Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




flatness did n't return to the uncouth room until Dominicus good afternoon. Albus and his admirer had spent most of the weekend doing homework and playing one shot of Exploding snap fastener. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really retrieve about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his friends did n't get a opportunity to recount matt about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the hospital wing because it had been very crowded that weekend. Apparently, quite a few students had decided to practice their dueling for the upcoming lucifer while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused Madam Pomfrey to take in an awful lot to do. She looked very frazzle when Albus and the others visited Matt on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the common room with the others, doing preparation, when Matt returned from the infirmary Wing. He still looked a bit tire and the cuts on his facial expression were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much better than he had on Th. Albus closed his rule book and glanced at his protagonist when flatness came through the portraiture hole.

`` What 's with you lot ? '' Matt asked, `` You 're awfully quiet. ``

`` We 've, er, got to tell you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the Room. '' Albus got up and left the mutual room. His Quaker all followed, not saying a word. Albus led them down the 7th floor corridor until they reached the house painting of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three times in front of it and opened the door that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his supporter asked for a post where they could be alone. There were a few spongelike armchairs and couch, a fireplace, and it was decorated in orange red and gold.

`` Ok, so what 's this all about ? '' matte asked immediately, once the door was shut.

`` Why do n't you sit down ? '' Rose suggested.

Matt sat down on one of the lounge and looked nervously at the others. `` You look like my parents did when they told me I could n't go to school in Australia. ``

`` well, we 're obviously not going to secernate you that, '' Albus gave a half-hearted laugh as he sat down on a hot seat. pink wine, John the Evangelist, and Amanda sat down as well.

`` well, get on with it, '' lusterlessness said.

`` All right, '' Albus began, `` You 've probably noticed that Kaden is n't around. ``

`` Yeah, I thought that was a bit odd, '' lustrelessness commented, `` What 's he done now ? ``

Albus sighed, `` I do n't really sleep with the best way to say this. Kaden, er, for some reason was talking to Scorpio Malfoy- ''

`` Malfoy ? ! '' Matt interrupted with a look of cushion on his face.

`` It gets high-risk, '' Albus continued, `` You know how I told Kaden that you get sick every once in a while, so he would shut up lowest month ? ``

`` Yeah ... ''

`` And I made him predict not to order anyone, '' Albus said quickly, `` But for some understanding he told Malfoy. ``

flatness sank back into his chair and his face went crank whitened. Albus was sword lily rosebush told him to sit down, because if he had n't have been sitting he probably would have fainted. Albus watched as Matt processed the information. After a few mo he asked very quietly, `` What did he recount Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some sort of wizard disease that brothel keeper Pomfrey ca n't cure, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't travel to your sick gran. ``

`` Oh, no, '' Matt closed his eye and started rubbing his head, `` This is n't good. Malfoy ca n't find out, he just ca n't. ``

`` We 're going to try and make for certain he does n't, '' bathroom said adamantly.

`` But you ca n't really stop him ! All he 's got to do is a bit of research and he 'll bang everything, '' flatness moaned.

`` Maybe he 'll be too otiose to devil, '' Amanda suggested.

`` There 's another thing, '' Albus started, `` Kaden may have also told him about the Whomping Willow. ``

`` No, he ca n't receive, he just ca n't, '' Matt whispered.

`` We do n't love for for sure, '' Albus reminded him, `` I 'm watching the Marauder 's Map and if we see Malfoy anywhere near the tree diagram, we 'll go hex him or something. ``

Matt nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and Tell anyone, chances are I 'll have to leave. ``

`` No, you wo n't, '' Rose assured him.

`` How do you know ? ``

`` rosiness is mighty, '' Albus agreed, `` When the marauder were in schooling, Snape found out about Teddy 's dad and he still got to stay in schoolhouse. Dumbledore made him promise not to narrate anyone. I 'm sure Kendrick would do the Same matter. ``

`` I sure hope so, '' matt sighed, `` What about Kaden ? ``

`` Rose had to barricade me and whoremaster from hexing him, '' Albus explained, `` But I yelled at him quite a bit. Have n't seen him much since and I do n't really need to. ``

`` But he 's your cousin-german, '' mat said.

`` Does n't matter, '' Albus assured him, `` I hardly saw him at all until he started coming here. I told him not to tell anyone and he did, so I ca n't trust him anymore. And no one 's going to convince me to apologize this metre. ``

`` All right, '' flatness replied. `` Let 's stay here for a piece. I think if I saw Kaden right now I 'd possess to hex him. ``

rose groaned, `` What is with male child ? Do you always have to hex people to solve your problems ? ``

`` It 's a prove fact that hexing workplace best when dealing with Slytherins, '' toilet grinned.

`` Kaden 's not a Slytherin, '' Rose commented.

`` What he did was a pretty Slytherin affair to do, '' Albus replied. Nobody argued with that.

******

The weekend before Hallowe'en was a very arouse one for the educatee at Hogwarts. There was the start Hogsmeade visit on Saturday, which the former educatee were very excited about. Albus, of course, was n't allowed to go since he was a second twelvemonth. James made sure to lord this over him at every bit possible during the calendar week preceding the visit. James would be going on his outset Hogsmeade visit, and Albus was sure that Hogwarts would be treated to a variety of pranks following. When James and his Quaker returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the common elbow room with their bags bulging with what could only be Weasley 's products, and quickly stowed it all in their student residence. certainly enough, at dinner that night, the student body was treated to a very entertaining meal. Somehow, James and his champion had managed to abstract a potion into the Slytherins'solid food that caused their hair and fingernails to work scarlet and gold. The rest of the school laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to forecast out how to wrick their fuzz and nails back to normal.

`` Nothing will change it, '' King James I informed the Gryffindor mesa in between fits of laughter, `` Uncle George told me it will wear off within 24 hour, though. ``

`` Too bad it 's not permanent ! '' Saint John the Apostle laughed.

`` I was going to save it for the day of the Quidditch match, '' James explained, `` But I just could n't wait. ``

`` I ca n't fault you, '' Albus grinned. He looked up at the staff board and saw his dad trying to muffle his laughter, but he was n't succeeding. The other appendage of the faculty were smiling slightly, except for Slughorn, who was looking a bit distraught at the spate of his house decked out in Gryffindor colors.

The pursual day was the first dueling tournament for the junior dueling club. The sr. educatee had already had their first tournament the premature weekend. Albus 's first cousin Stanley 's team had won. The tournament was to hire berth immediately following dejeuner, at one o'clock, and the irregular, thirdly, and one-fourth eld were filled with excitement about it.

`` What if we have to duel each other ? '' Albus said worriedly at dejeuner. `` I really do n't require to duel you lot. ``

`` I do n't either, '' lav agreed, `` But we might have to. It 'll be all right. None of us know any magical spell that could do any lasting harm. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed.

`` I almost wish first class could get together the dueling nine, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't heed beating him in front of the total school. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to lose, no matter who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The sole matter I can do is disarm someone, and I 'm not even that estimable at that. ``

`` Sure you are, '' Albus assured her, `` And if you duel a 2nd class, or even a tierce year, you 'll stimulate a opportunity at winning. Fourth class, on the other hand, I 'm not trusted any of us have got a chance at winning a duel with one of them. They probably know all kind of spells we do n't. ``

`` Albus, '' Rose began, `` retrieve that the teams have people from all geezerhood on them. I do n't opine any team has an advantage over another. ``

`` I guess, '' Albus agreed, `` But I still wish there were House teams. I do n't like being on the same squad with Malfoy. ``

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

`` We wind up practice dueling with each early every meeting, '' Albus explained, `` And neither of us has really won any of them. ``

`` You 're both really good duelers, '' Amanda replied. `` You 're going to quiver anyone you 're up against, Albus. ``

`` I 'm not certain about that, '' Albus said.

`` Attention ! '' Professor Kendrick stood up, `` The junior dueling tournament will get down shortly. Please make your way to the dueling chamber. ``

Albus stood up, `` Well, good fate everyone. '' Albus 's ally all wished each other adept luck as they got up and left the Great hall. It was a bit odd being on severalize team, Albus thought. He wished his protagonist effective luck, but he wanted his own squad to win.

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of student filing into the dueling chamber near the Great Charles Martin Hall. They found Kate at one of the tables that had been set up for each team to wait at. Their team gens, The Dueling Dragons, was written on a piece of parchment that was stuck to the table. There was a naturalistic looking flying dragon breathing fervency drawn on it. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the table, his tomentum still bright scarlet and amber. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the opposite end. A few minutes later, once everyone on their team had arrived, Kate began to address.

`` Attention ! '' she shouted and the table became quiet, `` Thanks. The tournament will start in a duo second. I 'm sure we 'll do great. Everyone recall what you 've learned within the past month and you 'll do fine. Just do your best and even if you do n't win today, there 's still next time. I know this inter-house team thing is hard, but I think everyone here has really come together to work as a squad, and I 'm majestic of all of you for that. So, with that, good luck ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the other one-fourth long time on the team.

A moment later, professor Kendrick stood up at the social movement of the room and raised his custody for tranquillity. The room fell mum and he began to speak. `` Welcome to the first Dueling Tournament for the Jr Dueling society. This is the start of six qualifying tourney of the twelvemonth. At the end of the class, the top two team will front off in a final tournament. There will be two duel going on simultaneously, with professor potter and Longbottom presiding over them. Every student will duel twice today. The winner of each duel will be awarded one point. At the end of the tournament, the team with the most peak will be declared the succeeder. The compass point will role over to each tournament, after the sixth tournament, the two squad with the most points will face off in the final. Now, each captain was given a list of affaire d'honneur for today, so I will contribute you a few min to get organized and for the maitre d'hotel to inform their teams of the schedule. in effect circumstances to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the schedule with her team. Albus 's first base duel was about halfway down the leaning and his second was the one-third to last. The solitary thing he could do now was wait until his turn came. Albus was growing steadily more nervous as time wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him know that down. Albus watched the low gear twain of duels while talking with Amanda. After a few duels, James I 's go came and he lost to a Ravenclaw fourth year. Rose was up next and she easily beat her tierce class Slytherin opponent. Quite a few of Albus 's teammate had dueled by now and near of them had won. Before long, Amanda 's turn was up. Albus wished her fate and she went nervously to the dueling hoop that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a second year Hufflepuff and the first of all percentage of the duel consisted of each of them mostly dodging the spells sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to demilitarize her opposite and won. She came back grinning ear to ear. Kate congratulated her as she sat back down next to Albus.

`` Great job ! '' Albus smiled, `` Told you you could do it. ``

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

matte was up next against a Slytherin quaternary year. The duel hardly lasted two hour before the Slytherin used an advanced charm that caused matte to bang into the rampart behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. prof Cedonia took Matt to the hospital wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a dyad detentions.

`` What a git, '' Albus growled, `` I hope mat 's ok. ''

`` He 'll be fine, '' Amanda assured him, `` I think he just cut his arm a bit. ``

`` Yeah, but still, '' Albus continued, `` That Slytherin knew he could n't use enchantment like that. ``

`` I could have blocked it, '' Malfoy announced.

`` No you could n't, '' Albus shot back. `` And how 's the hair's-breadth ? ``

Malfoy scowled and turned away from Albus. A moment later his name was called and he was off to duel a fellow Slytherin. It was a very fast pace duel. Both of them were excellent duelers, but Malfoy won in the end. Albus was not sure whether to be well-chosen about this or not. He did n't consume long to dwell on it, though, because a minute later, he was called.

Albus walked nervously to the dueling ring where Neville was and he faced his Ravenclaw opponent. He was dueling Carter Eubert, a fellow instant class.

`` Both of you know the rules, '' Neville said to them, `` You can start when I let out red discharge. ``

Albus and Carter bowed to each other and took a dueling position. Neville 's wand stab out red twinkle and the duel began. Albus sent out a disarming spell, but James Earl Carter Jr. easily blocked it. President Carter then sent one at Albus, but Albus was capable to stymy it as well. This went on for five minutes, each of them sending go that the other blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit Carter with a tickling hex that had him bent over in laughter. Albus took advantage of this and disarmed him easily. He had done it ! He won !

`` Point goes to potter, '' Neville announced. Albus and Carter shook hired hand and went back to their teams.

`` thoroughly job, Albus ! '' Kate grinned as Albus sat down.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` That was amazing dueling, Albus, '' Amanda greeted him, `` Carter 's just, too, but that tickling affair was enceinte. He could hardly move. ``

`` I 'll have got to remember that if I ever duel him again, '' Albus said.

The afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit blase with watching the dueling. It was taking all good afternoon. John the Divine dueled Albus 's cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an splendid dueler. pink wine and Malfoy each won their instant duel, while John and Amanda lost theirs. lustrelessness returned from the hospital annexe in time for his second affaire d'honneur, but wound up losing to his third class Ravenclaw antagonist. Albus dueled a tertiary year Gryffindor in his indorsement duel and narrowly won. His opposer did not reckon happy about this. Malfoy also won his second gear duel, which was against a third base or fourth twelvemonth Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't sure enough which.

Eventually, all the duels finished and prof Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a marvellous job. Now, to announce the succeeder. I am delight to announce that the flying Phoenixes, captained by Barty heathland of Slytherin have come in first place with 23 level ! Thank you, everyone. The next tournament will require stead at the end of November or starting time of December. Your captains will be informed of the precise particular date as it comes closer. ``

`` We 'll win next clip, '' Kate assured her squad as they got up. `` See everyone at pattern on Wednesday. ``

Albus and Amanda made their way out of the room, but realized they would never rule their friends in the crew. `` We 'll satisfy them in the common elbow room, '' Albus said as they started up the stairs.

When they got to the common room, it was already full with students rehashing parts of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to James 's write up of his affaire d'honneur. James had won his second duel and appeared to be very proud of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found John and lusterlessness sitting at their usual table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few moments later were joined by rosebush, who was glowing.

`` extolment ! '' Albus announced as his cousin sat down. The others echoed his word.

`` Thanks, '' Rose replied, `` I was n't sure as shooting we were going to win. heathland is n't the greatest captain. I think we just have naturally good dueler on our squad. Carter is amazing, although not as good as you, Albus. ``

`` I 'm just glad I beat him, '' Albus grinned, `` Malfoy would n't take shut up about it otherwise. ``

`` Glad I 'm not on his squad, '' John the Evangelist muttered, `` Ca n't trust I lost both my affaire d'honneur. ``

`` You 'll do easily future time, '' Albus assured him.

`` At least you did n't wind up in the hospital annexe, '' matte commented, `` I 'm the only one that did. Figures. ``

John laughed a bit at this, `` I think you 've got some form of attractor for that place. ``

`` Oh shut it, '' lustrelessness replied.

`` That was n't your shift, though, '' rosiness pointed out, `` That Slytherin was n't supposed to use that hex on you. ``

`` You 're ok now, right ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah, I 'm fine, '' mat assured him, `` Madam Pomfrey healed my arm in an instant, but she was fretting over me as usual. professor Cedonia convinced her to let me go back for my second duel. ``

`` Good, '' Amanda said, `` I like prof Cedonia. She reminds me of the instructor I had in primary schoolhouse. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` She hardly ever gives detention. ``

`` And no exams ! '' John grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the only gradation they had in that class were from essays they had been assigned as homework. Cedonia had not given them a ace in class test.

`` I 'm not sure I like that, '' blush wine sighed. The four early pupil looked at her like she was mental.

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

`` How is she supposed to cognize if we 've mastered the charms if she does n't essay us ? ''

`` She watches us in class to see if we 've improved, '' Albus replied.

`` And those essays for homework, '' matt commented.

`` But those are n't at all what the O.W.L.s will be like, '' Rose reminded them, `` We 've got to get used to taking exam in appeal. ``

`` Those are three years away ! '' bathroom sighed.

`` Two and a half, '' rosiness corrected him, `` And it 's better to embark on preparing early. ``

`` All I know is that I 've learned more charms this year than last year, '' Albus said.

`` fountainhead, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tues, '' Rose replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the Same time. Albus liked Cedonia 's style of teaching and he did n't want her to depart giving them exams like the other instructor did. Without magic spell exams, Albus had LE to worry about. Hopefully, Cedonia would ignore rosebush 's pleas for examination and go forward the way she had been.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Luke, Denas, ladymblack, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some pumpkin succus when the post arrived on Tuesday daybreak. He looked up and noticed a little chocolate-brown owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed future to his plate. Albus took the letter and gave the owl a piece of toast before it flew off.

`` Look, it 's addressed to all of us, '' Rose commented as she glanced at the letter.

Albus turned the envelope over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a match letters so far this yr, near of them sent along with Amy 's letters to mat. These usually arrived a yoke twenty-four hours after the full Moon, as Amy always wanted to sleep together how lustrelessness was. Since the good moon had been a few calendar week ago, Albus was curious as to what Victoire had to tell them. He opened the alphabetic character and began to read it. blush wine, Matt, whoremaster, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

Dear Albus, Matt, Rose, John the Evangelist, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying classes and not making too
much bother. Congratulations on your successes in the dueling tournament,
especially you, Rose. I hope there are many capital victory to come. Good
fortune in your first Quidditch match, Albus. We hope to be able to give ear, but
it depends on employment and healer training schedules.

education has been going well. We 've been attending grade in the morning
and training at St. Mungo 's in the afternoon, like always. Teddy has been
very busybodied with Auror training as well.

By now you 're probably wondering why we 're writing to you now, as it 's not
our usual time to compose. We 're not sure if you read the Prophet regularly,
which is why we 're telling you this in a alphabetic character. Quinton Willinson was
spotted yesterday-

Albus immediately stopped reading the letter of the alphabet and glanced at his friends. As Albus fell back into his schoolhouse routine, he had almost forgotten about Washburn and the Willinsons. He felt his fear come back as soon as he read that Willinson had been spotted. Albus returned his oculus to the missive without saying anything.

He was spotted in a Muggle hamlet in Southern England, quite far from Hogwarts. The Aurors are already on his backside and are tracking him this very
second. Teddy heard about it while he was at training, and we decided to
give you a heading up. Uncle Harry will probably recount you as well.

Do n't concern about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under control. Good hazard with Quidditch, dueling, and course of instruction, and we
hope to see you soon.

love life,
Victoire, Teddy, and Amy

`` I 'd nearly forgotten about Willinson, '' John said darkly after they 'd finished reading the letter.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` It explains why Professor Potter is n't here, '' mat commented.

Albus looked up at the staff mesa and noticed that his founding father was missing. `` conjecture so. ``

`` Do n't concern, '' rosiness said, `` I mean, it 's variety of good that someone spotted him. Before they had no leads, and now they sort of know where he is. ``

`` I suppose, '' Albus replied. He had n't thought of that. But what about the other two ? Were they with Quinton or had they parted direction ? Albus just hoped his dad and the other Aurors managed to capture him.

`` Could I see the Prophet ? '' Rose asked one of the older students who was sitting across from her. The girlfriend nodded and handed her the paper. `` Let 's see the article. '' rose scanned the figurehead page and found a short article on the left side of the Page. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle town, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday morning. A sensation who prefers not to be named in this clause saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror section since his attack on Head Auror and Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor at Hogwarts schoolhouse of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter, last natural spring. Five nonaged Hogwarts students were also attacked. Willinson, along with his father, Jaret Willinson, and the former Charms professor, Jameson Washburn, attacked potter and the five students on the grounds. ceramicist declined comment for this clause. The Head Auror has informed the wizarding world that all three men are serious and not to set about to fight them. If any of them are seen, people are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

`` Wow, '' rose said once she 'd finished reading the article, `` I hope they catch him soon. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm glad he 's so far away, though. ``

`` But they 're going to occur back, '' Rose sighed, `` To regain the, you-know-whats. ``

`` Well, hopefully Professor thrower will overtake them before they get the probability, '' Matt replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch peer. I have n't seen Amy in geezerhood. ``

Albus looked over and saw that matte was looking a bit sad. Albus knew he and Amy were very close, but had n't really thought about how different it must be for Matt this year. Albus did n't think lustrelessness had ever gone this foresighted without seeing her. `` They 'll probably fall, '' Albus assured him, `` And if they ca n't, they 'll visit when they can. ``

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness gave a half-hearted smile.

`` We 'd better get to Charms, '' blush wine announced. The five irregular eld got up from the table and made their way out of the Great antechamber. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting next to James, talking animatedly about something. Saint James the Apostle did n't appear too happy about this and had the facial expression of person pretending to listen, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about James having to deal with Kaden, but not bad enough to induce up with his cousin.

Professor Cedonia spent the offset half of class teaching the charm for tying shoes, and during the second half, the class practiced. Unlike last year, Albus thoroughly enjoyed pragmatic lessons in Charms. Professor Cedonia did not mind them talking with each other as they practiced, and although she watched their onward motion, she did n't loom like Washburn had done.

`` Excuse me, Professor ? '' Rose announced shortly after she succeeded in charming her shoes to tie themselves.

`` Rose, do n't, '' Albus whispered. He knew she was about to ask if they were going to give any tests.

`` Yes, Rose ? '' Cedonia walked over to her desk and immediately spotted her perfectly tied skid. `` Oh, wonderful job ! ``

`` Thank you, Professor, '' rose replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to make any exams in this class ? ``

Everyone in the integral room stopped what they were doing and looked over at blush wine. Most of them looked horrified, but a few appeared to also be wondering if they would accept any test. Since they had Charms with the Ravenclaws, this did n't really storm Albus.

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the other teachers at this school, do not believe in testing scholar in the formal way. I prefer to assign essays that are done outside of class, where you are relinquish to use your Word, to measure your noesis of theory. As far as pragmatic test go, I prefer to assess your advance in class. If I have any opinion that you are not mastering the task at hired man, I will kick in you special help oneself until you can get over it. However, in conformity with Hogwarts tradition, there will be a practical exam at the end of the semester. The theory exam will be an essay that you can complete using your book, in class. ``

`` Oh, '' rosiness said. She looked a bit stunned. `` All right wing. ``

`` If you 'd like an test, I will produce one for you, but no one else will experience to ask it unless they want to, '' Cedonia announced.

`` No, that 's all right, '' pink wine replied.

`` Excellent. I assure you, blush wine, that you will have a perfect understanding of 2nd year Charms by the sentence the year is up, and you will be in excellent build to propel on to third year. ``

pink wine nodded and Cedonia walked back to the presence of the room. Albus turned to Saint John the Apostle and grinned. `` Yes, no exams ! '' he said.

`` Brilliant, '' John agreed, `` I really thought rose was going to win over her to try us. ``

`` Well, I suppose she kind of is testing us, '' Matt explained, `` Just in a different way. I 've never had a teacher like her before. ``

`` Me, neither, '' John said.

Albus nodded. All of his teacher in chief school had been like the ones at Hogwarts, with conventional exams and homework. `` I went to a Muggle shoal and all of the teachers gave us exam. resurrect went to the Saami one. ``

`` Same here, '' St. John the Apostle replied, `` Normal Muggle school. ``

`` Not me, '' flatness announced, `` I was home-schooled. You can probably guess why. Amy went to Muggle school, though. ``

`` All the teachers were like Cedonia at my school, '' Amanda turned around to blab to the boys. `` We did n't get exams or class or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to school. Except when I made strange clobber happen. People thought I was eldritch. Turns out I was, but in a good way, '' she laughed.

`` I suppose this will work, '' Rose sighed, `` She is assessing us, just in a different way. At least she 's nice. Everyone seems to care her. ``

`` We do n't really have any have in mind teachers this year, '' Albus commented.

`` I had n't really thought about that, '' can said, `` But you 're right. ``

`` Who knows about adjacent twelvemonth, though, '' flatness replied, `` We 'll part new subject and who knows what those teachers will be like. ``

`` Hagrid Edward Teach concern of Magical Creatures and he 's great, '' Albus told them.

`` What kind of magical creatures ? '' can grinned at Matt.

`` Do n't even go there, '' mat grinned back. `` Amy says the Ancient Runes teacher is skillful. ``

`` Trelawney 's kind of strange, but nice enough, '' Albus commented. `` She teaches foretelling. ''

`` No way am I taking that, '' matte announced, `` I do n't desire to know what my future holds. ``

`` Arithmancy sounds really occupy, '' rose wine said, `` And Empire State of the South told me the teacher is rigid, but not entail. ``

`` well, good, '' Albus replied, `` But we 've got months before we have to adjudicate what new subjects we 'll take. ``

`` I wish I could take them all, '' blush wine sighed.

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't think it would work out well. '' Albus and rosiness shared a laugh that the others did n't really realise. Albus saw their unconnected faces and decided to tell them about Hermione 's one-third year schedule sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in time for Albus 's Defense family on Thursday. Harry called Albus up to his desk after class. Albus had been anxiously waiting the whole class to see if Harry managed to catch Quinton Willinson. Albus had a feeling he had n't because there was n't any mention of it in the Prophet that first light.

`` Hi, Al, '' Harry gave Albus a hug once all the former student left. `` I 'm guessing you know why I left ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` Victoire sent us a letter and I read it in the seer, too. ``

`` Good, '' Harry sighed, `` I 'm glad Victoire told you before you read it in the prophet. I had to leave very abruptly and was afraid you would n't bed what happened. ``

`` Well, did you catch him ? '' Albus asked. The suspense was killing him and he did n't desire to wait any longer.

Harry sighed again and put his hand around his son 's shoulder. `` I 'm grim, Al. He got away. We got some more leads, though. Talked to a few Muggles and a wizard who were around when Quinton showed up. I still have n't heard anything about Quinton 's father or Washburn. But we 're still searching and it 's only a matter of sentence. ``

Albus 's face fell and he became more worried as he realized that not lots advance had been made. He had been so sure that his dad would get Quinton this time. But he had n't. Washburn and both Willinsons were still out there. How long would it be until they went back to Hogwarts ? `` What if they come back here ? '' he asked quietly.

`` I 'm not going to deny it. They probably will come up back here. But there is a great amount of money of tribute around the school. finis year, it was easy for them to be on the evidence since Washburn was a professor and Quinton was a student here. They do n't make that going for them now. And I do n't think any of them could mistreat foot in Hogsmeade without soul alerting me or the Ministry. ``

Albus thought about this for a instant and felt a bit better. `` All right hand. Are you leaving again ? ``

`` Not unless one of them is seen, '' Harry explained, `` The other Aurors have it under control. ``

`` commodity, '' Albus smiled. He felt a lot better knowing his dad was at the school.

`` Well, we 'd better head to the Great Hall, '' Harry gave Albus another hug.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` If we do n't hurry, John will eat all the food. '' Harry laughed and the two of them left the room together.

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the coarse way the next week completely tired out from Quidditch exercise. The for the first time mates, against Slytherin, was on Saturday and Georgia was having them practice every eventide. It had been a drizzly evening and Albus 's gown were soaked. He went up to his hall to put away his Scots heather and change. Once he was done, he grabbed his books and went back to the coarse room to do his prep. When he got there, he could n't find his friends anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dorm room, Albus had just been up there.

Albus squeezed his way through the crowded common room until he found Bilius and Ethan studying at a nearby table. `` Have you seen John and Matt anywhere ? '' Albus asked.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Ethan looked up from his script. `` How 's practice going ? We 're going to pulsate Slytherin, right ? ``

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus gave a tired grin, `` They 're pitiable. ``

`` Excellent, '' Bilius replied, `` I think John and matte left an hour or so ago. I 'm not sure as shooting where. ``

`` Yeah, '' Ethan agreed, `` Rose and Amanda were with them. Matt did n't look so good. Maybe they went to the infirmary wing. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the full synodic month was the next night. They must have gone to the elbow room of requisite. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the room due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not want him to know about the Room.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` I think I know where they are now. '' Albus waved to Bilius and Ethan and left the room.

Albus walked down the corridor as fast as he could without actually running. He slowed down as he reached the portrayal of Barnabas the Barmy, as there was a prefect roaming nearby. Albus loitered until the prefect turned a niche and then he started pacing in battlefront of the wall. Three gait later, the room access appeared and Albus walked in.

`` There you are ! '' Albus announced after he shut the door. `` I thought you 'd be in the common elbow room. ``

Rose, whoremonger, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on objet d'art of parchment and they looked up as Albus came in. Matt was sleeping on a nearby professorship and did n't detect Albus.

`` We were, '' Rose said, `` But it was awfully loud in there. Plus, now that Kaden has left us alone we thought we 'd jump coming in here again. ``

`` phone good, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a chair and sat down next to John. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` Transfiguration Day, '' Gospel According to John groaned, `` Eight inch essay due tomorrow. I 've got four inches so far. ``

`` story of Magic, '' Amanda said, `` Also due tomorrow. ``

`` I finished those a while ago, '' Rose commented, `` Now I 'm doing Herbology. ``

`` I still have the History of Magic poppycock to do, '' Albus said as he pulled out his history Koran. `` How long has he been asleep ? '' Albus pointed to Matt.

`` Since we got here, '' John answered. `` Probably just as well since before that he was just rambling about how Malfoy 's going to explore the Whomping willow tree tomorrow night. ``

`` Why would Malfoy do it at night ? '' Albus asked, `` He 'll get in more trouble if he 's out past curfew. ``

`` That 's what we told him, '' Rose explained without looking up from her Word. `` I think he gets kind of hallucinating and does n't suppose straight at this time of the month. ``

`` You 're probably right, '' Albus agreed, `` But can you blame him ? ``

`` No, not really, '' Rose sighed.

Albus started to leaf through his history of Magic volume, but he could n't concentrate. It was n't by curfew now ; what if Malfoy was exploring the tree right now ? Albus closed his Christian Bible and started rifling through his bag. He pulled out the vulture 's Map and set it down on the table.

`` What are you doing ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Looking for Malfoy, '' Albus replied. Everyone looked up from their work and watched Albus. `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no dear, '' Albus pointed his wand at the map.

Albus searched the map for a few minute before his eyes rested on Malfoy 's dot. He breathed a sigh of relief as he saw that Malfoy 's dot was currently residing in the Slytherin common room. `` He 's in his common elbow room. ``

`` Oh, unspoilt, '' Rose smiled. `` I really do n't think he 's going to look into that tree. ``

`` Why 's that ? '' John asked skeptically.

`` He 'll get in big trouble if he gets caught, '' Rose reminded him.

`` So ? That probably would n't block up me, '' St. John laughed.

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping Willow, but he did tally with St. John the Apostle that Malfoy would eventually try. The affair was, what were the chance of it happening while Albus was looking at the map ? Not very highschool. And what would Albus do if he did see Malfoy near the Tree ? Albus had no idea. He sighed as he whispered, `` devilment managed. '' Albus watched as all the ink disappeared from the map. He still did n't want to do his homework, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the lot of a small mark on one of the nook made him stop.

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the quoin. He had never seen any brand on the map after he wiped it clean before. But this mark was so pocket-sized it could have easily been missed. He peered at the tiny marking until he noticed what it was. It was four paw print. A wolf, dog, hart, and rat print. It obviously meant the predator. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to stare at the paw print, wracking his brain to try and remember why it seemed so familiar.

`` Albus, '' Rose was watching him. `` What are you doing ? ``

Albus looked up at the sound of her vocalisation, `` Oh, there 's something on the map. I never noticed it before. It 's a beast, dog, stag, and rat foot print. Here, look. ``

blush wine, Saint John the Apostle, and Amanda all leaned in to look at the mark. Rose furrowed her forehead and tilted her head as she looked at it. `` Why did the Marauders have this thing arrest on the map ? All the other ink disappears. Now it 's just a random piece of parchment with these paw print on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw prints before. The piece of parchment that fell out of the photo album in the loft of Grimmauld Place ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the course of instruction of the shoal class. The symbols were exactly the same. They must have in mind something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his buns. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the Classical Greek at my home, trick ? ``

John nodded his school principal. `` Yeah ... ''

`` And the photo album we found in that box ? '' Albus continued, `` And the piece of music of parchment that fell out of it ? ``

actualisation dawned on John 's face. `` Oh ! I 'd leave about that ! Do you still have it ? ``

`` Yup ! '' Albus shouted excitedly, `` In my trunk. I 'll go get it ! '' Albus ran out of the room, leaving a very agitate John and a thoroughly confused pink wine and Amanda.



A/N : Sorry for the cliffhanger, but the side by side chapter is long and I had to split it up somewhere.

The idea for Cedonia 's teaching manner and the school Amanda used to go to came from a school that used to be near where I live. It recently closed due to miss of financial backing. But the students did n't have mental testing or encounter grades. They also got to choose whatever they wanted to study. It was a really worry estimation and it worked well until it closed. I never went there, but I always thought it was neat.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as potterfan89, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, and Moonylupin for their reviews !

Be on the lookout for my unexampled history, Life Is commodity, which is a prequel to Secrets Within that chronicles how Albus, rosebush, matte, John, and Amanda received their Hogwarts letters. I 'm hoping to place the commencement chapter sometime future week, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus ran all the way to the Gryffindor common elbow room, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his hall, dug through his body, and found the parchment. He was so happy he had n't left it in the attic. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the common way, ignoring the strange stares he was receiving from his bloke classmates. When he got back to the Room, John was in the summons of explaining to Rose and Amanda about what they had found in the attic. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the mesa and spread the parchment out on the table.

`` You 're right ! '' Rose grinned, `` Exactly the Lapp mark. ``

`` But it 's just a white bit of parchment, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something mystical about it. Why would the Marauders put this symbol on it if it meant zip ? ''

`` I think you 're right, Albus, '' lav agreed, `` I do n't bang much about the predator, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random part of parchment. ``

rosebush looked from the map to the new spell of parchment and back. `` Hmm, I wonder if this is like the map ? Do you think we have to say something to get it to work ? Maybe it 's an extension of the map, Hogsmeade perhaps ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. That kind of made sense. The Marauders frequented Hogsmeade quite a bit, during their full moon sashay. Maybe they wanted a map of the village as well. `` There 's only one way to chance out, '' he grabbed his scepter and tapped the piece of sheepskin, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

Ink bed covering across the map and Albus 's heart jumped. It had worked ! Albus and the others leaned over the table and watched the ink. But there was something different about it. It was n't forming a map, it was forming words. Once they were formed, Albus stared at them.

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would like to congratulate you, as you have obviously found the piranha 's Map and figured out how to use it. However, he assures you that the Marauders would not use the same incantation for this particular item .'
Albus and rosiness burst out laughing. This piece of sheepskin was sorting of like the map ! There was something witching about it, but it obviously was n't the Lapp as the map. John smirked and shook his head.

Amanda stared childlike at the parchment. `` B-but, I thought h-he was absolutely ? How can he be talking through parchment ? '' she stammered.

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's magic. The piranha either found or invented some kind of charm that enabled the Marauder 's Map to pass with mass who try to use it and they 've done the like matter with this. '' Albus pulled the predator 's Map in figurehead of him and tapped his baton to it, `` Watch this. I, Albus Severus Potter, requirement you to depict yourself. ``

Ink appeared across the map, but it was n't the usual ink. John and Amanda stared in awe, as they had never seen the map do this before. Albus and Rose had done this on occasion and they thought it was extremely funny.

'Mr. Moony would care to would wish to secern Mr. potter to keep his dirty hands off the parchment.

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would like to add that despite the fact that Mr. ceramist shares a first name with the headmaster, it does not give him the office do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would like to add that Mr. potter 's middle name has got to be the most opprobrious epithet he has ever heard.

Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, Mr. Wormtail, and Mr. Prongs, and would like to be able to insult Mr. potter 's hold up name, but feels he is unable to do so .'
Amanda and John the Evangelist started laughing hysterically after they finished reading the map. `` Does it do that to anyone ? '' John asked.

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't know Kendrick 's firstly figure was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

`` It 's not, '' Albus explained, `` When the Marauders were in school, Albus Dumbledore was headmaster. And the Marauders hated Snape, so they always insult my figure. Except my granddad, he 's never able to pull off it. ``

`` That 's pretty impressive magic, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

`` You know, '' Rose began, `` If the Marauders did n't want anyone else reading that map, they would have just put a charm on it that prevented anyone except themselves to read it. I reckon they hoped someone would eventually obtain out how to learn it. ``

Albus contemplated that for a second. rosiness was probably right. The marauder were always cut-up, and they would probably need others to find the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' Rose continued, `` Do you conceive they might possess wanted another item that only they could read ? ``

`` What are you getting at ? '' Albus asked.

`` That other piece of sheepskin. Maybe it 's something that the predator did n't desire anyone to be able to say. ``

`` But then we could n't read it, '' Albus sighed. It did kind of make sense that the piranha wanted something to be buck private. But then why did they put the same mark on both parchments ?

`` There 's got to be a way, '' John the Evangelist said adamantly.

`` We do n't even know if rose wine is right-hand, '' Amanda argued.

`` Even if only the Marauders could read it, would they still have to say something to take care at it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 'm not sure, '' Rose replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some kind of magic that only enables a few people to scan it. Kind of like a Fidelius good luck charm for books or something. ``

Albus grabbed the lambskin and pointed his wand at it. The only when way to retrieve out if something would bring out it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to realise bother. '' Nothing happened. `` I want to pee mischief. I am going to pull a frivolity on mortal. I promise I will make trouble. '' Albus tried many unlike variations on the incantation for the Marauder 's Map, but aught worked.

`` It wo n't act upon, Albus, '' blush wine said after a while, `` You ought to just do your prep. ``

Albus did n't want to do his prep. He wanted to make the parchment work. Right now, he did n't care about anything else. `` There 's got to be something. ``

`` If it 's something only the marauder can read, then you 've got to be a piranha to read it, '' John sighed.

`` That 's it ! '' Albus shouted. He had been thinking the incantation was like the piranha 's Map, but it must be something that would test you 're a vulture. `` I solemnly swear that I am a Marauder. '' Nothing happened. Albus sighed. He had been so sure that that would get worked.

`` Maybe you have to say which Marauder you are, '' lav suggested.

`` Oh come off it ! '' Rose shouted, `` There 's going to be some kind of good luck charm on it to see if he really is a vulture. Just saying so is n't going to work. ``

Albus kind of agreed with Rose at this tip, but he was bequeath to try anything. But which predator ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his grandad. If this was going to work for anyone, it would work for him. He was related to one of the Marauders. Albus pointed his wand at the parchment with his heart beating fast. `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

Albus held his breath as he watched the parchment. John, Rose, and Amanda watched as well. Albus 's eyes bugged out as he saw ink appearing across the parchment. `` It worked ! '' he whispered. His supporter nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus began to read as the words formed completely.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the marauder 's Map, endorsement edition .'
`` s map ? '' John the Divine looked up, `` I thought there was only one. ``

`` So did I, '' Albus replied. He stared at the parchment as more words appeared across it. John, Rose, and Amanda all watched with him, no one saying a word.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs .'
`` pigeon hawk, '' Albus sighed. It had n't worked. The parchment could recognize dissimilar people.

`` hold, '' rosebush pointed at the lambskin. `` It 's not done. ``

'However, you could be the 2d Prongs .'
`` What ? ! '' Albus looked up in mix-up. Was this some variety of trick ? How could there be another Prongs ? And how could Albus be that second Prongs ?

`` What is this sheepskin ? '' John asked curiously.

`` Either it 's a jest or a highly set ahead magical aim, '' rose wine remarked. The four Friend continued to watch as more writing appeared.

'When four boys, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and balefulness, they may present themselves as the following generation of predator .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the parchment. The side by side generation of piranha ? What had his granddad and his protagonist done ?

`` This is incredible, '' pink wine whispered.

'These four ally must each map one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not play. Before this goes any further, you must raise that you know the arcanum of the piranha. raise that you know, and you may continue along the track of breakthrough .'

'The way of find ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

'Oh, consider me, Mr. Padfoot, I am not. Mr. Moony came up with that whole thing .'

'Then I pay my compliments on the diction to Mr. Moony .'

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and go proving that they know the Marauders .'

'Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and also advises that if whomever is reading this has no thought who the predator are, that they quit while they 're ahead .'

'The predator wish you good luck .'

The ink disappeared from the parchment and Albus looked up at his protagonist. `` What in the name of Falco columbarius is this ? ``

`` I think it 's something the Marauders invented to secure that they would never be gone from this school day, '' Rose said in awe, `` It 's amazing. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Amanda grinned, `` Probably the unspoiled magical thing I 've seen yet. ``

`` And I do n't think we 've even discovered the most of it, '' Albus commented.

`` How are we going to happen out the rest ? '' John the Divine asked.

`` Well, I think we 've somehow got to prove that we know who the marauder are and that we know their secrets, '' Albus explained.

`` We already know their prominent mystery, '' Rose said, `` But how would we essay it to a piece of lambskin. ``

`` I 've got no idea, '' Albus told her, `` I mean, I doubt we can just tell the parchment. ``

`` Why could n't we ? '' John asked.

`` Seems too simple, '' rosiness said.

`` It 's worth a try, though, '' John argued. `` Albus ? ``

Albus did n't think it would work, but he did n't think it could really harm anything either. `` Worth a snap. '' Albus picked up the sheepskin and stared at it. This seemed really silly when he thought about it. He was about to talk to a piece of lambskin. `` Here goes zilch. Let 's see, Moony is a wolfman. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat. ``

Albus and the others watched the lambskin. A few row appeared on it. Could it have got actually worked ?

'Nice try .'
`` I told you it would n't turn, '' rosebush smirked, `` It 's got to be more subtle than that. ``

`` We 'll just deliver to think on it, '' Albus replied. He had no idea how they were to prove to the new map that they knew the piranha'closed book, but he had to line up out. This parchment was perhaps even more interesting and magical than the Marauder 's Map, and he was going to figure it out.

`` What are you lot doing ? '' Matt sat up and was looking around with a confused look on his face. `` What time is it ? ``

Albus looked up when he heard Matt 's spokesperson. Albus had practically forgotten that he was there during the upheaval of the new map. `` It 's about 8:30. We 've got a half hour until curfew. As for what we were doing, well, we 've got a new mystery on our helping hand. ``

Albus, John the Evangelist, Rose, and Amanda spent the next few moment explaining about the new map to Matt. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbolic representation on the Marauder 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to point the piece of writing, and how they had to essay that they knew the Marauders'arcanum. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is vivid, '' Matt commented.

`` Yup. And we 're going to figure out how to work it, '' Albus grinned. `` Maybe we are the new piranha. ``

`` fountainhead, I know what we can do while we 're trying to envision it out how to essay we know the marauder, '' Gospel According to John announced, `` We 've got to cipher out who we 're going to represent. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus said, `` I guess we each have to be one of the marauder. ``

`` I think it 's obvious who I am, '' Matt said tiredly. `` I 'm definitely Moony. ``

`` I 'd say so, '' John laughed, `` I 'll be anyone except Wormtail. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's cheek fell as he realized that someone was going to have to symbolise Wormtail. Nobody was going to want to be him.

`` You 're obviously Prongs, '' John replied, `` I mean, you 're his grandson. Plus, you 're a chaser, just like he was. ``

`` That makes good sense, '' Albus agreed, `` How about you ? ``

`` He 's Padfoot, '' matt yawned, `` He 's got to be. He 's patriotic like a dog. Remember that detention last year in the trophy room, when he yelled at Washburn ? ``

can grinned sheepishly, `` I could be Padfoot. ``

`` Good, '' Albus agreed, `` We 've got Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs. But what about Wormtail ? ``

Everyone groaned. `` I 'm not going to be him, '' Rose said disgustedly.

`` You do n't have to, '' Albus told her, `` The map clearly said four boy, four Gryffindor boys to be specific. ``

`` So Amanda and I do n't get to be involved ? ''

`` Hey, it 's not our fault the piranha wanted it to be son, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can help oneself us figure the whole thing out. ``

`` Right now, we 've got to find a Wormtail, '' Amanda said. `` Who else are you three practiced friends with ? ``

`` No one, really. Just Bilius and Ethan, '' John explained, `` And whomever is Wormtail is going to happen out about matt. ``

The champion all looked at Matt, whose human face had paled at hearing this. Albus had n't thought about that. He did n't want anyone who resembled shaft Pettigrew finding out about Matt. If that 's what it took to happen out the closed book of this map, then the map would just stay on secret.

`` We 're not doing it, '' trick said adamantly, `` No one like Wormtail is going to rule out that Matt is lycanthrope. ``

`` And that 's why you 're Padfoot, '' mat yawned. `` Thanks. ``

`` No trouble, '' John smiled.

`` You know, '' Rose began, `` When this map was made, Wormtail had n't betrayed Albus 's grandparents. He was a predator. They trusted him. All we 've got to do is witness someone who you lot are friend with, not necessarily someone who was like the Wormtail we 've heard of. We just need someone who is even slightly like Pettigrew. ``

Albus thought about this. It could work. But could they really find someone they could bank enough to bring out matte 's secret ? Or, did they even have to expose it ? Was it potential to do this without telling the fourth person ? `` Let 's just keep our eye out for mortal who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll mean about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them know about flatness, at least not for a patch. Is that all right, Matt ? ``

matte had fallen asleep again and jerked his chief up when he heard his figure. `` Huh ? Oh, yeah, that 's all right. ``

`` Sounds like a plan, then, '' John said.

`` We 'd better get back to the common room, '' rose looked at her spotter, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

Albus and the others left the Room and walked back to Gryffindor Tower. Albus thought about the new map and what it could possibly hold. It was obviously a more call for map than the piranha 's Map. Albus could only opine what was actually on it. The prospect of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even bump out. What were the chances of them finding soul who would be willing to symbolize Wormtail ? And if they did find that soul, could they visualise out the map without telling that person that Matt was a werewolf ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Luke, Moonylupin, TheAlbusPotterCritic, potterfan89, sinwillys822, Denas, and XDNLxtlz99 for their inspection !

The prequel to mystery Within, Life Is Good, has been posted and the start chapter is up. I 'll be updating it weekly, most probably on Tuesdays.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the following few day, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the clock time and found himself looking at it whenever he got the probability. He read the clues again and again, hoping to find something he missed before that would tell him how to prove that he knew the Marauders'secrets. Albus found that he could n't really pore on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions examination on Friday because he had so often trouble settling down to meditate the dark before.

His school work was n't the only if matter suffering, either. Albus was also having a difficult time paying attention during Quidditch practice. Seeing as the match against Slytherin was on Saturday, this could n't sustain happened at a worse time. Georgia had to yell at him at least five times during practice on Fri, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' Empire State of the South said once practice session was over and everyone was starting to go back to the castling, `` Stay here for a second base, I need to talk to you. ``

Albus trudged over to Empire State of the South. She had a sick look on her human face that made Albus palpate awful. He knew he had played horrible during practice, but he just could n't get the map out of his principal. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what Empire State of the South wanted to verbalize to him about.

`` Albus, '' Georgia began, `` I know you 're a grand Chaser. That is why I chose you to be on the team. It was not because you are my full cousin. If one of the early people who tried out played better than you, they would take in gotten in. You know perfectly well that I do not recreate favorites. ``

This was unfeigned. Georgia was ruthless about Quidditch. She was even more so than Samantha Meyers, which was saying something. Albus knew good well that if he continued playing this badly, he would get kicked off the team.

`` You play wonderfully with Fred and Heather, which is why I chose you. You 've had experience working with them, and I thought that would serve us. I think I know why your playacting has declined over the past few day, '' Empire State of the South softened her gaze, `` You 're nervous. ``

Albus glanced up when his cousin said this. To tell the verity, Albus had n't even thought about being nervous. But he was more than willing to blame his awful playing on nerve. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely nervous during my start match as well. But you are going to do fine. We 're going to beat Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll evidence all those hoi polloi wrong who thought I was favoring my home, '' Empire State of the South grinned.

Albus gave a lukewarm grinning. He had to stop thinking about that map, if only just for tomorrow. If not, it could be him his blank space on the team. `` Thanks. I 'll try to calm down a bit. ``

`` good, '' GA replied, `` Now let 's get back to the castle. ``

******

Despite Albus 's lack of boldness the retiring few twenty-four hours, he was certainly making up for it on Sat morning. He woke up with butterfly in his stomach and could n't manage to eat anything for breakfast. Worse yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to condense on this match. His place on the team rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' flatness asked. He had returned from the hospital wing the previous evening and was looking a great deal better. Judging by his look of representative, Albus suspected that matt looked better than he did.

`` Yeah, just anxious, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his champion about GA 's talk finish night.

`` fountainhead, you 'd break win, '' Gabe Bourne, the fourth-year who Albus had beat during try-outs was glaring at him. `` If not, Empire State of the South made a big fault in choosing one of her cousins over me. ``

`` Shove off, Bourne, '' Tom Bradley sat down across from Albus and glared at Gabe. Gabe turned to glare at Bradley and then stalked off to the other end of the mesa. `` Do n't worry about him. He thinks he 's Best at everything. We 'll show him. ``

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus was n't nearly as confident as Omar Bradley was. But he knew they had to win that couple. If they did n't, Albus would have to grapple with bourn, and he did not want to do that. Albus never thought so a lot would be resting on one mates of Quidditch, let alone his first match.

Soon enough, GA announced that the squad needed to go to the changing way. Albus 's friend wished him luck as he left with the team. The majority of the Gryffindor table cheered as they left, with Bourne and one of his Friend glaring at Albus, but not clapping. Albus changed into his Quidditch robes in silence while the rest of the team talked animatedly around him. It seemed like Albus was the only one who was nervous about this equal.

`` Time to go, everyone ! '' Peach State announced.

Albus grabbed his broom and followed the relief of the team out onto the pitch, with his heart and soul pounding fast. He gazed up at the crowd, never realizing before how many people actually attended Hogwarts. It was one matter to wreak Quidditch during practice, but in strawman of everyone ? Albus was sure he 'd pass off his heather and humiliate the entire team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor squad ! '' Albus heard the familiar vocalisation of Todd Joseph Smith booming over the pitch. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus ceramist, James ceramist, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Georgia Weasley, and Calluna vulgaris Weasley ! Georgia is the new chieftain this year, and Albus Potter has replaced Samantha Meyers as pursuer. Will he be able to last up to her bequest ? lone time will tell. ``

Albus gulped when he heard that. Why did Todd have to say that ? Albus felt as if every eye in the stadium was focused on him. Albus stood next to Henry James as they waited for the Slytherin squad to come onto the field of force. James sent him a supportive smile that Albus returned nervously.

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris fielding, Talan flint, Lance Goyle, Peyton Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Old Hickory Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their Seeker since lowest yr. Garth Octavius is the new Seeker. ``

Albus remembered GA telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin Seeker from final stage year, had been utterly unequal to of catching the sneaker. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as clumsy, but he doubted it.

`` backing your brooms, '' Professor Oteski announced, `` Ready, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's whistle. He took a few deep intimation to clear his psyche and tried to forget out the crowd 's cheering and booing. He glanced around the pitch and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the other side of the field in order to get away from Odele, who was flying right next to him. With his faster broom, he was away from her in no clip. He could do this, Albus thought.

Albus dodged a Bludger and both Slytherin Beaters as he made his way down the pitch shot. He got nearer to Fred and Fred passed him the Quaffle. Albus grabbed it and flew towards the Slytherin end posts. He was almost there when a Bludger collided with his arm. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he dropped the Quaffle. He swore and examined his arm. It did n't come along to be broken. It was just a little atrocious. Albus looked around and saw that Haines had the Quaffle.

Albus flew after him, but he had already managed to make it past both Bludgers and was heading straight towards GA. He threw the Quaffle and it sailed into the left most hoop.

`` musical score ! Slytherin scores the first destination of the plot, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Todd announced.

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the early player, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very good at maneuvering his broom and avoiding other players. He saw that both Heather and Fred were covered by Slytherin pursuer as everyone waited for the Georgia to throw the Quaffle back into swordplay. Georgia faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle to the leftfield. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his fast new heather, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to view it.

Albus turned his broom around and sped like lightning towards the other end of the pitch. He looked all around him, noticing that the Slytherin Chasers were closing in, while the beaters aimed both Bludgers at him. Albus flew straight up and avoided all of them.

`` Albus potter is really flying now ! He 's got that brilliant Firebolt 2000 that Georgia has. I believe they are the entirely two in the school to give birth one, '' smith called out.

Albus ignored metalworker 's commentary and continued flying. He passed James, who gave him a thumb up. Fielding was hot on his tail now. Albus looked around, he needed to hand the Quaffle. Heather was open and Albus gave the Quaffle a knockout toss. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin goal posts. She threw it at the middle hoop and it sailed through.

`` grade ! '' Smith announced, `` heather Weasley has scored, making the secret plan tied with 10 points each. ``

Albus grinned at Heather and flew to the Slytherin finish posts. He waited for Goyle to toss away the Quaffle back out, and let his nous wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was good. Who could they get to be Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the metre. Every soul he passed in the halls made Albus wonderment, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never happen anyone. Albus, John Lackland, and mat were destined to just be a group of three friends, and that was n't going to puzzle out for the new map. Why would n't it just accept blush wine or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of track, neither girl would concur to representing the traitor that was putz Pettigrew anyway.

`` Albus ! '' A gimcrack voice jerked Albus back into the match. He looked up and saw that Scots heather was glaring at him. He shook his head and started flying again.

During the end of the match, Albus found his mind drifting to a greater extent and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle more than a few time, earning disapproving feeling from Georgia. Although he had n't scored a single goal, he did help oneself Heather and Fred score a few each. Unfortunately this was n't enough, and soon Slytherin was ahead.

`` Another end for Slytherin ! '' metalworker shouted, `` Making the score 120-80 Slytherin ! ``

Albus groaned and looked around at his teammates. Georgia looked tense, Heather and Fred looked determined, Bradley and Ryan looked angry, and Saint James looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the Snitch. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor goal posts. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to score.

`` Albus ! '' Georgia shouted, `` You can do this ! Just concentrate ! ``

Albus nodded and sped down the pitch. He could do this. He just had to get his head off the map. There would be plenty of clip to figure it out later. Quidditch, Quaffle, scoring goal, that was what he had to think about now. Fred passed him the Quaffle and he continued flying towards Goyle. Fielding was on his poop again and he passed the Quaffle to Heather, who was open.

All of a sudden, King James whooshed retiring Albus, heading straight for Ryan. Albus looked over quizzically and realized that Henry James must have seen the snitch. Garth Octavius followed James I but he was n't quick enough. James grabbed the Snitch, which was idling near Ryan 's arm, and pulled out of the dive. He held it up with a triumphant grin.

`` thrower has caught the fink ! '' Smith announced happily, `` Gryffindor wins with 230 points ! ``

cheer erupted in the stand, with the Gryffindors storming the pitch. Albus landed happily next to St. James. It was over, his first Quidditch compeer was over. He breathed a suspiration of relief. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the squad. He stood there grinning with the rest of the team as their bloke Gryffindors clapped them on the backbone and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this sort of thing before, but he did n't really mind it right now.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John broke through the crowd, followed by Matt, pink wine, and Amanda.

`` Excellent, '' lusterlessness grinned.

`` You were amazing, '' pink wine agreed.

`` Good match, '' Amanda added.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` But I did n't even score any goals. ``

`` Department of Energy n't matter, '' Matt replied, `` You had quite a few assists, and we won so it 's all good. ``

`` company in the unwashed room ! '' one of the elder scholarly person shouted. Everyone else cheered and the crowd started to affect slowly to the castle.

`` Hi, Al. '' Albus turned around to see his dad wearing a Brobdingnagian grin. `` You did bang-up ! ``

`` Thanks, Dad, '' Albus smiled as his dad gave him a hug, `` But I 'll do better next sentence. ``

`` Of course you will. The first catch is always the most nerve-wracking, '' Harry replied.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, although cheek were only a component of why he had n't played one hundred percent that day.

`` Well, I 've got to owl mum and let her fuck you 're all right, '' Harry laughed, `` She gets so worried about Quidditch. ``

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His female parent did care a lot, although she did deliver a good ground. His family always seemed to attract trouble, and he was mildly storm that he escaped his first match with only a minor bruise from a Bludger.

Albus walked to the vulgar room with his protagonist and when they got there the plebeian room was already filling up. Everyone congratulated Albus as he entered, telling him what a great job he did that day. Albus smiled at them and thanked them, but he broke into a huge grin when he saw Victoire and Amy sitting at one of the tables.

`` You made it ! '' Albus shouted over the disturbance. `` Did you see the lucifer ? ``

`` Sure did ! '' Victoire replied. `` You were an first-class pursuer. ``

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

`` Thanks, '' Albus said, `` I did n't see you on the pitch. ``

`` We left right after William James caught the stoolie to go to Hogsmeade to get company supplies, '' Victoire gestured to the large amount of food and butterbeer.

`` What did you do to your arm ? '' Amy grabbed the arm that had been hit with a Bludger early in the match.

`` Bludger, '' Albus answered, `` It does n't hurt much anymore. ``

Amy reached into her robes and pulled out her baton. `` I 'll heal it for you. '' Amy muttered an incantation and Albus 's arm immediately felt better.

`` Wow, '' Albus grinned, `` Does n't anguish at all now. ``

`` commodity, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able to heal minor cutting and bruises right now, although most of the poppycock we 've learned is theoretic. It 's all quite fascinating, though. ``

`` I 'm gladiolus you like it, '' Albus said. `` How long until you 're Healers ? ``

Victoire laughed, `` Not for another two yr. It 's a foresightful mental process. ``

`` Although not nearly as long as Muggle doctors, '' Amy told them, `` They 've got to go through eight years of school after secondary schooltime. ``

`` That is mad, '' whoremaster shook his fountainhead, `` Why would anyone desire to be in schooltime that long ? ``

`` I would n't heed, '' rose grinned.

`` Of course you would n't, '' King John laughed.

`` We 've learned a bit of Muggle medicine, '' Victoire told them, `` Just in case we ever have to treat Muggles. charming healing does n't have much of an effect on them. ``

`` I much prefer sorcerous healing, '' Matt announced, `` Muggles use too many phonograph needle. incantation and potions are much better. ``

`` If Muggles use acerate leaf, then I agree, '' John said.

`` It 's not that bad, '' Amanda laughed.

`` I think I 'd rather own soul wave their sceptre than have individual stick me with a needle, '' Albus shook his foreland. Sometimes he just did n't understand the things Muggles did.

`` Ever hear of stitches ? '' mat grinned mischievously.

Albus, rose wine, and Victoire laughed. They had all heard the chronicle of their grandpa 's experiment with Muggle stitches. `` My grandpa had them once, '' Albus grinned, `` Did n't call on out too well. ``

`` What are stitches ? '' John asked.

`` They sew your skin together, '' flatness explained.

`` Sew ? '' John had a disgusted spirit on his face, `` Like what they do with clothes ? That 's genial. ``

`` Bloody painful, too, '' Matt commented, `` I had them once. I 'll differentiate you that story sometime. ''

`` Albus ! '' James walked over to their table with a butterbeer in his manus. `` Great first match ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` excellent collar. ``

`` Thanks, '' James grinned, `` Ca n't conceive Octavius did n't see it. It was glittering in the sun. Oh, well, secure for us if their new searcher ca n't see the Snitch. ``

`` Ca n't contend with that, '' Albus laughed.

`` Listen, '' James lowered his voice and glanced around him. `` What did you do to Kaden ? ``

Albus was startled by the variety in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the yesteryear few twenty-four hour period. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not require to be around him anymore and found his own supporter. Albus had not really paid a lot attending to his small cousin since he told Malfoy that lustrelessness gets disgusted every calendar month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

`` Yes, Kaden, '' Saint James sighed, `` He said you were mad at him. Are you still mad at him ? ``

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus glanced around at his friends, who were all paying end attention. Victoire and Amy were also listening.

`` Ugh, '' James groaned, `` Are you ever going to forgive him for whatever he did ? What did he do anyway ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus looked at Matt and then back at James, `` He kind of told person something that I told him to keep quieten about. ``

`` Well, whatever that was, you should pee up with him, '' James replied, `` He 's been moping around me for the past tense month and it 's getting on my nerves. ``

`` What do you want me to do about that ? '' Albus asked coldly.

`` Be supporter with him again ! ''

`` I was n't really friends with him to begin with, '' Albus commented, `` He just started hanging around us. I thought he found his own friends since I stopped talking to him. ``

`` Nope, he has n't, '' Saint James the Apostle groaned, `` Oh, look, here he comes. ``

`` James ! '' Kaden said, `` There you are ! '' Kaden looked around at Albus and the others. `` Oh, hi Albus. ``

`` Kaden, '' Albus replied.

`` honest job on the match. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` fountainhead, see ya later, Albus, '' James IV stood up. Albus and the others said bye-bye. Kaden followed Henry James like a puppy dog.

`` Did n't think he 'd start annoying James, '' Rose commented.

`` Makes sense, though, '' Albus said.

`` I take it you 're not going to apologize ? '' Matt asked.

`` Nope, I told him not to recount and he did anyway, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` I 'm guessing you would n't tell us what he did ? '' Victoire asked curiously.

`` Actually, '' Albus lowered his voice, `` I would, if you 'd get to the Room. ``

******

`` It 's been so long since I 've been in here, '' Victoire smiled as she looked around the room of Requirement.

`` I know, '' Amy agreed, `` It 's strange. I was getting used to not being here anymore, but now that we 're back, I 'm starting to miss it. ``

`` Me, too, '' Victoire said, `` But if individual told me that you 'd miss Hogwarts back when you first came here, I 'd never have believed them. ``

Amy laughed, `` I know, but I got used to it. ``

Albus watched them as they reminisced about Hogwarts. He had never imagined that Amy would let disliked Hogwarts. `` Why 's that ? ``

`` Well, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old school and my old friend. Little did I know that I would come to have it away this place even more and earn even better ally. ``

`` All right, '' Victoire threw herself down on one of the couches, `` What 's this about you and Kaden ? ``

Albus sat down next to her, while his booster and Amy took seats on various other professorship and couches. `` Have you ever met Kaden ? '' Albus asked his cousin.

`` Once, I think, '' Victoire answered.

`` wellspring, he 's very nark, to say the to the lowest degree. He thinks everything about the witching world is marvelous and that charming can solve everything, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm guessing you 've tried to evidence him otherwise ? '' Victoire asked.

`` Yeah, but he did n't seem to understand, '' Albus replied, `` Anyway, he latched himself onto me and started following us around everywhere. It got very irritating, but we tolerated it. Then, the day of the first full moon, Kaden got nauseous and dame Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really amazed him and he came back to the common room praising Madam Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill lusterlessness looked. ``

`` Oh, Merlin, I can see where this is going, '' Amy sighed and looked at lusterlessness, who was looking a bit uncomfortable.

`` Yeah, he insisted that Matt go see lady Pomfrey. I tried to explain that deception could n't fix everything, but he just would n't listen. We told him to stop going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left because he had to go to the hospital wing, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the fighting did n't last long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't roll in the hay about Matt, therefore he had no idea that what he said was hurtful. I explained to Kaden once again that there were things that magic could n't resolve, and that flatness had a disease that magic could n't solve- ''

`` You did n't tell him, did you ? '' Amy asked Matt anxiously.

`` Of course not, '' lustrelessness assured her, `` He 's still got no estimation. ``

`` good. ``

`` After that, we just kind of accepted that Kaden would be around us all the fourth dimension and got used to him, '' Albus continued, `` But then he decided to investigate the Whomping Willow. ``

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the demand same prison term. Amy 's grimace lost all color as she stared at Albus.

`` He did. We were lying around the grounds after Quidditch practice and Kaden wanted to enquire it. We told him numerous times not to, but he did anyway. He got hit a brace times, but eventually he wound up inside the tunnel. ``

Amy turned to her sidekick with a look of fear on her face. `` Did he keep an eye on it ? '' she whispered.

`` He wanted to, '' Albus answered, `` But I went in after him and persuaded him not to. We got out and Filch caught us. He gave us three exhausting dark of hold, which you already know about. ``

The girls nodded their heads. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the detention on the Astronomy tug, but had not told her why they were in detention.

`` Right after we got out of Filch 's office, we took Kaden up to our hall and persuaded him not to ever look for that tunnel again or to differentiate anyone about it. He said he would n't, '' Albus continued, `` Just like he said he would n't secern anyone that lusterlessness had a disease that could n't be fixed by legerdemain. ``

`` Oh, pigeon hawk, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 'm guessing he told someone ? ``

`` You 're right, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some foreign reason, known only to my stupid cousin, he decided to tell Scorpius Malfoy that Matt gets fed up every once and a spell, and tell him about the Whomping Willow ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Both female child shouted and stood up with looks of choler on their faces.

`` And Malfoy has been trying to find out where I go every month and now he 's got more clues. Up until now we 've been telling him that I have to visit my sick grandmother, but that wo n't work anymore, '' matt explained. `` It 's only a affair of metre before he finds out. ``

`` We wo n't let him, '' Amy said adamantly, then she turned to Albus, `` So this Scorpio Malfoy knows about the burrow under the Whomping willow tree ? ``

`` Er, we think so, yeah, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Not good, this is not honorable, '' Amy started pacing, `` Have you told any of the teachers ? ``

`` No, '' matt answered.

`` You 've got to. He ca n't go exploring that tree diagram, he just ca n't, '' Amy told them. `` We 'll go recount Kendrick now. Come on, Matt. ``

lustrelessness stood up, his face as pallid as Amy 's. `` All right. '' He reluctantly followed his sister out of the Room.

`` And you 've been ignoring Kaden ever since, '' Victoire said, not as a head, but a fact.

`` Yeah, '' Albus confirmed, `` It 's been over a month now. ``

They all sat in quiet for a few moments, all lost in their own thoughts. Albus had n't really given Kaden much thought the past few days. He 'd been much too busy thinking about the map. But now, the incident with Kaden was back in the battlefront of his mind. What was Kendrick going to do about Malfoy ? What if he decided that Matt could n't stay in school anymore now that people knew about the tunnel ? Albus shuddered at the thought of his friend being kicked out of school because of what Kaden had done.

`` Albus, '' Victoire said quietly, `` I know what Kaden did was horrible. netherworld, I 'm mad at him now and I do n't really know him. But I really think there is more to this than meets the eye. I do n't have a go at it why he told Malfoy, but I do n't think he just randomly decided to tell Malfoy. I really think you ought to think about forgiving him, or at least asking him why he told Malfoy. ``

Albus thought about this for a indorsement. The live on thing he wanted to do was peach to Kaden, let alone forgive him. Kaden might be the reason one of his acquaintance is forced to allow the schooling ! If that happens, Albus decided, no way would he ever forgive Kaden. Sure, what Victoire said might be dependable. There might be some variety of underlying reasonableness why Kaden told Malfoy, but the fact remains that he told him. And that could n't be changed.

`` I variety of agree with Victoire, '' rose whispered, `` I do n't think he really meant to give Malfoy cue about flatness 's lycanthropy. ``

`` I know that ! '' Albus shouted, `` Kaden does n't even cognise about it ! But I told him not to tell and he did n't heed. We ca n't rely him with anything ! Everything I 've told him not to separate, he 's severalise someone, and it was Malfoy of all people ! You realize that if I forgive him, he 'll start following us around again. He 'll get more suspicious about flatness and eventually he 's going to find out. And what do you think he 'll do then ? We 'll secern him not to say anything, and he will. He 'll probably tell Malfoy. ``

`` I agree with you, Albus, '' John said.

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` Fine, '' rose snapped.

`` Just guess about it, Albus, '' Victoire said as she got up. `` I 've got to be going. Teddy should be home by now and I want to go visit him. ``

`` Where is he ? '' Albus asked. He had been wondering where teddy bear was.

`` He had some form of Auror training affair today, '' Victoire responded, `` Training is pretty intense. And it 's at all form of loony hours. I guess they 're preparing him for what it 'll be like when he 's a fully take aim Auror. ``

Albus nodded. He knew what that was like. Harry was always leaving at random times, only to pass in the dead of night. Aurors had some of the strangest time of day he had ever heard of.

`` Of course, my hours wo n't be much honorable when I 'm a Healer, '' Victoire commented, `` With our hour, we 're never going to get to see each other. Well, I 'll see you soon, Albus and Rose. I 'm not sure when, but I 'll definitely see you at Christmas. ``



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and Denas, Jen, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, and Moonylupin for their followup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his friends sat around the elbow room of Requirement for the next half minute, waiting for Matt to fare back. nonentity said often, but Albus could recount that they were all worried about what was going to materialize. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the door to the room subject. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

matte ran over to his friends with a grin on his expression. `` Not practically. ``

`` You do n't give birth to leave ? '' rosiness asked.

`` Nope ! '' Matt grinned. `` Kendrick said he 'd take charge of it and no one 's going to be capable to get into the passageway anymore. ``

`` That 's neat ! '' Albus replied. He was very relieved. It would not have been just for flatness to have to leave Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's stupidity.

`` Yeah. Kendrick said I should throw just told him immediately, though. ``

`` We did n't really think of it at the time, '' John commented.

`` I know, and Kendrick understands. He 's not giving me detention or anything, '' matt told them.

`` trade good, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' John said tentatively, `` nobody can get into the passageway now ? ``

`` Pretty a lot. Kendrick did n't really explain, but he told me no one would be capable to get in, '' lusterlessness explained, `` Just me and Madam Pomfrey, I think. ``

`` Oh, '' John said, `` I was form of hoping we could go explore it some time. ``

matte turned and glared at him, `` Are you harebrained ? There 's no way I 'd deal you into the shriek hovel. ``

`` It could have been like our own common elbow room, '' whoremonger continued.

`` No way. Nope. Not going to materialise, '' Matt said flatly.

`` All right wing, all right, '' bathroom sighed, `` Would 've been cool down, though. ``

******

The next day at breakfast, Albus was still thinking about the new map. He kept wondering what made it so different from the original Marauder 's Map. Albus was hoping that it would show Hogsmeade, along with everyone who was in Hogsmeade.

`` Who 's that old lady up there ? '' Amanda pointed to the faculty table. There was a short old witch with a patched and frayed hat sitting where Professor Longbottom usually sat.

Albus looked up and watched her. For some grounds she looked rather familiar, but he could n't put his finger's breadth on it.

`` Yeah, and where 's Professor Longbottom ? '' mat asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the roof as the post owl started to go far. blush wine 's family owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to take the letter off.

rosiness took the letter and gave her owl a objet d'art of toast. She opened the letter and read for a few minutes before reemerging from behind it with a immense grinning on her face. `` professor Longbottom 's wife has had her baby ! Her figure is Lucy Augusta. That explains why professor Longbottom is n't here. ``

Albus smiled. `` That 's great. '' Albus had n't seen Hannah since the summer, and she 'd been quite meaning then.

`` You know, I never really recall about the teacher having families, '' matte commented.

`` Well, we met Professor Longbottom 's wife at the Leaky Cauldron over the summer, '' St. John the Apostle pointed out.

`` I know, but I do n't really recollect her that well, '' matte explained, `` I did n't finger too great that day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' King John remembered, `` And Professor thrower obviously has a family. '' toilet grinned at Albus.

`` He does ? '' Albus opened his eyes wide in a look of imposter shock. `` I never knew ! ``

matt laughed, `` I wonder about the other teachers, though. ``

`` I think Patil is married, '' rose wine told them, `` Slughorn is n't, but I 'm not sure about the others. ``

`` May I have your attention ? '' Kendrick stood up and banged his spoonful against his goblet. `` Thank you. I have two announcements this morning. The first one is that it has come to my attention that a few of you have not heeded my warnings about staying away from the Whomping Willow. I must secern you again how dangerous it is. ``

Albus stole a glance at Kaden, who was steadily turning more pink. Albus glared at him and this made him turn a smart spectre of red.

`` As an add up precaution, I have put a few cellblock around it that will inform me when mortal disregards my formula. There will be severe punishment for anyone who is caught around the Tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

`` On a lighter note, I 'm sure as shooting you all have noticed that Professor Longbottom is not here today. ``

Most of the former pupil started whispering among themselves, no doubt wondering why this could be considered a 'lighter note'.

`` Yes, yes, no need to worry. prof Longbottom 's wife has had a child girl and he will be gone for a few weeks. Professor Sprout, who taught here eld ago has offered to take his space until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the honest-to-goodness witch.

That 's where he knew her from, Albus thought as Sprout stood up and waved. Albus had met Sprout once when he was much younger.

`` I believe that is all. I hope everyone has a good Sunday and is well rested for classes tomorrow, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` I hope Sprout is nice, '' Matt said as he and the others wandered around the flat coat after breakfast. It was a very mild day for Nov and well-nigh of the pupil were outside enjoying the weather.

`` She is, '' Albus assured him. `` My parents had her. So did nearly of my aunty and uncles. ``

`` Mine, too, '' John said.

`` I 've met her a few sentence, '' Rose commented, `` I like her. ``

`` Good, '' Matt smiled, `` It seems like we have n't got any mean teacher this year. ``

The chemical group spent the morning wandering around the solid ground, putting off the homework they should have been doing. They talked some more about the map, but cipher had any mind as to how to get it to put to work or who could represent Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to wonder if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a unscathed lot easygoing than trying to head off him, like he had been doing the past calendar month and a half.

`` I do n't call up we 're going to be able to neglect Kaden forever, '' Albus announced as they were laying underneath a beech tree tree near the lake.

`` You 've just realized this ? '' rosebush asked, smirking.

`` Well, I 'd been hoping we could just ignore him, '' Albus told her.

`` You ca n't, Albus, '' pink wine sighed, `` He 's your cousin, whether you like him or not. ``

`` I know, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm getting sick of having to avoid him all the time. ``

`` I still do n't care him, '' John Lackland said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd learn how to shut out his back talk, I 'd like him better. ``

`` Maybe there 's some form of spell we can use to get him not to peach about thing he 's not supposed to, '' Amanda laughed.

`` That 'd be nice, '' Albus agreed. `` So, you think we should forgive him ? ``

`` We probably should, '' Matt replied quietly. `` No one can get into the Tree now, and Malfoy 's going to find out eventually, '' he sighed, `` It 's only a matter of fourth dimension. He 'll find out whether Kaden gives him clues or not. He 's smart. Kaden wo n't figure it out until person tells him, but Malfoy will find out on his own. It 's only a matter of when. ``

Albus stared at his friend. Albus did not believe Matt would ever be friendly with Kaden again, but what he said actually made sensation. Malfoy was going to find out. `` It 's all redress with you if I forgive him ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` He 's your cousin. If I had any full cousin, I 'd want to be friendly with them. ``

Albus sighed. He knew the rightfield affair to do was to just forgive Kaden. Albus knew that as soon as he made up with Kaden, Kaden would start hovering around them again. He just wished Kaden would find his own friends. But it did n't look like that was going to happen anytime soon. Every metre Albus saw Kaden, he was either alone or with James.

`` neediness to go back to the castling ? '' John asked a little while later. It was starting to get Laputan and clouds were rolling in. It would probably rain soon.

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to receive Slughorn, '' rosebush announced as she stood up. `` I need to talk to him about that last essay. Want to descend, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two miss took off for the castle.

`` Bet she thinks she lost a point on it, '' John laughed.

`` Probably, '' Albus grinned as the three boys started walking back to the palace. They joined the large mathematical group of students now running towards the castle as it got darker outside.

`` What do you want to do ? '' John the Evangelist asked as they climbed the stairs.

`` deprivation to go to the elbow room ? '' Matt suggested.

`` strait good, maybe we can figure out how to act the new map, '' Albus said. `` After all, once I talk to Kaden, we wo n't be able to purloin off there without him wondering where we are. ``

`` I had n't thought of that, '' John groaned. `` Maybe you should n't utter to him. ``

`` I 've got to, St. John, '' Albus sighed. `` He 's my full cousin. ``

`` How are you going to stay fresh him from knowing about the map ? '' matte asked.

`` No idea. I guess we 'll just have to mess with it while Kaden 's in category. ``

The boys continued their journey up to the seventh floor corridor. They were halfway down the one-sixth floor corridor, heading towards the step, when lustrelessness stopped in his tracks. Albus stared at him quizzically, wondering why he had stopped. `` What 's wrong ? '' he whispered.

Matt said nothing but pulled his two acquaintance into a nearby evacuate classroom. He shut the threshold and turned to face his champion. `` There 's people whispering just around the corner. ``

`` What ? '' Albus asked. He had n't heard anything in the corridor. It had seemed completely deserted.

`` Are you mad ? '' John stared at him, `` We were the lonesome one out there. ``

`` I 'm good ! '' Matt said.

`` No you 're not, '' whoremaster laughed, `` I 'm supposed to be Sirius. You 're Remus. ``

Matt groaned, `` You know what I mean ! But I definitely heard something. My earreach 's better than yours. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus replied, remembering that werewolves did have superior hearing. `` Well, what was it ? ``

`` There 's at least two multitude out there and one sounds scared, '' Matt explained.

`` Do you think they 're bookman ? '' Albus asked, immediately thinking of the Willinsons and Washburn. Had they come back to encounter the Hallows ?

`` Yeah, definitely pupil. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of assuagement. It could n't be Washburn or either Willinson, if they sounded like students.

`` Let 's go investigate, '' bathroom said mischievously.

Albus was on the fence if he wanted to go see who was whispering around the box or not. He was definitely curious, but he did n't need to get enchant. Eventually, his curiosity beat out his awe. `` All right. ``

`` Hold out your sceptre, '' Matt instructed as he opened the door. The male child crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the corner. As they got closer, Albus could start to seduce out piece of conversation.

`` Come on ! '' an icy voice seethed, `` You know More. Just evidence us and we wo n't hex you. ``

`` I swear, I told you everything ! '' someone croaked. He sounded like he was shaking.

Albus quickened his pace. person was going to hex mortal. He had to lay off them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the voices, but he could n't quite place them.

The male child rounded the quoin and Albus saw why he recognized the voices. Scorpio Malfoy and Felix Willinson were standing with their baton pointed at Kaden, who was leaning on the wall, his hand shakily holding his wand out in front of him. Albus stopped in his racetrack, and john and Matt did the Saame. Neither Malfoy, Willinson, or Kaden had noticed them yet.

`` Just severalise me what 's beyond the tunnel, Dursley, '' Willinson snarled.

`` I do n't know ! '' Kaden repeated.

`` Liar, '' Malfoy raised his wand a little higher.

That was it. Albus could n't birth to take in Malfoy interrogating his cousin like that. All his bitter thinking toward Kaden flew out the windowpane the moment Albus saw Kaden 's terrified face. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's wand sailed out of his hand and landed on the base a few groundwork down the corridor. John ran forward and grabbed it.

Albus and lusterlessness stepped forward as Malfoy and Willinson turned around. `` Well, if it is n't Potter, '' Malfoy spat. `` What can you possibly desire ? ``

`` Quit threatening my cousin, '' Albus growled. He pointed his wand at Malfoy 's chest.

`` That can be arranged, '' Malfoy replied, `` If you tell us where the tunnel under the Whomping Willow goes. ``

Albus did n't bump eye contact with Malfoy, but he knew Matt had gone Edward White next to him. `` Why would you suppose I know where it goes ? ``

`` The Mudblood told us, '' Willinson smirked. `` But he claims he 's got no estimate where it goes. I think you do. ``

`` Do n't call him a Mudblood ! '' Albus shouted.

At the Sami clock time, trick shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' and Willinson 's baton sailed neatly into John 's hand.

`` tone like you 've got your cousin 's dueling acquirement, '' Albus commented. `` Quinton Willinson is your cousin, right ? ``

`` Sure is, '' Willinson confirmed. `` Now, will one of you tell us where the tunnel goes ? I 'll let your Mudblood cousin go if you do. ``

`` I said do n't call him that ! '' Albus shouted, `` And no, we wo n't severalize you where it goes. ``

`` fine, '' Malfoy smirked, `` estimate your full cousin will get hexed. ``

John burst out laughing, `` well luck with that, seeing as I 've got your wand. ``

Apparently both Malfoy and Willinson had forgotten about that and they stared at each former. Kaden, realizing that neither Slytherin could hex him, stumbled over to where Albus and the others were standing.

`` Dueling in the corridors, '' a trousering representative behind them said. `` That 's against the formula. ``

Albus jumped as he heard the vocalisation and turned around to adjoin it. It was Filch. Albus groaned inwardly. Why did Filch always have to be around ? He, lustrelessness, trick, and Kaden all exchanged glimpse as Filch grinned at them all.

`` Follow me, all of you, '' Filch said gleefully.

`` But, Sir, '' Malfoy replied sweetly, `` Felix and I do n't make our wands. Clearly these four Gryffindors attacked us. ``

`` If I 've learned anything over the years, '' Filch growled, `` It 's that Slytherins are never innocent. ``

Albus stifled a laugh as he followed Filch down the hall. cipher said anything as Filch led them into his cramped office. It was very difficult for the six boy to fit deep down and everyone was too stuffy for solace.

Filch went through his usual turn of filling out kind and filing them in the right cabinet. He smirked as he filed Albus 's figure. `` Seems you 'll have a Indian file nearly as big as your Fatherhood and grandfather 's by the time you graduate. ``

Albus said nothing as Filch continued to fill out and register his forms. After what seemed like an hour, but was probably only a few minutes, Filch finished. `` You 'll have two night 's detention. Tonight and tomorrow night. take on me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't receive to be asked twice. He was the foremost one out the room access, followed quickly by flatness, King John, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the dungeons, Albus began to lead his friends up the step. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor Tower. Kaden stuck to them like somebody had affixed a permanent sticking appealingness on him, but Albus did n't heed. He needed to talk to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the rationality he told Malfoy about the passage in the Whomping willow tree ?

When they got to the commons elbow room, it was packed. There was hardly any way for them. Albus wordlessly lead them up to his dorm room and shut the door behind them. John and Matt sat down on mat 's bed, but Albus and Kaden remained standing.

Albus was n't for sure where to get. Should he just tell Kaden that he forgave him ? Or ask him what was going on with Malfoy and Willinson ? But before Albus could resolve, Kaden started the conversation.

`` I 'm distressing, '' Kaden whispered quietly.

Albus did a double proceeds. Kaden was sorry ? `` For what ? '' Albus asked. Kaden had n't done anything wrong recently. Not since he talked to Malfoy over a month ago.

`` For telling Malfoy, '' Kaden explained. `` I know you 're mad at me and I 'm dingy, '' his voice cracked. `` And I 'm sorry for landing you lot in hold, again. ``

`` Kaden, this one was n't your fault, '' Albus insisted, `` It was Malfoy and Willinson 's fault. Speaking of them, want to separate us what 's been going on ? '' Albus had n't paid an apothecaries' ounce of attention to his cousin since their big engagement over a month ago, but Albus was sure that this was n't an disjunct incident with the Slytherins.

`` They cornered me, '' Kaden whispered, `` Over a month ago. They knew I hung out with you, and they wanted to know if I knew anything about Matt 's, er, sickness. ``

Albus nodded. That 's why Kaden had told Malfoy. The Slytherin weaseled it out of him. `` Go on. ``

`` And I 'm no-account, Albus, '' Kaden 's eyes watered, `` I really am. They just both pointed their scepter at me, and I do n't know any good hexes, and I just got scared, and I know Gryffindors are supposed to be brave, but they told me they 'd hex me if I did n't state them what I knew. So I did, and before I realized it I mentioned the Whomping willow tree. ``

So that was it, Albus thought. He should make just listened to Victoire. There was a cause Kaden had told Malfoy. Kaden had n't just willingly given him the information.

`` And it was too tardy, '' Kaden continued, `` They were going to hex me if I did n't severalize them. So I told them there was a tunnel but I did n't know where it went. They did n't believe me, though. They 've been trying to get me to say them about once a workweek and I get hexed every time. gentlewoman Pomfrey fixes it, though. ``

Albus sighed, `` I told you to tell me if they were bothering you again. ``

`` But you were mad at me, '' Kaden 's vox wobbled, `` I figured you did n't handle anymore. ``

`` Kaden, sometimes you do things that I just do n't understand, '' Albus explained, `` But I 'll always care about you. You 're my cousin and aught can switch that. ``

`` I know, and I 'm really sorry about everything, '' Kaden replied, `` I wanted to keep it all a secret, but- ''

`` It 's all right, '' Albus cut him off. Kaden was obviously sorry about what he had done. Albus was starting to find really bad that he had ignored his cousin for so long, especially when he was being threatened by Slytherins. `` And I 'm no-good I did n't take heed to you before. ``

Kaden nodded, tears starting to disgorge out of his center. `` You 're not mad at me anymore ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Just tell me adjacent time they do that. And try not to tell anyone the affair I tell you in private anymore. ``

Kaden nodded and turned to toilet and Matt. `` Are you two still mad at me ? ``

John the Divine and lusterlessness looked at each early and then shook their read/write head. `` No, we 've been mad at you long enough, '' matte told him.

Kaden smiled through his rent and looked back at Albus. `` I do n't conjecture you 'd tell me where the burrow goes now ? ``

`` Not a prospect, '' Albus grinned. Even after all that, Kaden was still his common queer self, forever affirmative that Albus would actually tell him all of Hogwarts 's secrets.

`` Did n't think so, '' Kaden replied, `` But it was Worth a shot. Anyway, I have n't had a chance to tell you, but I still think football is wagerer than Quidditch. ``

`` Are you mad ? ! '' King John and matte shouted at the Saame time. Both of them had flavour of disgust on their faces.

Kaden grinned sheepishly, `` I just think it 's better. You ca n't kick the Quaffle around like they do in football. ``

trick turned his regard from Kaden to Albus. `` We 've got to fix this, '' he said solemnly.

`` We 'll subscribe to him to the Cup, '' Matt decided, `` No issue where it is. We 'll go and prove to him that Quidditch is best. ``

`` It wo n't transfer my thinker, '' Kaden replied.

`` Once you see the shank shimmer, you 'll change your mind, '' matt told him as he stood up.

`` The Cannons ? '' John laughed and walked over to the door, `` Are you the insane one now ? ``

`` Not at the bit, no, '' lusterlessness smirked. John and Albus burst out laughing at John 's choice of Son and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

`` Another thing I do n't get to know ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yup, '' the three other boys said at the Saami time.

`` Anyway, '' John the Divine continued as they left the way, `` The cannon are the worst team, you do n't want to see them act as. It 's not like they 'll create it to the league Cup. ``

Matt punched him playfully in the arm, `` Do n't insult my team like that. It 's not like Puddlemre United is doing much better. ``

This time it was Saint John 's go to perforate matt in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the carom can ever hope to be. ``

John and Matt continued their logical argument all the way down into the common room, with Kaden paying rapt attending. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their group after all.



A/N : Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing for me ! Thanks as well to Denas, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Rebecca, Moonylupin, Luke, and lilausty for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't need long for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's radical of friends. By the end of the workweek, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their usual turn of doing homework in the rough-cut room after dinner party. Of course, that did not start until after the boy served their detention with Filch. The caretaker had them unobjectionable almost every bathroom in the entire castle. This was a strain affair due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the detention alongside them. Albus was quite happy when the hold was over.

All in all, school was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his classes and Quidditch and the Dueling gild were going well, too. Albus managed to thrust aside his thoughts of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Empire State of the South greatly. The downside to having Kaden dorsum was that Albus and his other friends could n't really hook off to the Room of Requirement anymore, unless they wanted to bring Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the younger boy to know about the room yet. That, and they did n't desire Kaden to know about the map. He did n't even know about the even marauder 's Map. So, Albus had no pick but to just think about the map, rather than mess around with it.

As Nov turned into December, coke fell upon the grounds and scholarly person of all ages flocked to them to have snow ball conflict. Albus and his champion took component part in quite a few, usually being crushed by the elderly scholarly person. Albus enjoyed these conflict immensely, but thoughts of the new map were always in the back of his mind. He just wished they could receive some time away from Kaden to investigate it some more. The opportunity to do just that rise up one day in the beginning of December. Kaden was not doing too well in metamorphosis and one of the elderly Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few early kickoff years in the library.

Albus immediately shut his charm record after Kaden left the common elbow room. `` All right, he 's gone. Let 's go to the elbow room. ``

`` You 're awfully eager for him to lead, '' John smirked, `` I thought you did n't mind him so much now. ``

`` You know I do n't, John the Evangelist, '' Albus replied, `` I just want to mess around with the map. ``

`` Do you remember you know how to work it ? '' Matt asked.

`` I 've got an idea, '' Albus said.

`` Let 's go, '' Rose announced.

The group left the crowded usual room and followed the familiar path to the Room. Once there, they took their usual seats and waited for Albus distinguish them his idea.

`` Well, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and go around it out on the mesa. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, call back what I tried to tell the map close time ? I think I should write that on the map. ``

`` Are you out of your intellect ? '' toilet exclaimed, `` What if you ruin it ? ``

Matt and Amanda stared at Albus in shock absorber, but pink wine did n't look fazed at all.

`` No, listen, '' Albus continued, `` Remember the diary Horcrux ? Well, my mum and dad wrote in that and the ink just disappeared into it. ``

`` But this is n't a Horcrux ! '' John said.

`` Have you got any better theme ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, no, but- ''

`` Then we should just try it ! '' Albus insisted.

`` I agree, Albus, '' Rose announced.

`` Thank you, Rose. ``

`` At to the lowest degree indite it really small, '' flatness suggested, `` That way if it is n't the right way, it wo n't mess it up. ``

Albus nodded. That made sense. `` All rightfulness. '' He took a deep breath. `` Here it goes. I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The associate ink appeared on the sheepskin, telling Albus that he needed to show he knew all the predator'secrets. He looked up at his friends, who were all wearing expression of anticipation. Albus grabbed a quill feather and an ink pot. He poised his quill over the parchment and wrote in very midget varsity letter,

'Moony is a werewolf. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a hart, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat .'
Albus put the quill down and stared at the parchment. Everyone watched in fill out silence. The ink disappeared into the map and Amanda let out a gasp. A few moments later, new words appeared.

'Close, but not quite .'

Albus let out a loud moan as the words dissolved. `` I really thought that would be it ! ``

`` We 're never going to figure this out, '' privy sighed.

`` Department of Energy n't count anyway, we do n't possess a Wormtail, '' flatness pointed out.

`` I think that would give been too obvious anyway, '' rose explained, `` It 's got to be something more subtle. ``

`` How do we subtly tell a firearm of parchment that we know the Marauders'secrets ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` fountainhead, '' rose wine began, `` We 've got to remember that these are the Marauders. And I 'm sure they wanted to make it difficult for whoever found this map. ``

`` right point, '' John said.

`` This most potential holds More entropy about Hogwarts than the Marauder 's Map did, and possibly Hogsmeade as well, '' Rose continued, `` So we 've got to guess about this the way they would 've. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. Of track the Marauders would n't have just had them write something on the map. It was too easy. `` Right, so they liked getting in hassle. They would probably want us to do something that might get us in trouble. ``

`` And most likely dangerous, '' rosebush added.

`` Dangerous ? '' Amanda repeated, staring at Rose.

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the Sir Thomas More it made mother wit. The predator spent their Hogwarts career causing trouble and doing severe things. They obviously would want people just as daring to be the next Marauders.

`` How can it be severe to turn up that we know their secrets ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

`` No idea, '' Albus sighed, `` And it 's got to be something we can put on this parchment. ``

`` What can we put on parchment that shows they were all animagi and a werewolf ? '' flatness asked.

`` We could draw paw mark on it, '' King John laughed.

rose wine 's face lit up. `` John, that 's it ! ``

`` drafting paw prints ? '' John stared at her, `` How 's that dangerous ? ``

`` No, not that. But the paw print idea, '' rosebush grinned mischievously, `` We 've got to get a wolfman, stag, dog, and rat paw print onto the map. ``

The idea sounded ridiculous to Albus, but it did seem like the sort of thing the piranha would do. It would definitely be severe to get the paw prints, and difficult as well. Not many people would actually be able to get them all. It was subtle as well. No one would accept any thought what the paw mark would stand for unless they knew the piranha'arcanum. The only when thing he did n't wish about it was the idea of a bunch of animals trampling the map.

They all stared at rosiness, who was looking quite happy with the idea. Eventually, Albus spoke. `` Are you sure ? ``

`` Not confident, '' Rose answered, `` There 's only one way to find out. What do you lot think ? ``

`` I think that might be it, '' Albus replied, `` It seems very Maraudery. ``

`` Is that a word ? '' Rose laughed.

`` Probably not, '' Albus grinned, `` But I like it. ``

`` Good mind, Rose, '' John agreed.

`` Sounds like it might forge, '' Amanda said.

`` Makes sentiency, '' flatness replied.

`` So it 's settled, '' Rose announced, `` We shall put paw print on the map. ``

`` delay, '' Albus said, `` I really do n't care the idea of animals stepping on the map. What if it gets ripped accidentally. ``

`` Good breaker point, '' Rose sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few minute, then Rose had another idea. `` What if we use different art object of parchment and then use a transference spell to put them on the map ? ``

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned. Sometimes, he loved how saucy his cousin was. `` Anyone know how to do one ? ``

They all stared at each early and shook their forefront. `` Er, that might be a problem, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm pretty surely that charm is well preceding O.W.L. ``

`` I 'll learn it, '' Rose told him, `` I 'm surely I can chance it in the library somewhere. ``

`` We 're favourable you 're such a Scripture worm, rosebush, '' John laughed.

`` All rightfulness, so we 're going to try this, '' Albus said adamantly. He was up for trying anything. Even if it did n't work, they would still be making progression. `` pink wine, you start figuring out the transference appealingness, and the rest of us will get the paw mark. ``

`` The dog will be easy, '' Amanda announced, `` I 've got a dog, remember ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus replied, `` So you can get the dog print over Christmas. ``

`` Sure, '' Amanda grinned, `` It 'll be easy. ``

`` Christmas ? '' John sighed, `` I thought we 'd have it done before that. ``

`` It might film me a while to visualize out the charm anyway, '' rose wine commented.

Albus had wanted to figure out the map before Dec 25 as well, but considering the fact that there were n't any dogs in Hogwarts, that would n't be possible. `` I think we can find a rat somewhere in the castle. Probably near the dungeons. ``

`` Great, Slytherin territory, '' John groaned.

`` I 've seen them in the Potions classroom, '' Rose said, `` All we 've got to do is cast Petrificus Totalus on one during Potions and mouse it up here. Who wants to do it ? ``

Albus glanced around at his supporter. He was n't material fond of squealer and would prefer not to consume to carry one around in his bag all day.

`` I 'll do it, '' trick said after a while, `` It should n't be that hard. I just hope the turn lasts until I can get it up here. ``

`` It should, '' Rose replied, `` Just try and get up here as soon as possible. ``

`` good, '' Albus said, `` We 've got the dog and the rat covered. Next is the stag. That 'll be a bit more difficult. ``

`` There are probably stag in the forest, '' Amanda suggested, `` But we 'd get in trouble. ``

`` That 's what the Marauders would possess wanted, '' Albus told her.

`` We do n't give birth to go to the Forbidden Forest, '' Rose announced, `` We 've just got to go to a forest. I live right near a wood, Albus and I can try and get the print over Christmas. ``

`` That is a brilliant idea, Rose, '' Albus smiled. He did not really want to go wandering around the Forbidden woodland and not just because it was out of leap. It would be very dangerous to go in there. `` And that just leaves- ''

`` The werewolf one, '' mat whispered. Albus and the others turned to depend at Matt. He had been very unruffled over the past few minutes and Albus noticed that he was paler than usual. Albus could understand why. The loup-garou paw photographic print could possibly be the most dangerous one to get.

`` You know, '' Rose said quietly, `` This is why the paw print thing makes so much good sense to me. I highly doubt a regular wolf print is going to work. And if this really is the way to get the map to work, the only way to get a wolfman paw mark would be if a werewolf was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made perfect sense. This would be one way for the vulture to make for certain that the new Marauders would have at least one similarity to the pilot. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the shrieking hutch the Nox of the full lunation. ``

The room fell quiet as everyone tried to intend of a way that they could safely get a werewolf 's paw print. Albus had no estimation. They could n't exactly try and daze matt while he was transformed like they were planning on doing with the rat and the stag.

`` All right field, '' mat sighed after a few bit. `` I 've got an approximation. ``

Albus and the rest of his friends said nothing but watched as they waited for matte to elaborate. Albus could tell that Matt really did n't want to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to work ?

`` We go down to the scream Shack a couple daytime before the entire Sun Myung Moon and bind a few patch of self-inking parchment to the floor. Hopefully I 'll step on one of them and we 'll have a paw print, '' matt explained quietly.

`` That could go, '' Albus said slowly.

`` But we ca n't let anyone see us, '' matt told them, `` So we 'll have to go at Nox. ``

`` We 'll get caught, '' Rose said.

`` Not if we use my dad 's invisibility cloak, '' Albus grinned. `` I 'll mouse into his study sometime when he 's in class and adopt it. ``

`` Really ? '' flatness half-smiled. `` That would be smashing. ``

`` We wo n't all be able to fit underneath, though, '' Albus told them, `` Probably just two of us, three at virtually. ``

`` You three can go, '' rosiness gestured to Albus, Matt, and John, `` You 're going to be the new vulture anyway. ``

`` Hang on, '' Gospel According to John interrupted, `` I thought Kendrick put up wards on the Whomping willow tree. How are we going to get in without him knowing ? ``

`` I know how to inactivate them, '' mat explained, `` Otherwise I would n't be able to get in. ``

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the next broad moonshine ? '' Albus asked.

`` Next hebdomad, '' Matt sighed, `` Are we doing it that soon ? ``

`` mightiness as well, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll try and get Dad 's cloak tomorrow. He 's got year in the afternoon but we do n't. Then we can sneak down to the scream shack this weekend. ``

`` Perfect, '' Rose grinned, `` And I 'll start searching the subroutine library for the charm. Hopefully we 'll have it figured out right after Christmas. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus replied. He was excited. They were close-fitting to figuring this out ; he could feel it.

`` Well, I 've got homework to do, '' Rose announced as she pulled out a few books from her bag.

Albus sighed, `` I do, too. ``

The group worked silently on their homework for a while, only talking when they needed to ask questions about it. Albus tried his outflank to concentrate on his Transfiguration essay, but his mind kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw prints faster. Albus was very uneasy to find out what this map had in store for them. Of course, they still had to find oneself individual to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to bear on that opinion from his mind.

`` It 's so quiet, '' John said, tapping his quill on his book.

`` Nice, is n't it ? '' rose smiled.

`` Not really, '' Saint John replied, `` It 's too quiet. I 've kind of gotten used to Kaden 's loudness. ``

`` It is kind of strange not having him around tonight, '' Albus agreed. He had variety of gotten used to Kaden 's constant quantity bearing over the past tense few workweek. Albus would even go so far as to say that he was starting to become admirer with his cousin.

`` He 's always around us, though, '' Matt laughed, `` He variety of follows us around like a pup dog. ``

`` He looks up to Albus, '' rose wine explained, `` To him, Albus ca n't do anything wrong. ``

That 's it ! Albus dropped his quill and stared at rosiness. Of course ! Why had n't he realized it before ? Kaden did follow them around and practically worship the ground they walked on. Kaden was Wormtail.

`` Albus ? '' blush wine asked. `` Are you all right ? ``

Albus shook his heading and looked at Rose. `` I 'm fine. Better than that, actually, '' he grinned. `` You 've just given me an idea as to who can be Wormtail. ``

`` Who ? '' John asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' John, Matt, Rose, and Amanda shouted at once.

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' rosebush asked.

`` No, I 'm not, '' Albus replied. He did n't see how they could n't empathize it. It made perfect common sense to him. `` You do n't see it ? ``

`` Not really, '' whoremaster said.

`` Just listen, '' Albus sighed. `` get-go, we 've got to remember what the map said when I told it I was Prongs. It said 'four Gryffindors connected by friendship and mischief'. The three of us are obviously connected through both. '' Albus gestured to toilet and matte. `` But we need a quartern person. Since they have to be somehow connected through us, we ca n't just break up a random bookman. Can you think of anyone besides Kaden that we have gotten in hassle with ? ``

`` Not really, '' whoremaster said after a few moments silence.

`` rightfield, '' Albus continued, `` And I 'd say we 're friends with him now. Would you ? ''

John and lustrelessness nodded. `` Yeah, I think so, '' Matt agreed. `` I see what you 're getting at. But how is he like Wormtail ? ''

Albus looked at his admirer for a moment before responding. Albus talked the least about Wormtail than all the other Marauders. Obviously, Albus felt a deep hatred for St. Peter Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to talk about him. So Albus 's friends really did n't know a unanimous lot about him. Just the parts that had to do with him betraying Albus 's grandparents. `` Well, we 've got to retrieve that when the Marauders made this map they were friends with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did have in force lineament, as much as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

`` So what are these qualities ? '' John asked skeptically.

`` Er, I 'm not sure exactly, '' Albus confessed, `` I mean, all the vulture were dead by the time I was born, so there 's not really anyone to tell me what they would be. But my dad has told me some stuff, and it sounds a bit like Kaden. He told me that Wormtail practically worshiped Canicula and my granddaddy. ``

`` Like Kaden does with you three, '' rose wine commented, a look of actualization appearing on her cheek.

`` Exactly, '' Albus said, happy that someone was finally intellect, `` And he used to do whatever they wanted. ``

`` Sounds like Kaden, '' Matt agreed.

`` Definitely, '' John replied.

`` You know, '' rosiness began, `` Wormtail obviously caved under threats and Kaden did, too. ``

Albus had realized this as well, but he really did n't want to think about it. Albus did n't ever guess his cousin would betray anyone like Wormtail had done. `` Well, I guess we 've found our Wormtail. ``

`` When are we going to tell him ? '' King John asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus had n't gotten that far. There were still function of him that wanted to keep the map a secret from Kaden, but he obviously could n't do that if Kaden was supposed to be the new Wormtail. `` I 'm not trusted how to secernate him. I 'm not sure he 'll be that vibrate about being Wormtail. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' rosebush said, `` I think he wo n't mind as long as he gets to be a function of this. ``

`` The map 's not the only thing we 're going to get to state him, is it ? '' lusterlessness said quietly, `` He 's going to rule out what I am. ``

This was the part that Albus had tried to ward off thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to work the new map. Whoever was going to comprise Wormtail was going to find out that lusterlessness was a werewolf, there was no avoiding it. It was part of the reason that Albus had n't really thought about who would be Wormtail. Albus knew Matt did n't want anyone else to find out. He never even really told Albus and the others. They had found out on their own. Albus knew Kaden would never obtain out on his own ; he was just too oblivious. He needed to know, though, if he was going to be a section of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new Marauders. Albus just had a gut touch sensation about that. But was it worth it to tell him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to preserve mystery ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will have to have it off. ``

`` We ca n't do it then, '' Matt said adamantly, `` I ca n't tell him. I just ca n't. He 'll tell Malfoy and then the whole of Slytherin will bed and then soon the totally school will know and they 'll tell their parents and they 'll kick and Kendrick will have to kvetch me out. But then it wo n't matter anyway because all of Wizarding Britain will lie with and no one will want to be around me or my category again and it will be just like Australia- ''

`` Matt, '' Albus cut him off. He was getting hysterical. `` Calm down, that 's not going to fall out. ``

`` How do you roll in the hay ? '' Matt whispered in a rickety voice.

`` Because Kaden wo n't narrate anyone, '' pink wine interjected.

`` Not if I do n't say him, '' matte replied, `` And I 'm not going to severalise him. You lot ca n't either, you promised. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus reassured him, `` Not unless you want us to. ``

`` I do n't, '' matt said in a slightly gimcrack voice.

`` Just listen to me for a minute, '' Rose said loudly. `` Remember what Amanda said about a spell to keep Kaden from giving away anymore secrets ? '' Everyone nodded. `` well, I 'm pretty sure there is a piece like that, '' Rose grinned.

`` Really ? '' Amanda stared at her, `` thaumaturgy just gets better and better. ``

`` Yes. I vaguely remember reading about it in a book. I 'm sure if I went to the depository library I could find it, '' Rose explained. `` I 'll just look for it when I 'm researching the transference charm. ``

Albus 's Bob Hope soared high again, `` fantabulous ! Would you be willing to tell him if pink wine found this spell ? ``

Albus held his breath as he watched mat think about it. `` I, '' Matt paused, `` Suppose that could work .... But, only if we try out the spell with a less important secret first. ``

Rose nodded, `` Yeah, I could do that. ``

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could find it. They would unlock the secrets of this new parchment. Albus was so thrilled with the aspect of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly sleep that dark. He was n't the only one, either. Albus heard lusterlessness and St. John the Apostle tossing and turning all dark, over the sounds of Ethan and Bilius 's snoring. Although, Albus suspected Matt 's sleepless night was more due to nerves than upheaval. Judging by the look on his case as they went back to the common room that evening, he was still loth to let Kaden in on his biggest secret.



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Moonylupin, Lily meet Ginny, and drownzer for their reviews !



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the adjacent morning, he found that he was overcome with nerves about stealing his father 's Invisibility Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the excitement about the map the night before that he had n't really given it a second thinking. But now that the melodic theme had simmered overnight, he realized that the plan might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the invisibleness Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the old year. Of track, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to sneak it back right after he was done with his late night promenade to the screeching shack, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even likely ? Albus had no idea how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't have a lot use for it at Hogwarts because teacher could roam around wherever and whenever they wanted.

Albus did n't even know where his founding father kept the cloak. He was planning on just trying a summoning charm as James had done to recollect the predator 's Map. Albus just hoped that the cloak attempt would go just as smoothly. Harry still had n't noticed that the Map was missing. Either that or he knew James took it and was just letting him keep it. As Albus 's intellection went to the original Marauder 's Map, he remembered that he still had n't given it back to James.

Albus remained distracted throughout his morn social class and by the clip lunch came, he was almost as nervous as he had been for the number 1 Quidditch catch. nobody said much as Albus picked at his food, well cypher except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his morning socio-economic class until he had to leave for Potions a short while later. Once he was gone, Albus was free to babble out about their plan. `` I 'm not sure if this is going to forge. ``

`` It worked for the predator 's Map, '' pink wine reminded him.

`` I know, but still .... ''

`` It 's got to work, '' King John insisted, `` How else will we sneak down to, '' he lowered his part, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

`` There is n't any other way, '' Matt replied, `` We 'll get enchant if we do n't birth the cloak. ``

`` We might get caught when we 're trying to steal it, '' Albus commented.

`` No we wo n't, '' whoremonger assured him, `` And even if we do, we 'll just be caught by your dad. It 's not like we 'll get in trouble with Filch or anything. ``

`` But we 'll get caught by Filch if we try to slip out at night without the cloak, '' matte whispered.

`` rightfield, '' whoremaster agreed, `` So we 're off to slip the cloak. ``

Albus groaned, `` Does n't anyone else think this might not ferment ? ``

`` Trust me, Albus, '' Rose said, `` It 'll work. We 'll lift the cloak back before Uncle Harry even knows it 's gone. ``

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the faculty board, `` We 'll just wait a couple more minutes. ``

`` I do n't think we should all go, '' Rose announced, `` It 'll look wary if we all go into his office. I think just me and Albus should go. ``

`` good idea, '' flatness agreed, `` No one will think anything of it if the two of you go into his berth. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the dependable way to do it. If all five of them went, fortune are they would make enough noise to draw in another teacher. Albus was relieved that Rose was going to go, though. She was much better at summoning charms than Albus was.

`` We 'll hold back for you in the Room, '' Matt stood up. trick and Amanda followed suit. `` See you in a bit. ``

`` Bye, '' Rose grinned at them. She and Albus loitered a few minute longer at the Gryffindor table before rose wine gestured that it was time to go.

Albus and rosebush had lingered long enough at the table that the corridors were practically empty-bellied, economise for a few straggling bookman who were much more enwrapped on making it to stratum than giving Albus and Rose a 2nd glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's position, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning myrtle 's bathroom. Judging from the flashy yell that were emitted from the bath, Peeves had just finished making fun of poor Vinca minor.

The corridor that Harry 's berth was in was entirely deserted when Albus and Rose descended upon it. Albus was very happy about this. Maybe they would get away with it. Albus tried to unfold the door, but it was locked. `` merlin ! '' he shouted and looked at Rose.

Rose did n't see in phased in the to the lowest degree. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

Albus looked at her skeptically. Why would chevy bother to lock his door with a spell that anyone could unfold ?

`` Just do it, '' Rose insisted, `` He 's got a charm on there that recognizes his magical signature tune. Yours will be close enough to his that it 'll open for you, too. It worked with James last year. It wo n't work with me, though. I tried. James thought it was incredibly funny. ``

`` All right, '' Albus replied and pointed his wand at the whorl. `` Alohomora. '' The curl clicked and Albus turned the handle. It opened. The cousins quietly crept inside, carefully shutting the door behind them.

Harry 's office looked much like it had the last time Albus had been in it. sheepskin, books, and other miscellaneous object were strewn around all over the plaza, cluttering up the desk, couch, and chairwoman. The sleeping accommodation doorway had been left open and Albus could see that that elbow room was just as messy, with gown laying on the bed and copies of the prophesier on the floor.

`` Does he ever pick up ? '' rosebush asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is bad than James 's elbow room. ``

`` Henry James gets it from Dad, '' Albus laughed, `` Mum makes both of them clean up but Mum 's not here, so Dad can just do what he wants. ``

`` I 'll bet it 's somewhere in there, '' Albus pointed to the bedroom and started walking towards it. rosebush followed and soon they were in the tiny bedroom. Albus guessed that the cloak was either in Harry 's proboscis or the wardrobe.

Rose must have been thinking the same thing. She wrenched the tree trunk undecided and pointed her baton at it. `` Accio Invisibility Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

`` Great, '' Albus groaned, `` It 's not here. ``

`` Wait, '' rose said as she crept closer to Harry 's trunk, `` I 'm pretty sure as shooting Uncle Harry mentioned that you ca n't use a muster appeal on the cloak. ``

Albus thought for a moment and then remembered his dad telling him that once. `` Oh, yeah. fountainhead, now what are we going to do ? ``

`` We 'll do it the hard way, '' pink wine sighed, `` You take the wardrobe, I 'll submit the torso. ''

Albus shook his head as he stepped over to his dad 's press. This was going to occupy forever. They would certainly get caught before they found it. Albus carefully weeded through his dad 's stuff, being careful to put it all back exactly as he found it.

`` Got it ! '' Rose announced, `` Bottom of the trunk ! ``

Albus felt an Brobdingnagian relievo as rosiness held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! Nothing was stopping them now. They were going to receive out the secret of the second base map.

`` There. Told you we 'd get it, '' Rose grinned, `` Now let 's get out of here. ``

Albus nodded, felicitous to do as pink wine said. He certainly did n't want to get caught in his dad 's office with the invisibility Cloak. blush wine handed him the cloak and he stuffed it into his robes. Once Albus and Rose were certain that the room looked just as it had when they got there, they quietly left. Neither of them said a word as they walked quickly to the way of Requirement.

Relief washed over Albus when he made it into the way a few minutes later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's heart still beat riotous with adrenaline as he ran into the elbow room and grinned at his friends. The shudder of what he and Rose had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the invisibleness Cloak. It was the first Marauder-like thing he had done. He knew this was exactly what the predator had wanted him to do. To break rules and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' John ran over with a glimmer of excitement in his eye. Matt and Amanda were proper behind him sporting identical grins on their faces.

`` Sure did, '' Albus smiled and pulled the silvery cloak out of his robes.

`` It was incredibly easily, '' rosebush laughed. `` I found it right in Uncle Harry 's trunk. ``

`` Can I hold it ? '' Matt asked in awe. Albus handed him the cloak. `` This is incredible, '' flatness whispered. `` I 'm holding one of the Hallows. I wish I could assure my dad about this. ``

`` You 'll be able to eventually. My dad just wants to get to bonk him first. ``

matte put the cloak on and disappeared from view. He reappeared a few second gear later. `` That is so cool. ``

`` Let me try, '' bathroom took the cloak and wrapped it around himself. They spent the following few transactions passing the cloak around and trying it on.

`` You three ought to see if you fit, '' rosiness announced.

Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Amanda. John and matt stood next to him as he threw the cloak over their heads. Albus had been under the cloak with James, Lily, and his full cousin before, so he was used to how cramped it was, but his supporter weren't.

`` sentry it, '' trick snapped as Matt stepped on his foot.

`` Sorry, '' Matt muttered. `` This is going to be difficult. ``

`` Can you see us ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nope, '' rose said, `` Walk around the elbow room a few times. ``

The boys walked slowly around the elbow room, making sure not to bring out any of their limbs. John and lustrelessness started to get the knack of it after a few minutes of pattern and they were soon able to go a little faster.

`` perfect tense, '' Amanda announced after the quaternary time they circled the way. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What night should we do this ? '' John asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Saturday because I 've got Quidditch exercise that morning and I 'm going to have to get some eternal rest Fri Night or Georgia will spend the whole sentence yelling at me to wake up, '' Albus explained, `` That good with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' John agreed. Matt nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Saturday Night, we sneak into the Shrieking shanty. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the worry Divine, Albus, '' Rose laughed, `` The Marauders would be proud. ``

******

The succeeding day rosiness decided to start her research on the transference charm. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't take long to find the right volume. rose wine found it in a copy of Advanced Charms and after she read a bit about the charm she decided that it was going to be hard but not insufferable for her to do. She decided to master that charm before trying to rule the charm to keep Kaden quiet. That one was going to be harder to find since they did n't even know the name of it. Rose checked out the Advanced Charms Bible under the menacing blaze of Madam Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to call for what they were up to and abnegate them the book. But, she could n't since the book was n't in the Restricted Section.

rosiness spent the next few days trying to picture the charm out. There was n't a good deal Albus could do to serve her, so he just did his preparation and watched her. Albus thought the charm looked incredibly complicated and he was glad that rosiness had volunteered to learn it. rose was having a bit of difficulty mastering the good luck charm, though. By the time Saturday dark rolled around, she still had n't managed to multiply much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The charm was well beyond the O.W.L. level and it stood to reason that it would be hard for her. This did not suit Rose well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one thing that drove Rose mad, it was having difficulty learning something.

`` Why do n't you accept a break ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the mutual elbow room on Saturday Nox. `` You 've been at it for twenty-four hours. ``

`` Maybe you 're correct, '' Rose sighed. She had been trying for the by hour to reproduce her gens onto another piece of music of sheepskin. `` I 'll just slow down for a while. '' She pulled out her August 6 book and opened it to one of the later chapters.

`` I do n't know how you can consider that relaxing, '' privy screwed up his human face in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` spear carrier credit charms prep, '' rose lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that rosiness would need extra credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' blush wine explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're smarting. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' rosebush smiled at him.

Albus had no doubt that Rose would image the good luck charm out eventually. It was just taking her prospicient than she expected. Albus was in no Rush because the charm would be useless until they got all the paw prints they needed. That would n't materialise until after Christmas. John had n't managed to obtain a rat in Potions on Friday, but he was keeping his optic peeled.

The group stayed in the common way for another couplet hr, waiting until it was completely empty. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his fatigue and went up to his dorm room. Eventually, Albus and his Quaker were the merely ones left.

`` set ? '' Albus asked. St. John and Matt nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the parchment in my robe. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' John stood up.

`` trade good luck, '' Amanda said as the three boys pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' Rose told them as she held the portrait open for them to leave. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as nervous about sneaking out of the castling as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking more regulation this evening than he had the other day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his father would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in worry with another teacher.

Whatever the cause, Albus felt almost excited about this evening. The exclusively time he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency dream the previous year. Tonight 's adventure was a much ripe circumstance. Besides, Albus was a bit excited about following the burrow to the Whomping Willow and seeing the inside of the scream Shack. He felt sort of shamed about this because he knew mat did n't want them to and was only agreeing to this for the interest of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to stop before they started down the step. He took out the Map and scanned it for a couple minutes. Filch was currently striding along the third trading floor corridor. They would have to be careful about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a classroom on the one-quarter story, no doubtfulness wreaking havoc for one of the instructor to fix in the morning. Luckily, all of the teacher were in their offices. All they had to concern about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, St. John, and matt continued their cautious trek down to the entranceway anteroom, with Albus glancing at the Map every few moment. The son made it down to the third floor corridor without worry, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about insolent tyke. Albus gave his friends a worried look as they quietly moved towards the close stair eccentric. Albus held his breath as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three unseeable male child. Albus was very happy when they made it onto the second floor and even felicitous when they got to the front doors and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one thing that could accept gone wrong with their programme. grow had tried to teach him a few more complex unlocking spells but he was n't very good at them and was hoping he would n't need to use them.

`` Made it ! '' John let out a huge breath once the rook threshold were shut.

`` Not quite, '' flatness replied.

`` Yeah, but at to the lowest degree we can verbalise now. I wish this cloak would encompass up noise, too. Reckon we can take the cloak off ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered immediately. `` What if one of the teachers is looking out the window ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't want to give birth to explain why he was sneaking down to the Whomping Willow in the dead of night if the lovable half-giant caught them.

The three boys continued along the path that lead them through the grounds. There was about six inches of snow on the land and the air was bitingly cold. Albus was glad he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to check the Map every couple of minutes, but so far the priming were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be capable to walk immobile once they were on the flat coat, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to stick concealed under the cloak and it was even harder now because Matt was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` Fine, '' he panted. `` Just the Moon. Let 's keep going. ``

Albus looked from his booster 's fag out face to the sky. The almost full moon was shining down on the ground, illuminating it enough that Albus had n't bothered to alight his wand. `` We should have done this earlier in the week, '' Albus commented, remembering the disastrous detention with Filch the former month.

`` No, I 'm hunky-dory, '' Matt assured him, `` It wo n't be full until Tuesday. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and John slowed down their pace to gibe mat 's, although Albus thought it would be better for them to speed up in parliamentary law to turn over the tree faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping Willow. The three boys paused just beyond the reach of the branches and Albus and can looked to Matt for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able to get into the golf hole wearing the cloak, '' Matt explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his robe. `` All right hand, '' Matt continued, pulling out his wand. `` I 'll just disable the wards. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his wand at the Tree. Albus strained to listen to the enchantment but he could n't listen it.

`` Now what ? '' bathroom asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

Matt walked around to the former English of the tree diagram with Albus and John following. lusterlessness bent over, searched through the nose candy, and picked up a foresighted peg, stumbling and shivering a piffling as he stood up. He pressed his hired hand to his mind, wincing a lilliputian. `` head ache, '' he answered to Albus and John 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the tree 's branches and stuck the long stick into the tree 's trunks. The leg immediately suspend and the Whomping willow looked just as tame as any of the other trees on the grounds. `` Quick, before they start again, '' Matt stumbled towards the tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the burrow once, gestured for John to go first. Albus followed his ally and made it into the trap just as the branch started flailing again. Albus and John lit their wands and looked around the cramped burrow while Matt put the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward back up.

`` Let 's go, '' mat announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly middling cool, '' John said in awe as they started down the passage, `` Kinda spooky, but cool. '' flatness sent him a dirty look. `` I mean, besides the whole werewolf thing, '' John replied quickly.

Albus could see what John meant. It was sort of a full-strength tunnel, although very dark and sorting of damp. The good thing was that it was slightly warmer than exterior. The cap was low and Albus had to crouch down a petty in order to walk. There were rock candy and etymon along the itinerary, but the whole atmosphere was quite exciting. Albus loved wandering through occult passageways and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being able-bodied to take after it. His dad had told him about this burrow and the Shrieking hut numerous times, but always said no when Albus asked if he could go explore it. Now he was finally getting to do it. Granted, he was breaking about a twelve school day rules to do it, but it was worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt similar at least a half hour. The bang of it was beginning to wear off as Albus got colder. The calendar month of December was not a commodious time to be doing this. By the time they reached the screech shack, Albus was quick to crawl into his warmly four-poster bed and go to sleep. John 's inflammation had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the long, chilly walk. Matt, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the Moon, did n't look much better than he had earlier. He looked incredibly exhausted and was breathing as heavily as if he 'd just run a marathon.

`` How do you possibly make it here before the full synodic month ? '' St. John the Apostle asked, out of breathing space. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the time you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' Matt replied in between intimation, `` Madam Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` well, next time I ca n't sleep I 'll just walk up and down this a few times, '' John the Divine joked.

`` In. Here, '' Matt panted as he opened an old looking doorway that creaked as he opened it. Albus and John quietly followed him through it, into a very derelict looking room.

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dried rakehell. There was n't anything that remained unplowed. opus of tabular array, chairs, and lounge were all over the place with morsel marking on them. There was a stairway nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on numerous times. Albus swallowed as he realized that his Quaker was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' trick asked slowly.

Matt glared at him. `` Use your genius, '' he snapped.

John looked from him to the humbled furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all right hand, '' flatness sighed and sat down on the base near the fireplace. He leaned his head against the wall. `` See why I did n't really want you to total here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and John the Divine nodded.

`` It 's one thing for you to know what I am, '' Matt continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his voice trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the screaming hovel during the full Moon. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the wildcat. ``

`` I guess, '' lustrelessness said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' John replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and Matt shouted at the same prison term.

`` Become Animagi, '' Gospel According to John repeated, `` If we 're trying to become the next piranha, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to start a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and Luke for their review article !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit the thought did cross his mind every once in a while. But really, it was n't very realistic. Yes, the Marauders had done it, but they were lucky it had worked out all right. There was a cause that hardly anyone could get an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only second years. The Marauders had n't done it until their fifth part year. They were exceptionally smart, too. Well, three of them were. Albus did n't think he was anywhere near good enough at Transfiguration to force it off. Rose was probably the only one of them who had a chance at succeeding. And even though pink wine did not pause to soften rules when she needed to, there was no way she would agree to this. `` Oh come on, whoremonger, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' John asked, `` The Marauders did it. ``

`` They were really smart, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smartness. And what did you get on your last Transfiguration test ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' John corrected him, `` And we 'd figure it out. Rose could help us. ``

`` But this is n't as simple as figuring out a go for course of study ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's dangerous. What if we ca n't change back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? rose wine does n't know everything. Even she would have trouble with this. ``

`` It 's worth the risk of infection, '' John said adamantly, `` I do n't care if I mess up a few times. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the matter. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the probability to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summer. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as school was over last year because he knew the thought would baffle my brain. He 'll know if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd conceive trying when we 're sometime, but definitely not right now. ``

King John sighed, `` It would be cracking if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new Marauders then. opine if we could even change into the Saami animals the vulture were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that John seemed to accept the fact that Albus was n't going to agitate on the issue. `` I do n't know if I 'd be a hart, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' King John asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy hotdog, not a big cool dog like you 'd be, but a petite chihuahua or something that 's always skin and jumping. ``

`` Definitely, '' John laughed, `` It could n't wound to research Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for extra deferred payment. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` DOE n't weigh, '' lustrelessness said quietly. He had been exceptionally tranquillise ever since John had first mentioned the approximation. `` You ca n't go Animagi with me on the replete Sun Myung Moon. ``

`` Why ? '' John asked. `` We know it 's grave. I do n't care. ``

`` It 's not that. You think I have n't thought about you lot becoming Animagi ? That my parents have n't thought about doing it ? Amy ? They have. My parents have ever since we found out Wolfsbane did n't play for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a shift. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to accept me do the Wolfsbane study instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the full synodic month, I wo n't hurt myself and it 'll seem like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up the report big time. My parents decided it would be better for me to receive a potion that would work than to have to rely on early people 's Animagus ability. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very happy. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a little exempt. He did n't want to become an Animagus behind his dad 's back. It was one thing to steal the Invisibility Cloak for a couple on days, but to sneak around as an beast every wide-cut moon ? That was just too secretive for Albus 's liking. He hoped that John would consecrate up on the thought now.

`` But if the subject ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't stop you from trying. ``

`` Sounds bazaar, '' John the Evangelist replied, `` How long does the discipline go ? ``

`` No idea. Probably at least another two years. It all depends on how many different signifier of Wolfsbane people come up with, '' Matt closed his eyes and leaned his straits against the wall again.

`` Headache still there ? '' Albus asked. mat nodded without opening his eyes. `` Let 's hurry up, then. Where should we put the parchment ? ``

`` room behind the stairs, '' lustrelessness shakily stood up. `` That way Madam Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' John gently pushed his acquaintance back onto the storey. `` How much lambskin should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you bring ? ``

`` About a half cast, '' Albus pulled a partially used roll of parchment out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. luck are nearly of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the stairs with John following and saw the small way mat was talking about. It was also filled with various disordered opus of furniture. `` We should n't feature done this tonight. I did n't even think about the lunar month. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his head as he bent down to be active some of the piece of furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the prison term with the detention. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can slumber all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped pieces off the gyre of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' John yawned. `` Was n't expecting the burrow to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a longsighted way from the grounds to Hogsmeade, so it makes gumption. ``

Albus finished ripping the parchment and the two boys each took a stack to affix to the floor. It took them a few minutes and once they were done, the room was covered in while of parchment.

`` I can see why he did n't want Madam Pomfrey to see, '' St. John the Apostle laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely upgrade some questions, '' Albus lit his own wand. `` Let 's just hope this whole works. I ca n't see any other way to safely get a werewolf 's paw print. ``

The two boys took one Thomas More look at the sheepskin coated elbow room and then went back to the with child primary room. Matt was mightily where they left him, leaning against a partially disordered hot seat. Albus nudged him waken.

`` Finished ? '' flatness yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the castle, '' Albus helped his acquaintance up and the three of them left the shack.

The trip back through the tunnel took a lot thirster than when they were going to the shanty. All three son were incredibly tired and the thrill had worn off for Albus and John. Albus glanced at his watch as they neared the end of the tunnel and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very glad they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's harder getting out than getting in, '' Matt said tiredly as he removed the Montgomery Ward. `` Whoever goes first has to dodge the branches and then promote the nautical mile on the trunk for the other two. ``

Albus and John looked at each other, for both of them knew Matt was too exhausted to be able-bodied to dodge the branches properly. `` I 'll do it, '' Albus told him, `` I 'm making you get the rat. '' Albus climbed up the wall and crawled out of the hole. He was immediately hit in the shoulder with one of the flailing branches. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the bole for the knot. His hand made contact with it and the leg immediately froze. `` You can derive out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak. Matt appeared out of the fix first and shuddered as the moonshine hit him. John was right behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once Matt re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' John asked Albus once they were back on the path leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the shoulder, '' Albus replied. His berm stung and he could feel some ancestry dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see Madam Pomfrey. She would know immediately what gave him the wounding and would no doubt insist on knowing what they were up to.

The son trudged along through the insensate night air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that dense clouds were moving in. It would probably snow soon. Of course, Albus would be much too tired the next day to savor it, so it did n't much thing. It was Worth it, though. Within a few days they would have one of the four paw prints needed to unlock the secrets of the new map.

A little while later they reached the castle room access. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the sixth floor and Peeves was in Moaning myrtle 's bathroom. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the handle of the door and pushed. It did not budge. He tried again, but no hazard. `` Filch must 've remembered to lock in it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those spells Rose taught you, '' John Lackland suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his wand at the grip. He muttered a trance but the door remained locked. He tried a few more, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a panic-stricken tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' John questioned and pushed the door himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you mean we 're locked out ? '' Matt groaned, `` It was just unlocked a couple 60 minutes ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't outride out here all night ! '' lusterlessness 's interpreter cracked, `` We 'll freeze ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as panic filled his trunk. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the castle and into the tunnel without getting caught that the thought of being locked out had n't even crossed his mind. I mean, what were the chance of the doorway being unlatched when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't last out out here, it was freezing and would play false soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any chance either of you knows how to conjure a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the only way he knew to contact Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' John Lackland asked. `` We 're only second twelvemonth. ``

`` Well, have you got any lustrous ideas on how to tell rose and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

John thought for a minute before answering, `` You could break into the broom shed and slip a Calluna vulgaris. Then fly it up to Gryffindor Tower. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by someone. What if one of the professors is looking out their window ? Or one of the student ? ``

`` Wear the invisibility Cloak, '' John replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then blush wine and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, rightfulness, '' John sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in hassle, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't retrieve of something else soon, they would take in to go to Hagrid's.

`` well, we 've got to cerebrate of something soon. He 's got to get away from the lunar month, '' whoremonger gestured to Matt who was leaning against the door and breathing heavily.

`` The synodic month 's almost covered by cloud, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll have to worry about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' John groaned. `` Maybe we can kink up in piles of snow like savage do and hold warm that way. ``

`` Very rummy, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would take place if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in fuss, but how much ? Would they just get detention or would it be spoilt ? full stop would be taken away for sure, and that would not go over well with the other Gryffindors.

`` Hey, waiting ! '' John the Divine 's face brightened a bit, `` What about the screeching hovel ? We could just go back there and spend the night. Then we 'll sneak back in tomorrow morning after Filch has unlocked the door again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a moment. `` Not actually a bad idea. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

John grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked lustrelessness in the side.

`` What ? '' Matt opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the shack, '' can explained.

`` Great, '' flatness said sarcastically, `` I get to drop another Night there. You two could n't number up with a different idea ? ``

`` Nope, '' John answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty brainy myself, so unless you 've got a serious one, we 're going. ``

lustrelessness sighed, `` Oh, very well. But we 're not making a habit of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' Saint John laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' lusterlessness groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't help but feel a diminutive bit excited about spending the dark in the shanty. It would definitely be the worst thing he had ever done, as far as breaking rules was concerned. He also felt flighty about it. What if they did get caught ? What if Rose and Amanda started to get occupy and told somebody about their architectural plan ? Albus pushed that thought out of his mind. Rose would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in trouble. But they were n't in that big of trouble. The three of them would spend the night in the shack and that would be that. When morning came they would sneak back into the castle and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be kind of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit dangerous. Something the piranha would have done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The trip back to the hut, though exhausting, was uneventful. St. John, like Albus, had a look of excitement in his middle when the three of them entered the shack once more. Matt looked like he did n't care where they were, as long as there was some seat he could sleep.

`` This is moderately cool, '' John grinned, `` Spending the night in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be frigidity, though, '' lusterlessness shivered, `` There are n't any warming appealingness in here. ``

`` Warmer than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his robe. `` Are there any luminance in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' Matt replied. `` We 'll just possess to sustain our scepter lit. ``

`` What do you want to do now ? '' john asked with a feeling of mischief on his face, `` So many hypothesis in this shoes .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' matte suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the Night in the hut, was extremely outwear and all he wanted to do was slumber. `` Are there any bed here ? ``

`` One, '' Matt answered. He led Albus and John up the stair and into the only bedroom. There was one large bed and a press, both surprisingly still intact. `` They 're charmed to be durable, '' Matt answered Albus 's questioning look.

lav hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is excellent for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' Matt joined him on the bed and started jumping as well. `` You 're flop, it is quite nice for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was skilful for jumping. Even practiced than William James 's. James, Albus, and Lily had spent many time of day jumping on James 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their female parent. The boys continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a couple min. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a narration his aunty Hermione had told him about monkeys jumping on a bed.

`` What 's so funny ? '' John asked.

`` Just wondering who 'll be the initiative to come off and break his head, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' John asked and Matt started to express mirth as well.

`` It 's a Muggle tarradiddle, '' Albus explained and proceeded to secern lavatory the chronicle of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for stories, '' lavatory shook his psyche and jumped off the bed, landing on his animal foot like a cat. `` I do n't think any of us are going to fracture our heads. ``

`` Mine feels like it 's broken, '' Matt announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't down as gracefully as privy and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down side by side to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' matt pointed his lit verge at his arm. `` No blood. ``

`` Good, '' John replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can sneak back in before a lot of mass wake up. ``

`` There 's more mantle in the wardrobe, '' Matt yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the blanket that was already on the bed.

Albus and privy each grabbed a twosome blankets and got into the bed alongside lustrelessness. It was a safe matter the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much great than the four-poster bottom in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already at peace, '' John commented as he lay down.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his worry will go away. commodity night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the next morning to splinter of fire up shining through the boarded up window. Boarded up windows ? There were n't boarded up windowpane in the dormitory. Albus 's eye shot out-of-doors and he glanced around at his milieu. Oh, right. The memories of the late Night flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the screaming shack. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more tired this sunup than he had the previous night. One look at his lookout man told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four time of day of rest. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the rook quickly anyway, if they wanted to sneak back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged John awake and winced. He pulled up the sleeve of his robe and saw that the cut from the Whomping Willow looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably infect and would require a trip to the infirmary wing. Albus shook whoremonger with his uninjured arm. `` whoremonger, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me log Z's, '' lav groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't handle, '' John murmured.

`` I 'll crowd you out of bed, '' Albus warned. John muttered something incoherent and did n't move. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled John over to the bound of the bed. He gave him one final nudge and bathroom fell off the edge of the bed with a tatty thump.

`` What the inferno ? '' John Lackland shouted, sitting up with a stuporous look on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the castle or someone 's going to see us amount out of the tree. ``

`` Oh, fine, '' john grumbled, `` But I 'm going back to bed once we get back. ``

`` You and me both, '' Albus agreed and got out of bed. He picked up the spare blanket and stowed them back in the wardrobe so lady Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to advertize him off the bed too ? '' John pointed to lustrelessness 's sleeping sort as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the jurist ? '' privy muttered.

Albus grinned and shook matt awake. `` We 've got to get back to the castle. We 'll catch some Z's Thomas More there. ``

matt groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just stay here. ``

`` I would n't suggest it, '' John responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you consider that ? ``

lustrelessness laughed and looked from lav to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The male child left the hutch quickly and started the long journeying back to the Whomping Willow. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very gladiola that he did n't have any division today. He had homework, but he was n't even going to retrieve about that until he got at least another six hours of rest. One quick check of the map told him that the seashore was pass before they emerged from the tree.

The three of them donned the Invisibility Cloak as soon as matt was finished warding the tree and they set off for the castle. Since it was still early on, the simply one on the grounds was Hagrid. There were respective more inches of snow and by the time they boys were back at the palace doors, their robe were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castle, it had started sowing again.

`` pink wine and Amanda are in the Great Hall, '' Albus pointed to their two dit on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the entree Hall, so I think we 're good. '' Albus pushed the doors loose and the three invisible boys slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his robes. `` We should probably go talk to rosebush and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see lady Pomfrey sometime, '' lusterlessness told them, `` My arm still hurts, flavour. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robe up and showed them his black and blue arm. `` I do n't cogitate it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My berm still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll have to go, too. ``

At that present moment, rosebush and Amanda left the Great Hall and stopped a couple feet away from the boy. bathroom pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both young woman had a combination of ease and choler on their faces. Rose was fuming by the time she stomped over to Albus. `` Where. Were. You, '' she demanded.

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled. He never liked being on the receiving end of his full cousin 's anger.

`` room, now, '' pink wine seethed and stalked off towards the stair with Amanda at her side.

Albus, John, and Matt followed wordlessly. All ideas of going to the Hospital Wing were driven from Albus 's mind. Of course, after seeing rose wine, he would much rather have been bombarded with inquiry about his shoulder than going to the way with his cousin.

Nobody said a word until they were in the Room. Albus, John, and matte sat face by incline on the couch, but pink wine and Amanda remained standing in front of them. `` explicate yourselves ! '' Rose shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

rosiness cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll severalise you about our night first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the shanty in the midriff of the night, but it had to be done. What other choice did we have ? It was safer than the alternative. How else were you going to get the paw print ? I thought the design would work. We had it all set. You three would snarf down there and put the sheepskin on the trading floor and then sneak back up. simpleton. '' Rose stopped and began to step around the room.

`` There were all kinds of affair that could 've gone wrong, '' Amanda picked up where rosebush left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the instructor. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the yard ? There are all form of animal wandering around at Nox. Not to refer the Whomping willow tree itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to think when you three never showed up ? ! '' Rose raised her voice even higher, if that was possible. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a teacher, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' King John pleaded. Albus sent him a word of advice feeling. He knew it was never in force to interrupt rose when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, Saint John the Apostle ! We thought some kind of animal had you ! Or even uncollectible, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and snatch you or something ! Then you sneak back into the castle this morning, looking like you 've just been at a political party or something !

`` You kept us up all night worrying, when you probably just decided to ingest some fun last Nox. You know I was this finale to telling Uncle Harry this morning. I wanted to go nighttime, but Amanda convinced me to waitress until morning. Of course now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a couplet detentions would teach you not to stay out all dark ! ``

`` Rose, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us excuse. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' rosiness glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did lowest night was n't just stupidity. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The room access to the rook were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the castle. I tried all the charms you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to pass the dark in the shriek hutch. And you 're right wing, it was sort of fun. ``

Rose and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a word for the adjacent arcminute. Albus and the other boys did n't dare say a Book either. `` Well, '' blush wine said quietly, `` Er, that does explain thing. I 'm, uh, sorry I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' Rose began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a quick tone telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at to the lowest degree bang what was going on. ``

Albus, John, and lusterlessness turned to look at each other. Albus felt his cheeks turning red. Of grade ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The alone means of communicating Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the answer was there all along, a simple owl. He could have just made a quick trip to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're cretin, '' King John muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our retard, '' pink wine laughed. `` Now, are you going to tell us about your little dangerous undertaking ? ``

Albus, John, and Matt spent the side by side one-half minute relaying every detail of their slip to the shriek Shack the previous night. Rose and Amanda both found it very entertaining, especially the constituent about Albus pushing John off the bed.

After they were done telling the story, all five of them went to the hospital wing so Albus and lustrelessness could get their wounds healed. dame Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward was completely deserted of early patient. She took one look at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this fourth dimension ? ``

`` Just these two, '' John pointed at Albus and Matt.

ma'am Pomfrey took one toilsome look at Matt and announced, `` You were out-of-door last night. Was someone giving you detainment ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey looked at him for a few irregular longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and Matt sat down on one of the beds and gentlewoman Pomfrey returned a few present moment later with a tray laden with potions. She told flatness to drink them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' Matt pulled up his arm, `` I tripped over a book. ``

dame Pomfrey clucked her spit and pulled out her wand. She had his arm healed in an instant. `` I trust you 'll get some nap today ? Or do I have to spend a penny you stick here ? ``

`` I 'll slumber, I promise, '' Matt replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nurse turned to Albus.

`` harm my berm, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the subject. He pulled up his sleeve to reveal his bruise shoulder.

Madam Pomfrey studied it for a moment, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nursemaid looked at the accidental injury for a little while longer and she looked from Albus to Matt and back again. `` I know how you got that, '' she replied.

`` Er, '' Albus stuttered. Great, after all that, they were still going to get in trouble.

`` Whatever you boys did concluding night, do n't do it again, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then Matt in the eye, `` I wo n't tell apart professor Longbottom this time, or your father, '' she said to Albus, `` But future time I will. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of relief as dame Pomfrey healed his shoulder with one swift wave of her wand. He 'd have no bother keeping his Scripture to the nurse. There was no way that he was going to duplicate conclusion dark. wellspring, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping Willow next time.

`` You 're all set, '' Madam Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some quietus, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would have no problem doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The radical went back to the common room and the male child immediately headed for their residence hall. Albus changed into his pajamas and climbed into his warm four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Denas, Alex, Luke, smirkyhaha, Moonylupin, and hermionieforever for their review article !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the fourth dimension Albus woke up it was already dinner clip, which was good because he was starving. John and lustrelessness woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling a great deal well now that they 'd gotten a decent sum of money of sleep.

`` Ready to do that again ? '' John asked as he was putting on his place.

Despite the fact that Albus did have fun on their adventure death nighttime, he did not require to iterate it. `` Are you mental ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' John laughed.

`` You do realize that we 'll have to go get the paw print, '' Matt reminded them.

Albus and St. John the Apostle looked at each other. The truth was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just bring with you back to the castle ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious, '' Matt replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped lusterlessness would be able to get the paw photographic print. What were the prospect that they 'd be able to sneak down to the hut again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't block to lock the doors twice. Plus, what would chance if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a loud articulation shouted as soon as Albus, John, and lusterlessness descended into the common elbow room. Kaden came running over to them with his usual look of excitement in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into step alongside Albus. `` Where have you lot been all day anyway ? ``

`` Uh, sleeping upstairs, '' Albus replied.

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked skeptically, `` Because I asked rosiness if you were in your dormitory and she said you were n't. ``

`` I assure you we were, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hmm, well, I wonder why she told me you were n't. ``

`` Who knows ? She 's a young woman, they do strange things, '' privy said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' matte answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up late doing homework hold up night, '' John lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after first yr. They bombard you with even Sir Thomas More homework. ``

`` Guess I 've got that to see forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The son did spend their entire evening doing all the prep they had n't done the dark before. Kaden stared at them the all time, no doubt intellection of next year, when he would suffer to spend his whole weekend doing homework. Albus felt sort of bad that they told him that and he was now kind of dreading his secondly year, but he 'd detect out soon enough that that was n't true. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a Holy Writ about the new map until blush wine found the charm to prevent him quiet about it.

******

The day of the full moon came quickly and Albus could n't concentrate on any of his socio-economic class. He could only guess about the map, and how they would be one step closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon know if another trip to the shack was going to be essential. Of course, it may be that More than one Thomas More slip would be needed, if they did n't get the footprint tonight. There was the possible action that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't want to think about that, though. He just clung to the estimation that they would be able to get a paw print tonight and that Matt would be able-bodied to bring it back the next morning.

Matt skipped his afternoon course of study and spent the clock time sleeping in the Room of Requirement. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner and snuck out of the Great Charles Francis Hall before Kaden noticed, they went up to the Room. They did n't make a good deal time before matt had to go to the hospital wing and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how long that tunnel is, I feel even dreary for him, '' Gospel According to John said quietly on their way to the common room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't lie with how he does it. He could barely get to the infirmary fender. ``

`` Hi, guys ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the common room. Albus, lavatory, rosebush, and Amanda went over to the table Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with parchment and book, and sat down. `` Where 's Matt ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the hospital wing, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to tell anyone about ? ``

`` right field, '' Albus confirmed. His cousin could be so dim sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his books and tried to center on his homework. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the next day, which he was very excited about. Albus tried to tune up him out, but he could n't. Albus had a feeling even if Kaden was n't running a streaming commentary about his potions grade he still would n't be capable to concentrate. His altogether judgment was consumed with thought about the map. He sighed and closed his book. None of his homework was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really experience like doing homework tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' John muttered and continued writing his dad essay that was due the following day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an idea that would take both his and Kaden 's evenings. `` Ever played Bromus secalinus ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum learn me. ``

`` Ever played Wizard 's chess game ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's cheek lit up, `` Wizards have their own Bromus secalinus ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll teach you. Be the right way back. '' Albus ran up to his dormitory and rummaged around in his torso until he found a chess board, his chess piece, and an old set of chessmen for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more aroused than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Play chess. It 's pretty practically like Muggle Bromus secalinus, but with some differences. You commend how to encounter Muggle chess game ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` wellspring, with Wizard 's Bromus secalinus everyone has their own chessmen. These are mine, '' Albus held up his white chessmen. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this fifth wheel set. I think it used to belong to my Uncle Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of black chessmen.

`` Are you any full at cheat ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right hand. Not as undecomposed as James, and not nearly as dependable as Rose. My Uncle Ron, blush wine 's dad, is the best at it. No one 's ever able to beat him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like normal ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own pieces. `` White goes first. Oh, and you do n't move your pieces. Just tell apart the pieces which outer space to move to. ``

`` enjoin them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you mean, assure them ? ``

`` Just watch, '' Albus put down his final piece and muttered educational activity for his instrument to move two square toes ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the white pawn moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not require to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his pawns to move forward two squares and it did so without waver. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than regular chess. ``

The game continued for a few More second and then one of Kaden 's pawn wound up in the path of Albus 's castle. Albus commanded the castle forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the common room turned around to look at him. `` Your palace killed my pawn ! That 's mental ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a spell to repair them, '' Albus explained.

`` Will my firearm pour down yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few turn later, Kaden got the chance to rules of order one of his pieces to kill one of Albus 's. Kaden 's face was full of mirthfulness as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's cat's-paw. The secret plan continued and Albus started to get the spirit that Kaden just liked watching the composition destroy each other. This became especially apparent when Kaden only had his King, a knight, his castles, and three pawn left. Albus was only missing one castle, both bishops, and five or so hock. Kaden 's chess piece were not very happy about this and his Billie Jean Moffitt King and knight actually got into what appeared to be a heated up argument about whether or not they were going to continue to listen to Kaden. Eventually, his king matte out refused to proceed and Albus won by default. Nevertheless, it was one of the most comical game of chess Ablus had ever played. can, Amanda, and even Rose gave up on their homework and watched the last part of the game.

`` I think you need your own chessmen, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the check pieces. `` I 'm not sure if these will be willing to listen to you anymore. ``

`` fountainhead it 's no wonder, '' pink wine commented, `` All he did was tell apart them to walk right into death traps. ``

`` It 's laughable to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe side by side meter you 'll actually try and win, '' rose smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chessmen for Christmas. ``

`` That would be a good idea, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them better than these 1. ``

******

Albus did n't catch some Z's very well that night and he was very fag the next morning. All he could mean about was the paw mark and whether or not their plan worked. Luckily Albus only had two classes that day and then he would be able to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the hospital fender after this, right ? '' John Lackland whispered to Albus during a judgement numbing account of magic lesson. Binns was currently droning on about the chronicle of the enslavement of firm pixy. rose wine was the entirely one paying attention, although Albus had no idea why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the account of House Elves, having been lectured about it by Rose 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you want dejeuner first ? ``

`` Of course I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's make it fast. ``

`` I should n't make bothered request, '' Albus laughed.

`` How practically tenacious until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in front end of him and Gospel According to John, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his watch. `` 15 minutes. But it 'll feel like thirty. ``

`` Why do we need to experience about menage Elves anyway ? '' John asked

`` They 're an important part of wizarding history ! '' blush wine replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's boring, though, '' john responded and flicked a spell of parchment at the Hufflepuff sitting at the desk adjacent to him. `` We should learn about something more shake up. Like the giant star Wars. ``

`` Binns 'll make even that drilling, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's practiced than this. ``

`` Even the history of cauldron and their effects on wizarding high society ? '' Amanda laughed. That lesson, which had taken place the previous year, had been the worst one yet. Albus was sure everyone, including rose wine, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never mind, '' trick groaned. `` I do n't even want to opine about that one. Or the 14 edge essay we had to pen on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and Miss Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd like to share with the year ? ``

`` No, sir, '' John replied.

`` goodness, honest, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, British menage Elves started to give birth contact with the American English House Elves, which resulted in a kind of House Elf unity .... ''

`` Kill me now, '' Gospel According to John muttered.

`` Five Sir Thomas More minutes ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this House Elf stuff, '' Amanda whispered.

John snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes history. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is regretful than math in Muggle school, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate maths, '' Saint John agreed, `` I 'm glad we do n't have to take them here. Mum taught me some and it was horrible. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy following year, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that class either.

`` No way, '' lavatory shook his head, `` I 'll bet Kaden would care it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this class. ``

`` He does. He told me the former day, '' Amanda announced.

`` Likes everything except Quidditch, '' bathroom sighed, `` There 's something wrong with that kid. ``

`` twelve inch essay about the companionship for the advancement of Elfish Welfare for side by side class, '' Binns droned a minute before the class was over.

The here and now the Alexander Graham Bell rang, Albus and his friend shot up out of their chairs and ran out the doorway. `` This 'll be cake, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` good, you can do mine ! '' John told him.

`` Sorry, one oil production essay per nighttime, yours would put me over my terminus ad quem, '' Albus faked an apologetic face. `` Oh, come on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd like to spend my clip. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see flatness. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of students that were flooding into the Great Hall. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor table and Albus and the others were able-bodied to shovel down food at the opposite end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their rush dejeuner, they ran up to the hospital wing. `` I hope he was capable to get the paw photographic print, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't fancy walking through that tunnel again, '' John agreed.

The drape were pulled around Matt 's common bed at the far end of the Ward. Nobody was in any of the other beds. madam Pomfrey was busy preparing potions when the chemical group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to greet them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll throw to wait. ``

`` Please, Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't ride out long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be calm down, too, '' bathroom commented, `` You can throw us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the rule, '' the nurse replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to come back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a husky voice came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' madam Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the mantle, `` You know he needs to roost ! ``

`` Well, he 's awake now, so we can stay, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` amercement, '' Madam Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a brusk while. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the pall again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right, '' lustrelessness replied. He looked much like he usually did after a wide-cut lunar month, with various bandage all over. `` You did n't wake me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' Rose asked.

`` You 'll never suppose who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he come to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go sojourn flatness unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't recollect. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in class and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his turn to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. Madam Pomfrey would n't tell him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here last night. Madam Pomfrey came to devote me potion while they were here and Kaden saw me. Then he asked if he could see me, so I pretended to be asleep. ``

`` So Willinson knew you were here ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he 's going to enjoin Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in Transfiguration this aurora, '' Rose pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't matter then. ``

Albus was just itching to know if lustrelessness had managed to get the paw print. He had thought matte would bring it up right away, but the Kaden thing must 've made him blank out about it. `` Did you get the print ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in chance, '' Matt smiled, `` I did manage to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's right there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather mangled piece of parchment. But in the midsection was a very large paw print consisting of a mixture of ink, mud, and stemma. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And sort of flagrant, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` perfective. ``

`` One pile, three to go, '' toilet commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the other three are a bit easy. '' Albus was feeling very dear about their program now. The hardest paw print was done and soon they would have got the former three.

`` And the appealingness is working practically better now, '' rosebush announced, `` I started to get the hang of it last nighttime. I 'll probably deliver it done before Christmas. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can get down looking for that charm to keep Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow eve or Friday morning, probably, '' lusterlessness told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to hop-skip astronomy. ``

`` What a shame, '' John faked a look of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an time of day looking at stars. ''

`` We 'll be sure to get all the preparation for you, '' rose wine told him.

`` Oh do n't worry about it, '' matt laughed. `` What did I miss in grade yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not much, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted devil's apples again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoons into fork in transfiguration. And we learned all about the chronicle of sign Elves in History of Magic. It was one of the most boring category yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' lusterlessness agreed.

`` Was not, '' Rose argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling practice, '' Amanda said. `` The next duel is Sat. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely forgotten about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the wolfman print for the map that the dueling nine had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, Rose, '' lav grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' rose wine smirked, `` Ca n't forget him. ``

`` You should dispute him to a chess match, '' whoremaster decided, `` It 'll be fun to determine. ``

`` I 'll beat him in two minutes flat, '' Rose laughed.

`` Kaden plays wizard 's chess ? '' Matt asked.

`` Albus taught him last night. You 've got to learn it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to watch the bit get smashed so by the end of the game, his pieces refused to hear to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' Rose changed the national, `` Take back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't have to sneak back into the hut. ``

Albus really did n't want to give back the cloak. He liked it. But he knew he had to. `` I guess. ``

`` We 'll do it after we get kicked out of here, '' John the Evangelist suggested.

`` Which is proper now, '' dame Pomfrey pulled back the curtains and set a tray of potions down on the bedside board. `` sentence for you four to lead. He needs to sleep. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' lustrelessness waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' rosebush whispered as soon as they 'd close the doorway to the hospital wing.

Albus nodded and started to walk to his dad 's office. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few bookman wandering around, but no one paid much attention as Albus unlocked the door to Harry 's office and go his booster inside.

`` Looks like my house, '' trick, who had never been in Harry 's agency before, announced, `` A complete mess. My whole family is mussy. ``

`` My mum 's a bang-up freak. She 'd take a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' Gospel According to John gave Amanda a weird look.

`` Guess it 's a Muggle manifestation. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the various stuff and went over to the bedroom threshold. He pushed it afford and went inside, with his booster following. The trunk was just where it had been the week before and Albus lifted the lid. He pulled the cloak out of his bag and looked at it one Sir Thomas More metre before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd observe it. `` Well, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' John replied as he gazed around the way. `` enquire what else we could incur in here ? ``

`` trick ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` seem at this ! '' bathroom leaped over a cumulation of volume and picked up a picture that was sitting on top of the closet. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle toddler. ``

Albus grabbed the picture out of John the Evangelist 's hired hand and looked at it. Sure enough, it was a picture of Albus, St. James the Apostle, and Lily, right after Lily was born. James, who must have been three or four, was holding a lilliputian sister with a big quantity of red hair. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's hand and making her wave.

`` You were an adorable little kid, Albus, '' whoremonger smirked. `` So was James. ``

`` I 'm sure you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the pictorial matter back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the revue !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Sat was soon upon them and with it came a howling snow storm. Albus was very well-chosen that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch match. He had played Quidditch in snowfall before, but never in experimental condition that prevented him from seeing his own mitt in front line of him. Today 's storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going outside, but he need n't have got bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the first off place.

After luncheon, half the school migrated into the dueling elbow room and waited for the tourney to begin. Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their friends and sat down at the table they had been at the late tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the simply remaining stern, which happened to be next to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a tush next to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` Potter, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tournament commenced much as it had the previous clip, only this fourth dimension everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around time and Albus was very felicitous that Amanda was on his team so he had someone to talk to. So far, there were still tensions between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's plan to have everyone get along was not working.

After about a half 60 minutes, it was finally Albus 's bit to duel. Malfoy had just completed his outset affaire d'honneur and get his Ravenclaw opponent. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling area. He was up against a Hufflepuff third twelvemonth. Albus and the former boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two whammy at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a trip jinx and then disarmed him. The unscathed thing took about a minute.

`` decimal point to Potter ! '' Neville announced.

`` goodness job, Albus ! '' Kate and Amanda said in unison once Albus returned to his seat.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Hardly counts, '' Malfoy commented, `` You dueled a bloody Hufflepuff. A first year could 've beat that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the same thing. ``

`` Your short ally is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling expanse that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that matt was about to duel one of the former Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't look that good. ``

Albus personally thought Matt looked all right, considering he had just gotten out of the Hospital wing the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was unhinged. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your pillock full cousin told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that full cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't call him pillock. And the Hat knows better than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't severalize Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would have been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your cousin-german 's got anymore info that I 'd care to know. ``

`` Do n't go near my full cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In face you have n't realized by now, you 're on the Lapp team. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to look out the quietus of Matt 's duel. It took him a while, but Matt did eventually beat the Hufflepuff. He looked worn out, but glad. `` Told you he could beat him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky guess, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't talk to each other for the respite of the tourney. Both boys won their succeeding affaire d'honneur, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her offset duel and won her second. bathroom won his inaugural and lost his second. flatness lost his moment one and rose managed to win both of hers. But despite their best efforts, none of their team won the tournament. It did n't really matter though because the points were so close. The final tournament was still very up in the air and any of the teams had a hazard of making it.

******

The remaining days until the end of terminus went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Christmas holiday this year because it meant that Albus and his friends would acquire two more of the paw prints needed for the map. Rose had just perfected the transference charm and had already started searching for the charm to retain Kaden quiet. After Christmas, the solitary matter left to do would be to get the rat print. Albus thought it was quite funny that the minuscule and theoretically easiest mark to get was taking the long. John had yet to manage to catch a rat during potions course and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every clock time I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' John vented the evening before their terminal day of form. The group of Gryffindors were in the room of Requirement, enjoying some peace and quiet while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with Malva sylvestris or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just stun it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' John the Evangelist muttered, `` I 'd been trying to bedaze them across the elbow room. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would notice that ? '' Rose said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, rose. ``

`` Well, you 've got raft of sentence to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the stag print. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' Rose replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the stag, Albus. You can descend over to my house after we leave the burrow. ``

`` Sounds good, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the burrow the whole holiday anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Rose smirked, `` Gran and grandfather are going on holiday together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really wish to believe about, Rose, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few days after Christmas and drop new year 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the holiday ? ``

`` The usual, '' lav said immediately, `` All my full cousin coming over at various prison term. Should be looney as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your family sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your first cousin are mad, but I really do n't think your family is as insane as mine is. ``

`` I 'm sure it is. My great-great grandpa is coming this yr. He 's uproarious, especially after he 's had a couple firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great granddaddy drunkenness firewhiskey ? '' lusterlessness laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling idiotic stories about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should hook him up with Auntie Muriel, eh rose wine ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the queer thing ever, '' blush wine grinned.

`` Your great-great granddaddy sounds like our Auntie Muriel. She 's 127 and loves to confabulate, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad relation, '' Amanda commented, `` My family line sounds jolly normal compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Hanukkah, so that makes up for it, '' whoremaster replied, `` I mean, who would n't wish eight Day of presents ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the best affair ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle admirer who celebrates both. But she does n't get presents on every night of Hannukah, '' Matt told them.

`` I get pocket-size presents each night and then one big one on the last dark, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still assuredness, '' John said, `` So, matt, do you have to go visit your grandparents this yr ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' Matt groaned, `` Of trend I do. But only for five days this year. We 're leaving right before new year 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few daytime before term starts. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus smiled. `` At least you do n't have to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The only thing to do down there is homework or read. It 's not like I can play Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can come over to pink wine 's house with me. Then we can play Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should issue forth too, whoremonger and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm sure my parents will let me, '' Saint John replied.

`` I can probably only stick a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Hanukkah is late this class and starts on Christmas, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll have to be home by the eventide. ``

`` That 'll knead. Maybe we can all get the stag print together, '' Albus said.

`` good musical theme, '' John grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably assure you now, just in pillow slip I do n't get to go to Rose 's theater, '' Matt began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his admirer, who was looking a little forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the outset of the term. The full moon moon 's on the 9th and mortal has to discover me once I start taking it a few solar day before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the dawn after and delay a couple mean solar day. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really sure what to say. He wished more than ever that someone would just see a potion that would work for him.

`` seem on the hopeful side, '' John said, `` At least you do n't have to transubstantiate at your grandparents firm again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never deliver to do that again, '' Matt shook his head, `` But let 's talk about something else. Did you see in the seer that the carom almost won that secret plan against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American squad they were playing for practice. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 points ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's close ! '' lustrelessness grinned, `` They 're making a comeback, I just know it ! ``

`` well, with a epithet like 'Finches', what do you expect ? It would n't have surprised me if the shank beat them, '' Saint John laughed, `` Well, maybe a little. But seriously, who names a squad the 'Finches'? ``

******

The terminal figure ended the next day with a eruption, literally. James IV and a few of his supporter thought it would be suspect to put a few Weasley fireworks into the suits of armor and charm them to go off at sealed times during the day. After the tenth explosion the instructor gave up trying to teach anything and just let their students do what they wanted during class, within grounds of course of instruction. Unfortunately for James and his supporter, Professor Cedonia spotted them refilling the armor on the second floor corridor with unused fireworks and gave them one of her rare detentions. For this one, they had to make clean every single causa of armour on the indorsement floor corridor that evening. Henry James said it was worth it, though.

`` We really ought to come up with a few goodness pranks, '' John decided as they were traveling through the Alfred Hawthorne on the string. `` That 's what the Marauders did, was put-on people, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very estimable at coming up with put-on. That was Saint James the Apostle 's area of expertise. Plus, if the result of such pranks was cleaning wooing of armor, Albus really did n't want to pull a whole lot of trick. `` Maybe a few small fry ones, that do n't get us in huge difficulty. ``

`` I 'm sure as shooting we could do some of those. There 's loads of stuff we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one Jesse James did before the first dueling tournament, '' Matt laughed.

The rest of the train ride went quickly and soon Albus and his Quaker found themselves at Billie Jean King 's Cross. Albus climbed off the train and saw his parents standing with rose wine 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, John grabbed his arm and steered him in another counsel. `` C'mon, you can fill my great-great granddad ! ``

Albus saw a very frail, completely bald, old man with a long white beard standing following to John 's parents. John lead their grouping over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave John a tight hug, `` How 're matter at that school ? How is Professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died years ago, Grandpa, like I told you over the summer. Like I tell you every summer, '' John stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new instructor, a bunch of young'ins I bet ! backrest in my day none of the instructor were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new headmasters .... ''

`` Grandpa, '' John the Divine shook his question, `` The teachers are fine. But I want you to meet my friends. This is lusterlessness Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` Potter ! ? '' John 's great-great grandpa peered into Albus 's eyes and grinned, `` Albus ceramist ? well I 'll be. If it is n't Harry Potter 's son ! I remember back in the days of You-know-who and nobody thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes little Harry thrower and faggot ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should go on again ? Harry ceramist makes 'im disappear again and for good this time ! ``

Albus, who was used to this kind of attention but not person shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to brush aside the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, squeamish to meet you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these girls ? Have you got yourself two girlfriends, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't recommend it. I did it once and twist up with no girlfriends after they found out ! ``

`` No, Grandpa, '' John laughed, `` They 're just booster. Amanda tagger and rose wine Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the redhead. Just wait till you 're older. ``

`` Just ally, grandpa, '' John 's impudence turned red.

`` He 's like the male version of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' toilet 's grandfather shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the elderly man would be able to hear him. `` I used to know a Muriel ! Went to school with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in tenner ! ``

Albus looked at rose. What a coincidence. `` Er, Albus and I have an Aunt Muriel Weasley, '' Rose giggled.

`` Well I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm sure she 'd be intimate that, '' rosiness smiled.

`` We 're going to have to go now, '' John 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' St. John the Apostle waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` Tell your dad I said hi ! '' John 's great-great grandpa shouted.

******

Albus spent the following few 24-hour interval hanging around Grimmauld Place with James and the rest of his family line. Lily was thrilled to feature both her brothers and her dad home and she had been demanding to know everything that had gone on the past terminus.

`` That way I 'll know everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Christmas Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to distinguish you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a glass of juice, `` It 's a surprise. ``

`` That 's not fair, '' Lily whined.

`` Nobody told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to know ? '' James I asked.

`` I 'm the youngest. I should know everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few years ! And then all the Muggle-born tiddler will ask me questions and I 'll be able to answer them. ``

`` You 'll find out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 month. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a nightmare this summer, '' James whispered to Albus.

`` Morning, everyone ! '' Harry descended the footprint into the kitchen and pulled up a chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the Prophet, `` Have you seen the Marauder 's Map ? ``

Henry James choked on his juice and sprayed it across the table at Albus, as he turned bright red.

`` Ew, watch it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` Fine. The article on the presence of the paper, it 's, er, shocking, '' James blushed some more and pointed to the front of the oracle, which was facing him.

`` witch Tries to diminution Size of Her spike, appeal Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. multitude ought to be more careful ! '' James sputtered. He gave Albus a spirit that Albus interpreted to mean 'meet me upstairs'. James excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No idea, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go change, '' Albus jumped up and followed James. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to have to give it back. Albus was going to overlook it, but it would only be a issue of time before he had the former one working.

`` Albus ! '' James pulled him into the drawing elbow room and shut the door. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I variety of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to accept to sneak it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` Wait, Albus ! '' James IV grabbed his arm, `` The affair is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from foot to foot looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't see it ! '' Saint James whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't possess lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not risible ! '' James I insisted.

`` You did n't fall back it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you months ago and did n't require to give it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' James shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd lost it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't count now. We 've got to present it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` Well you stole it from Dad in the first place, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of trouble ! ``

He had a spot there. If Albus had n't suffer been in Kendrick 's office the previous class, James II never would have taken the map in the first place. `` All right field. I 'll just go surreptitious it into his room. Maybe he 'll think he just forgot to bring it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's hope so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his sleeping room. He knew his dad would want the map back eventually, he just had n't given it a great deal thought. At least he had n't noticed it was missing at school. Albus threw open his trunk and rifled through his schoolhouse stuff. He still had n't unpack everything or packed a bag for his check at the Burrow. The map was inside the photo album Albus found over the summer, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't need the marauder 's Map to decipher the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'room. He shoved the map under a pile of justificatory trick books and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' King James asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a stack of leger, with one nook sticking out. ``

`` perfective tense. You might want to go change your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus looked down at his juice splattered t-shirt, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No job, '' James River laughed, `` semen to me for all your juice spraying needs. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his eyes as he left the room to transfer his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, Gospel of Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their follow-up !