A/N : Brief writer 's note prior to the chapter. This chapter is from Teddy 's point of sentiment, as I wanted to drop a line the specifics of what happened during the delegacy to capture Reb. An clause in the Prophet just would n't do it justice. promise you enjoy !


slip lupine had been a Jr Auror for nearly eight calendar month. In that time he had n't done much in full term of fighting dark star, and most of the missions he 'd gone on had been rather boring. Up until the Azkaban break-out most of his work had consisted of paperwork and the occasional stake-out. Being an Auror, Teddy had discovered, was a lot more than chasing down Dark sorcerer and saving people 's lives.

It was for this very grounds that Teddy had been surprised when his godfather, Harry potter, had approached him the former day and told him of his newest assignment. He, shift lupin, brand-new Junior Auror, had been assigned to the military mission of capturing fly the coop werewolf, Fenrir Reb. greyback, the Lapp werewolf who had infected his father with lycanthropy decennary ago. grayback, one of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 's about want runaway.

The missionary work, Harry had informed him, was very sensitive in nature and had to be handled with discretion. There was to be no cite of it to anyone outside of the citizenry assigned to it. There were very few people assigned to the foreign mission and they included Harry himself, the Head of the Regulation and Control of Magical tool, and Ron Weasley. That was it. A few others had been assigned to keep open an eye on the nestling Johnny Reb attacked the former month, but they were n't to be directly involved with the Greyback mission itself.

Harry had explained the details of the mission, including the fact that the whole thing had been Albus 's estimate, along with one of his friends, who happened to be the chief of the ordinance and Control of Magical Creature 's son. Who also happened to be a loup-garou. It took chemise a few minute to wrap his head around the entire spot. To make things even more mad, Albus 's werewolf friend was the brother of shimmy 's friend, Amy.

But when it came down to it, all of this meant that Teddy was going on his first tangible mission as an Auror.

Harry had instructed him to show up at the Hog 's chief, in camouflage, at seven o'clock. Once there, he was to order a drink and sit at the bar, avoiding striking with everyone. Harry, Ron, and Bruno Walter Eckerton were going to do the same.

Disguising himself was Teddy 's main strength. Before he Apparated to Hogmseade he morphed his face so he looked a few years erstwhile and his hair's-breadth so that it was a generic brown colouring material rather than its usual turquoise. He finished off the look by shrinking himself and adding a few pound sign. After donning a tattered old cloak, chemise turned on the spot and reappeared in the bowling alley next to Weasleys'thaumaturge Wheezes.

shimmy peeked inside the construction and saw George working. If he had n't been on a delegacy he would 've stopped to say hello, but instead he turned in the face-to-face commission and headed toward the Hog 's Head.

The pub was practically empty. There was an old witch at one of the mesa, nursing a swallow, and a fella quiescence at the end of the bar. Ron was already there, sitting at a mesa with a chalice in front of him. He 'd clearly attempted to mask himself, but there was no mistaking his red hair. Harry and Walter did n't seem to be there yet.

Teddy ambled up to the bar, deciding at the conclusion minute that his fake image should walk with a hitch. Aberforth was there and shimmy ordered a Butterbeer. Probably not the usual boozing for the Hog 's point, but he needed to restrain his head well-defined for the missionary post. He took the potable and began to sip it slowly, as he had no theme how long he 'd involve to pretend he was n't an Auror.

A one-half hour later the door opened again and Harry and Bruno Walter walked in. Walter joined Ron at his back table while Harry went up to the bar. He sat next to Teddy.

"How 's it going, Aberforth ?"he asked quietly.

"Fine,"Aberforth grunted.

"We 're here on Ministry business sector,"Harry said."Might be here a few minute. Could be the unscathed night. Do you mind ?"

"Not at all,"Aberforth replied."Pub 's yours, although I 'll be leaving at eleven. Not a good deal business on a Monday night."

"We 'll lock in up when we leave,"Harry said.

Aberforth nodded and set a few to a greater extent Butterbeers on the counter. Harry picked them up and gestured for chemise to conform to him to the back table, where Ron and Walter were now crouched over a piece of parchment.

shift sat down next to Walter and Harry sat succeeding to him. He passed around the Butterbeers while Ron turned the lambskin around so teddy and Harry could see it. teddy recognized it ; it was Albus 's map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Currently, it was magically magnified to show up the scream Shack and the pace outside it. Only one dot was there. It was labeled 'Matthew Eckerton'and was stationary in the Shrieking hovel.

"Moon just rose,"Walter said quietly."Just a waiting game now."

No one had told him, but shift knew the real reason why he 'd been assigned to this mission, and it had nothing to do with his Auror science. sure enough, that had been a plus, but any of the other Junior Aurors were just as dependant. And the full Aurors were even more so. The intellect was that he was the only Auror who was related to a werewolf, and thus would n't care that a werewolf at Hogwarts was an constitutional part of this programme. It was also the reason why Harry and Ron were there, when Auror Newman had previously been assigned to the Greyback slip. Walter Eckerton did n't want any endangerment of his son 's condition being leaked to the populace, and putting Harry, Ron, and chemise on the display case would ensure that it would n't.

"Are you surely Greyback is even going to evince up ?"Teddy asked quietly as he stared at the map.

"Fairly certain,"Bruno Walter said."Werewolves are attracted to the outcry of their own variety and Limnodromus griseus is set on creating his own pack of young loup-garou. He spent the finale full moon Moon lurking around the screeching Shack, after he attacked those small fry. He knows lustrelessness 's there. He 'll come back."

Teddy nodded. The minutes ticked by and the pub grew quieter. The old enchantress left, taking her meth with her. The man sleeping at the bar snorted and rolled over, nearly falling off his crapper. Teddy finished his Butterbeer and set it next to the other empty drinking glass on the table, wondering if he should go orderliness another or just remain seated.

At eleven o'clock Aberforth woke up the cuss at the bar and had to help him to the door and then physically jostle him out of the pub. He gave a quick nod to Harry, Ron, Walter, and shimmy and then went upstairs.

"I suppose the disguise were a bit superfluous,"Ron said as he pointed his scepter at his face. His horn in returned to its normal shape.

"well, with the Hog 's headland, you never know,"Harry said.

The mathematical group settled into muteness again. Outside, there was the sound of deliquium howling. Teddy glanced at Bruno Walter and noticed that he winced slightly every time there was a particularly tatty howling. Harry and Ron sent him harmonic looks that Teddy tried to mimic. He did n't have any kids so he really had no idea what that was like, let alone having a kid with lycanthropy.

Teddy glanced down at the map and noticed three new dots had appeared."Harry !"shimmy said as he pointed to the map.

All four men crowded around the map once more. One of the dots was indeed labeled 'Fenrir Greyback ,'but the others were names Teddy did n't recognize.

"James Meredith Edward Jenner and maxwell Jenner,"teddy read."Who are they ?"

"They must be early werewolves,"Ron said.

"Or Animagi,"Harry pointed out.

"No,"Walter said as he shook his chief."Those are the two minor who got bitten terminal month."

"You 're kidding,"Harry said."Dammit, this did n't cross my mind."

"Mine either,"Bruno Walter said.

"What about the others ?"Ron asked."Paul Leonard Newman and the two from the wolfman ascendency whole ?"

"There they are,"Teddy said as three new dots suddenly appeared onto the map. They must 've Apparated."

"Yeah, well, they 'd have no chance following three werewolves on foot,"Walter said.

"Let 's go,"Harry said as he stood up.

Teddy stood and drew his wand. He followed the three honest-to-god men out of the pub and shut the room access behind him.

The Hog 's Head was not far away from the Shrieking Shack. Within three minutes they arrived and found John Henry Newman and the other two wizards attempting to keep back the three werewolves.

"They 're the nipper from stopping point month !"one of the werewolf control condition unit employees shouted.

"Be measured with them !"Walter shouted back."They 've done nil wrong !"

"We 're trying !"

The two humble werewolves were currently attempting to round the Werewolf Control unit employees and John Henry Newman, while Greyback seemed to give care far more about getting into the Shrieking Shack. He was a much larger wolf, greyness in color, and had bright icteric middle. He was on the porch, biting at the doorway, and not paying any attention to the wizards around him. It seemed to teddy bear that he had far More control over himself than a pattern werewolf.

Walter and Ron joined the wolfman ascendancy Unit employees in trying to keep James Meredith and Maxwell. It was a difficult task because they had to do it without hurting them. teddy bear was fairly certain that the law would n't care whether the two children were hurt in the process, but that had never been how Walter ran the department.

Harry nodded to Teddy and they walked slowly up the lawn, their wands out in forepart of them. If they could just catch Greyback by surprise then they 'd be able-bodied to conjure some ropes and restrain him before he even knew what was happening.

They were only xx feet away when it happened. Johnny suddenly froze and then turned around. He must 've smelled them. With a garish snarl, he jumped the twenty feet separating them in one leap.

Teddy and Harry jumped back, sending spells forward as they did so. Johnny lunged, the spells not seeming to affect him at all, and made a swipe at shift. Teddy jumped to the side and sent another knockout at grayback.

Battling a werewolf was very different from battling a wizard, Teddy realized. And battling wolfman had not been covered in breeding. sure enough, they 'd learned and practiced the spell used against werewolves, but they 'd never performed them on existent werewolves. The primary difference was that werewolves did n't have wands and thus could not draw spells. But at the Saami prison term, they had tooth, nipper, and were much stronger than the fair human being. Plus there was the fact that one insect bite would turn over you into one forever.

Teddy and Harry took turns sending Stunners at Johnny Reb and were capable to obscure him enough that he did n't quite recognise who to attack. As they worked, they were steadily moving closer and closer to the screaming Shack.

Reb soon realized that he was being cornered back onto the porch and decided to take another leap forward. He snarled loudly and lunged toward Harry, nearly making contact. shimmy jumped forward and sent another beauty toward Greyback.

grayback flew backward and slammed into the front line doorway, his head making a sickening crunch as it collided with the doorhandle. He slid down the room access and landed on the floor, not moving.

slip looked at Greyback and then at Harry, who was getting up from the land. chemise had n't even realized that he 'd fallen over.

"Harry, you okay ?"teddy asked.

"amercement,"Harry said."You ?"

Teddy nodded and began to remove a few cautious footfall toward Reb. Harry was soon by his side.

"Is he ..."teddy began.

"I do n't suppose so,"Harry said quietly."Just unconscious. Here."Harry muttered a while and rope flew from the end of his wand. They wrapped them around Greyback until he was secure.

teddy felt slightly disappointed. There was a part of him, a very small character, that wished he 'd killed Reb. Calidris canutus had been the one who 'd made his dad 's biography miserable, and he 'd viciously attacked Victoire 's dad when he was n't even transformed. Yes, Teddy had to admit, there was a part of him that wanted revenge. A piece of him that wanted to be the one who finally killed Fenrir Johnny.

Teddy glanced over to the residue of the group, but they 'd finished, too. Walter was currently tying the two werewolf child up with ropes while the other men stood around watching. Ron looked up and met Teddy 's eyes, then walked over toward them.

"Done ?"Harry asked.

Ron nodded."They 're tied up and Stunned. I suppose we 'll consume to keep Stunning them until the lunar month sets."

"So they were n't on Wolfsbane,"Harry said."Interesting."

"Walter said he 'll personally make a visit to their house in a few twenty-four hour period to talk over guard for next month,"Ron said."But still, their parents must be idiots. They could 've been killed."

"The parents are okay, then ?"Harry asked."I wonder what happened."

Ron nodded."Newman said they locked the youngster in the backyard shed but did n't put any Mary Augusta Arnold Ward up. It must 've been leisurely for Calidris canutus to get out in."

"I wonder why they did n't listen to lycanthrope reinforcement servicing,"Harry mused."I know for a fact they visited."

"Well, at least no one was hurt,"Teddy pointed out. He turned back to where the other werewolves had been tied up, but noticed that they were now being levitated to the porch of the Shrieking Shack by the lycanthrope ascendance unit of measurement employees. Bruno Walter and Cardinal Newman were following them.

"What is that infernal racket ?"Newman exclaimed, nodding his caput to the shriek Shack.

Walter glanced a the hut and then turned to Newman."Ghosts. I 've heard that space has been haunted for yr, long before I moved to this country."

Harry nodded."It 's been haunted since the 70s."

"Loud ghosts,"Cardinal Newman muttered."Has the smell part ever looked into it ?"

"Multiple times,"Walter said."They 're peaceful touch, just loud. We have n't had too many complaints, so have n't bothered to do anything about it."

Teddy was amazed that Walter could lie so easily and freely. But he supposed that he 'd been doing it ever since his son became a loup-garou, so he 'd gotten used to it.

"Let 's get this lot back to the Ministry,"Harry said, gesturing to the three unconscious loup-garou. John Henry Newman, take either Lee or Parks back to the children 's house and inform their parents that they can pick them up at the Ministry tomorrow."

Newman and Lee, who was one of the lycanthrope Control Unit employees, Disapparated on the daub. Harry grabbed hold of Johnny Reb and instructed Walter and parkland, the other werewolf Control Unit employee, to each take one of the children. With an exceptionally tatty gap, the intact group Disapparated.
***


Each of the werewolves were set up in an examination room to wait the remaining hours until sunrise. slip, along with Bruno Walter, had been assigned to keeping watch on knot, Stunning him when essential. Harry, Ron, Parks, and Lee had been assigned to the tike. Newman got started on the paperwork.

"So if a werewolf were to feature person there to stun them every minute or so while they were transformed, they 'd be harmless, right ?"Teddy asked as Walter Stunned knot for the fourth time."Why do n't people do that ?"

"Repeated Stunning is n't healthy,"Walter replied."It 's why it 's not allowed on most captive. It 's only allowed on loup-garou because they 're classified as Beasts and not Beings."

Teddy nodded."What does it do to them ?"

"Depends on the werewolf,"Walter said."It has no long-term personal effects on wad, but others wind up ill or with computer storage loss."

"Ca n't say I 'll be too turnover if it has any ill effects on him,"shimmy said as he nodded to Greyback.

"Me either,"Bruno Walter said.

"I have to ask,"Teddy began,"did you get into regularisation and Control of Magical wight before or after your son was bitten ?"

"Before. Ironic, is n't it ?"

"Just a bit."

"It 's because of your beginner that my son is able to go to Hogwarts. I know you probably do n't even remember him, but I 'm forever grateful for him paving the way."

chemise nodded."I wish I could remember him. I suppose it was really Dumbledore, though, who let him go to Hogwarts."

"I never had the pleasure of meeting Albus Dumbledore. I wish I could say I have."

Teddy and Walter lapsed back into silence. chemise could hardly conceive that he was sitting in an interrogation room with the werewolf who had turned his Father. If only his dad could see him now.

Walter glanced at his spotter."Moon should be setting within the half hour."

shimmy gulped and he hoped Walter could n't hear his meat licking. He had n't been nearly as uneasy about facing grayback as a wolf, but the sentiment of facing him as a human was slightly terrifying. He almost wanted the next one-half hour to last forever, but at the Lapplander time he did n't. It had been a very hanker day and he wanted to go home and rest, eat, and see Victoire. Unfortunately, there was still a mountain of paperwork ahead.

Greyback began to stir, but Walter did n't Stun him. Instead, he conjured a childlike set of robe, set them on the table, stood up, and gestured for Teddy to postdate him out into the corridor. Teddy did so, but looked at Walter quizzically.

"He ca n't escape. He 's got no wand and there 's anti-Apparition charms on the rooms,"Walter explained."He 'll be at his absolute weakest as he transforms and despite the evilness he 's done, he deserves the respect of transforming alone."

Teddy was impressed. He himself would n't give birth even thought about that, but Walter had clearly been planning that all along. Teddy supposed it came from having a son who was a wolfman. If Teddy 's own founding father had lived, would he sustain exchangeable view ?

There were no silencing charms on the interrogation elbow room. Soon the corridor was filled with howling and was then replaced by painful scream. The shrieks soon gave way to a long stream of profanity.

"Let 's go,"Walter said as he placed his deal on the doorknob.

Teddy had no melodic theme what to wait when he entered the room. He 'd only seen moving-picture show of Reb from the Prophet and black and white exposure never did a person justice.

Fenrir Greyback was crouched on top of the table, dressed in the clothing that Walter had provided. His hoar hair was sinewy and matted with dirt and stock, and his side bore several hebdomad 's worth of Lady Jane Grey whiskers. His face was lined with mysterious crease and Teddy realized that he had absolutely no theme how old the man was.

greyback took a abstruse snuff as Walter and Teddy entered. He grinned and let out a maniac gag."Head of the section,"he muttered."supposition I 'm popular."

Teddy froze, all his training suddenly out the window. He could hardly conceive that this man had attacked his father when he was only a tiddler. Fenrir Greyback was far more sinister in somebody and teddy bear felt a pang of fellow feeling for his father as a five-year-old.

"So you found me,"Greyback said."How 'd you do it ?"

"We were waiting for you, Greyback,"Walter said."We knew you 'd return to Hogsmeade."

Johnny Reb sneered."Yeah, wanted to go back for that wolfman in the screaming Shack. He smelled young, impressionable."

Bruno Walter paled."You 'll never receive the opportunity to go back."

"We 'll see,"grayback replied.

"sufficiency confabulation,"Walter said, turning to Teddy."halt him."

slip snapped out of his opinion and immediately went back into Auror-mode. He set himself apart from the situation and ran on autopilot.

"Fenrir Greyback, I am Auror Ted Lupin and you 're under arrest,"Teddy began.

Greyback 's oculus grew all-embracing."lupine. Any relation to Remus lupine ?"

"He was my father,"Teddy said proudly.

"I made him who he was,"Greyback said as he stared directly into Teddy 's center."I changed his life."

"Fenrir Greyback, you are under collar,"slip repeated, ignoring him. He conjured a span of handcuffs and walked over to Limnodromus griseus."You have the rightfulness to continue silent. I suggest you use it,"he said as he cuffed the werewolf."If you choose not to be unsounded, anything you say can be used in your visitation. You will give birth a trial. If you can not find out agency, we will happen it for you."

Teddy grabbed Limnodromus griseus 's arm and pulled him off the table and into a support position. As he did so, he met the older man 's eyes. They were yellow, virginal yellow, and completely unforgiving. He looked like the face of malign, as if Greyback had no human somebody left. It was in that bit that Teddy knew for sure that this wolfman held no similarities to his father. Greyback lived to disseminate evil, while Remus Lupin had lived to hold on it.

shift slapped a set of handcuffs on Greyback. He opened the room access and pushed grayback out into the corridor, still holding onto his arm. Walter followed and the two walked alongside each other as they led Greyback to the holding cells.

Harry was waiting for them when they arrived. He shoved Johnny Reb into a cell and locked the door behind him.

"Your dad would be incredibly gallant of you,"Harry said to Teddy.

teddy nodded and gave Harry a half-smile.


A/N : I hope you enjoyed the Teddy chapter ! I had a lot of fun writing it. Thanks for all the lovely followup !

The right wing Teddy read to Reb are adapted from the Miranda rightfulness, created by the United United States Department of State Supreme Court in 1966.


Albus awoke the following dawning to the sound of an owl pecking at the window. He rose from his bed and went to let it in. The owl was unfamiliar, but he vaguely recognized it as the breed of owl the Ministry of legerdemain used. The missive was addressed to him, so Albus took it, let the owl back out into the cold, and set down on his bed to open it.

Albus-

We got him.

-Dad

That was all it said, but it did n't need to say anything else. His dad probably could n't say anything else in a letter, anyway. Albus folded up the parchment and shoved it into his bedside board. He glanced at the clock and realized there was no point in going back to bed since classes would start in two hours.

Instead, he got started on that week 's Charms indication while he waited for St. John to wake up. This took a good hour and when he finally did come alive up, it took him 15 arcminute to fully wake up and get dressed. John was not one for mornings.

Albus waited until they were in the Great lobby for breakfast to tell John about the letter from his dad, so that he could tell Kaden, Rose, and Amanda, too. Luckily they managed to find a relatively withdraw part of the table.

"I got a letter from my dad this morning time,"Albus said as he scooped eggs onto his scale."They got him."

"Oh thank God !"Rose exclaimed.

"Did he evidence you about it ?"John asked.

"No,"Albus said."But I 'm sure it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

The grouping decided to eat a very quick luncheon later in order to visit Matt before their afternoon classes. Albus wanted to tell him about Greyback as soon as possible.

Albus found it incredibly unmanageable to prevent his oral fissure shut during potions because the relaxation of his class fellow were discussing Johnny and whether he had attacked anyone the previous night. Janie Creevey swore she saw him on the grounds from her dormitory window go Night, but Karina and Marina said it was only a dog. Two of the Slytherins said they heard howling all nighttime, and Scorpius said one of the older students had received a alphabetic character from his brother claiming to cause seen Greyback in Diagon Alley. It seemed that Albus and his friends were the sole single in the intact palace who knew Calidris canutus had been captured.

Scorpius Malfoy left potions early after speaking in whispering with Slughorn. Whatever it was it was a expert excuse since Slughorn actually let him go. Albus thought this was very curious, but did n't dwell on it since his mind was still racing about Reb. He wanted details about the capture, but probably would n't get any until he read the article in the Prophet.

"Anyone know why Malfoy left ?"John asked as they hurried up to the Great student residence for lunch.

"No musical theme,"Albus said."Maybe he was ill ?"

"He did n't look ill,"John Lackland said."I suppose if he is ill we 'll see him in the hospital wing."

Albus and his Quaker ate the fastest lunch they 'd ever eaten and rushed up to the hospital wing. Kaden had Herbology after lunch and would require a right bit of clip to get there, so they wanted to spend as much of tiffin as possible in the infirmary annex.

lady Pomfrey was occupy berating a scholarly person for trying to charm her fuzz pink and had charmed it all off instead and did n't notice Albus and the others walk in. Only one bed was occupied and the curtains were drawn around it.

"surmisal Malfoy 's not here,"bathroom said as he led the group over to lusterlessness 's bed.

John the Divine pulled the mantle back and Albus saw that Matt was sitting up in bed, eating lunch. This calendar month he was sporting a bandage wrapped around his entire head and ones on his hands as well. He seemed to be having a bit of difficulty holding his sandwich.

"They better have caught him,"Matt said as he dropped his sandwich."Dammit. I ca n't go another month wrecking my hands."

"They did,"Albus said."My dad owled me this morning, but he did n't give me any details."

"I knew he was there,"matte said."The wolf wanted to get out again and this clip I banged my headland repeatedly against the door."He gestured to the head bandages.

"I do n't think you 'll own to care about that again,"whoremaster said."They 'll probably put twice as many guards on Greyback 's cell."

"I think this is the worst headache I 've ever had in my life,"matte muttered.

John the Evangelist grinned mischievously."Shall Kaden and I do a repeat of last hebdomad 's prank ?"

Matt gave him a look of execution."If you do, I 'll kill you and I wo n't be responsible for my actions."

"Just kidding,"lavatory said.

"Madam Pomfrey wants me to eat dejeuner and then she 's going to present me enough sleeping potation to sleep until dinner. I ca n't wait."

"well, I 'm going to have a lovely afternoon of fertilizing wizardly plants with dragon dung,"Kaden said."So aside from the turning into a wolf matter and the raging head ache, I 'm kind of jealous."

"I 'd take the dragon droppings,"flatness said and then turned to Albus."Embry is announcing who gets to watch the last disputation today, is n't he ?"

Albus shook his head."They 've actually put it off two more weeks. It was in the composition this morning. I guess they want it brisk in people 's minds or something. Plus, we 've got Quidditch Saturday and dueling Sunday."

"Is Gryffindor playing ?"matt asked.

"Hufflepuff and Slytherin,"Albus said."If Hufflepuff wins, then we 'll be ahead in full stop. But if Slytherin wins, we 'll probably be behind them."

"Here 's hoping for Hufflepuff, then,"Matt said. He glanced at his half-eaten sandwich."I think I 've given up on feeding. I do n't intend to kick you lot out, but I 'm really looking forward to sleeping."

"Not a problem,"Albus said."We 'll see you later."

"I think I 'll be back tomorrow,"mat said."Unless this headache does n't go away."

John glanced at the clock."Brilliant. There 's enough time for me to run back to the Great manse for an eclair before Transfiguration."

"I 'll join you,"Kaden said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

The girl decided that a second dessert was in order as well, so the unit mathematical group hurried back to the Great anteroom before their next grade. On the way there Albus realized just how a great deal better he felt now that Greyback was once again behind bars.
***


"shift arrested him !"Albus exclaimed at breakfast the next morning. He 'd just terminate reading the clause about Greyback.

"Seriously ?"blush wine exclaimed, grabbing the seer."I did n't even know he went on that mission."

Albus nodded."It was him, my dad, your dad, and lustrelessness 's dad. Plus Paul Newman and a few Werewolf ascendancy whole employees. And those kids who got attacked last week were captured, too. Apparently their parents did n't put any hospital ward up on the shed they were in."

"That 's dazed,"Rose said.

"Was anyone hurt ?"Amanda asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Oh, look, they 've quoted Laurentis,"Rose said."Listen to this. 'Greyback 's recapture is wonderful news for wizarding Britain. I applaud both the Auror department and the Department for the rule and Control of Magical Creatures for their collaboration in this capture, especially Harry Potter and Walter Eckerton. However, there are still four prisoner at large. The body of work is not done and we must remember this before celebrating .'”

"Did they quote your uncle ?"John asked.

"No,"blush wine said."It says he has n't made a affirmation about it yet."

"I honestly think that this is only going to make his keep of your dad looking better,"Amanda said."Laurentis can try, but this is a success. I mean, just look at the clause. Absolutely nothing went wrong with that capture. There were three werewolf on the relax in Hogmseade and nobody got attacked. It 's that simple."

Albus had n't thought about it in that way, but it was true. Three loose werewolves would normally be a incubus for a quiet Village like Hogsmeade, but thanks to the Aurors and the Werewolf control building block employees, nobody got hurt.

"I 'll just be happy when this election is over,"Albus said.

"You 're telling me,"Cedric said as he sat down across from Albus."I do n't even care who wins anymore."
***


Hufflepuff somehow managed to squash Slytherin during Sat 's Quidditch peer. Albus chalked this up to the fact that Hufflepuff had the best team they 'd had in years, and that Slytherin 's Keeper had landed himself in the infirmary wing after blowing up his potion on Friday, earning him a ban from the match by Madam Pomfrey. But whatever the rationality actually was, it was certainly good to Gryffindor.

Albus awoke early on Sunday, suddenly riddled with nerves about the dueling tournament. This calendar month 's tourney was the arcsecond to last of the year since all the professor had agreed to end it earlier due to exams. Many of the 7th years had expressed that they could n't superintend practices while studying for N.E.W.T.s. But this meant that Albus only had two more chances to stop up a win for his team, something that had n't happened yet this yr.

Albus and Amanda were the starting time of their team to arrive in the Great Hall before the tournament. The rest of the team trickled in slowly as they waited. Five minute before the tournament was scheduled to begin, the but soul missing was Malfoy.

"It 's not like him to be late,"Amanda commented."Usually he 's here early apprisal you what an tremendous job as captain you do."

"No, it 's not,"Albus agreed as he stood up to get a better look at the doors."I do n't see him."

"He was n't in potions the other day,"Amanda reminded Albus."Actually, I have n't seen him since he left potions early on Tuesday."

Albus thought back and realized Amanda was right."Oi !"he called to his group of Slytherin mate."Any of you know where Scorpio Malfoy is ?"

"He went home,"one of the 3rd years said."No estimate why. He has n't been here since Tuesday."

"He went dwelling ?"Albus repeated, staring at the third base year."That 's odd."

The third year shrugged."He did n't tell anyone anything about it. He just left."

Albus had to take on that this intelligence gave him as much letdown as mix-up. Scorpio Malfoy was one of the team 's Charles Herbert Best dueler, no matter how annoying he was.

"No one goes home when it 's not a holiday,"Amanda said.

"Yeah, not unless they 're really ill or something awful happened to their kinsfolk,"Albus said.

"Attention student !"Neville called out."The tournament is about to set about !"

Albus managed to crusade all thoughts of Malfoy out of his thinker for the duration of the tournament. almost of his mate dueled well, although only Albus and a few early fourth years won both their duel. In the end they secured tierce lieu, which was certainly practiced than a full portion of the eternal rest of the squad, but still was n't first. They were still in the running for winning overall at the end of the season, but they 'd necessitate to do really well in the concluding tournament.

Albus and Amanda met the balance of their protagonist in the marauder 's Den after the tournament was over.

"Did Malfoy skip the tournament ?"John Lackland asked as soon as they entered."Not that I 'm complaining since your team probably would 've beat mine if he had showed."

"Apparently he went nursing home on Tuesday,"Albus said."I 'm assuming that 's why he left potions early, but no one has any idea why he went."

"Maybe his parents took him on holiday,"Matt said."They seem the type to do that."

"You 're not allowed to miss classes unless it 's a expert excuse,"blush wine pointed out."I do n't think going on holiday is a good excuse."

"I think something bad is happening to somebody in his family,"Amanda said quietly."Remember that letter he was reading during practice ? And how quiet he 's been lately ?"

"I 'll ask Elsie Willinson,"rosiness said."I tutor her tomorrow. Chances are that Malfoy told Felix about whatever 's going on so maybe Elsie knows, too."

But whatever was going on with Scorpio Malofy, Elsie Willinson was just as clueless as Albus and his protagonist. She either had no idea or refused to tell Rose, despite the fact that Rose prodded her about it ever ten moment during their tutoring academic session on Monday.

Malfoy returned to classes on Tuesday, walking into potions xv second recent, and Slughorn made no honorable mention of his tardiness or the classes he missed the late workweek. Albus attempted to watch his look during category but he gave no clues about his emotions.

"Hey, Malfoy !"Albus shouted as they left the classroom a unawares while later.

Malfoy spun around and met Albus 's eye. He did n't look angry, nor was he sneering. Instead, he just looked lost."What do you require, Potter ?"

"Missed you at the tournament Sabbatum,"Albus said, hoping Malfoy would tell him where he 'd been.

"Bet you did n't win without me,"Malfoy replied.

"Third blank space,"Albus answered."Where were you ?"

"None of your business, ceramicist,"Malfoy said as he turned around. He sped up and was soon lost in the sea of scholar hurrying to the Great lobby for lunch.
***


The abide by week passed quickly and Albus soon forgot about Malfoy and his mystical fade. The election was now only a calendar week away and everyone in the castle, students, professor, and ghostwriter alike were talking about it. With only one debate remaining, it was up in the air as to who would win. The prophet published a pate they 'd taken and neither candidate had a significant tether on the other.

"Kingsley Shacklebolt, early head teacher of the Auror department, was the last Minister of conjuring trick selected by the Wizengamot,"Professor Sir Joseph Banks said in class two day before the final debate."His pick was very quick and he stepped into office staff the day after Voldemort 's death. While most of the wizarding world knew that the Ministry needed an overhaul, they also needed someone to take charge and supervise the overhaul.

"Shacklebolt held position for three years while supervising the drastic changes that made the Ministry of thaumaturgy the governing entity we see today."

Albus had met Kingsley Shacklebolt a few times and found him slightly intimidating, but funny at the same time. He just had a very commanding mien and Albus was n't surprised he 'd been made government minister of illusion after the war.

"The three years Shacklebolt held office were very tumultuous. determination had to be made, drastic I, and they were not leisurely. The for the first time and most obvious decision was the decision to commute the way the Wizengamot was set up. The Wizengamot as it was was incredibly corrupt. remember that prior to this redesign every pureblooded family held a hindquarters on the Wizengamot, but this left half-blood and Muggle-born witches and ace without delegacy.

"Shacklebolt, along with the other Ministry officials working to regroup the Wizengamot looked to the Muggle world for inspiration. The previous Wizengamot bore more resemblance to the Muggle theatre of Divine, the Upper business firm of Parliament. It was decided that the Wizengamot ought to more closely resemble the firm of Commons, the Lower House of fantan. In the Muggle world, these representatives are called Members of Parliament, MPs for short, and are elected. In the wizarding world, they are simply phone appendage of the Wizengamot.

"Members of the Wizengamot then began being elected by the general public, much like MPs are elected in the Muggle worldly concern. Each member has a dominion, although figuring out these territorial dominion was far more difficult than it was in the Muggle creation. Does anyone have a guess as to why ?"

Amanda raised her hired hand."Yes, Miss tagger ?"Banks said.

"beldame and wizards are n't as uniformly spread out throughout the United Kingdom,"Amanda explained."In the Muggle humankind the districts are very much based on Town, but champion do n't really receive towns."

"Correct,"Banks said."Because of this the territory, if shown on a map, would seem vastly different in terms of size of it. For example, London has three separate districts because there is a very large wizarding universe in London. It 's far easier for wizards to flux in in a large city than a humble town since things generally go unnoticed in big urban center. On the former hand, wheal only has two districts, and therefore two illustration, since it 's much less densely populated by wizards."

Albus did n't have a hint as to who his district 's representative was, or even what district he lived in. It was one of three, as he now knew.

"I 've taken the familiarity of printing a map with a listing of all the interpreter and territorial dominion numbers racket,"Banks said as he began passing out sheets of parchment."I 'd hazard a guess than very few of you know what territory you 're in or who your representative is."

Albus looked at the sheet after he received it. Jack London seemed to be divided into Mae West London, North Greater London, and East/South Jack London. North London, where Albus lived, was district Two, currently represented by a chap named Oliver Prang.

"Elections are held every five year,"Banks said."None of the representative are up for election this year, but most are up for election future year. None of you will be of age to vote in succeeding yr 's election, but I suggest you read up on your representatives scene and beliefs anyway.

"To entice you to watch,"camber continued as he walked around his desk,"I am assigning an essay, due in two weeks. Figure out who your interpreter is and write me a foot-long essay detailing your voice 's beliefs and whether you agree with them or not. I suggest looking at old copies of the Prophet as well as archive written text of Wizengamot meetings, both usable in the library. You are welcome to use any other germ as you see fit."

There was a worldwide moan from the class, which made Banks grin. He always seemed to have sex assigning prep.

"Now onto the more shake intelligence,"Sir Joseph Banks said."This Saturday is the net debate and four of you will be able to attend. I apologize in betterment for those whose gens have not been chosen, but there simply were not enough disputation. As usual, the rest of you will hear to the argument in the Transfiguration Day classroom.

"The two from Hufflepuff are Sam Bordeaux and Cassie Hornell. The Gryffindors are John Brickston and Janie Creevey. Your essay on this debate, to be formatted like the previous two, will be due in a week. socio-economic class dismissed."

"I knew it would be me,"St. John said as the packed up."Bilius and Ethan have already gone and you two get to go every time."

"I had n't even realized that,"Albus said.

"Karina 's the only one of us who wo n't get to go,"rose pointed out.

"That essay, though ..."John said."The one on our spokesperson. That 's going to assume forever."

"Not if you do your research rightfield,"Rose said as they left the room.

"Any of you in territory seven ?"bathroom asked.

The residue of the radical shook their heads. They compared district number, but none of them were in the Saami. Rose and Matt were the closest, with their districts bordering on each other.

"I guess we 're all doing our own enquiry then,"John said with a sigh.

rosiness gave him a satisfied smirk, clearly happy that she would n't have got to manage with John attempting to bum off her research. Albus wished that he and Rose were in the Saami district because he, like John, did not relish doing this enquiry. Usually they only had to use their text for enquiry, but not this meter. This prison term, their textbooks would n't help at all.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews ! It 's clip for the one-year Dobby honor at HPFF and nominations are now capable ! nous to the forums to make your pet story ( such as this one, *hint, hint* ). There is a connexion to the forums on the proper side of the page. Be sure to take the rules before you nominate ! We hate having to unfit chronicle for broken formula.

The information about the Muggle Ministry was adapted from the House of the God Almighty and the Parliament Wikipedia pages. I hope I got everything right, but I 'm not British, so feel free to point out any errors.


As the week progressed more and More of the vaticinator was dedicated to election reporting. By the meter Saturday arrived it became nearly impossible to rule a single article that was n't about the election. There were editorials, interview, statements from the candidates, opinion polls, and more. Albus was getting so tired of it that he did n't even glint at Saturday 's edition.

"Place your bets here !"

Albus glanced up from his breakfast to see James, Cedric, and Ben walking up the aisle between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables carrying a jar filled with coins.

"We 're taking bets !"Jesse James shouted."Any takers ?"

"What are you betting on ?"Albus asked."Who wins ?"

"No, that 's tiresome,"Henry James said."We 're taking bets on how farseeing it 'll take aim the debate moderator to bring up that nutcase Aussie cuss who kidnapped you last year. This debate is on International Magical Cooperation, after all."

It had n't even crossed Albus 's mind that last year 's incident would be brought up in this debate, but King James was probably mightily. It was the biggest international scandal wizarding Britain had seen in years.

"What 's your bet ?"Albus asked his brother.

"Ten arcminute,"James said."We 've had a few people say it 'll fall out right away and others who are giving it as long as a half hour."

"You do agnise that your dad 's the one moderating this debate, do n't you ?"Rose asked, setting down her copy of the Prophet.

James I, Cedric, and Ben exchanged a glance."Er, no, we did n't cognise that,"James said."How do you know ?"

"Says right hand here in the theme,"rosiness said, pointing to it."He might not impart it up."

"I hope he does n't,"lustrelessness muttered."I 'd rather just forget Lubar 's existence."

"He might still wreak it up,"James said."It was a fairly big incident."

rosebush shrugged."It 's possible."

"So what would Uncle Percy say if he knew you three were taking stakes on the argument ?"Albus asked with a grin.

Cedric paled."He 's not going to see out. Everyone who places a bet is sworn to secrecy. We 've had them foretoken something. If they say anything their faces will turn orange."

"Is n't that care what aunt Hermione did for the D.A ?"Albus asked.

"Sort of,"Cedric said."But we 've told hoi polloi about it, so they know what they 're signing."

"Any bets, then ?"James asked.

Albus and his protagonist all shook their heads no. concluding yr 's incident was far too personal for them to identify bets on whether it would be a debate topic.

"We 're wasting time, then,"James said as he led Cedric and Ben further down the aisle."berth your bets here !"

"They 're retard,"rose muttered.

Albus agreed.

An hr later Albus, Rose, mat, and John the Evangelist were back in the Great foyer for the disputation. Albus soon realized that this public debate would be watched by even More people than the preceding ones, with many people standing in the back due to lack of seating. Personally, Albus thought most hoi polloi would 've already made up their mind since the election was only four solar day away, but clearly it was still a popular effect.

John had to sit with the other students who 'd been picked while Albus, rose wine, and mat sat up front, like usual. All of Albus 's cousin were there, including Georgia, who looked like she was forcing herself to smile.

"Hey, Georgia,"Albus said.

"Hi, Al,"Georgia replied."I 'm so glad this is nearly over."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed."How is the team ?"

Sakartvelo 's sham grin grew genuine."Oh, they 're wonderful ! Connor Blythe, the custodian, he put in his notice that he 's only going to do one Thomas More season after this one and he told me he 's recommending me to ingest his daub. Me ! And I 've only been on the squad for a year !"

"That 's rattling !"Albus exclaimed."You 'll consume to get me just the ticket to your number 1 match."

"Oh, I expect everyone in the mob to be there at my start match as permanent Keeper,"Georgia said."And I want Dad right there in the forepart row, cheering me on."

"Well, if he wins, he 'll own to keep supporting you,"Albus pointed out.

"Yes, well, I want it to be real,"Georgia said."We 'll see."

"Could everyone please aim their bottom ?"Kendrick announced in a magically exaggerate voice.

Georgia left and went to her own tush, as did everyone else who was still standing. The room grew serenity and Kendrick took a few steps forward.

"Thank you. I 'd wish to welcome you all to Hogwarts. This is the last debate of the election and I appreciate the Ministry allowing Hogwarts to take such a big use in it. It has been a wonderful learning chance for staff and students alike. Remember, Wednesday is election day, so please cast your votes. Now, I would like to enter today 's moderator, a man who needs no institution, Mr. Harry potter, Head of the Auror Department !"

The room erupted in thunderous applause. It seemed that no matter how Laurentis tried to disgrace Albus 's dad, no one could take away the fact that he remained the Boy Who Lived.

Harry walked forward and took his place behind the moderator 's podium."Thank you, thank you,"he said and the crew grew quiet once more."Now, delight welcome our nominee, Mr. Sir Henry Percy Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

The candidates received considerably less applause than Harry did, something Albus found incredibly good story. If his dad ever decided to run for Minister he 'd birth the thing won before the race even began.

"I am sure both our nominee know the prescript by now. Five infinitesimal answers and five minute rebuttal,"Harry began."Mr. Weasley, you will begin."

Albus had to strangle his laughter at the fact that this dad called Uncle Walker Percy 'Mr. Weasley .'

"The first enquiry is very general,"Harry said."In your opinion, how is Britain 's family relationship with its foreign neighbour ? Should the Ministry be making to a greater extent of an movement to work with its neighbour or are things alright as they are ?"

"I think overall our ministry has a practiced relationship with strange ministries and governments,"Percy began."We have no flow feuds with any foreign nation and all alien talks have gone well in the past few years. However, I believe there is always room for improvement when speaking of kinship with other countries. There are always chances to reach out to our neighbour, and you never know when such relationships will be necessary."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"My opponent makes fair power point,"Laurentis said."And while I feel that furthering our relationship with alien ministries is an splendid idea, I wonder if that is really where our free energy should be focused right now. There are many emergence we need to cover here at home, and as Mr. Weasley said, our flow relationships with strange land are good."

"The Department of International Magical Cooperation bargain solely with outside magical cooperation,"Percy pointed out."Working to fix payoff at abode is obviously a beneficial thought, but what do you suppose this department does while we do that ?"

"fountainhead, yes, of course, that department is always working on international topic,"Laurentis said."I was merely speaking of the minister of religion and his immediate officials."

"Thank you,"Harry said."following question. The theme of changing the compartmentalization of werewolves from brute to beingness was brought up at the cobbler's last argument. Both of you expressed no desire to take this up with the international community. Have either of you changed your position on this in light of the recent seizure of Fenrir Greyback ? If not, will you explain in more detail why you feel the way you do ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

Albus glanced at Matt. Maybe now they 'd see out exactly why Uncle Percy did n't want to switch the werewolf sorting, more than just it was n't worth the drive.

"The capture of Fenrir Greyback was undoubtedly a succeeder. I hope nobody has misconstrued my word of honor on that. The fact that it was done without any injuries, let unequalled human death, was zippo shortly of amazing. The Aurors and wolfman controller Unit employees who executed the plan of capture are to be applauded. However, I fail to see why the capture of one werewolf should affect our decisions on the chemical group as a whole. If anything, if werewolves had been classified as being during that capture the Aurors and Werewolf dominance Unit employees would not have been able to use the methods of capture they used. To be honest, I fail to see any welfare of reclassification."

Albus felt mat tense next to him. Laurentis really was clueless, was n't she ?

"Mr. Weasley."

"I agree with my opposition about the gaining control of Fenrir Rebel. However, I disagree with her about the potential difference benefits of reclassification. first gear, the Aurors and Werewolf control condition Unit employees could have used the Sami methods they used endure Nox, as Head of Department Walter Eckerton does not earmark any method of gaining control that would not be allowed if werewolf were classified as Beings. In terms of Department for the regularization and Control of Magical Creatures rules and regularisation, loup-garou are to be treated as beingness. This has been the case since Eckerton took over as Head over a year ago. Perhaps Ms. Laurentis is unaware of this fact.

"As for benefits, those with lycanthropy would be able to secure line far more easily and would experience the same rights given to goblin, house-elves, centaurs, vampires, and human race alike."

Apparently his uncle had much More of an opinion than the one he gave at the last-place argumentation, Albus thought.

"Your meter is up, Mr. Weasley,"Harry said."Your rebutter, Ms. Laurentis."

"Then perhaps Walter Eckerton ought to take another smell at the law,"Laurentis began."Because it is perfectly legal of him to use More harsh method to fetch lycanthrope into capture. But since this capture was a roaring achiever, I will not blame him for that. As for werewolf rights, I have yet to hear of any complaints by werewolves about their rights."

"That 's because they do n't quetch to you,"Matt muttered under his breath.

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

"As I did not have clip to fully resolve the question, I will continue,"Percy said."While it would be beneficial for werewolf if they were reclassified as Beings, I do not consider it 's practicable. It would expect agreement from all res publica, which is frankly asking a lot. I know for a fact Commonwealth of Australia would never be on display board, and considering our rough relationship with that particular country, I do not feel it is in our substantially pastime to set about talks of the reclassification of wolfman. In ending, I feel it would be a worthwhile endeavor, but given the unlikelihood of it amounting to anything, it would be a waste of manpower."

"Thank you,"Harry said."side by side question. In paying attention to our rocky relationship with Australia, as Mr. Weasley put it, do you sense it would be beneficial to continue trying to get Ralph Lubar extradited to the United Kingdom ? Mr. Weasley."

Albus glanced at his watch. Whoever betted on forty minutes would be very glad, he thought. Albus had been hoping this topic would n't be brought up, but he supposed it was too big of an issuing not to be.

"If elected I would defer this decision to the department of International Magical Cooperation, since they possess the necessary expertise on the subject. However, it is my personal feeling that it would be Charles Frederick Worth pursuing. I believe it is important to send a message that Ministry employees, even high-ranking official such as Ralph Lubar, are not above the law. What Lubar did was terrible and in no creation should he get away with it."

"Ms. Laurenits."

"Notice how Mr. Weasley did not mention that his nephew was one of the children kidnapped by Lubar,"Laurentis pointed out."I think this might overcast his judging a little. I disagree with him about this particular topic. We 've been trying to have Ralph Lubar extradited for nearly a year and Australia has not budged. Why bother continuing to make endeavour toward this when it is clear they will be fruitless ?"

"If we give up, it will be telling the populace that anyone can go commit a crime in another country and not be punished,"Sir Henry Percy said."More than that, it demonstrates the putrescence of the Australian government and having our citizens believe their government to be corrupt will not help International sorcerous cooperation."

"The potential corruption of the Aboriginal Australian authorities is not any of our business concern at the current clock time. We can not drive them to deliver Ralph Lubar and it is my personal opinion that they will never do so. I daresay that the Department of International Magical Cooperation has to a greater extent pressing matter to deal with."

"Thank you both,"Harry said."We have time for one more question, but in light of the fact that the election is on Midweek, I am going to feed each of the candidates a chance to pee-pee a universal speech instead. Mr. Weasley, you may speak first."

"Thank you, Harry."

Percy seemed unable to predict Harry 'Mr. ceramist .'Albus giggled at this.

"I would like to thank professor Kendrick and the rest of the Hogwarts staff for being so accommodating, as well as the students. None of the students sitting in this elbow room right now were alive before the Ministry was reorganized in 1998 through 2001. None of the bookman in this room were live during Voldemort 's reign of terror. They read about both of these in story books, because to them, it is simply story. To me, and the ease of the adult in this room, the previous Ministry and Voldemort are our past, our remembering. We remember the terror, the terra incognita, the fear.

"I was a function of the reorganization of the Ministry. We all know the old age that have followed- the years where we have lived without reverence, without terror, without the alien. I have been with the Ministry every dance step of the way since Voldemort 's defeat and I will throw it my duty to continue the peace treaty that we 've had for over xx years. I will keep this short because I, like most of you surely do, believe that the expert delivery is a short talking to. If you want a minister who will continue the success of Minister Hartwell 's time in office, balloting for me, Percy Weasley, on Wednesday. Thank you."

There was a smattering of applause, but it did n't last tenacious. Albus had a tactual sensation that nigh of the rest of the pupil wanted the election to be over.

"My resister routinely brings up the past. He speaks of the war, Voldemort, and the old Ministry, but never once has he discussed the future tense, except in vague statements about keeping affair the Same. It 's dependable that I was not involved with the reorganization of the Ministry over twenty old age ago. I got into political relation later in spirit. But I do not feel that this will name me an inferior minister, nor do I imagine it will be particularly beneficial to Mr. Weasley.

"chronicle is just that. account. We certainly need to pick up from our history to secure that we do not realise the Saami misapprehension we did before, but it is not necessary to take lived through chronicle to be a successful leader. There are plenty of Ministry employees, even a few high-ranking functionary, who were not here during Voldemort 's reign. Walter Eckerton, for example, did not endure in UK during Voldemort 's reign. Yet he very successfully runs the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical beast.

"In dead, I believe we need to focus on our futurity rather than our past times. If elected minister I will make progressive tense changes in not only our ministry and Pentateuch, but our educational system as well. Things have been ran the Lapp for over twenty days, and while I am not denying the achiever, I think we have needed alteration for a patch. escape captive are running costless. Hogwarts lessons are being taught the Saame way they were when these children 's grandparents were in school. The ministry, along with its laws and policy, motivation to adapt as the years go by. If you feel alteration is needed, if you are at all upset about the way things are, vote for me, Patricia Laurentis, on Wednesday."

There was another smattering off applause. Albus did n't spat at all and neither did any of his full cousin. If the election was based upon familial support, Percy would have it in the bag.

"I think your uncle may have won my parents'financial backing back,"matt said as they left the Great Hall.

"Yeah, he made himself sound a bit better today,"Albus replied."Laurentis just does n't get it."

"Nope,"matt said."But she does n't look to take an offspring with my dad, which is good if she gets elected."

"What if she wins and she stops trying to get Lubar extradited ?"Rose asked as they met up with John.

"She ca n't. The man is insane,"John said.

"Honestly, I think it would be better if he was n't extradited,"lusterlessness said quietly.

"Why ?"Gospel According to John asked incredulously."He kidnapped us and tried to bring Voldemort back !"

"He was n't really a part of that,"matt said."That was the Willinsons."

"But still,"Albus said."Why ?"

"Because if he gets extradited he 's going to be angry,"mat explained."He 's got quite a temper. And when he does n't get his way he attempts to destroy the lives of those who stand in his way. Just think about it. If he were brought back here, what 's stopping him from making my ... condition ... public ?"

"He could n't do that,"Albus said."It 's illegal."

"You think Lubar would like ? He did it in Commonwealth of Australia !"mat snapped."He 's already broken the law. And even if he got in trouble for it zilch could take what he said back. It sucks that he 's not getting punished, but I think it would be best if the world just forgot about the unanimous thing."

Albus had n't thought about it like that before. Matt did accept a spot. But there was a part of Albus that just wanted to see Lubar behind bars.

"plus, there 's no way Australia will deport him,"matt said."Your uncle and Laurentis are both decent about one matter. The Aussie government is very misdirect, and I do n't imagine anything will chance until that corruption ends. Lubar wo n't be punished, and lycanthrope wo n't get reclassified as Beings."

"So even though you moved, the Aboriginal Australian government still has some controller over your living,"John said."That 's messed up."

"Yeah, it really is,"Matt agreed."But it 's the way the world works."


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews ! Once again, I 'd like to shamelessly plug my stories for Dobby nominations ! Head over to the assembly to nominate my ( or any other ) stories for a Dobby laurels ! Be sure to study the rules before nominating.


Albus had been hoping family would be suspended the day of the election, but there was no such luck. Kendrick organized it so that the Great Charles Francis Hall would be the pollard place and that voting would not affect the world-wide scholarly person body. Hogwarts was the designated polling place for the territorial dominion it was in, so there would be early people coming to the shoal to vote. Albus 's full cousin who were of age ( Thomas Bradley, Fred, and broom ) all voted after breakfast, as soon as the polling post had been set up.

Albus and his Friend spent most of Herbology watching people walking from Hogsmeade to Hogwarts in orderliness to vote. It was very unhinge and Neville did n't bother telling masses to get back on chore.

"When are we going to know who won ?"John asked as they walked back to the castling for Defense.

"It 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow morning,"Albus said."That 's the official poster, but I 'm sure we 'll regain out earlier. Bradley and Cedric have to go to the end of the election party tonight. It starts at six and the crown close at eight. They 're announcing the achiever at the company at eight-thirty. Thomas Bradley and Cedric will be back after that and I give it about five hour to broadcast around the castle."

John laughed."You do n't have to go to the party ?"

Albus shook his head word."My parents gave me the choice. I said no. James and Lily are n't going, either."

"What about you two ?"John asked pink wine and Matt.

"No,"rose said. lustrelessness shook his head.

"Good,"lav said."We should have our own political party here. A party to celebrate the end of this election. Maybe it 'll mean Embry will let up on the essays. Anyone else writing their debate essay during Defense today ?"

For the past times few month about people had used Defense Department as a bailiwick mansion. The worksheets Danton True Young assigned never took longer than fifteen minutes and he did n't seem to handle what his students did with the balance of the class. Just as long as they were n't being cheap. Albus did n't call up anyone had used any Skiving Snackbox sweets in Defense this yr, since there was n't much point.

Albus, Matt, and Amanda all still needed to compose their essays as well. Rose had written hers immediately following the debate, but the quietus of them did n't see the need to do it rectify away.

"I can always land up it in story of trick, too,"John the Divine said as they entered the castling.

"Let 's go peek in the Great Hall,"Albus said as he led his friends over to the right.

Albus glanced inside and saw that there were four small cubicles curtained off where the staff table should 've been. A short-circuit queue of people were off to one position and seemed to be waiting their bend for the stall. It did n't seem very exciting.

"Any comment on the election ?"

Albus turned and saw a reporter lurking near the doorway. He did n't acknowledge this picky reporter.

"No, thanks,"Albus said as he steered the group away from the Great Hall, and thus away from the reporter.

"I do n't think they 're allowed inside,"rose wine mentioned."So they ca n't bother people who are voting."

"That makes sense,"Amanda said."Well, let 's go get those essays done with. Then we 'll never hold to write essays on argumentation again."

Albus nodded. No more public debate essays. Now that would be a ripe thing.

The difference of the day passed quickly. Albus, Matt, and Amanda managed to finish their essays during defending team, but St. John only got halfway done. Voting was suspended during tiffin and then again at dinner. Albus overheard a few of the sixth and one-seventh years talking about voting and the election during dinner. A couple of Ravenclaws even got into an argument about it.

"Let 's make a treaty now not to get in any scrap over the next election when we can all vote,"Rose said as they watched one of the arguing Ravenclaws violent storm out of the Great residence.

The rest of the group heartily agreed. Albus could n't suppose ruining a friendship over something as silly as an election.

"This party that Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric are going to,"John Lackland began,"it 's for both your uncle and Laurentis ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said.

"That 's going to be awkward when they announce the success,"John Lackland said with a laugh.

"It 's supposed to promote good sportsmanship and that sort of affair,"Rose explained.

"Still ... I ca n't imagine Laurentis being a near mutant,"John said.

After dinner Albus and his Quaker returned to the common room, deciding that it might be interesting to pass the even there rather than the vulture 's Den. They also wanted to hear firsthand from Tom Bradley and Cedric who won.

The common room had the distinct tone that Gryffindor had just won a Quidditch match. James, Fred, heather mixture, bell ringer, and Ben had taken it upon themselves to let a party to lionize the end of the election and thus the end of debate and essays on public debate. There were cases of Butterbeer and trays of biscuits and nobody was working on any homework.

"Maybe now affair can get back to convention,"Albus said as he opened a Butterbeer.

"If Uncle Walker Percy wins matter will never be rule again,"rosiness pointed out.

Albus shrugged."I do n't know. Amanda seems fairly normal and her uncle 's the bloom Minister."

"That 's because nobody here cares about the Prime diplomatic minister,"Amanda said."At home base everyone knows I 'm the niece of the Prime minister of religion. My sister and buddy certainly are n't anonymous at their schools. My sister 's at university now and she says it 's a bit better than it was in secondary school."

"Albus, you 're Harry Potter 's son,"John said flatly."No topic what happens, you 're going to be well-known."

Albus supposed that was true, but sometimes he wished it was n't. Sometimes, he wished he could build his own way in the world and not feature his dad 's name tied to him.

"Did you ever get the map back from your dad ?"matte asked.

"Yeah, why ?"

"Just peculiar,"lusterlessness said.

Albus reached into his bag and pulled the map out. He 'd taken to carrying it around with him all the time, but he was n't certainly why. After setting it down on the table he revealed it and focused on the voice that showed Hogwarts.

"There 's still a bunch of hoi polloi voting,"Albus said, gesturing to the Great Hall. About a one-half dozen or so dots were milling about.

"dame Rosmerta 's there,"Amanda pointed out."I wonder who she 's voting for."

"No idea,"Albus said. He glanced at his watch."Half 60 minutes until the polls close."

"How long do you intend Thomas Bradley and Cedric will outride ?"Kaden asked.

"Probably not long after the announcement is made,"Albus answered."They do n't really care going to those things."

"Albus,"John said, pointing to the map."Is it just me or is Malfoy going into Moaning Myrtle 's toilet ?"

Albus peered down at the map. certain enough, a dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'had just entered the second storey girlfriend 's lavatory. That did n't shit any sense.

"What the hell is he doing in there ?"Matt exclaimed."Why would anyone go in there ?"

"Vinca minor 's there,"John commented."looking at, she 's floating over toward him."

"But why ?"Albus asked, still utterly confused."Why would a cuss go in there ?"

"Maybe the map made a mistake ?"Kaden suggested.

"Dad says the map never lies,"Albus explained."fountainhead, there 's only one way to find out. Let 's play along him."

"speech sound good to me,"Amanda said as she stood up."This party is getting boring anyway."

St. John and Kaden nodded their heads in agreement. Rose raised her supercilium.

"No way,"lusterlessness said, shaking his head vehemently."There are n't adequate Galleons in the world."

"Oh, come on, it 's just a girl 's loo,"Amanda said."feeling, there are n't even any female child in there besides Vinca minor. And she 's a ghost !"

lavatory laughed."Vinca minor 's got a bit of a crush."

"Saint John, shut up !"lusterlessness said, his cheeks turning red.

Amanda and blush wine burst out in laughter."Seriously ?"Amanda said.

"Yeah, we had detention in there once,"whoremonger explained."Myrtle spent the whole time flirting with flatness. It was hilarious."

"I said, shut it !"matt shouted.

"Oh, come on, she 's just a ghost."

"I 'm not going. I refuse."

"Fine,"can said."Suit yourself. Rose ?"

"I 'll stay here, thanks,"blush wine said."You 're wasting your prison term anyway. It 's not like he 'll tell you anything."

Albus did n't manage. He still liked the idea of going because it felt like he was doing something, making some sort of progression on figuring out why Malfoy had been acting so oddly the past few calendar month.

They did n't bother bringing the invisibility Cloak since there was still an 60 minutes left until curfew. On their way there, they spotted Peeves unscrewing chandeliers in honor of April Fool 's Day, but ignored his cackles.

Albus watched the map as they went. Malfoy remained in the washbasin as they walked quickly down flights of stairs. But they got stuck on the stairs leading to the second floor corridor, after the stair decided to lead them directly to the first gear level rather than the second.

"He 's leaving !"Albus exclaimed as they got back on the stairs after their slight detour.

"Maybe we can captivate him on his way back to the dungeons,"Amanda suggested.

Albus nodded."Let 's wait here, then."

Their current locating gave them an excellent eyeshot of the Great lobby. A few Ministry functionary were currently carrying pieces of the voting cubicles out of the room, polling clearly over. It would only be about a half hour until they had a new rector of Magic.

John nudged Albus."There he is."

Albus turned away from the Great Hall and saw Malfoy walking down the staircase. He looked extremely determined.

"Malfoy,"Albus said.

"Potter,"Malfoy replied.

Albus suddenly had no melodic theme how he was going to ask Malfoy about why he was in the girl 's loo without revealing the map. If they caught him in there it would 've been prosperous to say they saw him going in there, but now he was just walking down the stairs, perfectly innocently. He 'd get to be really careful about it.

"So why were you in a girl 's loo ?"Amanda asked.

So much for being deliberate, Albus thought.

Malfoy paled."Er, I wasn't."

"Yes, you were,"Amanda said."I was in there, too. Second storey, Moaning Myrtle 's commode ? Ring any doorbell ?"

"That loo was empty,"Malfoy said quickly."I checked."

"Next time watch a bit harder,"Amanda said."I was in the net stall and when I heard you come in I had to last out there because you 're a bloke and it would just be weird to come out of a lav stall and fare face to face with a gent. I heard you talking to myrtle, though."

"I ... er ... that 's not any of your ... business,"Malfoy stammered.

"Then do n't channel your business in a girlfriend 's loo,"Amanda said with a laugh."Let 's go. We do n't want to miss the news show about the new minister of religion. Clearly Malfoy 's a bit unhinged."

Amanda turned and set off up the stairs. Albus, Saint John the Apostle, and Kaden followed, leaving Malfoy frozen in their wake. Albus glanced back and saw that he was still as wan as flatness is right hand before a to the full Sun Myung Moon.

"Amanda, what was that ?"john exclaimed once they 'd pass the second floor.

"That felt upright,"Amanda said."He just really irritates me, and this prison term we had something on him. I could distinguish Al did n't know how to ask him without telling him about the map. But I figured it 'd be pretty easygoing to guess I 'd been in the loo with him."

"That 's brilliant,"toilet said.

Amanda grinned."I have my moments."

"Whatever it was, I do n't opine he 'll be going in that loo anymore,"Albus said."I just wish we 'd figured out why he was in there in the first place."

"Seriously,"John said."The entirely way you 'd catch me in a girl 's loo is if you paid me a lode of Galleons."

"Or you got detention."Amanda smirked.

"That does n't count,"Saint John said.

"Oh, shut it, both of you,"Albus said."Let 's hurry up and get back to the vernacular room."

When Albus, St. John, Kaden, and Amanda returned to the common room they were greeted by aloud groans and sighing. Confused, Albus turned to his blood brother, who was nearest the portrayal hole.

"We thought you lot were Bradley and Cedric,"Epistle of James said.

"James I, it 's not even eight-thirty yet,"Albus pointed out."They wo n't be back for at to the lowest degree a one-half hour."

"Oh, right."

rosiness and mat were in the middle of a secret plan of cheat. Matt was losing spectacularly.

"Did you find him ?"Matt asked as rose 's bishop crushed his queen.

"Yeah, but not in the loo,"Albus said."Caught him on his way back to his common way. He would n't recite us a thing."

"Of grade he did n't,"matte said."And he probably denied he was in the loo anyway."

"He would 've,"Albus said."But Amanda told him she 'd been in there and then told him off for being there. It was brilliant."

"Wish I could 've seen that. I 've always wanted to say off Malfoy."

"You should 've come,"whoremaster said."We did n't even see Myrtle."

"Still ... not taking any chances,"flatness said."top executive to D6."

Rose instructed her knight to move close to Matt 's top executive."Checkmate.

lustrelessness sighed."One day, I 'll win."

"Me following !"Kaden exclaimed. Everyone else laughed."What ? I 've gotten better,"Kaden muttered.

Albus, trick, lusterlessness, and Amanda settled down to learn as Rose clobbered Kaden. Albus could 've sworn he saw Kaden 's chessmen quiver as they were set up on the board. Rose 's queen was most definitely grinning maliciously. Over the adjacent half 60 minutes Kaden 's part were viciously slaughtered by rosebush 's, but not without putting up a fight. Kaden was in fact getting honest.

"Exploding Snap ?"Matt asked after blush wine and Kaden repaired their chessmen.

"Yeah, all right,"Albus agreed. The others nodded.

Albus ran up to his dorm to remember his Exploding Snap cards. As he returned, the portrait jam opened.

The stallion vernacular room froze and was silent. Not a single soul moved. Not a single person said a Logos. Even the beginning years, who had been tossing a Quaffle around, were still. Albus stood on the bed step to the hall and waited.

Bradley walked inside, followed by Cedric. Neither seemed overly excited, but that did n't mean that Percy had n't won. After all, they, like Albus, did n't really want Percy to be Minister, but they did n't want Laurentis as Minister either.

"well ?"James asked.

"Dad lost,"Tom Bradley said quietly. He whispered something to King James and then he turned and left the vulgar room, followed by Cedric.

Albus could n't believe it. He had n't realized it until now, but he truly had believed that Uncle Percy would win. He had the livelihood of Harry Potter. Did n't that signify anything anymore ?

Albus returned to his Quaker and set the box of cards down on the table. He sat down and did n't say a word.

"What does this mean value ?"Amanda asked quietly."Will she do everything she said she was going to do ?"

"That and probably worse, too,"Albus said.

James walked up to the table."Al, Rose, we 're all going to the Room of necessary. Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric want to give us Thomas More details."He glanced the balance of the group."Sorry, family only."

"We 'll see you later,"Albus said as he and Rose stood up.

Albus, St. James, and Rose walked to the elbow room of necessary in secretiveness. When they arrived they saw that the door was already there. They walked inside.

The rest of their cousin-german had already arrived. Albus took a seat on the conclusion remaining lounge and James and Rose sat on either face of him. cypher was speaking, so he glanced around and watched all of his cousins.

Bradley, Cedric, heather mixture, target, Ben, Fred, Hugo, Lily, James, rosiness, and Angie. And himself. They were the middle grouping of cousins. Not the previous, not the youngest, but the 1 in the centre, who never did anything first and never did anything last. They were n't the foremost to go to Hogwarts and they would n't be the death to graduate. They stood by each other, through the skilful and through the bad.

Omar Bradley and Cedric were n't seated. They were standing at the front end of the room, near its door. The entire room was decorated like the den in the tunnel, with mismatched furniture and organized chaos everywhere. Albus liked it.

"Well, Dad lost,"Bradley finally said."I already told you that ... but yeah. It was close. He only lost by a couple hundred suffrage.

"How did he take it ?"heather asked.

"Graciously,"Tom Bradley answered."Thanked everyone for their support and shook Laurentis 's deal, of course."

Albus was n't surprised. Uncle Hotspur had and always would be the prototype of a polite politician. But maybe that was n't enough to get elected.

"Is it terrible that I 'm happy he lost ?"Cedric asked as he squeezed onto the couch between James River and Albus."Because I am, kind of."

"Just a bit,"Heather said."What is Uncle Percy going to do now ? I doubt Laurentis will keep him on."

"I had n't even thought of that,"Thomas Bradley said.

Neither had Albus, but it made sense. Harry Hotspur was still employed by the Ministry, but his job was one of those jobs selected by the minister.

"He 's always worked for the Ministry,"Tom Bradley continued."I do n't mean he could do anything else."

The room descended into quiet. Nobody seemed to do it what to say, Albus included. His feelings on his uncle becoming minister had been all over the place for the past seven month, but now that Percy had actually lost, all Albus felt was dashing hopes. It was strange. Just last week he had been kind of hoping Percy would drop off, and now that he had, Albus felt the sodding opposite.

It was already past curfew for Lily, Hugo, and Angie, but nobody was telling them to go back to the common elbow room. Albus was vaguely rum about what was going on in the rough-cut room, but not odd enough to actually go back. Matt, John, Kaden, and Amanda would tell him later.

What Albus was really worried about, Sir Thomas More than anything, was what Laurentis was going to do to both the Ministry and Hogwarts. Laurentis had made it unclouded that she was going to change the schooling, but Albus liked it the way it was. Then there were the changes to the Ministry, such as the dementors. How long would it direct for Laurentis to wreak them back ? Surely she had to go through proper channel to do it.

James, Omar Nelson Bradley, and Cedric were the first to return to the uncouth room, claiming they had to pretend good on all the wager they 'd taken. Albus had a feeling all three of them were now slightly in debt. Albus and blush wine returned a few min later, leaving the balance of their cousin talking quietly in the Room of Requirement.

When they returned Matt, privy, and Kaden were playing Exploding Snap. Amanda was writing a letter.

"Who are you writing to ?"Rose asked.

"My uncle,"Amanda answered."I 've been keeping him updated on the election. He says he likes hearing it from me rather than waiting until the new minister of religion arrives to meet him."

"Your uncle meets the government minister of thaumaturgy ?"John the Divine asked.

"wellspring, yes,"Amanda said."The two humankind do have to coexist. Sometimes there are problems that affect both. Voldemort, for instance. And Hartwell personally told my uncle about the at large decease Eaters."

"That 's so uncanny,"John said.

"I told you about it earlier in the class,"Amanda pointed out."That 's the solely reason I got to go to Hogwarts. My parents changed their thinker at the live min and happened to mention it to my uncle, laughing about the fact that they 'd actually said I could go. And then my uncle told them it was all true."

"I wonder how often that happens,"Albus mused,"Muggleborns not being able to go to Hogwarts because their parents do n't believe."

Amanda shrugged."I 'm just favorable I was n't one of them."

"I think we all need a distraction,"Rose said and turned to Kaden, whose aspect was covered in ash."Deal out the cards again. Let 's play until we 're too tired."

Albus heartily agreed, and that was exactly what they did. Two time of day later, all of their faces ashen, they were finally tired. But when Albus climbed into bed, his mentation began racing and he found himself unable to sleep.


A/N : Sorry for the former update ! My birthday is tomorrow so I had booster up for the weekend and completely forgot. Thanks for all the reviews !


The next day 's edition of the Prophet was devoted entirely to election day and Laurentis 's win. The success did not storm anyone in Hogwarts since Bradley and Cedric had spread that as soon as they returned. Albus still read the intact front pageboy clause at breakfast and he was glad he did, because the article still held surprises.

LAURENTIS winnings ; Begin APPOINTING POSITIONS

In the closest airstream for Minister of Magic to
date, candidate Patricia Laurentis won the
attitude terminal Night. Polls closed at eight,
with the official success announced at a closed
company at the diplomatic minister 's residence at eight-thirty.
Laurentis won by a mere 342 votes, which is the
closest race we have ever seen.

'I am of course very proud of with this number of
case ,'Laurentis said at the Minister 's
mansion house after the promulgation was made .'I am
very excited to be sworn in as Minister of
conjuration on May first. I feel I will be capable to
give the public what they need, for they have
spoken and now it is my tariff to hold them what
I promised during my campaign. I of track
offer my condolence to Harry Hotspur Weasley. He truly
was a delight to run against over the yesteryear
seven months .'

'I offer my congratulations to my opponent ,'Hotspur
Weasley said to Daily prophet reporters at the
Minister 's Mansion. 'We both campaigned hard
and she won, fair and square. I am foiled,
of course, but I still congratulate her .'

Over the future month Laurentis will decide who
she wishes to name to top Ministry positions,
before she is sworn in as Minister of deception on
May first of this yr. Laurentis is wasting no
time with this, as she was seen at the Ministry
earlier this morning .'I already have multitude
picked out for almost positions ,'she said upon
questioning .'I will be keeping a few of the
current officials, but I will be replacing quite
a few in parliamentary procedure to dear unite the Ministry .'

One somebody has already confirmed his intentions
to take Laurentis up on her whirl of a position.
Ironically, he is set to take over Walker Percy Weasley 's
current status under Minister Hartwell .'I am
very pleased to annunciate that Draco Malfoy is
going to take the military position of elder
Undersecretary for the Drafting and redaction
of law. Draco Malfoy has been a friend of mine
for many years as we have worked together in the
Azkaban Division for nearly a ten. I am very
excited to continue working with him .'

Laurentis plans to declare the names of her
official as they confirm throughout the month.

"Malfoy 's dad ?"Albus exclaimed, in shock."Since when is he chummy with Laurentis ?"

"Malfoy never said a Holy Scripture,"flatness added, his eyes large.

"Of class he did n't,"rose wine said."We 're not exactly his friends."

"Wait, remember in Hogsmeade back in Oct ?"Albus replied."When he talked about how my crime syndicate wo n't be running the wizarding universe for long ? Not that my family has ever ran the wizarding mankind ... But he seemed to know something we didn't."

"This must be it,"privy said, staring at the paper."That 's a pretty top view, is n't it ?"

"instant highest for drafting laws,"rosiness said."given his relationship with Laurentis anything he drafts will most belike pass."

"And who knows what his views are,"Albus said, craning his cervix to see the Slytherin table."Malfoy 's over there. I ca n't quite see his expression, though."

"I 'm sure he 'll have something to say to you in Potions,"Amanda pointed out.

Albus had quite a few hours to await to find out just what exactly Malfoy would have to say to them. story of Magic, his first course of study of the day, was as dull as ever. Professor Binns showed absolutely no recognition that the election had taken place the previous day. Professor Patil was the complete opposite, making no move to embrace up her outrage at Laurentis 's win, which led her to blow up the desk she was attempting to metamorphose.

"Do you think Laurentis will actually have teachers sacked ?"John asked as they walked to the Great residence hall for lunch."Because if she does, Patil wo n't remain firm a chance."

Albus shook his head."Only if they 're really awful teachers. Umbridge sacked a few in my dad 's fifth year and I think people will be outraged if Laurentis does the same affair. Honestly, I think Binns and Thomas Young are the just ace in danger."

"Could you sack a ghost ?"toilet asked."I mean, where would he go ?"

"He 'd probably stick to around and still try to instruct,"Albus said."I ca n't think it would go over well."

"And Lester Willis Young ca n't get sacked,"toilet lamented."That 's where I do all my homework."

Albus secretly agreed, but did n't say anything because Rose snorted in disgust.

Malfoy was waiting outside the potions dungeon when Albus and his acquaintance arrived after lunch. Gone from his face was the unnerve and partially sad feel, replaced by Malfoy 's usual haughty smug. Clearly his dad getting a top Ministry position had changed something.

"Hey, Potter,"Malfoy greeted him."Congratulations to your uncle on his loss. Ca n't thank him enough for that."

"I 'll be sure to tell him,"Albus replied."He 'll be thrilled that he made a Malfoy felicitous. Must be Nice that your dad 's got some actual big businessman now."

"And yours wo n't receive any for long,"Malfoy said."Just another month."

"Nothing 's set for sure about the Auror Department,"Albus countered.

Malfoy laughed."I think I might know a bit more than you on that. Laurentis was over at my house for dinner last week."

"And you were here,"Albus said."You never mentioned that your dad 's friends with Laurentis."

"It never came up."

"wellspring now that you 're all happy again maybe you 'll actually depict up for this month 's dueling tournament ?"

That wiped the smirk off Malfoy 's case. He turned stony and took a measure closer to Albus."Do n't say a word about that. It 's none of your business."

"Touchy,"lavatory commented.

"Stuff it, Brickston. This does n't worry you. Your parents will hold force in the Ministry the day Hagrid adopts a pattern pet."

"We 'll see who 's got the top executive the minute one of your family winds up at St. Mungo 's,"John snapped.

Malfoy paled."Just shut up. The point is, my dad 's going to make a better position than yours."

"nobody cares what your dad does for a keep,"mat said.

"Nobody asked you. At least my dad does n't bring in his work home with him."Malfoy laughed.

John whipped out his wand."You always take it one too far, do n't you, Malfoy ?"

Malfoy took out his wand as well."I could say the same about you, Brickston."

"baton away, boys."

Albus turned and saw Professor Slughorn standing in the doorway. He breathed a suspiration of relief. The last matter trick needed was another detainment.

"Get inside. family is starting in one minute."

Both John and Malfoy were lucky they did n't get detention, Albus thought. Neither of them had thrown any hex, but a stricter instructor would 've handed out hold just for having their wands drawn. Not Slughorn, though. Albus got the sense that Slughorn did n't like handing out detainment, probably because that meant having to oversee them.
***


The following few days passed without anymore spot annunciation from Laurentis. In fact, it was a relatively smooth few days, especially when compared with the past tense seven months. For the first fourth dimension all yr, there was footling insurance coverage of the election, that is until they had political sympathies on Tuesday. At the end of the deterrent example, Embry reminded them of their inquiry essays on their representatives, an designation that had completely slipped Albus 's idea. It was due in two days.

Apparently, it had slipped lavatory and Matt 's minds as well. Rose and Amanda had been diligently working on theirs all week, only needing to write their conclusions. Amanda had even asked her uncle for help, devoting constituent of her essay to the similarities and conflict between the wizarding and Muggle political science.

"I guess we 'll be spending the evening in the library,"Albus said as they headed to the Great mansion for dinner."

"Dammit,"Matt muttered."I 'm going to have got to write the entire affair tonight. The full moon 's tomorrow."

"Usually you 're much better about remembering to do naming before that,"rose wine commented.

"I know, but with the election and everything, I forgot,"Matt said.

"But you 'll be missing family on Thursday,"John pointed out."So you can turn it in Tuesday and get four extra days."

"I 've never done that with long-term assignments,"Matt said."I do n't want to bug out now. Albus can turn it in, like usual."

"Let 's eat fast, then,"Albus said as they entered the Great Hall.

"Hey, Amanda, want to film a walk around the lake before we write our closing ?"Rose asked."The weather 's so prissy tonight we might as well take advantage."

"Of course of instruction !"Amanda agreed."Ca n't let that go to waste."

"Oh, shut up,"Albus muttered.

Forty-five minute later Albus, lusterlessness, whoremaster, and Kaden had taken over one of the larger table in the depository library. Kaden had joined them since he had a Transfiguration essay due the next day and fortune telling prognostication to do. Albus was considering hexing two foremost years at the table next to them who kept giggling, if Madam Pince did n't get to them first. He wished that one of his protagonist lived in his dominion ; it would pass water this so much prosperous.

Albus did birth a distinct advantage over both lusterlessness and John, in that his representative was far more well-known than theirs. Oliver Prang, who had been serving the North London district, was on his fourth consecutive term, which amounted to over fifteen years. That was More than Albus 's entire animation. Greater London in itself was a locating that required far More attending than other surface area of the state, which resulted in far more information being available on it. privy was able to site a honest amount of money of selective information on his representative, Nadine Abernathy, but matte, since he lived in one of the most remote area of England, had trouble locating information on Marcus Whitby.

"doe this bloke even exist ?"flatness asked as he looked through the very last archived copy of the Prophet that was published during Whitby 's one terminus."Oh, here we go. Lovely. Now I know he exists. Here 's a sentence that mentions he won the election. And of course he won. He did n't have any opponents."Matt groaned and banged his foreland repeatedly on the mesa."This is hopeless."

"You 've still got all the minutes from Wizengamot encounter,"Albus said, pointing to the three gravid scores of theme in the middle of the table. He really did feel bad for Matt, though. It was bad enough having to do a newspaper like this, but having to do it when the full lunation was only two 24-hour interval away ?

"I could probably just take stuff and nonsense up,"lustrelessness said as he took the top few varlet."I mean, honestly, could Embry possibly know anything about Marcus Whitby ? It 's the least densely populated territory in all of England."

"Embry probably knows everything about everyone,"John said."There. I 've got my intro. bet at it this way. Your bloke 's only been in spot for a year. So you 've got far less satiate to front through. It wo n't consider as long."

"But if there is n't anything, then that does n't help,"flatness muttered."Have you even learn anything ?"

"A bit."John shrugged."Nadine Abernathy 's on her second terminal figure, so there 's not as often as Albus has got. But I read enough to save the intro. Now I 'll read a bit more."

"You have a eldritch way of doing research."

Albus glanced up and saw that Rose and Amanda had returned, bags in hand. They sat down and pulled out their own essays, which looked very long.

Matt tossed the composition he 'd been looking at onto his rejection pile, which was so topsy-turvy that Madam Pince would probably ingest a centre attack if she saw it. He then let out a loud sigh and put his head teacher in his hands.

"Could you please call for pity on him ?"Albus asked Rose.

rosiness looked up from her essay."I told you. You 're all doing this yourselves."

"His representative has only been in office for a class,"Albus explained."And the only affair he 's found is one sentence in a Prophet from a year ago saying he won the election, which was against nobody. And the full Moon is tomorrow."

"Please, Rose ?"matt asked, picking his head up to look at her. His face was flushed and he looked very frustrated.

"Your parents should 've moved somewhere less remote,"Kaden commented.

"They wanted to be in the heart of nowhere,"Matt said flatly."They did n't want neighbors."

Rose sighed."Fine. But only because you look so pitiful. And mine was pretty hard, too, because my territorial dominion is also remote. Just let me complete my conclusion."

"Lucky,"whoremaster muttered."I do n't suppose you 'd help-"

"Absolutely not, John Brickston,"Rose said and lowered her voice."As soon as you turn into a wolf once a month I 'll help oneself you with your procrastination."

Albus turned back to his own essay and over the side by side four hours managed to get it half done. He did n't cogitate it was very honest, but it was progress. Saint John the Apostle was about halfway done as well, so the two of them decided to call in it a dark. John settled in to aid Kaden with his fake fortune telling predictions. Matt was still working on his, with much coaching from rosebush.

"Did you rule anything ?"Albus asked.

"A bit,"rosiness said."It 's not often. This bloke seriously has n't done anything. He 's hardly mentioned in any of these minutes."

mat yawned."How tenacious does this own to be again ?"

"A foot,"rose answered."You 've got another four inches to go."

"It 's nearly ten,"Albus mentioned."The depository library is going to close and we 've already missed curfew."

The library was now only filled with twenty percent through seventh years. It was certainly quieter.

"We should probably eat up in the common room, then,"rosebush said.

"I do n't guess I can,"Matt said."Too pall. I 'll complete it tomorrow since I 'll probably skip afternoon classes anyway."

The radical packed up their things and walked quickly back to the vernacular room. By some stroke of portion they managed to invalidate the prefects and did n't get any detention from being out after curfew.

"No mandatory curfew tomorrow,"Kaden commented as they entered the unwashed elbow room.

"With Greyback caught they do n't require to do it anymore,"Albus pointed out.

"Thank God,"lustrelessness replied."He wo n't be lurking around tomorrow."

"I just hope your dad was capable to help those parents with the two tiddler,"rose wine said.

"He 'll probably go do the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward himself,"mat said."At least for this month. And I 'm sure they 've got Wolfsbane this month."

Albus nodded. It was going to be a better full Moon for everyone involved.
***


Albus, Matt, and John managed to get their essays done in sentence and turned in on Thursday. The full moon was relatively formula, as fully moons go, without any report card of werewolf attacks. matt wound up in the hospital wing for two wide days, having resorted to chewing on himself since the Wolf no longer had the distraction of Greyback outside. But Albus had a feeling lustrelessness preferred it that way. Limnodromus griseus 's presence was just too creepy and too unknown.

A few 24-hour interval after the replete synodic month James returned to the plebeian room fuming. Albus raised his eyebrows at his brother as he straightened a stilt of career pamphlets that had once again appeared on the unwashed way tables.

St. James stomped over to Albus 's table, pulled up a chair, and squeezed himself between Albus and mat."life history advice,"he muttered.

"Did you just have it ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, with Longbottom,"James said."Neville always seemed so nice when we were little and even in class he 's easily the sound professor here. But for life history advice ? He 's terrible !"

"Well, what did you lecture about ?"

"Careers."

rosiness snorted."Obviously."

"He wants me to piece something now. I do n't love what I want to do with my life. I 'm only 16 for God 's sake !"

"I think you have to pick something so you can pick your N.E.W.T. stratum next year,"rose explained."Otherwise the teachers do n't do it what to put you in."

"I know that,"Henry James snapped."But I do n't want to do anything that 's going to require freight of N.E.W.T.s. I want to play Quidditch."

Rose laughed."He did n't like that ?"

"No,"St. James the Apostle muttered."So I told him about Georgia. And then he said that it 's not very common to be drafted by a pro squad and that even Georgia had a back-up plan. That 's news to me. As far as I know she 's wanted to flirt Quidditch her whole life."

"She was going to design brooms,"rosiness said."Still might, after she 's done with Quidditch. Why do n't you do that ?"

"Neville suggested it. But it requires Arithmancy most of the time and I have n't even done O.W.L. Arithmancy. I just want to learn the bare lower limit of N.E.W.T.s and get done with it."

"And of course Neville did n't like that,"rose said."Honestly, Epistle of James, just pick something."

"But I ca n't !"James said as he picked up a push-down stack of tract."Look at these. goblin link, Gringott 's Counterfeit Coin Checker, security system round Trainer. They 're all idle boring."

"There 's loads of job in the Ministry and St. Mungo 's,"Rose said.

James snorted."No one would require me as their Healer."

Albus had to agree with that. James had about the Lapplander ability to pore as a trolling."Hey, you could train security trolls."

"I said that 's oil production. And I do n't need to work for the Ministry. Not now that Laurentis has won. Just you lot waiting. You 'll feature to go through this side by side year."

"I already know what I want to do,"Rose said."I 'm going to be a therapist, specializing in psychiatry."

"Of course you do,"James IV muttered.

"If it makes you experience better, mate, I 've no theme what I want to do,"Gospel According to John said.

"Me either,"Kaden agreed.

"You 're a third year,"James said flatly."It does n't matter that you do n't be intimate what you want to do. What about you, Al ?"

Albus shrugged. He had n't thought much about careers since the premature yr when Balladanis told him he could be a Presuler. The idea was very enticing, but he did n't want to severalise anyone else about it.

"I suppose it does n't matter. The N.E.W.T.s I take are going to reckon on which O.W.L.s I actually pass."

"If you 'd discontinue complaining and start studying you 'd make it Thomas More of them,"rosebush pointed out.

"I suppose you 're ripe,"James River said as he stood up."Guess I 'll go to the library."

"James, wait !"rose wine shouted as St. James neared the portrait golf hole."Forgetting anything ?"

Saint James glanced down."Oh, right. Books."

St. James the Apostle ran up to his dormitory and returned with his bag a minute later. Grinning at Albus and the others, he left the vernacular room.

"I swear, I 'm not sure how we 're related,"blush wine muttered.

"You 're telling me,"Albus replied."You 're still set on the therapist thing ?"

"More than ever,"rosebush said."It is Wyrd, knowing exactly what I want to do this early."

"You 're like my sister,"lusterlessness pointed out."You two really are alike. It 's kind of weird."

"I like your sister,"rose said."So I 'll have that as a compliment. What about you ? Do you cognize what you want to do ?"

Matt laughed and picked up the Gringott 's booklet."Considering that werewolves are n't going to be changed from beast to organism anytime soon, I do n't think I 'm going to give birth many choices to foot from."

"You never know,"rose wine said."Who knows what will fall out between now and when we graduate. matter could change."

"Still, it 's dubious,"flatness said, turning to Amanda."Amanda ? You were awfully quiet when James was here."

"It 's severe not to be. He 's rather loud himself. I 'm not sure. I think I want to do something in the Ministry, though. I want to micturate a difference."

"Excellent,"Matt said."You can shift everyone 's minds about changing the werewolf classification."

Amanda smiled."You never know. It 's crossed my mind a few times."

"I just want to brew potions for a support,"Kaden announced as he leafed through the brochure.

"You 're insane,"John said."You seem so convention, otherwise. But seriously, cipher enjoys potions."

"You can do that,"Matt said."You can turn a Brewer. My Sister 's doing that along with her Healing degree."

Kaden 's eyes grew large."wait, really ? That 's a actual career ?"

Matt nodded."Not everyone can brew potions, so they need people to brew them for them. You can exercise at St. Mungo 's and brew healing potions or you could work for a society and brew potions to sell."

"kind of like a pill pusher, I suppose,"Amanda replied.

"Exactly,"Rose said.

"Brilliant."Kaden grinned."James will hate me now. Third year and I know what I 'm doing."

Albus laughed."You could transfer your mind."

Kaden shrugged."I suppose so."

Albus did n't really want to think about what they would do after Hogwarts. It was three geezerhood away. He 'd rather enjoy the present, but Rose had always been the somebody to look to the hereafter. She fantasized about their Hogwarts days when they were only six and now, she was fantasizing about what they 'd do after. Albus had never been the character to do that. There would be plenty of time for the hereafter in the future.


A/N : Thanks for all the brushup ! For those of you who read Beyond the Shadow, it made it through to the voting beat of the Dobbys ! head over to the forums to vote for it. It was nominated in the Best OC category.


April went by quickly, as it usually did. The weather turned from chilly and windy to warm up and rainy, resulting in Thomas More than one muddy Quidditch practice. Albus did n't beware the mud as much as he minded the length of the practices. Both Fred and ling seemed determined to win the Quidditch Cup now that it was their 7th yr. They had n't won it yet, in all their years at Hogwarts. Albus wanted to win, too, but not enough that he enjoyed practicing for five minute straight.

When he was n't on the pitch, nearly of Albus 's time was spent at dueling practice. The final exam match of the year was on the last Saturday in Apr and Albus 's squad was still in the running for a win of the stallion tournament. They had n't won a 1 match, but they were routinely in 2nd berth by only a few points. The teams that had gotten initiatory place never did that well in other tournaments, resulting in their overall point total being quite low.

When the last Sat in Apr arrived, far sooner than Albus would 've liked, he found himself incredibly unquiet. He was n't unquiet at all about his duels, but he was nervous for the squad. This was it. It was his finally tournament in the Junior Dueling Tournament. His close probability to bear witness himself as captain and clear a spot on Gryffindor 's dueling squad next class.

All four chieftain of the menage dueling teams were salute at this tournament because they would be paw selecting players for their teams next yr. Unlike Quidditch, there were no try-outs for the dueling tournament.

"Last tournament being on Malfoy 's team,"Amanda commented as Malfoy dueled a little girl from Ravenclaw.

"Thank God,"Albus muttered. He could n't look until he no longer had Malfoy on his team."At least he 's acting normally today."

"At least he showed up,"Amanda pointed out.

"Point to Malfoy !"Neville shouted."Albus Potter and flatness Eckerton."

Albus groaned inwardly. He always felt awful when he had to duel lusterlessness because their skill layer were so drastically dissimilar. At the same time he did n't want to go soft on his booster because the Gryffindor team captain was watching.

Albus and Matt bowed to each former and raised their wands. Albus thought a silent apology as he shot a sweetheart at his best friend. Matt dodged it and sent one spine. Albus threw up a buckler and then sent three consecutive sweetheart. The thirdly one made contact and mat collapsed onto the floor, frozen.

"Point to mess around !"Neville declared. He waved his wand at Matt and the spell lifted.

"Sorry, spouse,"Albus said as he helped Matt up.

"Do n't be,"Matt replied."You 're definitely getting on the team next year."

Albus won his second affaire d'honneur as well. His team continued to win well-nigh of their affaire d'honneur, with some of his mate winning their first duel ever. Amanda had begun a count of all the points on a spare bit of sheepskin and their team was winning, with only a few affaire d'honneur left to go.

Kaden wound up dueling one of the Ravenclaws from Albus 's team during the last duel of the day. Kaden lost spectacularly, which Albus was both happy and disordered about.

A few transactions later Neville stepped into the center of one of the dueling halo."I am pleased to announce that we have a victor of both today 's tourney and the year 's tournament overall. Congratulations to team Seven for winning both today and the tourney overall ! chieftain Albus Potter, please occur forward to accept the trophy."

Albus was momentarily stunned, until Amanda nudged him. The entire Great Hall was applauding as he stepped over to the dueling band. They 'd done it ! After a year, they 'd finally done it !

Albus shook Neville 's hired man while a Hufflepuff took their picture. The trophy was a bit smaller than the Quidditch Cup, but certainly not small-scale by any means. After a few more pictures were taken, including one shot of the full team, Albus joined Amanda and the two of them walked back to the rough-cut room.

"When will you find out if you got on Gryffindor 's dueling team ?"she asked as they walked.

"Not until the summer,"Albus said."They send out letters."

"You 're pretty much guaranteed a topographic point, after that win,"Amanda said."Malfoy, too, probably. And then you 'll get to duel each other."

"I 'm looking forward to that,"Albus said."Just a bit."

"Me, too,"Amanda agreed.

Albus 's admirer were waiting in the rough-cut room when he and Amanda arrived. They offered felicitation and Butterbeer, which Albus drank quickly before heading outside for Quidditch practice.

Later that Night, between his happiness about the win and exhaustion from Quidditch practice, Albus slept honest than he had in month.
***


In April 's net remaining days the Daily prophesier published at least one article a day on Laurentis and her upcoming swearing-in ceremony, as well as her picks for top officials. Albus had n't recognized any names of the functionary, or the names of their line. Mostly they were Book of Job such as the one his Uncle Sir Henry Percy held under curate Hartwell. Laurenits, as it seemed, was waiting until she became Minister to reveal the big status, such as Albus 's dad 's billet.

The Gryffindor table was unusually quiet the morning of May first. Albus, along with all his cousin-german, were n't saying a Christian Bible. Albus was thinking of his uncle Percy and how this should 've been his day, not Laurentis 's, and he was sure his cousins were thinking the same.

"I wish one of us could go to her ceremony,"Amanda said as she read the Prophet."It 's not going to be the Sami reading about it tomorrow."

"I heard they 're listening to it on the wireless in politics today,"St. John said."indirect request we had it today. That would be much honorable than having actual class."

"I just want to know if my dad 's out of a job,"Albus said.

"Will he be completely sacked ?"Kaden asked.

"No. He just would n't be caput Auror anymore,"Albus answered."It 'd still be awful, though."

"Saame here,"Matt agreed."Amy said that Dad 's really nervous about it."

"What time is it happening ?"rose wine asked.

"Ten-thirty,"Amanda said after consulting the paper.

"Right after history of Magic,"rose wine mused."So you lot will have got upkeep of Magical Creatures and I 'll induce Arithmancy. Is anyone else thinking that we should break out Uncle George 's best-selling Cartesian product this morning ?"

Albus thought he heard her wrong. Was his first cousin actually suggesting they skip division ?

"Wait, rosebush,"John said."Are you saying we should skive off year ?"

rose wine grinned."I think this is going to be a bit more educational. I say we skive and sports meeting in the Marauder 's Den to listen on the wireless."

"I 'm in,"Albus said immediately. lavatory, Matt, Amanda, and Kaden agreed.

"We 've got to design it carefully, though,"Rose said."We ca n't all get ill at the same time or it 'll look suspicious."

"I 've got a free period of time starting at ten-fifteen,"Kaden said."So I 'm all set."

pink wine nodded."That leaves five of us. Matt, do you accept an topic with skipping all of History of conjuration ?"

matt laughed."Of class not."

"Good. I think you ought to just skive off without using a Skiving Snackbox. No one will mistrust anything."

"Aw, why ca n't I do that ?"John the Divine asked.

"Because if someone finds out and asks it 'll be easier for Matt go just say he felt ill, rather than you. I 'll use a epistaxis nougat in Arithmancy since I 'm the only if one of us in that year. Al, Gospel According to John, Amanda, two of you can use something in History of magic and then the other one can use something right at the beginning of guardianship of Magical beast. We meet in the Marauder 's Den by ten-thirty."

With the architectural plan decided upon, they set off for their morning category. toilet begged to be the one who used a disgorgement troche first in History of deception and Albus and Amanda let him. He seemed strangely excited about it. Albus was just going to use the fever fudge.

Professor Binns began droning on about the titan war, a topic he seemed to enjoy for some reason. He taught it each and every year without fail. Albus doodled aimlessly on his tone while taking surreptitious glances at John every so often.

"Um, professor ?"John announced ten minutes into the class.

Binns turned around, looking confused. It was rarefied that anyone ever interrupted him."Yes, Mr. Broggs ?"

"I do n't find well-"whoremonger was cut off by his own disgorgement. His table was now covered with a slew of puke.

"Yes, yes, off to the hospital,"Binns said as he returned his attention to the blackboard.

John hastily shoved the other end of the Henry Sweet into his mouth and vanished the vomit before grabbing his bag ( which he never unpacked ), and left the room.

Amanda was next. She, like Albus, went the safe route and had decided upon the fever fudge. Professor Binns hardly seemed to discover that she felt ill, despite her announcing it to the course. He just waved her out and continued his speech. Albus could 've probably used his own febricity fudge right then and there, but he did n't think it was Worth the small endangerment.

Albus decided to eat the febrility fudge on his way to attention of Magical puppet so he could leave immediately after arriving. The Marauder 's Den was quite a walk from Hagrid 's hut and he did n't want to lack any of the ceremony.

He felt the effects of the fudge before even reaching Hagrid 's Hut. He had n't had a fever in years and had forgotten just how fearsome they were.

"Hagrid ?"Albus asked as soon as he arrived.

"Albus !"Hagrid exclaimed."How are yeh ?"

"Not good,"Albus answered."I feel ill."

Hagrid 's face fell."Yeh don'expression so well. wagerer go see Madam Pomfrey."

Albus nodded and turned around, walking quickly up the itinerary. Once he was out of sight of Hagrid, he shoved the early one-half of the feverishness fudge into his mouth and felt immediately better. He 'd done it !

By the sentence he arrived at the predator 's Den it was nearly ten-thirty. The rest of his protagonist were already there, huddled around a very old looking wireless.

"Albus !"Rose exclaimed."Nearly thought you would n't make it !"

"I practically ran here,"Albus said as he tossed his bag onto the floor and took a seat side by side to his cousin.

"Shhh !"Amanda said."It 's starting !"

"good break of the day, listeners. We are broadcasting survive from court Ten in the Ministry of Magic, where just minutes from now Patricia Laurentis will be sworn in as curate of Magic for the United Kingdom. It is standing elbow room only in the court, with extra looker in the corridor."

Suddenly there was deafening clapping, drowning out the commentator 's vocalism. It died down a few minutes later.

"Patricia Laurentis has entered the courtroom. She is making her way down the gangway, greeting people on her way.

"Minister Hartwell, along with penis of the Wizengamot are seated on the dais. Three aged phallus of the Wizengamot will depose Laurentis in."

Thomas More applause. Then a new representative. Albus recognized it as Minister Hartwell.

"Welcome to the Ministry of magic. It has been my pleasure to attend to you over the past ten twelvemonth. I 'd like to take a here and now to thank my party, Merlinus, for their support over the past decade, as well as all of my top functionary and the rest of the Ministry employees. I 'll observe this poor and just say that I am going to overlook serving you, but I have to intromit that both my wife and I are looking forward to taking a nice, tenacious holiday."

laugh, followed by applause.

"Thank you, Minister Hartwell,"somebody else said. Albus assumed it was one of the Wizengamot member."Ms. Laurentis, if you would please ill-treat forward."There was a pause."Please repetition after me. I do hereby support to suffice the United Kingdom-"

"I do hereby affirm to serve up the United Kingdom-"

"-to the best of my ability-"

"-to the best of my ability-"

"-and keep to the ideals of the Theophrastus Philippus Aureolus Bombastus von Hohenheim party-"

"-and keep to the nonsuch of the Theophrastus Philippus Aureolus Bombastus von Hohenheim party-"

"I swear to listen to the people and do what is best for them-"

"I swear to listen to the people and do what is best for them-"

"-regardless of whether it is best for myself or the Ministry."

"-regardless of whether it is best for myself or the Ministry."

"I hereby declare Patricia Laurentis as the third Minister of Magic post-War as of the first of May, 2020, at eleven o'clock in the first light. Ms. Laurentis, congratulations. Please receive your new minister of religion of Magic, Patricia Laurentis !"

There was a smattering of civilised applause, much tranquil than the old applause for Hartwell. Albus supposed it was a serious social function and no one wanted to look too ecstatic.

"That was nimble,"Albus said.

"She 's going to take a shit a voice communication now,"Rose said."Shhh."

"Thank you,"Laurentis said as the clapping died down."It is an honor to be standing before you as your Minister of thaumaturgy. I would like to set out by thanking the Theophrastus Philippus Aureolus Bombastus von Hohenheim political party for nominating me as prospect and supporting me throughout my successful campaign-"

"Does she really necessitate to say it was a successful campaign ?"John asked."I mean, it 's obvious that it was successful."

"Shut up !"Rose said.

"-without your support I would never feature made it this far. I hope I am capable to hold up up to the high first moment set by you and curate Hartwell. I am sure you are all anxious to hear who I am appointing to straits of Department positions in the Ministry, so I wo n't waste any time getting to that."

Albus 's affection sped up. He glanced up and met Matt 's regard. matte looked just as spooky as Albus felt.

"First, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I am delight to foretell that Tethys Balladanis will be taking over for other Head, Reena Barnes."

"What ? !"Albus exclaimed."Did I hear her right ?"

"Balladanis ?"Rose shouted at the Sami time."But he did n't even like the Ministry, did he ?"

"He said it was too restrictive,"Albus said."I guess he likes Laurentis."

Matt groaned."That means he 's going to be around all the time. Not here, but this country."

"I definitely did n't see that one coming,"King John said.

"Laurentis, Balladanis, Malfoy 's dad ..."Amanda mused.

"Shh !"Albus said."I heard her say Auror Department."

"-Robert Johnson will be replacing Harry Potter as headland of the Auror Department-"

There was an hearable pant from the hearing. Albus sat stunned, processing the information. office of him had been expecting this, but now that it had actually happened, it was still a shock. It was very similar to the election results.

"I understand that this is a controversial option, but I feel that the Ministry needs to be a united front. I assure you that Robert Johnson is an excellent Auror and will make a wonderful Head of Department."

Albus tuned the wireless out once Laurentis went on to the department of Magical Transportation. He could try his heart throb in his school principal and the quietus of the humans seemed so far away. It was almost surreal.

"Albus ?"Rose asked."Are you all right ?"

"I do n't make love,"Albus said."She 's insane, right ?"

"Honestly, Albus, I 'm not surprised,"blush wine said quietly."And your dad still has a job."

"But it 's the statement she made by doing it,"Amanda pointed out."She 's implying that he 's bad at his job."

"Exactly,"Albus said, glad that Amanda was able to put into words what he felt."First Uncle Sir Henry Percy lost and now this."

"-Walter Eckerton will remain head of the section for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures-"

"Thank God !"Matt exclaimed.

"Good,"Albus said."At least there 's mortal sane still in a Head position."

Albus only paid wispy attention to the eternal rest of the annunciation. He did n't recognize anyone, except for Malfoy 's dad when Laurentis reiterated that appointee. One thing was clear by the end, and that was no one in Albus 's family line was in any of the Head placement.

rose wine switched the wireless off at the end of Laurentis 's words. The hotshot doing the broadcast was interviewing a few people, but they were n't anyone of smashing importance.

"Do you want to go to lunch ?"Rose asked after a few minutes.

"Yeah, I suppose so,"Albus said as he stood up.

It was top that Son had spread when Albus and his protagonist reached the Great Hall. Whichever class had had political relation during the speech must 've shared the news with the intact castle, because everyone stared at Albus as he walked in. He did n't make eye contact lens with anyone and made a beeline for the Gryffindor board, where he sat down side by side to James.

"So you heard,"James said quietly.

"I skived off course of instruction to hear live,"Albus explained."She wants a unite ministry. What a onus of dragon dung."

"This is bad,"James II said."This is really bad."

"She 's replaced more official than any parson, ever,"Rose commented."She only kept three."

"I still have no idea why she kept my dad,"flatness replied."I mean, I 'm beaming she did, but it does n't make any sense."

"zip she 's doing makes a bit of sense,"Albus muttered."But I guess mass must wish her. She got elected."

"But now that she 's elected she can constitute who she wants,"Amanda said."I do n't think anyone actually thought she 'd replace your dad. I 've only been in the wizarding mankind for four years and even I know that everyone loves your dad."

That 's what Albus had always thought, too. He hated the fact that he was always in the spotlight because of it, but it was a perpetual. It was rule for him. Now, he did n't have a go at it what to think.

"Look,"Amanda said as she pointed to the staff table."I do n't guess the teachers expected it, either."

Albus glanced up. Every single professor was cryptical in conversation, some even ignoring their food for thought. Neville in particular looked stunned and disconcert. None of them looked happy.

Albus 's own home was still empty and he had no desire to satisfy it. For as long as he could remember his dad had been pass of the Auror Department, a job that he loved. Being the man who defeated Voldemort had given him an aura of being the ultimate Auror, something that had stayed with him for over twenty long time. Now, so many years later, it seemed to Albus that it was wearing off.

It was May first, 2020, almost exactly 23 years after his dad had defeated Voldemort. Albus thought it was slightly ironic that this had happened almost to the day, 23 years later.

Albus looked around at his companion Gryffindors. He knew that Sir Thomas More than a few of them had voted for Laurentis, and therefore most likely supported her decision to supplant his dad as Head of the Auror department. Not everyone was talking in whisper, with worried expressions. A few chemical group were laughing, like they did n't have a care in the world. Either they just did n't care about Laurentis 's determination, or they supported it. The thought was very unsettling. Laurentis herself was unsettling to Albus, and the more he thought about it, the more he did n't like that she was now the Minister of Magic. He did n't wish it at all.


A/N : Thanks for all the cover girl reviews !


The following week brought a sight of clause stating and re-stating everything Laurentis said in that first speech. A list of the new Ministry officials was printed multiple times. Albus found the editorials more matter to than the factual article, mostly because there were quite a few proclaiming how stupid it was of Laurentis to give the sack Harry Potter. However, it was n't until nearly a week after Laurentis officiall became diplomatic minister that an article completely captured Albus 's aid was published.

DEMENTORS TO tax return TO AZKABAN ;
HOGWARTS TO SEE change

Newly elected Minister of Magic
Patricia Laurentis officially signed
the law that will play Azkaban back
under the command of the dementors
late concluding nighttime. Laurentis hopes
to consume the dementors back by late
next week. 'This has been a goal
of mine for years and I am very
glad that it is finally happening.
The wizarding world will be far
safer now that our felon will
be guarded once more by dementors .'

bringing the dementors back to Azkaban
is the first of many modification the new
minister will be enacting over the
side by side few weeks. Laurentis 's next
programme is to ordain variety at Hogwarts.
'Over the next few calendar week I will be
sending voice from the
Department of Magical Education to
observe each professor. Each
prof will be required to accede
their syllabus to the illustration
as well .'Professors planning on
retiring at the end of this year
will be nontaxable from this necessity,
as no variety will submit place before
the end of term.

"Well, she 's done it,"Albus said as he set the article down."A week from now Azkaban will have dementors."

"Mad,"Amanda muttered."She 's mad !"

"And she 's sending people to observe the instructor,"Albus said.

Amanda grabbed the article from Albus and scanned it quickly."Are any of them retiring ?"

"I did n't mean so,"Albus said."But a few of them are quite old."

As if on cue, Professor Kendrick stood up."May I have your attention ? Thank you. almost of you, I am sure, have read the vaticinator. Over the next few calendar week every professor will be observed during one of his or her socio-economic class. I ask you all to ignore the representative and go about class as if they were n't there. That is how the Ministry will trump get an understanding of how matter work at Hogwarts. Now, prof Slughorn has an proclamation to make."

professor Slughorn stood, although he was so brusque that it hardly made a departure. He looked a bit unquiet and Albus got the feeling that he rarely ever addressed the entire bookman body at once.

"Yes, thank you, Professor Kendrick,"Slughorn said."I just wanted to narrate you all at once that I am going to hit the sack at the end of full term. I 've enjoyed my time at Hogwarts, but it 's high time I retire for good."

"Ten Galleons says he decided to retire after finding out he had to submit his syllabus to the Ministry,"Rose whispered after Slughorn sat back down.

"I 'm sure you 're right,"Albus agreed."Dad said he did n't even want to come back when our parents were in school."

"What about Young ?"Kaden asked."He doesn't even have a curriculum."

Albus burst out laughing."I had n't even thought of that. Bet he gets sacked."

"So that 'll be two new professor next year,"John said.

Rose groaned."And in our O.W.L. year, too."

"Do n't say that word !"James, who was sitting about five seats down from rosiness, shouted.

rose raised her eyebrows."What word ?"

"O.W.L,"James River said with a shudder."They 're only a month away."

"speculation you should 've started studying earlier,"Rose said.

"Shut up,"James muttered.

James was n't the only when one to have forgotten about O.W.L.s amidst all the election news. There seemed to be more frantic studying than usual, and not just from the fifth and 7th age. The intact castle had neglected to study for their end-of-term exams. Later that Nox Albus, trick, blush wine, Amanda, and Kaden joined the throngs of the great unwashed vying for mesa in the library in rescript to mug up in as much studying as possible. mat could n't join them, as it was the full moon.

However, Albus had a hard meter concentrating. His every sentiment was focused on the dementors in Azkaban or his dad 's job or the Ministry example at Hogwarts. rose wine, Amanda, and even Kaden were focusing on their studying. John the Divine was playing with his quill. Suddenly, he stood up.

"Kaden ?"he asked."Think now would be a good prison term ?"

Kaden grinned, setting down his Holy Writ."Yeah, I think so."

"We 'll see you lot later,"John the Evangelist said as Kaden got up."Do n't ask."

"That was weird,"Rose said once the two son left.

"It 's probably their prank,"Albus pointed out.

Rose groaned."They 're right. I do n't want to know."

Albus had assumed that this would be a trick that would make itself known right away, as about of bathroom and Kaden 's trick worked that way. But by the next morning things seemed perfectly mulct at Hogwarts. The Slytherins'fuzz was still normal colors and everything seemed calm down and lull. Saint John and Kaden kept grinning at each early, so Albus was certainly they 'd done something.

It took another full day for things to pick up. Albus first noticed it at breakfast, when some of the Slytherins seemed a bit uncertain. They were squirming in their seats and did n't seem able to sit still. But it was only a few of them.

Albus raised his eyebrows questioningly at John and Kaden.

"Should we tell him ?"lavatory asked.

"Oh, I suppose now we could,"Kaden said as he leaned over to Albus."Itching powder in their laundry. The house-elves are very helpful with pranks."

Albus started laughing."Seriously ?"

Kaden nodded."Completely untraceable and the upshot wo n't all add up at once. It all depends on when they send their laundry out."

"That 's mastermind,"Albus said. John and Kaden 's pranks were most definitely improving over the age.

"What 's superstar ?"

Albus looked up from his breakfast to see matte nudging a first class over so that he could sit down in next to John.

"Madam Pomfrey let you out ?"Albus asked.

Matt nodded."Yeah, I think she wanted me to stay longer, but I told her I needed to meditate. Why are these two geniuses ?"

"We did our prank on the Slytherins,"John the Divine explained and then lowered his voice."Itching pulverization in their laundry. The house-elves helped."

"Okay, that is pretty awesome,"Matt said."You wo n't get caught, either."

"Nope, it 's not probably,"toilet said."So, what should we do today ?"

"Study."

Albus looked up once more than and saw that this metre rosebush and Amanda had appeared, both heavily ladened down with books and stacks of parchment. They wore identical looks of determination.

"You 're all studying. All day,"Rose continued."examination are in a month and none of us are prepared. The election happened, it sucked, but it 's over. zippo can be done. Albus, you 've been moping about your dad 's job for a week. John, Kaden, I 'm determined that you do well this twelvemonth. lusterlessness, the full-of-the-moon moon is over. All four of you are studying from now until exams."

"Aw, rose wine, c'mon-"

"No,"Rose said."Studying. All of you. Amanda and I are going to get a board in the library and we expect all of you there in xv minutes."

Rose and Amanda left in a fanfare of parchment and books, leaving Albus and the other male child to stare at each other open-mouthed. Albus knew his full cousin was very faculty member and placed a heights value on her own education, but never before had she staged an intercession for his studying.

"She 's lost her mind,"John said."If she 's like this now, what will happen next year for O.W.L.s ?"

"Do n't say that word !"Henry James shouted from down the table.

"I suppose we have n't got a choice, do we ?"lustrelessness asked as he shoved his eggs into his mouth."shit, I only just got back."

That was genuine, Albus thought. He and his friends quickly finished their breakfast and hurried up to the library, realizing once they arrived that they did n't consume any of their leger. They ran up to their dormitories to retrieve them and made it to the program library five minutes later than rose insisted they be there.

Rose and Amanda had shoved two tables together and had spread all their books out over them. gentlewoman Pince was sitting behind the circulation desk, looking at them curiously, as if she could not remember a time someone had frequented the library that early. The rest of the tables were deserted.

"What 's with the extra chair ?"Albus asked as he dumped his Holy Scripture onto the table."There 's only six of us."

"Oh, that 's for Elsie,"rosiness said as she set parchment down at each tooshie.

"As in Elsie Willinson ?"Albus replied.

"Yes, that 's the alone Elsie we know,"rose wine said."She needs aid studying and I 'm her tutor."

"But she 's Felix Willinson 's sister,"John pointed out.

"And she needs service, John,"rosiness said with a suspiration."I 've been tutoring her all year and I 'm not going to stop over now."

lustrelessness nudged John."It 's not a bad thing. Maybe she 'll distinguish us what her brother and Malfoy have been up to all year."

Albus had n't thought of that. Of course, Rose had n't had any luck getting Elsie to talk all class, so prospect were slim that he and the former son would have achiever.

"Honestly, you lot are far too focused on Malfoy,"rose wine said."You 've hardly studied all yr. Just sit down and commence reviewing transfiguration. I 've made discipline template for every national. You should have them at your spots."

Albus picked a seat and sat down. rosiness was organized to the head of insanity. There were in fact study templet for every discipline, organized chronologically, from September until May. Albus was suddenly very grateful for his cousin, despite her obvious insanity. This was going to make studying so often easier.

"Wow, thanks Rose,"Albus said. The rest of the radical muttered their agreement.

rosiness smiled."See ? It was a full idea. Now, we 'll analyze until tiffin and then get a break."

dejeuner was about two hours away. That was n't too bad. Albus opened his metamorphosis volume and settled in with that and the study guide. It took him about a half time of day to work through distraction, but soon his creative thinker was only focused on Transfiguration.

Around him, the subroutine library quickly filled up. Fifth and 7th years seemed the most frantic about finding tables and searching the stacks, but scholarly person from every year and every house were show. gentlewoman Pince spent the forenoon weaving throughout the tables and looking over everyone 's articulatio humeri to make sure they were working on school work. With examination so near, the subroutine library was now closed to everyone who was n't going to revise.

Elsie Willinson showed up a little after eleven. Albus watched as she tentatively made her way over to the table, clearly unsure of studying with so many people. Albus was struck again by how similar she looked to Felix. It always variety of amused Albus when sibling looked so alike, since he did n't really resemble either of his sib. But Felix and Elsie Willinson were incredibly standardised in looks.

Once pink wine noticed Elsie, she immediately stood up and beckoned the showtime year over. Elsie seemed less anxious now that rose wine knew she was there, but she still avoided eye contact as she sat down and pulled her book of account out of her bag. Rose whispered something in her ear and she began reading her charms book.

Albus sighed and returned to his own work. Getting Elsie Willinson to talk was going to be much more difficult than he thought.
***


rosiness 's alteration sessions continued throughout the month of May. Albus did n't like to admit it out tatty, but they were incredibly helpful and he was n't sure he would lapse his test if it were n't for Rose. As the calendar month progressed, the sessions grew both in duration and the issue of participant. By the end of the first calendar week their study group had grown to include St. James the Apostle, Ben, Cedric, and their friend Nathan, who all now feared failing their O.W.L.s.

Albus and James II missed a few Sessions for Quidditch practice, but as the Quidditch final Drew closer, both of them agreed that Quidditch was just as crucial as studying. Bradley and Heather were becoming Thomas More and more unquiet about the final, since it would determine whether Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup. They were currently only a few points behind Ravenclaw and if they pulled off a win in the final, they would most likely win the cup as well.

The match took place a week before O.W.L.s were scheduled to get down and Albus awoke more nervous than he had been for a Quidditch equal in ages. The match itself was going to be bittersweet since it would be the last metre he played with heather and Fred as the other chaser on Gryffindor 's team. Next twelvemonth he 'd have two new chaser and that was going to be incredibly unusual.

Albus headed down to breakfast before his friend and encountered a few particularly fidgety Slytherins on his way. Giggling to himself and enjoying the fact that John and Kaden 's prank was still going on, weeks later, he entered the Great student residence. On his way to the Gryffindor table, he was distracted by the pot of Malfoy, speaking with Felix Willinson, while carrying an overnight bag.

Deciding that breakfast could wait, Albus crept over to the Slytherin table and attempted to crouch down behind a few seventh yr. Unfortunately the Great Hall was too loud for right eavesdropping, and Albus made a vow to always have an Extendable Ear on his person from now on.

Malfoy stepped away from Felix Willinson and turned, allowing Albus to look at his font. He looked terrible. His eyes were red and it looked like he had n't slept in 24-hour interval. Very foreign, Albus thought, as he rose to observe Malfoy out of the room.

Once in the Entrance Hall, Malfoy immediately ran up the stairway, going far too debauched for Albus to follow. Albus stood next to the door to the Great Hall thinking about what Malfoy 's actions meant.

He was clearly upset about something, but what was it ? The all-night bag implied that he was going to be leaving the castle, but why ? Albus thought back to the dueling tournament that Malfoy missed. The two incidents must be connected, and it was quite possible that the letter Albus and Amanda saw Malfoy reading months ago was connected as well.

Albus did n't bring up Malfoy to his friends when they came down to breakfast a few arcminute later. As much as Albus wanted to talk over it with them, he knew that he needed to put it out of his mind for the duration of the lucifer. If there was ever a couple for Albus not to be distracted, this was it.

The face on the team were palpable as they stood waiting to take the air onto the pitch. Fred did n't even founder a delivery, since everyone knew how important the match was, both to Fred and heather.

Ravenclaw had a good Quidditch squad. They were easily the best squad in the schooling, although most Gryffindors would take issue. But the Gryffindor squad was determined in this match, causing them to run fiercer than ever before.

Albus flew faster than he ever had before. He, Fred, and ling had always worked very well together, but during this match it almost seemed like they were one entity, sharing one nous. Albus 's entire head was focused on Quidditch and Quidditch only. Gone were the thinking of his dad 's job, Laurentis, and Malfoy.

The mates only lasted an hour. Albus had n't even realized that James caught the Snitch until the pennywhistle was blown. Gryffindor won 420-260, their ripe win yet that year.

"We did it !"Fred shouted as he landed."We 've won the Cup !"

Albus could n't even find out the commentary over the thunderous applause of the spectator pump. professor Longbottom was holding the Quidditch Cup high over his head and was making his way through the gang to Fred. Fred took the Cup and held it out to heather mixture. Each held one side and raised it up. The Gryffindors were storming the pitch and Albus was sept up in the crowd, making it difficult to hit his team. Once he did, person snapped their picture.

Albus was the happiest he 'd felt in weeks, ever since his team won the Dueling Tournament. It was his one-third year on the Quidditch team and they finally won the Cup. But he was even More happy for Fred and Heather than he was for himself since they 'd both been on the team since their second year and had never won the Cup.

Calluna vulgaris had bout streaming down her face and Fred was grinning wider than Albus had ever seen him. While neither of them were pursuing a life history in Quidditch, Quidditch had been their animation for the preceding six long time. Winning the Cup in their one-seventh twelvemonth seemed more affecting than it would have winning it any other year. Albus hoped that Gryffindor 's team was still as adept as it was now when he got to seventh class. Winning again in his last twelvemonth would be the advantageously feeling in the man.
***


"Malfoy really did entrust the rook,"Amanda announced at breakfast the next day.

"How did you retrieve that out ?"Albus asked.

"Weirdly enough, Moaning Myrtle."

"How would she eff ?"

"I 've no estimation,"Amanda said as she grabbed a few piece of goner."I did n't ask."

"Well, I just found out why he left,"rosiness said as she set down the Prophet."His grandfather passed away."

"As in Lucius Malfoy ?"Albus said, taking the paper."The ex-Death eater ?"

"One in the same,"Rose said."His obituary is in there."

"Why were you reading the obituaries ?"matte asked.

"I was n't trying to. I was flipping through and happened to see it. It says he 's been ill for a while,"Rose explained.

"That explains why he 's been acting so odd all class,"Amanda said.

"And that howler monkey he got month ago,"Kaden added.

Albus glanced at the obituary but did n't show it. As a great deal as he disliked Malfoy, he could n't help but feel sorry for him. Albus could n't reckon what it would be like to lose his grandfather, and despite Lucius Malfoy 's obvious faults, he was still Scorpio 's grandfather.

"I feel sort of bad for yelling at him about skipping that dueling tournament,"Albus muttered.

"You did n't know,"John said."And it 's not like he explained."

"Is n't anyone else a bit preoccupied with the fact that Moaning Myrtle knew about him leaving the castling ?"Matt asked."She never leaves her loo. We saw Malfoy going into her loo a few calendar week ago. Does n't that look a bit too coincidental ?"

"You think he 's father chummy with Moaning myrtle ?"Albus asked.

Matt shrugged."It looks like he has. Why else would she know about it ?"

"But why would he go into a girl 's loo ?"John asked, wrinkling his nose."That 's just bloody insane."

"auditory sensation like we need to pay a visit to Myrtle,"Albus said.

rose groaned."Really, Al ? He just lost his grandfather for God 's sake."

"We 're not going to bother Malfoy,"Albus said."We 're just going to blab out to Myrtle."

"reckoning me out,"Rose said, shaking her heading.

"But you 're a girl,"Albus pointed out."You could get in there so much well-to-do. Amanda ?"

"Sorry, Albus, but I 've really got to study,"Amanda said.

"We 'll go at Nox, then,"Albus decided."Saint John, Kaden, matte ? Which of you is going with me ?"

"Not me,"Matt said immediately.

"I 'll go,"bathroom said.

"You 're both mad,"pink wine said quietly."Mad."

Albus may give been mad, but he could n't let this mystery go. His gut was telling him that Malfoy was up to something, despite his grandfather 's passing, and Albus was determined to find out what it was.


A/N : Sorry that the update is a day late ! I was really fussy yesterday and did n't ingest a chance to update. Thanks for all the lovely reviews ! I am very behind on answering them, but I 'll wind up eventually !


The architectural plan to talk to myrtle in the dead of night may have been a programme that belonged solely to Albus and John, but Rose still had somewhat of a say over when it happened. exam were now only a week away and rose was only giving them one night off, for rest and clearing accent from the mind. Neither Albus or John dared cross Rose and hop-skip out on revisal, which took blank space in the subroutine library until curfew and then in the common room until they all went to bed.

Their one dark off occurred the night before their initiative exam. O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s had been going on for a full workweek, but none of the fifth or 7th years were taking any dark off, including James IV. Despite blush wine 's insisting that he consider a night off, James IV insisted upon studying. It was quite a switch.

Albus and Saint John spent the evening acting chess with Kaden. Matt had turned in early, still tired from the full lunar month, which had taken place two day earlier. Rose and Amanda had disappeared into their dormitory, clearly set upon having some time away from the boys.

The vernacular room emptied as the dark progressed, and eventually John and Albus were the entirely ones left. It had n't taken long since most multitude went to bed early because of exam. It was probably fairly stupid of Albus and whoremaster to remain up so late, but neither of them cared.

They waited an additional fifteen minute in subject somebody decided to return to the uncouth room, but no one did. Albus glanced at John and then pulled the invisibleness Cloak and the Marauder 's Map out of his bag. He carefully unfolded the map and set it out on the board. The sea-coast was clear.

Albus and John stumbled out of the portrait fix and once they righted themselves, Albus threw the Cloak over them, under the Fat Lady 's after part gaze.

"Do n't expect me to let you in when you return,"she said."I 'm quite exhausted."

The Fat Lady was always threatening this but she never seemed to form good on any of her threats. Ignoring her, Albus and John the Divine set off along the corridor. John led the way while Albus kept his eyes glued to the Map, but the corridors remained empty. It seemed everyone, both scholarly person and professors, were getting a just night 's rest before exams. Everyone that is, except for Albus and John.

Moaning Myrtle was the solely resident of the second trading floor girl 's john. bathroom quietly pushed the door assailable and Albus followed him in. Once inside, Albus pulled the Cloak off and held it under is right arm.

"myrtle ?"Gospel According to John shouted as he stepped into the room.

A splashing sound came from the last stall and then Myrtle 's ghostly form floated through the closed stall door."Boys ? Why do n't you go use your own-"myrtle cut herself off with a giggle. She floated toward Albus and St. John the Apostle and rested on the sinks."Oh, it 's you. Albus ceramicist. And his protagonist John. Where 's Matt ? I rather fancy him ...."

"He, er, was n't feeling well,"Albus said, hoping that mat 's absence would n't put Myrtle off from talking to them.

On the wayward, Myrtle 's face lit up."Oh my ! I 've been feeling rather awful today myself. It 's a side result of dying, you know."

Albus did n't think dying had any face effects former than dying and had always assumed being a ghost would n't be painful, but myrtle was very odd.

"But why are you here ?"myrtle asked."You never chitchat me unless you 're in detainment. It 's rather disappointing. No one ever thinks to visit pitiable Myrtle. Oh, Myrtle 's dead, they think, so she does n't require any visitant. myrtle does n't want any supporter ! All because she 's dead !"

"No, Vinca minor, that is n't it at all,"Albus said quickly."It 's just, you live in a girl 's loo. We can only visit you now, in the middle of the night."

myrtle let out a loud sigh."I suppose. You are n't the only boys who talk to me, you know. Some of them even dare come during the day. I suppose they 're a bit braver than you are, which is odd since they are n't Gryffindors."

Albus glanced at St. John. Maybe this was going to be easier than he thought. Myrtle probably did n't induce any loyalties to Scorpius Malfoy.

"Which boys ?"Albus asked carefully, taking a stride closer to Myrtle.

"I only know one of their name,"Myrtle said with a giggle."I know his name because his father used to get along and blab to me when he was in school. But his son is n't quite as talkative and he did n't seem to deal at all about me or my death. He only wanted to roll in the hay about the Chamber of Secrets-"

"The Chamber of secret ?"Albus exclaimed."Scorpius Malfoy wanted to know about the Chamber of Secrets ?"

Myrtle brightened."Oh, you know him, too ! Yes, he did. He wanted to have sex exactly where the entrance was. He 'd already done quite a bit of research on it in the library. Rather odd, I thought, for a Slytherin, spending so much time in the library, but not in a bad way. But yes, he came in and asked me about the bedroom and I told him about my expiry and he did n't quite understand the connection at first. So I showed him the entrance and told him that he had to speak like a snake to get in but he could n't figure it out."

"He tried to speak Parseltongue ?"Albus asked.

Myrtle nodded."Sounded awed. Your dad was much better at it. Even that freckled boy managed to count on it out during the engagement of Hogwarts, but Scorpius Malfoy was truly painful at it. That 's when I met the other boy. Scorpius left and came back a few days later with this other boy. He showed him the entering and then they started talking about this little girl named Elsie and the early boy thought that she would be able to unfold the Chamber."

"And when was this ?"Albus asked. The other boy must have been Felix Willinson.

"Two hebdomad ago, maybe ?"Myrtle said."Do you eff why he wanted to get into the Chamber of enigma ? He refused to narrate me."

"No,"Albus said, shaking his head."We want to know, too."

"well,"Vinca minor began as she floated up to the ceiling."Please tell me when you find out. And side by side time, make sure that Matt comes to visit, too."

"Er, trusted,"Albus muttered."Is there anything else you know about Malfoy ?"

"No,"myrtle said."You 're going to leave now, are n't you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said."Exams tomorrow."

Albus threw the Cloak back over himself and whoremaster and they left. On the way back Albus explained the bedroom of Secrets to Saint John the Apostle, who only knew the spot by name. By the time they returned to the park room John was just as shocked as Albus was about why Malfoy seemed to desire to get into the bedchamber of enigma.

"Do you think Elsie Willinson can speak Parseltongue ?"John asked as they climbed through the portrait hole ( the Fat ma'am had not refused them entry ).

"I do n't know,"Albus said."It 's very rare. I think we 're going to have to ask Rose."

"Bet she 'll bonk that, in the middle of exam,"John said with a laugh.
***


"Of line I have no idea if Elsie Willinson is a Parselmouth !"Rose exclaimed the following day during their dejeuner break in between exam. Albus had just finished explaining what myrtle had told them terminal Nox, as well as explaining the Chamber of arcanum for matt, Amanda, and Kaden 's sake.

"Are you sure enough she has n't mentioned anything ?"Albus pressed.

"positive degree ! And honestly, Albus, you need to get this out of your mind. It 's exam week. It 's not the clip to be focusing on Malfoy. Whatever he does, it really does n't affect you."

Albus knew that, but it did n't do a thing for his oddment. The fact remained that Malfoy was acting oddly, and if Felix Willinson was involved, it could n't be anything good.

"They 're up to something, blush wine,"Albus said."I 'm telling you."

Rose groaned."Albus, I do n't care."

"Oi, Albus !"James shouted as he jogged over to Albus 's stern."Did you see the Prophet this sunup ?"

"No,"Albus replied. He, matt, and Gospel According to John had both slept too late to possess breakfast before their showtime exam.

James slapped a written matter down on the table in movement of Albus."That cuss, Robert President Lyndon Johnson ? The one who took Dad 's place ? He 's revamped the entire department, claiming that they 're going to have a 99 % seizure rate."

"99 % ?"Albus repeated as he looked at the theme."That 's crazy."

JOHNSON REVAMPS AUROR DEPARTMENT

Newly appointed Head Auror, Henry M. Robert
President Johnson, has spent the past month
revamping and reorganizing the Auror
Department. Johnson has rewritten
convention and regulations for the department
as well as reorganized how Aurors
work together. All Aurors have
attended shop over the past calendar month
to familiarize themselves with the
new formula and policies.

'The hope is that we will be capable to
capture criminals faster and easier ,'
Johnson said. 'The department has
been disorganized for years and this
has resulted in many criminal going
free for far longer than they should.
Between the new Auror section policies
and the reinstatement of the dementors
in Azkaban, we should be able to seize
More outlaw and restrain them where they
belong- behind bars .'

While Johnson did not go into specifics
of the insurance and pattern, stating that
these are sealed written document, he assured
the wizarding populace that they have
helped to streamline the department.
'With these new insurance I do n't see why
we should n't have a 99 % capture rate
within a year .'

"What does that even mean, 99 % gaining control pace ?"Albus asked after setting the paper down.

"No idea,"James said."But I thought you 'd want to see it. I 've got to go. metamorphosis practical this afternoon and I need to practice."

"I wish they 'd say what the variety actually were,"Albus said as his brother left.

"They ca n't,"rosebush said."The newspaper publisher is decently about that."

"It 's not like the section was fearful when Dad was in charge,"Albus continued."He captured Greyback, did n't he ?"

"I think Laurentis is crediting Matt 's dad with that,"pink wine commented."As much as it was both of them."

"That 's not fair,"Matt said.

"No, it 's not,"rose said as she glanced at her watch."We 'd better get going. story of legerdemain exam."

Albus found it incredibly difficult to focus on his history of Magic examination, and while he was fairly sure enough he passed it, he knew he had n't done well. There was just too much to focus on. Between Malfoy and the Auror department, the shoemaker's last affair Albus wanted to cerebrate about were goblin revolt and giant wars.

Later that Nox Rose held another study academic session in the depository library. Albus managed to sit next to Elsie Willinson, who ignored him completely. Albus spent more time staring at the predator 's Map and figuring out the best way to bring up the topic of speaking Parseltongue with Elsie than any actual studying, but Rose did n't look to notice.

The take after two Day were nearly very to the first-class honours degree day of exams, with the exclusion of the field of study they were tested on. Exam in the cockcrow, dejeuner, exam in the afternoon, studying, dinner, then more studying. The humdrum was starting to get on Albus 's heart, but they were only halfway through exam week.

Elsie Willinson did n't testify up to the field of study seance Wednesday eve. Albus was disappointed since he was finally going to bring up the subject of speaking Parseltongue with her, no matter how effectual it would be. Instead, he looked over his Potions eminence while glancing at the Marauder 's Map every so often.

"Albus, what exactly are you looking for ?"rose asked.

Albus did n't really want to say because he knew rose would just wind her heart, but he also knew she would n't let go of the theme until he explained."Malfoy. He 's going to go back to the girl 's loo, and when he does, I want to adopt him."

"That would be stupefied,"rose said."Look at the by three age. You 've gotten yourself involved with something stupe at the end of every year. Following Malfoy would just be asking for trouble."

rosebush had a point, Albus knew, but he did n't care."It 's just Malfoy. He 's not going to abduct me."

"Famous last words,"rose wine muttered."He 's probably just in his common room."

Albus checked the Map. Malfoy 's dot was definitely not in the common way. Albus 's heart sped up as he checked the rest of the Map. It took him a spell, but then he spotted Malfoy 's dot, making its way down the second storey corridor. He was accompanied by none former than Felix and Elsie Willinson.

"He 's going,"Albus said."And he 's got Felix and Elsie with him. I 'm following him and you ca n't stop me."

blush wine groaned."Albus, don't-"

Albus ignored her and turned to the rest of his friends."Are any of you coming with me ?"

"I am."Albus was shocked to see that the vocalization belonged to Amanda. Usually Amanda agreed with Rose.

"Amanda, really ?"Rose asked.

Amanda shrugged."I want a breach from studying and I 'm just as curious as Albus is."

"numeration me out,"flatness muttered, turning red."I 'm not going anywhere near Myrtle."

"She asked about you last time,"John said with a grin.

Matt turned even redder."I 'd rather not know that."

"We 're in,"John said, speaking for himself and Kaden.

"You 've got an 60 minutes,"rosebush said."If you 're not back by then I 'm sending professor Longbottom after you."

"We 'll be back,"Albus said as he stood up. As if to further convince rosebush of this, he left his Christian Bible sitting on the board. whoremaster, Kaden, and Amanda did the same.

Albus did n't annoy with the Invisibility Cloak since it was n't yesteryear curfew. They 'd just have to lurk near the loo until the coast was clear and canary in when no one was looking. All they needed was the Map for that.

The corridors were unusually empty and Albus attributed it to the fact that most of his boyfriend scholar were doing some last-place minute alteration before the future day 's exam. It certainly made it easier to sneak into a young lady 's loo.

Albus watched the Map as they went and Malfoy and both Willinsons'battery-acid entered Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. They remained there for only a few minutes, and then disappeared off the Map.

"They must 've gotten into the Chamber of Secrets,"Albus explained."I bet the Marauders did n't have intercourse about it so they could n't induce put it on the Map."

It took another five proceedings for Albus, privy, Kaden, and Amanda to get to the loo. Once there Albus burst the door undefended and ran inside. He stopped short-circuit in battlefront of the sinks.

One of the cesspit was gone, having sunk into the floor. In its place was a large, auction pitch black hole. Vinca minor was floating above it, her eyes bright.

"They did it,"Myrtle said excitedly."Are you going to follow them ?"

"I guess this answers the doubt of whether Elsie Willinson can talk snake,"John said.

"Is lusterlessness ill again ?"Myrtle asked.

"Er, yeah,"Albus said.

"He 's ill an tremendous lot of the time,"Myrtle said."Tell him to arrive see me when he 's better."

"Sure,"Albus said as he crept closer to the kettle of fish."I 'm going down there. You three are welcome to join me."Albus was determined. He 'd get this far and he was n't going to block off now. He needed to figure out what was going on.

"Is it a far bead ?"Amanda asked hesitantly.

"I think it 's more of a playground slide,"Albus said."That 's what my dad said, anyway."

"There is n't a basilisk in there, is there ?"John asked.

"No,"Albus said."It 's dead."

"Then I 'm in,"toilet said.

"Me, too,"Amanda agreed.

"I 'd go down there even if there was a basilisk in there,"Kaden said."I 'll go first, if you want."

"Be my guest,"Albus said, gesturing to the hole.

"If you die, you can endure here,"Myrtle said, giggling."I told Scorpius that and he told me that was another cause why he ca n't die down there. I do n't think he likes me."

Albus ignored Myrtle and stepped aside so Kaden could climb up into the golf hole. Kaden did so without a endorsement coup d'oeil.

"Are you okay ?"Albus asked once he heard a thud.

"Yeah, I 'm fine !"Kaden shouted back.

Neither John or Amanda seemed pitch to go adjacent, so Albus stepped to the very edge of the golf hole and looked down. He could n't see a matter. Deciding that it was better to just do it and not think too hard, he took a deep breath and jumped.

His dad had been right about it being more of a lantern slide than a dip down. The hole was more of a sloping pipe and it was n't a bad slide at all. Soon, Albus landed at the bottom and saw Kaden, who had lit his wand.

Albus lit his own sceptre and took a feeling around. The seat was very wet and it smelled horrendous. The walls were dripping with cloudy water and the floor was covered in rock, mud, and what looked wish old snake pelt.

"I think we 're near the lake,"Albus said, nodding to the dripping weewee.

There was a whooshing noise behind Albus and something crashed into him, knocking him over. Albus let out a scream and turned to see it was only John, who had n't landed gracefully.

"Sorry,"John muttered as he lit his own scepter. There was now enough wand visible radiation to see clearly. The place was creepy. That was the solitary countersign for it.

Amanda landed without knocking anyone over and lit her sceptre. Albus and Kaden waited for privy and Amanda to get hold of a flavour around.

"What do we do now ?"Kaden asked.

"Does anyone try anything ?"Albus asked. It seemed dead silent to Albus.

John shook his headway."mat should 've come. We need his werewolf hearing."

Albus nodded in agreement."I guess we just follow the pipe. It looks like it only goes one way."

The others agreed. Albus led the way, his baton pointed in nominal head of him, and they set off. No one spoke. No one made any racket whatsoever. Albus had his ear poised to see even the tranquil dissonance, hoping to learn some clew as to where Malfoy and the others had gone.

Ihey walked for what felt ilk mi before they heard even the swooning of racket. Albus noticed numerous snake skin and the bones from decades-old animals. Then, just when Albus had a feeling they were reaching the end of the passage, he heard a voice, clearly, as if it was right next to him.

"Albus potter. wellspring, well, is n't this a pleasant surprise."

Albus recognized the vox. It was Jarrett Willinson.


Cliffhanger ! I know. I 'm evil. Thank you for all the tremendous critical review ! I will respond to them, but I 've been quite busy lately.

And now I 'll submit a few moments to gasconade. On the 16th I went to NYC for J.K. Rowling 's event for The Casual Vacancy. I got to receive her and get a signed written matter of the book ! It was absolutely amazing. I blogged about it on the assembly, so please train it out !


Albus froze. He had n't heard that voice in over a year and part of him thought he would n't ever discover it again. He always assumed Jarrett Willinson had stayed in Australia, where absolutely no one was looking for him.

Slowly, Albus turned toward the voice. He pointed his lit scepter in its direction and saw that there was a very minor opening to his left field. It appeared to be another pipe, but one much minuscule than the one he and his Quaker had just been in. Albus crept toward it, trying not to make any dissonance.

He turned to John the Divine, Kaden, and Amanda."What do you think ?"

"I think we should get out of here,"Kaden said immediately, stepping back."I thought we were just going after Malfoy."

"I bet Malfoy 's down there with him,"whoremaster said.

"But why ?"Amanda asked as she walked over to the tobacco pipe. She stuck her point in, making her voice echoey."Why would he come back here ?"

"Can you see anything ?"Albus asked.

"Not much,"Amanda said, climbing fully into the pipe.

"We should just go back,"Kaden said, his voice wavering. All his bravery from being the first to enter the Chamber was gone.

"I do n't know,"Albus said."We 've come this far ..."

"Albus, I think mount might 've been right,"Kaden said."Let 's just go-"

Kaden was interrupted by Amanda 's shrieking. There was a loud splash, a clunk, and then more shrieking. Albus turned quickly back to the tobacco pipe. Amanda was gone, a small pile of dust in her place.

"Amanda !"Albus screamed, stepping over to the pipe.

"Albus !"she shouted back."avail !"

"What 's happening ?"Saint John the Apostle asked.

"Told you we should 've gone back !"Kaden shouted.

"fountainhead, we ca n't go back now,"Albus said, climbing into the pipe."C'mon !"

Albus had to crouch as he walked in ordination to fit through the pipage. Saint John the Apostle and Kaden followed him, occasionally tripping over rocks as they went. Albus splashed ahead of them, his wand lighting the few feet in movement of him. They followed Amanda 's shrieks until they grew muffled and disappeared all together.

Finally, the pipe emerged into a small chamber, not unlike a small version of the chamber they 'd just been in. It was wetter than the residue of the sleeping accommodation of enigma and the far wall contained a metallic element grating that appeared to let out into the lake. But the piddle was n't going through it.

Albus 's attention, however, was n't focused on the magically contained lake piddle. Instead, his center drew to the collection of people scattered throughout the chamber. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Amanda, in the clench of Jarrett Willinson, who had his wand pointed at her head. Albus was just happy they found her. Jarrett was flanked by his son, Quinton, who was looking a bit worse for wear. Azkaban did n't look to take in agreed with him and he now looked far one-time than his early twenties.

Scorpius, Felix, and Elsie were there as well, looking very uncomfortable. Elsie was shaking and had a decease traveling bag on her buddy 's hand. Scorpius stood next to them and he seemed very upset. The only one who seemed at all okay with the post was Felix, whose grimace seemed to be coming from his sister 's grip on his hand, not on the situation.

Albus did n't recognize the other three adults at first. Then he remembered their pictures from the Prophet. The myopic charwoman was Dolores Umbridge, her greyish hair greatly resembling a beehive around her forefront. Her skin was deeply crease and she did n't much resemble the person in the photograph, but her eyes and flakey smiling were the same. The other woman was about a human foot taller and just as ugly. Her fuzz was stringy and mostly brown, with streak of grey. Her nose was long, crooked, and boasted a vauntingly wart, giving her the look of a classic Muggle 's version of a witch. All that was missing was the green skin. The man resembled her, although he was light and to a greater extent dumpy. Both were sneering. Albus assumed they were the Carrows.

"What are you doing here, Potter ?"Scorpius asked, clearly trying to go more confident than he was.

"Shut up, Malfoy,"Jarrett snapped."I 'll ask the interrogative. And I can only feign they followed you three. Whether it was designed on your part, I have no idea."

"Ca n't we just go ?"Scorpius demanded."We did what you wanted-"

"No, no you did n't,"Jarrett interrupted."You did what your father wanted and then you did function of what we wanted. And therein lies the problem."

Albus was thoroughly confused. His eyes went from Jarrett to Malfoy and back again, attempting to image out what was going on. What exactly had Malfoy 's father asked him to do ?

"I never said I 'd do what you wanted us to do,"Malfoy muttered, averting his gaze.

"And yet you did."Jarrett sneered.

"But I did n't need to !"Malfoy looked scared now. He pulled his wand out of his robes and held it up shakily.

"Oh, are you going to duel me ?"Jarrett asked, shifting Amanda in his arms so that he could manoeuver his wand at Malfoy.

"M-maybe."

Jarrett sighed."This is miserable. I do n't care taking advantage of frail children, and yet here I am-"

"I 'm not fragile !"Malfoy shouted.

"You just turn a loss your gramps,"Jarrett said."You 're fragile. So is your founder, and he 's easy to deceive."

"He is not !"

At that point Elsie started crying. It started out as small sniffle but within ten mo blew up into gimcrack sobs. Everyone in the room turned to stare at her. Albus felt bad. It was obvious she had n't wanted to be here.

"Oh, shut her up !"Jarrett said.

"Elsie, you have to be hushed,"Felix muttered.

"I just want to leave, Felix !"Elsie sobbed."I did n't want to do this. You know I did n't want to do this !"

"You did n't have a choice, Elsie. He 's our uncle and he needed our help."

"Could soul please just explain what 's going on ?"Kaden asked loudly."Or even better, let go of Amanda so we can get out of here and let you lot get back to whatever it is you 're doing ?"

Jarrett laughed."Oh, she 's not going anywhere. You three are liberate to leave. I really do n't deal what the Scheol you do."

Albus exchanged coup d'oeil with lavatory and Kaden, who both shrugged. None of them were going to leave, of course, but Albus was utterly confused. For the past tense four years Jarrett and Quinton Willinson had tried to kidnap him and now, all of a sudden, they wanted Amanda ? They 'd never wanted her before.

"Oh, you have n't put it together yet, have you Potter ? I thought you were voguish than that."

"Put what together ?"Albus asked, still confused.

Jarrett squeezed Amanda tighter."She 's the heyday Minister 's niece, who happens to be a witch. She 's currently the best bargaining chip I could possibly consume. I only wish I 'd known about her earlier, but thanks to your uncle the entire wizarding world knows she 's the blossom diplomatic minister 's niece. I must thank that reporter.

"Potter, do you realize how bad Laurentis would look if anything happened to the Muggle Prime diplomatic minister 's niece a little over a month after she took office ? And just days after her appointed Head Auror revolutionized the section ? Oh, it would front awful, ceramist. So we, all of us, are going to sit tight until the Aurors get here and then I 'll make my demand and the Aurors will cave in in because if they do n't, I 'll vote down the bloom Minister 's niece."

Albus 's oral cavity fell open. He stared at Jarrett, whose grin resembled that of a person who just won the drawing. Amanda looked terrified, her eye darting everywhere and a few stray rent running down her cheeks.

"Of row you can leave, Potter,"Jarrett said."Go get your dad. Go get the other Aurors. It 'll only convey them here sooner. And do n't even try to hex me because if you do, this lot-"Jarrett gestured to the Carrows, Umbridge, and Quinton,"-will hex you. Your dad is n't a Ministry official anymore, ceramicist. It wo n't be as big of a crime if they hex you now."

Albus glanced at Umbridge and the Carrows. Umbridge did n't reckon like person adequate to of hexing anyone, given that she more closely resembled an mentally ill mental patient than a severe witch. But the Carrows, they looked capable of murder. As for Quinton, he was n't much of a threat. Still, Albus, toilet, and Kaden were more outnumbered than they ever had been before.

"But why ca n't we leave ?"Malfoy asked, his voice wavering."Or at to the lowest degree me ?"

"Because I might need you to do something else,"Jarrett snapped,"and I want you here because if I let you leave I doubt you 'll come back. I know you did n't contribute us the young lady. She came with Potter, following you."

"Why does it matter ?"Malfoy asked."The point is she 's here now."

"I do n't consider you would 've ever brought her to me, Malfoy."

"You 're right, I would n't ! And do you want to sleep with why ? I never wanted to facilitate you. That 's not why I agreed to this. I think you 're all moron, to be honest."

Albus stared at Malfoy, completely shocked. Malfoy hated Albus, Amanda, and all their friends, so why would n't he have brought Amanda to Jarrett ?

"Then why are you here, Malfoy ?"

"To help my dad !"Malfoy said, his wand still pointed at Jarrett."I did n't know you retard were going to stimulate a plot of your own."

Jarrett laughed."Now you 're the retard. You think we 'd own agreed to his plot if there had n't been something in it for us ? Meaning my son, here. Not these other three. I 'm not sure why they agreed to it. I 'm not even for sure Umbridge knows where she is, actually. She has n't said much of anything since the escape."

"Do you really think you 're going to get anything out of this ?"Malfoy demanded.

"Yes, I do,"Jarrett snapped.

Malfoy narrowed his heart and then whipped around. In a thing of seconds, he sent five consecutive hexes at the Carrows and Umbridge. Umbridge collapsed immediately, not moving. The Carrows both went for their wands, but were too wearisome. Malfoy sent two to a greater extent Stunners and the Carrows fell over, one on top of the other.

Malfoy turned back to Jarrett, breathing heavily."look like the odds are a little different now."

"Malfoy, what are you doing ?"Albus asked, still trying to wrap his brain around the fact that Scorpio Malfoy had just helped him.

"Shut up, ceramicist,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm not doing this for you."

"Scorpio, what is your problem ?"Felix asked, breaking free of his sis 's grip."I thought we were in on this together."

"I thought we were, too, until your uncle decided to do things his way,"Malfoy said."It 's like I told you at the outset ; I only did this for my father."

Albus still did n't know exactly what"this"was, but all that really mattered now was that they were no longer outnumbered.

"The Aurors are coming,"Malfoy said to Albus."If we can just obtain them off-"

"How do you know the Aurors are coming ?"Albus asked.

"That does n't count now,"Malfoy said as he sent a looker at Jarrett.

Albus turned to whoremonger and Kaden."Focus on Quinton and Felix. No offense, but you are n't the best duelers and I do n't require you to hit Amanda."

John and Kaden nodded. Albus glanced at Malfoy, attempted to shake off off the weird flavor he had from being on Malfoy 's position, and started sending hex after hex at Jarrett. Jarrett, clearly ineffective to duel while holding Amanda, threw up a shield and did n't hex back. Albus and Malfoy silently agreed to keep going, in an attempt to weaken the shield.

Albus heard a brassy crash and turned to his right. dust was settling near where the Carrows and Umbridge lay. Once it settled, Albus saw that a large boulder had fallen from the roof and had landed on top of the female Carrow.

"I think she 's perfectly,"Kaden said.

Albus swallowed firmly. Death had never crossed his psyche when he 'd come down here. Trying to push it from his thought process, he returned to hexing Jarrett 's shield.

Kaden shouted something Albus could n't create out and Albus turned just in time to see him land against the wall. Albus ran over and knelt future to him."Kaden ! Kaden !"

Kaden stirred and looked at Albus."Albus ?"

"Kaden, thank God,"Albus whispered.

"I 've got an frightening headache,"Kaden muttered.

"Do n't flow asleep,"Albus said."Stay awake. You 've probably got a concussion."

Albus heard splashing and looked up. Five champion stumbled through the pipe, their scepter out.

"Wands up !"one of them shouted. Albus did n't recognize the voice."Nobody move !"

"Are they all here ?"another asked.

"I believe so,"the 1st one said as he walked around the room."looking like the tip was correct."

"Not so fast !"Jarrett shouted."I 've got a few demands."

"You 're in no position to piddle demands,"the first-class honours degree Auror said.

"Albus ?"

Albus turned back to the pipe and let out a sigh of relief. His dad had been the fifth Auror to arrive."Dad. Kaden needs to go the hospital wing. Now."

Harry knelt down next to Kaden and assessed him."We 'll own this lot rounded up soon. Then I 'll take him."

"Let go of the girl, Willinson,"the first Auror said. He took a few steps forward and Albus was able to see the side of his typeface. It was Robert LBJ, the new Head Auror.

"She 's the prime Minister 's niece,"Jarrett said."You 'd better be careful, or I 'll vote down her."

"You 're outnumbered, Willinson,"President Johnson said."I would n't try anything if I were you."

"It 'll be a huge scandal if she dies down here."

"Oh for God 's sake,"Johnson muttered."Expelliarmus !"Jarrett 's verge flew in a perfect arc out of his hand and President Lyndon Johnson caught it."Petrificus Totalus !"

Jarrett attempted to parry the spell, but still retain hold of Amanda. He failed and collapsed to the trading floor. Amanda ran forward and Harry caught hold of her, directing her to sit adjacent to Albus and Kaden.

The Aurors conjured forget me drug and tied up Jarrett, Quinton, the Carrows, and Umbridge. None of them said a word and none of them questioned any of the suspects. If Albus had n't known any dependable, he would 've thought the Aurors knew exactly what they were going to notice down here. It was all very confusing.

Dr. Johnson and the three unfamiliar Aurors grabbed hold of the criminals and took them out of the sleeping room. Harry was left with Albus and the rest of the pupil.

"Dad, what 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"I have my mistrust, but unfortunately I do n't have any proof,"Harry said."Let 's get you up to the hospital wing."

Harry carried Kaden, who had since passed out, and led the odd mathematical group out of the chamber and back to the piping that led to Moaning myrtle 's bathroom. Once there, he pointed his wand at the pipe and it turned into stairs. A few minutes later, they were back in the loo. Albus blinked a few times at the smart luminousness and then his eyes rested upon Myrtle, who was floating near the far stall.

"You 're back !"she shouted."Is he absolutely ?"Vinca minor gestured to Kaden.

"No,"Albus said."Just unconscious."

"Oh."myrtle seemed rather disappointed.

"Let 's go,"Harry said."hospital wing."
***


Albus had no literal reason to stay put in the infirmary wing. After muttering about how Albus and his friends were always getting into difficulty, dame Pomfrey proclaimed him in perfective health. lav, Amanda, Scorpio, Felix, and Elsie were also fine. Kaden, on the former hand, had a concussion and was not allowed to catch some Z's. Albus, Saint John, and Amanda remained in the infirmary wing with him. Rose and flatness joined them as well, despite the fact that it was well past curfew.

Harry left after delivering them to Madam Pomfrey, but promised to return in a few hours. That had been three hours ago and Albus was still waiting for him to come back, and for an explanation. They 'd explained the entire ordeal to Matt and Rose, who both agreed that Malfoy 's behavior was very strange.

The doorway to the hospital wing finally opened and Harry walked in, looking incredibly exhausted. Madam Pomfrey, upon seeing him, hurried off to her field.

"Kaden,"Harry said."How are you feeling ?"

"Like someone ran my head over with a truck,"Kaden said.

Harry chuckled."You 'll feel better soon."

"What was that about, Dad ?"Albus asked."Why was it almost like the Aurors expected all the prisoner to be there ?"

Harry sighed."No one knows for for sure. The functionary track record is that they received an anonymous tip, but none of the prisoner are explaining why they were in the bedchamber of arcanum or how they got in."

"When we were down there, Malfoy kept saying he was doing something for his dad, but he never said what it was,"Albus said.

"That helps confirm my hypothesis,"Harry said."I suspect that Scorpius Malfoy, along with Felix Willinson, were instructed by Draco Malfoy to find a suitable emplacement to star sign the prisoners for safe-keeping until Aurors could be brought in to capture them. This, of course, had to be done after the Auror Department was reorganized by Robert Johnson, in order to make both him and Laurentis look good. If Laurentis looks good, Draco Malfoy looks good."

"But that means that Laurentis and Draco Malfoy knew where the prisoners were,"Albus said.

"Yes, yes it does,"Harry said quietly.

"Uncle Harry,"Rose began."You do n't think that Laurentis organized that break-out, do you ?"

"It 's crossed my nous,"Harry said."But it 's irrelevant, because I have no trial impression. Nor do I have proof of my theory about Draco Malfoy and his son. Alecto Carrow is dead, Dolores Umbridge is clinically insane, and Amycus Carrow is n't talking. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson are n't talking, either, and I somehow doubtfulness Scorpius Malfoy will rat out his father. So, for now at least, this will remain a theory."

"But Dad, it 's illegal,"Albus said.

"It is,"Harry replied."Do n't worry about it, Albus. The prisoner are back in Azkaban, which is all that thing right now."

"But Dad-"

"Albus. Worrying will do zilch. In my experience, people who are defile like this are never able to keep it a secret long. Whatever happens will happen."

"What about Scorpio ?"Amanda asked."Why did he swop English like that ?"

"Scorpio Malfoy has had a rough year. His grandfather has been quite ill for a retentive time, which has put stress on both of his parents and thus, on him. I am sure he was pressured into this by his founding father and then when it came time for him to get further into it, by helping Jarrett Willinson get hold of Amanda, he realized he did n't need to be involved, not would his father have wanted him to be involved."

"Is he going to get in trouble ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Harry said."As far as the record is concerned, Scorpius, Felix, and Elsie stumbled upon the prisoner just as you lot did."

"That does n't seem fair,"Albus muttered.

"No, it does n't,"Harry said."But on the other hand, I think Scorpius Malfoy deserves a recess this yr. I think he 's grown up a lot over the past few months. You might get that he 's not quite the bully he used to be."

"I 'll trust that when I see it,"matte muttered."I guess that 's why he wanted to get into the screech Shack, though. Probably wanted it for the prisoners."

"I suspect that, too,"Harry said."I must say I 'm gladiola he chose the sleeping accommodation of Secrets."

"Me, too,"flatness agreed.

"I have to rejoin to the Ministry,"Harry said as he stood up."This will be in the paper tomorrow, although I have no melodic theme what case of story they 're going to spin or how involved you will be. Whatever they publish, do n't take it too hard. Please do not mention my theory to anyone. The last thing we need is an article in the Prophet claiming that Harry potter is a confederacy theorist."

Albus laughed and said commodity night to his dad. ma'am Pomfrey let them sleep in the hospital wing that Night, considering how tardily it was. Kaden, of course of study, had to remain wake up. Albus was surprised by how easy sleep came, considering what he 'd been through that night, but it was nearly two in the morning. He realized with a sinking feeling that he still had exams the next day. Herbology and ancient Runes. He hoped they would n't go too horribly.


A/N : Thanks for all the lovely revaluation ! I will be getting to them as soon as I can. The adjacent chapter will the finally in this novel. I 'm not certain when the twenty percent novel will be up since I have yet to come up with a concrete plot for it. I 'm going to take a break to write early stories that I 've had in my head for a spell.

It 's the end of October, which means it 's nearly NaNoWriMo season ! I 'll be continuing to update Between Here and Somewhere throughout November, as well as posting the finale chapter of this next Friday. But you wo n't see practically else from me until December, as I 'll be officious writing an original fic.


Albus, John the Divine, and Matt overslept the next morning. Albus awoke ten minutes before their Herbology exam and had to wake up St. John and Matt, which is never a small feat. It took a full five minute to get them up, but soon they were running through the corridors knowing full well that they would be late. Unfortunately for Albus, none of his nous was on Herbology. He could n't quit thinking about what happened last night.

The son ran into greenhouse three five minutes late and as soon as they shut the door the entire class looked up from their exams and stared at them. Albus got the discrete feeling that they all knew about last night, whether from rumor or from the Prophet. Professor Longbottom got up from his stool and walked over to them.

"son,"he said quietly.

"I 'm sorry we 're deep, sir,"Albus said."We overslept-"

"Albus, it 's okay. I know what happened last night. Just go take your seat. Your test are already laid out."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus was very grateful that Herbology had been the exam he was latterly for. Longbottom was the most sympathise prof in the stallion school. Albus settled down and managed to contract the exam without falling asleep. While there were a few enquiry that he was n't sure about, he was quite surefooted that he at least passed.

By the prison term the exam period ended Albus was starving, as were John and mat. They, along with blush wine and Amanda, headed immediately to the Great Granville Stanley Hall for lunch. As they walked in, Albus again got the distinguishable feeling that everyone was staring at them.

"You should 've been at breakfast,"Amanda said."Everyone was talking about it and they kept coming over and asking me doubt. There were a bunch of people crowded around Malfoy, too."

"Do either of you have the Prophet ?"Albus asked as they sat down.

"Yeah, here,"Rose said, handing it to him.

Albus unfolded the composition and set it down on his plate. John and Matt sat on either side of him and interpret over his shoulder.

CONVICTS CAUGHT AT HOGWARTS

Newly appointed header Auror, Robert
Johnson, received an anonymous tip
late live on Nox that led him and four
early Aurors to Hogwarts school day of
witchery and Wizardry. The tip
told Aurors that escaped convicts
Amycus Carrow, Alecto Carrow,
Quinton Willinson, and Dolores
Umbridge could be found in the Chamber
of enigma deep under Hogwarts School.

The Chamber of secret, long since
regarded as a rumored hidden chamber
beneath the school was proven to
exist in mid-1993. The bedchamber has
remained empty since then.

All four escaped inmate, along with
Jarrett Willinson, wanted for a year
by the Auror department, were found in
the bedchamber of secret by Robert Johnson
and four former Aurors. Amycus Carrow,
Quinton Willinson, and Dolores Umbridge
have been returned to Azkaban prison.
Jarrett Willinson is currently being held
in Azkaban prison house without bond. Alecto
Carrow was pronounced dead by healer
late last night, after the ceiling in
the sleeping accommodation collapsed, crushing her
instantly.

Six Hogwarts educatee were found in the
bedchamber as well. Johnson has released
very petty selective information on this panorama
of the night, but has said that Jarrett
Willinson captured one student with the
intentions of killing her if demands were
not met. The names of the students have
not been released.

It is nameless how the convicts got into
the school day. failing in the protective
hospital ward are currently being addressed. 'We
wish to check the public that Hogwarts
School remains as good as ever. The problems
will be addressed quickly. There is no
need to panic .'

"terra incognita how the convicts got into the schooling ?"Albus said incredulously."They 've covered the all thing up !"

"What did you have a bun in the oven, Albus ?"Rose asked, shaking her chief."Uncle Harry said it would happen."

"I bet that new principal Auror is in on it,"Albus muttered."He 'll probably say he investigated but all he 'll do is cause up stories to continue up what Laurentis did."

"You 're probably right,"rosebush said.

"Who 's right field ?"Kaden asked as he sat down.

"Albus,"rose said.

"have you seen this rubbish ?"Albus asked, holding up the paper.

"Yeah,"Kaden replied."But honestly, I do n't care right now. I just want a sandwich. The soothsaying examination was fell. I had to tell Trelawney 's future in tea leaves."

whoremaster laughed."What did you say ?"

"Told her she was going to meet an ill-timed Death at the hands of a stray Quaffle,"Kaden said.

Rose groaned."Oh, Kaden, you didn't."

"She actually liked it,"Kaden said."Her huge eyes lit up and everything."

"She likes decease, Trelawney,"John said."Or at least the conception of it."

"Wyrd,"Albus muttered.

Albus 's remaining test took place with little fanfare. Despite his mind not being on the material, he thought he did fairly well, and when the bell ringer were released he discovered that he had passed everything. His Transfiguration of Jesus Deutschmark was a bit low, but still passing.

The Hogwarts students, with their short-circuit memory spans, soon forgot about the trouncing in the Chamber of Secrets and moved on to early matter of discourse such as the summer holiday and the flow Quidditch season. Albus certainly did n't bear in mind this because it meant he was no longer the center of attention. Despite the fact that the prophesier never released the epithet of the students in the Chamber, everyone knew it was Albus, John, Kaden, and Amanda, along with the three Slytherins.

"smell, Laurentis has released a argument about capturing the prisoner,"Rose said at breakfast on their day in the castle.

Albus groaned."This ca n't be beneficial. Let 's hear it."

“'I wish to applaud the Auror Department for their employment in recapturing the remaining escaped malefactor. The timely recapture after the reorganization of the department only reinforces how important a decision it was to reorganize. With the new ordinance and policy in the Auror department, organized by Robert Johnson, the Aurors were capable to capture the felons immediately after receiving the tip. We can most assuredly look forward to Sir Thomas More success from the Auror Department .'”

"What a load of crap,"Albus said."Of course they were able to recapture them quickly after receiving that tip. They organized for the convicts to be in the bedchamber in the kickoff place."

"It 's like your dad said, though,"Matt began."Everything will get revealed eventually. That 's not an easy secret to keep, what they did."

"Hey, it looks like Embry 's going to throw a speech,"Kaden said, gesturing toward the staff table.

prof Embry stood up and raised his work force for silence. This did zilch, of row."Quiet !"Embry shouted."I have something I 'd like to say.

"Thank you,"he said, after everyone stopped talking."I just want to say what a pleasure it has been to teach you all this class. I never expected to learn and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you enjoyed taking my grade as much as I enjoyed teaching it, and I hope you all have a big appreciation and agreement of our governance. Today is my concluding day at Hogwarts, as the politics form will not continue succeeding yr, and I am once again needed at the Ministry. Please do n't waffle to owl me if you wish to find a tour of the Ministry for academician purposes. I daresay that a few of you might have career in political science yourselves."

Embry sat back down and the total room fit into applause. Albus was n't certain if the applause was for Embry or for the fact that politics would no longer be a class. Albus had n't minded the grade, but one fewer class was to be appreciated.

"I learned something about politics this twelvemonth, all right,"John muttered as the applause settled down."And that 's that I never want to be a politician."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

"sunshine to that !"James shouted from a few tail down.

"Oh, I do n't know."Amanda shrugged."I think it might be interesting."

Albus was n't at all surprise to hear Amanda say that. If any of his friends were to suit politician, it would be Amanda.
***


Later that day Albus found himself at yet another Hogwarts gradation ceremony. He and pink wine had attended every single commencement ceremony ceremony since starting Hogwarts, and one the year before, too. It had gotten to the gunpoint where he did n't pay lots attention to the speeches because they all sounded very alike to the ones he 'd try before. During this ceremonial occasion, the only part Albus paid attention to was the part where Fred and heather mixture accepted their diplomas, which took all of two arcminute.

"fountainhead, we survived,"Albus said to Empire State of the South after the ceremonial occasion ended and everyone was milling around.

Georgia grinned."That we did. It 's kind of surreal, to be good. Dad did n't win, so things are no different than they were this time live twelvemonth, really."

Albus nodded."How is Uncle Percy doing ?"

Georgia shrugged."I 'm not sure. He does n't talk about it much. Actually, the weird thing is that whenever I go over there for dinner party he spends a lot of clock time asking about Quidditch. I think it 's mostly to prevent me from asking about his lack of employment, but I 'm not going to quetch. Maybe he 'll even learn to like it. The Quidditch, I mean, not the deficiency of employment."

"He still has n't found a job ?"Albus asked.

"No. He could go back to the Ministry but he 'd have to do something where he 's not an actual political leader, since Laurentis would n't take him. I do n't think he wants to do that. He 's been helping Uncle George with the shop, but I do n't think Uncle George really likes that. Says Dad 's too obsessive. But he 's too skillful to tell Dad he ca n't help."

"Albus !"Rose shouted."We 've got to go. The carriages are leaving."

Albus nodded to rosiness and then turned back to Georgia."I 'd better go. Let me know when your next match is. I want to go."

Empire State of the South grinned."Sure affair. See you soon, Al."

"Bye, Georgia,"Albus said as he turned to follow Rose back to the castle, where they would catch the thestral-drawn carriages back to Hogsmeade.
***


"I say we go to John 's theatre this class,"Matt said as the Hogwarts Express hurtled back to London.

"Are you mad ?"John asked, unwrapping a Chocolate frog."I mean, really, are you ? You want to come to my mansion, where I have three crazy little baby running about ?"

Matt shrugged."They ca n't be that bad."

"Says he who is the youngest in his menage,"can said, looking at Albus for support.

"He 's compensate,"Albus agreed."And I 've only got one little Sister. expect a bit, matte 's the only one of us who does n't have younger siblings, is n't he ?"

The others nodded."All right,"John said."Let 's give mat a real horse sense of what having lots of siblings is like. I 'll owl you and let you bed when."

"Exploding snatch ?"Kaden asked, holding up a deck of plug-in.

"Sure,"lusterlessness said. Everyone else nodded.

Kaden began to deal the cards, but before he finished, the compartment door slid open. Albus, expecting one of his cousins, turned to the doorway. It slid afford the rest of the way and Malfoy stood on the threshold, looking a bit unsure of himself. He was alone. Albus wondered where Felix was.

"What do you want ?"John asked.

"Er, can I just blab out to you lot ?"he asked quietly, stepping inside and sliding the door behind him.

"Where 's Willinson ?"Albus asked, standing up.

"He 's no longer speaking to me,"Malfoy explained."After I hexed his uncle and as he put it, 'joined the other position .'”

"What about Elsie ?"Rose asked, clearly concerned about the girl.

Malfoy shrugged."She 's always with Felix. She never said a great deal around me."

"Is she really a parselmouth ?"John Lackland asked."I assume she 's the one who got you into the Chamber ?"

"Yeah, she did, but she 's not a parselmouth. She 's just really goodness with languages so she was able to counterfeit it,"Malfoy explained.

There were a few moments of uneasy secrecy. Malfoy shifted his weight and leaned against the threshold.

"So,"Albus said."Why are you here, exactly ?"

Malfoy sighed."This yr sucked and I got caught up in a lot of things that I did n't need to do, which is exactly what happened to my dad when he was at Hogwarts."

Albus was utterly confused as to why Malfoy was telling them all of this. He exchanged looks with Matt and then focused on Malfoy once more.

"But it 's just not worth it anymore,"Malfoy continued."Hating you lot. I know it was you who somehow got itching gunpowder into all the Slytherins'laundry-"

"That was n't us,"Kaden said quickly, a niggling too quickly.

"And we know you put the goat in the green room,"John added.

Malfoy nodded."As I was saying, it just does n't matter. Any of it."He turned to lustrelessness."And I do n't care that you 're a werewolf. Really. Sure, it 's weird and I have no thought why Kendrick even lets you be here-"

"I wo n't pause to hex you, you know,"John said, reaching into his robes for his wand.

Malfoy held up his hands."No, do n't. I guess what I 'm saying is that I think we should call off a truce."

"A truce ?"Albus asked, raising his supercilium.

"Yeah, a cease-fire,"Malfoy said."You all know my grandad died this yr. It makes all this combat we do seem really stupid."

"You 're not saying we should be friends, are you ?"John asked incredulously.

Malfoy screwed up his aspect."God no. I 'm saying you lot stop only pranking the Slytherins, do n't tell anyone that I dueled on your position in the sleeping room, and I wo n't tell anyone Eckerton is a wolfman. I 'll really assure that, without any threat of expulsion."

Albus was skeptical. Could the death of Lucius Malfoy really move this change in Scorpio ?

"C'mon, armistice ?"Scorpio asked, sticking his hand out to Albus.

"Oh, just do it, Albus,"rose said."We 've got O.W.L.s side by side year. You do n't need this stunned feud distracting you. Or any of us."

"Fine, truce,"Albus said, shaking Scorpius 's hand.

Malfoy nodded."I guess I 'll go, then. See you around, Potter."

Malfoy turned and left the compartment. Albus did n't move for a full-of-the-moon minute."That was the strangest thing I 've ever seen,"he finally said, resuming his seat.

"I do n't think any of us will ever full-of-the-moon understand what happened there,"Rose said."But I think it 's a good thing."

"Weird, though,"Matt said."You think he means it ?"

The weirder affair was, was that Albus did actually conceive him. There had been something in Malfoy 's eye that Albus had n't seen before. It was like Malfoy seemed sr. somehow. He was no longer a kid, whose large headache was arguing with Albus over stupid thing. Somehow, Malfoy had grown up.

Albus supposed they 'd all grown up that year. They were going to be fifth years now, and Kaden would be a fourth year, and that meant they were the one-time pupil in the school. They were growing up. All of them. Even Malfoy.

"shuffle me question what next class will be like,"Amanda mused."Everything about this year has been strange."

"We 've got Laurentis reforming Hogwarts,"Rose reminded them."I think it 'll be plenty strange."

Albus had nearly forgotten about that. He did n't want Hogwarts to exchange. Despite all that was going on in the outside world, Hogwarts had always remained the same. But now it was n't. Hogwarts was going to change.

Albus leaned back in his seat and stared out the window, watching the countryside fly by. He did n't cognise what changes Hogwarts would see in the following year, but he did n't want to think about it just yet. There was still a altogether summer before that would hap, and Albus intended to enjoy it.


A/N : Thank you so often for all the livelihood and review for this floor ! You guys are amazing. I will be taking a break before continuing with this series as I have other narration floating around in my psyche, but I 'll eventually get back to Albus. I 've no idea how longsighted it 'll be, though.

In the meantime, please check out my piranha Era story, Between Here and Somewhere ! And hold back checking back for my review reply, because I will get to them.