Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




lustrelessness did n't return to the park room until Lord's Day good afternoon. Albus and his friends had spent most of the weekend doing homework and playing rounds of Exploding Snap. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really consider 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 hazard to distinguish 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 scholar had decided to practice their dueling for the upcoming match while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused Madam Pomfrey to cause an awful lot to do. She looked very fray when Albus and the others visited lusterlessness on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the common way with the others, doing homework, when lustrelessness returned from the Hospital fender. He still looked a bit wear down and the cuts on his aspect were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much better than he had on Thursday. Albus closed his book and glanced at his friends when Matt 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 way. '' Albus got up and left the coarse room. His friends all followed, not saying a word. Albus led them down the seventh floor corridor until they reached the picture of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three times in front of it and opened the threshold that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his friends asked for a place where they could be alone. There were a few squashy armchairs and sofa, a open fireplace, and it was decorated in scarlet and gold.

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

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

Matt sat down on one of the couches 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 enjoin you that, '' Albus gave a half-hearted laugh as he sat down on a chairman. Rose, Gospel According to John, and Amanda sat down as well.

`` fountainhead, get on with it, '' Matt said.

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

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

Albus sighed, `` I do n't really know the best way to say this. Kaden, er, for some intellect was talking to Scorpius Malfoy- ''

`` Malfoy ? ! '' lustrelessness interrupted with a look of stupor on his face.

`` It gets sorry, '' Albus continued, `` You know how I told Kaden that you get ghastly every once in a spell, so he would exclude up last-place calendar month ? ``

`` Yeah ... ''

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

mat sank back into his chair and his expression went chalk white. Albus was glad rose told him to sit down, because if he had n't accept been sitting he probably would have fainted. Albus watched as lustrelessness processed the information. After a few moments he asked very quietly, `` What did he secern Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some kind of genius disease that Madam Pomfrey ca n't cure, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't jaw your sick nan. ``

`` Oh, no, '' Matt closed his eyes 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 sure enough he does n't, '' John said adamantly.

`` But you ca n't really block up him ! All he 's got to do is a bit of inquiry and he 'll acknowledge everything, '' Matt moaned.

`` Maybe he 'll be too faineant to bother, '' Amanda suggested.

`` There 's another affair, '' Albus started, `` Kaden may have also told him about the Whomping willow tree. ``

`` No, he ca n't have, he just ca n't, '' mat whispered.

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

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

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

`` How do you know ? ``

`` rose wine is right, '' Albus agreed, `` When the Marauders were in school, Snape found out about shimmy 's dad and he still got to continue in school. Dumbledore made him promise not to tell anyone. I 'm sure enough Kendrick would do the Lapplander thing. ``

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

`` Rose had to stop me and King John from hexing him, '' Albus explained, `` But I yelled at him quite a bit. Have n't seen him very much since and I do n't really want to. ``

`` But he 's your cousin, '' flatness 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 time. ``

`` All right, '' Matt replied. `` Let 's stoppage here for a patch. I think if I saw Kaden right now I 'd have to hex him. ``

Rose groaned, `` What is with son ? Do you always have to hex people to figure out your trouble ? ``

`` It 's a proven fact that hexing whole shebang best when dealing with Slytherins, '' John grinned.

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

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

******

The weekend before Halloween was a very exciting one for the students at Hogwarts. There was the low gear Hogsmeade visit on Saturday, which the Old students were very stimulate about. Albus, of course, was n't allowed to go since he was a endorsement twelvemonth. James made sure to lord this over him at every moment potential during the week preceding the visit. James would be going on his first Hogsmeade visit, and Albus was sure that Hogwarts would be treated to a kind of pranks following. When James and his friends returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the common room with their bags bulging with what could only be Weasley 's merchandise, and quickly stowed it all in their student residence. sure as shooting enough, at dinner that dark, the student body was treated to a very entertaining meal. Somehow, James and his friends had managed to sneak a potion into the Slytherins'food that caused their hair and fingernails to turn scarlet and gold. The rest of the shoal laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to figure out how to turn their hair and nails back to normal.

`` aught will change it, '' Epistle of James informed the Gryffindor table in between conniption of laugh, `` Uncle George told me it will wear off within 24 hours, though. ``

`` Too bad it 's not permanent ! '' lav laughed.

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

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

The pursue day was the first dueling tournament for the third-year dueling nightspot. The erstwhile student had already had their first tourney the previous weekend. Albus 's cousin John Rowlands 's team had won. The tournament was to take lieu immediately following lunch, at one o'clock, and the mo, third, and one-quarter year were filled with excitement about it.

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

`` I do n't either, '' whoremonger agreed, `` But we might stimulate to. It 'll be all right-hand. None of us know any magic spell that could do any lasting wrong. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' lustrelessness agreed.

`` I almost wish low days could join the dueling club, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't heed beating him in battlefront of the total school day. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to miss, no matter who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The only thing I can do is disarm someone, and I 'm not even that adept at that. ``

`` Sure you are, '' Albus assured her, `` And if you duel a second class, or even a third year, you 'll have a chance at winning. Fourth years, on the other manus, I 'm not sure enough any of us have got a chance at winning a duel with one of them. They probably know all sorts of spells we do n't. ``

`` Albus, '' rose began, `` Remember that the teams have people from all years on them. I do n't think any squad has an advantage over another. ``

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

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

`` We wind up pattern dueling with each other every confluence, '' Albus explained, `` And neither of us has really won any of them. ``

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

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

`` Attention ! '' professor Kendrick stood up, `` The next-to-last dueling tournament will commence shortly. Please make your way to the dueling chamber. ``

Albus stood up, `` Well, expert luck everyone. '' Albus 's supporter all wished each former good fate as they got up and left the Great student residence. It was a bit odd being on separate teams, Albus thought. He wished his friends good luck, but he wanted his own team to win.

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of scholar filing into the dueling chamber near the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall. They found Kate at one of the board that had been set up for each squad to wait at. Their team name, The Dueling Dragons, was written on a piece of parchment that was stuck to the table. There was a naturalistic looking flying dragon breathing fire drawn on it. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the tabular array, his hair still bright vermilion and gold. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the opposite end. A few minutes later, once everyone on their squad had arrived, Kate began to speak.

`` care ! '' she shouted and the mesa became placidity, `` Thanks. The tourney will get going in a dyad minutes. I 'm sure as shooting we 'll do dandy. 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 squad thing is hard, but I think everyone here has really come together to work as a team, and I 'm proud of all of you for that. So, with that, trade good destiny ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the other fourth days on the team.

A bit later, Professor Kendrick stood up at the front of the room and raised his men for quiet. The room fell silent and he began to mouth. `` Welcome to the offset Dueling Tournament for the Juniors Dueling Club. This is the first of six qualifying tourney of the year. At the end of the class, the top two team will face off in a final exam tournament. There will be two duels going on simultaneously, with Professors ceramist and Longbottom presiding over them. Every student will duel twice today. The achiever of each duel will be awarded one point. At the end of the tournament, the team with the most stop will be declared the winner. The stop will function 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 duel for today, so I will open you a few minutes to get organized and for the captains to inform their squad of the docket. Good fortune to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the agenda with her team. Albus 's first duel was about halfway down the lean and his second was the third to final. The solely thing he could do now was wait until his turn came. Albus was growing steadily more nervous as meter wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him inhabit that down. Albus watched the first couple of duel while talking with Amanda. After a few duel, St. James the Apostle 's bit came and he lost to a Ravenclaw fourth year. Rose was up future and she easily beat her third twelvemonth Slytherin antagonist. Quite a few of Albus 's teammates had dueled by now and almost of them had won. Before prospicient, Amanda 's turn was up. Albus wished her luck and she went nervously to the dueling hoop that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a second year Hufflepuff and the first office of the affaire d'honneur consisted of each of them mostly dodging the spell sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to disarm her opponent and won. She came back grinning ear to ear. Kate congratulated her as she sat back down side by side to Albus.

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

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

Matt was up next against a Slytherin quarter year. The duel hardly lasted two bit before the Slytherin used an advanced magical spell that caused Matt to slam into the rampart behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. prof Cedonia took lusterlessness to the hospital wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a span detentions.

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

`` He 'll be mulct, '' 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 spells like that. ``

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

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

Malfoy scowled and turned away from Albus. A mo later his gens was called and he was off to duel a chap Slytherin. It was a very fast paced duel. Both of them were splendid duelers, but Malfoy won in the end. Albus was not sure whether to be glad about this or not. He did n't have 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 mate second year.

`` Both of you know the pattern, '' Neville said to them, `` You can bulge out when I let out red sparks. ``

Albus and James Earl Carter bowed to each other and took a dueling stance. Neville 's wand shot out red sparks and the duel began. Albus sent out a disarming spell, but Carter easily blocked it. James Earl Carter then sent one at Albus, but Albus was able to stuff it as well. This went on for five transactions, each of them sending turn that the other blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit James Earl Carter Jr. with a tickling hex that had him hang 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 Howard Carter shook hand and went back to their teams.

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

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` That was amazing dueling, Albus, '' Amanda greeted him, `` Carter 's unspoiled, too, but that tickling thing was great. He could hardly move. ``

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

The good afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit bored with watching the dueling. It was taking all good afternoon. John dueled Albus 's cousin-german, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an first-class dueler. Rose and Malfoy each won their secondly duels, while John and Amanda lost theirs. lustrelessness returned from the hospital fender in clock time for his second affaire d'honneur, but wound up losing to his third gear year Ravenclaw opponent. Albus dueled a third year Gryffindor in his endorsement duel and narrowly won. His opposition did not appear happy about this. Malfoy also won his moment duel, which was against a third or fourth year Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't indisputable which.

Eventually, all the duel finished and Professor Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a grand job. Now, to announce the victor. I am pleased to announce that the flight genus Phoenix, captained by Barty Heath of Slytherin have come in initiatory property with 23 level ! Thank you, everyone. The side by side tournament will take situation at the end of November or get-go of December. Your senior pilot will be informed of the exact day of the month as it comes closer. ``

`` We 'll win future fourth dimension, '' Kate assured her team as they got up. `` See everyone at practice session on Wednesday. ``

Albus and Amanda made their way out of the room, but realized they would never find their friends in the bunch. `` We 'll receive them in the vernacular room, '' Albus said as they started up the stairs.

When they got to the common room, it was already fully with educatee rehashing role of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to Saint James 's bill of his duel. James II had won his 2d duel and appeared to be very gallant of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found Saint John the Apostle and Matt sitting at their usual table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few moments later were joined by Rose, who was glowing.

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

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

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

`` gladiolus I 'm not on his team, '' King John muttered, `` Ca n't trust I lost both my duels. ``

`` You 'll do effective next time, '' Albus assured him.

`` At to the lowest degree you did n't hoist up in the infirmary backstage, '' matte commented, `` I 'm the only one that did. design. ``

bathroom laughed a bit at this, `` I think you 've got some kind of attraction for that place. ``

`` Oh shut it, '' flatness replied.

`` That was n't your fault, though, '' blush wine 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, '' lustrelessness assured him, `` lady 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 arcsecond affaire d'honneur. ``

`` Good, '' Amanda said, `` I like professor Cedonia. She reminds me of the teachers I had in main school. ``

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

`` And no exam ! '' John grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the sole tier they had in that category were from essays they had been assigned as prep. Cedonia had not given them a bingle in year test.

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

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

`` How is she supposed to know if we 've mastered the charm if she does n't prove 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 wine reminded them, `` We 've got to get used to taking test in spell. ``

`` Those are three year away ! '' John the Divine sighed.

`` Two and a one-half, '' Rose corrected him, `` And it 's honest to start preparing early. ``

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

`` wellspring, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tues, '' rose wine replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the same clock time. Albus liked Cedonia 's fashion of didactics and he did n't require her to start giving them exams like the other teacher did. Without good luck charm exams, Albus had less to vex about. Hopefully, Cedonia would push aside Rose 's pleas for examination and cover 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 follow-up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some pumpkin juice when the post arrived on Tuesday daybreak. He looked up and noticed a small brown owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed next to his plate. Albus took the alphabetic character and gave the owl a small-arm 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 yoke letter of the alphabet so far this year, most of them sent along with Amy 's letter to Matt. These usually arrived a couple days after the full moon, as Amy always wanted to have intercourse how flatness was. Since the full moon had been a few week ago, Albus was curious as to what Victoire had to tell them. He opened the letter and began to learn it. Rose, matte, whoremaster, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

lamb Albus, mat, blush wine, John, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying class and not making too
much difficulty. Congratulations on your successes in the dueling tournament,
especially you, rose wine. I hope there are many great victories to come. full
chance in your first Quidditch equal, Albus. We hope to be able-bodied to attend, but
it depends on work and healer grooming schedules.

Training has been going well. We 've been attending course of instruction in the daybreak
and education at St. Mungo 's in the good afternoon, like always. slip has been
very busy with Auror training as well.

By now you 're probably wondering why we 're writing to you now, as it 's not
our usual prison term to write. We 're not indisputable if you read the seer regularly,
which is why we 're telling you this in a letter of the alphabet. Quinton Willinson was
spotted yesterday-

Albus immediately stopped reading the letter of the alphabet and glanced at his acquaintance. As Albus fell back into his schooling routine, he had almost forgotten about Washburn and the Willinsons. He felt his fearfulness 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 Village in Southern England, quite far from Hogwarts. The Aurors are already on his tail and are tracking him this very
minute. Teddy heard about it while he was at training, and we decided to
give you a heads up. Uncle Harry will probably tell you as well.

Do n't worry about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under control condition. unspoiled chance with Quidditch, dueling, and category, and we
hope to see you soon.

Love,
Victoire, teddy bear, 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 ceramist is n't here, '' Matt commented.

Albus looked up at the staff table and noticed that his Church Father was missing. `` hypothesis so. ``

`` Do n't worry, '' Rose said, `` I mean, it 's kind of undecomposed that someone spotted him. Before they had no tip, 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 means ? Albus just hoped his dad and the other Aurors managed to capture him.

`` Could I see the prophet ? '' pink wine asked one of the aged students who was sitting across from her. The girl nodded and handed her the paper. `` Let 's find the clause. '' rose scanned the front Sir Frederick Handley Page and found a short clause on the provide English 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 wizard who prefers not to be named in this article saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror department since his attack on Head Auror and Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts schooltime of witchcraft and wizardry, Harry Potter, last outflow. Five minor Hogwarts scholar were also attacked. Willinson, along with his father, Jaret Willinson, and the late good luck charm prof, Jameson Washburn, attacked Potter and the five students on the grounds. Potter declined comment for this article. The Head Auror has informed the wizarding public that all three men are dangerous and not to set about to fight them. If any of them are seen, mass 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 happy he 's so far away, though. ``

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

`` well, hopefully professor Potter will catch them before they get the fortune, '' Matt replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch match. I have n't seen Amy in ages. ``

Albus looked over and saw that lusterlessness was looking a bit sad. Albus knew he and Amy were very closemouthed, but had n't really thought about how dissimilar it must be for matt this class. Albus did n't mean matt had ever gone this longsighted without seeing her. `` They 'll probably derive, '' Albus assured him, `` And if they ca n't, they 'll visit when they can. ``

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

`` We 'd better get to Charms, '' Rose announced. The five irregular days got up from the table and made their way out of the Great Hall. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting next to James River, talking animatedly about something. William James did n't appear too well-chosen about this and had the look of somebody pretending to heed, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about James II having to deal with Kaden, but not bad enough to produce up with his cousin.

prof Cedonia spent the first base half of class teaching the spell for tying shoes, and during the second half, the grade practiced. Unlike final stage twelvemonth, Albus thoroughly enjoyed practical moral in spell. Professor Cedonia did not mind them talking with each other as they practiced, and although she watched their progress, she did n't hover 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 possess any tests.

`` Yes, rosebush ? '' Cedonia walked over to her desk and immediately spotted her perfectly tied shoes. `` Oh, marvellous job ! ``

`` Thank you, Professor, '' Rose replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to have any test in this course of instruction ? ``

Everyone in the intact room stopped what they were doing and looked over at Rose. near of them looked horrified, but a few appeared to also be wondering if they would experience any test. Since they had appeal with the Ravenclaws, this did n't really surprise Albus.

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the other teacher at this school, do not believe in testing scholar in the schematic way. I prefer to assign essays that are done outside of socio-economic class, where you are resign to use your books, to evaluate your knowledge of possibility. As far as practical exam go, I prefer to tax your progression in class. If I have any opinion that you are not mastering the task at hand, I will break you supernumerary help until you can master it. However, in accord with Hogwarts tradition, there will be a practical exam at the end of the semester. The hypothesis exam will be an essay that you can complete using your book, in form. ``

`` Oh, '' rosebush said. She looked a bit daze. `` All right hand. ``

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

`` No, that 's all right field, '' Rose replied.

`` Excellent. I assure you, Rose, that you will possess a pure understanding of second year good luck charm by the time the year is up, and you will be in fantabulous shape to move on to third year. ``

Rose nodded and Cedonia walked back to the nominal head of the room. Albus turned to John and grinned. `` Yes, no test ! '' he said.

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

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

`` Me, neither, '' St. John said.

Albus nodded. All of his teachers in primary election school had been like the single at Hogwarts, with conventional test and prep. `` I went to a Muggle school and all of the teacher gave us exams. Rose went to the Saame one. ``

`` Same here, '' John replied, `` Normal Muggle school. ``

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

`` All the teachers were like Cedonia at my school, '' Amanda turned around to tattle to the male child. `` We did n't give test or class or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to school. Except when I made foreign clobber happen. masses thought I was unearthly. 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 skillful. Everyone seems to like her. ``

`` We do n't really give birth any mean instructor this yr, '' Albus commented.

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

`` Who knows about next year, though, '' matte replied, `` We 'll begin new matter and who knows what those teacher will be like. ``

`` Hagrid teaches Care of Magical puppet and he 's great, '' Albus told them.

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

`` Do n't even go there, '' Matt grinned back. `` Amy says the Ancient rune teacher is nice. ``

`` Trelawney 's kind of strange, but Nice enough, '' Albus commented. `` She teaches Divination. ''

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

`` Arithmancy sounds really concern, '' Rose said, `` And Georgia told me the teacher is strict, but not entail. ``

`` wellspring, good, '' Albus replied, `` But we 've got month before we have to decide what new subjects we 'll take. ``

`` I wish I could contract them all, '' rose wine sighed.

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't think it would twist out well. '' Albus and rose wine shared a laugh that the others did n't really see. Albus saw their confused faces and decided to tell them about Hermione 's thirdly twelvemonth schedule sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in time for Albus 's defence force class on Thursday. Harry called Albus up to his desk after category. Albus had been anxiously waiting the hale family 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 oracle that morning.

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` Victoire sent us a alphabetic character and I read it in the vaticinator, too. ``

`` goodness, '' Harry sighed, `` I 'm gladiola Victoire told you before you read it in the prophesier. I had to leave very abruptly and was afraid you would n't know what happened. ``

`` wellspring, did you beguile him ? '' Albus asked. The suspense was killing him and he did n't want to wait any longer.

Harry sighed again and put his handwriting around his son 's shoulder. `` I 'm no-good, Al. He got away. We got some more atomic number 82, though. Talked to a few Muggles and a whiz 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 meter. ``

Albus 's face fell and he became more worried as he realized that not much onward motion 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 abnegate it. They probably will total back here. But there is a big amount of protective cover around the school. Last 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 have that going for them now. And I do n't believe any of them could tread foot in Hogsmeade without someone alerting me or the Ministry. ``

Albus thought about this for a moment and felt a bit better. `` All rightfield. Are you leaving again ? ``

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

`` Good, '' 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 festinate, John will eat all the food. '' Harry laughed and the two of them left the room together.

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the plebeian elbow room the next week completely tired out from Quidditch exercise. The initiative match, against Slytherin, was on Saturday and GA was having them practice every evening. It had been a drizzly evening and Albus 's robes were soaked. He went up to his student residence to put away his ling and change. Once he was done, he grabbed his books and went back to the common way to do his homework. When he got there, he could n't find his admirer anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dormitory, Albus had just been up there.

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

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Ethan looked up from his leger. `` How 's drill going ? We 're going to beat Slytherin, right ? ``

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus gave a bore grinning, `` They 're pathetic. ``

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

`` Yeah, '' Ethan agreed, `` blush wine and Amanda were with them. lusterlessness did n't look so estimable. Maybe they went to the hospital annex. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the broad lunation was the next night. They must have gone to the way of necessary. 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 eff 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 recession and then he started pacing in front of the bulwark. Three tempo later, the threshold appeared and Albus walked in.

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

Rose, John, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on while of parchment and they looked up as Albus came in. lusterlessness was sleeping on a nearby chair and did n't notice Albus.

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

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

`` Transfiguration, '' can groaned, `` Eight in essay due tomorrow. I 've got four in so far. ``

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

`` I finished those a patch ago, '' rosiness commented, `` Now I 'm doing Herbology. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus started to riffle through his history of magic trick book, but he could n't concentrate. It was n't past curfew now ; what if Malfoy was exploring the tree right now ? Albus closed his account book 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 good, '' Albus pointed his verge at the map.

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

`` Oh, good, '' rosebush smiled. `` I really do n't imagine he 's going to investigate that tree. ``

`` Why 's that ? '' St. John the Apostle asked skeptically.

`` He 'll get in big bother if he gets caught, '' rosiness reminded him.

`` So ? That probably would n't stop me, '' John laughed.

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping Willow, but he did agree with trick that Malfoy would eventually try. The affair was, what were the probability of it happening while Albus was looking at the map ? Not very high. And what would Albus do if he did see Malfoy near the tree diagram ? Albus had no idea. He sighed as he whispered, `` Mischief managed. '' Albus watched as all the ink disappeared from the map. He still did n't want to do his preparation, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the deal of a belittled mark on one of the street corner made him stop.

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the corner. He had never seen any marks on the map after he wiped it plum before. But this mark was so minuscule it could accept easily been missed. He peered at the diminutive marking until he noticed what it was. It was four paw photographic print. A wolf, dog, hart, and rat print. It obviously meant the vulture. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to stare at the paw mark, wracking his Einstein to try and commemorate why it seemed so familiar.

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

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

Rose, John, and Amanda all leaned in to look at the cross. Rose furrowed her eyebrow and tilted her pass as she looked at it. `` Why did the vulture have this thing stay on the map ? All the other ink disappears. Now it 's just a random piece of parchment with these paw prints on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw mark before. The part of parchment that fell out of the exposure record album in the attic of Grimmauld seat ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the row of the school day year. The symbols were exactly the same. They must intend something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his derriere. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the attic at my family, lav ? ``

John nodded his head. `` Yeah ... ''

`` And the exposure album we found in that box ? '' Albus continued, `` And the slice of parchment that fell out of it ? ``

fruition dawned on John 's face. `` Oh ! I 'd forget about that ! Do you still make it ? ``

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



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

The estimation for Cedonia 's instruction style 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 lack of funding. But the students did n't have tests or obtain grades. They also got to choose whatever they wanted to canvas. It was a really worry idea 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, Saint Luke, and Moonylupin for their followup !

Be on the watch for my fresh story, Life Is good, which is a prequel to arcanum Within that chronicles how Albus, blush wine, Matt, John, and Amanda received their Hogwarts letter of the alphabet. I 'm hoping to post the first chapter sometime next workweek, 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 dormitory, dug through his tree trunk, and found the lambskin. He was so glad he had n't left it in the garret. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the commons elbow room, ignoring the strange stares he was receiving from his fella classmates. When he got back to the Room, whoremonger was in the process 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 table and spread the parchment out on the table.

`` You 're good ! '' Rose grinned, `` Exactly the same mark. ``

`` But it 's just a space patch of parchment, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something mysterious about it. Why would the Marauders put this symbol on it if it meant nothing ? ''

`` I think you 're veracious, Albus, '' John agreed, `` I do n't lie with much about the piranha, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random part of parchment. ``

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

Albus thought for a moment. That variety of made common sense. The piranha frequented Hogsmeade quite a bit, during their entire lunation jaunts. Maybe they wanted a map of the village as well. `` There 's only one way to notice out, '' he grabbed his wand and tapped the piece of parchment, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

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

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would like to plume you, as you have obviously found the Marauder '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 detail .'
Albus and rose burst out laughing. This piece of sheepskin was sort of like the map ! There was something magical about it, but it obviously was n't the Lapp as the map. John smirked and shook his head.

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

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's magic. The marauder either found or invented some kind of charm that enabled the vulture 's Map to transmit with people who try to use it and they 've done the same thing with this. '' Albus pulled the Marauder 's Map in forepart of him and tapped his wand to it, `` watch this. I, Albus Severus potter, requirement you to register yourself. ``

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

'Mr. Moony would care to would like to assure 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. Potter shares a firstly name with the headmaster, it does not give way him the authority 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 disgraceful gens he has ever heard.

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

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't fuck Kendrick 's first base name was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

`` It 's not, '' Albus explained, `` When the marauder were in school, Albus Dumbledore was headmaster. And the predator hated Snape, so they always insult my name. Except my granddaddy, he 's never able to supervise it. ``

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

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

Albus contemplated that for a moment. Rose was probably right. The Marauders were always pranksters, and they would probably want others to feel the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' Rose continued, `` Do you think they might have wanted another point that only they could translate ? ``

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

`` That other piece of lambskin. Maybe it 's something that the Marauders did n't want anyone to be able to read. ``

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

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

`` We do n't even get laid if Rose is rightfulness, '' Amanda argued.

`` Even if only the Marauders could read it, would they still have to say something to look 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 study it. form of like a Fidelius Charm for books or something. ``

Albus grabbed the parchment and pointed his wand at it. The only way to find oneself out if something would reveal it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to make water trouble. '' zippo happened. `` I want to pass water maleficence. I am going to force a buffoonery on somebody. I promise I will make worry. '' Albus tried many different variations on the incantation for the vulture 's Map, but nothing worked.

`` It wo n't puzzle out, Albus, '' Rose said after a while, `` You ought to just do your homework. ``

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

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

`` That 's it ! '' Albus shouted. He had been thinking the incantation was like the Marauder 's Map, but it must be something that would prove you 're a marauder. `` I solemnly swear that I am a predator. '' zilch happened. Albus sighed. He had been so sure that that would give worked.

`` Maybe you have to say which piranha you are, '' John suggested.

`` Oh come off it ! '' rose wine shouted, `` There 's going to be some variety of charm on it to see if he really is a Marauder. Just saying so is n't going to work. ``

Albus kind of agreed with rose at this power point, but he was will to try anything. But which marauder ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his grandfather. If this was going to work for anyone, it would puzzle out 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 intimation 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 friends 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 .'
`` minute map ? '' can looked up, `` I thought there was only one. ``

`` So did I, '' Albus replied. He stared at the parchment as more parole 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 .'
`` Falco columbarius, '' Albus sighed. It had n't worked. The parchment could agnize different people.

`` Wait, '' Rose pointed at the lambskin. `` It 's not done. ``

'However, you could be the endorse Prongs .'
`` What ? ! '' Albus looked up in discombobulation. Was this some kind of jape ? How could there be another Prongs ? And how could Albus be that second Prongs ?

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

`` Either it 's a joke or a highly set ahead magical object, '' pink wine remarked. The four protagonist continued to watch as more indite appeared.

'When four boys, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and mischief, they may present themselves as the next generation of marauder .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the sheepskin. The following generation of piranha ? What had his grandfather and his friend done ?

`` This is incredible, '' rose whispered.

'These four Quaker must each make up one of the predator, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must demonstrate that you know the arcanum of the predator. Prove that you know, and you may continue along the way of life of discovery .'

'The path of discovery ? I never knew you were so poetical, Mr. Prongs .'

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

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

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

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

'The predator regard you good luck .'

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

`` I think it 's something the piranha invented to check that they would never be gone from this school, '' blush wine said in awe, `` It 's gravel. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Amanda grinned, `` Probably the best magic matter I 've seen yet. ``

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

`` How are we going to find out the rest ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` fountainhead, I think we 've somehow got to testify that we know who the vulture are and that we know their mystery, '' Albus explained.

`` We already know their self-aggrandizing closed book, '' rose wine said, `` But how would we prove it to a piece of parchment. ``

`` 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, '' rose wine said.

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

Albus did n't think it would form, but he did n't cogitate it could really harm anything either. `` Worth a shot. '' Albus picked up the lambskin and stared at it. This seemed really silly when he thought about it. He was about to speak to a objet d'art of parchment. `` Here goes nothing. Let 's see, Moony is a lycanthrope. 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 words appeared on it. Could it let actually worked ?

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

`` We 'll just have to think on it, '' Albus replied. He had no idea how they were to prove to the new map that they knew the Marauders'secrets, but he had to find out. This parchment was perhaps even more interesting and charming than the Marauder 's Map, and he was going to cypher it out.

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

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

Albus, John, rose wine, and Amanda spent the following few minutes explaining about the new map to lusterlessness. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbolization on the Marauder 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to show the committal to writing, and how they had to prove that they knew the Marauders'enigma. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is glorious, '' Matt commented.

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

`` fountainhead, I know what we can do while we 're trying to figure it out how to turn out we know the Marauders, '' John announced, `` We 've got to image out who we 're going to constitute. ``

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

`` 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 face fell as he realized that someone was going to suffer to represent Wormtail. nonentity was going to need to be him.

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

`` That makes signified, '' Albus agreed, `` How about you ? ``

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

John Lackland 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 boys, four Gryffindor male child to be specific. ``

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

`` Hey, it 's not our fault the Marauders wanted it to be boys, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can help us calculate the unharmed matter out. ``

`` right field now, we 've got to find a Wormtail, '' Amanda said. `` Who else are you three upright protagonist with ? ``

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

The protagonist all looked at lustrelessness, whose face had paled at hearing this. Albus had n't thought about that. He did n't need anyone who resembled Peter Pettigrew finding out about Matt. If that 's what it took to chance out the secret of this map, then the map would just delay secret.

`` We 're not doing it, '' John said adamantly, `` No one like Wormtail is going to find oneself out that Matt is werewolf. ``

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

`` No problem, '' John the Evangelist smiled.

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

Albus thought about this. It could run. But could they really find someone they could trust enough to reveal Matt 's secret ? Or, did they even have to divulge it ? Was it possible to do this without telling the fourth person ? `` Let 's just keep our optic out for soul who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll guess about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them know about Matt, at least not for a while. Is that all rightfulness, Matt ? ``

flatness had fallen asleep again and jerked his top dog up when he heard his name. `` Huh ? Oh, yeah, that 's all right. ``

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

`` We 'd ameliorate get back to the common room, '' Rose looked at her watch, `` 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 involved map than the Marauder 's Map. Albus could only imagine what was actually on it. The prospect of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even encounter out. What were the chances of them finding individual who would be willing to represent Wormtail ? And if they did find that individual, could they reckon out the map without telling that somebody that Matt was a lycanthrope ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



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

The prequel to Secrets Within, life Is Good, has been posted and the kickoff chapter is up. I 'll be updating it each week, nigh probable on Tuesdays.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the next few days, 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 chance. He read the clues again and again, hoping to ascertain something he missed before that would tell him how to try out that he knew the Marauders'secrets. Albus found that he could n't really concentrate on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions test on Fri because he had so much trouble settling down to study the Night before.

His school work was n't the only matter hurt, either. Albus was also having a difficult prison term paying attention during Quidditch praxis. Seeing as the mates against Slytherin was on Saturday, this could n't own happened at a regretful meter. Georgia had to hollo at him at to the lowest degree five metre during recitation on Friday, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' Georgia said once pattern was over and everyone was starting to go back to the palace, `` Stay here for a second, I need to spill to you. ``

Albus trudged over to Peach State. She had a unappeasable look on her face that made Albus sense awful. He knew he had played horrible during practice session, but he just could n't get the map out of his head. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what Georgia wanted to peach to him about.

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

This was truthful. Empire State of the South was pitiless about Quidditch. She was even more so than Samantha Meyers, which was saying something. Albus knew entire 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 help us. I think I know why your playing has declined over the yesteryear few days, '' Georgia softened her gaze, `` You 're skittish. ``

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

`` I understand that. I was extremely nervous during my foremost equal as well. But you are going to do ticket. We 're going to mash Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll prove all those people wrong who thought I was favoring my kinsfolk, '' Georgia grinned.

Albus gave a lukewarm smile. He had to check thinking about that map, if only just for tomorrow. If not, it could cost him his topographic point on the team. `` Thanks. I 'll try to calm down a bit. ``

`` Good, '' Georgia replied, `` Now let 's get back to the castle. ``

******

Despite Albus 's lack of nervousness the past few days, he was certainly making up for it on Sabbatum aurora. He woke up with butterflies in his belly and could n't manage to eat anything for breakfast. Worse yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to pore on this mates. His place on the team rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' flatness asked. He had returned from the hospital Wing the old evening and was looking often better. Judging by his note of voice, Albus suspected that lustrelessness looked better than he did.

`` Yeah, just nervous, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his admirer about GA 's talk terminal night.

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

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

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

Soon enough, Georgia announced that the team needed to go to the changing room. Albus 's friends wished him luck as he left with the squad. The majority of the Gryffindor table cheered as they left, with bourne and one of his friends glaring at Albus, but not clapping. Albus changed into his Quidditch robe in secretiveness while the rest of the squad talked animatedly around him. It seemed like Albus was the only one who was nervous about this lucifer.

`` time to go, everyone ! '' Sakartvelo announced.

Albus grabbed his broom and followed the repose of the team out onto the pitch, with his heart pounding fast. He gazed up at the crowd, never realizing before how many people actually attended Hogwarts. It was one matter to bring Quidditch during praxis, but in front end of everyone ? Albus was sure he 'd hang off his broom and humiliate the entire team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor team ! '' Albus heard the familiar voice of Lord Todd Kathryn Elizabeth Smith booming over the slant. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Sakartvelo Weasley, and Heather Weasley ! Georgia is the new master this year, and Albus Potter has replaced Samantha Meyers as Chaser. Will he be able to populate up to her legacy ? only when prison term 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 succeeding to James as they waited for the Slytherin team to come onto the playing field. James sent him a supportive smile that Albus returned nervously.

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris Fielding, Talan Flint River, lance Goyle, Peyton Charles Evans Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Jackson Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their Seeker since utmost twelvemonth. Garth Octavius is the new Seeker. ``

Albus remembered GA telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin searcher from last class, had been utterly incompetent of catching the sneak. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as inept, but he doubted it.

`` Mount your brooms, '' Professor Oteski announced, `` set, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's pennywhistle. He took a few deep breathing space to realize his head and tried to kibosh out the crowd 's cheering and booing. He glanced around the auction pitch and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the other incline of the field in guild to get away from Odele, who was flying right following to him. With his faster broom, he was away from her in no meter. He could do this, Albus thought.

Albus dodged a Bludger and both Slytherin Beaters as he made his way down the pitch. He got nearer to Fred and Fred passed him the Quaffle. Albus grabbed it and flew towards the Slytherin destination berth. 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 appear to be broken. It was just a little afflictive. Albus looked around and saw that Haines had the Quaffle.

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

`` grade ! Slytherin scores the beginning goal of the plot, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Todd announced.

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the other player, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very thoroughly at maneuvering his ling and avoiding other players. He saw that both ling and Fred were covered by Slytherin Chasers as everyone waited for the Georgia to have the Quaffle back into play. Georgia faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle to the left wing. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his quick new ling, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to take hold of it.

Albus turned his ling around and sped like lightning towards the other end of the pitch. He looked all around him, noticing that the Slytherin pursuer 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 Peach State has. I believe they are the only two in the school day to have one, '' Julia Evelina Smith called out.

Albus ignored Bessie Smith 's commentary and continued flying. He passed James River, who gave him a thumbs up. fielding was hot on his derriere now. Albus looked around, he needed to lapse the Quaffle. Heather was open and Albus gave the Quaffle a hard toss. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin destination situation. She threw it at the middle hoop and it sailed through.

`` scotch ! '' Smith announced, `` Heather Weasley has scored, making the game tied with 10 point each. ``

Albus grinned at Heather and flew to the Slytherin end mail. He waited for Goyle to toss the Quaffle back out, and let his mind wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was sound. Who could they get to typify Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the time. Every individual he passed in the halls made Albus wonder, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never find anyone. Albus, john, and flatness were destined to just be a group of three friends, and that was n't going to bring for the new map. Why would n't it just accept Rose or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of course, neither girl would gibe to representing the traitor that was prick Pettigrew anyway.

`` Albus ! '' A loud interpreter jerked Albus back into the compeer. He looked up and saw that Calluna vulgaris was glaring at him. He shook his chief and started flying again.

During the remainder of the peer, Albus found his thinker drifting more than and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle more than than a few clip, earning disapproving tone from Georgia. Although he had n't scored a single end, he did avail Heather and Fred score a few each. Unfortunately this was n't enough, and soon Slytherin was ahead.

`` Another goal for Slytherin ! '' Smith shouted, `` Making the score 120-80 Slytherin ! ``

Albus groaned and looked around at his teammates. Peach State looked tense, Scots heather and Fred looked determined, Omar Nelson Bradley and Ryan looked wild, and St. James the Apostle looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the stool pigeon. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor end station. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to tally.

`` 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 judgement off the map. There would be plenty of meter to figure it out later. Quidditch, Quaffle, scoring goals, that was what he had to think about now. Fred passed him the Quaffle and he continued flying towards Goyle. Henry Fielding was on his tail again and he passed the Quaffle to Heather, who was open.

All of a sudden, Henry James whooshed past Albus, heading straight for Ryan. Albus looked over quizzically and realized that James must have seen the snitch. Garth Octavius followed James but he was n't spry enough. James IV grabbed the snitcher, which was idling near Ryan 's arm, and pulled out of the honkytonk. He held it up with a exultant grin.

`` potter has caught the Snitch ! '' Smith announced happily, `` Gryffindor wins with 230 pointedness ! ``

sunniness erupted in the stands, with the Gryffindors storming the pitch. Albus landed happily next to King James. It was over, his firstly Quidditch lucifer 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 fellow Gryffindors clapped them on the vertebral column and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this sort of matter before, but he did n't really mind it right now.

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

`` Excellent, '' Matt grinned.

`` You were awing, '' Rose agreed.

`` Good match, '' Amanda added.

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

`` Does n't matter, '' Matt replied, `` You had quite a few help, and we won so it 's all good. ``

`` Party in the common room ! '' one of the older students shouted. Everyone else cheered and the crowd started to move slowly to the castle.

`` Hi, Al. '' Albus turned around to see his dad wearing a huge smile. `` You did nifty ! ``

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

`` Of path you will. The beginning compeer is always the most nerve-wracking, '' Harry replied.

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

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

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His mother did worry a lot, although she did have a good ground. His class always seemed to attract difficulty, and he was mildly surprised that he escaped his first match with only a kid bruise from a Bludger.

Albus walked to the park room with his friends and when they got there the common way 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 immense grin when he saw Victoire and Amy sitting at one of the tables.

`` You made it ! '' Albus shouted over the noise. `` Did you see the match ? ``

`` Sure did ! '' Victoire replied. `` You were an excellent chaser. ``

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

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

`` We left right after Saint James the Apostle caught the sneaker to go to Hogsmeade to get party supply, '' Victoire gestured to the large quantity of intellectual nourishment 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 injure much anymore. ``

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

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

`` trade good, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able to heal minor cutting and bruise right now, although to the highest degree of the stuff we 've learned is theoretical. It 's all quite fascinating, though. ``

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

Victoire laughed, `` Not for another two years. It 's a long process. ``

`` Although not nearly as long as Muggle doctors, '' Amy told them, `` They 've got to go through eight old age of school after lower-ranking shoal. ``

`` That is mad, '' King John shook his promontory, `` Why would anyone want to be in school that long ? ``

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

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

`` We 've learned a bit of Muggle medicinal drug, '' Victoire told them, `` Just in typesetter's case we ever have to treat Muggles. Magical healing does n't have much of an upshot on them. ``

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

`` If Muggles use phonograph needle, then I agree, '' John said.

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

`` I think I 'd rather have someone wave their baton than have someone stick me with a needle, '' Albus shook his head. Sometimes he just did n't understand the matter Muggles did.

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

Albus, pink wine, and Victoire laughed. They had all heard the story of their granddad 's experiment with Muggle stitches. `` My grandad had them once, '' Albus grinned, `` Did n't move around out too well. ``

`` What are stitches ? '' can asked.

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

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

`` Bloody afflictive, too, '' Matt commented, `` I had them once. I 'll distinguish you that fib sometime. ''

`` Albus ! '' St. James walked over to their table with a butterbeer in his hand. `` Great first compeer ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` Excellent taking into custody. ``

`` Thanks, '' James grinned, `` Ca n't conceive Octavius did n't see it. It was glittering in the sunshine. Oh, well, better for us if their new seeker ca n't see the sneak. ``

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

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

Albus was startled by the change in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the by few days. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not want to be around him anymore and found his own friends. Albus had not really paid much attention to his lilliputian cousin since he told Malfoy that Matt gets sick every month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

`` Yes, Kaden, '' 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 fill up attention. Victoire and Amy were also listening.

`` Ugh, '' King James I 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 Epistle of James, `` He kind of told someone something that I told him to go along quiet about. ``

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

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

`` Be friends 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, '' James 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.

`` Good job on the equal. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` Well, see ya later, Albus, '' James stood up. Albus and the others said goodbye. Kaden followed Saint James like a pup dog.

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

`` shuffling mother wit, though, '' Albus said.

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

`` Nope, I told him not to order 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 vocalism, `` I would, if you 'd come 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 soul told me that you 'd overleap 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 have disliked Hogwarts. `` Why 's that ? ``

`` well, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old school day and my old Friend. Little did I know that I would come to bed this topographic point even more and make even considerably acquaintance. ``

`` 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 friends and Amy took seats on various former chairs and sofa. `` Have you ever met Kaden ? '' Albus asked his cousin.

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

`` wellspring, he 's very teasing, to say the least. He thinks everything about the wizard domain is marvelous and that conjuration can solve everything, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm guessing you 've tried to tell 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 firstly full moon, Kaden got fed up and brothel keeper Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really gravel him and he came back to the common way praising madam Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill matt looked. ``

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

`` Yeah, he insisted that Matt go see Madam Pomfrey. I tried to explain that magic could n't fix everything, but he just would n't heed. We told him to quit 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 fight did n't close long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't cognize about matt, therefore he had no idea that what he said was hurtful. I explained to Kaden once again that there were things that conjuration could n't solve, and that lustrelessness had a disease that magic could n't solve- ''

`` You did n't severalise him, did you ? '' Amy asked lustrelessness anxiously.

`` Of line not, '' mat assured her, `` He 's still got no idea. ``

`` trade good. ``

`` After that, we just form of accepted that Kaden would be around us all the time and got used to him, '' Albus continued, `` But then he decided to look into the Whomping willow. ``

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the precise same metre. Amy 's face 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 couplet fourth dimension, but eventually he wound up inside the tunnel. ``

Amy turned to her comrade with a spirit of fear on her face. `` Did he watch over 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 night of custody, which you already know about. ``

The young lady nodded their heads. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the detention on the astronomy Tower, but had not told her why they were in detention.

`` Right after we got out of Filch 's federal agency, we took Kaden up to our residence hall and persuaded him not to ever look for that burrow again or to tell anyone about it. He said he would n't, '' Albus continued, `` Just like he said he would n't tell anyone that matte had a disease that could n't be fixed by magic. ``

`` Oh, Merlin, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 'm guessing he told somebody ? ``

`` You 're right, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some strange rationality, known only to my pudding head full cousin, he decided to tell Scorpius Malfoy that Matt gets nauseated every once and a while, and tell him about the Whomping willow tree ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Both girls shouted and stood up with looks of anger 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 call in my sick gran, but that wo n't act upon anymore, '' Matt explained. `` It 's only a matter of fourth dimension 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 tunnel under the Whomping willow tree ? ``

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

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

`` No, '' Matt answered.

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

Matt stood up, his face as pale 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 interrogation, but a fact.

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

They all sat in secrecy 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 social movement of his mind. What was Kendrick going to do about Malfoy ? What if he decided that lustrelessness could n't stay in school anymore now that people knew about the tunnel ? Albus shuddered at the thought of his ally being kicked out of schooling because of what Kaden had done.

`` Albus, '' Victoire said quietly, `` I know what Kaden did was horrible. blaze, I 'm mad at him now and I do n't really make love him. But I really think there is Thomas More to this than meets the eye. I do n't screw why he told Malfoy, but I do n't retrieve 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 instant. The last thing he wanted to do was talk to Kaden, let alone forgive him. Kaden might be the reason one of his friends is forced to go forth the school ! If that happens, Albus decided, no way would he ever forgive Kaden. Sure, what Victoire said might be true. There might be some kind of underlying cause why Kaden told Malfoy, but the fact remains that he told him. And that could n't be changed.

`` I form of agree with Victoire, '' Rose whispered, `` I do n't cerebrate he really meant to give Malfoy clues about lustrelessness 's lycanthropy. ``

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` amercement, '' rosebush snapped.

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

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

`` He had some kind of Auror training thing today, '' Victoire responded, `` training is pretty intense. And it 's at all kinds of crazy time of day. I guess they 're preparing him for what it 'll be like when he 's a fully trained Auror. ``

Albus nodded. He knew what that was like. Harry was always leaving at random prison term, only to hark back in the dead of dark. Aurors had some of the strange 60 minutes he had ever heard of.

`` Of course of instruction, my hours wo n't be much substantially when I 'm a Healer, '' Victoire commented, `` With our hours, we 're never going to get to see each other. Well, I 'll see you soon, Albus and rosiness. I 'm not trusted 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 reexamination !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his friends sat around the elbow room of Requirement for the next half hour, waiting for Matt to fare back. nobody said much, but Albus could assure that they were all worried about what was going to pass off. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the door to the way open. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

Matt ran over to his friends with a grin on his nerve. `` Not much. ``

`` You do n't have to result ? '' Rose asked.

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

`` That 's heavy ! '' Albus replied. He was very relieved. It would not give been fair for lustrelessness to have to provide Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's stupidity.

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

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

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

`` commodity, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' John said tentatively, `` Nobody can get into the passage now ? ``

`` Pretty much. Kendrick did n't really explain, but he told me no one would be able-bodied to get in, '' Matt explained, `` Just me and Madam Pomfrey, I think. ``

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

matte turned and glared at him, `` Are you harebrained ? There 's no way I 'd take you into the screeching Shack. ``

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

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

`` All right hand, o.k., '' John sighed, `` Would 've been cool, 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 piranha '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 stave table. There was a shortly old witch with a patch and frayed hat sitting where Professor Longbottom usually sat.

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the ceiling as the post owls started to get. Rose 's family owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to take the letter off.

rosebush took the letter and gave her owl a piece of toast. She opened the letter and read for a few minutes before reemerging from behind it with a huge grin on her typeface. `` prof Longbottom 's wife has had her baby ! Her figure is Lucy Augusta. That explains why prof Longbottom is n't here. ``

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

`` You know, I never really think about the instructor having families, '' lustrelessness commented.

`` well, we met Professor Longbottom 's wife at the Leaky Cauldron over the summer, '' Gospel According to John pointed out.

`` I know, but I do n't really call up her that well, '' lusterlessness explained, `` I did n't feel too swell that day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' john remembered, `` And Professor Potter obviously has a home. '' John grinned at Albus.

`` He does ? '' Albus opened his heart wide in a feeling of sham shock. `` I never knew ! ``

Matt laughed, `` I wonder about the early teachers, though. ``

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

`` May I have your care ? '' Kendrick stood up and banged his spoon against his goblet. `` Thank you. I have two annunciation this good morning. The foremost 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 tell you again how grave it is. ``

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

`` As an impart caution, I have put a few hospital ward around it that will inform me when someone neglect my rules. There will be dangerous punishment for anyone who is caught around the tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

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

Most of the other bookman started whispering among themselves, no uncertainty wondering why this could be considered a 'lighter annotation'.

`` Yes, yes, no penury to worry. prof Longbottom 's wife has had a infant girlfriend and he will be gone for a few weeks. Professor Sprout, who taught here geezerhood ago has offered to take his place until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the sure-enough 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 unseasoned.

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

`` I hope Sprout is nice, '' matte said as he and the others wandered around the solid ground after breakfast. It was a very soft day for Nov and almost of the students were alfresco enjoying the weather.

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

`` Mine, too, '' trick said.

`` I 've met her a few times, '' blush wine commented, `` I like her. ``

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

The group spent the dawning wandering around the grounds, putting off the homework they should have been doing. They talked some more about the map, but nobody had any theme as to how to get it 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 whole lot wanton than trying to deflect him, like he had been doing the past month and a half.

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

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

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

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

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

`` I still do n't like him, '' privy said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd learn how to shut his mouth, I 'd wish him well. ``

`` Maybe there 's some kind of go we can use to get him not to talk about things he 's not supposed to, '' Amanda laughed.

`` That 'd be skillful, '' 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 subject of fourth dimension. He 'll chance out whether Kaden gives him clue or not. He 's ache. Kaden wo n't project it out until individual tells him, but Malfoy will find out on his own. It 's only a thing of when. ``

Albus stared at his friend. Albus did not suppose flatness would ever be friendly with Kaden again, but what he said actually made horse sense. Malfoy was going to encounter out. `` It 's all proper with you if I forgive him ? ``

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

Albus sighed. He knew the veracious thing 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 time Albus saw Kaden, he was either alone or with James.

`` Want to go back to the castle ? '' John asked a little while later. It was starting to get windier and cloud were rolling in. It would probably rain soon.

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to get hold Slughorn, '' Rose announced as she stood up. `` I need to verbalize to him about that death essay. Want to get along, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two girls took off for the castle.

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

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

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

`` privation to go to the Room ? '' Matt suggested.

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

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

`` I 've got to, John, '' Albus sighed. `` He 's my cousin-german. ``

`` How are you going to prevent him from knowing about the map ? '' Matt asked.

`` No musical theme. I guess we 'll just bear to mess with it while Kaden 's in form. ``

The boys continued their journey up to the 7th floor corridor. They were halfway down the sixth base corridor, heading towards the step, when Matt stopped in his tracks. Albus stared at him quizzically, wondering why he had stopped. `` What 's wrongfulness ? '' he whispered.

mat said nothing but pulled his two Quaker into a nearby empty classroom. He shut the door and turned to face his friends. `` There 's mass 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 ? '' Saint John stared at him, `` We were the only unity out there. ``

`` I 'm sober ! '' lusterlessness said.

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

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

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

`` There 's at to the lowest degree two people out there and one speech sound scared, '' lusterlessness explained.

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

`` Yeah, definitely pupil. ``

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

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

Albus was undecided if he wanted to go see who was whispering around the corner or not. He was definitely rum, but he did n't desire to get witch. Eventually, his curio beat out his fright. `` All right. ``

`` Hold out your scepter, '' matte instructed as he opened the door. The male child crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the box. As they got closer, Albus could start to make up out act of conversation.

`` Come on ! '' an icy interpreter seethed, `` You know more. Just tell 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. Someone was going to hex soul. He had to stop them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the vox, but he could n't quite place them.

The boy rounded the corner and Albus saw why he recognized the voices. Scorpius Malfoy and Felix Willinson were standing with their wands pointed at Kaden, who was leaning on the wall, his hand shakily holding his wand out in front of him. Albus stopped in his runway, and lavatory and matte did the same. Neither Malfoy, Willinson, or Kaden had noticed them yet.

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

`` I do n't have a go at it ! '' Kaden repeated.

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

That was it. Albus could n't bear to check Malfoy interrogating his first cousin like that. All his bitter thinking toward Kaden flew out the window the here and now Albus saw Kaden 's terrified face. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's baton sailed out of his hand and landed on the floor a few feet down the corridor. John ran forward and grabbed it.

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

`` Quit threatening my cousin-german, '' 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 tree goes. ``

Albus did n't get out eye contact with Malfoy, but he knew matte had gone white next to him. `` Why would you believe I know where it goes ? ``

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

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

At the same time, John shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' and Willinson 's wand sailed neatly into John 's hand.

`` smell like you 've got your cousin 's dueling skills, '' Albus commented. `` Quinton Willinson is your first 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 assure you where it goes. ``

`` mulct, '' Malfoy smirked, `` Guess your cousin will get hexed. ``

John burst out laughing, `` in effect luck with that, seeing as I 've got your scepter. ``

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

`` Dueling in the corridors, '' a heaving spokesperson behind them said. `` That 's against the rule. ``

Albus jumped as he heard the voice and turned around to meet it. It was Filch. Albus groaned inwardly. Why did Filch always have to be around ? He, mat, John, and Kaden all exchanged glances 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 have our wands. Clearly these four Gryffindors attacked us. ``

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

Albus stifled a laughter as he followed Filch down the hallway. Nobody said anything as Filch led them into his halter berth. It was very difficult for the six boys to fit inside and everyone was too close for comfort.

Filch went through his usual function of filling out forms and filing them in the decline cabinet. He smirked as he filed Albus 's cast. `` Seems you 'll ingest a Indian file nearly as big as your father and grandfather 's by the prison term you graduate. ``

Albus said nothing as Filch continued to fill out and file his forms. After what seemed like an hour, but was probably only a few bit, Filch finished. `` You 'll possess two night 's detention. Tonight and tomorrow dark. run into me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't have to be asked twice. He was the first one out the door, followed quickly by flatness, John, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the dungeons, Albus began to take his friends up the stairs. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor tower. Kaden stuck to them like person had affixed a permanent sticking spell on him, but Albus did n't bear in mind. He needed to talk to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the reason he told Malfoy about the passageway in the Whomping Willow ?

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

Albus was n't surely where to begin. Should he just say Kaden that he forgave him ? Or ask him what was going on with Malfoy and Willinson ? But before Albus could decide, Kaden started the conversation.

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

Albus did a double take. 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 gloomy, '' his voice cracked. `` And I 'm sorry for landing you lot in detainment, again. ``

`` Kaden, this one was n't your geological fault, '' Albus insisted, `` It was Malfoy and Willinson 's fault. Speaking of them, want to severalise us what 's been going on ? '' Albus had n't paid an snow leopard of tending to his cousin since their big battle over a calendar month ago, but Albus was sure that this was n't an quarantined incident with the Slytherins.

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

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

`` And I 'm dark, Albus, '' Kaden 's eyes watered, `` I really am. They just both pointed their wand at me, and I do n't know any trade 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 tell them what I knew. So I did, and before I realized it I mentioned the Whomping Willow. ``

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

`` And it was too of late, '' Kaden continued, `` They were going to hex me if I did n't tell 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 tell them about once a workweek and I get jinxed every time. gentlewoman Pomfrey fixes it, though. ``

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

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

`` Kaden, sometimes you do affair that I just do n't understand, '' Albus explained, `` But I 'll always worry about you. You 're my full cousin and nothing can vary that. ``

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

`` It 's all right, '' Albus cut him off. Kaden was obviously bad about what he had done. Albus was starting to feel really bad that he had ignored his cousin for so long, especially when he was being threatened by Slytherins. `` And I 'm blue I did n't take heed to you before. ``

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

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Just narrate me next time they do that. And try not to separate anyone the things I tell you in buck private anymore. ``

Kaden nodded and turned to John and lustrelessness. `` Are you two still mad at me ? ``

John and Matt looked at each early and then judder their caput. `` No, we 've been mad at you long enough, '' lusterlessness told him.

Kaden smiled through his tears and looked back at Albus. `` I do n't say you 'd recite me where the tunnel goes now ? ``

`` Not a chance, '' Albus grinned. Even after all that, Kaden was still his usual rummy self, forever optimistic that Albus would actually tell him all of Hogwarts 's secrets.

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

`` Are you mad ? ! '' Saint John and Matt shouted at the same time. Both of them had looks of disgust on their faces.

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

St. John turned his gaze from Kaden to Albus. `` We 've got to fix this, '' he said solemnly.

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

`` It wo n't change my intellect, '' Kaden replied.

`` Once you see the cannon play, you 'll exchange your mind, '' flatness told him as he stood up.

`` The Cannons ? '' John laughed and walked over to the room access, `` Are you the mad one now ? ``

`` Not at the import, no, '' lusterlessness smirked. John and Albus burst out laughing at John 's alternative of words and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

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

`` Yup, '' the three former male child said at the Saame time.

`` Anyway, '' John the Evangelist continued as they left the room, `` The carom are the worst team, you do n't want to see them play. It 's not like they 'll make it to the League Cup. ``

lustrelessness punched him playfully in the arm, `` Do n't affront my squad like that. It 's not like Puddlemre United is doing much skilful. ``

This time it was John 's turn to punch mat in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the Cannons can ever hope to be. ``

John and flatness continued their argument all the way down into the common way, with Kaden paying rapt attention. 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, Rebekah, Moonylupin, Gospel According to Luke, and lilausty for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't take recollective for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's chemical group of friends. By the end of the week, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their usual routine of doing homework in the common room after dinner. Of path, that did not jump until after the male child served their detention with Filch. The caretaker had them clean almost every lav in the entire rook. This was a tense up occasion 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, schooling was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his course of instruction and Quidditch and the Dueling nightclub were going well, too. Albus managed to jostle aside his thoughts of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Empire State of the South greatly. The downside to having Kaden back was that Albus and his former champion could n't really sneak off to the Room of necessity 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 elbow room yet. That, and they did n't want Kaden to know about the map. He did n't even have it off about the steady piranha 's Map. So, Albus had no choice but to just imagine about the map, rather than mess around with it.

As Nov turned into December, C. P. Snow fell upon the grounds and scholarly person of all ages flocked to them to suffer snow ball fights. Albus and his friends took parting in quite a few, usually being crushed by the elderly bookman. Albus enjoyed these fight immensely, but idea of the new map were always in the rear of his mind. He just wished they could take some time away from Kaden to investigate it some more. The opportunity to do just that move up one day in the beginning of December. Kaden was not doing too well in Transfiguration and one of the older Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few other low years in the library.

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

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

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

`` Do you think you know how to run it ? '' lusterlessness asked.

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

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

The group left the crowded common elbow room and followed the comrade way to the elbow room. Once there, they took their usual seats and waited for Albus tell them his idea.

`` Well, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and spread it out on the table. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, remember what I tried to tell the map last fourth dimension ? I think I should write that on the map. ``

`` Are you out of your judgment ? '' John exclaimed, `` What if you ruin it ? ``

flatness and Amanda stared at Albus in daze, but rose wine did n't come along 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 safe ideas ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, no, but- ''

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

`` I agree, Albus, '' pink wine announced.

`` Thank you, pink wine. ``

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

Albus nodded. That made sense. `` All right. '' He took a mystifying hint. `` Here it goes. I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The familiar ink appeared on the parchment, telling Albus that he needed to turn up he knew all the piranha'secrets. He looked up at his protagonist, who were all wearing looks of expectancy. Albus grabbed a pinion and an ink pot. He poised his shaft over the parchment and wrote in very flyspeck letters,

'Moony is a lycanthrope. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat .'
Albus put the quill down and stared at the parchment. Everyone watched in dispatch 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 groan as the run-in dissolved. `` I really thought that would be it ! ``

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

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

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

`` How do we subtly tell a piece of parchment that we know the predator'closed book ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` well, '' Rose began, `` We 've got to retrieve that these are the marauder. And I 'm for certain they wanted to draw it difficult for whoever found this map. ``

`` Good point, '' John said.

`` This most probably holds more information about Hogwarts than the Marauder 's Map did, and possibly Hogsmeade as well, '' blush wine continued, `` So we 've got to suppose about this the way they would 've. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. Of course the predator would n't stimulate just had them write something on the map. It was too slow. `` right field, so they liked getting in trouble. They would probably want us to do something that might get us in fuss. ``

`` And well-nigh likely dangerous, '' rose added.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the more it made mother wit. The piranha spent their Hogwarts calling causing bother and doing dangerous thing. They obviously would want people just as daring to be the next Marauders.

`` How can it be unsafe to prove that we know their secrets ? '' John asked.

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

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

`` We could tie paw photographic print on it, '' John laughed.

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

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

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

The melodic theme sounded ridiculous to Albus, but it did seem like the variety of thing the marauder would do. It would definitely be serious 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 have any idea what the paw mark would entail unless they knew the vulture'secrets. The only thing he did n't like about it was the idea of a bunch of beast trampling the map.

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

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

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

`` Is that a Scripture ? '' rosiness laughed.

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

`` Good theme, Rose, '' Saint John the Apostle agreed.

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

`` shuffling sensory faculty, '' Matt replied.

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

`` postponement, '' Albus said, `` I really do n't wish the thought of animals stepping on the map. What if it gets ripped accidentally. ``

`` adept point, '' rosiness sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few consequence, then Rose had another idea. `` What if we use unlike pieces of lambskin and then use a transfer charm to put them on the map ? ``

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned. Sometimes, he loved how smarting his cousin was. `` Anyone be intimate how to do one ? ``

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

`` I 'll discover it, '' blush wine told him, `` I 'm sure I can find it in the library somewhere. ``

`` We 're lucky you 're such a playscript dirt ball, Rose, '' John the Evangelist laughed.

`` All right hand, 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 forward motion. `` Rose, you start figuring out the transference charm, and the remainder of us will get the paw prints. ``

`` 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 well-heeled. ``

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

`` It might bring me a spell to figure out the spell anyway, '' Rose commented.

Albus had wanted to figure out the map before Yuletide 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 keep. ``

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

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

Albus glanced around at his friends. He was n't existent fond of skunk and would prefer not to have to acquit one around in his bag all day.

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

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

`` commodity, '' 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 stags in the timber, '' Amanda suggested, `` But we 'd get in difficulty. ``

`` That 's what the piranha would have wanted, '' Albus told her.

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

`` That is a magnificent mind, pink wine, '' Albus smiled. He did not really want to go wandering around the Forbidden Forest and not just because it was out of bounds. It would be very dangerous to go in there. `` And that just leaves- ''

`` The werewolf one, '' Matt whispered. Albus and the others turned to look at lustrelessness. He had been very quiet over the past few arcminute and Albus noticed that he was paler than usual. Albus could understand why. The werewolf paw print could possibly be the most dangerous one to get.

`` You know, '' rose wine said quietly, `` This is why the paw print thing makes so a lot sentience to me. I highly doubt a fixture skirt chaser print is going to work. And if this really is the way to get the map to work, the only way to get a lycanthrope paw print would be if a loup-garou was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made perfective sense. This would be one way for the marauder to take in certainly 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 Shack the Night of the full moon. ``

The room fell subdued as everyone tried to call up of a way that they could safely get a werewolf 's paw print. Albus had no musical theme. 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, '' flatness sighed after a few minutes. `` I 've got an estimate. ``

Albus and the rest of his ally said nil but watched as they waited for matte to elaborate. Albus could evidence that Matt really did n't need to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to work ?

`` We go down to the Shrieking Shack a couple days before the full lunar month and stay put a few pieces of self-inking parchment to the trading floor. Hopefully I 'll ill-treat on one of them and we 'll have a paw photographic print, '' Matt explained quietly.

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

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

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

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

`` Really ? '' Matt half-smiled. `` That would be with child. ``

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

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

`` Hang on, '' privy interrupted, `` I thought Kendrick put up Aaron Montgomery Ward on the Whomping Willow. How are we going to get in without him knowing ? ``

`` I know how to deactivate them, '' Matt explained, `` Otherwise I would n't be capable to get in. ``

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the side by side total moon ? '' Albus asked.

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

`` Might as well, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll try and get Dad 's cloak tomorrow. He 's got category in the good afternoon but we do n't. Then we can lift down to the screech hutch this weekend. ``

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

`` Hope so, '' Albus replied. He was excited. They were tight to figuring this out ; he could find it.

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

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

The group worked silently on their homework for a patch, only talking when they needed to ask interrogation about it. Albus tried his best to rivet on his August 6 essay, but his mind kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw print faster. Albus was very anxious to obtain out what this map had in storehouse for them. Of track, they still had to notice someone to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to push that thought from his mind.

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

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

`` Not really, '' whoremonger 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 kind of gotten used to Kaden 's invariable comportment over the past times few workweek. Albus would even go so far as to say that he was starting to become protagonist with his cousin.

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

`` He looks up to Albus, '' Rose explained, `` To him, Albus ca n't do anything faulty. ``

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

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

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

`` Who ? '' John Lackland asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' whoremaster, Matt, blush wine, and Amanda shouted at once.

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

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

`` Not really, '' whoremonger said.

`` Just listen, '' Albus sighed. `` 1st, we 've got to retrieve what the map said when I told it I was Prongs. It said 'four Gryffindors connected by friendly relationship and rascality'. The three of us are obviously connected through both. '' Albus gestured to John and mat. `` But we need a quartern individual. Since they have to be somehow connected through us, we ca n't just peck a random bookman. Can you think of anyone besides Kaden that we have gotten in worry with ? ``

`` Not really, '' Gospel According to John said after a few moments secrecy.

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

lavatory and Matt nodded. `` Yeah, I think so, '' lustrelessness 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 to the lowest degree about Wormtail than all the early Marauders. Obviously, Albus felt a rich hatred for Peter Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to talk about him. So Albus 's friends really did n't know a whole lot about him. Just the parts that had to do with him betraying Albus 's grandparents. `` Well, we 've got to remember that when the predator made this map they were acquaintance with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did have upright tone, as much as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

`` So what are these lineament ? '' St. John the Apostle asked skeptically.

`` Er, I 'm not for sure exactly, '' Albus confessed, `` I mean, all the piranha were short by the time I was born, so there 's not really anyone to secernate 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 Sirius and my grandad. ``

`` Like Kaden does with you three, '' blush wine commented, a feeling of realization appearing on her boldness.

`` Exactly, '' Albus said, well-chosen that soul was finally understanding, `` And he used to do whatever they wanted. ``

`` Sounds like Kaden, '' lusterlessness agreed.

`` Definitely, '' John replied.

`` You know, '' Rose 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 think his cousin would betray anyone like Wormtail had done. `` well, I guess we 've found our Wormtail. ``

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

`` I dunno, '' Albus had n't gotten that far. There were still parts of him that wanted to prevent 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 for sure how to tell him. I 'm not sure he 'll be that shiver about being Wormtail. ``

`` Oh, I do n't sleep together, '' rosiness said, `` I think he wo n't mind as long as he gets to be a region of this. ``

`` The map 's not the only matter we 're going to have to tell him, is it ? '' lusterlessness said quietly, `` He 's going to find out what I am. ``

This was the component that Albus had tried to annul thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to go the new map. Whoever was going to defend Wormtail was going to encounter out that Matt was a wolfman, there was no avoiding it. It was voice of the ground that Albus had n't really thought about who would be Wormtail. Albus knew lusterlessness did n't want anyone else to find out. He never even really enjoin Albus and the others. They had found out on their own. Albus knew Kaden would never ascertain out on his own ; he was just too oblivious. He needed to bed, though, if he was going to be a office of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new Marauders. Albus just had a gut feeling about that. But was it worth it to tell apart him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to go on secret ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will have to eff. ``

`` We ca n't do it then, '' mat said adamantly, `` I ca n't severalise him. I just ca n't. He 'll tell Malfoy and then the unit of Slytherin will roll in the hay and then soon the whole school will sleep with and they 'll secernate their parents and they 'll plain and Kendrick will have to kvetch me out. But then it wo n't count anyway because all of Wizarding Britain will know and no one will need to be around me or my family again and it will be just like Australia- ''

`` lustrelessness, '' Albus cut him off. He was getting hysterical. `` Calm down, that 's not going to happen. ``

`` How do you know ? '' matte whispered in a trembling voice.

`` Because Kaden wo n't enjoin anyone, '' Rose interjected.

`` Not if I do n't tell him, '' Matt replied, `` And I 'm not going to tell 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, '' matte said in a slightly meretricious voice.

`` Just listen to me for a minute, '' rose wine said loudly. `` Remember what Amanda said about a spell to keep Kaden from giving away anymore closed book ? '' Everyone nodded. `` fountainhead, I 'm pretty sure there is a while like that, '' pink wine grinned.

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

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

Albus 's hopes soared senior high again, `` Excellent ! Would you be will to tell him if blush wine found this piece ? ``

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

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

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could feel 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 slumber that night. He was n't the only one, either. Albus heard Matt and John tossing and turning all dark, over the auditory sensation of Ethan and Bilius 's snoring. Although, Albus suspected matte 's sleepless Night was more due to spunk than inflammation. Judging by the looking at on his face as they went back to the unwashed way that evening, he was still reluctant to let Kaden in on his vainglorious secret.



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



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the next morning, he found that he was overcome with face about stealing his don '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 sec intellection. But now that the idea had simmered overnight, he realized that the plan might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the Invisibility Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the previous class. Of course, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to sneak it back right after he was done with his late night stroll to the shrieking Shack, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even probably ? Albus had no musical theme how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't sustain much use for it at Hogwarts because teachers could roam around wherever and whenever they wanted.

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

Albus remained distracted throughout his morning classes and by the metre lunch came, he was almost as nervous as he had been for the first Quidditch match. Nobody said much as Albus picked at his solid food, well nonentity except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his sunup socio-economic class until he had to bequeath for Potions a suddenly piece later. Once he was gone, Albus was free to tattle about their architectural plan. `` I 'm not surely if this is going to solve. ``

`` It worked for the Marauder 's Map, '' Rose reminded him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` right field, '' John the Evangelist agreed, `` So we 're off to steal the cloak. ``

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

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

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the staff table, `` We 'll just wait a couplet to a greater extent minutes. ``

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

`` Good idea, '' Matt agreed, `` No one will think anything of it if the two of you go into his office. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the best way to do it. If all five of them went, chances are they would make decent noise to attract another teacher. Albus was relieved that rosiness was going to go, though. She was much skilful at summoning charms than Albus was.

`` We 'll look for you in the Room, '' Matt stood up. John and Amanda followed courting. `` See you in a bit. ``

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

Albus and blush wine had lingered long enough at the table that the corridors were practically empty, write for a few straggling pupil who were much more intent on making it to class than giving Albus and Rose a endorsement coup d'oeil. They quietly made their way to Harry 's bureau, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning myrtle 's bathroom. Judging from the loud cries that were emitted from the bath, Peeves had just finished making fun of miserable Vinca minor.

The corridor that Harry 's office 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 give the door, but it was locked. `` Merlin ! '' he shouted and looked at Rose.

pink wine did n't await in phased in the least. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

Albus looked at her skeptically. Why would Harry bother to lock his door with a good luck charm that anyone could spread ?

`` Just do it, '' Rose insisted, `` He 's got a charm on there that recognizes his magic signature tune. Yours will be close enough to his that it 'll give for you, too. It worked with James final stage 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 lock. `` Alohomora. '' The lock clicked and Albus turned the handgrip. It opened. The cousins quietly crept inside, carefully shutting the door behind them.

Harry 's office looked much like it had the net prison term Albus had been in it. Parchment, books, and other motley aim were strewn around all over the lieu, cluttering up the desk, lounge, and death chair. The chamber door had been left assailable and Albus could see that that room was just as messy, with robes laying on the bed and transcript of the Prophet on the floor.

`` Department of Energy he ever clean house up ? '' Rose asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is unsound than James IV 's room. ``

`` 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 sleeping accommodation and started walking towards it. Rose followed and soon they were in the tiny bedroom. Albus guessed that the cloak was either in Harry 's trunk or the wardrobe.

rosebush must have been thinking the same thing. She wrenched the automobile trunk undefendable and pointed her verge at it. `` Accio invisibility Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

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

`` delay, '' Rose said as she crept closer to Harry 's automobile trunk, `` I 'm pretty sure Uncle Harry mentioned that you ca n't use a summoning charm on the cloak. ``

Albus thought for a consequence 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, '' rosiness sighed, `` You take the press, I 'll take the trunk. ''

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

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

Albus felt an Brobdingnagian relief as Rose held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! Nothing was stopping them now. They were going to find out the mystery of the second map.

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

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

stand-in washed over Albus when he made it into the Room a few bit later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's heart still beat fast with adrenaline as he ran into the Room and grinned at his supporter. The thrill of what he and Rose had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the Invisibility Cloak. It was the first Marauder-like thing he had done. He knew this was exactly what the Marauders had wanted him to do. To break rules and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' lavatory ran over with a glimmer of agitation in his eyes. matt and Amanda were right behind him sporting monovular grins on their faces.

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

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

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

`` You 'll be able to eventually. My dad just wants to get to roll in the hay him first. ``

Matt put the cloak on and disappeared from sentiment. He reappeared a few secondment later. `` That is so coolheaded. ``

`` Let me try, '' John Lackland took the cloak and wrapped it around himself. They spent the adjacent few mo passing the cloak around and trying it on.

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

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

`` Watch it, '' John snapped as matte 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 room a few times. ``

The boys walked slowly around the room, making sure not to expose any of their branch. St. John the Apostle and Matt started to get the hang of it after a few min of drill and they were soon able to go a minuscule faster.

`` perfect, '' Amanda announced after the fourth clock time they circled the room. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What dark should we do this ? '' John asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Saturday because I 've got Quidditch recitation that morning and I 'm going to have to get some sleep Fri night or Georgia will pass the whole time yelling at me to inflame up, '' Albus explained, `` That good with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' John Lackland agreed. lustrelessness nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Sat nighttime, we sneak into the screeching shack. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the trouble maker, Albus, '' Rose laughed, `` The vulture would be proud. ``

******

The side by side day Rose decided to start her enquiry on the transference charm. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't take long to detect the right Word. pink wine found it in a written matter of Advanced appeal and after she read a bit about the charm she decided that it was going to be difficult but not impossible for her to do. She decided to control that charm before trying to find the charm to keep Kaden tranquillize. That one was going to be severely to find since they did n't even know the name of it. Rose checked out the Advanced Charms Word of God under the menacing glare of Madam Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to demand what they were up to and deny them the book. But, she could n't since the book was n't in the Restricted Section.

Rose spent the side by side few daylight trying to estimate the charm out. There was n't a great deal Albus could do to avail her, so he just did his prep and watched her. Albus thought the charm looked incredibly complicated and he was glad that rose wine had volunteered to watch it. Rose was having a bit of difficulty mastering the appeal, 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 magic spell was well beyond the O.W.L. level and it stood to reason that it would be hard for her. This did not courtship rose wine well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one thing that drove Rose mad, it was having trouble learning something.

`` Why do n't you consider a break ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the unwashed room on Sabbatum night. `` You 've been at it for daytime. ``

`` Maybe you 're right, '' rosiness sighed. She had been trying for the past tense hour to reproduce her epithet onto another piece of parchment. `` I 'll just relax for a while. '' She pulled out her Transfiguration leger and opened it to one of the former chapters.

`` I do n't eff how you can consider that relaxing, '' John screwed up his face in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` extra credit charms prep, '' Rose lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that Rose would call for extra credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' Rose explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're ache. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' Rose smiled at him.

Albus had no incertitude that rosiness would figure the good luck charm out eventually. It was just taking her longer than she expected. Albus was in no rush because the magical spell would be useless until they got all the paw photographic print they needed. That would n't happen until after Noel. John had n't managed to find oneself a rat in Potions on Friday, but he was keeping his eyes peeled.

The group stayed in the common room for another couple hours, 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 ally were the only ones left.

`` ready ? '' Albus asked. John Lackland and Matt nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the parchment in my gown. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' trick stood up.

`` good luck, '' Amanda said as the three boys pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' pink wine 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 neural about sneaking out of the castling as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking more than convention 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 ground, Albus felt almost excited about this eventide. The simply time he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency dream the previous class. Tonight 's escapade was a much better setting. Besides, Albus was a bit excited about following the tunnel to the Whomping willow tree and seeing the inside of the shrieking hovel. He felt kind of hangdog about this because he knew Matt did n't want them to and was only agreeing to this for the rice beer of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to stop before they started down the stairs. He took out the Map and scanned it for a couple second. Filch was currently striding along the third flooring corridor. They would have to be thrifty about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a classroom on the one-fourth floor, no doubt wreaking havoc for one of the teachers to fix in the morning. Luckily, all of the teachers were in their offices. All they had to worry about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, King John, and mat continued their cautious trek down to the entranceway G. Stanley Hall, with Albus glancing at the Map every few minutes. The boys made it down to the third level corridor without trouble, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about insolent youngster. Albus gave his supporter a disquieted look as they quietly moved towards the nearest step case. Albus held his intimation as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three invisible boy. Albus was very well-chosen when they made it onto the indorsement trading floor and even happy when they got to the front doorway and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one thing that could have gone wrong with their plan. stand up had tried to instruct him a few more than complex unlocking spells but he was n't very undecomposed at them and was hoping he would n't demand to use them.

`` Made it ! '' John let out a huge breath once the castle doors were shut.

`` Not quite, '' Matt replied.

`` Yeah, but at least we can talk now. I wish this cloak would cover 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 require to experience 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 son continued along the path that lead them through the grounds. There was about six in of nose candy on the ground and the air was bitingly cold. Albus was glad he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to ascertain the Map every couple of minutes, but so far the grounds were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be able to walk faster once they were on the grounds, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to stay concealed under the cloak and it was even toilsome now because matte 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 friend 's hackneyed nerve to the sky. The almost full moon was shining down on the ground, illuminating it enough that Albus had n't bothered to light his baton. `` We should suffer done this earlier in the workweek, '' Albus commented, remembering the disastrous detention with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm mulct, '' Matt assured him, `` It wo n't be good until Tuesday. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and John slowed down their pace to pair flatness 's, although Albus thought it would be skilful for them to bucket along up in order to gain the Tree faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping Willow. The three boys paused just beyond the reach of the branches and Albus and John looked to Matt for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able to get into the maw wearing the cloak, '' flatness explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his robe. `` All right, '' Matt continued, pulling out his wand. `` I 'll just disenable the wards. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his sceptre at the tree. Albus strained to listen to the while but he could n't hear it.

`` Now what ? '' John the Evangelist asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

Matt walked around to the early English of the tree with Albus and John following. flatness set over, searched through the snow, and picked up a hanker spliff, stumbling and shivering a piddling as he stood up. He pressed his hand to his headspring, wincing a little. `` Headache, '' he answered to Albus and John 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree 's outgrowth and stuck the farseeing stick into the tree diagram 's short pants. The branches immediately stop dead and the Whomping Willow looked just as tame as any of the other Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree on the grounds. `` Quick, before they start again, '' lustrelessness stumbled towards the tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the tunnel once, gestured for Gospel According to John to go first. Albus followed his friends and made it into the pickle just as the branches started flailing again. Albus and King John lit their wands and looked around the cramped tunnel while Matt put the wards back up.

`` Let 's go, '' flatness announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly reasonably cool, '' John said in awe as they started down the passage, `` Kinda spooky, but cool. '' matt sent him a dirty look. `` I mean, besides the whole werewolf affair, '' John replied quickly.

Albus could see what John meant. It was kind of a neat tunnel, although very dingy and form of damp. The good thing was that it was slightly warmer than outside. The ceiling was low and Albus had to crouch down a picayune in order to walk. There were tilt and roots along the course, but the unit atmosphere was quite sex. Albus loved wandering through secret passageway and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being capable to follow it. His dad had told him about this burrow and the scream Shack 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 dozen school rules to do it, but it was worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt like at to the lowest degree a half hr. The thrill of it was beginning to fag out off as Albus got colder. The month of Dec was not a convenient time to be doing this. By the time they reached the scream shack, Albus was ready to cringe into his warm four-poster bed and go to sleep. John 's excitement had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the farsighted, chilly walk. Matt, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the moonlight, did n't search 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 moon ? '' John asked, out of breather. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the time you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' Matt replied in between breaths, `` Madam Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` wellspring, next time I ca n't catch some Z's I 'll just walk up and down this a few times, '' John joked.

`` In. Here, '' Matt panted as he opened an old looking door 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 dry out line. There was n't anything that remained unbroken. Pieces of tables, chairs, and couch were all over the berth with raciness marks on them. There was a staircase nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on numerous times. Albus swallowed as he realized that his friend was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' St. John the Apostle asked slowly.

lusterlessness glared at him. `` Use your brain, '' he snapped.

John looked from him to the broken furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Matt sighed and sat down on the storey near the fireplace. He leaned his oral sex against the wall. `` See why I did n't really require you to come in here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and John nodded.

`` It 's one thing for you to have it off what I am, '' mat 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 Shrieking Shack during the total moon. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the skirt chaser. ``

`` I guess, '' matt said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' King John replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and lustrelessness shouted at the same time.

`` Become Animagi, '' John repeated, `` If we 're trying to become the succeeding vulture, 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 reassessment !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit the thought did crossbreed his creative thinker every once in a while. But really, it was n't very realistic. Yes, the Marauders had done it, but they were prosperous it had worked out all right. There was a rationality that hardly anyone could become an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only 2nd long time. The predator had n't done it until their fifth year. They were exceptionally smart, too. well, three of them were. Albus did n't reckon he was anywhere near good enough at Transfiguration to pull it off. rosiness was probably the solely one of them who had a fortune at succeeding. And even though rose wine did not hesitate to burst rules when she needed to, there was no way she would agree to this. `` Oh semen on, Saint John, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' John asked, `` The marauder did it. ``

`` They were really saucy, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smartness. And what did you get on your net August 6 test ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' Saint John corrected him, `` And we 'd cipher it out. rise could facilitate us. ``

`` But this is n't as unproblematic as figuring out a tour for form ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's life-threatening. What if we ca n't change back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? rose wine does n't screw everything. Even she would make trouble with this. ``

`` It 's worth the risk, '' John said adamantly, `` I do n't care if I mess up a few times. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the thing. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the chance to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summer. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as shoal was over last year because he knew the thought would cross my psyche. He 'll know if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd reckon trying when we 're older, but definitely not right now. ``

John sighed, `` It would be great if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new predator then. imagine if we could even switch into the same animals the Marauders were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that St. John the Apostle seemed to take the fact that Albus was n't going to agitate on the publication. `` I do n't make out if I 'd be a hart, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' John asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy frankfurter, not a big cool dog like you 'd be, but a tiny chihuahua or something that 's always skin and jumping. ``

`` Definitely, '' John laughed, `` It could n't offend to research Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for surplus credit. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` Department of Energy n't matter, '' Matt said quietly. He had been exceptionally unruffled ever since whoremaster had first mentioned the estimation. `` You ca n't become Animagi with me on the full Moon. ``

`` Why ? '' John asked. `` We know it 's grievous. 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 work 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 have me do the Wolfsbane study instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the full moon, I wo n't smart myself and it 'll seem like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up the study big time. My parents decided it would be better for me to rule a potion that would puzzle out than to have to bank on other people 's Animagus abilities. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very happy. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a piffling relieved. He did n't need to go an Animagus behind his dad 's rear. It was one matter to steal the invisibility Cloak for a partner off days, but to creep around as an animal every wax Moon ? That was just too close for Albus 's liking. He hoped that bathroom would give up on the approximation now.

`` But if the work ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't intercept you from trying. ``

`` Sounds funfair, '' bathroom replied, `` How long does the study go ? ``

`` No idea. Probably at least another two years. It all depends on how many different mannequin of Wolfsbane people come up with, '' lusterlessness closed his optic and leaned his head against the wall again.

`` vexation still there ? '' Albus asked. Matt nodded without opening his optic. `` Let 's rush up, then. Where should we put the parchment ? ``

`` Room behind the step, '' Matt shakily stood up. `` That way lady Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' John gently pushed his protagonist back onto the floor. `` How a great deal parchment should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you bring ? ``

`` About a half drum roll, '' Albus pulled a partially used ringlet of parchment out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. opportunity are most of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the stairs with John following and saw the modest room lustrelessness was talking about. It was also filled with various split piece of music of furniture. `` We should n't have done this tonight. I did n't even recall about the moon. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his head as he bent down to travel some of the furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the meter with the custody. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can sleep all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped man off the ringlet of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' John yawned. `` Was n't expecting the tunnel to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a longsighted way from the dry land to Hogsmeade, so it makes mother wit. ``

Albus finished ripping the parchment and the two boys each took a stack to affix to the flooring. It took them a few minutes and once they were done, the room was covered in pieces of parchment.

`` I can see why he did n't want lady Pomfrey to see, '' lav laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely heighten some questions, '' Albus lit his own wand. `` Let 's just hope this kit and boodle. I ca n't see any other way to safely get a werewolf 's paw print. ``

The two boy took one Thomas More look at the parchment coated room and then went back to the prominent chief way. lusterlessness was justly where they left him, leaning against a partially broken hot seat. Albus nudged him awake.

`` Finished ? '' lustrelessness yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the castle, '' Albus helped his protagonist up and the three of them left the shack.

The slip back through the tunnel took a lot thirster than when they were going to the shanty. All three male child were incredibly tired and the kick 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 severe getting out than getting in, '' matt said tiredly as he removed the wards. `` Whoever goes first has to parry the branches and then push the grayback on the tree trunk for the other two. ``

Albus and John looked at each other, for both of them knew flatness was too exhausted to be able to sidestep 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 articulatio humeri with one of the flailing limb. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the trunk for the international nautical mile. His hand made contact with it and the branches immediately froze. `` You can come out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the invisibleness Cloak out of his cloak. matte appeared out of the hole first and shuddered as the Moon hit him. John was decently behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once flatness re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' lav asked Albus once they were back on the itinerary leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the shoulder, '' Albus replied. His shoulder stung and he could feel some roue dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see Madam Pomfrey. She would get it on immediately what gave him the wound and would no doubt take a firm stand on knowing what they were up to.

The boys trudged along through the cold nighttime air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that thickly 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 matter. It was worth it, though. Within a few Day they would have one of the four paw photographic print needed to unlock the closed book of the new map.

A little while later they reached the palace doors. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the one-sixth level and Peeves was in Moaning Vinca minor 's bathroom. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the handgrip of the door and pushed. It did not budge. He tried again, but no luck. `` Filch must 've remembered to lock up it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those patch Rose taught you, '' John suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his scepter at the handle. He muttered a tour but the room access remained interlace. He tried a few Sir Thomas More, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a panicked tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' John the Divine 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 hours ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't stay out here all night ! '' matt 's voice cracked, `` We 'll freeze ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as panic filled his body. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the rook and into the tunnel without getting caught that the intellection of being locked out had n't even crossed his nous. I mean, what were the fortune of the doors being unlocked when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't stay on out here, it was freezing and would snow soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any chance either of you knows how to conjure up a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the exclusively way he knew to contact Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' John asked. `` We 're only endorsement years. ``

`` well, have you got any brightly ideas on how to enjoin Rose and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

John thought for a minute before answering, `` You could break into the Calluna vulgaris shed and steal a broom. Then fly it up to Gryffindor tugboat. ``

`` 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 students ? ``

`` Wear the Invisibility Cloak, '' lav replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then Rose and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, right, '' John sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in trouble, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't recall of something else soon, they would have to go to Hagrid's.

`` fountainhead, we 've got to think of something soon. He 's got to get away from the lunation, '' John gestured to Matt who was leaning against the doorway and breathing heavily.

`` The moon 's almost covered by clouds, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll have to occupy about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' John Lackland groaned. `` Maybe we can curl up in quite a little of Snow like wolves do and keep on warm that way. ``

`` Very amusing, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would befall if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in difficulty, but how much ? Would they just get detention or would it be forged ? Points would be taken away for sure, and that would not go over well with the other Gryffindors.

`` Hey, wait ! '' John 's facial expression brightened a bit, `` What about the screaming shanty ? We could just go back there and spend the night. Then we 'll pilfer back in tomorrow morning after Filch has unlocked the doorway again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a moment. `` Not actually a bad thought. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

John grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked Matt in the side.

`` What ? '' Matt opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the shanty, '' Saint John the Apostle explained.

`` Great, '' lustrelessness said sarcastically, `` I get to spend another night there. You two could n't derive up with a unlike musical theme ? ``

`` Nope, '' John answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty brilliant myself, so unless you 've got a better one, we 're going. ``

Matt sighed, `` Oh, finely. But we 're not making a habit of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' John laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' lustrelessness groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't serve but feel a bantam bit excited about spending the nighttime in the Shack. It would definitely be the worst thing he had ever done, as far as breaking prescript was concerned. He also felt nervous about it. What if they did get caught ? What if blush wine and Amanda started to get worry and told soul about their design ? Albus pushed that thought out of his brain. rose would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in hassle. But they were n't in that big of trouble. The three of them would expend the night in the shack and that would be that. When morning came they would mouse back into the rook and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be kind of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit grave. Something the Marauders would have done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The trip back to the shack, though exhausting, was uneventful. John, like Albus, had a face of excitement in his eyes 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 plaza he could sleep.

`` This is jolly cool, '' John grinned, `` Spending the night in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be coldness, though, '' Matt shivered, `` There are n't any heating charms in here. ``

`` warmer than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his robe. `` Are there any lights in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' Matt replied. `` We 'll just have to prevent our wands lit. ``

`` What do you desire to do now ? '' bathroom asked with a aspect of mischievousness on his face, `` So many possibility in this place .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' matte suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the night in the shack, was extremely tired and all he wanted to do was sleep. `` Are there any layer here ? ``

`` One, '' mat answered. He led Albus and John the Evangelist up the stairs and into the only bedchamber. There was one large bed and a press, both surprisingly still intact. `` They 're charmed to be indestructible, '' Matt answered Albus 's questioning look.

bathroom 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, '' lustrelessness joined him on the bed and started jump as well. `` You 're proper, it is quite an Nice for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was respectable for jumping. Even estimable than Saint James 's. King James, Albus, and Lily had spent many hours 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 instant. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a floor his aunty Hermione had told him about monkeys jumping on a bed.

`` What 's so funny ? '' John asked.

`` Just wondering who 'll be the first to fall off and break his head, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' John asked and lusterlessness started to laugh as well.

`` It 's a Muggle story, '' Albus explained and proceeded to tell John the Evangelist the story of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for stories, '' John the Divine shook his head and jumped off the bed, landing on his feet like a cat. `` I do n't recollect any of us are going to break our chief. ``

`` Mine feels like it 's broken, '' Matt announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't land as gracefully as St. John and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down next to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt pointed his lit wand at his arm. `` No origin. ``

`` goodness, '' John replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can slip back in before a lot of multitude wake up. ``

`` There 's more cover in the press, '' Matt yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the mantle that was already on the bed.

Albus and John each grabbed a mates mantle and got into the bed alongside lustrelessness. It was a beneficial thing the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much bigger than the four-poster seam in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already benumbed, '' John Lackland commented as he lay down.

`` goodness, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his head ache will go away. Good night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the succeeding morning to slivers of light shining through the boarded up windows. Boarded up Windows ? There were n't boarded up windows in the residence hall. Albus 's middle shot open and he glanced around at his surroundings. Oh, right. The memories of the late Nox flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the Shrieking shack. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more tired this break of day than he had the premature night. One look at his scout told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four hours of sopor. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the castle quickly anyway, if they wanted to sneak back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged Saint 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 infected and would require a head trip to the hospital annexe. Albus shook John the Evangelist with his uninjured arm. `` John, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me sleep, '' John groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't care, '' John murmured.

`` I 'll promote 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 edge of the bed. He gave him one final exam jog and John fell off the border of the bed with a gimcrack thump.

`` What the hell ? '' whoremaster shouted, sitting up with a dazed 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 come out of the tree diagram. ``

`` Oh, fine, '' privy 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 cover and stowed them back in the wardrobe so gentlewoman Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to push him off the bed too ? '' John pointed to Matt 's sleeping configuration as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the Justice Department ? '' trick muttered.

Albus grinned and shook Matt awake. `` We 've got to get back to the castle. We 'll sleep More there. ``

Matt groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just stay here. ``

`` I would n't evoke it, '' John responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you believe that ? ``

matte laughed and looked from John to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The boys left the shack quickly and started the tenacious journeying back to the Whomping Willow. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very gladiolus that he did n't have any social class today. He had homework, but he was n't even going to think about that until he got at to the lowest degree another six hours of quietus. One promptly substantiation of the map told him that the slide was clear 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 palace. Since it was still early on, the only one on the reason was Hagrid. There were several more inch of snow and by the fourth dimension they boys were back at the castle doorway, their robes were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castle, it had started sowing again.

`` Rose and Amanda are in the Great Hall, '' Albus pointed to their two dots on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the Entrance manor hall, so I think we 're good. '' Albus pushed the doorway open 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 Rose and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see dame Pomfrey sometime, '' lustrelessness told them, `` My arm still hurts, spirit. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robes up and showed them his black and sorry arm. `` I do n't think it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My articulatio humeri still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll have to go, too. ``

At that here and now, Rose and Amanda left the Great Charles Francis Hall and stopped a partner off understructure away from the boys. whoremaster pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both missy had a combination of relief and choler on their faces. blush wine was fuming by the fourth dimension 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, '' rosebush seethed and stalked off towards the stairs with Amanda at her side.

Albus, John, and Matt followed wordlessly. All theme of going to the hospital annex were driven from Albus 's judgment. Of course of study, after seeing Rose, he would much rather have been bombarded with motion about his shoulder than going to the Room with his cousin.

nonentity said a word until they were in the Room. Albus, John, and Matt sat side of meat by face on the lounge, but Rose and Amanda remained standing in nominal head of them. `` explicate yourselves ! '' Rose shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

pink wine cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll separate you about our night first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the Shack in the midriff of the night, but it had to be done. What other choice did we have ? It was secure than the choice. How else were you going to get the paw print ? I thought the plan would work. We had it all set. You three would mouse down there and put the lambskin on the floor and then sneak back up. Simple. '' Rose stopped and began to pace around the room.

`` There were all kinds of things that could 've gone awry, '' Amanda picked up where pink wine left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the teachers. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the grounds ? There are all sorts of beast wandering around at night. Not to mention the Whomping willow itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to opine when you three never showed up ? ! '' pink wine raised her vocalisation even in high spirits, if that was potential. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a teacher, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' John pleaded. Albus sent him a admonition look. He knew it was never good to interrupt Rose when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, John Lackland ! We thought some form of animal had you ! Or even big, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and kidnapped you or something ! Then you sneak back into the castle this good morning, looking like you 've just been at a party or something !

`` You kept us up all Night worrying, when you probably just decided to have some fun last Night. You know I was this finish to telling Uncle Harry this morning. I wanted to last night, but Amanda convinced me to hold off until morning. Of course now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a mates detainment would teach you not to stay out all nighttime ! ``

`` rosiness, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us explain. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' Rose glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did last night was n't just stupidity. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The doors to the castle were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the rook. I tried all the charms you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to drop the night in the screeching shack. And you 're right, it was variety of fun. ``

Rose and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a word for the side by side minute. Albus and the other male child did n't dare say a word either. `` Well, '' rosiness 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 note telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at least known what was going on. ``

Albus, whoremaster, and lustrelessness turned to look at each other. Albus felt his boldness turn red. Of course ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The merely means of communicating Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the solvent was there all along, a unproblematic owl. He could ingest just made a straightaway tripper to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're idiots, '' John muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our idiots, '' rosiness laughed. `` Now, are you going to tell us about your slight adventure ? ``

Albus, bathroom, and mat spent the following half hour relaying every detail of their tripper to the scream Shack the former Nox. pink wine and Amanda both found it very entertaining, especially the part about Albus pushing John off the bed.

After they were done telling the story, all five of them went to the infirmary wing so Albus and Matt could get their wounds healed. dame Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the Montgomery Ward was completely deserted of former patients. 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 clock time ? ``

`` Just these two, '' John the Evangelist pointed at Albus and Matt.

Madam Pomfrey took one hard look at Matt and announced, `` You were outdoor last night. Was someone giving you hold ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

dame Pomfrey looked at him for a few mo longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and Matt sat down on one of the beds and ma'am Pomfrey returned a few present moment later with a tray laden with potions. She told matte to drink them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' matt pulled up his arm, `` I tripped over a book. ``

Madam Pomfrey clucked her tongue and pulled out her wand. She had his arm healed in an wink. `` I trust you 'll get some sleep today ? Or do I have to make you stay here ? ``

`` I 'll sleep, I promise, '' Matt replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nursemaid turned to Albus.

`` harm my shoulder, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the depicted object. He pulled up his sleeve to divulge his injured shoulder.

Madam Pomfrey studied it for a bit, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nurse looked at the harm for a niggling while recollective 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 last Nox, do n't do it again, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then lustrelessness in the eye, `` I wo n't severalise prof Longbottom this time, or your Father-God, '' she said to Albus, `` But adjacent clip I will. ``

Albus breathed a suspiration of relief as Madam Pomfrey healed his shoulder with one blue-belly wave of her wand. He 'd sustain no worry keeping his word to the nurse. There was no way that he was going to repeat terminal nighttime. Well, 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, '' ma'am Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some quietus, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would let no problem doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The group went back to the common room and the boy immediately headed for their dormitory room. Albus changed into his pyjama 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, St. Luke, smirkyhaha, Moonylupin, and hermionieforever for their revue !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the clip Albus woke up it was already dinner party time, which was ripe because he was starving. John and Matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling practically better now that they 'd gotten a comme il faut sum of money of sleep.

`` set to do that again ? '' John asked as he was putting on his shoes.

Despite the fact that Albus did have fun on their risky venture last nighttime, he did not want to repeat it. `` Are you mental ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' John laughed.

`` You do pull in that we 'll have to go get the paw photographic print, '' Matt reminded them.

Albus and John looked at each early. The trueness was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just bestow with you back to the rook ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious, '' mat replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped matte would be capable to get the paw print. What were the fortune that they 'd be able to cabbage down to the hutch again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't blank out to lock away the room access twice. Plus, what would come about if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a loud voice shouted as soon as Albus, John, and Matt descended into the green room. Kaden came running over to them with his usual look of upheaval 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 Rose 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 girl, they do strange thing, '' lav said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' Matt answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up late doing prep last night, '' John lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after first-class honours degree twelvemonth. They bombard you with even Sir Thomas More homework. ``

`` supposition I 've got that to front forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The boys did spend their intact eve doing all the homework they had n't done the night before. Kaden stared at them the wholly fourth dimension, no doubt thinking of next class, when he would induce to spend his whole weekend doing prep. Albus felt kind of bad that they told him that and he was now sort of dreading his second gear year, but he 'd find out soon enough that that was n't true. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a countersign about the new map until rosebush found the charm to keep him quiet about it.

******

The day of the broad moon came quickly and Albus could n't concentrate on any of his classes. He could only opine about the map, and how they would be one step closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon have it off if another trip to the shack was going to be essential. Of course, it may be that more than one to a greater extent trip would be needed, if they did n't get the footprint tonight. There was the possibility that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't require to think about that, though. He just clung to the thought that they would be able to get a paw mark tonight and that Matt would be able to bring it back the next morning.

lusterlessness skipped his good afternoon grade and expend the time sleeping in the way of Requirement. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner and snuck out of the Great residence before Kaden noticed, they went up to the Room. They did n't have much clock time before Matt had to go to the infirmary annexe and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how foresighted that tunnel is, I feel even drab for him, '' can said quietly on their way to the common room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't fuck how he does it. He could barely get to the hospital offstage. ``

`` Hi, guys ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the commons room. Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda went over to the table Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with parchment and book, and sat down. `` Where 's matte ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the hospital annex, '' 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-german could be so dense sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his book and tried to centre on his homework. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the following day, which he was very mad 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 class he still would n't be able to concentrate. His whole mind was consumed with thoughts about the map. He sighed and closed his book. None of his prep was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really feel like doing homework tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' lavatory muttered and continued writing his DADA essay that was due the next day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an idea that would occupy both his and Kaden 's eve. `` Ever played chess ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum taught me. ``

`` Ever played whiz 's Bromus secalinus ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's face lit up, `` Wizards have their own chess ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll instruct you. Be right back. '' Albus ran up to his dormitory and rummaged around in his tree trunk until he found a cheat control board, his chessman, and an old set of chessman for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more excited than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` swordplay chess. It 's pretty much like Muggle chess, but with some remainder. You call up how to fiddle Muggle chess ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` Well, with sensation 's Chess everyone has their own chessmen. These are mine, '' Albus held up his whiten chess piece. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this spare part set. I think it used to belong to my Uncle Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of inkiness chessmen.

`` Are you any full at chess game ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right. Not as right as James, and not nearly as good as Rose. My Uncle Ron, Rose 's dad, is the safe at it. No one 's ever able to ticktock him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like rule ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own piece of music. `` White goes first. Oh, and you do n't run your pieces. Just tell the pieces which space to affect to. ``

`` Tell them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you mean, differentiate them ? ``

`` Just vigil, '' Albus put down his final piece and muttered direction for his cat's-paw to make a motion two square ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the ashen instrument moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not need to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his pawns to proceed forward two public square and it did so without hesitation. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than habitue chess. ``

The biz continued for a few more than minutes and then one of Kaden 's pawn wound up in the path of Albus 's castle. Albus commanded the palace forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the common elbow room turned around to expect at him. `` Your castle killed my cat's-paw ! That 's mental ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a spell to furbish up them, '' Albus explained.

`` volition my musical composition kill yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few turns later, Kaden got the chance to order one of his piece of music to kill one of Albus 's. Kaden 's side was full of gleefulness as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's pawns. The game continued and Albus started to get the notion that Kaden just liked watching the spell destroy each early. 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 pawn. Kaden 's chessmen were not very felicitous about this and his king and knight actually got into what appeared to be a heat up argument about whether or not they were going to continue to listen to Kaden. Eventually, his king categoric out refused to incite and Albus won by default option. Nevertheless, it was one of the most amusing games of chess Ablus had ever played. privy, 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 broken pieces. `` I 'm not surely if these will be willing to listen to you anymore. ``

`` fountainhead it 's no wonder, '' blush wine commented, `` All he did was state them to take the air right into expiry cakehole. ``

`` It 's funny to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe succeeding time you 'll actually try and win, '' rosebush smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chessman for Xmas. ``

`` That would be a commodity melodic theme, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them advantageously than these ones. ``

******

Albus did n't catch some Z's very well that night and he was very tired the next morning. All he could opine about was the paw mark and whether or not their design 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 annex after this, right ? '' John whispered to Albus during a creative thinker numbing account of trick moral. Binns was currently droning on about the history of the enslavement of House Elves. Rose was the only one paying attention, although Albus had no estimate why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the history of House Elves, having been lectured about it by rose wine 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you desire lunch first ? ``

`` Of row I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's make it fast. ``

`` I should n't have bothered request, '' Albus laughed.

`` How much longer until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in front of him and John, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his watch. `` Fifteen min. But it 'll feel like thirty. ``

`` Why do we call for to know about House Elves anyway ? '' Gospel According to John asked

`` They 're an important part of wizarding story ! '' pink wine replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's ho-hum, though, '' John responded and flicked a piece of parchment at the Hufflepuff session at the desk next to him. `` We should learn about something more exciting. Like the Giant warfare. ``

`` Binns 'll take a leak even that boring, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's better than this. ``

`` Even the history of caldron and their effect on wizarding society ? '' Amanda laughed. That lesson, which had taken seat the previous year, had been the worst one yet. Albus was sure everyone, including blush wine, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never mind, '' privy groaned. `` I do n't even want to cogitate about that one. Or the 14 column inch essay we had to write on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and Miss Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd like to share with the class ? ``

`` No, sir, '' john replied.

`` Good, trade good, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, British House Elves started to stimulate contact with the American English household Elves, which resulted in a kind of household Elf integrity .... ''

`` kill me now, '' whoremaster muttered.

`` Five more than minutes ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this House Elf hooey, '' Amanda whispered.

lavatory snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes history. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is worse than math in Muggle school, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate maths, '' John agreed, `` I 'm sword lily we do n't bear to take in them here. Mum taught me some and it was horrifying. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy future year, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that socio-economic class either.

`` No way, '' Saint John the Apostle shook his chief, `` I 'll bet Kaden would wish it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this course of instruction. ``

`` He does. He told me the other day, '' Amanda announced.

`` Likes everything except Quidditch, '' whoremonger sighed, `` There 's something wrong with that kid. ``

`` twelve inch essay about the high society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare for next course of study, '' Binns droned a minute before the class was over.

The here and now the bell rang, Albus and his acquaintance 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.

`` trade good, you can do mine ! '' whoremaster told him.

`` Sorry, one boring essay per night, yours would put me over my limit, '' Albus faked an excusatory tone. `` Oh, come on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd like to spend my time. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see matt. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of educatee 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 to shovel down food at the opposite end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their hurried luncheon, they ran up to the hospital wing. `` I hope he was capable to get the paw print, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't visualize walking through that tunnel again, '' John agreed.

The curtains were pulled around matt 's common bed at the far end of the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth. nonentity was in any of the other seam. brothel keeper Pomfrey was busy preparing potions when the group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to recognise 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 delay long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be calm down, too, '' John commented, `` You can flip us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the dominion, '' the nursemaid replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to come back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a gruff voice came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' brothel keeper Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the drape, `` You know he needs to pillow ! ``

`` Well, he 's awake now, so we can ride out, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` fine, '' ma'am Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a short patch. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the drape again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right, '' lustrelessness replied. He looked much like he usually did after a fully Sun Myung Moon, with various bandages all over. `` You did n't arouse me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' rosebush asked.

`` You 'll never imagine who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he descend to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go visit mat unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't think. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in course of instruction 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 state him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here last nighttime. brothel keeper Pomfrey came to feed 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 severalize Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in Transfiguration this morning, '' rosebush pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't matter then. ``

Albus was just itching to have sex if mat had managed to get the paw print. He had thought lusterlessness would bring it up right away, but the Kaden thing must 've made him bury about it. `` Did you get the print ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in luck, '' matt smiled, `` I did pull off 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 torn composition of lambskin. But in the middle was a very large paw print consisting of a mixture of ink, mud, and descent. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And sort of gross, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` Perfect. ``

`` One down feather, three to go, '' John commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the other three are a bit easier. '' Albus was feeling very unspoilt about their architectural plan now. The hardest paw print was done and soon they would have the other three.

`` And the charm is working very much better now, '' Rose announced, `` I started to get the knack of it last Nox. I 'll probably have it done before Christmas. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can initiate looking for that spell to keep Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow evening or Friday morn, probably, '' Matt told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to jump Astronomy. ``

`` What a shame, '' John faked a flavor of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an hour looking at star topology. ''

`` We 'll be trusted to get all the preparation for you, '' Rose told him.

`` Oh do n't concern about it, '' matte laughed. `` What did I miss in class yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not much, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted mandrakes again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoons into forking in Transfiguration. And we learned all about the history of House Elves in account of illusion. It was one of the most drilling stratum yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' lustrelessness agreed.

`` Was not, '' rosebush argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling recitation, '' Amanda said. `` The next duel is Saturday. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely blank out about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the werewolf mark for the map that the dueling club had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, Rose, '' John grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' rose smirked, `` Ca n't block him. ``

`` You should take exception him to a chess mate, '' John decided, `` It 'll be fun to watch. ``

`` I 'll beat him in two arcminute straight, '' Rose laughed.

`` Kaden plays wizard 's cheat ? '' mat asked.

`` Albus taught him last dark. You 've got to catch it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to watch the pieces get smashed so by the end of the game, his piece of music refused to listen to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' rosebush changed the subject, `` Take back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't give to sneak back into the shack. ``

Albus really did n't want to yield 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 suggested.

`` Which is aright now, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey pulled back the drapery and set a tray of potions down on the bedside table. `` Time for you four to bequeath. He needs to kip. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' lusterlessness waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' Rose whispered as soon as they 'd keep out the door to the hospital wing.

Albus nodded and started to walk to his dad 's bureau. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few students wandering around, but no one paid a lot attention as Albus unlocked the door to Harry 's role and guide his friends inside.

`` smell like my house, '' John, who had never been in Harry 's office before, announced, `` A complete lot. My whole family is mussy. ``

`` My mum 's a neat addict. She 'd have a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' St. John gave Amanda a Wyrd look.

`` Guess it 's a Muggle expression. 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 door. He pushed it open and went inside, with his friends 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 more time before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd found it. `` Well, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' King John replied as he gazed around the room. `` marvel what else we could happen in here ? ``

`` lavatory ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` search at this ! '' John leaped over a big bucks of books and picked up a picture that was sitting on top of the press. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle toddler. ``

Albus grabbed the picture out of John 's bridge player and looked at it. Sure enough, it was a picture of Albus, Saint James the Apostle, and Lily, right after Lily was born. James, who must have been three or four, was holding a tiny infant with a large amount of red hair. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's manus and making her wave.

`` You were an adorable little kid, Albus, '' John smirked. `` So was William James. ``

`` I 'm sure you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the picture 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, Gospel of Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Saturday was soon upon them and with it came a howling snow storm. Albus was very felicitous that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch peer. He had played Quidditch in C. P. Snow before, but never in conditions that prevented him from seeing his own hands in front of him. Today 's storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going outside, but he need n't make bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the first place.

After lunch, half the school migrated into the dueling room and waited for the tournament to commence. Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their champion and sat down at the table they had been at the old tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the only if remaining seat, which happened to be following to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a seat next to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` Potter, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tournament commenced much as it had the late time, only this clock time everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around meter and Albus was very felicitous that Amanda was on his team so he had somebody 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 hr, it was finally Albus 's turn to duel. Malfoy had just completed his for the first time duel and beat 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 other boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two jonah at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a trip jinx and then disarmed him. The wholly thing took about a minute.

`` Point to putter around ! '' Neville announced.

`` proficient 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 low gear class could 've beat up that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the Lapp thing. ``

`` Your shortstop protagonist is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling area that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that matte was about to duel one of the former Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't attend that upright. ``

Albus personally thought mat looked all right, considering he had just gotten out of the Hospital wing the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was brainsick. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your stupid cousin told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't call him stupid. And the Hat knows better than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't tell Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would have got been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your cousin 's got anymore information that I 'd like to know. ``

`` Do n't go near my cousin-german, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In caseful you have n't realized by now, you 're on the same team. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to watch out the rest of Matt 's duel. It took him a while, but lusterlessness did eventually drum the Hufflepuff. He looked fall apart out, but glad. `` Told you he could ticktack him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky shot, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't talk to each other for the rest of the tournament. Both male child won their next duels, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her first duel and won her second. John won his beginning and lost his second. matte lost his second one and Rose managed to win both of hers. But despite their in force efforts, none of their teams won the tournament. It did n't really matter though because the points were so finish. The terminal tournament was still very up in the air and any of the team had a chance of making it.

******

The remaining days until the end of condition went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Christmas vacation this year because it meant that Albus and his admirer would acquire two more of the paw prints needed for the map. rose wine had just perfected the transfer appealingness and had already started searching for the charm to keep Kaden quiet. After Christmas, the only thing left to do would be to get the rat print. Albus thought it was quite curious that the minor and theoretically easiest print to get was taking the longest. John had yet to manage to enamor a rat during potions class 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 last day of course of instruction. The group of Gryffindors were in the Room of requisite, enjoying some heartsease and quiet while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with cheese or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just daze it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' whoremaster muttered, `` I 'd been trying to stun them across the way. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would discover that ? '' Rose said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, Rose. ``

`` wellspring, you 've got plenty of time to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the stag mark. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' Rose replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the hart, Albus. You can hail 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, '' rosiness smirked, `` granny and grandpa are going on holiday together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really manage to cogitate about, Rose, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few days after Christmas and spend new twelvemonth 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the holiday ? ``

`` The usual, '' John said immediately, `` All my cousins coming over at assorted clock time. Should be crazy as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your house sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your cousins 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 hilarious, especially after he 's had a couple firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great grandad drinks firewhiskey ? '' Matt laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling silly story 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, '' Rose grinned.

`` Your great-great granddaddy strait like our Auntie Muriel. She 's 127 and love to gossip, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad relatives, '' Amanda commented, `` My home sounds passably normal compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Hanukah, so that makes up for it, '' John replied, `` I mean, who would n't like eight Day of present ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the best affair ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle ally who celebrates both. But she does n't get present tense on every Night of Hanukkah, '' lustrelessness told them.

`` I get small presents each Night and then one big one on the net nighttime, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still chill, '' john said, `` So, Matt, do you ingest to go travel to your grandparents this year ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't cue me, '' mat groaned, `` Of course 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 days before term starts. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus smiled. `` At to the lowest degree 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 follow over to pink wine 's house with me. Then we can recreate Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should come up too, St. John the Apostle and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm sure my parents will let me, '' John replied.

`` I can probably only stay a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Hanukkah is late this year and starts on Christmastime, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll have to be home by the eve. ``

`` That 'll work. Maybe we can all get the stag print together, '' Albus said.

`` Good melodic theme, '' John grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably tell you now, just in case I do n't get to go to rosiness 's house, '' Matt began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his friend, who was looking a fiddling forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the beginning of the terminal figure. The wide Moon 's on the 9th and mortal has to observe me once I start taking it a few days before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the morning after and stick a distich twenty-four hour period. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really sure what to say. He wished more than ever that someone would just discover a potion that would work for him.

`` Look on the bright side, '' John the Evangelist said, `` At least you do n't have to transmute at your grandparents house again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never birth to do that again, '' Matt shook his point, `` But let 's tattle about something else. Did you see in the vaticinator that the Cannons almost won that game against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American team they were playing for practice. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 points ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's near ! '' Matt grinned, `` They 're making a return, I just know it ! ``

`` fountainhead, with a epithet like 'Finches', what do you expect ? It would n't have surprised me if the Cannons beat them, '' St. John the Apostle laughed, `` Well, maybe a picayune. But seriously, who names a squad the 'Finches'? ``

******

The term ended the next day with a bang, literally. James and a few of his protagonist thought it would be funny to put a few Weasley firework into the suit of clothes of armour and charm them to go off at certain metre during the day. After the tenth explosion the teachers gave up trying to teach anything and just let their scholar do what they wanted during class, within grounds of row. Unfortunately for James II and his booster, Professor Cedonia spotted them refilling the armor on the secondly floor corridor with fresh fireworks and gave them one of her rare detentions. For this one, they had to houseclean every exclusive suit of armor on the minute floor corridor that evening. King James I said it was worth it, though.

`` We really ought to come up with a few good frivolity, '' Saint John decided as they were traveling through the hills on the train. `` That 's what the Marauders did, was prank people, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very skilful at coming up with pranks. That was James 's area of expertise. Plus, if the final result of such pranks was cleaning suits of armour, Albus really did n't want to pull a whole lot of pranks. `` Maybe a few fry 1, that do n't get us in Brobdingnagian problem. ``

`` I 'm sure we could do some of those. There 's oodles of stuff and nonsense we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one James II did before the first dueling tournament, '' Matt laughed.

The rest of the train drive went quickly and soon Albus and his protagonist found themselves at magnate 's Cross. Albus climbed off the caravan and saw his parents standing with rosiness 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, John grabbed his arm and steered him in another direction. `` C'mon, you can encounter my great-great grandpa ! ``

Albus saw a very fallible, completely bald, old man with a long bloodless whiskers standing next to John 's parents. can lead their group over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave toilet a tight hug, `` How 're affair at that school ? How is Professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died days ago, grandad, like I told you over the summer. Like I tell you every summer, '' John stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new teachers, a crew of young'ins I bet ! Back in my day none of the teachers were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new schoolmaster .... ''

`` gramps, '' John shook his head, `` The instructor are exquisitely. But I want you to conform to my booster. This is Matt Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` Potter ! ? '' John 's great-great grandpa peered into Albus 's eyes and grinned, `` Albus Potter ? Well I 'll be. If it is n't Harry Potter 's son ! I remember back in the years of You-know-who and nobody thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes minuscule Harry Potter and fag ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should happen again ? Harry thrower makes 'im disappear again and for good this metre ! ``

Albus, who was used to this kind of tending but not someone shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to snub the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, courteous to get together you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these girls ? Have you got yourself two girl, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't urge it. I did it once and meander up with no girlfriends after they found out ! ``

`` No, granddaddy, '' trick laughed, `` They 're just friends. Amanda tagger and Rose Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the redhead. Just wait till you 're older. ``

`` Just friends, grandpa, '' John 's impudence turned red.

`` He 's like the Male variant of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' John 's grandad shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the elderly man would be able to hear him. `` I used to have it away a Muriel ! Went to schooling with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in decades ! ``

Albus looked at blush wine. 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 for certain she 'd love that, '' rose wine smiled.

`` We 're going to hold to go now, '' John 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' can waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` Tell your dad I said hi ! '' John 's great-great grandad shouted.

******

Albus spent the next few days hanging around Grimmauld plaza with William James and the rest of his fellowship. Lily was thrilled to experience both her sidekick and her dad menage and she had been demanding to recognize everything that had gone on the past tense term.

`` That way I 'll bang 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 secernate 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 love ? '' William James asked.

`` I 'm the vernal. I should hump everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few years ! And then all the Muggle-born tike will ask me questions and I 'll be able to suffice 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 steps into the kitchen and pulled up a death chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the seer, `` Have you seen the Marauder 's Map ? ``

King James choked on his succus and sprayed it across the table at Albus, as he turned vivid red.

`` Ew, keep an eye on it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, James I ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` fine. The article on the front end of the newspaper publisher, it 's, er, shocking, '' James blushed some more and pointed to the social movement of the prophet, which was facing him.

`` Witch Tries to diminution Size of Her auricle, magic spell Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. masses ought to be more heedful ! '' James sputtered. He gave Albus a facial expression 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 alteration, '' Albus jumped up and followed James River. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to have to collapse it back. Albus was going to miss it, but it would only be a topic of time before he had the other one working.

`` Albus ! '' King James I pulled him into the drawing room and shut the door. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I kind of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to have to purloin it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` Wait, Albus ! '' James grabbed his arm, `` The thing is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from base to foot looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't find it ! '' James whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't have lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not funny ! '' James insisted.

`` You did n't lose it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you month ago and did n't require to give it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' James shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd recede it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't matter now. We 've got to give it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` fountainhead you stole it from Dad in the first of all spot, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of trouble ! ``

He had a point there. If Albus had n't bear been in Kendrick 's federal agency the former class, James River never would have taken the map in the first billet. `` All right. I 'll just go sneak it into his room. Maybe he 'll intend he just forgot to fetch it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's Bob Hope so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his bedroom. He knew his dad would need the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At least he had n't noticed it was missing at schooltime. Albus threw undefendable his automobile trunk and rifled through his school clobber. He still had n't take out everything or packed a bag for his stop at the Burrow. The map was inside the pic record album Albus found over the summertime, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't need the Marauder 's Map to decrypt the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'way. He shoved the map under a cumulus of justificatory deception books and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' James asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a mint of Word, with one corner sticking out. ``

`` perfective. You might want to go change your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, right hand, '' Albus looked down at his juice splattered tee shirt, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No trouble, '' Saint James laughed, `` Come to me for all your juice spraying need. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his eyes as he left the room to change his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, St. Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their revue !