to talk about it now. ``

`` Heard anything amusing about Filch recently ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he likes to dance with a long handle mop by moonlight while frank Francis Albert Sinatra plays in the ground, '' John told her.

`` look like the countercharm worked, '' Albus said.

`` But that 's not even what we 'll take, '' pink wine pointed out, `` We 're not going to execute the countercharm on Kaden. Not for another few old age at least. ``

`` Yeah, but it 's lucky for John Lackland that it worked, '' Albus grinned, `` Otherwise he would n't be able-bodied to share Filch 's privy joys of aliveness. ``

******

Over the side by side few days, John actually did ploughshare that Filch liked to trip the light fantastic with a long handle mop by the moonlight with Frank Sinatra playing in the background. All he had to do was mention it to a few early Gryffindors at meal times and the bit of newsmonger was soon spreading throughout the school. The response from students ranged from hysterical laughter to raised eyebrow to exclaiming of 'Who the hell is Frank Sinatra ?'Albus could n't help but smirk every clock time he heard his confrere scholarly person mentioning the story.

Filch, on the other hand, was actively trying to find the culprit. There was n't really any power point, since he would n't be able to incur who started it, but he tried. He spent the mean solar day prowling the entrance hall and listening in on student'conversations, trying to find out any sort of information regarding the fictitious narrative. Whenever the scholar noticed him, they would burst out laughing, which would do Filch to embark on muttering about 'rotten student'and 'ought to whip them all'.

Filch 's main defendant was Kaden, which Albus found kind of funny. Kaden of course had laughed the flash when he heard the level. Since Filch had developed an vivid dislike for Kaden since their detainment month ago, he gave Kaden sinister stares every time Kaden passed him in the corridors. Kaden just found this good story, since he knew whoremonger had invented the story.

The history about Filch provided a nice gap from the intense perusal that all the educatee were occupied with. Like common, the teachers had increased the homework after the vacation. Albus was felicitous it was n't yet his O.W.L. year and he could n't suppose how he would negociate to cope with that in three unretentive years. Along with homework, Albus also had Quidditch and dueling practice. Both Georgia and Kate had increased practice times in ordering to devise for the forthcoming peer and tournament. The third dueling tourney was to contract place the first weekend of February and Quidditch on the stick to weekend. Albus now had Quidditch exercise on Mon, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat. Dueling practice were as usual, not mandatory, but were now not only on Wednesday, but on Fri as well. The only day Albus had off was Sunday, which did n't give much time for him to try and picture out how to show he was like the piranha to the new map.

The morning of the Dueling Tournament was cold, snowy, and blustery. Albus was very happy the Quidditch lucifer was n't that day. He got up a few time of day before the tournament started and went down to breakfast with his friends.

`` I ca n't look until I can duel next year, '' Kaden said in between chomp of egg.

`` It 's not really as aplomb as it 's made out to be, '' john commented, `` A lot of waiting around time during tournaments. ``

`` That 's because there 's so many of us, '' Rose explained, `` In the regular Dueling ball club, the one that you can only be in if you 're fifth yr or above, not everyone gets on the team. It 's like Quidditch and you have to try out. ``

`` That sounds better, '' bathroom said, `` But I do n't have a go at it if I 'd make the squad. ``

`` I know I would n't, '' Amanda replied.

`` You 're getting respectable, '' Albus assured her, `` You might defecate it by the time you 're a 5th yr. ``

`` Yeah, that 's the point of the junior 's nine, '' rose said, `` So you can get better. They do n't expect us all to be expert dueller. ``

`` Albus is, '' Amanda grinned, `` He 's brilliant. ``

Albus felt his case go red, `` Well, I 'm not that great ... I mean, there are loads of the great unwashed who are respectable than me. ``

`` Not on our team, '' Amanda continued, `` He 's beat almost everyone on the team. ``

`` Yeah, everyone except Malfoy, '' Albus muttered. He still had n't managed to thrum Malfoy during their practice duels.

`` That 's good, though ! '' rose wine sighed, `` You 're both splendid duelers, so you 've got a expert team ! ``

Albus shrugged. He kind of would rather just be able to beat Malfoy than beat the early teams, but he did n't mention anything about it.

Albus and his Quaker continued their talk about dueling throughout breakfast and as they sat around the vernacular room afterwards. Soon, it was time for them to go down to the dueling sleeping accommodation for the tournament.

They passed Filch on their way down the step, and he was muttering to himself as usual.

`` Damn shaver ... better when Umbridge was around ... wonder if she 'll come back ... she 'd let me trounce them ... ''

`` I swear he 's gotten more than mad over the class, '' Gospel According to John muttered to Albus as they passed him.

`` Dad says he 's getting senile, '' Albus whispered back.

The dueling chamber was packed with students, just like the preceding two tournaments. Albus and Amanda squeezed their way through the bunch to their usual table, where their team was sitting.

`` Hi Albus, Amanda, '' Kate greeted them. `` Ready to win ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned.

The tourney got under way a few second later. It was much like the past two tourney, with a lot of sitting around metre. Albus was glad that he and Amanda were on the Lapplander team so they were able-bodied to talk to each other in between affaire d'honneur.

Albus won both of his duels, just like the go two tournaments. So did Malfoy and once again, Albus found that he was kind of happy and variety of angry about that. Amanda won one of her affaire d'honneur, which Albus was very happy about. He knew half her dueling issues were from nervus and the fact that she thought she would n't do well.

rosebush, John Lackland, and Matt each won one of their affaire d'honneur as well. Albus clapped for them even though they were on early team, which earned him glares from Malfoy. Albus did n't like, though. Malfoy could brood as long as he wanted, it was n't going to stop Albus from cheering for his friends.

The points were tallied after the last affaire d'honneur and John 's team was declared the victor. Albus was slightly disappointed, but there were still three to a greater extent tournaments before the terminal. Harry announced the head totals for the entire year and rose 's team was in first place so far. In second was the team led by Hufflepuff Paul Galivant and in third was John the Divine 's team, led by Albus 's cousin Bradley.

Albus did n't remember that the inter-house dueling was decreasing the rivalry between firm. Albus was n't anymore fond of the Slytherins than he had been in the beginning of the year. None of the Slytherins really got along with the Gryffindors on his team, and vice versa. He was n't exactly sure how it was working with the regular dueling club, but he had overheard Francis Edgar Stanley complaining about how uncooperative the Slytherins on his team were. But that was months ago and he did n't know what had been going on with it recently.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and mischiefmaker09 for their reexamination !

I wrote my first Marauders Era story, Side Effects May Include Gratitude and Feelings of fountainhead Being, which is a one-shot from madam Pomfrey 's point of view. It 's on my writer page, if you 're interested. I 'd bang it if you read and reviewed it !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


flatness 's natal day was a few days after the Dueling Tournament. Albus and his booster did n't throw him a party like they had last twelvemonth. That had mostly been done to chirk up him up since he had been in the infirmary Wing at the time. This year they went down to the kitchens and got a cake, and then ate it in their dormitory. Kaden went with him and was amazed by the kitchens, with all the house-elves around. His reaction was funny to watch than Amanda 's the previous year. He stood there with his mouth half open and then ran around grabbing as much food as possible.

By the time the Quidditch match arrived the following Sabbatum, Albus was utterly exhausted. Between Quidditch practice and prep, he hardly had anytime to sleep. Throw in a trip down to the kitchens for flatness 's natal day after Quidditch practice the other night, and Albus was set to slumber through an entire day.

Albus yawned, got out of bed, and looked out the window. He had been hoping that the raging snowstorm would have let up, but it had n't. marvellous, he thought, James would n't be catching the Snitch quickly in this weather.

A few hours later, Albus bade his friends bye and headed down to the changing rooms at the Quidditch sales pitch. His friends had bundled themselves up in as often scarlet and gold vesture as they owned and were cook to huddle against the howling wind for a few hr of Quidditch. John, Matt, and Amanda did n't appear to mind the weather at all and were excited about the mates. Rose, on the other hired hand, clearly would have rather spent the good afternoon in the castle studying. Kaden still liked football better than Quidditch and Albus had a tactual sensation he would n't have minded the storm if he was watching a football game game.

`` Ok ! '' Georgia shouted a few instant after Albus entered the changing rooms, `` Everyone come over here ! ``

`` I know the weather condition is n't ideal, '' Empire State of the South began once everyone was gathered around her, `` But we 've played in forged than this ! ``

`` Yeah, if you count that flood we played in during one-third year, '' Fred muttered, `` But other than that .... ''

Empire State of the South glared at Fred, `` Anyway, we 're playing Hufflepuff, so we 'll win. Harper 's still captain, but it 's her last year, so she 'll be dead set on getting the Cup. That means she 'll have trained her team even harder. They 've got a new Keeper, though. Someone named Tanner Royce. He 's a fifth class. early than him, the team 's the Same as death year. So, with that, get out there and complain some badger ass ! ``

Albus grinned to himself as he picked up his broom and started to take the air to the door. Georgia was a great maitre d', but was n't much for long winded lecture.

`` Albus, '' Sakartvelo whispered and put her hand on his shoulder.

`` Yeah ? ``

`` You 're, er, less nervous this mate, right ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus smiled, remembering how he had told her he was extremely uneasy the last compeer. In reality, he 'd been too preoccupied with the new map. for certain, he 'd been a minuscule nervous, but not as practically as Georgia thought he had been. This match, however, he was n't nearly as disorder, although he still was a bit nervous. `` I 'm a bit nervous, but not as practically. ``

`` goodness, '' Sakartvelo grinned and walked out the door and onto the pitch.

Albus followed his cousin onto the pitch shot and was immediately hit by the forceful hint that were prevailing.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff match ! '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd Julia Evelina Smith 's vox sounded over the tar. It sounded faint and variety of far away in the jazz. `` It 's flaming cold out here so let 's make it quick !

`` Here are the Gryffindors ! captain Peach State Weasley, followed by Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James Potter, Omar Nelson Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, and Heather Weasley !

`` And the Hufflepuffs ! Captain Jessica Harper, followed by Shawn Ames, Lisa Galivant, Andy Kaper, Stacey Manson, Anna Reilly, and sixpence Royce ! ``

professor Oteski motioned for Georgia and harper to shake up helping hand and as soon as they did so, Albus and the balance of the players rose into the air. Oteski released the balls and Heather immediately took possession of the Quaffle.

`` And Calluna vulgaris 's got the Quaffle ! She passes to Fred, then back to heather mixture, and to Albus. ``

Albus caught the Quaffle and started flying towards the Hufflepuff finish. He was amazed that he had actually caught it since the conditions was so awful. He could hardly see two feet in front of him. His gown were already soaked with snow and ice and he was frigidly frigidity. Nevertheless, he kept flying towards the goal until he had to stop short and toss the Quaffle back to broom, since he almost flew straight into an oncoming Hufflepuff chaser.

Heather caught the Quaffle and flew it the rest of the way to the goal. She threw it in and it easily went past Hufflepuff 's new Keeper.

`` end ! Ten-zero Gryffindor ! Now hurry up and captivate that sneaker, Saint James the Apostle ! I 'm freezing my bloody- ''

`` Smith ! '' Patil shouted, `` check your linguistic communication ! ``

`` Sorry, professor. ``

The Quaffle was now back in play and was in Hufflepuff possession. Albus was n't even certain which pursuer had it, but he knew it was a Hufflepuff. Whichever Hufflepuff had the Quaffle managed to take it to the Gryffindor goals, but Georgia saved it.

Fred took the Quaffle and flew it back to the other end of the pitch, scoring another goal for Gryffindor.

The biz continued this way for the next half hour. Hufflepuff managed to rack up two end, but Gryffindor scored about eight. Albus currently had the Quaffle and was flying straight at the Hufflepuff goals.

He narrowly avoided a bludger and both Hufflepuff beaters, but soon he was within throwing distance of the goals. He faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle at the left wing hoop. Royce tried to make unnecessary it, but he was n't quick enough.

`` Goal ! Albus Potter has scored against Hufflepuff ! The score is now 90-20 Gryffindor ! ``

Albus was ecstatic. That was the first goal he had ever scored in a Quidditch match. Up until now, all he 'd done were aid. Albus took a triumph lap around the sales pitch and then caught the Quaffle from heather.

Albus managed to score another goal and Heather scored two More in the adjacent half hour of the peer. Hufflepuff scored a few to a greater extent goals, but were still far behind. By now, Albus was sure he had turned into an icicle and was getting a bit sick of flying around in the coldness. He was even getting a bit of a headache from it. Albus was n't even indisputable if he 'd know if James or Galivant caught the Snitch, due to the increasingly bad visibility and snow. The snowstorm seemed to be getting worse by the min. If Hogwarts actually called off Quidditch, they would have called it off a piece ago.

A few minutes later, sunshine broke out in the stands and Albus was sure someone must take caught the Snitch. He was very happy to set ashore his Calluna vulgaris and knew he 'd be even happy when he finally got into the warm up commons room.

The rest of his team was shouting in glee and were surrounding James. He must have caught the snitcher, Albus thought. The rest of the Gryffindors were swarming the rake and soon James was lifted onto a few people 's articulatio humeri. Albus joined the throngs of his family and started his way back to the rook.

On his way back to the mutual elbow room, numerous people stopped him in order to congratulate him on the win. Albus was thrilled that they had won, but all he really wanted to do was find his friends and get into some ardent robes. James loved the attention he got after winning a Quidditch match, but Albus could take it or lead it. Right now, he could leave it since his headache was getting spoiled.

The party in the park elbow room was just getting started when Albus entered a few minutes later. Someone must have snuck down to the kitchens because there was an entire board filled with food. soul else had obviously gotten into Hogsmeade because just about everyone had a butterbeer in their hand.

somebody shoved a butterbeer into Albus 's hand as he made his way through the bunch. James was in the thick of it as usual and was rehashing how he caught the Snitch.

`` And I saw it lurking near one of the goal place. Galivant was on the other end of the tar, so I knew she had no hope ... '' James was saying to a duet of giggling girls.

The rest of the team was nearby and were digging into the intellectual nourishment that was on one of the tables.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Georgia shouted as he passed, `` I knew you could get over those nerves ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled as he went up the step to his hall.

Albus quickly changed out of his cold, wet gown and felt a bit better afterwards. He went back down to the uncouth way and it was even good than before. It looked like all the Gryffindors had returned from the pitch and the political party was in replete swing.

Albus found his friends sitting at their usual mesa and they all seemed to be enjoying the party.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted as Albus sat down, `` brilliant playacting ! ``

`` Definitely, '' Matt agreed.

`` You 're quite a expert Chaser, Albus, '' Rose said, `` Although I honestly do n't know why they did n't offset the compeer with this blizzard ... ''

`` natural the match ? '' John stared at her, `` Never ! ``

`` If it was football, it would 've been canceled, '' Kaden commented.

`` Yeah, because you would n't be able to run around in two invertebrate foot of C, '' John laughed, `` But Quidditch is in the air, so it does n't matter. ``

`` volition you two just quit arguing about football ? '' rosiness sighed.

`` Just trying to plow Kaden into a proper wizard, '' bathroom shrugged.

`` Quidditch is hardly the definition of a proper wizard, '' pink wine said, `` I believe potion brewing is a bit more important and I 'm sure Kaden could teach you a thing about it, Mr. Exploding Potions. ``

`` That was Goyle 's fault, '' John muttered.

`` Why do n't all three of you just resign arguing ? '' Albus snapped. His head was pounding and listening to his friends'disceptation was not helping.

`` What 's with you ? '' John asked, `` We 're not fighting anymore than normal. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to do that he 's been flying around in a blizzard for the past two hours ? '' Rose suggested, `` If they 'd just have got canceled the match- ''

`` They do n't scratch Quidditch ! '' Saint John the Apostle shouted and then turned to Matt, `` You understand this, do n't you ? ``

`` It 's avowedly, '' matt agreed, `` Quidditch is n't ever canceled for superficial thing like snowstorm. ``

`` I think the weather condition just makes it more interest, '' Amanda commented.

`` Not you too ! '' Rose groaned.

`` Football 's only played in the lovesome month anyway, '' Kaden said, `` They would n't even schedule an outdoor football match in the wintertime. ``

`` wellspring that 's deadening, '' St. John replied.

Albus leaned his head word on his manus and closed his eyes while trying to drown out his friends conversation. John, Rose, and Kaden continued to argue about the merit of Quidditch and football. mat and Amanda stayed out of it for the most part and seemed variety of amused with the entire thing. Albus was n't, though. He wished they 'd just shut up. Albus 's question was steadily feeling worse, like he was being hit with a bludger over and over again. Besides that, he still had n't completely warmed up from the match and was shivering, despite his dry robes.

`` I think football would be a comely sportswoman if it were played on brooms, '' privy said.

`` Oh ejaculate on, bathroom ! '' rose wine sighed, `` Be good ! You ca n't represent football on brooms. How would you complain the lump ? ``

`` Not to mention that Muggles take on football game ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Muggles ca n't fly ! ``

`` I 'm not saying that Muggles should play football on brooms. I meant if football were ever played by wizards, it should be done on brooms. ``

Football on brooms, Albus thought, what an insane idea. His friends were now trying to commingle football and Quidditch.

`` Albus, are you all right ? '' Matt asked.

Albus opened his eyes and lifted his question off his hand. `` I dunno. ``

`` You do n't look that enceinte, '' lustrelessness said concernedly.

bathroom, rose, and Kaden stopped arguing and looked at Albus.

`` Yeah, you look unfit than matt does when he gets sick, '' Kaden said loudly.

`` Thanks, '' Matt muttered.

`` Matt 's right, '' rosebush said, `` You do look awful, Albus. ``

`` I 've got a headache, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You should go see Madam Pomfrey, '' Kaden told him.

`` I think I 'll just go to bed, '' Albus got up from his chair, `` I have n't really slept much the past few nights. I 'm probably just tired. ``

Albus stumbled over to the dormitory threshold, feeling defective than he had a few minutes ago. He collapsed into his bed and fell asleep minutes later.

******

Albus awoke with a starting line and he was n't certain how much fourth dimension had passed since he went to sleep. He still felt extremely tired and his foreland still hurt. He groaned and closed his optic again, wanting only to sleep for a few days straight.

rightfulness when he was about to freewheel off again, somebody threw the curtains back and Albus 's bed was flooded in light.

`` Ugh, '' Albus groaned and covered his eyes with his hands. `` What was that for ? ``

`` You 've slept almost an stallion day, '' person said.

Albus moved his hired hand and slowly opened his eyes. John was standing over his bed with a expression of concern on his facial expression.

`` And I 'd wish to kip a bit Thomas More if you do n't mind, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You slept through dinner stopping point night, and breakfast and lunch today. Are n't you hungry ? ``

`` Not really. ``

`` Are you sure you 're ok ? '' St. John asked, `` Rose sent me up here to arrest on you. ``

Honestly, Albus was n't sure as shooting he was ok. He could n't think of the last time he had slept an total day. But right now all he wanted was for John to go away so he could sleep some more.

`` I 'll be fine once I sleep some more, '' Albus replied and rolled over away from John.

`` If you 're sure, '' John said quietly and closed the curtains.

It did n't carry Albus long to fall back asleep. He had some foreign dream that involved slip telling him his broom broke and he 'd give to play Quidditch without it by running around on the flat coat. Then, instead of a Quaffle, the lucifer was played with a football.

Albus woke up briefly after one of these pipe dream, only to obtain that the dormitory was drear. He could take heed Ethan 's muffled stertor and an owl hooting extraneous. Unfortunately, he did n't feel any substantially than he had when privy woke him up. In fact, he now felt worse. Every one of his muscularity were aching, like he had fallen from his broom during the catch. But Albus could n't call up falling from his broom. When had the match been anyway ? Yesterday or the day before ? Albus could n't level recall and he did n't even screw what day it was currently.

`` Albus ! '' Someone shouted. Albus was dreaming about Quidditch again and someone was hitting him with their beater 's bat.

`` Quit it, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Albus, are you all right ? ``

`` Go away, '' Albus said, `` And stop smacking me with that beater 's bat. ``

`` Beater 's bat ? '' they repeated, `` That 's it, I 'm getting Professor thrower. ``

`` I 'll go, '' person else said, `` You stay here with him. ``

Whoever had been hitting Albus with the bat had stopped, and he was grateful. Peach State had taken the bat away and was now yelling at its owner. Then she announced that they would be playing football instead of Quidditch. King James I complained loudly, since there were n't any Seekers in football.

`` Albus, wake up ! ``

`` I think Kaden said you 'll have to fiddle DoD, Jesse James, '' Albus mumbled in his sleep. `` There is n't a Snitch in football. ``

`` bent on, Albus, John 's getting your dad. ``

`` My dad ? He 'll accept to play Defense Department, too. ``

`` What 's faulty ? '' someone new shouted.

`` He 's been sleeping since after the mate, Professor ceramist. I think he 's sick. ``

`` Since after the lucifer ? ``

`` Er, yeah. We thought he was just tired, but he 's been sleeping for two days. ``

`` The match ? '' Albus muttered, `` Did we beat Slytherpuff yet ? ``

Albus felt himself being lifted out of his bed and into someone 's weapon. He rested his fountainhead on their berm and shivered as his blanket fell back onto the bed. Albus fell back into a deep sleep and adjacent woke up as he was being laid down on another bed.

Albus heard people talking all around him, but he could n't make out what they were saying. Someone poured a few disgusting potions down his throat and forced him to eat up them. There was more grumbling around him, but Albus soon drifted off to sleep again.

The elbow room was quieter when Albus next woke up. He opened his eyes and looked around. Where was he ? Albus was certain he had fallen asleep in his residence hall, but now it looked as if he was in the hospital annex. The place was nearly deserted, lay aside for Madam Pomfrey sitting at her desk. Albus yawned and tried to sit up, but he was still dizzy. The sound affair was that his head felt much better. However, his body still ached.

brothel keeper Pomfrey looked up from her desk and got up once she saw that Albus was awake. She grabbed a few bottles and put them on a tray, which she then carried over to Albus 's bed and set it on the bedside table.

`` good, you 're up, '' Madam Pomfrey said as she poured one of the potions into a cup, `` You gave us all quite a fearfulness. ``

`` What time is it ? '' Albus asked, still confused about what he was doing there.

`` Just after six o'clock. ``

`` Er, and what day ? ``

`` Monday, '' the nanny said as she thrust the cup under Albus 's nose, `` Drink that. ``

Albus downed the potion quickly, `` Yuck. It 's really Monday ? I 've missed course of instruction ? ``

`` I 'd say so. ``

`` Er, what exactly happened ? I mean, I went to bed in my hall and now I 'm here ... ''

`` You 're ill, '' Madam Pomfrey said, `` You 've caught the flu. Your ally told me you slept for almost two days and then they went to get your founding father since you were n't getting any beneficial and had started becoming hallucinating. You 've been here since around lunch clip. ``

`` Oh. fountainhead, how long do I have to persist ? ``

`` Another two days, probably, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey told him. `` Now I want you to imbibe these other two potions and eat that bowl of soup. ``

Albus nodded and lady Pomfrey strode back over to her desk. Albus thought back and could vaguely commemorate being taken out of his dormitory, but it was only a foggy memory. The close affair he could really remember well was the Quidditch compeer. He was very happy he had n't fallen ill before the match.

No Sooner had Albus drank the low potion that the doorway to the Hospital Wing swung open and John, Matt, rose, and Amanda came bursting through. Madam Pomfrey got up quickly from her desk and met them halfway.

`` Is Albus awake ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Yes, he 's only just woken up. I suppose you can chew the fat him for a few minutes. But calmly ! He needs to roost ! ``

`` Albus ! '' rosiness shrieked when she ran over to his bed, `` Thank Merlin you 're all decent ! ``

`` How are you ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Doing better ? '' John the Divine asked.

`` fountainhead, '' Matt said with a one-half grinning on his pale face, `` This is a switch. ``

Albus grinned at him, `` Yeah, ca n't really remember a prison term where it was you visiting me here. ``

`` What exactly have you got anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Flu, '' Albus answered, `` But I 'm getting better. Not nearly as threadbare as before. ``

`` I would hope so, '' John smirked, `` You slept two twenty-four hour period. ``

`` I 'll probably log Z's another two, '' Albus said, `` Pomfrey said I 've got to stay another two daylight. ``

`` We 'll be here together, then, '' Matt replied.

Albus looked at his booster, who was looking a bit exhausted himself. `` When 's the full moon moon again ? ``

`` Tomorrow, '' Matt sighed.

`` Did you take that new potion ? '' Albus asked.

flatness nodded, `` Yeah, and I 'm more knackered than usual. ``

`` He fell asleep in history of conjuring trick and almost fell asleep in Potions, '' John said.

`` Well, you did n't sleep through two entirely years like I did, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I 've done it before. I 've slept through more than two days actually. I think four is my record book. ``

`` All right ! '' brothel keeper Pomfrey announced, `` Time for you lot to be off to bed, especially you, mat. And Albus needs to stay. ``

`` See you tomorrow, '' Albus said as his friends left the room.

`` Sure will, '' mat replied.

Albus slept on and off throughout the Nox and the succeeding morning. He was still tired, but felt much better when he woke up late the future morning. His dad had stopped by earlier before class, but Albus fell back asleep after he left.

dame Pomfrey was fussing over him and giving him numerous potions to drink. Albus was the alone patient in the integral cellblock, so the nurse 's fussing was all focused on him.

The nurse had been giving Albus what must have been his tenth shabu of water that morning when the doorway to the cellblock opened. flatness stumbled inside and walked shakily over to the bed next to Albus 's. He collapsed onto it and winced in pain.

madam Pomfrey immediately put down the water twirler and descended upon matte.

`` You 're here earlier than usual, '' she said as she felt his top dog, `` And you 're burning up. ``

`` Why are you here earlier ? '' Albus asked once ma'am Pomfrey had gone to get another potion.

`` Tired, '' matt mumbled, `` Fell asleep in Defense and your dad told me to come here. ``

`` Is it the new potion ? ``

`` Yeah, it does n't exactly assist much, does it ? ``

`` I thought you said they were going to notice something to sabotage the part of it that makes you tired, '' Albus said.

`` They are, they just have n't found it yet. ``

`` Oh. ``

brothel keeper Pomfrey returned a consequence later and gave Matt a few potions. He drank them and was asleep proceedings later. Albus was n't really stock, but he fell asleep anyway out of lack of anything else to do.

John Lackland, Rose, and Amanda stopped by after dinner party to see Albus and Matt, but Madam Pomfrey did n't let them stay long. lustrelessness had been asleep anyway. Shortly after their friends left, lady Pomfrey woke Matt up and took him down to the Whomping Wilow.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Moonylupin, potterfan296, Miguel, Gospel of Luke, and Denas for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus awoke the next morning, he felt much honorable. In fact, he felt mostly normal. He was n't achy anymore and his head felt better as well. He hungrily ate all the breakfast lady Pomfrey provided.

The same could n't be said for lusterlessness, who was looking much spoiled than the previous day. He was either deceased or unconscious, Albus was betting on the latter, and he had numerous cuts and scratching on his nerve. His right arm and forehead were covered in a large bandages.

`` So when can I leave ? '' Albus asked as Madam Pomfrey performed some kind of trance on Matt.

`` Later today, most likely, '' she said after she 'd finished her incantation.

Albus sighed. He had been hoping he 'd be able to leave alone that first light. He was starting to feel incredibly bored with the Hospital annexe, although not bored enough to start the prep Rose had brought the late evening.

Albus spent the remainder of the break of day drifting in and out of sleep out of lack of anything else to do. dame Pomfrey gave him a few more nasty degustation potions and lunch, which Albus ate ravenously. After going two days without food, he was starving.

The room access to the hospital annex opened just as Albus was finishing his lunch. John, Rose, and Amanda walked inside and immediately headed for Albus 's bed. Madam Pomfrey was in her place and did n't seem to point out the visitors.

`` Hey, how are you ? '' rose wine asked.

`` Bored, '' Albus replied.

`` That 's honest, '' Rose grinned.

`` Are you safe now ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Pretty much. Madam Pomfrey wo n't let me leave until later, though. Wish she 'd let me go forth now. ``

`` She just wants to make sure you 're completely better, '' pink wine said, `` And it 's not like you 're missing social class since this is our afternoon off. ``

`` Exactly ! '' John Lackland sighed, `` He could be doing much well stuff on his afternoon off if he was n't here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Like figuring out the new map. ``

`` How are we going to do that anyway ? '' John asked.

`` Go to the subroutine library, '' Albus replied, `` We 've got to search for fashion of proving who we are. ``

John groaned, `` And I doubt there will just be a book titled Prove Who You Are to a small-arm of parchment. ``

`` Probably not, '' Rose laughed. `` But we 'll happen out somehow. ``

`` qualification anymore progress on the charm for Kaden ? '' Albus asked.

`` A bit, yeah. I tried it again last night on John and this metre he could n't even move his mouth like last fourth dimension. Now I 've just got to figure out how to take other multitude in the secret. ``

`` And then all we 've got to do is convince mat that the spell is foolproof, '' John said.

Everyone glanced over at Matt 's bed, where he was still sleeping.

`` He been gone all day ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Ever since I 've been awake. ``

flatness groaned and opened his eyes, `` You lot here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John the Divine replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` Horrible, '' flatness said flatly, `` My head is killing me. Were you talking about me ? ``

`` A bit, '' John said, `` Just about that magical spell for Kaden. We 're going to get working on the map once you two are out of here. Got to determine some way to prove to it that we 're like the Marauders. ``

`` sound good, '' Matt yawned.

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked, `` Albus is leaving later today. ``

`` No idea, '' flatness said, `` Not until at least tomorrow night. might be out in prison term for astronomy. ``

`` Ca n't you not be outside when the moon is close to full ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Only when it 's waxing. When it 's waning I 'm OK. ``

`` So, we 'll plan on working on the map this weekend, then, '' Albus said. `` Unless any of you catch what I had. ``

`` Hope not, '' John said. `` Maybe Malfoy will take in it, '' he added gleefully.

`` John, that 's not mirthful, '' Rose scolded, `` He 'd be really sick. ``

`` He 'd get better. Albus is fine now. ``

Albus heard a door open and lady Pomfrey came strolling out of her federal agency. She looked up and saw the crowd around Albus and Matt 's bottom and made a beeline for them.

`` What are you lot doing here ? '' she demanded.

`` Visiting Albus and Matt, '' rosiness answered.

`` Oh, you 're awake ! '' the nurse exclaimed and went over to Matt 's bed, apparently forgetting that Rose, John, and Amanda had burst in without her permission. `` How do you feel ? ``

`` Awful, '' Matt replied. `` My capitulum suffering and so does pretty much everything else. ``

`` You must deliver hit your capitulum much worse than usual final stage dark, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` You had quite the concussion earlier. I 'll go get some pain potions. ``

She returned a minute later with a potion for Matt, who drank it in one gulp.

`` Now, you three have to leave, '' madam Pomfrey said to blush wine, John, and Matt, `` Albus will be out later and you can see him then. ``

Boredom set in for Albus shortly after his friends left. Matt had fallen back asleep quickly after he took his pain potion. Albus could n't even sleep anymore because he had already slept so much that day.

******

`` What are we supposed to be looking for anyway ? '' John sighed as he slammed a Word shut.

Albus, John, lusterlessness, Rose, and Amanda were all crowded around a secluded mesa in the library. It was covered in books that covered all sorts of matter. The five of them had spent the last hour searching for ways to bear witness to the new map that they were like the predator. So far, nonentity had found anything useful.

`` I do n't know, '' Albus replied, `` Anything that might prove that we 're like the Marauders. ``

`` That 's not very specific, '' John muttered, `` I really do n't desire to drop an entire Saturday here. ``

`` It 'll do you some good, '' rosiness said.

`` Wish we could just use that book that you used to find out the other charm, '' Albus said to Rose, thinking of Flitwick 's book.

`` Me too, but it 's in the Restricted surgical incision, '' blush wine said.

`` Why ca n't we just get Professor Potter to sacrifice us a greenback ? Bet he would, '' John said.

`` Bet he would n't, '' Albus disagreed, `` He 'd have it off we 're up to something. ``

`` Besides, '' blush wine interjected, `` It might not be a charm we 're looking for. ``

`` We 're just going to throw to keep looking, '' Albus said as he opened another book. `` But I 've got Quidditch pattern in a half hour. ``

`` We 'll just seem every time we can get away from Kaden, '' Matt suggested.

`` Where is he anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. Come to call back of it, he had n't seen Kaden since breakfast. It was sort of strange since Kaden spent every waking minute of his day ( when he was n't in class ) no less than four feet away from Albus.

`` There he is, '' Matt pointed to somewhere behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw his cousin running through the depository library with a clipboard in his hand.

`` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` restrained ! '' Madam Pince shouted even flashy, `` Or I 'll project you all out ! ``

`` Albus, '' Kaden said more quietly as he sat down in an empty chair at their table.

Albus eyed Kaden 's clipboard but he could n't read what it said. `` Hi Kaden. ``

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied, `` Will you sign my petition ? ``

`` Petition ? '' Albus asked, `` What in the name of Merlin are you petitioning for ? ``

`` TVs in the common rooms, '' Kaden grinned.

`` What ? ! '' John Lackland and Matt shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' brothel keeper Pince screeched.

Rose laughed, `` What on terra firma for ? ``

`` I would n't mind having a TV in the usual room, '' Amanda commented.

`` Exactly, '' Kaden said, `` It 's punishing enough for us Muggle-borns to adapt to Hogwarts and if we had TVs, it would cook it gentle. ``

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' John laughed.

`` Nope, not kidding, '' Kaden said, `` I 've got lading of theme song already. I 'm not really sure how many I 'll need, though. I figure I 'll try and get as many as I can in a few days and then give it to Professor Longbottom. ``

Albus tried to curb his grin, but he could n't. The melodic theme of Kaden trying to get television set put into the usual rooms was just too funny. There would be no way any of the teacher would agree to it even if everyone in Hogwarts signed the petition.

`` So will you sign it ? '' Kaden asked, `` If this goes through, I 'll try for computing device next. ``

`` reckoner, '' Matt laughed, `` You 're mad. ``

`` I 'll sign, '' Amanda grabbed the clipboard and quill.

`` Sure, why not ? '' Albus shrugged. It could n't offend to sign the thing, and he was sure Kaden would n't stop bugging them unless they did.

John and lustrelessness signed as well, although they were laughing the whole time. Rose signed a bit reluctantly, but she eventually gave in.

`` So what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked after rosiness finished signing.

`` Homework, '' Albus replied automatically.

Kaden stared at the tumid pile of books, `` Second class must be bloody insane. ``

`` Oh, it is, '' John said, `` You wo n't take in any time to follow any TV. ``

`` I 'll make time, '' Kaden said as he stood up, `` Well, I 'm going to get Sir Thomas More signature tune. ``

Albus watched as his cousin-german went from table to table trying to get people to sign. Some of them liked the musical theme and signed willingly. Others laughed until Kaden gave up and others looked at him like he was crazy. Eventually, brothel keeper Pince found out what he was doing and threw him out of the library.

`` Your cousin is the weirdest bloke I 've ever met, '' privy said after Kaden was kicked out.

`` Yeah, he is a bit strange, '' Albus agreed and closed the book he was reading, `` Well, I 'm off to practice. I 'll see you lot later. ``

After practice, Albus went to the mutual room and found his friend sitting around their common table doing homework. Unfortunately, none of them had found anything that would help them to rise that they were like the Marauders. Albus was beginning to wonder if they 'd ever get that map working. Even if they did happen a way to raise they were like the predator, what would they have to do next ? How many things would they have to do before they would actually be able-bodied to see the map ? Albus had no idea, but he knew the predator were n't going to make this easy.

******

The rest of February passed quickly. Albus and his friends continued to flush the library for any sorting of magical spell, charm, or potion that would help them in their bay to reveal the map. None of them found anything. Kaden thought they were all doing homework as they searched the record every weekend. rose was making progress with the Sileo Altus appeal, but it was n't quite perfected enough to use yet. Rose was sure she 'd bear it learned by the end of the month. Matt never said a good deal when the charm was brought up and Albus was hoping he would still hold to tell Kaden once Rose perfected the magic spell.

Kaden 's petition to have televisions put into the common way was rejected shortly after he gave it to Neville. Kaden did n't seem in the least bit deter by this. He insisted it was rejected due to lack of convincing evidence as to how the televisions would benefit the students. He was planning on resubmitting it along with a detail essay on the subject later on in the term.

`` You know, Kaden, '' rosebush said at dinner one Nox, `` Even if the teacher accepted your petition, the boob tube would n't even work here. There 's too much illusion. ``

`` Oh, I 'm sure there 's a charm that would counteract that, '' Kaden said.

`` It wo n't work, '' matte said, `` illusion just does n't agree with electronics. This one time when we were visiting my Uncle gob in the United States, Amy accidentally broke one of the metal detectors at the airport. It was n't her fault or anything, the magic just interrupted it or something. The affair started beeping and would n't stop over until they turned it off. ``

John the Divine laughed, `` That would 've been uproarious to see. ``

`` Amy did n't think so. She was mortified, '' matt said, `` It was a while ago, before we even moved here. I think she was fourteen. ``

`` Well, I still say they could find a way, '' Kaden said.

`` Hey, look, '' Albus pointed to the Head board. prof Kendrick was standing up.

`` wonder what he 's got to say ? '' toilet asked.

`` Hope it 's null bad, '' rose said.

`` He looks happy enough, '' Amanda commented.

`` May I have your aid ! '' Kendrick announced. The way fell silent. `` Thank you. Do n't interest, I 'm not giving out bad news program. In fact, I think you 'll rule this announcement most exciting. ``

There was a general murmur of fervor throughout the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall at this. Kendrick waited for everyone to stop talking before he continued.

`` If you 'll call back at the beginning of the year, when I announced the change for the Dueling Club, that that would only be one piece of the House one effort. I am announcing today that the other professors and I have organized another unity issue. It will be a scavenger hunt, with inter-house teams, of course. ``

Albus groaned. A scavenger hunt would be fun, but not if he had to do it with Slytherins. Everyone else seemed to be in agreement, because there was a general groaning throughout.

`` I know you do n't wish it, but the school needs to be unified. Now, I will explicate the case. It will not be like a regular pack rat hunt. It will take berth on the next three Saturdays. This Saturday will be for the world-class and second year. The pursuit will be for third and fourth years. The last will be for 5th, sixth, and seventh class.

`` The other professors and I will be organizing the teams, which will consist of members of early geezerhood and other houses. Each squad will have about ten member. You will feature one hour to complete the tasks given.

`` You will invite a tilt of token to get before this hour is up. There are pattern, of course. Some of these item will be required to hold without conjuration. We will be performing charms on these items and if we find that any of them were spelled, transfigured, conjured, charmed, etc. within the hr they will be disqualified.

`` However, the scavenger hunt will not only include a list of particular to find. You will also meet multiple triviality shroud. These will let in both sensation and Muggle trivia.

`` Finally, each team will receive a riddle, which if they deceiver correctly, will head them on a pursuit throughout the rook and undercoat. When you reach the end, there will be a bit of information that must be returned to me. If you are successful, you 'll get a 100 point incentive. However, there is also a false trail that will conduce you to worthless information. If that is brought back, you 'll receive no bonus.

`` I will give you a more detailed list of normal on the day of the event. Until then, preserve your brains shrewd and do n't get rid of anything you would otherwise hold useless, '' Kendrick smiled and returned to his seat.

Albus turned to his champion, `` This sounds, er, interesting. ``

`` It 's really an excellent idea, '' Rose grinned, `` I mean, there 's no way a single person would be able to achieve all of it alone. It 's a great approximation for theater unity. ``

`` It 'd be better if we did n't suffer to team up with Slytherins, '' John muttered.

`` But what if there 's something on that list that 's in the Slytherin rough-cut room or something ? '' Rose pointed out.

whoremaster groaned, `` I guess you 're justly. ``

`` phone fun, though, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah. inquire what we get if we win ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Hopefully some coupons to get out of homework or something, '' St. John the Apostle said.

`` Since when have they given away those ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Now 's the arrant time for them to pop out, '' John replied.

`` I hope I 'm on your team, Albus, '' Kaden piped up.

`` That would be nifty, '' Albus smiled, and he actually meant it. It sounded like there was going to be a lot of random poppycock on that list and if there was anyone in the school that had loads of random stuff and nonsense, it was Kaden.

******

The future few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. seemed to drag on forever for Albus and the rest of the outset and second years. Everyone was getting excited about the magpie hunt and the teachers were getting a bit annoyed that nobody was paying attention in class.

Soon enough, Sabbatum arrived and Kendrick announced at lunch for all the get-go and endorse geezerhood to remain induct after they were done eating. Once all the senior students left, Kendrick got to his feet once more.

`` Now, the second you 've all been waiting for, '' Kendrick said, `` The Scavenger James Henry Leigh Hunt will begin shortly. first base, I have a few to a greater extent principle to go over.

`` As I said earlier in the week, there are items on this list that are not allowed to be created using illusion. You may not conjure, transfigure, spell, or charm any of those items. Asking an honest-to-god student to do so is also against the ruler. We have spells that will detect if any particular was magicked during the hour of the scavenger hunt.

`` The items must be found within the schooling and primer coat. Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, the Whomping willow tree, and Hagrid 's hut are all out of bounce and you may not search for items in or around them. You may not ask previous students or instructor for help, nor may you owl fellowship members or other people. However, you may ask one-time student if they have any of the items on the leaning. It is up to them if they let you borrow them or not. Do not steal anything from anyone or there will be penalisation. You are permitted to use the library for help with the trivia. ``

Rose 's face lit up at that and Albus knew she would be the functionary library researcher for her team.

`` There are going to be eight teams of approximately ten scholarly person each. Your House prefects have your squad duty assignment. squad one and two are to pull together at the Hufflepuff table, one at each end. squad three and four at the Gryffindor table, five and six at Ravenclaw, and seven and eight at Slytherin. You will be given a few minute to get organized in your team and then the early prof will hand out the earmark material. Each team is given one set of material, no more. If you lose it, rugged luck. Now please see your prefects. ``

Albus got up from the board and looked around until he spotted Georgia. He and his friends wound their way through the crowd until they managed to get to her.

`` Hey, Albus ! '' Georgia grinned and looked at her clipboard, `` Ready ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm on a unspoilt team, right ? ``

`` Well, there are Slytherins on all the squad, if that 's what you mean, '' Georgia laughed, `` Anyway, you 're on Team Two. ``

Albus nodded and waited for his friends to get their squad assignments.

Empire State of the South scanned her clipboard again, `` Let 's see, rose is on Team One, John is on team Four, Matt 's on Team Two ... ''

Albus grinned at Matt. He was relieved that one of his friends was on his team. Now all he had to do was hope Malfoy was n't on his team.

`` Amanda 's on Team Four, and Kaden 's on team Six, '' GA looked up at them, `` Have fun. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said and then turned to his ally, `` guesswork we 'll see you after. Good circumstances. ``

Albus and mat worked their way through the crowd to the Hufflepuff table along with pink wine. Albus was a bit disappointed that Kaden was n't on his team, but there was n't anything he could do about that. The probability were n't swell that he would have two of his friends on his same team. He was just lucky he had one of his booster on the Saami team.

The Hufflepuff table was already filling with people from teams one and two. Team Two was gathering at the half closest to the staff board, so Albus and matte made their way there.

There seemed to be a fairly even routine of each theatre at the table. Besides Albus and Matt, there was one former Gryffindor, a first gear year girl Albus had seen but did n't cognise her name. There were also two Ravenclaws Albus did n't do it, three Hufflepuffs, and two Slytherins. Albus groaned when he saw who the Slytherins were, Felix Willinson and Vivien Leigh Montague. Leigh was Rose 's potions partner and not the sharpest quill in the box.

Felix Willinson narrowed his eyes when he saw Albus and matt coming over. Albus found seats far away from him and sat down, waiting for the scavenger Holman Hunt to begin.

One of the Ravenclaws stood up a few seconds later, `` Hi, I 'm Rachel underwood and I 've been assigned as team headwaiter. ``

Everyone muttered how-do-you-do to her and Rachel had everyone introduce themselves. So far, Willinson and Montague did n't seem enthused about their team, but Rachel did n't pay any attention to their animosity.

prof Patil came over a little while later with a handful of parchment. Albus assumed they were the lean of stuff to front for and the trivia.

`` The hunt will start in one moment ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The prof will turn over you your tilt as soon as I say go. You 'll make one minute to be back here with as much stuff you can possibly get. ``

A minute later, Kendrick shot out a shower of blue glint from his wand and Patil handed the stack of parchment to Rachel.

`` All right ! '' Rachel shouted as she leafed through the parchment, `` We need someone to decipher the enigma and run around to get the incentive points. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' the other Ravenclaw volunteered. Rachel nodded and handed him the parchment. He ran out of the Great manse while reading the riddle.

`` Ok, here 's the small beer, '' Rachel continued, `` We 've got Famous Wiccan and Wizards, Famous Muggles, What Not To Do While Interacting With Muggles, What Do You Know About Quidditch, and What Do You experience About football game. ``

Albus turned to Matt and laughed. Kaden would surely love the football one.

Rachel handed out the trivia to the people who thought they 'd be able to do it. Willinson had n't taken any of the triviality plane, but Montague took the Quidditch one. Albus hoped she actually knew something about Quidditch.

`` Now we 've just got the list of item to incur, '' Rachel announced to the remaining team member, which were Albus, mat, Willinson, and one of the Hufflepuffs. `` You four get started while I work on the trivia. Oh, but I 'll occupy upkeep of the costumes. You 'll just hold to wear them. ``

Albus nodded and took the parchment from her. Costumes ? He hoped he would n't have to wear out anything too humiliating. He set it down on the board and began to record it, with everyone else looking over his shoulder.

detail Are To Be Gathered Without magic

-holly wand
-five vomit flavored Bertie Botts Beans
-Slytherin wearing Gryffindor robes
-Gryffindor wearing Slytherin robe
-light cavalry sword
-Dumbledore hot chocolate frog card
-twenty shoestring tied together
-Quaffle signed by Oliver Sir Henry Wood
-Shooting whiz broomstick
-Muggle pen
-copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
-a Nintendo DS
-girl dressed up as Godric Gryffindor
-boy dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff
-color changing ink
-beater bat
-drum peg
-silver chalice
-Chudley cannon Garden State
-six Extendable capitulum
-Muggle playing cards
-receipt from madam Malkins
-Argus Filch 's John Hancock
-the names of five Hogwarts House Elves
-rubber duck's egg
-copy of Hogwarts, A History
-sneakoscope
-foe trash
-tea cozy
-Hogwarts commencement word-painting
-band tending
-green empty potions bottle
-Beatles CD
-purple gloves
-Hershey 's chocolate bar
-My Little Hippogriff
-pet toad
-purple parchment
-two batteries
-tortilla chips

Albus looked up from the leaning and waited for everyone else to finish reading.

`` What the bloody hell is a CD ? '' Willinson asked.

`` Muggle way of listening to euphony, '' Albus explained, `` One of my full cousin might experience one. ``

`` I 've got one, '' the Hufflepuff, who Albus now knew to be nelson Rodner, said.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Anyone else know they 've got some of this stuff ? ``

Everyone nodded.

`` Let 's go get the hooey we know we 've got and then forgather back here, '' Albus said as he got up. `` Then we can figure out on the clobber we do n't. ``

The other three boys agreed and Albus ran out of the Great mansion house with Matt. The two of them ran as fast as they could up to Gryffindor Tower.


A/N : I ca n't look at credit for the scavenger Hunt idea. There is a stamping ground in Pennsylvania called Woodloch pine that I go to every summer and they have scavenger hunts like the one in this chapter. staring with costumes, trivium, and the riddle. It 's a lot of fun.

Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Luke, Moonylupin, EvilChaos, potterfan296, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, Miguel, Denas, and phoenixy friend for their critical review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter or the theme for the pack rat hunt.


`` Willinson is acting civic, '' Albus commented as they were running up a flight of stairs of stairs.

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness agreed, `` kind of surprising. Either he really wants to win or he 's not as confident without Malfoy. ``

`` Probably both, '' Albus said, `` Whatever the reason, we lucked out. ``

Everyone stared as Albus and flatness ran into the plebeian room completely out of breath. `` pack rat William Holman Hunt, '' Albus muttered to his first cousin Ben and Cedric as he ran by.

`` Excellent, '' Ben grinned, `` Ca n't hold back until our round next Saturday. ``

Bilius was also in their dormitory collecting particular when Albus and Matt entered. They nodded to each other, but did n't say anything.

Albus wrenched assailable his trunk and started rifling through it. He found a bag of Bertie Botts Beans, a Dumbledore chocolate frog board, his transcript of Hogwarts, A History, one extendable Ear, and the photo album he found in the attic of his home. The commencement exercise video in the back would work for the Hogwarts graduation picture.

`` What have you got ? '' he asked Matt once he emerged from his trunk.

`` My wand 's holly, a muggle pen, band aids, Chudley Cannons T-shirt, and a Nintendo DS, although I 'm not sure why I still bother to lend it since it does n't work here. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Let 's get back to the Great student residence. ``

When Albus and Matt got back to the Hufflepuff table, Willinson and Rodner had already returned. There was a mint of stuff on the table between them. Albus looked through it and saw that they now had a transcript of The Hobbit, coloration changing ink, a beater 's bat, Muggle playing cards, and a sneakoscope.

`` All right, we 've got a honest start, '' Albus said as he added his and lustrelessness 's poppycock to the pile. `` I guess we 'll give to ask the older students to adopt the rest.

`` Rodner, '' Albus began, `` You see if you can get a brightness saber, a Quaffle signed by Oliver forest, a shooting asterisk broom handle, drum joystick, a receipt from Madam Malkin 's, foe glassful, and a Beatles CD. ``

`` Sure, '' Rodner said and took off out of the room.

`` Willinson, '' Albus turned to the Slytherin, `` Go down to the kitchens and see if you can get a silver goblet, tortilla chips, a tea cozy, the public figure of five mansion Elves, and a Hershey bar. ``

`` Why should I ? '' Willinson grumbled, `` Who put you in charge ? ``

`` Someone 's got to do it, '' Albus told him.

`` shuffling Eckerton do it. ``

`` Him and I are getting the quietus, '' Albus replied, `` If you want to win, you 'll get the stuff. ``

`` Fine, '' Willinson muttered and left the Great Hall.

`` Ok, that leaves the skid laces, abandon honey oil potions bottle, purple baseball glove, a My Little Hippogriff, a batrachian, purple parchment, a safety duck's egg, two batteries, and five more Extendable capitulum. Oh, and Filch 's autograph. ``

`` We 'll do that one endure, '' matt shuddered. `` We can probably just go back to the unwashed room and ask if anyone 's got this clobber. ``

`` Good idea, '' Albus agreed.

The two boy set off at a run back to their common elbow room. Luckily it was still packed with students and some of them grinned as Albus and Matt entered.

`` How 's it going ? '' Ben asked.

`` Good, '' Albus grinned back, `` But we 've got a cluster of poppycock to find. Listen up everyone ! '' he shouted.

The entire rough-cut room quieted and turned to Albus. Albus was momentarily shocked that everyone actually stopped what they were doing to pay attention to him.

`` Er, we 're doing the magpie hunt and ask some stuff. Has anyone got a My Little Hippogriff, purple baseball glove, a toad, purple parchment, a rubber duck, assault and battery, or Extandable Ears ? Also, we need twenty shoe laces. I promise we 'll riposte it all once we 're done. ``

About half the scholar got up and went up to their dormitories. A few minutes later they came back down with various items for Albus. He managed to borrow a rubber duck, imperial parchment, and a few Extendable ear. Plus he got at to the lowest degree xx brake shoe laces.

`` That worked well, '' Albus said as he and lusterlessness left the room.

`` I 'd say so, '' matt agreed, `` Now Filch 's autograph. This ought to be fun. ``

Albus smacked his hand to his forehead, `` I should have grabbed the map ! ``

Albus groaned and ran back to the mutual elbow room. Everyone laughed as he ran up to his dormitory and back down to the common room. Albus ignored them and pointed his wand to the map. A few indorsement later he saw that Filch was lurking near the library.

Albus and Matt took off for the library and spotted Filch a few yards away from the door.

`` How are we supposed to ask him ? '' Albus whispered.

`` No mind, '' Matt said back.

Albus 's warmness sped up as he got closer to the old caretaker. `` Er, Mr. Filch ? '' he asked.

Filch startled and turned around. He saw Albus and smirked. `` potter. Up to no good again ? In need of another detention, perhaps ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, `` Actually, I was just, er, well, we 're doing this scavenger William Holman Hunt. Maybe Kendrick told you about it. It 's to promote Inter House I and we have to find all this material throughout the castle and- ''

`` We need your John Hancock, '' lusterlessness interrupted, holding a bit of parchment and the Muggle pen in his outstretched hand.

Filch stared at them and then started muttering to himself. `` Do n't see why I should bother ... Students never do anything for me ... ''

Nevertheless, Filch took the pen and scribbled his name onto the purple parchment. He thrust it wordlessly back into matt 's hand and shuffled off down the corridor.

`` That went bettor than expected, '' mat said.

`` Yeah, thanks. I could n't really calculate out how to ask him. ``

`` I figured, '' lustrelessness grinned, `` Anyway, we still need a few matter. Hey, Kendrick never mentioned anything about the way. Do you think we could just ask it for the rest of this ? ``

Albus wondered why he had n't thought of that. It almost seemed like cheat, but Kendrick never said anything. `` That 's bright ! ``

The two of them set off for the Room, but when they got there, there was a Hufflepuff prefect milling around right in strawman of the Room. Albus slowly walked back and forth in front of it, keeping an eye on the prefect.

He was about to make his third toss, when the prefect stopped him. `` Sorry, '' he said, `` You ca n't go in there if you 're in the scavenger James Henry Leigh Hunt. Kendrick 's rule. ``

Albus sighed, `` All right wing. ``

`` Of line, '' Matt muttered as they left, `` Kendrick could n't annunciate that formula because then everyone would find out about the room. Oh, well. What have we got left ? ``

Albus handed lusterlessness the list and he looked it over for a few irregular. `` Hey, I know Madam Pomfrey 's got honey oil potions bottles. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Albus said, `` We 'd better hurry, there 's only 15 second left. ``

They made it to the Hospital Wing in record clip. Albus pushed the door open and walked in, followed by Matt.

`` I 've got patients to run to ! '' Madam Pomfrey was shouting at a Ravenclaw first year, `` I have n't got metre for this scavenger James Henry Leigh Hunt nonsense ! You 're the fifth person I 've had come in here looking for potions bottle and band aids ! I have n't got any ! ``

The girl nodded and ran quickly out of the elbow room, completely ignoring Albus and Matt as she went.

`` Er, she says she has n't got any, '' Albus whispered.

`` I know she does, '' mat whispered back, `` Let me just ask her. ``

Albus shrugged and followed matt over to the nursemaid, who was bent over one of the beds.

`` Hello, Madam Pomfrey, '' lusterlessness greeted her.

madam Pomfrey turned around and her pissed off typeface softened immediately when she saw Matt.

`` Hello, flatness, honey. Are you all right ? You look a bit rose-cheeked, '' Madam Pomfrey said and put her hand to his forehead.

`` I 'm fine, '' Matt assured her, `` I 've just been running around working on the scavenger hunt club. ``

`` Not you, too, '' lady Pomfrey sighed and then noticed Albus, `` Oh and Albus as well. ``

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness said, `` We were just wondering if you might feature an empty-bellied green potions bottleful. ``

The nanny sighed and walked over to her potions console. `` I suppose. Just be sure to take back it. ``

Albus watched in stupor as she returned with the exact item they were looking for. mat grinned at Albus and took the bottle.

`` Thanks, '' lusterlessness smiled.

Madam Pomfrey shook her question, `` No problem. Have fun, boys. ``

`` We will, '' Matt said as he turned to exit the room.

Albus followed him out the room access, still in shock that the nanny had actually given them the bottle when she had yelled at that initiative twelvemonth only minutes ago.

`` You 're certainly on her good incline, '' Albus muttered after they left the room.

`` One of the few perk of being there once a month, '' Matt said dryly.

`` We 'd break get back to the Great Hall, '' Albus said as he looked at his watch.

Albus and Matt ran as fast as they could back to where their squad was. The quietus of the team was working hard to finish up the remaining trivia. Rachel herself was dressed up as Godric Gryffindor, stark with a fake beard. Rodner was dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff.

However, neither was as amusing as what Willinson was wearing. He was decked out in Gryffindor okay, with gown, a scarf, and a 'Loyal Gryffindor'hat. Albus could hardly choke his laughter.

`` Do n't say a word, ceramist, '' Willinson growled.

`` Albus ! '' Rachel shouted, `` You 've got to groom up as a Slytherin ! The robes I 've got are too big for mat and Abby. '' Rachel pointed to the former Gryffindor on the team.

Albus groaned and Willinson burst out laughing. Albus reluctantly put on the Slytherin gown, scarf, and 'Slytherins Are Best'hat. It would only be for a few minutes and if it helped them win ....

Albus did feel a bit strange in the Slytherin robes. He could n't help but think back to his sorting and how the hat had wanted to put him in Slytherin at first. If it had, he would be wearing these robes all the meter. He might make even been more friendly with Malfoy at first. He probably would n't get really befriended can, Matt, or Amanda if he 'd been in Slytherin. Albus shook the thought from his head and concentrated on the fact that he was just wearing the robe to help his team win.

Rachel took fund of the point on the tilt as mat tied all the shoestring together. It turns out that the exclusively things they were missing were the short saber, Quaffle signed by Oliver Wood, shooting Star broomstick, foe glass, Hershey 's bar, toad, and one barrage fire. Rachel thought that was pretty good.

The other Ravenclaw returned a hour later and told everyone that he had finished the enigma quest and had managed to get the bonus period.

`` clip is up ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professors will be around soon to assure your list. They will also collect your small beer weather sheet which will be marked later today. The winner will be announced at dinner tonight. ``

Patil came over to Albus 's team a few here and now later and looked over their list. She took a delineation of the four people who were dressed up, much to Albus 's discouragement. Now there would be permanent evidence of his Slytherin mo. As soon as the picture was taken, Albus took off the robes and he noticed Willinson doing the same.

`` Ok, '' Patil announced as she gathered up the small-arm of sheepskin, `` You can leave. Please return anything you borrowed. ``

Albus and Matt gathered up their stuff as well as everything they 'd borrowed from various Gryffindors. They stopped by the Hospital fender to return the bottle and then headed back to their common room.

The two of them passed out everyone 's stuff and nonsense and then went to sit down at their usual table. rose, John, Amanda, and Kaden joined them shortly.

`` That was fun, '' Rose said as she sat down.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Even though we were with Slytherins. Willinson was n't too bad. ``

`` That 's good, '' John said, `` I caught a glimpse of him in the Gryffindor robe. Priceless. ``

`` Yeah, I thought so. Until I had to put on the Slytherin ones, '' Albus replied.

whoremaster burst out laughing, `` I wish I 'd seen that ! ``

`` You 'll be able to, '' Albus told him, `` Patil took a photograph. ``

`` Excellent. ``

`` Did n't any of you lot have to dress up ? '' Albus asked.

`` I was Helga Hufflepuff, '' John said.

`` And I was Godric Gryffindor, '' Amanda added.

`` How did everyone do on the list of hooey to find ? '' Matt asked.

`` I 'm moderately sure as shooting my team was the only one with a faint saber ! '' Kaden said excitedly, `` I 'm so glad I decided to bring it. ``

`` We did all rightfield, '' Rose shrugged, `` Missed a lot of hooey, but I think we did well in the trifle. ``

`` Of path you did, '' Saint John grinned. `` Hey, did anyone manage to bump the potions bottle ? Slughorn did n't have any green I and Madam Pomfrey looked ready to hex me when I asked her. It 's not really fair that Kendrick put something on there that was insufferable to get. ``

Albus grinned at Matt, who grinned back.

`` What ? '' trick asked.

`` We got it, '' flatness told him.

`` How ? '' Kaden asked, `` dame Pomfrey was downright scary when I asked her. May have been because she was busy fixing individual 's break off arm, but still .... ''

`` lustrelessness asked her and she gave him one, '' Albus explained.

matte shrugged, `` simpleton, really. ``

John sighed, `` Well, you 're probably the only one in the school who could get it. She 'd probably give you whatever you asked for. ``

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

`` Sorry, not telling, '' lavatory replied.

Kaden sighed, `` Oh, division of that wholly enigma I ca n't know about ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John said and then changed the field, `` Hey, did any of you do the riddle matter ? ``

`` I did, '' rosiness said, `` Want to hear it ? ``

`` Of course, '' toilet said.

`` Ok, I 'll see if you can get it. I thought it was a bit simple, really, '' rosebush said. She pulled a piece of parchment out of her robes and read off of it.

'' 'In an event known by mavin cosmopolitan
Where honest and evil are forced to collide
A terrible force can now no longer occupy.
A space where just one part of Voldemort died .'''

Albus looked at King John, matt, and Amanda and shrugged. He did n't cerebrate it was dewy-eyed, but rose wine was good at those sorts of things.

`` No melodic theme, '' John the Evangelist announced.

`` Dunno, '' lusterlessness shrugged.

`` Hmm, '' Amanda muttered.

`` Do n't look at me, '' Kaden said.

`` The Great Hall ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the topographic point where Voldemort died.

`` Nope, '' Rose grinned, `` That was the trick part. It 's actually that monument outside, where Professor Longbottom killed Voldemort 's snake. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus groaned, `` Of course ! Did n't even suppose of that. ``

`` How long did it take you to image it out ? '' Matt asked.

`` Not long, '' Rose smiled, `` But then I had to follow the clues to find the bit of information to afford prof Kendrick. ``

`` And where was that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` library, '' Rose grinned, `` Herbology section. ``

`` Wonder how many team got it, '' Albus thought aloud.

`` fountainhead, my team did, obviously, '' rosiness said, `` And you said your squad did, Albus. What about you two ? ``

`` We did n't, '' Saint John the Apostle sighed and Amanda shook her head.

`` We did, '' Kaden put in.

`` Guess we 'll find out tonight how everyone did, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, '' blush wine agreed, `` But I 'm not going to consider about it now. power as well get some preparation done. ``

Albus managed to get half an essay done before dinner. rose wine wrote an entire essay and did a set of preparation questions. lustrelessness helped Amanda with her uranology and still got his Herbology done. John and Kaden on the other paw, spent he rest of the afternoon goofing off and playing chess.

The excitement was running high in the Great Hall during dinner that evening. Everyone was comparing what they managed to find during the Scavenger hunting. Albus kept glancing up to the staff table to see when Kendrick would make the announcement, but he seemed to be waiting until the last moment to do so.

After what seemed like forever, Kendrick got to his infantry. `` Good evening, everyone. I hope all the first and second years enjoyed the Scavenger Hunt. It was certainly a success and I 'm sure as shooting the previous students will reckon forward to their turns.

`` And, without any further wait, I shall announce the results. The beginning, minute, and thirdly place teams will all be awarded medal.

`` In third place, with 572 point in time, Team Two ! '' Kendrick announced, `` Will the members of team Two please amount up here. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up, `` Third place, that 's not bad ! ``

`` Yeah, I 'd say that 's pretty good, '' Matt grinned and followed Albus up to the faculty table.

Albus and Matt joined the rest of their squad in movement of the stave board. Kendrick put a bronze medal over each of their neck and pulled out a tv camera. He took a few pictures and then told them to return to their seats.

rosebush, Amanda, John, and Kaden congratulated Albus and lustrelessness as they sat back down. A few of Albus 's full cousin patted him on the back and told him respectable job.

`` Excellent, Albus, '' James IV grinned, `` But my team will get first gear place following week. ``

`` I 'll think it when I see it, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` And in second shoes, with 580 points, is squad Seven ! '' Kendrick announced.

The members of Team seven ran up to the staff table to get their silver medals and have their moving-picture show taken.

`` And in first billet, with 673 dot, is squad Six ! '' Kendrick shouted. `` Congratulations to the winning squad ! ``

`` Woohoo ! '' Kaden stood up and started jumping up and down as he ran up to the stave board, `` Yes ! ``

`` Wow, who would 've thought that, '' Rose grinned, `` Kaden 's squad won. ``

`` Well, he does give birth a very boastfully amount of random poppycock in his hall, '' Albus commented.

`` I 'll bet it was the light sabre that put his team over the edge, '' John shook his head, `` I mean, I think his squad was the only one to get it. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I ca n't conceive I won ! '' Kaden shouted as he sat back down with his big gold medallion a few minutes later.

`` congratulations, '' Albus grinned, `` At least one of us got first situation. ``

`` We were so close to secondment, '' Matt groaned, `` Eight measly points ! ``

`` Well, third 's good, '' toilet muttered, `` Better than not getting a palm at all. ``

`` Oh, John, it 's just a game, '' Amanda said, `` The point is that we all had fun. ``

`` congratulation to our winning teams and everyone else that participated, '' Kendrick said, `` I will be looking forward to the side by side daily round, third and fourth years, a workweek from today ! ``

Albus hung his bronze medal from his bed post before he went to bed that night. He crawled beneath the covers feeling very content with third base place. He had n't really been expecting to win at all. The scavenger Hunt had been a lot of fun, and Albus hoped Kendrick would hold it again sometime. It had been so much fun, that Albus had n't even thought about the new map the entire day. He made a mental bill to ask Rose about the Sileo Altus charm the next day. They would have to tell Kaden about everything soon if they wanted to make anymore progress on the map. Plus, they 'd give to enquiry more about how to essay to the map that they really were like the Marauders.


A/N : Bit of a shorter chapter, but the previous one was longer, so it evens out. Kaden has proved that it never hurts to have a light cavalry sword, a lesson that my brother agrees with since he brought his light saber to LeakyCon and quite a few people told him they wished they 'd brought theirs.

I have created a website for my fan fic, where you can receive character profiles and a web log about news show and updates about my writing. The connexion is on my profile page here. I 'd love for you to check it out and depart comments in the News and Update section.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, who had to dress up as the Tin Man in last summertime 's scavenger hunt. Big thanks to my acquaintance, blush wine, for coming up with the enigma. Thanks as well to EvilChaos, XDNLxtlz99, St. Luke, mischiefmaker92, drownzer, Moonylupin, Miguel, Denas, and Tonks for their inspection !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Throughout the rest of the calendar month, Rose continued to construct forward motion on the Sileo Altus spell, and by the prison term April rolled around, she was confident in her power to execute it. Albus wished the same could be said for the progress with finding out how to show to the map that he and his friends were like the Marauders. Albus spent every waking instant that he was n't doing preparation, attending Quidditch practice, or dueling practice, in the library trying to find out a spell or charm that would work. His efforts were fruitless, though, because he still had n't found anything promising.

Albus also had another successful dueling tournament. He won both of his affaire d'honneur as did Malfoy, but their team still had n't won. Albus was beginning to doubt whether they 'd ever win.

Albus 's next Quidditch couple was the 1st Sabbatum in April. He found himself distracted by the map even before he entered the changing elbow room. They were playing Ravenclaw, and it was arduous to enjoin who had the better team, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Albus pushed thoughts of the map from his header as he walked into the changing room.

Georgia gave the squad the usual pep lecture, which this time included telling them that if they won this friction match, they 'd be in the final. If Ravenclaw got lupus erythematosus than 180 point in time, then Ravenclaw might not make up it to the net. Georgia did n't particularly care who they played in the final examination, just so long as they won.

The catch went smoothly, in Albus 's opinion. Much better than the previous match, in which Albus got sick partway through. The weather was substantially for this mate as well. Albus managed to keep from thinking about the map, which was good since it was a very high-scoring mates for both English and Albus was constantly being thrown the Quaffle. After only an hour of play, Saint James went into a dive and caught the stoolie, right out from under one of the Ravenclaw beater 's broom.

The usual party in the common elbow room ensued after the student returned to the palace, but Albus was n't really interest in it. Now that the match was over, all he could suppose about was trying out the Sileo Altus charm on Kaden. Albus figured the expert fourth dimension to do it would be in the eve and the upright post would be the Room.

Shortly after rose wine had succeeded in performing the charm on John Lackland, Matt had reluctantly given into trying it with Kaden. His only shape was first trying it with a harmless arcanum, and if that worked, to locomote onto the bigger one.

`` Are we doing it tonight ? '' John asked as he sipped his butterbeer.

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back, `` After dinner. ``

The rest of the good afternoon and dinner party seemed to go by at an alarmingly slow pace. meter seemed to go by much like it did in account of Magic.

`` Kaden, '' Albus said after they had finished eating, `` We 're not going to the vulgar room now. We 're going to show you a different room in the castle, one you 've never seen. ``

`` Excellent, '' Kaden grinned, `` What kind of room ? ``

`` You 'll see when we get there, '' Albus replied. `` Let 's go. ``

Kaden followed Albus and his friends through the castle, with a constant quantity stream of interrogative sentence that Albus ignored.

`` Are you sure this is going to work ? '' lustrelessness whispered nervously as they stopped in nominal head of the blank shell space of rampart where the way of Requirement was.

`` Yes, '' Rose assured him, `` It will turn. ``

flatness nodded and started pacing in front of the wall.

`` Why did we stop ? '' Kaden asked, and then his eyes popped out of his head as he saw the threshold appear from nowhere. `` Wicked. ``

`` C'mon, '' Albus said as he opened the door.

`` What is this stead ? '' Kaden asked in awe.

`` Room of requirement, '' Albus told him, `` way that gives you what you need. ``

`` I ca n't believe you did n't prove me this yet ! ''

`` well, it 's not something we want you to tell anyone about. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said, `` So it 'll afford me anything I ask it for ? I think I want an entire bar .... ''

`` It does n't do nutrient, '' Rose explained.

`` Oh, well, it 's still smart as a whip. ``

`` Kaden, come sit down, '' Albus told his cousin.

`` You 're all so tranquillize, '' Kaden said as he took a seat on the couch next to Albus, `` What 's going on ? ``

`` fountainhead, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to examine something. blush wine found a charm that 's supposed to take a crap somebody not be able to differentiate other people 's secrets. If it works, we 're going to tell you a bunch of stuff and you wo n't be able-bodied to tell anyone. ``

`` What are you going to differentiate me ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` We have to make surely the magic spell works first, '' Albus sighed, `` Which is why we 're here. pink wine is going to perform the charm, using your cognition of this room as the secret. If you have n't told anyone by adjacent Sat, we 'll tell you the rest of it. ``

`` mulct, '' Kaden sighed, `` I ca n't believe you wo n't evidence me without this magical spell. ``

`` Um, Kaden, you 've told Malfoy stuff I told you not to assure anyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` That was n't my fracture ! ``

`` I know, but we 're not risking this. If you want to hump the secret, you 'll have to have got Rose do the good luck charm. ``

`` Ok, ok, I 'll do it, '' Kaden said.

`` goodness, '' rosebush smiled, `` Now let 's get started. ``

It took rose wine about ten minutes to execute the charm. Kaden was thoroughly amazed by the good luck charm and pink wine 's ability to perform it.

`` Let 's tryout it, '' Rose decided once they left the elbow room. She pointed to a girl who was walking towards them. `` Go tell her about the Room. ``

Kaden shrugged and ran up to the girl, who looked to be around Kaden 's age and was in Hufflepuff.

`` Er, '' Kaden began, `` So there 's this place- '' Kaden turned around and looked confusedly at Albus, then turned back to the girl. `` Anyway, at this place, you can- ''

`` What 's wrong with you ? '' the lady friend asked, trying to cover up her giggling. `` Are you ok ? ``

`` Fine, mulct, '' Kaden muttered, `` Never nous. ``

Kaden ran back to Albus and the others, blushing furiously. `` It worked, but now everyone 's going to think I 'm an idiot. ``

Albus laughed, `` No they wo n't. But that 's good that it worked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Kaden grinned, `` Definitely deserving it. ``

******

Albus kept a fold eye on Kaden throughout the following week. As far as he could tell, his cousin did n't order anyone about the Room of Requirement. They tested the charm a few to a greater extent times, telling Kaden to recount someone about it, but Kaden was never able to. Albus was fully convinced that the Sileo Altus charm was a achiever.

Kaden was positively beaming by the clock time Saturday arrived. Albus was kind of excited as well, because they would officially have Wormtail in their group of new Marauders. St. John the Apostle, rosebush, and Amanda were excited as well. The simply thing left to do after this would be to retrieve a way to establish to the map that they were like the Marauders. matte did n't seem excited at all. He was clearly aflutter about telling Kaden that he was a lycanthrope. It probably did n't avail that the full moon was only a few days away. Albus could n't really pick Matt for his nerves, but Albus was sure the charm would preserve to work.

After dinner party, Albus led his friends back to the way of requirement, with the new Map in his robes.

`` Ok, what 's the secret ? '' Kaden said as he bounced around the elbow room once they were inside.

`` You 've got to sit down first, '' Albus told him. `` And Matt 's going to recount you the first one. ``

`` Oh ! '' A feeling of comprehension appeared on Kaden 's face. `` Is this about how you get sick every month ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt sighed.

`` And this is what you do n't need Malfoy to know about ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt said shortly, `` Now just let me narrate you what it is. ``

`` Sorry, '' Kaden muttered.

`` It 's ok, '' Matt said, `` First, you ca n't evidence anyone this. I mean, do n't even try to test the magic spell like we 've been doing all week. You ca n't even try to recite anyone this. Never reference it to anyone except us. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said.

`` trade good. Now, you know that werewolves are real, right ? ``

Kaden nodded, `` What does that get to do with you getting sick ? ``

`` Everything, '' mat said quietly, `` I am a lycanthrope. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That is the coolest thing ever ! ``

`` No it 's not, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` You do n't even really make out what happens when I turn into a werewolf. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I 've seen motion picture. ``

`` It 's not like that, '' mat told him, `` I get pallid a few 24-hour interval before the full moonlight, and then the night of the full moon, I turn into a Wolf and prick myself because there 's aught else for me to bite. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden deflated, `` So where do you go when you turn into a Hugo Wolf ? ``

`` A shack in Hogsmeade. ``

`` The Shrieking hut ? ``

`` Yes, that, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm the one who does the shrieking. ``

`` Now that is sang-froid, '' Kaden grinned. `` How long have you been a loup-garou ? ``

`` Since I was five. ``

`` That 's a long time, '' Kaden said.

`` most of my life history, '' Matt explained, `` It 's horrible, really. ``

`` And that 's the big secret ? '' Kaden asked, `` Why ca n't anyone know that ? ``

`` Because most wizards do n't care werewolf, '' flatness explained.

`` Well that 's stupid. ``

`` Yeah, it is, but it 's reality. ``

`` But why is n't there a spell to defecate you not a werewolf anymore ? Or a potion ? ``

`` Magic does n't fix everything, '' Matt sighed.

`` Yeah, that 's what I 've been trying William Tell you for the whole year, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But why ? ``

`` Dunno, '' flatness shrugged, `` But there is a potion, called the wolfsbane Potion, that 's supposed to reach it so you keep your human mind when you turn into a wolf. So you do n't want to attack anyone or yourself. ``

`` Why do n't you take that ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do, '' lustrelessness told him, `` Actually, I take a dissimilar mixture than near loup-garou take. For some reason, Wolfsbane does n't work for me. I 'm in this study at St. Mungo 's to figure out why and right now they 've got me taking a new kind of Wolfsbane. ``

`` Does it make ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Matt replied, `` That 's kind of why I still bite myself every fully synodic month. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. `` So someday they might find a potion that will work ? ``

flatness shrugged, `` Maybe. But I 'm not getting my hope up. ``

`` So I 'll be charmed not to say anything about this ? '' Kaden asked after a few present moment of silence.

`` Yes, '' Albus replied, pulling the new map out of his robes, `` And about this. ``

Albus spent the next half time of day showing Kaden the new map. Kaden thought it was the advantageously thing he had seen yet at Hogwarts and could n't wait for it to completely work.

`` So we need you to represent Saint Peter the Apostle Pettigrew, '' Albus said after he 'd finished explaining about the map.

`` St. Peter the Apostle Pettigrew ? '' Kaden raised his eyebrow, `` That evil fella who betrayed your grandparents ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Albus sighed.

`` You know my mum wanted to nominate me putz, but Dad said no because he did n't need me to have the Same name as that changeling, '' Kaden commented, `` So it 's my halfway name. ``

`` Perfect, '' whoremonger grinned, `` You even sort of percentage his name. ``

`` volition you do it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I guess so, '' Kaden said slowly, `` I mean, it 's not like I 'm going to be like Pettigrew now. ``

`` No, '' Albus agreed, `` But you have to be form of like him for it to work. And you are because you 've sort of got the Lapplander name. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I guess. Anyway, when are you going to get the map to go ? ``

`` Whenever we figure out how to prove to it that we 're like the vulture. Somehow we 've got to depict the map that we are similar to the Marauders, '' Albus explained, `` Which is taking forever. ``

`` Oh, you mean like a fingerbreadth print ? '' Kaden asked.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` You know, a finger print. Everyone 's is different, but your finger photographic print is similar to your relatives. It 's how Muggle cops find people and stuff when they 're missing. And how they identify bodies. ``

`` A finger print ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` That 's it ! I ca n't believe I did n't think of it ! ``

`` What are you talking about ? '' Gospel According to John asked. `` Kaden just said everyone 's is different. So how will ours be like the piranha'? ``

`` Not Muggle finger photographic print, '' pink wine said, `` Wizard ones. There 's a while to get your whizz 's Finger print. It reveals your gens, relatives, even your personality. ``

`` That 's sort of scary, '' Albus said, `` Anyone can find that stuff out if they 've got your finger mark ? ``

`` Yeah, '' pink wine shrugged, `` But I think it will work for this. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus grinned. He could n't believe that Kaden had actually given Rose an estimate about the map. Kaden had helped with it. If this finger impress thing worked, they could accept the map figured out in no time.

`` We 'll appear for it tomorrow, '' Rose stood up and drew her verge, `` Now let 's do the magical spell. ``

Albus nodded, feeling more excited than he had in months. They were so close, he could just feel it. The map would be working soon. Of course, there was a nagging dubiety in Albus 's gut that was telling him that there would be something to cypher out even after the finger's breadth print thing.

******

`` What are you going to sign up for ? '' toilet asked as he glanced over the parchment all the indorse year had received just a minute earlier.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` What about you, Matt ? ``

`` caution of Magical animate being, '' Matt replied, `` Not sure what else. ``

`` I 'll do that one, too, '' Albus decided and wrote it down on his parchment. `` Hagrid teaches it, so it 'll be fun. ``

`` preindication me up, '' John said, `` I could use with a fun class. ``

`` You ought to recollect about what will be useful in your futurity calling, '' blush wine told them.

`` But I 've got no thought what I want to do, '' lavatory said.

Albus had no thought either. He had n't really thought about it. He thought being an Auror would be a serious job, but he was n't trusted that that was what he wanted to do. He still had five years at Hogwarts anyway, why decide now ?

`` Me either, '' Amanda agreed, `` I think I 'll do charge of Magical Creatures, too. ``

`` I 'm taking Muggle Studies, '' pink wine announced, `` Plus Arithmancy and ancient Runes. ``

`` All three ? '' can asked, `` But we only have to read two. ``

`` Yeah, but I want to take all of them. I 'd really like to read fear of Magical animal, too, but there 's not decent metre. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do divination, '' John shrugged.

rosiness snorted, `` Divination ? Mum says that should n't even be a subject. There 's no rattling encyclopaedism involved. ``

`` But is it soft ? '' lavatory asked.

`` Uncle Ron said all you 've got to do is make up predictions about your death if you 've got Trelawney, '' Albus explained.

`` Excellent, '' John scribbled onto his parchment, `` I 'll take that and hope I 've got Trelawney. ``

`` I 'm taking that, too, '' Amanda said, `` It actually sounds interesting. ``

`` Fine, '' Rose sighed, `` But I still say it 's not really a subject field. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do antediluvian Runes, '' Albus thought aloud, `` I think it 's easier than Arithmancy. What about you, flatness ? What else do you consider you 'll take ? ``

`` Ancient runic letter sounds good, '' matte yawned, `` I guess I 'll take that. Amy took it. She hated it in Australia, but she said it 's considerably here. ``

`` I 'd take everything, '' Kaden announced, `` I could n't decide. ``

`` You ca n't charter everything, '' Rose laughed, `` You 'd have to be in two space at once. ``

`` Oh, well I 'm jolly sure that 's impossible, '' Kaden sighed.

Albus turned and grinned at pink wine, who grinned back. Albus could only conceive of Kaden 's reaction to a time-turner.

`` Yeah, the most course you can take is three, '' Rose explained.

`` Then I 'll look at three, '' Kaden decided.

`` Are you lot done choosing course of study ? '' rose asked as she stood up, `` We 'd meliorate get to August 6. ``

Albus spent the integral Transfiguration Day class trying to deform his plate into a sports stadium, and had almost managed to do it by the time the class was over. Rose, of course, did it within ten minutes and spent the remainder of the class helping Albus and the rest of their friends.

History of conjuring trick was as ho-hum as ever. Matt slept the stallion class, and Albus felt himself nod off a few times. Matt had seemed very tire out in Transfiguration and probably would have fallen asleep in that class if it were n't for the fact that it was a practical object lesson. This was n't surprising considering the fact that the full moon was the adjacent day. The Healers still had n't found something to counteract the side effect of extreme fatigue of the new Wolfsbane that lusterlessness was on.

Double Potions was after tiffin, and Albus felt drowsy as soon as he walked into the room. This was odd since he had felt fine a instant before. He did n't seem to be the solely one who felt this either. Both whoremaster and Amanda yawned as soon as they sat down, and even blush wine 's eyes drooped a bit as she pulled out her sheepskin. matt laid his head down on the desk and fell asleep immediately.

`` Good afternoon, everyone ! '' Slughorn said, `` Now, I 'm sure you 're all feeling a bit fag, which is perfectly normal.

`` This, '' Slughorn gestured to a smoke caldron on his desk, `` Is Drowsiness Potion. All it takes is one whiff of this potion to put you into a state of fatigue. If you drink it, you 'll return into an almost sleep-like land for about a half hour. Of course, you 'd make love this if you did the reading that was due today. ``

Albus remembered being assigned the reading, but he had n't done it. He had just been too busy with Quidditch practice, dueling practice, and all his early homework.

`` You will be trying to brew this today, but you will only do half of it, '' Slughorn announced, `` It needs to simmer for about a hebdomad before you can complete it. instructions are on the board. do work with your usual partners. ``

Albus yawned and got up from his mesa. He joined Limbert at his tabular array and lit the fervour under the cauldron while Limbert collected ingredients.

The total course was moving at a slower stride than usual, and everyone was yawning every few instant. It was kind of strange. Nobody was arguing with their collaborator either. Albus wondered if Slughorn had picked this especial potion for a reason. The past hebdomad, a duel had broken out between John and Goyle, resulting in both of them being sent to the Hospital Wing for burns and then being assigned a week 's Worth of detention.

Limbert returned wit the factor and he and Albus started to set up them, without exchanging any conversation. No different than usual.

Albus dumped some ingredients into the cauldron and began to stir it. He watched Matt and Malfoy as he did so. Malfoy had returned with ingredients and was prodding mat with his sceptre to get him to wake up.

`` What are you doing ? '' Albus whispered to Malfoy.

`` Waking him up, '' Malfoy said.

`` Wha-what 's going on ? '' flatness lifted up his head.

`` chopper up those crimson roots, '' Malfoy instructed. Albus was surprised with how calm Malfoy seemed.

matt nodded and picked up his knife. Albus went back to stirring his potion.

`` Professor ! '' Malfoy said after a few mo. `` He keeps falling asleep. ``

Albus looked up from the beetle eyes he was mincing. Matt was once again asleep on the table.

`` Ah, '' Slughorn waddled over to Matt and Malfoy 's board, `` The drowsiness Potion affects everyone differently. '' Slughorn shook lusterlessness 's shoulder. `` lamb boy, you might want to go to the infirmary Wing. I do n't think the exhaust from this potion are agreeing with you. They 're not supposed to put you into a deep sleep. ``

Matt nodded and stood up. He stumbled and leaned back onto the desk.

`` Albus, '' Slughorn turned to Albus, `` Perhaps you could escort him. I 'm sure Mr. Limbert can handle your potion. ``

`` All rightfield, '' Albus laid down his knife and went over to where mat was standing.

Albus grabbed his arm and led him out of the elbow room. Albus felt immediately better as soon as they shut the door. The drowsiness went away completely.

`` I 've got to sit down, '' lusterlessness mumbled and sat down on the floor.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked, sitting down succeeding to him.

`` I dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` I 'm guessing that that potion just made me even more tired than I already am. ``

`` Do you feel better now ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' Matt replied.

`` Then you 'd better get to the Hospital Wing. ``

`` Yeah, I suppose. ``

ma'am Pomfrey wanted flatness to delay for the balance of the afternoon. Albus was n't even sure if she 'd let him leave at all before the full-of-the-moon moon. Knowing the nurse, she probably wouldn't.

Matt never came back from the hospital extension that Night, so Albus assumed Madam Pomfrey was keeping him there until after the full-of-the-moon Sun Myung Moon. Albus and the respite of his friends decided that as soon as Matt was out of the hospital annexe, they would depart looking for the Wizard 's Finger Print charm. Rose was pretty sure she had seen it in the depository library somewhere, but she could n't remember where. That meant that they would spend hour scouring the entire library for it. This was in addition to all the extra studying they had to do now that the end of term exam were less than two months away. Albus just hoped they 'd be able-bodied to figure out the map before school was over. It would be pointless to calculate it out during the summer, when they would n't even be able-bodied to use it.


A/N : I hope everyone has enjoyed Half-Blood Prince or do savor it if you have n't seen it yet ! Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, EvilChaos, phoenixy friend, XDNLxtlz99, Tears of a Phoenix, Denas, Miguel, Gospel of Luke, and tranc3rooney for their reviews !