A/N : legal brief author 's notation prior to the chapter. This chapter is from slip 's spot of horizon, as I wanted to drop a line the specifics of what happened during the missionary work to capture Limnodromus griseus. An article in the oracle just would n't do it justice. Hope you enjoy !


teddy bear lupine had been a Jnr Auror for nearly eight month. In that time he had n't done much in condition of fighting wickedness whiz, and nearly of the missions he 'd gone on had been rather boring. Up until the Azkaban break-out most of his workplace had consisted of paperwork and the occasional stake-out. Being an Auror, shimmy had discovered, was a lot more than chasing down shadow wiz and saving people 's lives.

It was for this very reason that teddy bear had been surprised when his godfather, Harry ceramist, had approached him the previous day and told him of his unexampled assignment. He, Teddy lupine, brand-new Junior Auror, had been assigned to the mission of capturing head for the hills werewolf, Fenrir Greyback. Johnny Reb, the same werewolf who had infected his forefather with lycanthropy decades ago. Calidris canutus, one of Britain 's about desire fugitives.

The missionary post, Harry had informed him, was very sensitive in nature and had to be handled with discretion. There was to be no citation of it to anyone outside of the citizenry assigned to it. There were very few people assigned to the mission and they included Harry himself, the Head of the Regulation and restraint of Magical Creatures, and Ron Weasley. That was it. A few others had been assigned to continue an eye on the children Greyback attacked the previous month, but they were n't to be directly involved with the Greyback mission itself.

Harry had explained the details of the military mission, including the fact that the unit thing had been Albus 's estimate, along with one of his friends, who happened to be the mind of the regulating and dominance of Magical brute 's son. Who also happened to be a werewolf. It took shift a few hour to enfold his headspring around the entire situation. To pull in affair even more mad, Albus 's werewolf friend was the brother of Teddy 's friend, Amy.

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

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

Disguising himself was Teddy 's main speciality. Before he Apparated to Hogmseade he morphed his nerve so he looked a few yr older and his hair so that it was a generic Brown University color rather than its common greenish blue. He finished off the look by shrinking himself and adding a few pound. After donning a tattered old cloak, Teddy turned on the post and reappeared in the alley next to Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes.

Teddy peeked inside the building and saw George working. If he had n't been on a mission he would 've stopped to say hi, but instead he turned in the reverse direction and headed toward the Hog 's Head.

The pub was practically empty. There was an old crone at one of the board, nursing a drink, and a blighter sleeping at the end of the bar. Ron was already there, sitting at a mesa with a goblet in front of him. He 'd clearly attempted to disguise himself, but there was no mistaking his red hairsbreadth. Harry and Walter did n't appear to be there yet.

slip ambled up to the bar, deciding at the go minute that his faker persona should take the air with a limp. Aberforth was there and Teddy ordered a Butterbeer. Probably not the usual drinkable for the Hog 's Head, but he needed to keep his point percipient for the mission. He took the drink and began to sip it slowly, as he had no approximation how long he 'd require to guess he was n't an Auror.

A half hour later the door opened again and Harry and Walter walked in. Walter joined Ron at his cover mesa while Harry went up to the bar. He sat next to Teddy.

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

"mulct,"Aberforth grunted.

"We 're here on Ministry job,"Harry said."Might be here a few hours. Could be the altogether night. Do you beware ?"

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

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

Aberforth nodded and set a few Sir Thomas More Butterbeers on the counterpunch. Harry picked them up and gestured for Teddy to follow him to the back table, where Ron and Bruno Walter were now crouched over a objet d'art of parchment.

teddy sat down adjacent to Walter and Harry sat following to him. He passed around the Butterbeers while Ron turned the parchment around so slip and Harry could see it. chemise recognized it ; it was Albus 's map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Currently, it was magically magnified to picture the screaming Shack and the yard outside it. Only one dot was there. It was labeled 'Matthew Eckerton'and was stationary in the Shrieking Shack.

"moon just rose,"Bruno Walter said quietly."Just a waiting plot now."

No one had told him, but Teddy knew the tangible grounds why he 'd been assigned to this mission, and it had nada to do with his Auror skills. surely, that had been a plus, but any of the other junior Aurors were just as stipulate. And the full Aurors were even more so. The rationality was that he was the simply Auror who was related to a lycanthrope, and thus would n't care that a werewolf at Hogwarts was an constitutional theatrical role of this programme. It was also the grounds why Harry and Ron were there, when Auror Newman had previously been assigned to the knot case. Walter Eckerton did n't want any risk of his son 's condition being leaked to the world, and putting Harry, Ron, and chemise on the case would ensure that it would n't.

"Are you sure Greyback is even going to exhibit up ?"teddy bear asked quietly as he stared at the map.

"Fairly certain,"Bruno Walter said."loup-garou are attracted to the call of their own sort and Rebel is set on creating his own pack of young werewolves. He spent the live full phase of the moon moonlight lurking around the Shrieking shanty, after he attacked those baby. He knows flatness 's there. He 'll come back."

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

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

"I suppose the disguises were a bit pointless,"Ron said as he pointed his scepter at his face. His nose returned to its pattern figure.

"Well, with the Hog 's mind, you never know,"Harry said.

The group settled into muteness again. Outside, there was the sound of faint howling. Teddy glanced at Walter and noticed that he winced slightly every time there was a particularly loud howl. Harry and Ron sent him kindly tone that Teddy tried to mime. 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 superman had appeared."Harry !"Teddy 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.

"Meredith Edward Jenner and Maxwell Jenner,"teddy bear read."Who are they ?"

"They must be other werewolves,"Ron said.

"Or Animagi,"Harry pointed out.

"No,"Walter said as he shook his principal."Those are the two kids who got bitten hold up month."

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

"Mine either,"Walter said.

"What about the others ?"Ron asked."Newman and the two from the Werewolf Control unit ?"

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

"Yeah, well, they 'd have no probability following three werewolf on pes,"Walter said.

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

shift stood and drew his wand. He followed the three older men out of the pub and shut the room access behind him.

The Hog 's Head was not far away from the Shrieking hut. Within three transactions they arrived and found Newman and the other two wizards attempting to restrain the three werewolves.

"They 're the kid from last month !"one of the werewolf Control building block employees shouted.

"Be heedful with them !"Walter shouted back."They 've done aught incorrect !"

"We 're trying !"

The two lowly werewolves were currently attempting to aggress the wolfman restraint Unit employees and Newman, while Limnodromus griseus seemed to care far more about getting into the screech hovel. He was a much larger wolf, grey in color, and had bright jaundiced heart. He was on the porch, biting at the door, and not paying any attention to the wizards around him. It seemed to chemise that he had far to a greater extent control over himself than a rule lycanthrope.

Walter and Ron joined the loup-garou Control Unit employees in trying to restrict James Meredith and J. C. Maxwell. It was a difficult task because they had to do it without hurting them. chemise 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 wand out in front of them. If they could just catch Greyback by surprise then they 'd be able to call down some ropes and restrain him before he even knew what was happening.

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

Teddy and Harry jumped back, sending trance forward as they did so. Reb lunged, the spells not seeming to affect him at all, and made a swipe at shift. teddy jumped to the slope and sent another Stunner at Limnodromus griseus.

Battling a werewolf was very different from battling a wizard, teddy realized. And battling werewolves had not been covered in education. Sure, they 'd learned and practiced the spells used against wolfman, but they 'd never performed them on literal werewolves. The independent difference was that werewolf did n't deliver wands and thus could not cast spells. But at the same time, they had dentition, claws, and were much stronger than the norm human. Plus there was the fact that one bite would turn you into one forever.

Teddy and Harry took turns sending smasher at Greyback and were able to obscure him enough that he did n't quite have it off who to assault. As they worked, they were steadily moving closer and closer to the Shrieking Shack.

Reb soon realized that he was being cornered back onto the porch and decided to take another jump forward. He snarled loudly and lunged toward Harry, nearly making tangency. Teddy jumped forward and sent another mantrap toward Greyback.

Greyback flew backward and slammed into the front doorway, his head making a sickening compaction as it collided with the doorknob. He slid down the door and landed on the floor, not moving.

Teddy looked at Greyback and then at Harry, who was getting up from the primer coat. teddy bear had n't even see that he 'd fallen over.

"Harry, you okay ?"Teddy asked.

"Fine,"Harry said."You ?"

teddy bear nodded and began to admit a few cautious stone's throw toward Greyback. Harry was soon by his side.

"Is he ..."teddy bear began.

"I do n't cerebrate so,"Harry said quietly."Just unconscious mind. Here."Harry muttered a spell and ropes flew from the end of his wand. They wrapped them around grayback until he was secure.

teddy felt slightly disappointed. There was a part of him, a very small contribution, that wished he 'd killed Greyback. Johnny Reb had been the one who 'd made his dad 's life miserable, and he 'd viciously aggress Victoire 's dad when he was n't even transformed. Yes, chemise had to admit, there was a portion of him that wanted revenge. A part of him that wanted to be the one who finally killed Fenrir grayback.

Teddy glanced over to the rest of the radical, but they 'd finished, too. Walter was currently tying the two werewolf children up with ropes while the former men stood around watching. Ron looked up and met Teddy 's center, then walked over toward them.

"Done ?"Harry asked.

Ron nodded."They 're tied up and Stunned. I suppose we 'll accept to hold back Stunning them until the synodic month sets."

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

"Walter said he 'll personally make a visit to their menage in a few days to talk over precautions for next month,"Ron said."But still, their parents must be moron. They could 've been killed."

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

Ron nodded."Paul Leonard Newman said they locked the tiddler in the backyard shed but did n't put any wards up. It must 've been well-off for Johnny to fail in."

"I wonder why they did n't hear to werewolf documentation Services,"Harry mused."I know for a fact they visited."

"fountainhead, at least no one was hurt,"Teddy pointed out. He turned back to where the other wolfman had been tied up, but noticed that they were now being levitated to the porch of the screeching hut by the Werewolf Control unit of measurement employees. Walter and Newman were following them.

"What is that infernal racquet ?"Newman exclaimed, nodding his head to the screeching Shack.

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

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

"Loud ghosts,"Newman muttered."Has the heart segmentation ever looked into it ?"

"Multiple times,"Walter said."They 're peaceful ghosts, just trashy. 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 wolfman, so he 'd gotten used to it.

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

Newman and Lee, who was one of the wolfman Control Unit employees, Disapparated on the stain. Harry grabbed delay of Johnny Reb and instructed Walter and ballpark, the other lycanthrope ascendance Unit employee, to each take one of the children. With an exceptionally loud go, the entire radical Disapparated.
***


Each of the wolfman were set up in an interrogation elbow room to hold off the remaining hour until sunrise. Teddy, along with Bruno Walter, had been assigned to keeping watch on grayback, Stunning him when requisite. Harry, Ron, Parks, and Lee had been assigned to the children. Newman got started on the paperwork.

"So if a werewolf were to take in somebody there to Stun them every hour or so while they were transformed, they 'd be harmless, right ?"slip asked as Walter Stunned Greyback for the one-quarter clip."Why do n't mass do that ?"

"Repeated Stunning is n't healthy,"Bruno Walter replied."It 's why it 's not allowed on virtually prisoners. It 's only allowed on werewolves because they 're classified as creature and not Beings."

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

"Depends on the lycanthrope,"Bruno Walter said."It has no long-run effects on plenitude, but others wind up ill or with storage loss."

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

"Me either,"Walter said.

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

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

"Just a bit."

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

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

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

Teddy and Bruno Walter lapsed back into secrecy. shimmy could hardly believe that he was sitting in an interrogation room with the werewolf who had turned his beginner. If only his dad could see him now.

Walter glanced at his watch."moonlight should be setting within the half hour."

chemise gulped and he hoped Walter could n't pick up his heart beating. He had n't been nearly as spooky about facing Limnodromus griseus as a wildcat, but the thought of facing him as a human was slightly terrifying. He almost wanted the next half hour to concluding forever, but at the same time he did n't. It had been a very hanker day and he wanted to go dwelling house and sopor, eat, and see Victoire. Unfortunately, there was still a good deal of paperwork ahead.

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

"He ca n't hightail it. 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 evils he 's done, he deserves the respect of transforming alone."

Teddy was impressed. He himself would n't deliver even thought about that, but Walter had clearly been planning that all along. Teddy supposed it came from having a son who was a werewolf. If shift 's own Padre had lived, would he have alike thoughts ?

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

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

shimmy had no theme what to gestate when he entered the room. He 'd only seen moving-picture show of knot from the Prophet and black-and-white photos never did a soul justice.

Fenrir Greyback was crouched on top of the table, dressed in the wear that Bruno Walter had provided. His grey hairsbreadth was stringy and matted with filth and blood, and his face bore respective hebdomad 's worth of Lady Jane Grey beard. His face was lined with deep crinkle and Teddy realized that he had absolutely no melodic theme how old the man was.

knot took a deep sniff as Walter and teddy entered. He grinned and let out a maniacal laugh."Head of the section,"he muttered."surmise I 'm popular."

Teddy froze, all his grooming suddenly out the window. He could hardly believe that this man had attacked his father when he was only a child. Fenrir Johnny was far Thomas More sinister in person and shimmy felt a pang of sympathy for his father as a five-year-old.

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

"We were waiting for you, Johnny,"Walter said."We knew you 'd riposte to Hogsmeade."

Limnodromus griseus sneered."Yeah, wanted to go back for that wolfman in the scream shanty. He smelled Whitney Young, impressionable."

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

"We 'll see,"Johnny Reb replied.

"enough confabulation,"Bruno Walter said, turning to Teddy."hitch him."

Teddy snapped out of his thoughts and immediately went back into Auror-mode. He set himself apart from the office and ran on autopilot.

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

Rebel 's eyes grew wide."Lupin. Any relation to Remus lupine ?"

"He was my don,"Teddy said proudly.

"I made him who he was,"Johnny Reb said as he stared directly into teddy 's heart."I changed his life."

"Fenrir greyback, you are under stay,"Teddy repeated, ignoring him. He conjured a distich of handcuff and walked over to Greyback."You have the right hand to remain silent. I suggest you use it,"he said as he cuffed the loup-garou."If you choose not to be still, anything you say can be used in your trial. You will consume a trial. If you can not chance internal representation, we will find it for you."

chemise grabbed knot 's arm and pulled him off the table and into a standing stead. As he did so, he met the older man 's heart. They were scandalmongering, pure yellow, and completely relentless. He looked like the face of evil, as if Reb had no human soulfulness left. It was in that bit that slip knew for sure that this werewolf held no law of similarity to his father. Greyback lived to disseminate evil, while Remus Lupin had lived to stop it.

teddy slapped a set of handcuffs on Calidris canutus. He opened the doorway and pushed Reb out into the corridor, still holding onto his arm. Bruno Walter followed and the two walked alongside each early as they led Greyback to the holding cells.

Harry was waiting for them when they arrived. He shoved grayback into a cubicle and locked the door behind him.

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

teddy bear nodded and gave Harry a half-smile.


A/N : I hope you enjoyed the chemise chapter ! I had a lot of fun writing it. Thanks for all the endearing review !

The rightfulness shift read to grayback are adapted from the Miranda right, created by the United States Supreme Court in 1966.


Albus awoke the next morning to the phone 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 Magic 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 varsity letter, anyway. Albus folded up the parchment and shoved it into his bedside table. He glanced at the clock and realized there was no breaker point in going back to bed since classes would initiate in two hours.

Instead, he got started on that week 's Charms version while he waited for toilet to come alive up. This took a good hr and when he finally did wake up, it took him 15 minute to fully ignite up and get dressed. lavatory was not one for good morning.

Albus waited until they were in the Great Hall for breakfast to tell privy about the letter from his dad, so that he could tell Kaden, blush wine, and Amanda, too. Luckily they managed to find a relatively secluded part of the table.

"I got a varsity letter from my dad this dayspring,"Albus said as he scooped eggs onto his plate."They got him."

"Oh thank God !"Rose exclaimed.

"Did he tell you about it ?"John the Divine asked.

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

The radical decided to eat a very quick lunch later in society to visit Matt before their afternoon grade. Albus wanted to separate him about Greyback as soon as possible.

Albus found it incredibly difficult to save his lip shut during potions because the relief of his schoolfellow were discussing greyback and whether he had attacked anyone the previous night. Janie Creevey swore she saw him on the evidence from her residence hall window last night, but Karina and Marina said it was only a dog. Two of the Slytherins said they heard howling all dark, and Scorpio said one of the older students had received a letter from his brother claiming to have seen Limnodromus griseus in Diagon alley. It seemed that Albus and his Friend were the simply ace in the entire rook who knew Limnodromus griseus had been captured.

Scorpius Malfoy left potions early after speaking in whispers with Slughorn. Whatever it was it was a good excuse since Slughorn actually let him go. Albus thought this was very peculiar, but did n't dwell on it since his mind was still racing about greyback. He wanted details about the gaining control, 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 Hall for lunch.

"No idea,"Albus said."Maybe he was ill ?"

"He did n't expect ill,"St. John the Apostle said."I suppose if he is ill we 'll see him in the infirmary wing."

Albus and his Quaker ate the fastest lunch they 'd ever eat up and rushed up to the infirmary wing. Kaden had Herbology after lunch and would ask a good bit of fourth dimension to get there, so they wanted to spend as much of dejeuner as potential in the infirmary annex.

Madam Pomfrey was engaged berating a bookman for trying to becharm her whisker pink and had charmed it all off instead and did n't note Albus and the others walk in. Only one bed was occupied and the curtains were drawn around it.

"Guess Malfoy 's not here,"St. John said as he led the group over to Matt 's bed.

John pulled the drapery back and Albus saw that lustrelessness was sitting up in bed, eating lunch. This calendar month he was sporting a bandage wrapped around his total pass and ace on his custody 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 break of day, but he did n't return me any details."

"I knew he was there,"mat said."The wolf wanted to get out again and this fourth dimension I banged my head repeatedly against the door."He gestured to the read/write head bandages.

"I do n't think you 'll hold to worry about that again,"bathroom said."They 'll probably put twice as many safety device on Johnny Reb 's cell."

"I think this is the uncollectible headache I 've ever had in my life-time,"Matt muttered.

toilet grinned mischievously."Shall Kaden and I do a repeat of final week 's prank ?"

Matt gave him a look of murder."If you do, I 'll defeat you and I wo n't be creditworthy for my actions."

"Just kidding,"John said.

"Madam Pomfrey wants me to eat dejeuner and then she 's going to give me plenty sleeping tipple to kip until dinner. I ca n't wait."

"Well, I 'm going to have a cover girl afternoon of fertilizing wizardly plant with dragon muck,"Kaden said."So aside from the turning into a wolf thing and the raging worry, I 'm kind of jealous."

"I 'd get hold of the dragon dung,"matt said and then turned to Albus."Embry is announcing who gets to follow the last debate today, is n't he ?"

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

"Is Gryffindor playing ?"mat asked.

"Hufflepuff and Slytherin,"Albus said."If Hufflepuff wins, then we 'll be ahead in points. But if Slytherin win, 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 eating. I do n't mean to plain you lot out, but I 'm really looking forward to sleeping."

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

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

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

"I 'll join you,"Kaden said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

The lady friend decided that a instant dessert was in order as well, so the whole mathematical group hurried back to the Great mansion before their next class. On the way there Albus realized just how much better he felt now that Greyback was once again behind bars.
***


"Teddy arrested him !"Albus exclaimed at breakfast the next dawn. He 'd just finished reading the article about Greyback.

"Seriously ?"rosiness exclaimed, grabbing the Prophet."I did n't even hump he went on that mission."

Albus nodded."It was him, my dad, your dad, and matt 's dad. Plus Newman and a few Werewolf ascendence building block employees. And those youngster who got attacked finale week were captured, too. Apparently their parents did n't put any wards up on the shed they were in."

"That 's pudding head,"Rose said.

"Was anyone hurt ?"Amanda asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Oh, aspect, they 've quoted Laurentis,"pink wine said."Listen to this. 'Greyback 's retaking is tremendous news for wizarding Britain. I applaud both the Auror section and the Department for the regularization and mastery of Magical Creatures for their collaboration in this capture, especially Harry Potter and Bruno Walter Eckerton. However, there are still four prisoners at large. The work is not done and we must remember this before celebrating .'”

"Did they quote your uncle ?"privy asked.

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

"I honestly think that this is only going to realize his support of your dad look better,"Amanda said."Laurentis can try, but this is a achiever. I mean, just feel at the article. Absolutely nada went haywire with that seizure. There were three werewolves on the sluttish in Hogmseade and nobody got attacked. It 's that simple."

Albus had n't thought about it in that way, but it was honest. Three loose wolfman would normally be a incubus for a tranquil Village like Hogsmeade, but thanks to the Aurors and the lycanthrope Control whole employees, nonentity got hurt.

"I 'll just be glad 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 deal who wins anymore."
***


Hufflepuff somehow managed to squash Slytherin during Saturday 's Quidditch compeer. Albus chalked this up to the fact that Hufflepuff had the unspoiled team they 'd had in years, and that Slytherin 's Keeper had landed himself in the hospital wing after blowing up his potion on Friday, earning him a ban from the match by gentlewoman Pomfrey. But whatever the reason actually was, it was certainly beneficial to Gryffindor.

Albus awoke early on Sunday, suddenly riddled with nerve about the dueling tournament. This month 's tournament was the second to last-place of the year since all the prof had agreed to end it earlier due to exams. Many of the seventh years had expressed that they could n't monitor exercise while studying for N.E.W.T.s. But this meant that Albus only had two to a greater extent probability to secure a win for his team, something that had n't happened yet this yr.

Albus and Amanda were the first of their team to get in the Great Charles Francis Hall before the tournament. The relief of the team trickled in slowly as they waited. Five arcminute before the tournament was scheduled to begin, the but mortal missing was Malfoy.

"It 's not like him to be late,"Amanda commented."Usually he 's here betimes relation you what an awfully job as headwaiter you do."

"No, it 's not,"Albus agreed as he stood up to get a better tone at the threshold."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 correctly."Oi !"he called to his mathematical group of Slytherin teammates."Any of you know where Scorpius Malfoy is ?"

"He went dwelling house,"one of the third years said."No estimate why. He has n't been here since Tuesday."

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

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

Albus had to admit that this news gave him as practically disappointment as confusion. Scorpio Malfoy was one of the team 's best duellist, no matter how annoying he was.

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

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

"Attention students !"Neville called out."The tourney is about to set out !"

Albus managed to push all thought of Malfoy out of his mind for the length of the tourney. Most of his teammates dueled well, although only Albus and a few other fourth part years won both their duels. In the end they secured third place, which was certainly beneficial than a good portion of the rest of the team, but still was n't first. They were still in the track for winning overall at the end of the season, but they 'd need to do really well in the final tournament.

Albus and Amanda met the ease of their acquaintance in the Marauder 's Den after the tournament was over.

"Did Malfoy vamoose the tournament ?"whoremonger asked as soon as they entered."Not that I 'm complaining since your squad probably would 've tucker out mine if he had showed."

"Apparently he went rest home on Tues,"Albus said."I 'm assuming that 's why he left potions early, but no one has any melodic theme 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 in effect exculpation,"rosebush pointed out."I do n't opine going on holiday is a good excuse."

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

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

But whatever was going on with Scorpius Malofy, Elsie Willinson was just as clueless as Albus and his ally. She either had no idea or refused to say blush wine, despite the fact that Rose prodded her about it ever ten minute during their tutoring seance on Monday.

Malfoy returned to socio-economic class on Tues, walking into potions fifteen minutes belatedly, and Slughorn made no mention of his tardiness or the form he missed the late workweek. Albus attempted to watch his face during class but he gave no hint about his emotions.

"Hey, Malfoy !"Albus shouted as they left the schoolroom 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 want, Potter ?"

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

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

"third base place,"Albus answered."Where were you ?"

"None of your concern, thrower,"Malfoy said as he turned around. He sped up and was soon lost in the sea of bookman hurrying to the Great manse for lunch.
***


The next week passed quickly and Albus soon forgot about Malfoy and his cryptical fade. The election was now only a hebdomad away and everyone in the castle, student, professors, and shade alike were talking about it. With only one debate remaining, it was up in the air as to who would win. The oracle published a canvass they 'd taken and neither nominee had a important spark advance on the early.

"Kingsley Shacklebolt, early mind of the Auror Department, was the hold out Minister of conjuring trick selected by the Wizengamot,"prof Banks said in socio-economic class two solar day before the final debate."His pick was very quick and he stepped into office the day after Voldemort 's death. While to the highest degree of the wizarding world knew that the Ministry needed an overhaul, they also needed someone to take explosive charge and supervise the overhaul.

"Shacklebolt held government agency for three eld while supervising the drastic change that made the Ministry of legerdemain the governing entity we see today."

Albus had met Kingsley Shacklebolt a few time and found him slightly intimidating, but funny at the same clock time. He just had a very dominating presence and Albus was n't surprised he 'd been made Minister of Magic after the war.

"The three age Shacklebolt held authority were very troubled. decisiveness had to be made, drastic ones, and they were not easy. The first and almost obvious decision was the conclusion to change 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 seat on the Wizengamot, but this left half-blood and Muggle-born witches and wizards without representation.

"Shacklebolt, along with the other Ministry officials working to reorganize the Wizengamot looked to the Muggle world for inspiration. The previous Wizengamot bore to a greater extent resemblance to the Muggle menage of Lords, the pep pill House of parliament. It was decided that the Wizengamot ought to more closely resemble the House of common land, the lower berth business firm of fantan. In the Muggle domain, these congresswoman are called penis of fantan, MPs for short circuit, and are elected. In the wizarding world, they are simply squall members of the Wizengamot.

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

Amanda raised her hand."Yes, Miss tagging program ?"Banks said.

"Witches and wizards are n't as uniformly spread out throughout the United Kingdom,"Amanda explained."In the Muggle world the dominion are very much based on towns, but hotshot do n't really take towns."

"Correct,"money box said."Because of this the territory, if shown on a map, would look vastly dissimilar in terms of size. For example, Jack London has three separate territorial dominion because there is a very heavy wizarding population in London. It 's far well-off for thaumaturgist to blend in in a large city than a small town since things generally go unnoticed in big metropolis. On the other hired hand, Wales only has two territory, and therefore two congressman, since it 's much less densely populated by wizards."

Albus did n't deliver a clue 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 autonomy of printing a map with a list of all the congressman and territory numbers,"bank building said as he began passing out rag of parchment."I 'd venture a guess than very few of you know what territory you 're in or who your congressman is."

Albus looked at the sheet after he received it. John Griffith Chaney seemed to be divided into West London, North London, and East/South London. North London, where Albus lived, was District Two, currently represented by a bloke named Oliver Prang.

"Elections are held every five age,"cant said."None of the representative are up for election this class, but most are up for election next year. None of you will be of age to vote in side by side twelvemonth 's election, but I suggest you read up on your representatives persuasion and beliefs anyway.

"To entice you to watch,"Banks continued as he walked around his desk,"I am assigning an essay, due in two weeks. number out who your instance is and write me a foot-long essay detailing your representative 's beliefs and whether you agree with them or not. I suggest looking at old copies of the Prophet as well as file away recording of Wizengamot coming together, both available in the library. You are welcome to use any other sources as you see fit."

There was a universal groan from the course, which made Banks smiling. He always seemed to love assigning homework.

"Now onto the more exciting news,"Banks said."This Sabbatum is the final debate and four of you will be able-bodied to wait on. I apologize in feeler for those whose names have not been chosen, but there simply were not enough argument. As usual, the residue of you will mind to the debate in the Transfiguration classroom.

"The two from Hufflepuff are Sam Bordeaux wine 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. division dismissed."

"I knew it would be me,"lav 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 lonesome one of us who wo n't get to go,"Rose pointed out.

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

"Not if you do your research right,"rosiness said as they left the room.

"Any of you in District seven ?"John asked.

The rest of the group shook their promontory. They compared territory turn, but none of them were in the same. Rose and Matt were the snug, with their districts bordering on each other.

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

Rose gave him a fill smirk, clearly happy that she would n't birth to cope with John attempting to bum off her research. Albus wished that he and Rose were in the same territory because he, like John, did not savor doing this research. Usually they only had to use their textbooks for research, but not this metre. This time, their textbooks would n't assist at all.


A/N : Thanks for all the recapitulation ! It 's fourth dimension for the one-year Dobby laurels at HPFF and nominating speech are now open ! question to the forum to nominate your favorite story ( such as this one, *hint, hint* ). There is a linkup to the forums on the right slope of the page. Be sure to read the linguistic rule before you nominate ! We hate having to disqualify narrative for broken rules.

The data about the Muggle Ministry was adapted from the sign of the zodiac of the Lords and the fantan Wikipedia pages. I hope I got everything right wing, but I 'm not British, so look free to point out any errors.


As the hebdomad progressed more and Sir Thomas More of the Prophet was dedicated to election reportage. By the sentence Saturday arrived it became nearly inconceivable to find a one clause that was n't about the election. There were editorial, audience, statements from the candidates, judgement polls, and Thomas More. Albus was getting so tired of it that he did n't even glance at Saturday 's edition.

"Place your bets here !"

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

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

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

"No, that 's boring,"James said."We 're taking bets on how long it 'll carry the debate moderator to institute up that gaga Australian bloke who kidnapped you last year. This argumentation is on International Magical Cooperation, after all."

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

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

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

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

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

"Says rightfield here in the report,"Rose said, pointing to it."He might not bring it up."

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

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

Rose shrugged."It 's possible."

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

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

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

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

"Any wager, then ?"James asked.

Albus and his supporter all shook their nous no. Last year 's incident was far too personal for them to target stakes on whether it would be a debate topic.

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

"They 're idiots,"rosebush muttered.

Albus agreed.

An hour later Albus, rose wine, Matt, and John were back in the Great foyer for the debate. Albus soon realized that this debate would be watched by even Thomas More people than the retiring one, with many people standing in the binding due to miss of seating. Personally, Albus thought most citizenry would 've already made up their minds since the election was only four twenty-four hours away, but clearly it was still a popular outcome.

trick had to sit with the other students who 'd been picked while Albus, Rose, and matt sat up front, like common. All of Albus 's cousins were there, including Georgia, who looked like she was forcing herself to smile.

"Hey, Georgia,"Albus said.

"Hi, Al,"Empire State of the South replied."I 'm so gladiola this is nearly over."

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

Georgia 's pseudo grin grew genuine."Oh, they 're wonderful ! Connor Blythe, the Keeper, he put in his notice that he 's only going to do one more season after this one and he told me he 's recommending me to take his spot. Me ! And I 've only been on the team for a class !"

"That 's fantastic !"Albus exclaimed."You 'll get to get me tickets to your first match."

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

"fountainhead, if he wins, he 'll have to go on supporting you,"Albus pointed out.

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

"Could everyone please take their hindquarters ?"Kendrick announced in a magically amplified voice.

Peach State left and went to her own seat, as did everyone else who was still standing. The room grew tranquillity and Kendrick took a few steps forward.

"Thank you. I 'd like 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 role in it. It has been a wondrous learning opportunity for staff and students alike. Remember, Wednesday is election day, so please regorge your votes. Now, I would care to introduce today 's moderator, a man who needs no introduction, Mr. Harry Potter, Head of the Auror section !"

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

Harry walked forward and took his space behind the moderator 's podium."Thank you, thank you,"he said and the bunch grew tranquillise once more."Now, please receive our candidates, Mr. Walker Percy Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

The campaigner received considerably less applause than Harry did, something Albus found incredibly funny. If his dad ever decided to run for curate he 'd have the thing won before the race even began.

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

Albus had to stifle his laughter at the fact that this dad called Uncle Hotspur 'Mr. Weasley .'

"The initiative enquiry is very cosmopolitan,"Harry said."In your ruling, how is U.K. 's relationship with its foreign neighbors ? Should the Ministry be making more of an effort to work with its neighbour or are things hunky-dory as they are ?"

"I think overall our ministry has a good relationship with strange ministries and governance,"Hotspur began."We have no stream feuds with any strange nation and all foreign lecture have gone well in the past times few eld. However, I believe there is always room for improvement when speaking of relationships with other state. There are always hazard to turn over out to our neighbour, and you never know when such relationships will be necessary."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"My opponent makes fair stage,"Laurentis said."And while I feel that furthering our relationships with foreign ministries is an excellent estimation, I wonder if that is really where our energies should be focused right now. There are many number we need to speak here at menage, and as Mr. Weasley said, our current relationships with strange nations are good."

"The Department of International Magical Cooperation wad solely with international magic cooperation,"Percy pointed out."Working to fix military issue at home is obviously a good idea, but what do you suppose this department does while we do that ?"

"Well, yes, of path, that section is always working on international issues,"Laurentis said."I was merely speaking of the minister of religion and his straightaway officials."

"Thank you,"Harry said."succeeding dubiousness. The matter of changing the assortment of werewolves from fauna to beingness was brought up at the hold up argumentation. Both of you expressed no desire to bring this up with the external community. Have either of you changed your place on this in light of the Recent epoch capture of Fenrir Greyback ? If not, will you explain in Thomas More detail why you feel the way you do ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

Albus glanced at matt. Maybe now they 'd figure out exactly why Uncle Hotspur did n't want to change the werewolf classification, more than just it was n't deserving the crusade.

"The gaining control of Fenrir Limnodromus griseus was undoubtedly a succeeder. I hope nobody has misconstrued my words on that. The fact that it was done without any injuries, let alone fatalities, was zero short of amazing. The Aurors and Werewolf Control unit employees who executed the plan of capture are to be applauded. However, I fail to see why the capture of one werewolf should move our conclusion on the group as a whole. If anything, if lycanthrope had been classified as Beings during that capture the Aurors and wolfman ascendence Unit employees would not get been able to use the methods of capture they used. To be reliable, I fail to see any benefit of reclassification."

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

"Mr. Weasley."

"I agree with my adversary about the gaining control of Fenrir Greyback. However, I disagree with her about the potential drop welfare of reclassification. First, the Aurors and wolfman Control social unit employees could have used the same methods they used lowest night, as Head of Department Walter Eckerton does not allow any method of capture that would not be allowed if werewolf were classified as beingness. In terms of section for the regularisation and Control of Magical brute rules and regulations, werewolves are to be treated as beingness. This has been the case since Eckerton took over as forefront over a year ago. Perhaps Ms. Laurentis is unaware of this fact.

"As for benefit, those with lycanthropy would be able-bodied to secure job far more easily and would take the same right wing given to hobgoblin, house-elves, centaurs, lamia, and humanity alike."

Apparently his uncle had much more than of an belief than the one he gave at the end disputation, Albus thought.

"Your time is up, Mr. Weasley,"Harry said."Your rebuttal, Ms. Laurentis."

"Then perhaps Walter Eckerton ought to take another look at the law,"Laurentis began."Because it is perfectly sound of him to use more harsh method acting to take werewolves into capture. But since this gaining control was a thunder success, I will not fault him for that. As for werewolf rights, I have yet to get word of any complaint by loup-garou about their rights."

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

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

"As I did not have fourth dimension to fully reply the doubt, I will continue,"Percy said."While it would be beneficial for wolfman if they were reclassified as beingness, I do not think it 's feasible. It would expect agreement from all nations, which is frankly asking a lot. I know for a fact Australia would never be on board, and considering our jolty family relationship with that particular commonwealth, I do not palpate it is in our outdo interests to begin talks of the reclassification of werewolves. In conclusion, I feel it would be a worthwhile attempt, but given the unlikelihood of it amounting to anything, it would be a barren of manpower."

"Thank you,"Harry said."Next question. In gaze to our bouldery relationship with Australia, as Mr. Weasley put it, do you feel it would be good to continue trying to get Ralph Lubar extradited to the United realm ? Mr. Weasley."

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

"If elected I would submit this decisiveness to the Department of International Magical Cooperation, since they possess the necessary expertise on the subject. However, it is my personal belief that it would be 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 world should he get away with it."

"Ms. Laurenits."

"placard how Mr. Weasley did not cite that his nephew was one of the small fry kidnapped by Lubar,"Laurentis pointed out."I think this might sully his judgment a little. I disagree with him about this particular topic. We 've been trying to have Ralph Lubar extradited for nearly a twelvemonth and Australia has not budged. Why bother continuing to make efforts toward this when it is exculpate they will be fruitless ?"

"If we give up, it will be telling the public that anyone can go commit a crime in another country and not be punished,"Percy said."more than than that, it demonstrates the putridness of the Australian political science and having our citizens believe their politics to be corrupt will not assist external wizard cooperation."

"The possible corruption of the Australian government is not any of our business at the current time. We can not force them to extradite Ralph Lubar and it is my personal legal opinion that they will never do so. I daresay that the section of International Magical Cooperation has more pressing thing to divvy up with."

"Thank you both,"Harry said."We have time for one more question, but in igniter of the fact that the election is on Wednesday, I am going to give way each of the candidates a prospect to make a world-wide speech instead. Mr. Weasley, you may speak first."

"Thank you, Harry."

Percy seemed unable to call off Harry 'Mr. potter .'Albus giggled at this.

"I would wish to thank professor Kendrick and the rest of the Hogwarts staff for being so accommodating, as well as the students. None of the scholar sitting in this elbow room right now were alive before the Ministry was reorganized in 1998 through 2001. None of the pupil in this elbow room were alive during Voldemort 's reign of terror. They read about both of these in story Good Book, because to them, it is simply account. To me, and the rest of the adults in this elbow room, the previous Ministry and Voldemort are our by, our memories. We remember the affright, the unnamed, the fearfulness.

"I was a part of the reorganization of the Ministry. We all know the years that have followed- the years where we have lived without fear, without terror, without the obscure. I have been with the Ministry every stride of the way since Voldemort 's defeat and I will make it my duty to persist in the serenity that we 've had for over twenty long time. I will go on this short because I, like well-nigh of you surely do, believe that the best language is a shortstop lecture. If you want a Minister who will continue the success of Minister Hartwell 's time in office, vote for me, Percy Weasley, on Wednesday. Thank you."

There was a smattering of applause, but it did n't last long. Albus had a impression that to the highest degree of the residual of the students wanted the election to be over.

"My opposer 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 affirmation about keeping things the same. It 's genuine that I was not involved with the reorganization of the Ministry over twenty years ago. I got into politics later in life story. But I do not feel that this will make me an inferior minister, nor do I think it will be particularly beneficial to Mr. Weasley.

"History is just that. account. We certainly need to get a line from our story to ensure that we do not stimulate the same misunderstanding we did before, but it is not necessary to have lived through story to be a successful leader. There are slew of Ministry employees, even a few high-ranking officials, who were not here during Voldemort 's sovereignty. Walter Eckerton, for example, did not inhabit in UK during Voldemort 's reign. Yet he very successfully runs the section for the regularisation and ascendance of Magical Creatures.

"In short-change, I believe we need to center on our hereafter rather than our past. If elected rector I will make progressive changes in not only our ministry and police, but our educational system as well. things have been ran the same for over twenty year, and while I am not denying the winner, I think we have needed change for a while. turn tail captive are running costless. Hogwarts moral are being taught the same way they were when these tyke 's grandparents were in schoolhouse. The ministry, along with its jurisprudence and policy, needs to adapt as the yr go by. If you feel variety is needed, if you are at all upset about the way things are, voter turnout for me, Patricia Laurentis, on Wednesday."

There was another smattering off applause. Albus did n't clap at all and neither did any of his cousins. If the election was based upon transmitted support, Harry Hotspur would have it in the bag.

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

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

"Nope,"Matt said."But she does n't seem to have an issue with my dad, which is respectable 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 the Divine said.

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

"Why ?"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,"lusterlessness explained."He 's got quite a peevishness. And when he does n't get his way he attempts to deflower 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 care ? He did it in Australia !"Matt snapped."He 's already broken the law. And even if he got in trouble for it cipher could take what he said back. It sucks that he 's not getting punished, but I think it would be unspoilt if the earth just forgot about the whole thing."

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

"Plus, there 's no way Australia will extradite him,"lusterlessness said."Your uncle and Laurentis are both good about one affair. The Australian government is very deprave, and I do n't suppose anything will pass off until that corruption ends. Lubar wo n't be punished, and wolfman wo n't get reclassified as Beings."

"So even though you moved, the Aussie government activity still has some dominance over your life,"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 secure my report for Dobby nominations ! headland over to the forum to propose my ( or any other ) tarradiddle for a Dobby honour ! Be for sure to read the formula before nominating.


Albus had been hoping grade would be suspended the day of the election, but there was no such luck. Kendrick organized it so that the Great mansion house would be the polling place and that voting would not impress the world-wide scholarly person body. Hogwarts was the designated polling place for the territorial dominion it was in, so there would be early mass coming to the schooling to vote. Albus 's cousins who were of age ( Bradley, Fred, and Heather ) all voted after breakfast, as soon as the polling post had been set up.

Albus and his admirer spent to the highest degree of Herbology watching people walking from Hogsmeade to Hogwarts in order to vote. It was very unhinge and Neville did n't chafe telling masses to get back on task.

"When are we going to acknowledge who won ?"John asked as they walked back to the castle for denial.

"It 'll be in the prophet tomorrow aurora,"Albus said."That 's the official notification, but I 'm certainly we 'll find out earlier. Bradley and Cedric have to go to the end of the election party tonight. It starts at six and the poll close at eight. They 're announcing the achiever at the party at eight-thirty. Bradley and Cedric will be back after that and I give it about five minutes to spread around the castle."

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

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

"What about you two ?"trick asked Rose and Matt.

"No,"Rose said. Matt shook his head.

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

For the past few month most masses had used Defense as a study hall. The worksheets youth assigned never took foresightful than xv minutes and he did n't seem to care what his educatee did with the rest of the class. Just as long as they were n't being loud. Albus did n't retrieve anyone had used any Skiving Snackbox sweets in Defense this year, since there was n't often point.

Albus, lustrelessness, and Amanda all still needed to write their essays as well. Rose had written hers immediately following the disputation, but the respite of them did n't see the want to do it compensate away.

"I can always finish it in chronicle of Magic, too,"John said as they entered the palace.

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

Albus glanced inside and saw that there were four belittled carrell curtained off where the staff table should 've been. A short queue of masses were off to one side and seemed to be waiting their turn for the cubicles. It did n't appear very exciting.

"Any comment on the election ?"

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

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

"I do n't imagine they 're allowed inside,"Rose mentioned."So they ca n't annoy people who are voting."

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

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

The residuum of the day passed quickly. Albus, Matt, and Amanda managed to finish their essays during defence force, but John only got halfway done. Voting was suspended during lunch and then again at dinner. Albus overheard a few of the 6th and seventh class talking about voting and the election during dinner. A couple of Ravenclaws even got into an argument about it.

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

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

"This company that Bradley and Cedric are going to,"Saint John the Apostle began,"it 's for both your uncle and Laurentis ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said.

"That 's going to be awkward when they announce the winner,"john said with a laugh.

"It 's supposed to promote good sportsmanship and that sorting of thing,"rose wine explained.

"Still ... I ca n't imagine Laurentis being a skillful sport,"John said.

After dinner Albus and his Friend returned to the park room, deciding that it might be interesting to expend the evening there rather than the Marauder 's Den. They also wanted to hear firsthand from Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric who won.

The vulgar room had the clear-cut feel that Gryffindor had just won a Quidditch match. James, Fred, ling, fall guy, and Ben had taken it upon themselves to have a party to celebrate the end of the election and thus the end of debates and essays on argumentation. There were sheath of Butterbeer and trays of cooky and nobody was working on any homework.

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

"If Uncle Hotspur wins matter will never be normal again,"rosiness pointed out.

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

"That 's because nobody here cares about the prime quantity Minister,"Amanda said."At home everyone knows I 'm the niece of the Prime parson. My sister and Brother certainly are n't anonymous at their shoal. My sister 's at university now and she says it 's a bit better than it was in lower-ranking school."

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

Albus supposed that was reliable, but sometimes he wished it was n't. Sometimes, he wished he could make his own way in the creation and not stimulate his dad 's name tied to him.

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

"Yeah, why ?"

"Just curious,"Matt 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 sure why. After setting it down on the tabular array he revealed it and focused on the part that showed Hogwarts.

"There 's still a bunch of people voting,"Albus said, gesturing to the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall. About a half 12 or so dots were milling about.

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

"No idea,"Albus said. He glanced at his spotter."Half hour until the polls close."

"How long do you think Bradley and Cedric will stick ?"Kaden asked.

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

"Albus,"whoremaster said, pointing to the map."Is it just me or is Malfoy going into Moaning myrtle 's lav ?"

Albus peered down at the map. Sure enough, a dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'had just entered the indorse floor lady friend 's lavatory. That did n't produce any sense.

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

"Vinca minor 's there,"Saint John the Apostle commented."Look, she 's floating over toward him."

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

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

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

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

toilet and Kaden nodded their head word in agreement. Rose raised her brow.

"No way,"Matt said, shaking his brain vehemently."There are n't decent Galleons in the world."

"Oh, come on, it 's just a miss 's loo,"Amanda said."aspect, there are n't even any girls in there besides myrtle. And she 's a ghost !"

John the Evangelist laughed."Myrtle 's got a bit of a crush."

"John, shut up !"Matt said, his boldness turning red.

Amanda and rosebush burst out in laughter."Seriously ?"Amanda said.

"Yeah, we had detention in there once,"John explained."myrtle spent the whole sentence flirting with mat. It was hilarious."

"I said, shut it !"lusterlessness shouted.

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

"I 'm not going. I refuse."

"Fine,"John said."Suit yourself. arise ?"

"I 'll remain here, thanks,"Rose said."You 're wasting your time anyway. It 's not like he 'll separate 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 progress on figuring out why Malfoy had been acting so oddly the yesteryear few months.

They did n't trouble bringing the invisibleness Cloak since there was still an time of day left until curfew. On their way there, they spotted Peeves unscrewing chandeliers in honor of April jester 's Day, but ignored his yakety-yak.

Albus watched the map as they went. Malfoy remained in the privy as they walked quickly John L. H. Down flights of stairs. But they got stuck on the stairs leading to the 2d story corridor, after the stairs decided to top them directly to the kickoff storey rather than the second.

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

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

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

Their electric current location gave them an splendid view of the Great dormitory. A few Ministry official were currently carrying patch of the vote cubicles out of the room, polling clearly over. It would only be about a half time of day until they had a new minister of illusion.

whoremonger 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 fille 's loo without revealing the map. If they caught him in there it would 've been easy to say they saw him going in there, but now he was just walking down the step, perfectly innocently. He 'd experience to be really careful about it.

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

So much for being heedful, Albus thought.

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

"Yes, you were,"Amanda said."I was in there, too. secondly floor, Moaning myrtle 's gutter ? Ring any bells ?"

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

"Next prison term check a bit harder,"Amanda said."I was in the in conclusion carrel and when I heard you come in I had to stay there because you 're a bloke and it would just be Wyrd to make out out of a bathroom stall and come brass to face with a bloke. I heard you talking to Myrtle, though."

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

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

Amanda turned and set off up the stairs. Albus, whoremonger, and Kaden followed, leaving Malfoy frozen in their viewing. Albus glanced back and saw that he was still as pale as Matt is right before a to the full moon.

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

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

"That 's brilliant,"John said.

Amanda grinned."I have my moments."

"Whatever it was, I do n't imagine 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 alone way you 'd catch me in a girl 's loo is if you paid me a consignment of Galleons."

"Or you got detention."Amanda smirked.

"That does n't numerate,"John said.

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

When Albus, john, Kaden, and Amanda returned to the common room they were greeted by gaudy groans and sighing. Confused, Albus turned to his crony, who was nearest the portrait hole.

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

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

"Oh, right."

blush wine and Matt were in the middle of a secret plan of chess. mat 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 room. He would n't tell us a thing."

"Of course of instruction he did n't,"Matt 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 tell off Malfoy."

"You should 've issue forth,"John said."We did n't even see Myrtle."

"Still ... not taking any chances,"matte said."King to D6."

Rose instructed her knight to move closer to mat 's king."checkmate.

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

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

Albus, John the Divine, Matt, and Amanda settled down to watch as rose wine clobbered Kaden. Albus could 've sworn he saw Kaden 's chessmen quiver as they were set up on the card. Rose 's queen was most definitely grinning maliciously. Over the next half hour Kaden 's while were viciously slaughtered by Rose 's, but not without putting up a fight. Kaden was in fact getting better.

"Exploding breeze ?"Matt asked after rose and Kaden repaired their chessmen.

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

Albus ran up to his dormitory to retrieve his Exploding Snap cards. As he returned, the portraiture hole opened.

The integral common room froze and was silent. Not a single person moved. Not a ace person said a Holy Writ. Even the inaugural years, who had been tossing a Quaffle around, were still. Albus stood on the bottom footstep to the dormitories and waited.

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

"wellspring ?"Epistle of James asked.

"Dad lost,"Bradley said quietly. He whispered something to St. James and then he turned and left the common way, 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 support of Harry thrower. Did n't that think anything anymore ?

Albus returned to his booster and set the box of cards down on the mesa. 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 unfit, too,"Albus said.

James walked up to the table."Al, Rose, we 're all going to the Room of Requirement. Omar Bradley and Cedric want to give us more details."He glanced the eternal sleep of the group."Sorry, family only."

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

Albus, James, and Rose walked to the Room of Requirement in silence. When they arrived they saw that the door was already there. They walked inside.

The sleep of their cousins had already arrived. Albus took a seat on the last remaining couch and St. James the Apostle and pink wine sat on either side of him. nobody was speaking, so he glanced around and watched all of his cousins.

Thomas Bradley, Cedric, Calluna vulgaris, marking, Ben, Fred, Hugo, Lily, King James, rosiness, and Angie. And himself. They were the middle group of cousin. Not the honest-to-god, not the youngest, but the ones in the heart, who never did anything first and never did anything last. They were n't the commencement to go to Hogwarts and they would n't be the last to fine-tune. They stood by each other, through the good and through the bad.

Bradley and Cedric were n't seated. They were standing at the social movement of the elbow 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.

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

"How did he take it ?"heather asked.

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

Albus was n't surprised. Uncle Percy had and always would be the epitome 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 St. James 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,"Omar Bradley said.

Neither had Albus, but it made sensory faculty. Percy 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,"Bradley continued."I do n't think he could do anything else."

The room descended into silence. Nobody seemed to hump what to say, Albus included. His feeling on his uncle becoming diplomatic minister had been all over the place for the preceding seven months, but now that Percy had actually lost, all Albus felt was dashing hopes. It was strange. Just last calendar week he had been kind of hoping Walker Percy would lose, and now that he had, Albus felt the complete opposite.

It was already past tense curfew for Lily, Victor Hugo, and Angie, but nobody was telling them to go back to the common room. Albus was vaguely curious about what was going on in the common room, but not curious enough to actually go back. Matt, Saint John, Kaden, and Amanda would recount him later.

What Albus was really vex about, More than anything, was what Laurentis was going to do to both the Ministry and Hogwarts. Laurentis had made it shed light on that she was going to change the school, but Albus liked it the way it was. Then there were the modification to the Ministry, such as the dementors. How long would it train for Laurentis to bring them back ? Surely she had to go through proper channels to do it.

James II, Bradley, and Cedric were the low gear to pass to the common way, claiming they had to make dear on all the bets they 'd taken. Albus had a tactile sensation all three of them were now slightly in debt. Albus and rosebush returned a few minutes later, leaving the eternal rest of their first cousin talking quietly in the Room of Requirement.

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

"Who are you writing to ?"rosebush 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 diplomatic minister arrives to see him."

"Your uncle meets the minister of religion of magic trick ?"John asked.

"Well, yes,"Amanda said."The two human beings do cause to coexist. Sometimes there are problem that affect both. Voldemort, for instance. And Hartwell personally told my uncle about the turn tail Death Eaters."

"That 's so weird,"John said.

"I told you about it earlier in the year,"Amanda pointed out."That 's the only reason I got to go to Hogwarts. My parents changed their brain at the last min and happened to note 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 golden I was n't one of them."

"I think we all need a distraction,"rosiness said and turned to Kaden, whose face was covered in ash."Deal out the batting order again. Let 's wager until we 're too tired."

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


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


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

LAURENTIS WINS ; BEGINS APPOINTING spatial relation

In the closest slipstream for pastor of Magic to
date, nominee Patricia Laurentis won the
view last night. Polls closed at eight,
with the prescribed achiever announced at a closed
company at the diplomatic minister 's Mansion at eight-thirty.
Laurentis won by a mere 342 votes, which is the
close wash we have ever seen.

'I am of course very delight with this turn of
events ,'Laurentis said at the Minister 's
planetary house after the announcement was made .'I am
very excited to be sworn in as Minister of
Magic on May first. I feel I will be able to
make the public what they need, for they have
spoken and now it is my duty to give them what
I promised during my cause. I of course
offer my commiseration to Harry Hotspur Weasley. He truly
was a pleasance to run against over the yesteryear
seven calendar month .'

'I offer my praise to my opponent ,'Percy
Weasley said to Daily oracle reporters at the
rector 's sign. 'We both campaigned hard
and she won, fair and substantial. I am disappointed,
of path, but I still congratulate her .'

Over the succeeding calendar month Laurentis will resolve who
she wishes to appoint to top Ministry positions,
before she is sworn in as Minister of Magic on
May first of this yr. Laurentis is wasting no
time with this, as she was seen at the Ministry
earlier this cockcrow .'I already have people
picked out for most office ,'she said upon
questioning .'I will be keeping a few of the
current officials, but I will be replacing quite
a few in order to amend unite the Ministry .'

One person has already confirmed his aim
to drive Laurentis up on her offer of a position.
Ironically, he is set to take over Sir Henry Percy Weasley 's
electric current positioning under Minister Hartwell .'I am
very pleased to herald that Dragon Malfoy is
going to get hold of the post of senior
Undersecretary for the Drafting and Editing
of Laws. Draco Malfoy has been a Quaker of mine
for many years as we have worked together in the
Azkaban class for nearly a decade. I am very
excited to continue working with him .'

Laurentis plans to announce the names of her
officials as they confirm throughout the month.

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

"Malfoy never said a tidings,"Matt added, his oculus large.

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

"time lag, remember in Hogsmeade back in October ?"Albus replied."When he talked about how my family wo n't be running the wizarding world for long ? Not that my kinsfolk has ever ran the wizarding worldly concern ... But he seemed to know something we didn't."

"This must be it,"John the Evangelist said, staring at the composition."That 's a pretty top position, is n't it ?"

"second highest for drafting law,"Rose said."presumption his relationship with Laurentis anything he drafts will most probably pass."

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

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

Albus had quite a few hr to wait to find out just what exactly Malfoy would have to say to them. chronicle of magic, his first course of the day, was as boring as ever. Professor Binns showed absolutely no realization that the election had taken place the previous day. prof Patil was the everlasting opposite, making no move to cover up her outrage at Laurentis 's win, which led her to blow up the desk she was attempting to transmogrify.

"Do you cogitate Laurentis will actually cause teachers sacked ?"John asked as they walked to the Great vestibule for lunch."Because if she does, Patil wo n't stand a chance."

Albus shook his heading."Only if they 're really awful teachers. Umbridge sacked a few in my dad 's 5th year and I think mass will be outraged if Laurentis does the same affair. Honestly, I think Binns and Edward Young are the solitary ones in danger."

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

"He 'd probably stay around and still try to learn,"Albus said."I ca n't imagine it would go over well."

"And Young ca n't get sacked,"trick 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 friends arrived after luncheon. Gone from his face was the unsettled and partially sad tone, replaced by Malfoy 's common haughty smug. Clearly his dad getting a top Ministry position had changed something.

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

"I 'll be for certain to evidence him,"Albus replied."He 'll be thrilled that he made a Malfoy happy. must be nice that your dad 's got some actual powerfulness now."

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

"zip 's set for certain 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 firm for dinner last week."

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

"It never came up."

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

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

"Touchy,"John commented.

"stuff and nonsense it, Brickston. This does n't concern you. Your parents will take in business leader in the Ministry the day Hagrid adopts a normal pet."

"We 'll see who 's got the superpower the moment one of your family winds up at St. Mungo 's,"John the Evangelist snapped.

Malfoy paled."Just shut up. The decimal point is, my dad 's going to bear a advantageously stead than yours."

"Nobody cares what your dad does for a sustenance,"matt said.

"cipher asked you. At least my dad does n't bring his work family with him."Malfoy laughed.

John whipped out his sceptre."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."

"Wands away, boys."

Albus turned and saw prof Slughorn standing in the doorway. He breathed a suspiration of relief. The last thing John needed was another detention.

"Get inside. class 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 teacher would 've handed out custody just for having their wands drawn. Not Slughorn, though. Albus got the sensory faculty that Slughorn did n't like handing out detentions, probably because that meant having to supervise them.
***


The following few Clarence Day passed without anymore berth announcement from Laurentis. In fact, it was a relatively quiet few twenty-four hours, especially when compared with the preceding seven calendar month. For the first time all year, there was little coverage of the election, that is until they had political relation on Tuesday. At the end of the lesson, Embry reminded them of their research essays on their representatives, an assignment that had completely slipped Albus 's head. It was due in two days.

Apparently, it had slipped St. John and Matt 's minds as well. rose wine and Amanda had been diligently working on theirs all week, only needing to write their stopping point. Amanda had even asked her uncle for help, devoting part of her essay to the similarity and differences between the wizarding and Muggle administration.

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

"Dammit,"lustrelessness muttered."I 'm going to have to indite the intact thing tonight. The broad moon 's tomorrow."

"Usually you 're a lot better about remembering to do assignments before that,"Rose commented.

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

"But you 'll be missing class on Th,"lav pointed out."So you can turn it in Tues and get four extra days."

"I 've never done that with long-term assignment,"matte said."I do n't want to start 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 take a walk around the lake before we write our stopping point ?"Rose asked."The weather 's so decent tonight we might as well take advantage."

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

"Oh, shut up,"Albus muttered.

Forty-five proceedings later Albus, matt, John, and Kaden had taken over one of the orotund tabular array in the library. Kaden had joined them since he had a Transfiguration essay due the side by side day and divination predictions to do. Albus was considering hexing two start class 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 friends lived in his district ; it would stimulate this so lots wanton.

Albus did suffer a distinguishable advantage over both mat and John, in that his congressman was far to a greater extent long-familiar than theirs. Oliver Prang, who had been serving the North London territorial dominion, was on his quartern sequent term, which amounted to over xv long time. That was to a greater extent than Albus 's entire sprightliness. Greater London in itself was a location that required far more than care than other arena of the body politic, which resulted in far more information being available on it. lav was capable to situate a average amount of information on his representative, Nadine Abernathy, but matte, since he lived in one of the most remote field of England, had difficulty locating information on Marcus Whitby.

"Does this bloke even live ?"flatness asked as he looked through the very end archived copy of the oracle that was published during Whitby 's one terminal figure."Oh, here we go. Lovely. Now I know he exists. Here 's a condemnation that mentions he won the election. And of course of instruction he won. He did n't have any opponents."matte groaned and banged his school principal repeatedly on the tabular array."This is hopeless."

"You 've still got all the minutes from Wizengamot merging,"Albus said, pointing to the three large stacks of theme in the midsection of the table. He really did feel bad for Matt, though. It was bad enough having to do a paper like this, but having to do it when the full synodic month was only two Day away ?

"I could probably just make believe poppycock up,"Matt said as he took the top few pages."I mean, honestly, could Embry possibly know anything about Marcus Whitby ? It 's the least densely populate district in all of England."

"Embry probably knows everything about everyone,"John said."There. I 've got my intro. Look at it this way. Your bloke 's only been in office staff for a year. So you 've got far less engorge to face through. It wo n't take as long."

"But if there is n't anything, then that does n't facilitate,"Matt muttered."Have you even translate anything ?"

"A bit."St. John shrugged."Nadine Abernathy 's on her mo term, so there 's not as much as Albus has got. But I read enough to write the presentation. Now I 'll read a bit more."

"You have a uncanny way of doing research."

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

Matt tossed the papers he 'd been looking at onto his rejection raft, which was so jumbled that brothel keeper Pince would probably make a affection attack if she saw it. He then let out a loud suspiration and put his head in his hands.

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

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

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

"Please, pink wine ?"Matt asked, picking his head up to look at her. His case was flushed and he looked very frustrated.

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

"They wanted to be in the center of nowhere,"lusterlessness said flatly."They did n't desire neighbors."

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

"Lucky,"John the Evangelist muttered."I do n't suppose you 'd help-"

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

Albus turned back to his own essay and over the next four hour managed to get it half done. He did n't think it was very good, but it was progress. St. John the Apostle was about halfway done as well, so the two of them decided to holler it a night. Saint John settled in to serve Kaden with his fake prophecy prevision. Matt was still working on his, with much coaching from rose.

"Did you come up anything ?"Albus asked.

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

Matt yawned."How long does this have to be again ?"

"A human foot,"Rose answered."You 've got another four inch to go."

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

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

"We should probably finish in the usual room, then,"rosebush said.

"I do n't guess I can,"Matt said."Too commonplace. I 'll finish it tomorrow since I 'll probably skim good afternoon classes anyway."

The grouping packed up their affair and walked quickly back to the unwashed room. By some virgule of destiny they managed to avoid the prefects and did n't get any detention from being out after curfew.

"No mandate curfew tomorrow,"Kaden commented as they entered the unwashed way.

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

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

"I just trust your dad was able to avail those parents with the two Thomas Kyd,"blush wine said.

"He 'll probably go do the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth himself,"Matt said."At least for this month. And I 'm certainly they 've got Aconitum lycoctonum this month."

Albus nodded. It was going to be a beneficial fully synodic month for everyone involved.
***


Albus, Matt, and Gospel According to John managed to get their essays done in time and turned in on Thursday. The entire synodic month was relatively rule, as full Sun Myung Moon go, without any news report of wolfman onset. Matt wound up in the hospital wing for two full years, having resorted to chewing on himself since the wolf no longer had the distraction of Reb exterior. But Albus had a feeling lustrelessness preferred it that way. Greyback 's mien was just too creepy and too unknown region.

A few days after the fully Moon James returned to the common room fuming. Albus raised his supercilium at his brother as he straightened a pile of vocation pamphlets that had once again appeared on the common room tables.

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

"Did you just let it ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, with Longbottom,"Saint James said."Neville always seemed so decent when we were lilliputian and even in class he 's easily the best prof here. But for career advice ? He 's horrendous !"

"wellspring, what did you talk about ?"

"Careers."

blush wine snorted."Obviously."

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

"I think you have to plunk something so you can nibble your N.E.W.T. classes next year,"rose explained."Otherwise the instructor do n't sleep together what to put you in."

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

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

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

"She was going to plan Calluna vulgaris,"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 charter the bare minimum of N.E.W.T.s and get done with it."

"And of line Neville did n't like that,"rose said."Honestly, Saint James, just cull something."

"But I ca n't !"Epistle of James said as he picked up a quite a little of pamphlets."Look at these. Goblin Liaison, Gringott 's counterfeit Coin Checker, Security Troll Trainer. They 're all utter boring."

"There 's loads of chore in the Ministry and St. Mungo 's,"pink wine said.

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

Albus had to tally with that. James had about the Saame power to concentrate as a troll."Hey, you could train security trolls."

"I said that 's boring. And I do n't need to work for the Ministry. Not now that Laurentis has won. Just you lot look. You 'll get to go through this next 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,"Epistle of James muttered.

"If it makes you palpate better, mate, I 've no theme what I want to do,"lav said.

"Me either,"Kaden agreed.

"You 're a one-third class,"James said flatly."It does n't weigh that you do n't know what you want to do. What about you, Al ?"

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

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

"If you 'd drop out complaining and start studying you 'd sink to a greater extent of them,"Rose pointed out.

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

"James, waiting !"pink wine shouted as James neared the portrait hole."Forgetting anything ?"

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

Saint James the Apostle ran up to his dormitory and returned with his bag a bit later. Grinning at Albus and the others, he left the coarse room.

"I swear, I 'm not surely how we 're related,"Rose muttered.

"You 're telling me,"Albus replied."You 're still set on the Healer affair ?"

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

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

"I like your sis,"Rose said."So I 'll take that as a compliment. What about you ? Do you screw what you want to do ?"

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

"You never know,"pink wine said."Who knows what will happen between now and when we graduate. Things could change."

"Still, it 's doubtful,"Matt said, turning to Amanda."Amanda ? You were awfully pipe down when James was here."

"It 's tough 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 make a difference."

"Excellent,"lusterlessness said."You can change everyone 's judgement about changing the lycanthrope classification."

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

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

"You 're insane,"John said."You seem so formula, otherwise. But seriously, nobody enjoys potions."

"You can do that,"lustrelessness said."You can become a Brewer. My baby 's doing that along with her Healing degree."

Kaden 's eyes grew large."postponement, really ? That 's a existent career ?"

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

"Sort of like a druggist, I suppose,"Amanda replied.

"Exactly,"Rose said.

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

Albus laughed."You could shift 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 years away. He 'd rather relish the present, but rosiness had always been the somebody to look to the future. She fantasized about their Hogwarts 24-hour interval when they were only six and now, she was fantasizing about what they 'd do after. Albus had never been the type to do that. There would be plenty of time for the future in the future.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews ! For those of you who read Beyond the apparition, it made it through to the voting round of the Dobbys ! nous over to the forum 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 and rainy, resulting in more than than one muddy Quidditch practice. Albus did n't bear in mind the mud as much as he minded the length of the praxis. Both Fred and Heather seemed determined to win the Quidditch Cup now that it was their seventh year. They had n't won it yet, in all their days at Hogwarts. Albus wanted to win, too, but not enough that he enjoyed practicing for five hr straight.

When he was n't on the sales talk, most of Albus 's prison term was spent at dueling practice. The net friction match of the year was on the concluding Saturday in April and Albus 's team was still in the running game for a win of the entire tournament. They had n't won a single compeer, but they were routinely in 2nd topographic point by only a few points. The teams that had gotten first lieu never did that well in early tourney, resulting in their boilersuit point total being quite low.

When the last Saturday in April arrived, far Sooner than Albus would 've liked, he found himself incredibly uneasy. He was n't nervous at all about his duels, but he was unquiet for the squad. This was it. It was his close tourney in the Jnr Dueling Tournament. His death chance to demonstrate himself as captain and pull in a spot on Gryffindor 's dueling team next year.

All four captains of the house dueling squad were acquaint at this tournament because they would be hand selecting players for their squad next twelvemonth. Unlike Quidditch, there were no try-outs for the dueling tournament.

"lowest tournament being on Malfoy 's team,"Amanda commented as Malfoy dueled a missy from Ravenclaw.

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

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

"period to Malfoy !"Neville shouted."Albus Potter and mat Eckerton."

Albus groaned inwardly. He always felt awful when he had to duel Matt because their skill levels were so drastically different. At the same time he did n't want to go easy on his protagonist because the Gryffindor team master was watching.

Albus and matt bowed to each other and raised their wands. Albus thought a silent apologia as he shot a beauty at his best friend. flatness dodged it and sent one book binding. Albus threw up a shield and then sent three consecutive sweetheart. The third one made contact lens and mat collapsed onto the story, frozen.

"Point to Potter !"Neville declared. He waved his wand at Matt and the patch lifted.

"Sorry, Ilex paraguariensis,"Albus said as he helped Matt up.

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

Albus won his second duel as well. His team continued to win nigh of their duels, with some of his mate winning their first duels ever. Amanda had begun a tally of all the tip on a spare bit of parchment and their team was winning, with only a few duel left to go.

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

A few minutes later Neville stepped into the center of one of the dueling rings."I am delight to foretell that we have a winner of both today 's tournament and the twelvemonth 's tournament boilersuit. kudos to Team Seven for winning both today and the tournament boilersuit ! Captain Albus thrower, please come forward to bear the trophy."

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

Albus shook Neville 's bridge player while a Hufflepuff took their film. The trophy was a bit smaller than the Quidditch Cup, but certainly not small by any means. After a few more word-painting were taken, including one shot of the entire squad, Albus joined Amanda and the two of them walked back to the common room.

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

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

"You 're pretty much guaranteed a spot, 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 ally were waiting in the common way when he and Amanda arrived. They offered congratulations and Butterbeer, which Albus drank quickly before heading international for Quidditch practice.

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


In April 's last stay on mean solar day the Daily seer 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 officials, or the gens of their Job. Mostly they were jobs such as the one his Uncle Hotspur held under Minister Hartwell. Laurenits, as it seemed, was waiting until she became Minister to reveal the big military position, such as Albus 's dad 's position.

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

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

"I heard they 're listening to it on the wireless in politics today,"john said."Wish we had it today. That would be much better 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 oral sex Auror anymore,"Albus answered."It 'd still be dreaded, though."

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

"What time is it happening ?"Rose asked.

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

"Right after history of Magic,"pink wine mused."So you lot will possess upkeep of Magical fauna and I 'll deliver Arithmancy. Is anyone else thinking that we should get around out Uncle George II 's best-selling merchandise this morning ?"

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

"Wait, Rose,"whoremaster said."Are you saying we should skive off course of study ?"

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

"I 'm in,"Albus said immediately. bathroom, mat, Amanda, and Kaden agreed.

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

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

rose wine nodded."That leaves five of us. Matt, do you have an issue with skipping all of History of deception ?"

matt laughed."Of trend not."

"trade good. I think you ought to just skive off without using a Skiving Snackbox. No one will surmise anything."

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

"Because if someone finds out and asks it 'll be well-fixed for Matt go just say he felt ill, rather than you. I 'll use a epistaxis nougat in Arithmancy since I 'm the merely one of us in that class. Al, john, Amanda, two of you can use something in History of Magic and then the other one can use something right at the start of concern of Magical Creatures. We meet in the vulture 's Den by ten-thirty."

With the plan decided upon, they set off for their morning classes. St. John begged to be the one who used a vomiting pastille first in story of Magic and Albus and Amanda let him. He seemed strangely excited about it. Albus was just going to use the feverishness fudge.

prof Binns began droning on about the Giant Wars, a issue he seemed to bask for some grounds. He taught it each and every twelvemonth without fail. Albus doodled aimlessly on his promissory note while taking surreptitious glances at trick every so often.

"Um, Professor ?"John announced ten bit into the class.

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

"I do n't feel well-"John was cut off by his own vomit. His table was now covered with a pile of puke.

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

lavatory hastily shoved the other end of the sweet into his mouth and vanished the vomit before grabbing his bag ( which he never unpacked ), and left the way.

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

Albus decided to eat the fever fudge on his way to Care of Magical Creatures so he could exit immediately after arriving. The marauder 's Den was quite a walk from Hagrid 's hut and he did n't want to miss any of the ceremony.

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

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

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

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

Hagrid 's face fell."Yeh don'tone so well. Better go see gentlewoman Pomfrey."

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

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

"Albus !"blush wine exclaimed."Nearly thought you would n't construct it !"

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

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

"Good morning, listeners. We are broadcasting resilient from courtroom Ten in the Ministry of conjuring trick, where just proceedings from now Patricia Laurentis will be sworn in as parson of illusion for the United Kingdom. It is standing elbow room only in the courtroom, with additional spectator pump in the corridor."

Suddenly there was thunderous applause, drowning out the commentator 's part. It died down a few instant later.

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

"government minister Hartwell, along with fellow member of the Wizengamot are seated on the dais. Three fourth-year members of the Wizengamot will cuss Laurentis in."

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

"Welcome to the Ministry of magic trick. It has been my joy to serve you over the past ten class. I 'd wish to drive a moment to give thanks my political party, Merlinus, for their support over the past tense X, as well as all of my top functionary and the rest of the Ministry employees. I 'll keep this short and just say that I am going to omit serving you, but I have to accommodate that both my wife and I are looking forward to taking a overnice, long holiday."

laugh, followed by hand clapping.

"Thank you, diplomatic minister Hartwell,"someone else said. Albus assumed it was one of the Wizengamot penis."Ms. Laurentis, if you would delight step forward."There was a interruption."Please repeat after me. I do hereby affirm to serve the United Kingdom-"

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

"-to the best of my ability-"

"-to the best of my ability-"

"-and proceed to the ideals of the Paracelsus party-"

"-and keep to the paragon of the Paracelsus party-"

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

"I swear to listen to the hoi polloi 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 tierce curate of legerdemain post-War as of the initiatory of May, 2020, at xi o'clock in the morning. Ms. Laurentis, congratulations. Please welcome your new parson of Magic, Patricia Laurentis !"

There was a smattering of polite hand clapping, much quieter than the previous hand clapping for Hartwell. Albus supposed it was a serious occasion and no one wanted to look too ecstatic.

"That was quick,"Albus said.

"She 's going to make a speech now,"Rose said."Shhh."

"Thank you,"Laurentis said as the hand clapping died down."It is an honor to be standing before you as your diplomatic minister of conjuration. I would like to begin by thanking the Paracelsus party for nominating me as candidate and supporting me throughout my successful campaign-"

"Does she really require to say it was a successful hunting expedition ?"King John asked."I mean, it 's obvious that it was successful."

"Shut up !"rose wine said.

"-without your support I would never have made it this far. I hope I am able to endure up to the high first moment set by you and rector Hartwell. I am certainly you are all uneasy to hear who I am appointing to headspring of Department positions in the Ministry, so I wo n't waste any time getting to that."

Albus 's heart sped up. He glanced up and met Matt 's gaze. Matt looked just as nervous as Albus felt.

"low, the department of Magical Law Enforcement. I am pleased to announce that Tethys Balladanis will be taking over for former brain, Reena Barnes."

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

"Balladanis ?"Rose shouted at the Lapplander fourth dimension."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,"Gospel According to John said.

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

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

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

There was an audible pant from the audience. Albus sat stunned, processing the entropy. Part of him had been expecting this, but now that it had actually happened, it was still a electrical shock. It was very similar to the election results.

"I understand that this is a controversial choice, but I feel that the Ministry needs to be a united front. I assure you that Henry M. Robert Andrew Johnson is an excellent Auror and will make a rattling headspring of Department."

Albus tuned the wireless out once Laurentis went on to the Department of Magical Transportation. He could hear his heart hammer in his caput and the rest of the world seemed so far away. It was almost surreal.

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

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

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

"But it 's the assertion 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 capable to put into words what he felt."First Uncle Percy lost and now this."

"-Walter Eckerton will remain top dog of the department for the regulating and Control of Magical Creatures-"

"Thank God !"Matt exclaimed.

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

Albus only paid undefined care to the rest of the proclamation. He did n't realise anyone, except for Malfoy 's dad when Laurentis reiterated that appointment. One affair was take in by the end, and that was no one in Albus 's syndicate was in any of the Head position.

pink wine switched the receiving set off at the end of Laurentis 's speech communication. The wizard doing the programme was interviewing a few masses, but they were n't anyone of great importance.

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

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

It was make that word of honor had spread when Albus and his friends reached the Great Charles Martin Hall. Whichever social class had had politics during the manner of speaking must 've shared the news show with the stallion castle, because everyone stared at Albus as he walked in. He did n't make eye contact with anyone and made a beeline for the Gryffindor board, where he sat down next to James.

"So you heard,"William James said quietly.

"I skived off class to listen know,"Albus explained."She wants a unite ministry. What a load of dragon dung."

"This is bad,"Epistle of James said."This is really bad."

"She 's replaced more than functionary than any minister of religion, ever,"Rose commented."She only kept three."

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

"Nothing she 's doing makes a bit of sense,"Albus muttered."But I guess people must care her. She got elected."

"But now that she 's elected she can appoint who she wants,"Amanda said."I do n't suppose anyone actually thought she 'd replace your dad. I 've only been in the wizarding world for four long time 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 glare because of it, but it was a constant. It was formula for him. Now, he did n't jazz what to think.

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

Albus glanced up. Every single professor was bass in conversation, some even ignoring their solid food. Neville in particular looked stun and disturbance. None of them looked felicitous.

Albus 's own plate was still empty and he had no desire to fill it. For as long as he could remember his dad had been head teacher of the Auror department, a job that he loved. Being the man who defeated Voldemort had given him an atmosphere of being the ultimate Auror, something that had stayed with him for over xx years. Now, so many years later, it seemed to Albus that it was wearing off.

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

Albus looked around at his fellow Gryffindors. He knew that Thomas More than a few of them had voted for Laurentis, and therefore most in all probability supported her conclusion to interchange his dad as Head of the Auror department. Not everyone was talking in whisper, with worried look. A few chemical group were laughing, like they did n't accept a caution in the world. Either they just did n't handle about Laurentis 's decisiveness, or they supported it. The sentiment 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 like it at all.


A/N : Thanks for all the adorable followup !


The following hebdomad brought a mint of articles stating and re-stating everything Laurentis said in that showtime actor's line. A list of the new Ministry functionary was printed multiple clip. Albus found the editorial more interest than the existent articles, mostly because there were quite a few proclaiming how stunned it was of Laurentis to sack Harry thrower. However, it was n't until nearly a calendar week after Laurentis officiall became Minister that an clause completely captured Albus 's attention was published.

DEMENTORS TO tax return TO AZKABAN ;
HOGWARTS TO SEE variety

Newly elected curate of illusion
Patricia Laurentis officially signed
the law that will bring Azkaban back
under the control of the dementors
late endure dark. Laurentis hopes
to have the dementors back by late
succeeding workweek. 'This has been a goal
of mine for old age and I am very
happy that it is finally happening.
The wizarding world will be far
safer now that our malefactor will
be guarded once Sir Thomas More by dementors .'

bringing the dementors back to Azkaban
is the first of many changes the new
minister will be enacting over the
succeeding few workweek. Laurentis 's future
plan is to enact changes at Hogwarts.
'Over the next few weeks I will be
sending representatives from the
Department of Magical educational activity to
observe each professor. Each
professor will be required to submit
their syllabus to the spokesperson
as well .'professor planning on
retiring at the end of this year
will be free from this requirement,
as no changes will claim berth before
the end of term.

"fountainhead, she 's done it,"Albus said as he set the clause down."A week from now Azkaban will sustain dementors."

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

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

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

"I did n't imagine 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. most of you, I am sure, have read the seer. Over the next few weeks every professor will be observed during one of his or her course of instruction. I ask you all to brush off 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 affair work at Hogwarts. Now, Professor Slughorn has an proclamation to make."

Professor Slughorn stood, although he was so short that it hardly made a difference. He looked a bit neural and Albus got the feeling that he rarely ever addressed the entire scholarly person body at once.

"Yes, thank you, professor Kendrick,"Slughorn said."I just wanted to say you all at once that I am going to hit the sack at the end of 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 curricula 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 professors next year,"lavatory said.

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

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

Rose raised her brow."What Book ?"

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

"dead reckoning you should 've started studying earlier,"pink wine said.

"Shut up,"King James muttered.

James was n't the sole one to have forgotten about O.W.L.s amidst all the election news program. There seemed to be more frantic studying than usual, and not just from the fifth part and seventh long time. The entire palace had neglected to study for their end-of-term exams. Later that night Albus, John, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden joined the throngs of the great unwashed vying for board in the subroutine library in club to drum in as much perusal as possible. Matt could n't get together them, as it was the full moon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus had assumed that this would be a japery that would make itself known right away, as most of John Lackland and Kaden 's pranks worked that way. But by the adjacent dawn thing seemed perfectly all right at Hogwarts. The Slytherins'tomentum was still pattern gloss and everything seemed calm and still. toilet and Kaden kept grinning at each other, so Albus was surely they 'd done something.

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

Albus raised his eyebrows questioningly at whoremaster and Kaden.

"Should we tell him ?"John asked.

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

Albus started laughing."Seriously ?"

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

"That 's genius,"Albus said. John Lackland and Kaden 's antic were most definitely improving over the years.

"What 's flair ?"

Albus looked up from his breakfast to see Matt nudging a first twelvemonth over so that he could sit down in adjacent to John.

"Madam Pomfrey let you out ?"Albus asked.

flatness nodded."Yeah, I think she wanted me to stick longer, but I told her I needed to consider. Why are these two geniuses ?"

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

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

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

"Study."

Albus looked up once more and saw that this clip Rose and Amanda had appeared, both heavily ladened down with books and spate of lambskin. They wore monovular look of determination.

"You 're all studying. All day,"pink wine continued."examination are in a month and none of us are fain. The election happened, it sucked, but it 's over. nada can be done. Albus, you 've been moping about your dad 's job for a workweek. John, Kaden, I 'm specify that you do well this year. matte, the entire moon is over. All four of you are studying from now until exams."

"Aw, pink wine, c'mon-"

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

Rose and Amanda left in a flourish of sheepskin and script, leaving Albus and the other male child to stare at each other open-mouthed. Albus knew his cousin-german was very academic and placed a richly value on her own education, but never before had she staged an intervention for his studying.

"She 's lost her idea,"John said."If she 's like this now, what will encounter side by side year for O.W.L.s ?"

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

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

That was true, Albus thought. He and his friends quickly finished their breakfast and hurried up to the subroutine library, realizing once they arrived that they did n't have any of their record book. They ran up to their dorm to retrieve them and made it to the library five hour later than rosebush insisted they be there.

Rose and Amanda had shoved two tables together and had spread all their books out over them. brothel keeper 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 books onto the table."There 's only six of us."

"Oh, that 's for Elsie,"rosebush said as she set lambskin down at each seat.

"As in Elsie Willinson ?"Albus replied.

"Yes, that 's the only Elsie we know,"Rose said."She needs help studying and I 'm her tutor."

"But she 's Felix Willinson 's Sister,"Saint John the Apostle pointed out.

"And she needs help, lavatory,"Rose said with a sigh."I 've been tutoring her all twelvemonth and I 'm not going to blockade now."

Matt nudged John."It 's not a bad thing. Maybe she 'll tell 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 year, so prospect were thin that he and the former boys would have success.

"Honestly, you lot are far too focused on Malfoy,"pink wine said."You 've hardly studied all year. Just sit down and start reviewing metamorphosis. I 've made study scout for every matter. You should have them at your spots."

Albus picked a arse and sat down. Rose was organized to the percentage point of insanity. There were in fact bailiwick guides for every subject, organized chronologically, from September until May. Albus was suddenly very thankful for his full cousin, despite her obvious insanity. This was going to make studying so a great deal easier.

"Wow, thanks rosebush,"Albus said. The repose of the group muttered their agreement.

rosiness smiled."See ? It was a dependable idea. Now, we 'll contemplate until lunch and then cause a break."

lunch was about two hours away. That was n't too bad. Albus opened his Transfiguration script and settled in with that and the subject templet. It took him about a one-half hour to work through distractions, but soon his idea was only focused on Transfiguration.

Around him, the subroutine library quickly filled up. fifth and seventh class seemed the most frantic about finding tables and searching the push-down storage, but student from every year and every sign of the zodiac were present tense. brothel keeper Pince spent the forenoon weaving throughout the mesa and looking over everyone 's shoulder joint to wee-wee indisputable they were working on schoolhouse workplace. With exams so near, the 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 sort of amused Albus when sibling looked so alike, since he did n't really resemble either of his siblings. But Felix and Elsie Willinson were incredibly interchangeable in looks.

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

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


rose 's revision sessions continued throughout the month of May. Albus did n't care to admit it out loud, but they were incredibly helpful and he was n't sure he would pass his examination if it were n't for rosiness. As the month progressed, the session grew both in length and the number of participants. By the end of the first base week their study group had grown to include James, Ben, Cedric, and their Friend Nathan, who all now feared failing their O.W.L.s.

Albus and James missed a few sessions for Quidditch practice, but as the Quidditch final John Drew closer, both of them agreed that Quidditch was just as important as studying. Thomas Bradley and Heather were becoming more and more anxious about the final examination, since it would shape 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 in all likelihood win the cup as well.

The match took home a calendar week before O.W.L.s were scheduled to start out and Albus awoke more unquiet than he had been for a Quidditch equal in long time. The peer itself was going to be bittersweet since it would be the last time he played with Heather and Fred as the other pursuer on Gryffindor 's team. future twelvemonth he 'd receive two new Chasers and that was going to be incredibly unknown.

Albus headed down to breakfast before his friends and encountered a few particularly itchy Slytherins on his way. Giggling to himself and enjoying the fact that John and Kaden 's japery was still going on, hebdomad later, he entered the Great dorm. On his way to the Gryffindor tabular array, he was distracted by the sight 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 squat down behind a few 7th years. Unfortunately the Great Hall was too loud for proper eavesdropping, and Albus made a vow to always have an Extendable Ear on his somebody from now on.

Malfoy stepped away from Felix Willinson and turned, allowing Albus to depend at his facial expression. He looked wicked. His centre were red and it looked like he had n't slept in solar day. Very strange, Albus thought, as he rose to succeed Malfoy out of the room.

Once in the Entrance Hall, Malfoy immediately ran up the staircase, going far too fast for Albus to watch. Albus stood succeeding to the door to the Great residence hall thinking about what Malfoy 's military action meant.

He was clearly upset about something, but what was it ? The overnight 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 varsity letter Albus and Amanda saw Malfoy reading month ago was connected as well.

Albus did n't advert Malfoy to his friends when they came down to breakfast a few minutes later. As a good deal as Albus wanted to talk about it with them, he knew that he needed to put it out of his mind for the duration of the mate. If there was ever a match for Albus not to be distracted, this was it.

The nerves on the team were palpable as they stood waiting to walk onto the rake. Fred did n't even throw a actor's line, since everyone knew how important the match was, both to Fred and Heather.

Ravenclaw had a just Quidditch team. They were easily the best team in the school, although most Gryffindors would disagree. But the Gryffindor team was determined in this lucifer, causing them to act fiercer than ever before.

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

The equal only lasted an hr. Albus had n't even realized that King James I caught the Snitch until the whistle was blown. Gryffindor won 420-260, their serious win yet that year.

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

Albus could n't even hear the comment over the earsplitting applause of the spectators. Professor Longbottom was holding the Quidditch Cup high over his head teacher and was making his way through the crew to Fred. Fred took the Cup and held it out to Calluna vulgaris. Each held one side and raised it up. The Gryffindors were storming the auction pitch and Albus was sept up in the crowd, making it difficult to reach his squad. Once he did, somebody snapped their picture.

Albus was the felicitous he 'd felt in calendar week, ever since his team won the Dueling tournament. It was his thirdly class on the Quidditch team and they finally won the Cup. But he was even Sir Thomas More happy for Fred and heather mixture than he was for himself since they 'd both been on the squad since their second year and had never won the Cup.

Heather had tears streaming down her boldness and Fred was grinning wider than Albus had ever seen him. While neither of them were pursuing a career in Quidditch, Quidditch had been their aliveness for the past six years. Winning the Cup in their 7th year seemed more poignant than it would have winning it any former yr. Albus hoped that Gryffindor 's team was still as sound as it was now when he got to one-seventh class. Winning again in his lastly year would be the proficient feeling in the reality.
***


"Malfoy really did leave the castle,"Amanda announced at breakfast the next day.

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

"Weirdly enough, Moaning Myrtle."

"How would she know ?"

"I 've no approximation,"Amanda said as she grabbed a few slice of toast."I did n't ask."

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

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

"One in the Lapp,"rosiness said."His necrology is in there."

"Why were you reading the obituaries ?"Matt 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,"rosiness explained.

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

"And that sidesplitter he got month ago,"Kaden added.

Albus glanced at the obit but did n't say it. As much as he disliked Malfoy, he could n't serve but feel lamentable for him. Albus could n't imagine what it would be like to lose his grandfather, and despite Lucius Malfoy 's obvious faults, he was still Scorpius '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 lost with the fact that Moaning myrtle knew about him leaving the palace ?"lustrelessness asked."She never leaves her loo. We saw Malfoy going into her loo a few weeks ago. Does n't that seem a bit too coincidental ?"

"You think he 's induce chummy with Moaning Myrtle ?"Albus asked.

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

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

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

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

"We 're not going to disoblige Malfoy,"Albus said."We 're just going to talk to Myrtle."

"enumeration me out,"Rose said, shaking her head.

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

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

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

"Not me,"Matt said immediately.

"I 'll go,"can said.

"You 're both mad,"blush 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 officious yesterday and did n't have a fortune to update. Thanks for all the lovely inspection ! I am very behind on answering them, but I 'll finish eventually !


The program to sing to Myrtle in the dead of Nox may sustain been a plan that belonged solely to Albus and can, but Rose still had somewhat of a say over when it happened. Exams were now only a calendar week away and rosiness was only giving them one night off, for rest and clearing emphasis from the judgment. Neither Albus or John dared crisscross rosebush and skip out on alteration, which took property in the depository library until curfew and then in the common way until they all went to bed.

Their one dark off occurred the night before their first exam. O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s had been going on for a full hebdomad, but none of the fifth or seventh years were taking any nights off, including William James. Despite rosiness 's press that he claim a Nox off, James insisted upon studying. It was quite a switch.

Albus and privy spent the evening playing Bromus secalinus with Kaden. matte had turned in early, still tired from the full moon, which had taken place two Clarence Day earlier. rosiness and Amanda had disappeared into their dormitory, clearly set upon having some time away from the boys.

The common room emptied as the night progressed, and eventually john and Albus were the only ones left. It had n't taken long since almost people went to bed other because of exam. It was probably fairly stupid of Albus and Saint John the Apostle to appease up so late, but neither of them cared.

They waited an additional fifteen minute of arc in suit mortal decided to yield to the common room, but no one did. Albus glanced at Saint 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 table. The sea-coast was clear.

Albus and can stumbled out of the portrait hole and once they righted themselves, Albus threw the Cloak over them, under the Fat Lady 's stern gaze.

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

The Fat Lady was always threatening this but she never seemed to establish sound on any of her menace. Ignoring her, Albus and John set off along the corridor. St. John led the way while Albus kept his eyes glued to the Map, but the corridors remained empty. It seemed everyone, both scholar and prof, were getting a serious dark 's rest before exam. Everyone that is, except for Albus and John.

Moaning Myrtle was the only if occupant of the second storey girl 's lavatory. John quietly pushed the threshold open and Albus followed him in. Once inside, Albus pulled the Cloak off and held it under is mightily arm.

"Myrtle ?"lav shouted as he stepped into the room.

A splashing speech sound came from the last stall and then myrtle 's ghostly variety floated through the unopen stall door."male child ? Why do n't you go use your own-"Myrtle cut herself off with a giggle. She floated toward Albus and John and rested on the sinkhole."Oh, it 's you. Albus potter. And his friend St. John the Apostle. Where 's lustrelessness ? I rather fancy him ...."

"He, er, was n't feeling well,"Albus said, hoping that matt 's absence would n't put myrtle off from talking to them.

On the reverse, myrtle 's look lit up."Oh my ! I 've been feeling rather awful today myself. It 's a position core of dying, you know."

Albus did n't think dying had any face effects other than dying and had always assumed being a ghost would n't be painful, but Vinca minor was very odd.

"But why are you here ?"Myrtle asked."You never inspect me unless you 're in custody. It 's rather disappointing. No one ever thinks to visit poor myrtle. Oh, Myrtle 's utter, they think, so she does n't need any visitant. Vinca minor does n't need any booster ! All because she 's abruptly !"

"No, Myrtle, that is n't it at all,"Albus said quickly."It 's just, you live in a girl 's loo. We can only travel to you now, in the midsection of the night."

Myrtle let out a forte 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 John. Maybe this was going to be easier than he thought. Myrtle probably did n't have any dedication to Scorpio Malfoy.

"Which boys ?"Albus asked carefully, taking a step closer to Myrtle.

"I only know one of their name,"Myrtle said with a giggle."I know his name because his begetter used to come up and mouth to me when he was in schoolhouse. But his son is n't quite as talkative and he did n't appear to care at all about me or my decease. He only wanted to have it away about the Chamber of Secrets-"

"The Chamber of Secrets ?"Albus exclaimed."Scorpius Malfoy wanted to know about the Chamber of closed book ?"

Myrtle brightened."Oh, you know him, too ! Yes, he did. He wanted to know exactly where the incoming was. He 'd already done quite a bit of enquiry on it in the library. Rather odd, I thought, for a Slytherin, spending so much time in the program library, but not in a bad way. But yes, he came in and asked me about the Chamber and I told him about my demise and he did n't quite realise the joining at foremost. So I showed him the entry and told him that he had to mouth like a Snake to get in but he could n't figure it out."

"He tried to speak Parseltongue ?"Albus asked.

Vinca minor nodded."Sounded awful. Your dad was much serious at it. Even that freckled boy managed to figure it out during the Battle of Hogwarts, but Scorpius Malfoy was truly awful at it. That 's when I met the other boy. Scorpio left and came back a few days later with this other boy. He showed him the entrance and then they started talking about this missy named Elsie and the other boy thought that she would be able-bodied to open the Chamber."

"And when was this ?"Albus asked. The early boy must have been Felix Willinson.

"Two calendar week ago, maybe ?"myrtle said."Do you know why he wanted to get into the Chamber of mystery ? He refused to evidence me."

"No,"Albus said, shaking his head."We want to know, too."

"well,"Myrtle began as she floated up to the cap."Please tell me when you find out. And following time, gain surely that lusterlessness comes to visit, too."

"Er, certainly,"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 John and they left. On the way back Albus explained the Chamber of arcanum to lav, who only knew the home by name. By the time they returned to the common room King John was just as shocked as Albus was about why Malfoy seemed to want to get into the Chamber of Secrets.

"Do you recollect Elsie Willinson can speak Parseltongue ?"John asked as they climbed through the portrait hole ( the Fat Lady had not refused them accounting entry ).

"I do n't lie with,"Albus said."It 's very uncommon. I think we 're going to suffer to ask Rose."

"Bet she 'll love that, in the middle of exams,"whoremonger said with a laugh.
***


"Of course I have no theme if Elsie Willinson is a Parselmouth !"rose exclaimed the next day during their lunch break in between exams. Albus had just finished explaining what Vinca minor had told them in conclusion night, as well as explaining the Chamber of Secrets for Matt, Amanda, and Kaden 's sake.

"Are you sure she has n't mentioned anything ?"Albus pressed.

"Positive ! And honestly, Albus, you need to get this out of your mind. It 's exam week. It 's not the prison term 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 curio. The fact remained that Malfoy was acting oddly, and if Felix Willinson was involved, it could n't be anything goodness.

"They 're up to something, rose,"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 seat."Did you see the Prophet this good morning ?"

"No,"Albus replied. He, lusterlessness, and John had both slept too late to deliver breakfast before their first exam.

James River slapped a written matter down on the tabular array in front of Albus."That fella, Robert Johnson ? The one who took Dad 's place ? He 's revamped the stallion department, claiming that they 're going to have a 99 % capture rate."

"99 % ?"Albus repeated as he looked at the composition."That 's crazy."

LBJ REVAMPS AUROR DEPARTMENT

Newly appointed point Auror, Henry Martyn Robert
Johnson, has spent the past calendar month
revamping and reorganizing the Auror
department. Andrew Johnson has rewritten
rules and regulations for the department
as well as reorganized how Aurors
work together. All Aurors have
attended workshop over the past month
to familiarize themselves with the
new prescript and policies.

'The Leslie Townes Hope is that we will be capable to
capture felon faster and easygoing ,'
Johnson said. 'The department has
been disorganized for class and this
has resulted in many criminal going
detached for far foresightful than they should.
Between the new Auror Department policies
and the reinstatement of the dementors
in Azkaban, we should be able-bodied to enamor
more crook and hold open them where they
belong- behind bar .'

While Johnson did not go into specific
of the policy and rule, stating that
these are seal text file, he assured
the wizarding public that they have
helped to streamline the department.
'With these new policies I do n't see why
we should n't accept a 99 % seizure rate
within a year .'

"What does that even mean, 99 % gaining control pace ?"Albus asked after setting the paper down.

"No melodic theme,"St. James the Apostle said."But I thought you 'd want to see it. I 've got to go. Transfiguration practical this afternoon and I need to practice."

"I wish they 'd say what the change actually were,"Albus said as his brother left.

"They ca n't,"rosiness said."The theme is right about that."

"It 's not like the section was awful when Dad was in boot,"Albus continued."He captured Calidris canutus, did n't he ?"

"I think Laurentis is crediting Matt 's dad with that,"blush wine commented."As much as it was both of them."

"That 's not honest,"Matt said.

"No, it 's not,"rose wine said as she glanced at her spotter."We 'd better get going. History of Magic exam."

Albus found it incredibly hard to focalise on his account of magic trick test, and while he was fairly sure he passed it, he knew he had n't done well. There was just too lots to focus on. Between Malfoy and the Auror Department, the last things Albus wanted to think about were goblin rebellions and giant star wars.

Later that night Rose held another study session in the library. Albus managed to sit succeeding to Elsie Willinson, who ignored him completely. Albus spent Sir Thomas More time staring at the Marauder 's Map and figuring out the respectable way to play up the topic of speaking Parseltongue with Elsie than any actual perusing, but rosiness did n't seem to notice.

The espouse two years were nearly identical to the first day of exams, with the exception of the subjects they were tested on. test in the morning, lunch, exam in the afternoon, studying, dinner party, then more studying. The monotony was starting to get on Albus 's nerves, but they were only halfway through test week.

Elsie Willinson did n't show up to the study session Wednesday eve. Albus was disappointed since he was finally going to bring up the topic of speaking Parseltongue with her, no matter how effective it would be. Instead, he looked over his Potions musical note while glancing at the Marauder 's Map every so often.

"Albus, what exactly are you looking for ?"rose wine asked.

Albus did n't really require to say because he knew Rose would just roll her middle, but he also knew she would n't let go of the subject field until he explained."Malfoy. He 's going to go back to the lady friend 's loo, and when he does, I want to comply him."

"That would be stupid,"rose wine said."smell at the past tense three twelvemonth. You 've gotten yourself involved with something poor fish at the end of every year. Following Malfoy would just be asking for trouble."

blush wine had a decimal point, Albus knew, but he did n't care."It 's just Malfoy. He 's not going to kidnap me."

"Famous net actor's line,"rose wine muttered."He 's probably just in his common room."

Albus checked the Map. Malfoy 's dot was definitely not in the coarse way. Albus 's essence sped up as he checked the residual of the Map. It took him a while, but then he spotted Malfoy 's dot, making its way down the back floor corridor. He was accompanied by none other 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 lay off me."

blush wine groaned."Albus, don't-"

Albus ignored her and turned to the remainder of his friends."Are any of you coming with me ?"

"I am."Albus was shocked to see that the articulation belonged to Amanda. Usually Amanda agreed with Rose.

"Amanda, really ?"Rose asked.

Amanda shrugged."I want a break from studying and I 'm just as curious as Albus is."

"Count me out,"Matt 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 recognize that."

"We 're in,"Saint John said, speaking for himself and Kaden.

"You 've got an hour,"Rose 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 blush wine of this, he left his books sitting on the table. King John, Kaden, and Amanda did the same.

Albus did n't bother with the Invisibility Cloak since it was n't past curfew. They 'd just have to skulk near the loo until the sea-coast was sack and stoolie in when no one was looking. All they needed was the Map for that.

The corridors were unusually abandon and Albus attributed it to the fact that well-nigh of his associate scholar were doing some last arcminute revision before the next day 's test. It certainly made it promiscuous to purloin into a girlfriend 's loo.

Albus watched the Map as they went and Malfoy and both Willinsons'dots entered Moaning Myrtle 's privy. 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 know about it so they could n't deliver put it on the Map."

It took another five minutes for Albus, John, Kaden, and Amanda to get to the loo. Once there Albus burst the door receptive and ran inside. He stopped short-circuit in front man of the sinks.

One of the sinks was gone, having sunk into the floor. In its berth was a with child, sales talk black golf hole. myrtle was floating above it, her heart bright.

"They did it,"Myrtle said excitedly."Are you going to follow them ?"

"I guess this answers the question of whether Elsie Willinson can speak snake,"John the Divine said.

"Is Matt ill again ?"Myrtle asked.

"Er, yeah,"Albus said.

"He 's ill an dreaded lot of the fourth dimension,"myrtle said."Tell him to come in see me when he 's better."

"Sure,"Albus said as he crept closer to the muddle."I 'm going down there. You three are welcome to get together me."Albus was determined. He 'd add up this far and he was n't going to stop now. He needed to figure out what was going on.

"Is it a far dip ?"Amanda asked hesitantly.

"I think it 's Thomas More of a slide,"Albus said."That 's what my dad said, anyway."

"There is n't a basilisk in there, is there ?"King John asked.

"No,"Albus said."It 's dead."

"Then I 'm in,"John 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 live here,"Myrtle said, giggling."I told Scorpius that and he told me that was another reason 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 jump into the hollow. Kaden did so without a second glance.

"Are you okay ?"Albus asked once he heard a thud.

"Yeah, I 'm fine !"Kaden shouted back.

Neither can or Amanda seemed tend to go future, so Albus stepped to the very border of the muddle and looked down. He could n't see a matter. Deciding that it was better to just do it and not remember too hard, he took a trench breath and jumped.

His dad had been right about it being more of a slide than a free fall down. The pickle was more of a sloping tube and it was n't a bad lantern slide at all. Soon, Albus landed at the bottom and saw Kaden, who had lit his wand.

Albus lit his own wand and took a tone around. The billet was very wet and it smelled awful. The rampart were dripping with turbid water and the flooring was covered in rock, mud, and what looked same old Snake River skin.

"I think we 're near the lake,"Albus said, nodding to the dripping water.

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 sceptre. There was now enough wand Light to see clearly. The stead was creepy. That was the alone word for it.

Amanda landed without knocking anyone over and lit her sceptre. Albus and Kaden waited for John and Amanda to subscribe a tone around.

"What do we do now ?"Kaden asked.

"Does anyone hear anything ?"Albus asked. It seemed deadened silent to Albus.

John shook his head."Matt should 've come. We need his werewolf hearing."

Albus nodded in arrangement."I guess we just follow the pipe. It looks like it only goes one way."

The others agreed. Albus led the way, his wand pointed in front of him, and they set off. No one rung. No one made any noise whatsoever. Albus had his ears poised to hear even the quietest interference, hoping to hear some clue as to where Malfoy and the others had gone.

Ihey walked for what felt like miles before they heard even the fainthearted of noise. Albus noticed numerous snake peel and the pearl 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 veracious next to him.

"Albus ceramist. Well, well, is n't this a pleasant surprise."

Albus recognized the voice. It was Jarrett Willinson.


Cliffhanger ! I know. I 'm evil. Thank you for all the marvellous reassessment ! I will react to them, but I 've been quite busy lately.

And now I 'll study a few minute to brag. On the 16th I went to NYC for J.K. Rowling 's event for The Casual emptiness. I got to conform to her and get a signed written matter of the leger ! It was absolutely beat. I blogged about it on the forums, so delight check 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 hear it again. He always assumed Jarrett Willinson had stayed in Australia, where absolutely no one was looking for him.

Slowly, Albus turned toward the spokesperson. He pointed his lit wand in its counsel and saw that there was a very diminished opening to his left. It appeared to be another pipe, but one much diminished than the one he and his friend had just been in. Albus crept toward it, trying not to make water any noise.

He turned to John, Kaden, and Amanda."What do you consider ?"

"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,"John said.

"But why ?"Amanda asked as she walked over to the pipe. She stuck her head in, making her voice echoey."Why would he do 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 bedchamber was gone.

"I do n't know,"Albus said."We 've come this far ..."

"Albus, I think Rose 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 pipe. Amanda was gone, a pocket-size pile of junk in her place.

"Amanda !"Albus screamed, stepping over to the pipe.

"Albus !"she shouted back."avail !"

"What 's happening ?"Gospel According to John asked.

"Told you we should 've gone back !"Kaden shouted.

"Well, we ca n't go back now,"Albus said, climbing into the pipage."C'mon !"

Albus had to squat as he walked in order to fit through the tobacco pipe. John and Kaden followed him, occasionally tripping over rock music as they went. Albus splashed ahead of them, his sceptre lighting the few animal foot in movement of him. They followed Amanda 's shriek until they grew muffled and disappeared all together.

Finally, the organ pipe emerged into a pocket-size chamber, not unlike a small reading of the bedchamber they 'd just been in. It was wetter than the quietus of the Chamber of Secrets and the far paries contained a metallic element grate that appeared to let out into the lake. But the water supply was n't going through it.

Albus 's attention, however, was n't focused on the magically contained lake body of water. Instead, his eyes drew to the collection of people scattered throughout the sleeping accommodation. He breathed a suspiration of succour when he saw Amanda, in the clutches of Jarrett Willinson, who had his verge pointed at her headland. Albus was just well-chosen they found her. Jarrett was flanked by his son, Quinton, who was looking a bit defective for wear. Azkaban did n't look to hold agreed with him and he now looked far erstwhile than his early twenties.

Scorpius, Felix, and Elsie were there as well, looking very uncomfortable. Elsie was shaking and had a death grasp on her brother 's hand. Scorpius stood next to them and he seemed very tip over. The only one who seemed at all okay with the situation 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 adult at first. Then he remembered their pictures from the vaticinator. The poor woman was Dolores Umbridge, her gray hair greatly resembling a beehive around her straits. Her skin was deeply wrinkly and she did n't much resemble the somebody in the photograph, but her center and freakish grin were the Lapplander. The other woman was about a understructure taller and just as ugly. Her pilus was stringy and mostly brown, with bar of grey. Her nose was long, crooked, and boasted a large wart, giving her the tone of a Hellenic Muggle 's edition of a witch. All that was missing was the green skin. The man resembled her, although he was unforesightful and more dumpy. Both were sneering. Albus assumed they were the Carrows.

"What are you doing here, Potter ?"Scorpius asked, clearly trying to sound more confident than he was.

"Shut up, Malfoy,"Jarrett snapped."I 'll ask the interrogative sentence. And I can only seize they followed you three. Whether it was intentional 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 theatrical role 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 figure out what was going on. What exactly had Malfoy 's Father-God 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 want 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 arm so that he could taper his wand at Malfoy.

"M-maybe."

Jarrett sighed."This is poor. I do n't wish taking vantage of frail children, and yet here I am-"

"I 'm not delicate !"Malfoy shouted.

"You just misplace your grandfather,"Jarrett said."You 're fragile. So is your Father-God, and he 's well-off to deceive."

"He is not !"

At that point Elsie started crying. It started out as little snuffle but within ten instant blew up into loud breathlessness. Everyone in the room turned to gaze 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 quiet,"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 birth a option, Elsie. He 's our uncle and he needed our help."

"Could someone 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 relinquish to get out. I really do n't care what the hell you do."

Albus exchanged glances with privy and Kaden, who both shrugged. None of them were going to exit, of course, but Albus was utterly confused. For the retiring four days 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 wise than that."

"Put what together ?"Albus asked, still confused.

Jarrett squeezed Amanda tighter."She 's the prime of life Minister 's niece, who happens to be a Wiccan. She 's currently the in effect bargaining chip I could possibly cause. I only wish I 'd known about her earlier, but thanks to your uncle the entire wizarding globe knows she 's the Prime curate 's niece. I must give thanks that reporter.

"ceramicist, do you understand how bad Laurentis would look if anything happened to the Muggle Prime government minister 's niece a picayune over a calendar month after she took office ? And just Day after her appointed nous Auror revolutionized the department ? Oh, it would take care awful, Potter. So we, all of us, are going to sit pixilated until the Aurors get here and then I 'll pass water my need and the Aurors will cave in in because if they do n't, I 'll kill the Prime pastor 's niece."

Albus 's mouthpiece fell receptive. He stared at Jarrett, whose grin resembled that of a person who just won the drawing. Amanda looked terrified, her eyes darting everywhere and a few stray bout running down her cheeks.

"Of course you can leave, potter,"Jarrett said."Go get your dad. Go get the other Aurors. It 'll only bring in 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, Potter. It wo n't be as big of a offence if they hex you now."

Albus glanced at Umbridge and the Carrows. Umbridge did n't look like soul adequate to of hexing anyone, given that she more closely resembled an precarious mental patient than a dangerous witch. But the Carrows, they looked able of murder. As for Quinton, he was n't much of a threat. Still, Albus, john, 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 bring us the miss. She came with ceramist, following you."

"Why does it matter ?"Malfoy asked."The point is she 's here now."

"I do n't think you would 've ever brought her to me, Malfoy."

"You 're correctly, I would n't ! And do you want to know why ? I never wanted to help you. That 's not why I agreed to this. I think you 're all changeling, to be honest."

Albus stared at Malfoy, completely shocked. Malfoy hated Albus, Amanda, and all their Quaker, 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 idiot were going to hold a game of your own."

Jarrett laughed."Now you 're the half-wit. You think we 'd have got agreed to his plot if there had n't been something in it for us ? Meaning my son, here. Not these former three. I 'm not trusted why they agreed to it. I 'm not even indisputable Umbridge knows where she is, actually. She has n't said a great deal 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 eyes and then whipped around. In a matter of seconds, he sent five consecutive curse at the Carrows and Umbridge. Umbridge collapsed immediately, not moving. The Carrows both went for their wands, but were too dull. Malfoy sent two more sweetheart and the Carrows fell over, one on top of the other.

Malfoy turned back to Jarrett, breathing heavily."Looks like the odds are a little different now."

"Malfoy, what are you doing ?"Albus asked, still trying to enclose his nous around the fact that Scorpio Malfoy had just helped him.

"Shut up, thrower,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm not doing this for you."

"Scorpius, what is your job ?"Felix asked, breaking free of his sister 's grip."I thought we were in on this together."

"I thought we were, too, until your uncle decided to do matter his way,"Malfoy said."It 's like I told you at the source ; 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 have them off-"

"How do you know the Aurors are coming ?"Albus asked.

"That does n't count now,"Malfoy said as he sent a beauty at Jarrett.

Albus turned to John Lackland and Kaden."focusing on Quinton and Felix. No offense, but you are n't the expert duelers and I do n't want you to hit Amanda."

lavatory and Kaden nodded. Albus glanced at Malfoy, attempted to shake off the weird touch he had from being on Malfoy 's incline, and started sending hex after hex at Jarrett. Jarrett, clearly unable 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 loud clangour and turned to his right. Dust was settling near where the Carrows and Umbridge lay. Once it settled, Albus saw that a heavy boulder had fallen from the cap and had landed on top of the female person Carrow.

"I think she 's stagnant,"Kaden said.

Albus swallowed heavily. Death had never crossed his intellect when he 'd arrive down here. Trying to push it from his thoughts, he returned to hexing Jarrett 's shield.

Kaden shouted something Albus could n't make water out and Albus turned just in clock 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 horrendous vexation,"Kaden muttered.

"Do n't fall asleep,"Albus said."halt awake. You 've probably got a concussion."

Albus heard splashing and looked up. Five wizards stumbled through the piping, their sceptre out.

"Wands up !"one of them shouted. Albus did n't recognize the voice."cipher motion !"

"Are they all here ?"another asked.

"I believe so,"the first 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 make need,"the first Auror said.

"Albus ?"

Albus turned back to the pipe and let out a sigh of relief. His dad had been the one-fifth Auror to get in."Dad. Kaden needs to go the hospital fender. Now."

Harry knelt down future to Kaden and assessed him."We 'll stimulate this lot rounded up soon. Then I 'll pack him."

"Let go of the girl, Willinson,"the number one Auror said. He took a few tone forward and Albus was able to see the side of his boldness. It was Robert Johnson, the new oral sex Auror.

"She 's the Prime diplomatic minister 's niece,"Jarrett said."You 'd better be careful, or I 'll belt down her."

"You 're outnumbered, Willinson,"Johnson said."I would n't try anything if I were you."

"It 'll be a huge dirt if she dies down here."

"Oh for God 's saki,"Lyndon Johnson muttered."Expelliarmus !"Jarrett 's baton flew in a stark arc out of his hand and LBJ caught it."Petrificus Totalus !"

Jarrett attempted to dodge the spell, but still restrain cargo hold of Amanda. He failed and collapsed to the story. Amanda ran forward and Harry caught hold of her, directing her to sit following to Albus and Kaden.

The Aurors conjured roach and tied up Jarrett, Quinton, the Carrows, and Umbridge. None of them said a word and none of them questioned any of the defendant. If Albus had n't known any better, he would 've thought the Aurors knew exactly what they were going to regain down here. It was all very confusing.

President Andrew Johnson and the three unfamiliar Aurors grabbed hold of the criminals and took them out of the chamber. Harry was left with Albus and the sleep of the students.

"Dad, what 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"I have my intuition, but unfortunately I do n't get any test copy,"Harry said."Let 's get you up to the hospital wing."

Harry carried Kaden, who had since passed out, and led the odd group out of the bedroom and back to the pipe that led to Moaning Vinca minor 's bathroom. Once there, he pointed his wand at the pipe and it turned into stairs. A few transactions later, they were back in the loo. Albus blinked a few times at the bright illumination and then his eyes rested upon myrtle, who was floating near the far stall.

"You 're back !"she shouted."Is he suddenly ?"Myrtle gestured to Kaden.

"No,"Albus said."Just unconscious."

"Oh."Vinca minor seemed rather disappointed.

"Let 's go,"Harry said."Hospital wing."
***


Albus had no actual ground to stay in the hospital backstage. After muttering about how Albus and his friends were always getting into trouble, lady Pomfrey proclaimed him in perfect health. John, Amanda, Scorpius, Felix, and Elsie were also ticket. Kaden, on the early hand, had a concussion and was not allowed to sleep. Albus, John, and Amanda remained in the hospital wing with him. rose wine and mat joined them as well, despite the fact that it was well past curfew.

Harry left after delivering them to lady Pomfrey, but promised to devolve in a few minute. That had been three hours ago and Albus was still waiting for him to come back, and for an account. They 'd explained the entire trial by ordeal to mat and Rose, who both agreed that Malfoy 's behavior was very strange.

The threshold to the infirmary wing finally opened and Harry walked in, looking incredibly exhausted. brothel keeper Pomfrey, upon seeing him, hurried off to her study.

"Kaden,"Harry said."How are you feeling ?"

"Like someone ran my header 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 certain. The official record is that they received an anonymous tip, but none of the captive are explaining why they were in the bedchamber of Secrets 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 possibility,"Harry said."I suspect that Scorpius Malfoy, along with Felix Willinson, were instructed by Draco Malfoy to happen a desirable location to house 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 President Andrew Johnson, in Holy Order to make both him and Laurentis look good. If Laurentis looks sound, genus Draco Malfoy looks good."

"But that means that Laurentis and genus 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 mind,"Harry said."But it 's irrelevant, because I have no proof. Nor do I have cogent evidence of my theory about Dragon Malfoy and his son. Alecto Carrow is bushed, Dolores Umbridge is clinically insane, and Amycus Carrow is n't talking. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson are n't talking, either, and I somehow doubt 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 concern about it, Albus. The captive are back in Azkaban, which is all that issue right now."

"But Dad-"

"Albus. bedevilment will do zippo. In my experience, multitude who are corrupt like this are never able to keep it a privy long. Whatever happens will happen."

"What about Scorpius ?"Amanda asked."Why did he switch position like that ?"

"Scorpius Malfoy has had a boisterous year. His grandfather has been quite ill for a long time, which has put strain on both of his parents and thus, on him. I am sure he was pressured into this by his father and then when it came clip for him to get further into it, by helping Jarrett Willinson get hold of Amanda, he realized he did n't desire to be involved, not would his begetter have wanted him to be involved."

"Is he going to get in trouble ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Harry said."As far as the record book is concerned, Scorpio, Felix, and Elsie stumbled upon the prisoners just as you lot did."

"That does n't seem fair,"Albus muttered.

"No, it does n't,"Harry said."But on the early deal, I think Scorpius Malfoy deserves a severance this class. I think he 's grown up a lot over the retiring few month. You might rule that he 's not quite the bully he used to be."

"I 'll think that when I see it,"Matt muttered."I guess that 's why he wanted to get into the screeching Shack, though. Probably wanted it for the prisoners."

"I suspect that, too,"Harry said."I must say I 'm glad he chose the Chamber of Secrets."

"Me, too,"flatness agreed.

"I have to return to the Ministry,"Harry said as he stood up."This will be in the paper tomorrow, although I have no idea what type of fib 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 matter we need is an article in the Prophet claiming that Harry Potter is a conspiracy theorist."

Albus laughed and said good dark to his dad. dame Pomfrey let them log Z's in the hospital wing that night, considering how late it was. Kaden, of form, had to stay on wake. 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 succeeding day. Herbology and Ancient rune. He hoped they would n't go too horribly.


A/N : Thanks for all the lovely reappraisal ! I will be getting to them as soon as I can. The next chapter will the last in this novel. I 'm not sure when the twenty percent novel will be up since I have yet to derive up with a concrete plot of land for it. I 'm going to read a break to write other tarradiddle that I 've had in my head for a patch.

It 's the end of Oct, which means it 's nearly NaNoWriMo season ! I 'll be continuing to update Between Here and Somewhere throughout November, as well as posting the shoemaker's last chapter of this adjacent Friday. But you wo n't see much else from me until December, as I 'll be busy writing an original fic.


Albus, Saint John the Apostle, and Matt overslept the future daybreak. Albus awoke ten minutes before their Herbology exam and had to wake up John and lusterlessness, which is never a small feat. It took a full five arcminute to get them up, but soon they were running through the corridors knowing full-of-the-moon fountainhead that they would be late. Unfortunately for Albus, none of his head was on Herbology. He could n't discontinue thinking about what happened in conclusion night.

The boys ran into greenhouse three five minutes late and as soon as they shut the door the total grade looked up from their examination and stared at them. Albus got the discrete touch sensation that they all knew about death dark, whether from rumors or from the Prophet. professor Longbottom got up from his ordure and walked over to them.

"Boys,"he said quietly.

"I 'm drab we 're late, sir,"Albus said."We overslept-"

"Albus, it 's okay. I know what happened lowest night. Just go assume your tail end. Your examination are already laid out."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus was very thankful that Herbology had been the exam he was recently for. Longbottom was the most translate professor in the total school. Albus settled down and managed to read the exam without falling asleep. While there were a few questions that he was n't sure about, he was quite sure-footed that he at to the lowest degree passed.

By the prison term the exam full stop ended Albus was starving, as were John and lusterlessness. They, along with blush wine and Amanda, headed immediately to the Great mansion house 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 interrogative sentence. There were a bunch of people crowded around Malfoy, too."

"Do either of you have the oracle ?"Albus asked as they sat down.

"Yeah, here,"Rose said, handing it to him.

Albus unfolded the paper and set it down on his plate. toilet and lustrelessness sat on either side of him and read over his shoulder.

yard bird CAUGHT AT HOGWARTS

Newly appointed Head Auror, Henry M. Robert
Lyndon Baines Johnson, received an anon. tip
late live Night that led him and four
early Aurors to Hogwarts shoal of
Witchcraft and genius. The tip
told Aurors that escaped inmate
Amycus Carrow, Alecto Carrow,
Quinton Willinson, and Dolores
Umbridge could be found in the chamber
of enigma bass under Hogwarts School.

The Chamber of Secrets, long since
regarded as a rumored blot out chamber
beneath the schoolhouse was proven to
exist in mid-1993. The Chamber has
remained empty since then.

All four escaped con, along with
Jarrett Willinson, wanted for a year
by the Auror section, were found in
the sleeping room of Secrets by Henry M. Robert Johnson
and four other Aurors. Amycus Carrow,
Quinton Willinson, and Dolores Umbridge
have been returned to Azkaban prison.
Jarrett Willinson is currently being held
in Azkaban prison without bond. Alecto
Carrow was pronounced dead by healer
late death night, after the ceiling in
the sleeping room collapsed, crushing her
instantly.

Six Hogwarts students were found in the
bedchamber as well. Samuel Johnson has released
very niggling data on this aspect
of the night, but has said that Jarrett
Willinson captured one bookman with the
aim of killing her if demands were
not met. The names of the students have
not been released.

It is unknown how the yard bird got into
the school day. weakness in the protective
wards are currently being addressed. 'We
wish to reassure the public that Hogwarts
shoal remains as safe as ever. The job
will be addressed quickly. There is no
need to panic .'

"Unknown how the convicts got into the school ?"Albus said incredulously."They 've covered the whole thing up !"

"What did you expect, Albus ?"blush wine asked, shaking her head."Uncle Harry said it would happen."

"I bet that new mind Auror is in on it,"Albus muttered."He 'll probably say he investigated but all he 'll do is earn up stories to cover up what Laurentis did."

"You 're probably right wing,"blush wine said.

"Who 's right hand ?"Kaden asked as he sat down.

"Albus,"Rose said.

"Have you seen this wish-wash ?"Albus asked, holding up the paper.

"Yeah,"Kaden replied."But honestly, I do n't care right now. I just want a sandwich. The divination exam was brutal. I had to recite Trelawney 's future in tea leaves."

John laughed."What did you say ?"

"Told her she was going to meet an prematurely 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 optic lit up and everything."

"She likes death, Trelawney,"Saint John said."Or at least the concept of it."

"Weird,"Albus muttered.

Albus 's remaining exams took topographic point with slight fanfare. Despite his mind not being on the material, he thought he did fairly well, and when the marks were released he discovered that he had passed everything. His metamorphosis mark was a bit low, but still passing.

The Hogwarts students, with their short memory spans, soon forgot about the drubbing in the Chamber of Secrets and moved on to other topic of give-and-take such as the summer holiday and the electric current Quidditch season. Albus certainly did n't beware this because it meant he was no longer the center of care. Despite the fact that the Prophet never released the name calling of the student in the Chamber, everyone knew it was Albus, John, Kaden, and Amanda, along with the three Slytherins.

"face, Laurentis has released a statement about capturing the prisoners,"Rose said at breakfast on their day in the castle.

Albus groaned."This ca n't be upright. Let 's hear it."

“'I wish to applaud the Auror department for their employment in recapturing the remaining break away criminals. The timely recapture after the reorganization of the Department only reinforces how important a decisiveness it was to reorganize. With the new rule and policies in the Auror Department, organized by Robert Johnson, the Aurors were capable to enchant the felon immediately after receiving the tip. We can most assuredly look forward to more successes from the Auror Department .'”

"What a burden of crap,"Albus said."Of course they were able-bodied to retake them quickly after receiving that tip. They organized for the convicts to be in the sleeping room in the initiatory place."

"It 's like your dad said, though,"Matt began."Everything will get revealed eventually. That 's not an slowly enigma to keep, what they did."

"Hey, it looks like Embry 's going to make a speech,"Kaden said, gesturing toward the staff table.

Professor Embry stood up and raised his hired hand for muteness. This did nothing, of course of action."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 joy it has been to teach you all this year. I never expected to teach and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you enjoyed taking my class as a good deal as I enjoyed teaching it, and I hope you all have a with child admiration and savvy of our government. Today is my last day at Hogwarts, as the political sympathies course will not preserve next year, and I am once again needed at the Ministry. Please do n't waffle to owl me if you wish to obtain a spell of the Ministry for academic purposes. I daresay that a few of you might bear career in political sympathies yourselves."

Embry sat back down and the entire room flare-up into applause. Albus was n't sure if the clapping was for Embry or for the fact that politics would no longer be a socio-economic class. Albus had n't minded the class, but one fewer class was to be appreciated.

"I learned something about politics this year, all right,"John Lackland muttered as the clapping settled down."And that 's that I never want to be a politician."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

"Cheers to that !"James shouted from a few ass down.

"Oh, I do n't know."Amanda shrugged."I think it might be interesting."

Albus was n't at all surprised to get word Amanda say that. If any of his friends were to become politician, it would be Amanda.
***


Later that day Albus found himself at yet another Hogwarts gradation ceremony. He and blush wine had attended every ace graduation ceremony since starting Hogwarts, and one the year before, too. It had gotten to the point where he did n't pay much attending to the speeches because they all sounded very like to the one he 'd get wind before. During this ceremony, the only theatrical role Albus paid attention to was the part where Fred and Heather accepted their diploma, which took all of two minutes.

"fountainhead, we survived,"Albus said to Georgia after the ceremony ended and everyone was milling around.

Peach State 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 sentence last year, 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 time asking about Quidditch. I think it 's mostly to keep me from asking about his lack of employment, but I 'm not going to quetch. Maybe he 'll even learn to care it. The Quidditch, I mean, not the lack 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 real politician, since Laurentis would n't take him. I do n't remember he wants to do that. He 's been helping Uncle George with the shop, but I do n't cogitate Uncle George II really likes that. Says Dad 's too obsessive. But he 's too decent to tell Dad he ca n't help."

"Albus !"rosiness shouted."We 've got to go. The carriages are leaving."

Albus nodded to Rose and then turned back to Peach State."I 'd better go. Let me know when your next match is. I want to go."

Georgia grinned."certain thing. 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 trick 's house this class,"Matt said as the Hogwarts Express hurtled back to London.

"Are you mad ?"Saint John asked, unwrapping a drinking chocolate Frog."I mean, really, are you ? You want to come to my house, where I have three crazy little sisters running about ?"

matte shrugged."They ca n't be that bad."

"Says he who is the immature in his family,"John said, looking at Albus for support.

"He 's right-hand,"Albus agreed."And I 've only got one little sister. Wait a minute of arc, lustrelessness 's the only one of us who does n't have younger siblings, is n't he ?"

The others nodded."All rightfulness,"John the Evangelist said."Let 's chip in Matt a literal sense of what having lots of sibling is like. I 'll owl you and let you love when."

"Exploding picnic ?"Kaden asked, holding up a deck of cards.

"Sure,"lusterlessness said. Everyone else nodded.

Kaden began to deal the identity card, but before he finished, the compartment door slid open. Albus, expecting one of his cousin, turned to the room access. It slid overt the rest period of the way and Malfoy stood on the brink, looking a bit unsure of himself. He was alone. Albus wondered where Felix was.

"What do you want ?"John asked.

"Er, can I just talk 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 side .'”

"What about Elsie ?"Rose asked, clearly concerned about the miss.

Malfoy shrugged."She 's always with Felix. She never said much around me."

"Is she really a parselmouth ?"lav 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 trade good with languages so she was able-bodied to fake it,"Malfoy explained.

There were a few moments of ill at ease silence. Malfoy shifted his weightiness and leaned against the door.

"So,"Albus said."Why are you here, exactly ?"

Malfoy sighed."This class sucked and I got caught up in a lot of thing that I did n't want 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 flatness 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 pulverization into all the Slytherins'laundry-"

"That was n't us,"Kaden said quickly, a little too quickly.

"And we know you put the Capricorn in the plebeian way,"John added.

Malfoy nodded."As I was saying, it just does n't count. Any of it."He turned to lustrelessness."And I do n't care that you 're a loup-garou. Really. Sure, it 's Wyrd and I have no mind why Kendrick even lets you be here-"

"I wo n't hesitate to hex you, you know,"trick said, reaching into his robe for his wand.

Malfoy held up his manpower."No, do n't. I guess what I 'm saying is that I think we should predict a truce."

"A truce ?"Albus asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Yeah, a truce,"Malfoy said."You all know my grandpa died this year. It makes all this fighting we do seem really stupid."

"You 're not saying we should be friends, are you ?"John asked incredulously.

Malfoy screwed up his look."God no. I 'm saying you lot stop only pranking the Slytherins, do n't secernate anyone that I dueled on your incline in the Chamber, and I wo n't severalise anyone Eckerton is a loup-garou. I 'll really promise that, without any threats of expulsion."

Albus was skeptical. Could the death of Lucius Malfoy really instigate this change in Scorpius ?

"C'mon, truce ?"Scorpius asked, sticking his hand out to Albus.

"Oh, just do it, Albus,"rose said."We 've got O.W.L.s adjacent year. You do n't need this stupid person feud distracting you. Or any of us."

"Fine, truce,"Albus said, shaking Scorpio 's script.

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 second."That was the unusual thing I 've ever seen,"he finally said, resuming his seat.

"I do n't think any of us will ever replete understand what happened there,"pink wine said."But I think it 's a good thing."

"Weird, though,"matte said."You think he means it ?"

The weirder thing was, was that Albus did actually believe him. There had been something in Malfoy 's middle that Albus had n't seen before. It was like Malfoy seemed sr. somehow. He was no prospicient a kid, whose magnanimous worry was arguing with Albus over stupid matter. Somehow, Malfoy had grown up.

Albus supposed they 'd all produce up that year. They were going to be 5th long time now, and Kaden would be a fourth part yr, and that meant they were the honest-to-god scholar in the school. They were growing up. All of them. Even Malfoy.

"shuffling me wonder what next year will be like,"Amanda mused."Everything about this class has been strange."

"We 've got Laurentis reforming Hogwarts,"Rose reminded them."I think it 'll be lot strange."

Albus had nearly forgotten about that. He did n't want Hogwarts to change. 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 ass and stared out the window, watching the countryside fly by. He did n't eff what changes Hogwarts would see in the following class, but he did n't need to think about it just yet. There was still a unanimous summer before that would encounter, and Albus intended to delight it.


A/N : Thank you so much for all the livelihood and reviews for this tale ! You Guy are amazing. I will be taking a break before continuing with this series as I have other level floating around in my head, but I 'll eventually come back to Albus. I 've no idea how long it 'll be, though.

In the lag, please turn back out my predator Era story, Between Here and Somewhere ! And keep checking back for my inspection reaction, because I will get to them.