Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
Weasley fellowship Tree is in the Author 's Note at the bottom.


mollie Weasley did n't dare serve dinner party until after the Quidditch match had been completed because even she did n't receive the power to drag Weasleys away from Quidditch. Teddy secured a win for his squad by practically stealing the fink out James 's grasp and then everyone was off their heather and sitting at the expectant crowd of table in record clip. After all, Quidditch was one of the best affair one could do to develop a big appetite. Albus was certainly quite hungry and in a very sound mode as he had been on Teddy 's team.

Albus and Rose sat next to each other in the middle of the radical of table and unfortunately Sir Henry Percy sat directly across from them. Early experience had taught them never to sit near Harry Hotspur due to his riding habit of talking government during dinner, something that even bored Rose. The two of them looked at each early as Percy sat down and Albus readied himself for political conversation rather than Quidditch talk.

"I 'm telling you,"Percy said to no one in detail as he served himself some carrots,"something 's going to happen. I guarantee it. It 's been too quiet in the Ministry lately. Personally I thought things would get a bit riled up last year when Walter Eckerton took over for MacVicar, but I suppose the two of them had similar vista. to a greater extent similar than I expected anyway ..."

Leave it to Hotspur to try and feel something damage with the Ministry when all was ticket, Albus thought. He reached over Rose to grab a steak and kidney pie and served a heaping portion onto his plate.

"What do you guess, Harry ?"Percy turned to Albus 's dad, who happened to be sitting future to him."Any stirrings in the Auror department that I may not feature heard about ?"

"Things are pretty calm, Harry Hotspur,"Harry replied.

"Of course of instruction they are. I would 've heard if they were n't,"Percy decided.

Albus was n't exactly sure what his uncle Walker Percy actually did at the Ministry. He knew it had something to do with the Minister, but his actual title was so foresighted and complicated that Albus never bothered to retrieve it.

"wellspring, it 's an election yr,"Percy pointed out."Things never stay calm air during election long time. company promulgation come foremost week of September and after that things will be chaotic around the Ministry. Loads of work to do. Let me tell you, when I run for Minister-"

"Oh, here we go again !"Ron said loudly."When Harry Hotspur runs for parson. It 's never gon na fall out, Perce. Honestly."

"I would vote for you, Percy,"molly assured him."You would do a wonderful minister. But this dinner is supposed to be about the kids. James IV ! And Ben and Cedric ! This is your O.W.L. year ! You three are going to do so wonderfully but you must lull down a bit and study."

"grandmother, really,"James IV muttered."We 're going to be hearing this from the teacher. Uncle Percy, why do n't you severalize us more about your running for Minister ?"

"well, as a subject of fact."Harry Hotspur stood up."I have a rather exciting proclamation to make water and I feel I must tell my family line first, before the rest of the Wizarding World."He paused, presumably for spectacular impression."I will be formally announcing on Monday, September second that I will be running for minister of religion for April 's election."

There was out-and-out quiet for about five seconds before a entirely lot of things happened at once. Ron, George, and Charlie burst out laughing. Hermione raised her eyebrows as far as they could go. Ginny, Bill, and Arthur all shouted loudly"Seriously ? ! ”. Molly shook her headspring slightly and then jumped up from her chairperson, running towards Walker Percy and finally enveloping him in a large hug and kissing him squarely on the forehead.

"Oh, Hotspur !"she exclaimed."I 'm so gallant of you ! You 've been talking about it for geezerhood and I think it 's luxuriously clock time you actually did it. I always wanted a son who was this successful !"

"Mum !"Ron groaned."It 's not like your other sons have n't done anything. I 'm an Auror for Merlin 's sake !"

"And you 're a fine good one, Ronald, but I ca n't ever see you being minister of religion. You just do n't consume the ambition Harry Hotspur does,"mollie said as she patted him on the shoulder.

atomic number 79 was exchanging work force at the other end of the tabular array. Cedric was grinning madly, so Albus assumed he had won some sorting of bet involving when Walker Percy would run for Minister. That bet must experience been in the works for years.

Albus was personally stunned. He of course had been on the receiving end of many a Walker Percy rant about what he 'd do when he ran for diplomatic minister, but he had always believed Percy would n't ever do it. If Albus was honest with himself, he did n't really want Percy running. His family unit was noted enough without having an actual parson in it.

"Honestly, Mum, do you think he 's really going to win ?"Ron exclaimed."I mean, do n't get me unseasonable, Percy, I 'll vote for you, but what about the rest of the wizarding world ?"

"Walker Percy, do you really think you 're cut out for this ?"Harry asked skeptically.

"Why would n't I be ? I 've been involved with the Ministry for decades !"

"I think what Harry 's trying to say is that you 're all bark and no bite,"Bill pointed out.

"I am not !"Harry Hotspur shouted."And I would 've expected Sir Thomas More support from my own family."

"We are supporting you,"Molly assured him.

"male child,"Arthur warned."Sir Henry Percy 's rightfulness. If he wants to run for Minister he can without any of us making it difficult for him. You do n't give to vote for him, but I wo n't have you arguing during dinner party. You 'll upset your mum."

Everyone resumed their seats but Albus doubted they stopped talking about Percy running for minister of religion. They just continued to do so in lowly voices. For once, Albus was happy he had chosen a stern near Percy.

"Do you know who else is running ?"Hermione asked.

"Not sure,"Hotspur replied."Hartwell 's not running again, if that 's what you 're getting at. He 's had enough. But I 've got his documentation. After all, I am the elder Undersecretary for the Drafting and Editing of jurisprudence to the Minister."

So that 's what Percy 's title was, Albus thought. He had no idea if that was a position that had a lot of power or not, but apparently it was enough to welcome funding for a Minister run.

"Hey, Dad,"Georgia shouted from a little agency down the table."I figure this is as good a clip as any to differentiate you that I 'm moving out tomorrow."

Percy choked on whatever he was eating."You 're what ?"

"Moving out. You know, leaving the nest. I 've got a flat with a admirer finisher to the pitch. It 'll be more convenient, for work."

"oeuvre,"Harry Hotspur muttered."If Quidditch can be considered work."

"Look, I know how these elections work. You 're going to want to have yourself look like a family man, so you 're not going to need to consider me your brainsick girl who only plays Quidditch and has no job. So you 'd better start intellection of me as your daughter who 's the newest reserve Keeper for the Kenmare Kestrals. It 'll sound better to the press."

Percy stared at her with his mouth agape. He shook his head slightly and resumed eating, without another Bible to Empire State of the South. Georgia looked smug, so Albus assumed she had won that little argument.

Albus turned to pink wine and grinned. Peach State certainly knew how to make Hotspur 's running play for parson body of work to her advantage.

"pink wine, have you heard from Linda yet ?"Albus asked, deciding not to join the rest of his kin in political conversation.

"Not yet."Rose shook her head."Her mum might give birth wanted her to wait a bit after they settled in Canada, though. Have you heard anything about what the Ministry 's doing about Lubar ?"

"If anything 's changed Dad 's being really quiet about it,"Albus answered.

"It 's so wrong, though, that he can completely get away with what he did,"Rose muttered."It 's like I could go to France, rob a bank, get back to England, and I 'd get away with it."

"You 're robbing a banking concern ?"James shouted.

"Of course of action not,"pink wine replied."It 's none of your business."

Albus and Rose did n't risk talking about Lubar for the rest of the evening. sure enough, the remainder of their mob hump about what had happened but neither of them wanted to discuss their theories with any of them.

The rest of the evening was rather out of eccentric for usual Weasley family dinner party. All the former twelvemonth'dinner had consisted of talk of Hogwarts and the adult exclaiming how big everyone had gotten and how everyone was growing up. Usually whomever was starting Hogwarts for the first fourth dimension would get a fair bit of care, but this twelvemonth Angie, who was starting, seemed to be forgotten. Instead all of the care was focused on Percy. The adults were talking politics and Albus 's older first cousin were placing bets on whether he 'd win or not.

Henry M. Stanley was the first to leave as he had to go back to Roumania the come good morning. Charlie and Katherine had finished their class in Romania and had returned to England permanently the previous month. Victoire and shimmy left shortly after that since they both had to turn the following day.

Percy was still discussing campaign tactics with Corrine, who was smiling and nodding the way Albus did when his cousins were little and he had to pretend he was worry in what they were saying, when Albus 's parents decided it was fourth dimension to leave. For the first time in his aliveness, he was actually happy to forget and get back to Grimmauld office. The before school dinner was supposed to be about everyone who was at Hogwarts, a clock time to have fun all together before school started, and this time it had n't been that. It had been about Percy.
******


By some throw of luck or miracle that had never descended upon the Potters before, James had packed his torso the nighttime before they left for school. Albus was sure that some sort of apocalypse was going to get soon because Percy running for Minister and the Potters arriving early for the Hogwarts Express were two events that nobody ever thought would encounter. Albus did n't question it, though. Instead he just used the opportunity to his advantage.

Kaden, who had met Albus at weapons platform 9 ¾ prior to going through the barrier, was not early on, so the Potters went through without him. Rose and her family were already there of course of instruction, so Albus said a quick goodbye to his parents before getting on the train to get hold Rose. With any luck his booster would n't be there yet and he could talk to stand up alone. Usually there was zip he would n't babble to his friends about, but the foreign touch he had had about his family unit was something he only wanted to spill to rose about.

Rose was alone in a compartment about halfway down the caravan, reading one of her new textbook. It was Arithmancy and Albus did n't have the slightest idea what any of the symbols in it meant. He chose the tail end next to her and waited for her to be done reading whatever it was she was deciphering.

"I 'm witnessing a miracle, apparently,"blush wine said after setting her book down.

"Epistle of James packed death night,"Albus answered.

"Again, I 'm witnessing a miracle."She laughed."Your mum is lucky if James II packs earlier than five minutes before you leave."

"It 's definitely odd,"Albus agreed."Listen, do you get the feel things are changing ?"

"Changing ? Like what 's happening with Willinson and Lubar and their lot ? Yeah, I think so. It 's been over three class, Al, and they still have n't gotten all of them in Azkaban at the same sentence. I know they 're really stupid when it comes to dueling but I think they 're smart than anyone 's giving them recognition for. affair are going to convert, Al. The world 's getting scarier,"blush wine said quietly.

Albus swallowed hard. That was in the backrest of his judgment of course, but he had never voiced it before. Nor was it what he had set out to talk to Rose about.

"I guess,"Albus replied."But I was n't really getting at that. I was thinking about our family."

"Oh,"was all blush wine said. Both first cousin sat quietly for a minute before she continued."I know what you mean. What was up with that dinner party at nanna and grandad 's ? It was all Sir Henry Percy. O.W.L.s were mentioned once and no one said anything about Angie starting Hogwarts."

"I know. It was odd. It just seems like everything 's changing. There are LE of us at Hogwarts now so I guess that 's what 's going to happen-"

"There 's still a lot of us here,"blush wine interrupted."And Eddie and the twins have n't even started yet. Plus it 's not like we even talked about Teddy, Victoire, Stanley, and GA. We talked about Percy for pigeon hawk 's interest !"

"What do you think will befall if he wins ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't know. I do n't think things will change political-wise but I think it 's going to be really weird for Georgia and Bradley and Cedric. Even the twins will probably be effected. I mean, having your dad be the most important person in the wizarding world has got to be stressful."

"Tell me about it,"Albus muttered."Can you imagine if my dad ran for government minister ?"

"Percy would n't stand a chance."

"Dad 'll never run, though,"Albus pointed out."I just think that thing are already unlike from last class. Everyone 's going to be focused on Uncle Percy 's campaign."

"Things never stay the same, Al,"pink wine said.

"What 's not staying the Saami ?"John asked as he entered the compartment, followed by Kaden."I 'm hoping you 're talking about my Divination mark, pink wine, because my parents nearly murdered me this past summer when they saw it."

"I think we 'll just have to deal with your murder, John, because that gull is not getting any higher,"Rose replied.

"Seriously, what were you talking about ?"Kaden asked as he sat down across from Rose.

"Nothing,"pink wine said quickly.

"I 'll tell you once Matt and Amanda get here,"Albus said, figuring he 'd secernate them about Walker Percy running for Minister.

"This is going to be the best year ever !"Kaden said excitedly as he pulled a piece of sheepskin out of his bag."Look, it 's my Hogsmeade permission skid !"

"Excellent,"John Lackland replied."Now I do n't have to buy your dungbombs for you."

"Do you really have to buy dungbombs this year ?"lusterlessness asked as he entered the compartment."They 're so nasty."

"Just for the Slytherin common room,"John the Evangelist assured him."Our finish is to figure out how to get a few in there."

"Not going to work,"Amanda said as she entered and sat down on the other side of pink wine."You ca n't get into person else 's common room unnoticed."

"That 's what Albus 's cloak is for,"Kaden said.

"Not if it 's going to smell like dungbomb after,"Albus said.

"Told you we should have just asked for his cloak without telling him what we were doing with it,"whoremaster told Kaden.

Kaden shrugged."All right wing, everyone 's here. severalise us what you and Rose were talking about before any of us got here."

"Fine."Albus took a deeply hint."Well, my Uncle Walker Percy 's running for Minister."

"Seriously ?"John replied.

"Cool !"Kaden exclaimed.

"Why ?"flatness asked.

"Is n't he the one who 's been talking about doing that for long time ?"Amanda asked.

"Yes,"Albus answered."He 's seriously running, it 's not that cool, I 'm honestly not sure as shooting why, and yes he 's been talking about it for years."

"Why does n't your dad run ?"Kaden asked.

Albus and blush wine both burst out laughing."Because that 's the last affair he 'd ever desire to do. He would n't want anymore mightiness than he 's already got. Whereas Percy, all of my uncles have always said is kind of power hungry,"Albus replied.

"Do you know who he 's running against ?"Amanda asked.

"Have n't a clue,"Albus said."They 're supposed to be announcing the candidates on the second."

"What 's that got to do with everything changing ?"Kaden asked.

"It 's our family,"Rose said quietly."Uncle Percy is so focused on the election and it has n't even really started yet. Sakartvelo 's got it all figured out. Percy 's going to guess he 's completely felicitous with her Quidditch playing just to give himself seem like a family man, which he 's really not. He 's always been focused on work."

"That 's pudden-head,"John said."GA 's not going to like that."

"She 's the one who brought it up,"Rose pointed out.

"He 's right, you know,"Amanda said.

"What do you mean, he 's right field ?"Albus stared at her. She had a knowing smile splayed across her face.

"You, Rose, and matte are n't the merely I of us who have family in politics,"Amanda said.

"But you 're a Muggle,"King John replied.

"I never said the Ministry of Magic, lav. I meant the Muggle Ministry. My uncle 's the prime minister."

Albus continued to stare at her. Amanda was always rather still and rarely talked about her household. He always figured that was because she was so pipe down and never guessed that it might be because her family was just as influential in the Muggle world as his was in the wizarding world.

"Michael Smythe, that 's my uncle. He 's my mum 's brother,"Amanda elaborated."Imagine my mum 's surprise when she told him that I was a beldame only to happen out that he already knew about the wizarding world."

"So if Percy wins ...,"Albus began, his voice trailing off.

"He 'll meet my Uncle Mike,"Amanda finished."But as I was saying, Georgia does feature it all figured out. If watchword gets out that Percy and her rowed about her Quidditch playing, it 's going to come off damage in the public press and lose him voting. So, he 'll save it to himself and will be in the front row of every unmarried one of her lucifer, pretending to be a huge Kenmare Kestrals fan."

"Wow, that seems so wrong,"rosiness muttered.

"It 's politics from the early face. The world wants citizenry in power to birth a certain image."

"Still, it 's like lying,"Rose went on."Just another ground I am not getting into politics."

"My cousin Leanne went a little tempestuous at university her first year, our first base year at Hogwarts, and the Ministry hushed it all up. She was out partying and the paparazzi got a photo of her and put it on the cover of some tabloid, but that was the only if one. I know she partied more, but it was all hushed up."

"But it 's not comparable GA 's partying. She 's got Quidditch acquisition and is using them to take a shit an honest support,"rosebush pointed out.

"I 'm not saying that 's bad. I 'm just saying your uncle wo n't want the populace to be intimate he 's not felicitous with her career choice so he 's going to build himself depend like a devoted father."

"See, everything 's changing."Albus sighed."Sometimes I just care I had a normal family."

"It 's not all it 's cracked up to be,"John said. Kaden nodded.

"It 's true, Albus,"matte said."Amanda 's completely flop. It 's the all intellect why my dad got sacked. The public did n't like that I was a werewolf, which is piece of why the Ministry hushed it up. When it got out, nonentity wanted him in government anymore."

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. He never really thought about that before, but flatness was right. Amanda was, too, but he never really put two and two together before Matt mentioned that. And now the same thing was happening with his menage. Percy was going to venture and while that did n't really directly effect him, how long would it take before the world did n't like the image he and the rest of his cousins were presenting ?


A/N : From now on, updates for this will happen on the low gear of every month and updates for Beyond the Shadow will happen on the 15th. That way they 'll be spread out. Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this !

Here 's the Weasley-Potter Family Tree !

Bill-Fleur
Victoire- 20
Gabriella- 18
Ben- 5th yr

Charlie-Katherine ( witch )
Stanley- 19
Heather- 7th year
Mark- 6th twelvemonth
Eddie- 8

Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Georgia- 18
Bradley- 6th yr
Cedric- 5th year
Samantha & lindy ( Gemini the Twins ) - 9

George- Alicia Spinnet
Fred- 7th year
Angie- 1st year

Ron-Hermione
Rose- 4th year
Hugo- 2nd year

Ginny-Harry
James- 5th year
Albus- 4th year
Lily- 2nd year

*All in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was no mention of political sympathies or Ministers throughout the remainder of the caravan trip. Amanda did n't say anything else about her uncle being the prime parson and how it had affected her family line, but Albus was still really curious about it. How had she managed to keep that a secret for three class ? Judging by Rose 's response, she did n't even know about it. matt had n't even managed to keep it a secret that he was a werewolf for a twelvemonth. Granted, Albus and the others had figured it out, but still. Maybe Amanda was the best secret keeper in their group.

The talk lightened considerably as they made their way to Hogwarts, soon turning to the familiar subject of Quidditch and then to fantasizing about the new Defense teacher. toilet was hoping for someone who let them do whatever they wanted whereas blush wine wanted somebody who would actually instruct, and not teach like Balladanis had. Albus did n't really care, so long as the new teacher did n't bid to harm his students, physically or emotionally.

As the train neared Hogsmeade station, Albus and his admirer changed into their robe and prepared to leave the train for the jolting carriage ride up to the school. The journey was now so turn that they did so with piffling cackle and transferred to the pusher with none of the tucket of the previous two twelvemonth. They were fourth part days now and Hogwarts was companion dominion. As twenty-five percent days, they were well on their way to being the older educatee of the school.

The Great Hall was filled with laughter and fervor as the students found their seats at their star sign tables. Albus and his friends quickly found seats together at the Gryffindor table and all five glanced up to the staff tabular array to find the new face that would be their defensive measure teacher. However, instead of the one unfamiliar face they expected, there were two unfamiliar faces.

"Which one 's the Defense teacher ?"Kaden asked.

"Have n't the fragile,"Albus replied.

There were two new wizards sitting at the board. One was deep in conversation with prof Kendrick and the other was glancing around at the way, his eye never resting on the same affair or person for more than a few second gear. The erstwhile was wearing what looked to be Ministry robe, which made Albus wonder if he was an Auror, but then he noticed one of the Aurors from last year standing off to the side in his usual spot. The 2d new necromancer was dressed in complain lightlessness robes and had nearly no hairsbreadth atop his head, but instead had a enceinte beard and moustache, as if he was trying to redress.

"I think the one talking to Kendrick is from the Ministry,"Albus said.

"That 's not a secure sign,"John replied."What 's the Ministry doing here on the first day ?"

"It 's not necessarily a bad affair,"Rose pointed out."Maybe they just want to make certain everything is back to normal after the competition last year."

John opened his mouth to answer but was silenced by the doors opening and prof Patil entering with the new first years. They looked daunt and lilliputian, far pocket-size than the previous year 's showtime years. It was weird how they seemed to get small every year.

As with the previous year, Albus did n't pay any care to anyone 's sorting unless their live figure was thrower or Weasley. This class, of track, there was only Angie entering Hogwarts from Albus 's large mob. She ran up to the three-legged-stool with as practically enthusiasm as the rest of the family had and jammed the hat onto her head.

It remained there for all of three s before shouting"Gryffindor !"Angie ran from the stool to the excited yell of the Gryffindors, her brother Fred 's whistling ringing over the rest. Everyone at Hogwarts would suffer bet money on Angie being a Gryffindor, but everyone still liked to cheer.

For once Albus wished that Kendrick would make announcements before the spread was served just so he could obtain out why there were two new necromancer at the staff board, but like usual, Kendrick waited until after the feast. Thus, the continuance of the banquet was spent speculating.

"The Ministry 's sent individual to discover,"Henry James said confidently."facial expression at the past three age. Every single one at least one of Al and his friends have gotten kidnapped by insane whiz. Clearly the Ministry does n't think the teachers can protect us enough."

"That 's what the Aurors are for,"Rose pointed out."What 's some Ministry bloke going to do that an Auror ca n't do ? I really do n't think that bloke is another Auror."

"I bet he 's here to recruit mass for the Ministry,"Fred suggested."You know, spend a year with us seventh long time and try to convince us that we should pack on boring Ministry jobs. Bet Uncle Percy 's the reason for it. Probably does n't want anymore of his kin to take up Quidditch professionally."

"That 's preposterous,"a seventh-year little girl replied."He 's probably just the new vindication teacher."

"Then who 's that other bloke ?"lusterlessness gestured to the bald man sitting next to Slughorn.

"Slughorn 's retentive lost twin ?"Kaden suggested."Seriously, trim his beard and he 'll look just like Slughorn."

"Maybe Kendrick just wanted to call for somebody to the Welcome Feast,"Amanda pointed out."It could be as mere as that."

Albus doubted it. null was ever round-eyed when it came to life at Hogwarts. Finally, after what seemed like long time, the puddings disappeared and Kendrick stood to pass his common start of terminal figure speech.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts. I give a tender welcome to our new first gear years and hope you have enjoyed your first Hogwarts feast. I 'll cue everyone that the woodland is out of leap as well as the Whomping willow. Those wishing to try out for their family Quidditch team can give their name to their straits of theatre. Now, you may have noticed that there are two new faculty members this year even though only one position is vacant. The offset is childlike to explicate and the second is a little more complicated.

"offset, I would wish to receive prof Elliot Young to Hogwarts. Professor Cy Young is going to be taking over the Defense teacher position."Kendrick gestured to the man with the beard, while scattered clapping was received from the students and former professors.

"Professor antediluvian if you ask me,"John muttered.

"Many of you may be aware and quite a lot of you I 'm indisputable are not aware that this is an election year for the Ministry of conjuration. Tomorrow the candidates running for minister of conjuration will make their manner of speaking announcing their candidacy, which will begin a seven calendar month campaign period. At the beginning of April, anyone who is of age will vote and the winner shall be announced. The fact that this is an election class is a tremendous educational opportunity and I was n't about to let it pass us by. Therefore I have decided to add another class to the curriculum. It will adjoin once a calendar week and in it you will learn the ins and outs of our political system and its history.

"This is Professor Richard Embry."Kendrick gestured to the lad sitting next to him, who then stood up."He is from the Ministry and has agreed to teach this new class that we have designed. The grade will appear on your schedules that you will receive tomorrow. Now, I suggest all of you turn in early as course of instruction begin bright and early on in the daybreak. Prefects, delight escort the inaugural years to the common rooms."

Kendrick and the Ministry bloke both resumed their seats while Albus and his Quaker rose. The joined the mob of educatee making their way out of the Great Hall and towards the primary stairway. The Hufflepuffs and Slytherins broke away from the pack to descend to their residence hall and then the Ravenclaws left for their tower. Soon, Albus and his friends were only amongst boyfriend Gryffindors.

The common room was abuzz with discussion about the new professors when they arrived. Most of the younger students had gone to bed, but the sr. students were making no motion to do so. Fred was posting a sign-up tack for Quidditch try-outs on the notice panel while Scots heather watched. Albus predicted that the two of them would act more than like co-captains since there was no way broom was going to let Fred bring in all of the team decisiveness this year.

"So now we have another grade,"John muttered as they sat down at a table near the fire."More preparation. More exams."

"It 's only once a week,"Rose pointed out.

"But still, since when has anyone at Hogwarts had to consume a class about political relation ?"St. John the Apostle asked.

"Never,"Albus replied.

"Muggles take form on politics,"Amanda pointed out."My sister took one last year and my cousins have taken them. I really do n't think it 's going to be that difficult."

"Yeah, it 's not like there 's going to be an O.W.L. for it,"rosiness said."Can you believe that we 'll be taking O.W.L.s next year ?"

Saint John the Apostle groaned."Do we really have to talk about them already ?"

"Seriously,"lusterlessness agreed."They 're a long way off."

"fountainhead, I think I 'm going to turn in,"rose said as she stood up."course of instruction scratch line tomorrow."

"You sound like Kendrick,"Albus said, but he was feeling slightly tired himself.

rose wine and Amanda left for the girls'student residence a little while later. Albus and the former boys stayed up a while longer, but soon realized they were quite tired. They said goodnight to Kaden when they reached the thirdly class'residence hall and then continued on to their own. It had been a long day and Albus was ready to go to sleep, just so he would n't possess to think about politics or the election anymore.
******


"Well, we 've got one of the new teachers today,"toilet said at breakfast the conform to cockcrow."We start off the day with Herbology and then have Defense right before lunch."

"When do we have that politics social class ?"lustrelessness asked as he scooped a heap of oatmeal onto his plate.

"Tomorrow, right field before dinner,"Saint John replied."Merlin, that would 've been destitute prison term if we did n't have that bloody class."

"It could be fun, John the Evangelist,"rosebush said.

"I have n't got it until Friday morning,"Kaden lamented."I think it will be fun. Muggle political science are boring but magic makes everything better."

"Bad word is we have it with the Slytherins,"Albus said.

"Of course,"Matt muttered."Would n't have a bun in the oven anything different. And we 've probably got potions with them again, right ?"

Albus glanced at his schedule."Yes."They had had potions with the Slytherins every year now. Surely that could n't be accidental. Albus would have preferred they have no classes with the Slytherins, especially after what had happened in Defense the premature yr. The hold up affair he and lustrelessness needed was more contact with Scorpius Malfoy.

"Good intelligence is that we 've got defensive structure with the Hufflepuffs this year,"Amanda pointed out.

"Bet Kendrick did that on design after live yr,"John said."He 'd give birth to be an idiot to give us that course of instruction with the Slytherins again.

Everyone nodded in agreement. After the scene that had developed between Albus, John, and Scorpius Kendrick would probably never have the three of them in United States Department of Defense stratum together again. Albus was grateful. He 'd spent the last few weeks of his third class avoiding Malfoy and was fully prepared to avoid him for the remainder of his Hogwarts career. Unfortunately the Slytherin was on his dueling squad.

The radical hurriedly finished their breakfast and then parted way of life with Kaden before heading down to the nursery for Herbology. Herbology was one of those predictable course of study where they never had to worry about anything awful happening when it came to subject matter or teacher. Neville was a fair teacher who made classes interesting. Albus never had to concern about anything odd happening while in the nursery, unlike potions and defence force.

Everyone was slightly leery of the new defence professor and thus the seats in the back of the elbow room were in high need. Unfortunately the Hufflepuffs had had Transfiguration beforehand and had a much unforesightful walk, so they claimed all of the far butt. Albus, Matt, and whoremaster had the tough luck of having to sit at one of the front board and all three boys were on border.

The prof ambled into the way just as family was scheduled to start. He had a very large sight of parchment, which he set on the desk before beginning to call axial motion.

"I am professor Young,"he began after he finished with axial motion."And welcome to fourth class Defense Against the night Arts. This year we will focus on Dark curses, whammy, and general spells, all of which are detailed out in your textbook. You can subscribe to your playscript out now if you have n't already done so."

Albus rummaged in his bag and set his book on the table. Professor Young picked up the stack of parchment and began passing it out to the students. Albus feared that it was a quiz, as he glanced down at its fill-in-the-blank questions and short answer questions.

"Please read the first chapter of your books and complete the worksheet by the end of the grade,"Young said as he walked back to his desk. He said cypher more and began to read what appeared to be a novel while stroking his beard.

Albus glanced at John and flatness, unsure of whether Young would shout out at him if he spoke in whispers to his ally. Actually, Lester Willis Young might not even hear him. He did look to be quite old. But it was just so odd that Young assigned them reading and a worksheet on the offset day of social class. Would n't a trounce shuffle more sense ? Albus could n't remember a time when a professor had n't lectured on the first day of class.

Everyone else seemed thoroughly confused as well. For the side by side five instant everyone sent each early disoriented tone and glimpse before finally cracking open their textbooks, having realized that Young was n't going to do anything besides read his novel.

Albus began to read the first chapter, which was dreadfully boring. It was about the most quotidian of Dark hexes, if a dark hex could be considered mundane. The chapter did n't even note unforgivable curses, which while horrible, were far more interesting than the canonic principle of what made a curse wickedness.

Albus finished his worksheet a few minutes before Young put down his novel."Leave your worksheets here on my desk. There is n't any homework."

"That was the unknown class ever,"Albus said once they had left the elbow room."Who gives a worksheet on the first day of grade ?"

"soul who just wants to read their ledger all day,"John replied."Works for me, since he did n't give any homework."

"Still, it was horribly boring,"Albus replied.

"Honestly, I 'm happy it 's tire after dealing with Balladanis last year,"Matt said.

"Somehow I do n't think this blighter is going to be bringing any Anamateks to socio-economic class,"Albus said.

"An Anamatek would probably finish him off,"John replied."I do n't think he could palm one."

"Not many citizenry could,"Albus pointed out.

When they arrived in the Great Hall, they were surprised to see Georgia hurrying Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric out of the room.

"What 's wrongfulness ?"Albus asked, extremely confused as to why Empire State of the South was at Hogwarts.

"Dad wants us there when he makes his big announcement."She rolled her eye."We 're supposed to be there supporting him or something."

"What prison term is it happening ?"Albus asked.

"One,"Georgia replied."Which means we 're already going to be later than Dad wants. It 'll be in the Evening Prophet."

"There is no way Georgia 's going to be able to pretend everything is fine between her and Uncle Percy for the wholly election,"Rose said once Georgia and her brother had left."She looked annoyed already and he has n't even announced he 's running yet."

"She probably has to miss pattern for it,"Albus replied."I just want to know who he 's running against."

"wish we could go watch,"Rose said."I bet our parents are there."

"Of course they are,"Albus agreed."mat 's dad is probably there, too."

"He is,"Matt said."Has n't got a cue as to who 's running, though."

"Guess we 'll regain out tonight,"Albus said.
******


Albus did n't see Bradley or Cedric until dinner. He had been hoping to bewitch one of them in between classes, but either their schedule did n't permit them to span paths or the annunciation had gone until dinner. The randomness in the Great manor hall was n't any trashy than it usually was when Albus arrived, but then again he was n't quite sure how much the eternal rest of the bookman cared about the election. However at the Gryffindor table, all of Albus 's cousins were clustered at one end of the table, their brain leaned in to one another.

"look like a family meeting or something,"Albus said.

"We 'll see you in the common room after dinner, then,"Amanda said as she pulled Gospel According to John and Kaden towards the other end of the table, Matt following.

Albus followed rosiness to the far end of the table, where everyone else had already gathered. Albus squeezed his way in between Hugo and James while Rose found a fundament future to Lily.

"Finally, you 're here,"James said."Bradley and Cedric wo n't say a word until everyone 's here."

"Otherwise we 'd just have to tell the floor over and over again,"Bradley muttered.

"wellspring, go on,"Fred encouraged.

"It was basically a huge partiality company with a gang of boring speeches,"Tom Bradley began."A cluster of Ministry people and their wives or husbands and Dad was the center of attention, of course. Everyone knew he was running even though he had n't made his functionary declaration yet. It did n't get interesting until Dad and the witch he 's running against made their announcement-"

"Dad 's was pretty boring,"Cedric cut in."Talked about how he 's seen the Ministry through so many modification and how we need inviolable leadership to keep the magical community together and firm. Mentioned Uncle Harry and Voldemort, of course. Then everyone clapped politely and the opposition stood up."

"The hag who 's actually campaign looking at like she was a hawk in a former life. Her nose is as pointy as a nozzle can get and she 's got this sleek shameful hair that was done up in a bun. She stood up there with a crowd of masses who she introduced as her movement team,"Bradley said."But it was her speech that got the crew riled up. She kept putting muddle in everything Dad said. Dad mentioned about how the wizarding Earth was a strong united movement but she talked about how rifts are forming and the Ministry is slipping and variety is needed again. She made all these insidious cite of how the Aurors are n't as on top of things and how if we do n't do something the magical world will fall apart."

"That 's ridiculous !"Fred said."The magical globe is fine."

"I thought they were just making their announcements that they were running,"Rose said."actor's line do n't start yet."

"Neither of them are going to liquidate an opportunity to get votes,"Heather pointed out."So do you two have to spend a penny anymore show ?"

"Yeah,"Thomas Bradley answered."Dad wants us all there for his first manner of speaking this weekend and he said there are going to be some debates here, so we have to sit up front with Mum at those."

"And the Prophet wants to do a vast article on our family,"Cedric added."They 're doing one on the witch, too."

"What 's her gens ?"pink wine asked."And what does she do in the Ministry ?"

"Patricia Laurentis,"Cedric replied."She 's some sort of consultant to the current Minister. Her title of respect 's just as confusing and long as Dad's."

"Weird that both the campaigner were working under the current curate,"rosebush said.

"wellspring the parties chose them."Cedric shrugged."I should get going, though. Have to go see Slughorn about what I missed earlier."

"Me too,"Omar Bradley said as he stood up."Patil probably wo n't be delight that I missed the first off lesson."

Cedric and Bradley left, leaving the remainder of the cousins to talk about what they had just been told. Albus mostly listened while pushing his food around his plate. What he had learned about Patricia Laurentis unnerved him a piffling and it was mostly because portion of him thought she was right. Things were n't as hone as his Uncle Hotspur thought. Willinson was still on the lax and not to mention the military issue with Lubar was still unresolved.

But Albus 's dad and the early Aurors were doing all they could, were n't they ? What could Patricia Laurentis do if she got elected ? There would still be the same Aurors working at the Ministry.

"Maybe Uncle Sir Henry Percy is the right person to be curate,"Heather said quietly."The Ministry has been working the same way since the final Battle, has n't it ? And there have n't been anymore Voldemorts trying to profit power."

"But things ca n't always stay the Saami,"Rose pointed out.

"Do you really think the Ministry needs to change that much ?"ling asked.

"I do n't know,"pink wine said quietly."I just do n't think people are as united as Uncle Sir Henry Percy thinks."

"I 'm going to the unwashed room,"Albus said as he pushed his plate away. He was n't hungry anymore.

Footsteps behind him told him that Rose was following, just like he hoped she would."What were you getting at ? People not being united ?"he asked once they were in an hollow corridor.

"Not everyone agrees on everything, Albus,"Rose said."Far from it. I think Uncle Percy 's slightly delusional about that. And remember what you told me about that odd chap who gave your dad a warning at the Quidditch populace Cup ?"

"That bloke ?"Albus laughed."He was insane !"

"I 'm not denying that, but he did have a point. In an election year everything matters. Uncle Percy 's aligned his feeling with the current minister of religion 's, which means if he 's elected he 's going to continue doing things the same way. The Ministry has n't caught Willinson for trade good in the three years they 've been searching and he 's slipped out of their grasp numerous times. It 's not going to be unmanageable for that Laurentis lady to convince people we need to change tactic, even if her tactics are n't large either."

Albus said nothing for a few minute."How do you get laid all of this ?"

"I 've talked to Amanda Sir Thomas More than you have,"rose wine replied."She knows how all of this works, and it 's really not that different in the Muggle world."

"So you think Laurentis is going to win ?"Albus asked.

rosebush laughed."I never said that and it 's far too soon to tell. They have n't even debated yet. All I 'm saying is, Uncle Percy needs to open his eye a bit."

Albus did n't answer. He knew that his Uncle Percy 's political views were slightly different than the repose of his crime syndicate 's, but they were still quite similar. If what blush wine was saying was true, that meant that his whole family needed to open their eyes and Albus was n't sure how he felt about that.


A/N : Sorry about the later update. There were some situation event. See the forums for more contingent about that. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"You know, this political relation stratum is taking away from our unloosen periods,"John said the keep abreast morning at breakfast. He shook his school principal as he loaded his denture high with scrambled eggs and bacon.

Albus nodded and waited for Rose 's response about how they needed to take advantage of any learning opportunity, even if they meant less free clip, but it did n't come. Albus turned to front at her, thinking she might be ill. She was n't. Instead she was piling her own collection plate gamey with ballock and pledge. Albus raised his eyebrow at her.

"What ?"she demanded."Girls get hungry, too."

"Not that,"Albus replied."St. John just complained about having another form and you did n't groan and tell him off."

"I kind of agree with him."rosiness shrugged.

"Are you ill ?"Albus asked as he felt her forehead.

Rose pushed his hand away."stay it, Al. I 'm not saying I wo n't enjoy the class. I 'm just saying that we 're quarter long time and O.W.L.s are closer than ever and we need all the time we can get to study. Not that John would use the time to study, heed you."

"There 's the rosiness we all know."John grinned as he stuffed his face with bacon.

"I think it 'll be a nice change,"Matt put in."Something different. poster they gave us History of Magic on two consecutive mornings. enquire who the idiot was who did that."

"Same one who always gives us classes with the Slytherins, I 'll bet,"St. John said."Double Potions this morning and I 'd bet my right arm and both my legs we 'll be with the Slytherins."

"Why not both your arms and legs ?"Amanda asked.

"On the off-chance that I 'm improper, I 'll need some sort of limb to get around with,"whoremaster answered.

"I only had one form with the Slytherins live on class,"Kaden said."You lot must have got terrible luck. I 'd better be off. Defense this morning."

"good destiny. That professor is Wyrd,"can said.

"Ca n't be worse than last-place year,"Kaden replied as he got up and left.

Albus, Matt, Rose, and Amanda waited for John to finish his pile of ballock before setting off for the keep. When they arrived the door was already open and Albus saw that they were indeed wit the Slytherins again. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting at one of the front tables, looking rather smug. Albus averted his eyes and continued to the backrest of the classroom, where he sat down in between flatness and John.

"wonderment what he 's so happy about,"Albus muttered as the rest period of the students entered the room.

"I do n't live. But I do n't like it,"John said.

Slughorn chose that consequence to waddle into the room so Albus and john could not persist in their conversation."Welcome, welcome ! Ahh, my two favorite houses together again ! What luck. well, well, receive to quaternary yr Potions. This is the year that things get difficult since you 'll be sitting your O.W.L.s succeeding yr ..."

"Why is it they 're talking about O.W.L.s this year ?"Albus whispered."They 're still over a twelvemonth off."

"... Since today is a duple course of instruction I thought we 'd set about brewing the beginning potion in your schoolbook and see where your acquirement lie after a summer of lounging about. Unless some of you happened to take your text account book over the summer !"

Albus glanced at Rose, who was sitting next to Amanda at one of the front mesa. She seemed to sit up higher in her seat.

"Let 's get started, then. You can turn in pairs of your choosing. The pair that produces the best potion will win a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate."

toilet set off to work with Janie Creevey who lacked a collaborator while Albus and lustrelessness set up a cauldron at their table.

"Remember your gloves,"Slughorn announced."If you touch the finish up mathematical product your hand will immediately freeze."

"Does it look odd to you that we have to cook up a Freeze answer with fire ?"lusterlessness asked as he stuck his wand under the caldron to perch the flame.

"Very,"Albus agreed."So now that we 've had Slughorn for three years, have you noticed that he always starts the twelvemonth with a competition ?"

"Yeah. I bet he uses the Saami syllabus every class,"Matt added."Ca n't imagine that much variety in terms of potion brewing."

"I bet our parents brewed the Sami potions,"Albus said.

"I wonder if it 's possible for this potion to explode,"Matt mused as he tossed a few pieces of shredded beetroot into the cauldron."

"Well, I suppose we 'll receive out,"came a drawling voice from behind them. Albus turned around and saw Malfoy, carrying a few nursing bottle he must ingest gotten from the supply wardrobe."I 'm sure you two will oversee it, if it 's possible."

"Shut it, Malfoy,"Albus replied.

Malfoy glared at him and then stalked off towards his own table. Albus was slightly surprised that he had left so quickly. It was strange.

"Weird of him to leave so soon,"flatness said, as if reading Albus 's mind.

"Yeah, if you ask me, he 's afraid of you now."

Matt let out a laugh."Yeah, right. If anything he 's finally realized you 're a in force dueler than he is and he 's got to watch over out. speechmaking of which, you think you 're going to be master of your dueling team this year ?"

"It 's either going to be me or Malfoy,"Albus said.

With everything else that was going on that class, the hold up affair Albus needed was to be captain of his dueling team, but he did not want Malfoy as chieftain either. He 'd take the supernumerary study if just to keep Malfoy from being in direction. Malfoy needed force like a blast-ended skrewt needed a flaming thrower.

Albus and lustrelessness did not fuck up up their potion by the end of the class. In fact, their potion had the Lapp consistency that it was supposed to and while it was slightly off-color, it did contend to freeze the quill Slughorn stuck in it. rosebush and Amanda won the chocolate, which was no surprise to anyone.

Rose and Amanda shared their deep brown with the boys as they walked up to the Great Hall for lunch. Albus and Matt told the girls and John the Evangelist about Malfoy 's bizarre behavior and Rose told them that they should just be happy he 's backing down, rather than study his motives.

The Great Hall was buzzing with activeness when they entered it a few min later. Albus sat down at the Gryffindor table and no sooner had he grabbed a roll did Heather convulse a copy of the Prophet onto his home.

"What 's this ?"Albus asked as he lifted up the paper.

"This good morning 's Prophet. The bird of Minerva were late delivering it. Something about a tempest in London,"Calluna vulgaris explained.

Albus set down his cast and opened the newspaper publisher. There on the front page was a motion picture of his Uncle Harry Hotspur, smiling wide, in elaborate robes, shaking hands with a very tall char, who was also smiling wide and wearing work out robe. Above the photo was the championship,"candidate for government minister of conjuration Announced."

By this point Rose and flatness had crowded on either side of Albus, while Amanda and can hovered behind him, all trying to understand the article. Albus 's eyes traveled down the page so he could do the same.

In front of the entire Ministry of Magic,
Minister hopefuls Sir Henry Percy St. Ignatius Weasley and
Patricia Leigh Laurentis announced their
candidacy on September 3rd, 2029. Both
candidate work under Minister Hartwell, yet
are running against each early for face-to-face
parties.

Weasley, Senior Undersecretary for the
drawing and Editing of legal philosophy, has been
Chosen to run for the Merlinus Party,
which is the party that current Minister
Hartwell represents. Laurentis, Senior
Advisor to Law Enforcement and Azkaban
Official has been chosen to run for the
Paracelsus Party.

A large crowd turned out for the proclamation,
which is only the low gear of many visual aspect
by both candidates. The inaugural public debate is
scheduled for September 8th, at the
Ministry of magic.

"So that 's who your uncle 's running play against,"mat said.

"Guess so,"Albus replied.

"She looks a little like this maths teacher I had before I came to Hogwarts,"Amanda said."She was a scary lady. I remember once I forgot to do my preparation so I spent the entire morning in the loo before someone came looking for me."

"You can tell they both hate each other,"Matt said as he gestured to the picture."Sure they 're shaking hand and acting nice but clearly they both want to hex each other."

"It 's just weird that she works for Hartwell if she 's the opposition political party he is,"rosebush mused."Why would Hartwell consume hired her ?"

"Maybe she switched company ?"Amanda suggested."It happens in the Muggle world."

"Maybe,"Rose said."It just seems fishy. Her flip-flop party and hinting at all these radical changes. It just seems like something big is going to happen."

Albus could n't help oneself but have the same feeling. But all he could do was trust that his uncle won the election and Laurentis would not cause the chance to change everything.

"Hey, Al, done with that paper ?"James called from down the table.

Albus nodded and passed the prophesier down, then settling in to eat lunch. There was no percentage point worrying about the election now. It was months away. Plus, the politics class was later that day and Albus was incredibly peculiar about it.

Transfiguration seemed to drag by since it was the Saami as it was every year. Professor Patil explained about that year 's curriculum and how they needed to protrude thinking about O.W.L.s and the increased work load. It was all rather monotonous and all Albus wanted to do was get to political sympathies since it was something new.

Finally Transfiguration was over and Albus and his friends hurried to the fifth floor to the classroom where politics was held. They slowed down when they reached the way as none of them wanted to be the first to enter.

"We better not have this with the Slytherins,"John muttered as they neared the doorway.

Albus peeked in the room access."Nope, Hufflepuffs."

lavatory let out an audible sigh of relief and Albus pushed the doorway overt as they entered. Only a few Hufflepuffs were there, seated towards the backbone, and the professor was nowhere in sight. rosiness immediately claimed a desk in the front and Amanda chose one next to her, while Albus and the early boys headed to the group of Hufflepuffs in the back.

"Do you think there will be homework in this social class ?"John asked as they sat down.

Albus raised his supercilium."Is that a dangerous doubt ?"

John shrugged."well it 's not like there will be an O.W.L. We probably wo n't even have this social class adjacent yr. So why would there be homework ?"

"Because it 's a class and this is Hogwarts,"Albus replied."I guarantee there will be homework."

The respite of the class filed in, filling in the seats that remained in the centre of the classroom. As the Vanessa Stephen rang, prof Embry entered, walking with an air that this stratum would be all oeuvre and no bid.

"Good afternoon,"professor Embry began as he shuffled a few papers on his desk."Welcome to basic Wizarding Politics. I am Professor Embry and you will address me such."

Embry stepped out from behind his desk and began to pace the distance of the classroom."I understand that virtually of you know absolutely nothing about political science and assume that the Minister of Magic is born the parson and Pentateuch just magically come into existence. A select few of you,"his eye rested on Albus, and then on Matt, and on two Hufflepuff girls,"have parents in the Ministry and may experience slightly Sir Thomas More noesis than the eternal rest, but that would be rather generous of me to assume.

"Hogwarts has not put much bet in political instruction before now, something that I feel is lacking in today 's education and wish to rectify this yr. The programme will include account of how our politics came to be the way it is today as well as how the government is currently run."

The class let out a collective grown at the Christian Bible history. Albus glanced at Rose, who was on the edge of her seat.

"But sir,"a particularly brave Hufflepufff boy announced,"we 've already learned the history. We take History of Magic."

Embry let out a brusk gag."With Professor Binns ? If I may be frank, that man died before to the highest degree of the account happened. Along with that, he 'll put a rock to sleep."Embry chuckled. No one in the class dared to laugh."I 'm going to sacrifice you a right story of our modern governance, starting with a abbreviated overview of what the authorities was like before the reign of Voldemort and a more comprehensive overview of what it is like today.

"I will also devote a stratum period each to the way the government is run in Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault, the United States, and Australia. Now, since you were not aware that this category would admit place, you have not acquired book. Therefore I have purchased them for you. You are to treat them as subroutine library record and revert them to me in similar condition at the end of the year. Lest your parents be billed."

Embry flicked his scepter and stacks of volume flew out of a nearby closet. They landed softly in forepart of the pupil. Albus glanced down and read the deed. Politics and Government in modern Wizarding Britain by Beatrice Holden. It looked about as dull as the closet it had come out of.

"Very skilful. Now, get out parchment and flight feather. I 'm not going to let the rest of this class full point go to waste,"Embry said as he tapped his wand on the circuit board. Notes immediately appeared on it.

Embry lectured for the remainder of the class about how the first government was formed in Britain. It was incredibly dry. The lonesome reason Albus stayed awake was because he had to require notes. Literally had to. Embry caught a John not taking notes and threatened him with detention this Saturday if he did n't start.

"That 's all for today,"Embry said after the bell rang."following class we 'll fast forward in prison term and learn about the government pre-Voldemort. Read the first chapter for homework and total up with three thoughtful doubt to baffle to the eternal rest of the grade. Dismissed."

"How does Hogwarts attract the most bizarre teacher ?"Albus asked once they were out of earshot of the classroom.

"Kendrick must put it on the inclination of job demand,"bathroom replied."Must be out of your freaking intellect to adopt this position."

"I think he 's professional,"rose wine piped in."It seems like we 'll really read stuff."

"Why botheration ?"whoremaster asked."It 's not like we 're old enough to experience a say in the government activity anyway."

"But we will one day,"Amanda pointed out."And to be honorable, I 'd be a bit afraid if everyone our age felt like you do, trick. Muggles get political sympathies course in school. It makes sense that we should, too."

"She 's got a point, mate,"Matt said."Who has the power in your country affair. If you elect the wrong the great unwashed, things can go horribly wrong. Not everyone gets to elect their leaders, either. We do n't even get to do that fully. The positions that Albus 's dad has and my dad have ? In the United state of matter, those are elected view. Not here."

"And before Voldemort, we did n't even elect our diplomatic minister,"Rose said.

"How do you lot even bonk this stuff ?"John asked as they drew closer to the Gryffindor coarse room.

"Parents."Amanda shrugged."It 's amazing what you pick up when your parents think you 're too offspring to care to eavesdrop."

"Wait."John stopped in the middle of the corridor and looked at his friends."Wait. Now that we know about your uncle, you lot all have crime syndicate involved with the Ministry, wether it 's the magical ministry or the Muggle ministry."

Albus grinned sheepishly."Guess so."

King John groaned."This is insane. Why could n't I have picked formula Friend ?"

"Normal is highly overrated,"mat said as they reached the Fat madam.

******


The rest of the week went by fairly quickly, in Albus 's public opinion. Everyone, scholar and instructor, fell back into their common Hogwarts routines and by the time Friday arrived Albus had a stack of homework as high as his bed and was more than fix for a few mean solar day off. But when he saw the notice panel in the rough-cut room when he got back from magic spell on Friday good afternoon, he knew that would not be entirely possible.

Fred had scheduled Quidditch praxis on Sabbatum at eight in the morning time.

"octet !"Albus exclaimed."In the morning ? Is he thoroughly insane ? It 's the 1st calendar week back ! Even Georgia was n't crazy enough to do that."

"Tough hazard, first mate,"whoremonger said as he tossed his bag onto a nearby couch."eighter from Decatur in the morning. Let 's see, I 'll be snuggled up in bed. What about you, Matt ? What will you be doing at eight in the morning ? Flying through the rain ? Trudging through the mud to the pitch ?"

"Course not."matte grinned."I 'll be cozy in bed, having an amazing dream where I 'm playing for the carom. In perfect conditions of course."

"The Cannons are the only team you 'd ever suffer hope of playing for,"John replied.

Albus threw himself down on the couch. Fred was insane. That was all there was to it. Well, he could hold for a professor position once he graduated. He 'd meet the insanity requirement.

"Speak of the devil,"Saint John the Apostle said as Fred entered the common room.

"You !"Albus shouted as he got up."Why in the name of everything Merlin owns did you schedule drill at eight in the aurora on a Saturday ? Not everyone 's a seventh year taking four classes. We ca n't all sleep in every bloody day."

Fred shrugged."Had to. Pitch is booked solid all weekend except for Sabbatum morning and evening. All the other household are having try-outs. We ca n't even harbour our Keeper try-outs until next weekend because of it."

"Why not the evening then ?"

"Omar Bradley 's got to build an appearance at Uncle Sir Henry Percy 's speech."Fred rolled his eyes.

"Then why have practice at all ? We do n't need to check anyone new until we get a new Keeper,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's been a whole summer. We 're rusty. We 've got to start training too soon. I want that Quidditch trophy."

"We 've been playing Quidditch all summer,"Albus said flatly.

"facial expression, Al, I 'm not changing it. Just deal with it,"Fred said as he continued up to his dorm.

Albus spent the remainder of the eventide fuming about drill and cursing Fred under his breather, until rosebush suggested they all go to the Room after dinner. Albus reluctantly agreed, knowing that if they went to the room he 'd be up half the Nox and would only get a few minute'sleep.

In the end he was sword lily pink wine suggested it. They spent the evening playing Gobstones and Exploding Snap and listening to John Lackland and Kaden think up new ways to prank the Slytherins, and more specifically, Scorpius Malfoy. Eventually, Albus decided to phone it a Nox and headed back to his dormitory, leaving his champion to continue discussing whether it would be better to turn Malfoy 's hair red or purple.

Only a few short hour later Albus found himself sneaking quietly out of his dormitory at an hour of day that was only meant to be seen on weekdays. He grabbed his Calluna vulgaris and went to come across his teammates in the common room.

No one looked glad. James II was nodding off on the sofa while Ryan attempted to tie his shoes without opening his eye. ling 's pilus was sticking up at odd angles while she tried to tame it into a ponytail. Bradley was sulking in an armchair. Even Fred looked a petty worse for article of clothing. But they trudged through the castle, only seeing Peeves loosening a few room access flexible joint and Filch 's cat malingering behind a cause of armor.

The weather was at to the lowest degree nice and the four 60 minutes they spent on the tar went by relatively fast. Albus and his teammates landed on the ground as the Slytherin Quidditch team made their way onto the pitch. Albus glared at them as they passed.

Without going up to his dormitory to change, Albus headed into the Great foyer hoping there would be something good for lunch. Having skipped breakfast, he was starving. He spotted his booster halfway down the Gryffindor table and after stowing his broom underneath the bench, he sat down and grabbed the good dish.

"You could at least lavish beginning, Al,"Rose said."You stink."

"Too starved,"Albus replied.

"Albus !"Lily called from down the table. She got up and headed over to him."Mum and Dad sent this earlier."She handed him a piece of sheepskin."They want us to go to the debate tonight since it 's the first one and all. We 're expected to Floo from Kendrick 's study to the Ministry at five."

Albus groaned as he read the letter."That gives me about four hours to unbend and possibly do homework."

"Are you going to have to go to every debate ?"Rose asked.

"Hope not,"Albus replied in between snack."You do n't have to go ?"

"Have n't gotten anything about it. Dad probably does n't even want to go himself so he wo n't stimulate us. And Mum probably expects that it would just get away from my studies."

"This says I have to wear dress gown,"Albus muttered.

"At least you can tell us if anything good happens,"Matt said.

"And what about you ? Your dad 's high in the Ministry. Why are n't you going ?"Albus asked, desperate to detect someone else who could stay fresh him company.

"He already told me over the summer that I 'll only have to go to ones at Hogwarts. And then whatever parties the candidate will bedevil for the officials. Does n't think an election should receive very much gist on my life,"matt explained.

"Lucky,"Albus replied.

Albus made the most of the relief of the day. He and his admirer took homework down to the lake, but it sat ignored under a beech tree tree diagram while they sat by the edge of the lake and dangled their feet in. Kaden swore the Giant Squid tried to eat his understructure, but cipher believed him. pink wine and Amanda took a walk by themselves along the edge of the forest, insisting that none of the boys follow.

Kaden pulled a Fanged Frisbee out of his bag once the female child left and the son began tossing it around. This was large fun until the Frisbee decided it had had enough of being thrown and took out a section of Kaden 's hair, leaving his head bleeding rather profusely and Albus, whoremonger, and lusterlessness having to rush him to the hospital annex. By the fourth dimension Kaden 's straits had been bandaged up and all four had received a talk on the dangers of Fanged Frisbees ( Madam Pomfrey somehow figured out that that was the drive ) it was metre for Albus to head up back to Gryffindor tugboat to get ready for the debate.


A/N : Sorry for the lack of a May update. School was insane. But I only have a year left ! I 'm now household for the summer and am having issues getting my Internet to cooperate with HPFF. thing take a long fourth dimension to lade and I can not reply to retrospect. I will still read every review, but responses will take a piece since I have to be at the library to reply to them.

Since I last updated I 've had some egress with multitude plagiarizing my history. I really hate that I have to tell you guys this, but it is against the rules to choose anyone 's stories from here and put them on other web site. It 's also against the linguistic rule to ask game, character, etc without permission. I do not render my license for anyone to take my plots or characters. I 'm really happy that you guys like my storey, but please do n't take them.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


If there was one thing Albus hated it was getting dressed up for Ministry case. He had always been slightly uncomfortable with his dad 's fame and Ministry attitude because he hated the attention. James had always been the character who would savor in the attention, enjoying when all the Ministry officials proclaimed how big he was getting and how he was for certain to be the star of Gryffindor 's Quidditch team. Lily was rather so-so towards it. She never really expressed emotion about the tending one way or another. She enjoyed getting dressed up but once they were at whatever company, she would go off and do her own thing. Albus just did not like it. He did not like getting his cheek pinched by old ladies and did not like random people telling him how tall he was getting. As he got senior, he did not like it any more.

But it was a fact of liveliness and so Albus found himself once again forcing himself into a set of emerald green dress robes. They were wrinkled, but he did n't love any sorting of ironing charm so he let them be. It 's not like anyone would be focused on him anyway. This was his Uncle Walker Percy 's dark and it seemed like this entire year was going to be his Uncle Percy 's yr.

Albus tamed his tomentum with a bit of water and then met James, Lily, Thomas Bradley, and Cedric in the common room. King James I looked debonnaire and perfectly comfortable in his racy frock gown, whereas Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric looked like they were being force play fed rotten fish in their matching grey robes. Lily was wearing a purple dress and as usual, did n't seem to have an notion about going to the argumentation.

"So you three got roped into this, too ?"Bradley asked as they made their way to Kendrick 's study.

"Yeah, Mum sent us a letter of the alphabet this morning,"Lily explained."I guess Dad thinks we should be at the starting time one."

"At least you do n't have to go to all of them,"Omar Nelson Bradley muttered.

The sleep of the trip to Kendrick 's study was mute. When they arrived they saw that Kendrick was in apparel robes as well and was apparently escorting them to the Ministry and would outride to watch the debate. He handed them each a bit of Floo gunpowder and let them go first.

Albus stepped into the Floo after Epistle of James and soon found himself in the Ministry of Magic 's entrance entrance hall. The place was far quiet than it was the endure time he had been there, the following year, when he went with Matt to secern his dad about Lubar being at Hogwarts.

Kendrick led them to the elevator and down to the court rooms."The just spot big enough to fit everyone witnessing the public debate. Even still, it 's an invitation only outcome. It 's being broadcasted over the radiocommunication, however. Kendrick stopped in front of tribunal room ten and opened the door. The room was about half full. Albus spotted his female parent 's smart red hair in the beginning row of seating. He followed Kendrick down the stairs.

Albus 's aunty Corrine was sitting with his parents, along with a rather sour looking Georgia and the twins, who were both reading books. Kendrick began to speak quietly to Harry as Albus and the others filed into the row. James, Tom Bradley, and Cedric immediately began to verbalize of Quidditch and Albus listened in. They were speculating on who would show up for keeper try-outs the following weekend. GA immediately perked up and began giving the son advice on who they should go on an eye out for.

It soon became obvious that the left side of meat of the front row of the seats was reserved for Harry Hotspur 's home. They were joined by all of Albus 's aunt and uncles, as well as Victoire, Teddy, and Stanley. In fact the only one of his older cousin that was not there was Gabriella. Albus wanted to ask Victoire where she was but she was too far away.

Albus assumed that the offset row on the right-hand side was reserved for Laurentis 's family, although Albus did n't acknowledge a exclusive one of the people in that row. He turned around and focused on the people filing in. He recognized a few of them including lusterlessness 's parents and a few other Ministry official he 'd met before. mat 's parents sat down behind Albus 's parents, following to Professor Kendrick. Albus briefly wished that Matt had been forced to go, but quickly erased that persuasion because what kind of friend would like their near friend had to serve a political debate ?

The cackle in the way immediately subsided when Minister Hartwell entered followed by a few of his closest advisers. Behind them were Percy and Laurentis, both wearing Ministry robes. Hartwell and his consultant sat along a table at the forepart of the elbow room while Percy and Laurentis stood behind podiums, also at the front of the room. The minister of religion spoke with his advisers briefly while Percy and Laurentis smiled and waved at the crowd. Then one of the advisor rose from his seat.

He was a portly man, whose gown stretched very tightly across his eye. He was completely barefaced and had no beard, but a very wide mustache. Aiming his wand at his own throat, he muttered a charm and then set his wand down.

"Welcome,"his voice boomed over the audience,"to the first debate of the 2020 election for parson of Magic. Our two candidates, Percy Ignatius Weasley and Patricia Leigh Laurentis, join us tonight for an introductory public debate on a potpourri of upshot. My name is Wendell House of York and I am the mind of the Department of Magical Transportation and will serve as moderator for tonight 's argument. I will put the matter and each prospect will get five minutes to reply, then two minutes for a rebutter.

"The first matter is how our earthly concern is concealed from Muggles. Do you think the current Ministry is doing an equal job ? What changes would you evoke ? Mr. Weasley, you may go first."

Albus yawned. Why could n't it be an exciting issue like catching shadow champion ? Or at least something relevant to his life, like the deficiency of practiced Defense prof at Hogwarts. Now that would be a debate he 'd be interested in. Albus turned towards Percy and realized he had n't even been paying care to a great deal of his uncle 's response.

"... current police force do a satisfactory job of concealing our human beings from Muggles. Magic sightings by Muggles are low in number and when they do occur Obliviators do an splendid job of altering the computer memory of our Muggle neighbors ..."Percy droned on.

Albus turned to Henry James who rolled his heart. Could they have come up with a more boring issue ? Albus seriously doubted it. Except perhaps cauldron underside thickness, which was a report Percy had done when he first started at the Ministry, according to Harry. Albus glanced at his dad. He was paying attention, but in that certain way of paying attention that meant he was really bored but was trying to bull it. Even Corrine looked slightly bored.

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Wendell York said."Ms. Laurentis, your turn."

"I disagree with Mr. Weasley,"Laurentis began."One sighting of our kind by Muggles is too many. Each time a Muggle collar mountain of an act of magic puts our full human beings at risk, and not only Britain 's wizarding globe. We have a province to the domain that we hold on our magic under wraps. According to finally year 's statistics we were in the top five countries in terms of numbers of sightings. That 's not good ..."

Laurentis went on and on about various laws that could be enacted to secure that Muggles did not see human action of conjuring trick until Wendell York cut her off. He then let Percy give his two instant rebuttal, during which he went on about how it was an impossible goal to try, to achieve no wizardly sightings by Muggles. Laurentis 's rebuttal was basically just a re-statement of her previous line.

Albus tuned much of the debate out, focusing instead on what he wanted to do during the current school day year. He was a fourth class, which meant he was no prospicient one of the new kids. He 'd been on the Quidditch team for two years and now he was hoping he 'd be able to have some say in how practices went and how compeer were played. Then there was the Dueling clubhouse. Each of the eight squad had a captain and the captains were fourth years. professor, mostly Neville, picked the captains. Albus knew it would be down to either him or Scorpius and as much as he did not really want the responsibility of being master, he did not require Scorpius to ingest big businessman over him. He would use that to his advantage.

The debate wore on and Albus continued to not pay aid until he heard the countersign 'education'and 'Hogwarts'. That got his attention. It was Laurentis 's good turn to go first.

"I think educational reform is the best way to go. Hogwarts has been ran the same way for genesis and while no one can refuse that Headmaster Kendrick runs a marvellous shoal, we also can not ignore that variety could be made to profit the student. The world is a constantly changing stead and education penury to retain up in edict for our students to be better prepared.

"The socio-economic class selection for deterrent example. It is my discernment that a new course has been added this yr about government, which I think is greatly good to scholar. But early than that the Lapplander class are offered now as have been offered for decades. New form need to be phased in while old ace that either no foresighted interest students need to be phased out. Obviously I am not talking about core classes such as Potions and Charms, but elective course.

"instructor also need to be kept up to escort with Holocene findings in their plain. They should not be teaching the Saame data I or my resister learned at Hogwarts. They should be teaching the newest valid information available-"

"Thank you, Ms. Laurentis, but your time is up. Mr. Weasley."

"My opposite brings up an interesting point, but even she admits that Headmaster Kendrick is running an splendid schooltime. I believe that some governance regulation is necessary, example being last year 's incident with Professor Balladanis, but we as administration officials do not have the training nor experience needed to properly run a shoal. I, as well as my opposer, would be kidding ourselves if we believed we could do a near job running Hogwarts than prof Kendrick.

"Just as professor most likely believe it best to leave law qualification and the running of the body politic to those such as my opponent and I, I believe it sound to go forth the running of Hogwarts to prof Kendrick and the former professors. In conclusion, I believe that Hogwarts is delicately as is and if the headmaster thought he needed governance assistance bringing about change in curriculum he would ask."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"the moderator said."Ms. Laurentis, your rebuttal."

"I in no way stated that I am trying to run Hogwarts. Nor do I think I would do a considerably job of it than Professor Kendrick. I am merely stating that the students would profit from more government intervention. If the Ministry had been more involved with teacher pick, for example, we could have possibly avoided hiring Professor Balladanis in conclusion year."

"Mr. Weasley."

"My opposite is speculating. There is no way for anyone to say whether government officials would have found prof Balladanis to be an inappropriate professor during his consultation. In fact, I would lean towards the opposite, considering that neither I or my opponent have ever hired a prof before."

Both Percy and Laurentis were red in the face. Albus was surprised a Ministry sponsored public debate could get so heated. He craned his head and turned around in Order to see what Kendrick 's chemical reaction to all this was, but found that Kendrick was hiding his emotions far better than either Sir Henry Percy or Laurentis. It also seemed that everyone in the elbow room was paying rapt care, including James and Lily. The only two people who were n't were Samantha and lindy.

There was one last motion about law devising that Albus did n't really empathise, nor did he care to understand. He was far more interested in the Hogwarts question. Harry Hotspur 's argument was far sound, in his thought. Hogwarts was fine the way it was. Why did Laurentis want to transfer everything ? What sort of change was she talking about, anyway ? He supposed the topic would be explored more specifically at the education themed debate which was scheduled to read property at Hogwarts the following month. But one thought that Albus could not get out of his head was that if Laurentis won, what would bump to Hogwarts ?
******


"The only alteration I want to see at Hogwarts is lupus erythematosus homework and fewer exam,"privy said as he walked with Albus and the rest of their Friend to the Great Hall.

A week had passed since the first argumentation and student were still talking about the possible changes to Hogwarts. A very big fully Sir Frederick Handley Page cattle farm had appeared in the Daily Prophet the day after the debate, proclaiming that Laurentis wished to change Hogwarts. This had both students and professors up in arms and thing were only beginning to sedate down. The professor had been on edge the previous week, snapping at student for nothing and assigning extra homework. This resulted in the students being very infelicitous. Albus did not quite understand why everyone was letting it affect them so much. It 's not like Laurentis had won. Yet.

It was early on Saturday morning and Albus and his friend were heading to the Great hall for the showtime Jnr 's Dueling gild group meeting of the yr. Albus 's nerves were on end. It was at this first meeting that the skipper would be announced.

"If Scorpius gets captain I 'm going to murder something,"St. John the Apostle muttered as they entered the Great Hall.

"You 're not even on his team,"pink wine said.

"I am and I could n't stand it if he won,"Amanda pointed out.

"If he 's police chief, tournaments are going to be awful,"lavatory countered."Plus, I 'm Al 's friend."

The Great Hall was in mass Chaos, as it always was during the world-class meeting of the year. Two teams were congregated at each table and much to Albus 's disdain, his squad was holding motor inn at the Slytherin table. He weaved his way through the confused back years who had yet to be assigned a team and stood next to his team. Scorpio was seated across the table from him.

"Well, Potter, set to be under my captaincy ?"Scorpius greeted him.

"I could say the Saami to you,"Albus replied."What makes you so sure you 'll get it ?"

"I 'm the honest duelist, obviously."Scorpius smirked.

"Quiet, tranquilize everyone !"Neville shouted.

Albus turned away from Scorpius and swallowed the desire to make a come back and paid attention to Neville instead. professor Patil stood next to him. Albus supposed the new defence mechanism professor had not had a desire to help with the Dueling golf-club. Somehow, Albus was not surprised.

"Thank you,"Neville said."First I 'd like to announce that prof Patil has graciously agreed to help me patronize this year 's Dueling Club. As a reminder, all team must have a prof present tense during practices and it is up to the team captain to organise recitation times and place a professor to sit in. The professor does not have to be myself or prof Patil. However, this year we are allowing seventh year Dueling nightspot members to superintend as well. So as an alternative, you may ask a seventh year to supervise.

"First order of magnitude of business organization is this year 's bit days. I 've already assigned you to team and shall now scan off the list."

Albus let his idea wander while Neville read off the list. The lonesome second class he knew were his sis, and she was assigned to Matt 's team, as well as Hugo, who was assigned to John and Kaden 's team. A crop of shy looking second old age had congregated at his own squad 's smear and he smiled at them, encouraging them to take arse next to the older scholar. There were five of them. Two boys and three girls. Three Ravenclaws, a Slytherin, and a Hufflepuff. No Gryffindors, but Albus could live with that.

"And now, what I am sure all the fourth twelvemonth have been waiting for, captain announcements ! Let me cue you that I, as well as the other professors who have been involved with this cabaret have been watching you over the past two long time and have chosen not only particular duelers, but especial leaders. Without further adieu.

"The senior pilot of squad One is Marina Jordan-Bell."

sunshine erupted for Marina, mostly from the Hufflepuff table, where her team was seated. Albus grinned. Marina was very Nice and would make an excellent captain.

"The captain of team Two is Harvey Tucker."

whoremaster and Kaden 's team. Harvey was a Ravenclaw and all Albus knew about him was that he knew every response in every one class.

"The captain of team Three is Peter Smith."

A Hufflepuff. His father had attended school day with Albus 's parents and they had n't liked him much.

"The police chief of Team Four is Lydia Thompson."

A rather snobby Slytherin whom was often seen with Scorpio. Scorpio grinned and clapped loudly for her.

"The maitre d' of Team V is Jace Johnson."

rosebush 's team. Jace was a Hufflepuff who did n't look to ever be not happy. It was kind of bizarre, actually.

"The captain of Team Six is Raisha Sweeney."

A Hufflepuff that Albus did n't know well. He swallowed hard. team up Seven was next and that was his team.

"The captain of team Seven is Albus Potter."

John 's whistling could be heard above everyone 's cheering. Albus grinned. His entire team ( salve for Scorpius and his ally ) were clapping hard. He 'd done it. He 'd made headwaiter ! All the uncertainties he 'd had over the summertime about it had disappeared. He, Albus Potter, was the new captain of team seven.

"The captain of team Eight is Dayton Coons."

matt 's squad. Dayton was another Ravenclaw who had multiple cyclopedia in his brain.

"That 's all for today. Captains, delight bod out a time for your initiative practice, which should film place during the next two weeks. Once you have a escort, delight see me to get a classroom. Then find a prof or seventh year to supervise.

Scorpius did not say one Holy Scripture as Albus talked with the rest of his team and figured out a practice time that did not interfere with four different Quidditch squad, Gobstones baseball club, and chess gild. Eventually he settled on the following Thursday evening. Neville assigned them to an empty classroom on the sixth floor. Albus figured he 'd ask a seventh class to manage rather than a professor. It was less intimidating for his first practice.

Albus 's champion joined him at the door to the Great entrance hall. Scorpius brushed past them, but did not say a word. He looked like he was ready to murder someone. Albus thought he looked far too angry over a lost captainship. It was just the junior 's Dueling Club anyway.

"Did Malfoy say anything to you ?"lavatory asked on their way back to Gryffindor.

"Not a word,"Albus replied.

"Do n't think about him,"Rose said."What 's the point ? You made sea captain and that 's all that matters."

Albus grinned."to the highest degree of the sea captain are pretty decent, too. I mean Lydia 's variety of irritating, but the rest are n't bad."

"It 's going to be a near year for dueling, that 's for for sure,"Matt agreed.

The six ally discussed dueling all the way back to the common elbow room. When they entered they saw a planetary house that said 'Congratulations Albus and Marina !'Unopened butterbeers cluttered one of the tables and all of Albus 's cousins were cracking them open. Marina was surrounded by her friends and Albus was accosted by his first cousin as soon as he entered. individual thrust a butterbeer into his paw and patted him on the back. He smiled as he looked out at the common way, at the party that his full cousin had thrown together for himself and Marina. Matt was not only right about the fact that it would be a proficient yr for dueling. It was going to be a good yr in general.


A/N : So I bet you 're all confused about the name alteration ! well, I 've been doing some mentation and a game change was needed. The chapters that are already posted wo n't be affected. The variety only affects what I have n't written yet. But the old title was n't going to work with the new plot, so I had to change it. I like the new one better anyway. And do n't worry, Hotspur will still run for minister of religion. Actually, the new plot focuses more on that.

To resolve in advance, because I know this will total up, I wo n't tell what the old secret plan was going to be. I 'd rather hoi polloi not compare the old plot with the one that will actually be written.

If any of you are on the forums, you 'll acknowledge about the tragedy we had last calendar week. Liza Potter on the archive ( and lizzacc on the forums ) has died. She was a fan of my Albus series and told me once that they were the first stories she ever read on HPFF. She will be missed. I am dedicating this story to you, liza.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The side by side day Albus found himself on the Quidditch pitch staring at all of the new Gryffindor steward hopefuls. There were a lot of them. Try-outs were scheduled to begin in XV minutes, yet the auction pitch had been packed since before dejeuner. Albus speculated that some hopefuls, including Victor-Marie Hugo, had not even taken a break of serve for lunch. Poor Hugo need n't sustain bothered skipping his meal since even an excess one-half hour of practice would not ingest helped him.

Students from second through one-seventh yr were hoping for a spot on the team, including Janie Creevey. Albus recognized almost of them, but there were a few older scholar whom he did not. Along with the Gryffindors, there were representatives from early teams, surely there to tally out Gryffindor 's new Keeper.

Albus stood on the lurch a few meters from the crowd, with his squad. Fred was holding a clipboard and Heather was standing following to him, gazing out at the students hoping for a spot. King James, Bradley, and Ryan were laughing about something.

"Quiet, please, everyone !"Fred shouted. The Gryffindors immediately settled down. A few flew back down to the ground and dismounted, some not very gracefully."Thank you. We only need a Keeper this year. And if you ca n't Keep, you 're not going to get on the team. If you 're hoping to get in as custodian and then take another 's billet when they graduate, you might as well not waste your time."

Wow, Albus thought to himself, Fred was channeling both Georgia and Samantha Meyers. Usually he would joke around at try-outs, but Albus supposed since he was now in charge, things had changed.

A few of the younger students walked slowly off the sales pitch and into the stands, looking clearly disappointed.

"All right then, I 'm going to induce you fly around the slant to valuate your basic flying skills. If you 're not up to par on that, you 'll be eliminated. Then we 'll move on to guarding the destination posts."

Albus stood back while Fred had the hopeful fly laps around the pitch. Quite a few could not even do to fly straight or put to death act properly. About a one-fourth of them were eliminated during the first ten minutes. one-half of the remaining Gryffindors were eliminated within the first ten arcminute of goal keeping, including Hugo. He hung his head as he walked to the viewpoint, Scots heather trailing behind him. Albus felt bad for him.

The rest of the of the students took long to reject. After about an hour the amount had been narrowed down to ten and they all seemed to be similar in skill.

"I think the just middling way to do this is to eliminate anyone who misses a save. last one standing, er, flying, gets the blot,"Fred announced.

It took another half hour to polish off the try-outs. To Albus 's surprise, the victor was Janie Creevey. Albus had had no idea that she even played Quidditch until he saw her at the try-outs. She grinned as she dismounted from her broom and accepted the congratulations from the balance of the team.

"Nice to give another young lady,"heather said."I thought I 'd be the only when one after Georgia left."

"I thought your cousin Hugo would get picked,"Ryan replied."Who knew he was the just Weasley who ca n't wager Quidditch ?"

"have you seen rosiness on a broom ?"Albus asked.

Janie grinned."I 've played since I was short. So happy to own won the spot. When 's number one practice ?"

"rightfield now,"Fred said."We 've got the slant all afternoon."

Albus sighed. Fred was turning into Georgia. But Albus enjoyed Quidditch and it was a bright and sunny day, so it would n't be bad.

practice session lasted a few hours and Albus was thoroughly exhausted by the time it was over. He immediately went back to his residence hall to take a exhibitor and then set off to situate his ally. Dinner would be served shortly and Albus was starved.

Albus 's friends were in the Marauder 's Den, just where he had predicted when he did n't see them in the Gryffindor uncouth way when he had traipsed through after exercise. St. John the Apostle and Kaden were playing chess and Kaden was trouncing John, like usual. Rose and Amanda were sitting on the lounge discussing an essay that Cedonia had assigned the premature week. Matt was not there since the good moonlight had been the previous night.

"Albus !"John exclaimed after Al had shut the room access."So, who 's the new Gryffindor keeper ?"

"You 're never gon na believe it, but Janie Creevey,"Albus answered as he collapsed onto a nearby electric chair."Apparently she has been playing Quidditch for ages and was just waiting for the steward place to open."

"Seriously ?"John asked."She never mentioned it all these years that we 've been brewing potions together."

"She 's probably too busy making sure you do n't blow anything up,"Rose replied.

"Hey, I 'm better than Al and Matt are,"whoremonger muttered.

"Speaking of lusterlessness, have you lot been to see him today ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, but he was asleep so ma'am Pomfrey did n't let us stay. Figured we 'd go after supper,"whoremonger answered.

"Let 's get going now,"Albus said, standing up."Should be starting soon."

Everyone nodded in correspondence and they set off towards the Great Granville Stanley Hall. The corridors were filled with bookman who had spent the day outdoors and Albus felt very content walking alongside his friends, despite how every single one of his muscles ached from practice session.

"Shhhh, looking at !"John seethed as he grabbed the cover of Albus 's shirt and pulled him into a doorway. Kaden, Rose, and Amanda followed, all looking curiously at John.

"What is it ?"rose wine asked.

"Shush !"John whispered."It 's Scorpio and Willinson 's cousin. What was his name again ?"

"Felix,"Kaden muttered."Slimy git."

"Who 's that with them ?"Amanda asked.

Albus craned his head around the door systema skeletale. Scorpius and Felix were standing next to a few suits of armor, heads leaned in towards each other. There was a female child about a head brusk than Scorpio with them. She and Felix had the same colouring hair, except hers was long and curly.

"She 's a first twelvemonth. I remember seeing her a the sort but I do n't remember her figure,"blush wine answered.

"I have half a idea to lay aside her from the two of them,"John muttered."She 'd be respectable off not getting mixed up with the the like of them."

"She 's a Slytherin,"Amanda pointed out."She could be just like them for all we know."

Scorpio began walking down the corridor and Felix and the girl followed. Albus and his admirer watched them until they turned a corner, disappearing out of visual modality.

"Weird,"Albus said as they began walking to dinner once more."I 've never seen Malfoy befriending offset years, except for Willinson when he came here."

"You 're paranoid,"Rose said."They were just talking and they 're in the Lapplander firm. Maybe she had a doubt or something."

"He 's Malfoy,"Albus responded."He 's up to something."

"Oh Merlin."Rose let out an incense sigh."Two weeks into the terminal figure and you 're already picking a row with him."

"Remember hold up yr ?"Albus asked."I 'm only trying to quash something like that again."

"Fine. But I 'm not getting involved,"rosiness muttered.

Albus walked in muteness the rest of the way to the Great Hall. rosiness may accept been right. Albus may have just been being paranoiac, but deep down he had a feeling that Malfoy and Willinson were n't just talking about homework.
******


Matt returned from the infirmary wing two days later and the calendar month wore on in its usual way. The professor were assigning more and more homework and it took longer and longer to fill in.

Once October arrived excitement began to brew when the first Hogsmeade weekend was announced. The visit was scheduled for the Saturday before Halloween and Kaden in detail was very rouse. He never did manage to make it to Hogsmeade under the invisibility Cloak the previous year.

Albus 's first off dueling practice had gone particularly well. Albus had been pleasantly surprised. Even Scorpius had cooperated and done what Albus had told him to do, although that may hold been solely because Professor Cedonia had been present during the praxis. His team was shaping up well and he had highschool hopes for them winning many tournament. Quidditch had been going equally as well. Janie had fit seamlessly into their team.

Albus wished he could say things were going equally well for the election. Ever since the showtime debate various magazine and radio shows had been latching onto Percy 's statement about educational activity and his lack of willingness to change, as they had put it.

"Dad 's really stressed,"Thomas Bradley said one Night at dinner. The Weasleys and ceramicist were all eating together in gild to discuss the election."Does n't drop a line us as lots and when he does it 's always about the election."

"Not to mention the five varlet spread that virtuoso magazine is doing about our family,"Cedric muttered as he gnawed on a dud leg."That 's sure to fire the fire."

"When is that ?"Albus asked.

"Tomorrow,"Bradley answered."Only practiced constituent is we got permission to leave out all of our classes."

"Is it really going to be five pages ?"James asked."What are they going to put in it ?"

"Dad 's life story,"Cedric answered."Plus a few paragraphs on each of us and Mum about our lives. Just a felicitous article about how we all love each early and Dad 's a family line man. That 's what his political campaign manager wants to portray him as seeing that Laurentis does n't accept any kids."

"And Uncle Sir Henry Percy has a unit lot,"Saint James the Apostle pointed out.

"Hey, you lot adept watch out. When Dad told us about this he mentioned that they 're going to do another on the intact Weasley-Potter clan,"Cedric announced.

"Did he say when ?"St. James asked.

"Around Yuletide, I think. Adds to the happy family atmosphere,"Cedric explained.

"Then they ought to interview Uncle George when he 's had a bit too much eggnog."James laughed.

"When 's the adjacent debate, anyway ?"Albus asked."Must be coming up soon."

"This weekend, actually,"Thomas Bradley replied."At the Ministry again. I think this one 's focalization on law introduction and enforcement or something equally as boring."

"Do we have to go to it ?"Lily asked.

"I do n't think so,"James IV answered."Dad said we just had to go to the ones at Hogwarts from now on."

"public speaking of elections, what does everyone think of that politics class ?"Albus asked.

"Professor 's very intense,"Saint James said in between collation."But it 's not nearly as painful as the early grade. There 's no O.W.L. in it so it 's my current favorite."

"Yeah and I think we 're at an reward,"Cedric said."With our parents being in the Ministry and stuff and nonsense. A few of my admirer have absolutely no idea about anything to do with the Ministry so they 're having a hard time."

professor Embry seemed to be teaching the class in chronological fiat and thus was currently lecturing on how the Ministry was organized prior to the fall of Voldemort. Albus thought it was a picayune boring but he had a tone it would get more concern once Embry started on the fall of Voldemort.

"And that 's why the category is necessity,"blush wine said."Think about it. No class like this has been taught before, so where did the current Ministry officials learn the account of the Ministry ? Where did they learn about government ? They learned it as they went, but did n't know much when they started. That 's a short scary. People should know how their country is run."

Albus thought about what Rose had said as he chewed on his roll. She had a respectable point. Where had they learned it ? Had his Uncle Percy really known nothing about the Ministry when he started ? No, he could n't consume. Percy 's own father had been in the Ministry as well. Still, it was weird to think about.

Albus mostly listened during the rest of dinner. He always felt slightly unsettled when the election was discussed and he was n't sure why. Nor could he picture out whether he wanted Hotspur to win or not. Either way, lifespan would be drastically different after Election Day, and Albus liked thing the way they were.
******


"Now she wants to modify Azkaban ?"Albus asked at breakfast a few days later. The law enforcement argument had taken stead the night before and the entire front Page of the seer was devoted to it."Is n't changing Hogwarts enough ?"

Ministry hopefuls Hotspur Weasley and
Patricia Laurentis debated law creation
and enforcement last Night at the Ministry
of conjuration. Like the previous general debate,
sparks flew in this one, with each candidate
speaking passionately about the topic.

'I 've worked in law foundation for years ,'
Weasley began with. 'Since the defeat
of Voldemort, I think we can all correspond that
things are running smoothly. I intend to
control that things keep going the way they
are, with enforcement of laws that benefit
the entire wizarding community .'

Laurentis took a more radical stance, in
her response to Weasley 's opinions.

'Sure, the law of nature we have now are sufficient.
I 'm not denying that. But I think we need
to contain a good hard look at how they are
enforced, or rather, not enforced. The
statistics are readable. Far Sir Thomas More crook
are being acquitted and even more are
being released from Azkaban. In my body of work
at the prison, I see many criminals being
released whom I do not think should be.
Not to mention the break-outs. There are
far too many. Law enforcement needs to vary .'

Without a doubt, matter are only going to
heat up. The prospect seem to have
completely different opinions on everything
from education to natural law. The next debate,
which will be on education, will pack place
at Hogwarts on Saturday, November the 9th at
two in the afternoon.

"Does n't she run Azkaban ?"Matt asked, taking the report from Albus."So why has n't she changed it already ?"

"Probably does n't have the exponent,"Rose answered."The minister has to sign off on most things, unless all illustration and official disagree with him or her."

"So clearly there 's people who do n't gibe with her,"matte replied.

"Think they 'll ever agree with each former ?"Albus asked.

"dubiety it,"Amanda said."It 's like this in the Muggle elections, too. They 're usually over contrary. What I do n't see is how she 's working under Hartwell when he and your uncle concur on everything."

"Me either,"rose agreed."Guess we 're watching the next debate."

"Yeah, it 'll be here,"Matt said."Embry will probably wee-wee us do an essay on it, too."

"It wo n't be bad,"Rose said."That will be the disputation that will directly touch on us. The election 's in April which means we 're going to have over three years of Hogwarts under whichever candidate is elected. If it 's Laurentis, all those changes are going to touch on us."

Omar Bradley sat down next to Albus and threw a copy of Wizards clip onto the table."article 's out."

"That was fast,"Albus said.

"They wanted it to be out right around the public debate,"Bradley muttered."You really ought to read it. It 's awful."

"Rita Skeeter did n't do it, did she ?"Albus asked.

Bradley shook his head."This noblewoman 's almost worse. Trust me."

Rose, Amanda, King John, Matt, and Kaden crowded around Albus as he flipped through the mag. The article was in the middle, with the two pages being a wax coloring material photograph of Uncle Percy, Aunt Corrine, and their kids. Percy and Corrine were sitting on their living room lounge, with Georgia in between them. All three were smiling and waving. Bradley and Cedric were leaning on either side of the couch and the twins were sitting in front of it. Albus flipped the Page and saw a very lengthy article, interspersed with various pictures of his family and boxes about each of those five cousins. The article finished up on the following pageboy.

Upon entering the domicile of parson of conjuring trick
candidate Percy Weasley 's Southampton home
I am surprise to see that it does not reckon
like the base of a Ministry candidate. It is
not filled with loads and peck of theme and
Weasley 's campaign handler is nowhere to be
found. Instead, the floor is cluttered with
toys belonging to the youngest Weasley tike,
nine-year-old twins, Samantha and Lindy. A
shell of warmly biscuit sits upon the coffee
table and Weasley 's wife, Corrine, bustles
into the room carrying a tray of tea. Percy
enters as well, followed by the five Weasley
children.

'I prefer to keep the campaign at the Ministry ,'
Percy explains after I ask where his safari
textile are. 'The movement is work. It is my
job. The house is for my family .'

"Really ?"rose raised her eyebrows."She should 've seen his discipline. That 's where all his campaign stuff is."

The article went on to talk over Percy and his fathering skills. Albus grew More and more disgusted as it went on. Walker Percy had and always would be a workaholic, but the article was painting him to be father of the class. No wonder Thomas Bradley had not been pleased when giving Albus the article.

'I could not be more majestic of Georgia ,'
Harry Hotspur said, speaking of his eldest girl,
who currently plays as Reserve Keeper for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I 've been to a
number of her equal and it is shed light on
that she could sustain a long career in
Quidditch .'

"What a cargo of dung !"Albus exclaimed."Uncle Sir Henry Percy has never once agreed with Georgia 's Quidditch career."

"Did he actually say that or was that reporter just saying he did ?"Matt asked.

"Oh he said it,"Omar Nelson Bradley, who had taken a seat a short ways down the board, answered."Not that he really thinks it."

Albus had had enough of the main article. His eyes glanced across the Page and rested upon the minuscule box that discussed Georgia.

Sakartvelo Weasley, the eldest girl
of Harry Hotspur and Corrine, is 18 and
currently plays stockpile Keeper for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I love
Quidditch ,'Sakartvelo said when the
theme was brought up. 'It 's freeing
and I look forward to playing for
Kenmare as a entire Keeper one day .'
Georgia 's dream is to roleplay for England.

Next to Georgia 's box there was one for Bradley.

Bradley Weasley, the eldest son of
Percy and Corrine, is currently in
his one-sixth class at Hogwarts. He plays
Beater on Gryffindor 's Quidditch team.
'I like Quiditch, but I do n't want to
play professionally like Georgia. I
want to crop for Gringotts some day .'

Then there was one for Cedric.

Cedric Weasley is in his fifth class
at Hogwarts and is the cut-up of
the family. 'Every Weasley family
has to have someone who will wager the
jape. It 's like a regulation or something.
I come up with the best ideas when I 'm
with my cousin James [ ceramicist ] .'Upon
asking Cedric what he wants to do after
Hogwarts, he replied, 'Have n't got a clue.
I think I 'll center on getting through
my O.W.L.s first .'

The terminal box was for both Samantha and Lindy.

Samantha and Linda ( lindy hop ) Weasley are
nine years old and attend a local anaesthetic
primary school for Muggles. Both twins
ca n't await to enter Hogwarts in two
year .'I 'm going to be in Gryffindor,
just like my sister and brothers ,'says
Samantha .'I do n't care what sign I 'm
in, just as long as I can play Quidditch.
well, okey, I do n't need to be in Slytherin .'

"That,"Albus began as he set down the magazine,"was the worst clause I 've ever read in my life."

"I shudder to think what the one about our integral family line will be like,"Rose muttered.

"Nah,"John said."That one will be better because they wo n't bear to form as much up. Albus 's dad saved the whole wizarding world. They 'll just play that up."

"It was n't only him,"Albus pointed out."Are people really going to consider all this ?"

Amanda nodded."Yeah, they will. They know zilch about your uncle 's household. sure as shooting, they know all about your dad, but really, how much do they know about Hotspur ? Not much. They 're going to want to believe it and why should n't they ? They have no idea Percy does n't approve of Georgia 's Quidditch career. It 's the same as in the Muggle human beings.

"It would be squeamish if people voted on candidates who shared their same views, but it honestly comes down to who presents the best campaign. People are n't going to want individual in magnate who has issues with his own family."

"That 's stupid,"Kaden replied."Glad my kin 's not involved with politics."

"My household is your household,"Albus pointed out.

"But I 'm not related to your Uncle Percy."

"You still call him Uncle Percy,"Albus said.

"Because he basically is. He 's just not my rakehell uncle."

"well, I can honestly say my family 's not in political relation and I 'm very glad about that,"bathroom said.

Albus could not conceive of life without having family involved with the Ministry, but suddenly he felt slightly jealous of bathroom. What would it have been like to have parents who were n't famous ?


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this story ! You hombre are all amazing. Just as another reminder, I ca n't respond to reviews while I am habitation for the summer, but I read every individual one. If you have some sort of question that you need answered about my stories, please use my Ask the source Sir Frederick Handley Page at the meeting place or send me a PM there.

I have another chapter ready to go so that should be up shortly after I return from vacation next calendar week. Hope everyone enjoys Deathly Hallows 2 this week !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The following hebdomad brought a storm so long and so intense that Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures had to be canceled for the second one-half of the workweek. It was thoroughly out of the question to walk outside without being doubled over by the malarkey and the younger students could not walk without being blown away. The rain was also so heavy that one would become sop within two second. The students secretly rejoiced, for the extra free periods were helpful to all.

It remained so rainy and windy that even Quidditch praxis had to be canceled on Saturday. Not that Fred would possess canceled it himself, but Kendrick announced a ban on going out of doorway until the violent storm let up. Fred lamented this fact all of Friday evening and contemplated holding a scheme sitting in the common elbow room instead, but heather convinced him just to let it go.

Albus decided to take the opportunity to expend the day at the library, something that John and Kaden reluctantly agreed with. matte and Amanda joined them as well, for they had plenty of prep as well. blush wine had mentioned something about tutoring a new student and run off shortly after breakfast.

The library was absolutely packed with pupil, most potential due to the weather and not a burning desire of the Hogwarts population to study, and it took a good five minutes for Albus and his acquaintance to place an empty table. It was a lot meretricious than usual and Madam Pince was glaring at each tabular array of scholarly person in turn.

Albus set his heap of books down and got to work on a Potions essay that was due the following week. He had n't started it, of course, but he had a few days to do it. He thought he was ahead of the game anyway since he 'd normally be at Quidditch practice and not even thinking about homework.

John and Kaden, as usual, were unable to get started on their preparation right away and were scolded by Madam Pince twice before finally opening their Word of God. Amanda immediately set to work on the same essay Albus was working on. mat cracked open his appeal text but stared at the same page for five minutes before Albus noticed that his optic had glazed over. The October full synodic month was the following Night, so Albus was not surprised.

"This is bushed boring,"John the Divine muttered after they 'd been studying for an 60 minutes."Politics back before Voldemort is pointless. It 's completely different now, so why do we need to bother reading it ?"

"So we do n't make the same error,"Amanda said without looking up from her parchment."simpleton, really."

"You 're channeling pink wine now,"John stated.

"soul has to when she 's not here,"Amanda said.

"Would you rather do my fortune telling anticipation ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah !"Saint John exclaimed."Let 's see, how about you get blown away by the jazz while you 're ignoring Kendrick 's rule against going outside ?"

"perfective tense. That 'd be something I 'd do,"Kaden said as he scrawled it down."And then I can issue forth down with a nasty cold after being out-of-door in the rain so long."

Albus rolled his eyes. The two of them had been insane to take Divination in the kickoff lieu, but at least they seemed to relish making up their fake predictions. Albus grinned to himself as can and Kaden snorted into their parchment, laughing over some ridiculous prediction.

An minute later Albus had finished his essay, as had Amanda. The two of them had moved on to Transfiguration reading. whoremaster and Kaden had given up on homework and were planning an elaborate frivolity that involved a chicken, birdseed, and the Slytherin coarse room. lusterlessness had been dozing on his good luck charm book. Albus prodded him awake.

"How 's Charms ?"Albus asked, grinning.

"Oh, er ..."Matt glanced at his book and quickly wiped it with the arm of his robes."Great, really. Think I 'll direct to the Den, actually."

Albus nodded."I 'll be there in a bit. Want to get some of this reading done."

John and Kaden rose to join Matt. They 'd been yelled at two more times and figured they 'd do bettor to plan in the Den.

"postponement,"John said when he was only a few feet from the mesa."Is that rosebush ?"He pointed to a head of bushy red pilus at a nearby table."Who 's she with ? Is that-"He walked across the elbow room and hid behind a book shelf to get a cheeseparing look.

Albus craned his head. rose was sitting with a small fille. John returned a few seconds later.

"I thought so. It 's that missy we saw with Malfoy and Willinson a few weeks ago."

"Wait, that Slytherin first year ?"Albus asked. He 'd nearly block about her, finally deciding that Scorpius probably was n't up to anything that involved her.

"Yeah, that 's her all right,"St. John the Apostle said."What 's Rose doing with her ?"

"She 's tutoring someone. Must be her,"Albus pointed out.

"Weird. Tutoring a Slytherin,"can replied.

"What 's it matter ?"Matt snapped."No point in standing here watching them. I 'm going to the Den."He hiked his bag up on his shoulder and headed for the room access, not waiting for John and Kaden.

"What 's with him ?"John asked.

"You know what 's tomorrow. And honestly, what 's it issue if she 's tutoring that young lady ?"Albus asked.

"You thought it meant something that she was with Scorpius but this you do n't manage about ?"

"It 's the Hogwarts tutoring curriculum. I do n't think you get to control who you tutor,"Albus explained.

"I suppose."John the Evangelist sighed."Well, see you in a bit."

"See you,"Albus said as Saint John the Apostle and Kaden left.

Albus and Amanda studied for another hour before joining their booster in the Marauder 's Den. John and Kaden were having a serious discussion on how they were going to obtain a wimp and Matt was sound asleep on the couch. Albus and Amanda settled down with a deck of Exploding Snap and played round after rhythm while listening to can and Kaden.

"I still say it 'll be promiscuous to hold an older student transfigure something into a chicken,"Kaden said a full twenty dollar bill minutes later."I 'll bet one of Albus 's first cousin will do it."

"Yeah, but I want this to be our trick. We could just go take one of the chickens from Hagrid 's chicken coop,"John the Divine replied.

"More chance of getting caught. No one 's going to suspect if one of Al 's first cousin is practicing their Transfiguration of Jesus. But sneaking a chicken into the castle ? They 're fairly cheap with their squawking."

"Where 's the fun in no chance of getting caught ?"John asked.

"There will be plenty of chance of getting caught when we 're getting into the Slytherin usual room. Merlin only knows how we 're going to manage that."

The door opened and Rose walked in."Why are you lot trying to get into the Slytherin green room ?"

"You do n't want to sleep together,"Amanda said."One of their pranks."

blush wine rolled her middle and sat down side by side to Amanda, picking up a few wag to join in on the succeeding round.

"How was tutoring ?"John Lackland asked, abandoning the topic of chickens.

"fine,"Rose answered."Sami as always."

"How did you even get into tutoring ?"can replied.

"Why ? You want to tutor ?"rose wine smirked.

John laughed."Definitely not. Just curious."

"Professor Longbottom contacted me over the summer. Fourth year and above can be in the tutoring program. The professors match you up with younger students and I 've been tutoring a first year for a few calendar week now."

"Yeah,"john said as he got up and walked over to where blush wine was sitting."We saw you earlier. That girl you 're tutoring ? That 's the same girl that Malfoy and Willinson were talking to a few weeks ago."

"Wait, that one time that you and Al thought they were up to something ?"

"Yeah that clock time. I was just wondering who she was."

Rose sighed."She 's Willinson 's little sister. Her epithet 's Elsie. She 's really nice, actually. Quiet, does n't seem much like a Slytherin to me but her whole folk 's been in Slytherin."

"Oh,"can said."speculation that 's why she was with Willinson and Malfoy. What do you tutor her in ?"

"Bit of everything,"pink wine answered."You lot want to go to dinner ?"

Everyone, except flatness, who just wanted to slumber, agreed and they headed down to the Great student residence. Rose had been right. Nothing mistrustful about Willinson 's sister tagging after him and Scorpius. Albus 's instincts had been wrong on that occasion.
******


Never in Albus 's liveliness did he ever think there would be a professor who could top Professor Binns in damage of oil production classes. But Professor Young had done the out of the question. Twice a week Albus and his admirer traipsed to Young 's schoolroom to work on a single worksheet. offspring did nothing else, except hand out worksheets. Said worksheets did not even take an entire social class geological period to complete, resulting in educatee using the remaining time to watch up on other homework, something that Cy Young neglected to notice. The only good character about the grade was that Young never assigned homework.

"You think he 'll last the class ?"flatness asked as they were leaving Young 's classroom.

"Do n't see why not,"Albus answered."Unless Laurentis is elected government minister and deems him unfit to teach."

"He does n't really learn,"Rose pointed out.

"But still, he 's practiced than Balladanis,"lusterlessness reasoned.

The residuum of Albus 's division were decent, although most assigned too often homework for his liking, but that was not anything new. As the end of October drew nearer, Albus became very excited about the starting time Hogsmeade visit of the year. It would be the outset time that all of Albus 's protagonist would get to go together and possibly the finally, given how officious everyone was this year.

Albus nearly did not get to go to Hogsmeade when the day finally arrived. Fred had sprung an additional Quidditch praxis on that day in decree to hold up for the missed practices due to the storm. However, the entire squad was outraged and Scots heather threatened to hex Fred if he did not rescind the practice. Albus was very palliate as it was a nice day and perfect for Hogsmeade.

"I 've got to get a new large number of dungbombs,"Kaden said as they walked down the way from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade."Used them up ages ago."

"That the pack I sent you over the summer ?"John asked.

"Sure is. Did n't last too long."

"I need another Skiving Snackbox,"John announced."And loads of other stuff from Weasleys'."

"And we need to go buy bird seed if we 're going to do that prank,"Kaden reminded him.

Albus and mat exchanged looks. John and Kaden had finally agreed to ask one of Albus 's older cousins to transfigure them a wimp that they would then somehow sneak into the Slytherin common room. The birdseed was to dust throughout the space in fiat to nettle the Slytherins even more.

"You two enjoy that,"Rose said."And do n't come complaining to us when you get a month of detentions, because there 's no possible way you can pilfer into the Slytherin common room without getting caught."

"We 'll have Albus 's cloak, obviously,"Kaden said.

"When are you going to do it ?"Albus asked.

"Around Halloween,"privy answered.

"half-wit,"Rose muttered.

Weasleys'wiz Wheezes was packed with student. Being the first of all Hogsmeade weekend, most students had a serious lack of pranking products and needed to stock up. George I was behind the parry ringing up purchase after purchase and waved at Albus as he walked in with his Quaker. They quickly scattered, each head towards the exhibit that contained what they needed.

Albus wandered towards the Skiving Snackboxes and grabbed two, figuring that he would need to get out of Defense at to the lowest degree once and History of thaumaturgy a few times a month. Gospel According to John and Kaden each had about five loge and matte watched with a gross out aspect on his aspect. Since he missed at least a day or two of classes a calendar month due to his lycanthropy, he never understood why anyone would make themselves ill to do so.

"Should 've gone there live,"John said as he lugged his bags to the troika Broomsticks.

"Yeah, must remember that for next sentence,"Kaden agreed."But now, off to have a Butterbeer !"

Albus smiled. His cousin-german had had Butterbeer before when people snuck it back to the Gryffindor rough-cut room, but he 'd never had it in Hogsmeade before.

The Three Broomsticks was crowded, but lustrelessness managed to grab a table in the back. Rose set off to get them all Butterbeers. They had been there for about 15 minutes before Scorpio showed up, followed by Garth Octavius, Xavier Goyle, Felix Willinson, and Elsie Willinson. Scorpius surveyed the room and his eyes rested upon Albus. Smirking, he sauntered over towards them.

"ceramicist,"Malfoy greeted him. He nodded to each of Albus 's friends, glaring at Matt, and then turned back to Albus."I expect you lot are set up to duel following weekend."

"course of action we are,"Albus answered."The squad 's great deal prepared. finally practice session on Thursday."

"I 'll be there,"Scorpius replied."And I 'll be ready to express the team on Saturday since the ease of our squad could n't win a duel against a first base year."

"Shut it. Our squad is hunky-dory,"Albus said coldly.

"Maybe if they had a decent police captain ..."Scorpius 's voice trailed off."But the professors love anyone whose last epithet is Potter or Weasley, just like everyone else in the world."

"They chose based on skill,"Albus replied, staring him in the oculus."Not diagnose. Rose did n't make master and she 's a Weasley."

"But you 're a Potter and you get everything because your dad is the Boy Who Lived,"Scorpius spat, ignoring Albus 's comment."But I 've got news for you. Not everyone in the world likes that your entire house runs the wizarding macrocosm and that nix gets done without one of them signing off on it. Not everyone 's going to vote for your uncle, you know."

"Obviously,"Albus replied."And just so you know my family may be involved with the Ministry but it 's only because they want to help people. And they 're only there because people voted for them."

"No one voted for your dad,"Scorpius muttered. Then he turned to Matt."Or yours."

"hoi polloi voted for Hartwell, who appointed them,"Albus said."And your dad works in the Ministry, too."

"That 's not the point."Scorpius took a stone's throw closer to Albus."The point is that your kinsfolk might not be running this country much longer. So you 'd better watch out."

Scorpius turned to leave and his friends followed."My family line does n't run the humans !"Albus shouted after him.

Albus resumed his keister after Malfoy left, not even realizing that he had rose from it in the offset spot."He 's just so stupid !"Albus exclaimed."My house does n't run the country."

"He 's just green-eyed,"Amanda said."You got made captain of our squad and he hates that. Your dad 's famous and he 's jealous of that."

"His dad 's renowned too,"Albus said darkly."Just for the untimely reasons."

"And Scorpius probably wishes his dad was famous for the compensate cause,"Amanda replied.

"Do n't see why. Having a illustrious dad is n't always a effective thing,"Albus muttered.

"Just ignore him,"rose said."He 's just trying to get you angry with him."

"Clearly Kendrick 's threats have worn off,"Matt said quietly."I liked it in September when he just sorting of unheeded us."

"It does n't mean he 's going to secern anyone,"rose wine whispered."He 's just looking for a fight."

"It does n't matter what he 's looking for. One miscue of the clapper is all it takes and my aliveness at Hogwarts is done."

"And so would his,"Albus reminded his friend."Being at Hogwarts, becoming a certifiable wizard, is everything to a Malfoy. He 'd be nothing more than a Squib if he were expelled."

"I guess."Matt sighed."What do you think he entail by your phratry not being in charge of the wizarding world much longer ?"

"Probably thinks Laurentis is going to win."Albus shrugged."But that wo n't mean much. My dad will still be in bang of the Auror department."

"No,"Rose whispered."Have n't you been paying attention in Politics ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said, staring at her."What do you think ?"

"Okay, I guess Embry has n't really discussed it yet but I read ahead in the Scripture. New Ministers can appoint new foreland of the department if they want to. about do n't because so many new citizenry makes for a bad modulation period, but it 's happened a few multiplication. If Laurentis profits, she could interchange Uncle Harry,"Rose explained.

"delay, seriously ?"Albus 's mouthpiece fell open.

rose wine nodded."Seriously."

"And my dad, too,"lusterlessness said.

"Yeah, yours, too,"pink wine replied.

Albus stared at his half-finished Butterbeer. Having a new diplomatic minister was one affair, but having new heads of all the department ? The Ministry would be run in a completely different way. Nothing would stay on the same. cypher would replace Harry Potter as brain of the Auror department, though, would they ?

"No."Albus shook his head."No one would replace my dad. He 's a expectant Auror."

"He 's a with child Auror, that 's true,"blush wine agreed,"but great is an notion. Hartwell thinks he 's a expectant Auror. Uncle Percy undoubtedly thinks he 's a enceinte Auror. But if Laurentis gets elected, none of that will weigh. All that will matter is whether she think he 's a large Auror. And the question is, does she ?"

Albus swallowed."But that would mean my dad would be out of a job."

"No, he 'd just go back to being a regular Auror,"pink wine said."Look, you do n't demand to worry about it. I 'm sure Uncle Harry knows this."

"They do n't do that in Australia. All the heads have terminal figure like the rector. When their term is up, the current Minister can replace them or keep them, but they ca n't get replaced when their term is n't up. Unless there 's a malicious gossip and they have a sense of hearing. Like with my dad."

"Department of Energy n't seem bonnie,"Albus said.

"It works both direction. If Uncle Percy wins he 'll get to replace who he wants and he 'll no doubt replace Laurentis,"pink wine pointed out.

"I 'm storm Hartwell has n't done that,"John the Evangelist said.

"She 's probably kept unruffled about her opinions so she could hold on her position while running,"Amanda replied.

"So why does n't he supervene upon her now ?"lavatory asked.

"It would look bad. Remember, half of political relation is how you look to the world,"Amanda said."Which is why according to the Muggle Ministry, I attend a seclude boarding school in the United States, just in cause anyone asks why the Minister 's niece disappears for about of the twelvemonth. Which they have n't. Yet."

Albus shook his head."It 's so confound. I do n't know how anyone keeps track of it."

"Luckily we do n't sustain to,"Kaden said."Let 's go to Honeyduke 's. I think we could all use with some chocolate."


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! Also big thanks to darkladyofslytherin and onestop hpfan18 because this chapter is the result of word warfare with them. You two are amazing ! HPFF now loads properly on my internet and I am able to reply to reviews, so I 'm slowly working through them. hold open a look out for responses !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"I say we do it on Allhallows Eve,"Kaden said adamantly while inspecting individual Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor bean and tossing the nasty ones into a peck on the floor.

"That 's stupefied,"John countered."Everyone 's going to be expecting a clowning on Allhallows Eve. We should do it the day before."

"Why not Saturday ?"Albus suggested, glancing up from the last minute essay he was working on."Maybe it 'll rattle them enough that they 'll turn a loss the match."

The first Quidditch equal of the season, Gryffindor versus Slytherin, was scheduled to take place on Sabbatum, two mean solar day after Halloween.

"Again, the Prefects and professors will be expecting it,"Saint John the Apostle said.

"Why ?"Albus asked."We 've never pranked them before a mates before, have we ?"

"You know, I really ca n't remember."

"Clearly a sign you 've pranked them too much,"Rose pointed out.

Albus and the residue of his friends were in the predator 's Den, attempting to decide on a day to put the chickens and poulet feed in the Slytherin common room. They 'd been arguing for a one-half hour and had n't agreed on anything. Albus and lusterlessness, who had been leery on whether to participate in the joke at all, had decided that they would serve as look-outs while John and Kaden snuck into the rough-cut way.

"I think Midweek would be a beneficial option. Wednesday night. We 've got to do it really late, though. The foremost long time have Astronomy on Wednesdays, so we have to look until they 're back in their hall,"John explained."dark before Halloween-"

"By the time you manage to do it after astronomy, it 'll technically be Halloween,"Amanda pointed out.

"But not Halloween night,"trick said."Pre-Halloween."

"rascality Night,"Amanda said.

"What ?"Albus asked.

Kaden threw another bean onto his pile and started laughing."You 're right !"

"mischief-making Night,"Amanda repeated."It 's a Muggle thing. It 's when Muggles pull prank and do havoc. It 's traditionally the dark before Halloween or the Nox before Guy Fawkes Day, so if you pull this on Wednesday night or early Th morning, it 'll be on Mischief Night."

toilet grinned."perfective tense. wiz do n't do that, so no one will be expecting a thing."

"Mostly it 's Americans and Canadians who celebrate before Halloween, though,"Amanda explained.

"I 'd rather do it before Halloween,"can said."We have Astronomy on Tuesday so the night before Guy Fawkes Day would be harder."

Everyone nodded in accord, except rosebush, who rolled her eyes.

"Do you have everything you need ?"Matt asked.

"Not yet, but we have plans. Tonight I 'm going to loiter by the Slytherin common way under the invisibleness Cloak to discover their password. Wednesday evening we 'll ask Bradley to metamorphose us a few poulet. Then, Al and Matt will suffer guard while Kaden and I let them free in the common room,"john explained.

"How in the name of Merlin are you going to hold open the wimp calm while you bring them to the donjon ?"rosebush asked.

"Stun them, of course,"Kaden answered."By the time they wake up, we 'll be long gone."
***


Midweek brought with it a huge electric storm which Albus saw as a rather inauspicious prodigy for mathematical operation Slytherin wimp as the prank had been dubbed. As the day wore on Albus found himself having doubt about the unharmed matter. Previous frivolity had been harmless and had not broken any major schoolhouse principle, but this one broke at least ten. This could get them forged than a few hold.

John Lackland and Kaden seemed to have no such arriere pensee. Both of them were particularly gleeful the entire day and St. John even returned from Divination with a smile on his expression, which never happened. Matt seemed indifferent to the whole matter and acted as usual.

"You do gain we 'll be getting three hours of sopor, meridian, tonight,"matt said after dinner, while they were attempting to do preparation in the piranha 's Den."And that we have chronicle of Magic tomorrow morning."

John sighed."All right wing, maybe that was n't the beneficial bit of planning."

"Clearly not,"lusterlessness agreed.

Albus had a very hard time getting any homework done while they were waiting for the metre to get in. He found himself drawing awful pictorial matter of chickens in the perimeter on his Transfiguration essay. No one else was having much hazard either. Saint John the Apostle and Kaden were playing cheat and Matt was taking a nap. Rose and Amanda had holed away in the library, neither one wanting to be associated with the boys that night."We need alibis,"she had told Albus earlier."want to be seen by as many people as possible so there 's no chance anyone will consider we were with you."

At one in the morning the boys left the Marauder 's Den and headed back to the commons elbow room, where Bradley would be waiting for them. They encountered no one on their way back and only two or three lingering educatee were in the usual room. All of them went to bed within fifteen instant and the boys were soon alone with Bradley.

Bradley pulled three pillows out from under one of the couch and set them on a table."Three chickens going to be enough ?"

John nodded."I do n't think we 'll be able-bodied to handle any more."

"You lot are either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid,"Bradley said as he pulled out his wand."Even James has n't gotten into the Slytherin park room."

"According to pink wine, we 're incredibly dullard,"St. John said."But I think it 's magnificent. Has anyone ever gotten into the Slytherin commons way ?"

"My dad and Uncle Ron,"Albus said."But not to pull a prank."

John, Matt, and Kaden turned to see at Albus."I 'll explicate later,"Albus said.

Omar Bradley muttered an incantation and flicked his sceptre at each of the pillows. All three turned into wimp. One brownish one, one white one, and one declamatory black and brown rooster. The rooster opened its mouth to crow and Tom Bradley immediately silenced all three.

"Figured a rooster would be helpful,"Bradley said."Want me to sandbag them for you ?"

"Sure,"Albus said.

"Should last about a half hour and then you 'll possess to re-stun them,"Bradley told them."I 'm going to take off. Remember, if you get caught, I did n't get the chickens for you. Ca n't give another detention."

"Got it,"Albus assured him. Bradley took off to the dormitories and Albus turned to his protagonist. toilet was holding the rooster and Kaden was holding the two chicken."Back to the Den ?"

The male child spent the future two 60 minutes in the marauder 's Den, playing Exploding snap bean and re-Stunning the chickens every half time of day. Shortly after three in the morn Albus re-stunned the chickens one more time and then threw the Invisibility Cloak over all four of them.

It was very difficult for all four boys to walk under the Invisibility Cloak.
Being quarter years, they were all a lot declamatory than they had been in sec twelvemonth when Albus had first received the Cloak. In fact, Albus could n't even remember the last time all four of them had gone under it at once. Albus in special had grown quite a few inch over the summer and was now as marvelous as John. The two of them had to walk with their articulatio genus bent to ensure their base would n't show.

The walk was uneventful. The boy did not even see Peeves or any of the ghosts out for a night time stroll ( or float, which would probably be the more appropriate term ). lusterlessness tripped going down the stairs once and nearly dropped a chicken, but since the corridors were hollow, no one heard the sound.

Once they had reached the entranceway to the Slytherin common elbow room John and Kaden slipped out from under the Cloak and scurried over to the door. John whispered the parole and it opened. Both boys slipped inside and shut the door behind them.

Albus and Matt stood against the wall a little agency down the corridor, giving them a view of the step as well as the corridor. Neither of them said a word while lav and Kaden were pulling their japery because Filch 's cat had turned up and was pacing in social movement of them.

The next five hour felt like an eternity and Albus was very relieved when John and Kaden exited the common room and hurried back under the Cloak. John 's bag, which had contained the poulet feed, was now considerably lighter. Neither boy said a word to Albus and flatness as they walked back to Gryffindor Tower, for fear that someone would pick up them.

They were walking down the second flooring corridor when Albus heard footsteps behind him. He turned and saw Professor Young walking slowly towards them, staring at the ceiling as he went. He appeared to be in deeply thought process about something but then stopped and stared right where Albus and his Friend were. They were n't being quiet enough.

All four boy froze and looked at each other. Kaden grabbed all three of their jumpers and pulled them through the nearest room access, while Young happened to be looking the other way. Once inside, Albus noticed that they were in a loo. A girl 's loo. And the story was soaked.

"Merlin,"Albus muttered."We 're in Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom."

As if on cue, there was a splash and then Albus felt the unpleasant maven of a ghost floating through him.

"I know you 're there."Myrtle giggled."Harry ceramicist had one of those cloaks, too. You might as well select it off."

Albus reluctantly took off the Cloak. Young would n't be going into a young lady 's bathroom anyway.

"Ooo !"Myrtle shrieked."Harry ceramist 's son ! What brings you to my toilet ?"She giggled again and batted her eyelashes.

"Er ..."Albus muttered, feeling very uncomfortable.

"We were just leaving,"John announced as he threw the Cloak over all four of them once more.

Thankfully Professor Loretta Young had left by the metre they exited the loo. The remainder of the journey back to Gryffindor was as uneventful as the trek down to Slytherin.

The green way was deserted when they returned under the disapproving glare of the Fat Lady, who had not been pleased when they woke her up. John and Kaden immediately started laughing when they took the Cloak off.

"epic poem !"Kaden exclaimed."There was no one in the common room and we spread the feed and put the chickens each on their own couch and left. The Slytherins are going to make a rude awakening in a few hours."

"So are we,"Matt said as he looked at his watch."Almost four. We 'll get three and a half hours sleep if we 're lucky."

The boys headed back to their dorm, but Albus was not tired yet. Adrenaline was still racing through his system. They had n't gotten caught. Yet. Would there be any way to hound the chickens back to the four of them ? Only if someone saw them, but if anyone had seen them they would have got gotten them in trouble right then and there, would n't they take ? Albus pushed the thinking from his head. He settled into bed and thought about the chemical reaction from the Slytherins the following morning.

Bilius 's alarm clock woke Albus up at eight the side by side morning and he rolled over and went back to kip. He woke up once more with twenty dollar bill minute left until chronicle of legerdemain and had to skip breakfast. Albus woke lustrelessness and John up and the three of them ran through the corridors in order to make it to class on time.

They arrived with two minutes to spare and the room was filled with laughter and chatter. The Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors were clearly excited about something and Albus had a intuitive feeling he knew what it was.

Albus sat down and Bilius turned around in his seat, grinning at Albus."You three missed breakfast. Too bad. The Slytherins are all upset, fuming about Gallus gallus and muttering about getting revenge. Turns out someone snuck a cock and two chickens into their common room hold out dark and facing pages chicken feed around. Apparently their common room was a mess and it took all of their Prefects to sandbag the poulet and bring them to Hagrid. Wish I knew who pulled it off."

Albus attempted to simulate shock and excitement."Seriously ? That 's glorious. Does anyone get it on who did it ?"

"Nope,"Bilius answered."All they know is that it was n't a Slytherin."

"They 'll never figure it out then. That 's three-quarters of the school to go through."

"And that 's what makes it so brilliant."

prof Binns floated through the blackboard and began to drone on on about some sort of hobgoblin uprising. Albus rested his head on his hand and began to snooze off. Binns would n't even notice.

At tiffin, following Transfiguration, everyone was still talking about the chickens. The Slytherins were sullen and were glaring at all the early star sign tables. The teachers did n't look at all upset about the whole thing, probably because the crybaby had n't done that much price. Nothing that could n't be easily repaired with the flick of a wand.

"Six in the forenoon !"Albus overheard a Slytherin grumbling as he walked past the Gryffindor table."Can you imagine ? And the morning after we 'd been on the sales pitch for three hours."

Albus smirked behind his forkful of fret. If the buffoonery had messed with the Slytherins'training docket, all the improve. Albus had finally begun to loose. It did n't seem like they were going to get in trouble after all.

As Albus walked to the dungeons with toilet, flatness, Rose, and Amanda he realized that his nap in History of Magic was most definitely wearing off. He was feeling the enervation and was very felicitous for the free point after potions. But he did n't dare skip potions because he was quite arouse to hear Malfoy talk about the chickens.

During this particular class they were finishing up an engorgement solution that they had started on Tuesday. While Shrinking answer was a rather simple potion that they had learned in their first year, its counterpart was more difficult and required simmering for xlviii hours before the final ingredients could be added.

Albus retrieved all the necessary ingredients while his mate, Limbert, located their potion in the cupboard. Limbert, who was usually very casual about everything, was scowling and glared at Albus as he joined him at their mesa.

Just as Albus was beginning to chop his celery root word, Malfoy appeared in movement of the mesa. Albus looked up from his plant and looked Malfoy in the eye.

"Potter,"Malfoy muttered."You would n't happen to know which idiot Gryffindor put chickens in our common way, do you ?"

Albus snorted."Chickens, Malfoy ? I 'd take heed something about that."

"Bloody skirt,"Limbert muttered as he began to pulverize the rat lien they were supposed to put into their cauldron."Crowing at six in the bally morning. Eating chicken feed all over the common room. Getting their feathers and other stuff everywhere ...."

"What he said,"Malfoy replied."point is, one of your lot got into our usual way and I want to sleep with who."He folded his arms across his chest.

"Was n't any of 'my lot'as you say,"Albus answered, hoping that Malfoy could n't see his kernel pounding in his dresser."We ca n't get into your uncouth way. Do n't have the countersign. And even if we did, why would we need to ? It 's probably covered in Hydra slime."

"well it was n't a Slytherin if that 's what you 're implying. And I doubt it was a Ravenclaw or a Hufflepuff. A Ravenclaw would n't do something that stupid and a Hufflepuff would n't be capable to figure out how-"

Albus rose from his chairperson."That 's rude. I know plenty of Hufflepuffs that are overbold than you, Malfoy. And they 're adequate people, too."

"Boys, get to act upon now. I believe your potion is overflowing in it 's caldron, Malfoy,"Slughorn said, gesturing to Matt and Malfoy 's caldron, which was indeed overflowing. Matt was frantically waving his scepter at it, trying to get it to stop.

"Oh for Falco columbarius 's sake,"Malfoy muttered and stalked off towards his own tabular array.

Albus breathed a sigh of relief and continued to chop his celery root. Limbert retrieved another rat lien, as the one he had been using was now hopelessly destroyed. He did n't let the cat out of the bag to Albus for the residue of the class except for the occasional"offer the knife"or"turn down the flame ”.

Following potions Albus, matt, and John Lackland immediately went upstairs to the. Marauder 's Den to take a much needed nap. wax went to Muggle work and Amanda went to the library. Albus fell asleep as soon as his headspring hit the pillow and did not wake up until John swatted him with a pillow when it was metre for dinner.

The Slytherins were still complaining about the chicken during dinner and Albus and his friends giggled every time they heard something about them. About halfway through dinner, professor Kendrick rose from his seat. Albus turned to look at lusterlessness, who shrugged. Kendrick rarely made dinner speeches when it was n't the start or end of term.

"Just a few announcements,"Kendrick said once the Great Hall quieted down."First, I am sure you are all aware of the put-on that took place in the Slytherin common room close night. I, nor do any of the teachers, have any approximation who is creditworthy, but if we do find oneself out, be aware that those responsible will be punished. Entering another house 's common room is not tolerated and all bookman should take this as a warning, in case they have been inclined to do so themselves. Slytherins, please be advised that your password has been changed. If you are not aware of it, please see a Prefect.

"indorsement. adjacent weekend Hogwarts will host a few Ministry officials including the parson of Magic, the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, the Head of the Auror Department, the Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical animate being, as well as a few of the pastor 's close consultant. In addition, both candidates for minister of religion will be here as well. They will arrive Fri Nox and stay on until Sunday sunrise. Sat they will be debating education here in the Great Hall.

"All students will have the fortune to watch the debate by a random drawing since we can not adapt all of you in increase to the Ministry officials and penis of the cosmopolitan population that will be attending. The relief will take heed via wireless in a few schoolroom. All bookman are required to listen or ascertain. Thomas More information about that, such as how to receive out if you 've been selected to watch and what assignments you will take on the debate, will be distributed by prof Young in your politics class.

"I expect you all to behave yourselves and demonstrate to our Ministry that this is a place of learning. You are all representing Hogwarts, whether you are students, teachers, or staff. You will not pull harlequinade, especially not like the one that was pulled hold up Night. You will respect the Ministry example. I will give you boost information next week. In the lag, showtime thinking up a few head to ask our nominee in display case they have time to do a question and solvent session."Kendrick resumed his seat.

"Blimey, I 've never seen Kendrick act so dangerous,"John said quietly.

"Can you blame him ?"Rose asked."Remember what Laurentis said about Hogwarts ? She all but said he was n't running the school properly. If she wins, chance are he 's out of a job. He 's got to put on a good display next week if he 's got any hope of staying here if she wins."

"That 's insane !"Albus shouted. A few kickoff eld looked over at him and he lowered his vocalism."I mean, Kendrick took over as Headmaster when McGonagall left and even before that he helped rebuild the home. How can she sack up someone who helped rebuild Hogwarts ?"

"She ca n't if she 's not elected,"Amanda said."We just have to trust your uncle wins."

"Never thought I 'd say it, but I agree,"Albus replied."Peach State and Bradley and Cedric wo n't be happy but can you think what Hogwarts would be like if Laurentis won ?"

"I ca n't,"Matt said."No one can because no one knows what she wants to do to change it."

"Guess we 're going to come up out succeeding Saturday,"Amanda said."Think any of us will get to watch it ?"

"We will,"Albus answered, gesturing to matt and himself."Our dads are two of the interpreter, so I bet we 'll bear to sit with our families."

"I hope I get to,"Amanda said."It 's really enamour, wizard political sympathies. In some direction it 's completely the Sami as Muggle politics, only with magic involved. Really shows that we 're all people."

"Me too,"rosiness agreed.

"You can have my ticket if I get one,"John told her."It 's going to be heavily to snooze off if I 'm in the like room."

"Lapplander here,"Kaden said.

rose rolled her eyes."You lot done eating ? Anyone up for spending the evening in the library ?"

The male child reluctantly agreed. They had neglected their homework the former Nox due to the prank and had multiple assignments due the next day that they had not even started on. Albus thought longingly of his bed in Gryffindor tower and then resigned himself to the fact that he 'd be in the library until curfew.


A/N : Thanks to all who have read and reviewed this ! You bozo are awesome. Big thanks to all my composition friends that I word war with. There are now too many to distinguish individually, but they are awing.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The day after Halloween dawned with a violent thunderstorm, one that Albus hoped would evanesce before Sabbatum, when he would have to look Slytherin on the Quidditch pitch. Albus was feeling much better after a in good order dark 's slumber, although he was dreading having to go to History of Magic first thing in the morning again. Whose shining approximation was it to give them that class two mornings in a row ?

The Emily Post owls arrived as Albus was serving himself some ball and he scanned the air for his crime syndicate owl. He did n't see it and resumed piling his plate with food. His parents only occasionally sent him post now that he was in fourth yr and no longer needed a letter of the alphabet from them every other day. However, Albus did see his Uncle Percy 's screech owl making a beeline towards Cedric, who was sitting across from Albus. Cedric set his crotch down and untied the letter of the alphabet from the owl 's leg. The owl dipped his beak in Cedric 's juice and then took off.

Albus watched as Cedric read the alphabetic character and saw his face go from dim curiosity to slight horror and then finally uttermost disgust. Hotspur 's letters were always occupy and it seemed as this one was no exception.

"Unbelievable !"Cedric shouted.

"What is it ?"Jesse James asked as he snatched the letter out of Cedric 's hands."Is he making you sit next to him while he debates next week ?"

"Worse !"Cedric exclaimed."He thinks I was the one who put the chickens in the Slytherin coarse room !"

"Seriously ?"James asked as he settled down to learn the letter."Let 's see ... Seriously disappointed in you ... taught you dependable than this ... stunts like these could hurt my chances for a win in Apr ... must read to think about the consequences of your action at law ... fifth yr is for studying for your O.W.L.s ... metre to grow up ..."

"See ?"Cedric said as he stabbed his bacon with a bit too lots force."He really believes I did it. And with no evidence !"

"Oh now he 's bringing up your bit from that article. The part where you mentioned that you like pulling japery. Oh and now he 's brought me into it ... Oh wait, hey ! He 's going to tell my parents that I was in on it too !"James slammed the letter down."No way they 'll believe him without cogent evidence though."

"Which he has none of. Did you get to the part where he 's owling Kendrick, too ?"Cedric asked.

"Kendrick ca n't do anything without proof,"St. James the Apostle said.

"Yeah but our records are n't exactly clean,"Cedric pointed out."Merlin, I wish I 'd thought up this clowning. It was history worthy. I mean getting into the Slytherin mutual elbow room ? I 've been dreaming about doing that since before first gear year."

"I wish we knew who did it. I 'd wish to get some crest,"James added."They 're going to go down as Hogwarts legends."

Albus hoped that his infuriated blushing was n't noticeable. He could not think that Percy actually believed Cedric pulled the caper without any evidence. Cedric could n't get in fuss without evidence, could he ? If he did, Albus would palpate terrible. He already felt awful that Percy had even had the brass to incriminate Cedric for something that Albus and his friends did, something Cedric had no constituent of.

"We 've just got to visualize out who did it,"James decided."To earn our names."

Cedric nodded."Wo n't be that hard. No prank can be done without evidence left behind. It 's unimaginable to do in this place. We 'll calculate for clues around our own common room because I think the Slytherins are redress. It was a Gryffindor."

"We should talk to the spectre, too,"James said."They wander at all hours."

"Right,"Cedric agreed."Best be off to family now, though.

Albus turned to King John after his crony and cousin had left the table. John and Matt had both been sitting close enough to Cedric and James to pick up the intact conversation. Both male child were pallid than usual and Albus was trusted he was as well.

"Vinca minor saw us,"Matt whispered."We 'll be number one on their suspect list."

"D'you think your own Brother would reverse us in ?"John asked.

Albus laughed."Of course he would. He 's my brother."

"Good head,"John muttered."What are we going to do ?"

"Leslie Townes Hope Vinca minor does n't say anything,"Albus said.

"That 's it, we 're doomed."matte sighed.

"On the plus side of meat, we 'll be Hogwarts legends,"bathroom said.

"William Tell that to my parents,"Matt replied.

Albus thought about James and Cedric 's quest to figure out who pulled the chicken caper during the entirety of History of Magic. They had n't left any trace behind except for talking to Myrtle. And even that only proved that they were out of bed at four in the daybreak, not that they 'd left volaille in the Slytherin green room. Sure, there might have been random Gallus gallus feathers in the common room that morning but the mansion elves would let already cleaned them up. Then there was Bradley.

Omar Bradley. Albus 's stomach dropped. Would Thomas Bradley rat out Albus in order to save his own Brother from possible trouble ? Albus liked to suppose not, especially since doing so would incriminate Thomas Bradley as well. But it was possible that Bradley would request Cedric to leave him out of it when he told Kendrick in return for the selective information in the first place. Albus rubbed his forehead. It was all so befuddle and there were too many possibilities.

flatness and John looked equally disturbed by the possibility. Both boys were sitting completely still, staring at Professor Binns but not looking at him. lusterlessness was absentmindedly doodling in his notebook. john was twirling his quill around in his hand and had splattered ink all over himself and his History of deception playscript.

Albus was grateful that they had attention of Magical Creatures next, despite the steady downpour. They would be able to speak. Hagrid was currently teaching them about unicorns and this particular proposition moral he had an actual unicorn for them to observe and interact with. Luckily for Albus, Saint John, and Matt, unicorns did not like male child and thus had an alibi to string up back and talk.

"The sole way they 're going to find out is if they talk to Tom Bradley and Bradley tells them,"Albus said as they pretended to film annotation on the unicorn, which was currently surrounded by the female child of the class.

"Or if they talk to myrtle and put the clues together,"flatness pointed out.

"What clues ?"John asked."We did n't go out anything behind."

"Not that you know of. But they were right when they said nil can be done at Hogwarts without someone knowing about it. For all we know there was another spook lurking by the Slytherin plebeian way while we were there that we did n't notice,"Matt explained."Or the fact that we were n't in the common room last night-"

"We 're rarely in the common room,"John said."Not since we found the vulture 's Den."

"True. They could also spill to Bilius or Ethan and detect out that we got back at four in the forenoon. Ethan woke up when we got back and asked what we were up to, call up ?"Matt said.

"That would n't tell them anything more than Myrtle would,"Albus replied as he scrawled a few note about how the unicorn was pawing at the ground.

"What if they find plume or chicken feed or something ?"Matt asked.

"That will let all been cleaned up by now. The house elves clean everyday,"John said."I think Albus is mighty. The only way they 'll have it off is if they talk to Omar Nelson Bradley. Or if they just assume and ask us about it. Al, are you going to be able to lie to them if they ask you ?"

"Er ..."Albus 's interpreter trailed off. He knew how much of a rotten liar he was."To be honest ? Probably not."

cipher said anything for a few minutes. Each boy pretended to be absorbed in taking notes on the unicorn.

"There 's nothing we can do, then,"Matt finally said."We ca n't kibosh them or tell them not to look into because that would look suspicious. All we can do is wait and hope they do n't fancy it out."

Albus nodded. lusterlessness was completely right, of course. But what Albus did n't say was that William James and Cedric would compute it out. They were the shoal pranksters and for the inaugural time they 'd been out-pranked. The two were the school 's prank experts and could easily follow the lead that would go them right to their own chum and cousin.
******


The fierce thunderstorm that had plagued Hogwarts the day before cleared up by Sat dawn and the conditions could not have been beneficial for Quidditch. It was cheery, with slight cloud cover and little wind instrument. The temperature was mild for November. Weather would not be a factor in this Quidditch couple. No, the team that won would win solely based on their accomplishment.

The Hogwarts universe, both scholarly person and professors alike, were very excited for the match. home Quidditch had been suspended the previous yr in rules of order for the Quidditch and Dueling competitions with the schools from New York and Australia, although the net lucifer in the Quidditch consequence had been a disaster. Everyone at Hogwarts was set up for things to go back to convention and that included theater Quidditch.

Normal also included the taunt that went on between the Gryffindors and Slytherins at breakfast right before the match. Malfoy informed Albus that he needed to follow out else he recover himself in the infirmary extension for twenty-four hour period. Albus ignored this because Malfoy was n't even on the Slytherin team and did n't possess enough Quidditch skill to be on a kid 's team. He tried his best to ignore the taunting from the actual Slytherin team as well, but still found his stomach was a bit too queasy to eat much Sir Thomas More than toast.

The team gathered around Fred in the changing room shortly before the match, ready to hear his first team voice communication.

"I fully believe we can win this,"Fred began."Our recitation have gone very smoothly and it feels like Janie has played with us for years rather than only a few weeks. Slytherin plays dirty, though, so watch yourselves. They also have two new musician, a Chaser and a Beater, whereas we only have one. The new chaser is a indorse year and the new Beater is a third twelvemonth, so I do n't guess we 'll have lots issue there. I 've seen them practice and they still do n't work as a seamless team like we do. Just go out there and bet like we did two days ago and we 're sure enough to win."

The team stood up and followed Fred out onto the pitch. The priming coat was cushy beneath Albus 's feat, but not too cloudy, which would piss for a good squawk off. He stood in between Scots heather and James while Fred went to throw off hands with Fielding, Slytherin 's captain.

Oteski shouted his desire for a clean match and then the two skipper crunched each other 's hands. Oteski released the Bludgers and Snitch and then tossed the Quaffle into the air. Albus kicked off from the undercoat and flew towards the Quaffle, which had unfortunately been caught by Fielding.

"And they 're off !"Lord Todd Bessie Smith announced."First business firm friction match in two old age due to the prison-breaking last yr, during the challenger with the other schools. Both teams have some new faces this year. Slytherin has a new pursuer, second year Marshall Belby, and a new Beater, tierce year Devon Wright. Gryffindor has a new Keeper, fourthly year Janie Creevey ...."

Albus tore his tending from Adam Smith as the fellow Gryffindor began to herald the names of the rest of the players. Leaning forward on his broom, Albus soared to the other side of the pitch, where Fielding was attempting to throw the Quaffle into one of Gryffindor 's goal posts.

"Spectacular hold open by Creevey !"Joseph Smith shouted."Looks like she 's going to be an splendid keeper for Gryffindor. Gryffindor now in self-possession. heather mixture Weasley in self-possession, passes to Albus thrower ...."

Albus caught the Quaffle, wedged it under his arm, and sped down to the other position of the pitch shot. He dodged two of Slytherin 's pursuer but was hit by a Bludger sent from Wright and dropped the Quaffle. It was intercepted by Peyton Haines.

Albus swore loudly and go after Haines as he turned around and headed towards Gryffindor. Fred managed to charm the Quaffle after Haines was hit by a Bludger and tossed it back to Albus.

This time Albus made it to the Slytherin end posts and feigned right before sending the Quaffle soaring through the left wing hoop.

"Score !"Julia Evelina Smith announced."Albus potter scores the first goal of the match. Ten compass point to Gryffindor !"

The remainder of the compeer continued in the Saami fashion, with the Quaffle continuously exchanging deal, rendering it very difficult for Kathryn Elizabeth Smith to keep up with the comment. Gryffindor maintained a near invariable score of twenty power point ahead of the Slytherins. Albus scored two more destination and assisted on five more. The Slytherin Chasers looked more and more sick of as the match wore on.

An hour and a half into the match Albus saw James River desolate his position above the rest of the players and fly towards the earth. hunter Pucey, Slytherin 's quester, followed.

"Looks like ceramicist has seen the sneaker !"Smith exclaimed.

Albus watched while flying the Quaffle to the Slytherin goal posts. James River had his arm outstretched towards a glittering objective when Devon Orville Wright slammed her Beater 's bat towards a nearby Bludger. But the Bludger suddenly soared upward, leaving null in between the bat and James 's leg. Devon 's bat collided with James I 's leg, sending him sprawling onto the flat coat. Albus stopped where he was.

The entire crowd gasped, with the exception of the Slytherins, who were cheering. Pucey was flying around the pitch holding the struggling Snitch in his outstretched helping hand. Albus ignored this and flew directly to Saint James the Apostle, who was clutch his leg on the ground.

Albus abandoned his heather once he landed and hurried towards James. He was surrounded by Madam Pomfrey, Professor Oteski, prof Kendrick, professor Longbottom, the ease of the Gryffindor squad, and surprisingly, Devon.

Albus paused to look at the little girl. She was belittled, like well-nigh second years are, but brawny. Her dirty blonde haircloth was in a messy bun and her face was streaked with tears. As Albus got closer, he could hear that she was whispering"I 'm sorry"over and over again.

"Foul !"Calluna vulgaris shouted."That 's a foul ! I want a rematch !"

"Let 's get James to the Hospital Wing and then we 'll worry about a rematch,"Neville said as madam Pomfrey conjured a stretcher.

"Finally, mortal with some horse sense around here,"Madam Pomfrey muttered."All of you, out of the way !"

The gang quickly dispersed as Madam Pomfrey guided the stretcher towards the castle, followed by the tuck prof. After a few minutes, professor Patil ordered the rest of the students to get back to their common rooms. Albus walked back to the palace with his team, who were heading straight to the hospital offstage.

James was resting once they got there, his leg bandaged but no longer broken. He no longer looked to be in pain, but looked like he wanted to hex the entire Slytherin squad. Madam Pomfrey appeared in front of them before they could reach James 's bed.

"Ten bit,"she said."That 's all."

"Are we getting a rematch ?"was the first matter out of James River 's rima oris."No one will evidence me anything."

"They have n't said anything yet,"Fred replied."How 's the leg ?"

"amercement, now. Just a little dreadful. Madam Pomfrey said I can allow tomorrow good afternoon,"James told them."We better get a rematch. That was a foul. I was two secondment from catching the Snitch when that new Beater went and hit me with her bat ! Who does she think she is ? Does n't she know the linguistic rule of Quidditch ? Or is that how Slytherin 's training their players these Clarence Day ?"

"She was going for a Bludger,"Albus explained."You probably could n't see it because she was behind you, but there had been a Bludger. It flew up at the in conclusion second and she accidentally got your leg."

"How do they know that ?"James asked."She might 've made that up."

"Everyone saw it,"Albus said quietly.

"It 's avowedly,"Heather agreed."I do n't know if they 'll feed us a rematch."

The room access to the infirmary annex opened, revealing the Beater in question. She walked tentatively inside and stopped when she saw the entire Gryffindor team. dame Pomfrey greeted her and they spoke in interpreter too lull to overhear before she walked slowly over to James 's bed.

"I know you probably detest me and I do n't find fault you,"she whispered."But I really am sorry. It really was an chance event. I swear it. It was my first match."

Albus glanced at the eternal rest of his squad. Their facial expression of mental confusion mirrored his own intellection.

"Er, well, thanks for the apology, I guess,"James said.

"Is your leg ok ?"she asked.

"It 's fine now,"James replied.

Devon reached into her robe and pulled out a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate. She handed it to William James, her oculus staring at his bed and not meeting his glimpse the entire prison term."Here,"she whispered.

"Er, thanks,"James said as he took the chocolate.

"Um, I 'm going to go now. Bye,"Devon said and turned to run from the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth, before any of the Gryffindor squad had time to respond.

"That was strange,"St. James the Apostle muttered after the door had slammed shut."Anyone fancy some chocolate ?"

"She 's got a crush on you,"Ryan announced.

"DOE not,"James argued.

"Have we ever had a Slytherin apologize for injuring one of us before, let alone give us chocolate ?"Fred asked."I 'm with Ryan on this one."

"Well clearly some of them have consciences,"Albus replied."But yeah, she likes you."

"She 's twelve,"Saint James said flatly.

"miss mature faster than blokes."Heather smirked."So, actually, she should be just about the right way for you."

"Shut up,"Saint James the Apostle muttered."Not sharing my cocoa anymore."

"Ten minutes are up !"Madam Pomfrey announced as she returned to James 's bed bearing a tray that contained a few tight looking potions."And these are for you, James."

Albus and the rest of the team bade James goodbye and left the Hospital Wing. They walked up to Gryffindor Tower together, but parted once they entered the common way. Albus found his friends at a board near the door to the dormitory room and sat down to explain the entire Devon Wright thing.

"So she was actually upset that she had broken James 's leg ?"John asked.

"And she apologized ?"flatness added.

"And gave him chocolate ?"Kaden continued.

Albus nodded."Strange, is n't it ?"

"Very,"John agreed."I 'm storm she 's on the team. Is n't it a necessity for the Slytherin squad to be a fan of violence ?"

"She might not be on much thirster, right ?"Matt asked.

"It was an accident,"Albus said."I already said that. The rest period of the team saw it and so did half the professor. So there 's probably not going to be a rematch either."

"That 's not funfair,"John the Divine muttered.

"It 's only the first base match,"Albus pointed out."muckle to a greater extent time to gain those level back. And their Seeker is terribly anyway. He could n't have caught that Snitch if James had n't have been hit."

Albus, mat, and John spent the difference of the afternoon discussing Quidditch and Gryffindor 's opportunity of winning the Quidditch Cup. They factored in the accomplishment level of all the participant on all the house and the tip earned so far, along with the potential atmospheric condition balk that were surely to get. Kaden paid attention, but did n't impart a great deal except for the episodic input about how something was different in football. Amanda did the same, keep open for the football remark. Rose sighed and dug a book out of her bag and read it until they had finished.

prof Oteski was at supper that night, which was a rare occurrence due to the fact that he has a wife and young children in Hogsmeade and normally was only at the castle for classes and Quidditch compeer. Towards the end of the meal he rose, rendering the full Hall silent.

"The early professors and I have reviewed the events at today 's match,"Oteski began."We 've taken into accounting a few select students'observations-"

"He interviewed me,"Fred said.

"-along with the professors'. I have come to the conclusion that the act of a Slytherin Beater hitting Gryffindor 's Seeker with her Beater 's Bat was an unfortunate accident. No disciplinary action mechanism will be taken against her, nor will a rematch be taking place."He resumed his seat.

All of Gryffindor groaned while Slytherin rejoiced. Albus glanced over at their tabular array and saw that Devonshire Willard Huntington Wright was the only Slytherin not shouting in excitement. Instead she had her straits on her hand and was picking at her dinner. She was a very odd Slytherin, that was for sure.

"I really did n't remember there 'd be a rematch,"Fred said."But listen, we can still win. Losing the inaugural match does n't mean we 'll drop off the Cup."

"Someone 's going to possess to tell William James,"broom replied."He wo n't be pleased. I 'm fairly certain he can calculate the issue of prison term he has n't caught the Snitch on one hand."

Albus thought back to the time James had lost a lucifer against Linda the vampire and hid in the Shrieking Shack. Luckily his sidekick had come a long way from that and would not finger the need to hide after missing the sneaker.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! I 'm back at school day now, so I wo n't be writing as very much. But I have a few chapters saved up, so I 'm hoping to update frequently for the following month at least.

If you are enjoying this story ( or any of my fib ), brain over to the forums and propose one for a Dobby award ! Be sure to understand the rules before posting. : )


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was very relieved that he was not given the labor of telling James that there would not be a rematch. Fred, being the captain, took that job for himself and the rest of the squad merely went with him. St. James was understandably disturbed, but did n't rent the news program nearly as badly as Albus would induce expected. Perhaps he was maturing, if even a small amount. On Sunday, James was released from the infirmary Wing and life at Hogwarts returned to normal if only for a few days.

After a double class of potions and one class of Transfiguration on Tues, Albus and his friends had politics and this was the day where they would happen out who would get to sit in the Great Hall during the debate on Saturday. The Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were understandably more talkative in the minutes before professor Embry began class. nigh of the bookman hoped that they would get to go to the argument, with the exclusion of John and a few of the Hufflepuffs. Albus and matt would be attending it either way, so they doubted either of them would be picked. Rose had also found out that since she was Percy 's niece, she would also get to attend no matter what.

"settle down, settle down,"Embry said once the clock struck three. He smiled and then quickly took attendance."I 'm very happy to see how sex you are for Saturday 's debate. It 's very exciting to see unseasoned masses so interested in political relation. Since I know none of you will pay aid during class unless I announce who gets to assist before I begin, I will announce them now."

The form immediately began whispering until Embry located a opus of parchment on his desk and cleared his pharynx."Now, a few of you are able to attend the debate without being chosen. Matt Eckerton and Albus Potter, since both your fathers are psyche of department at the Ministry you will be able to attend. Rose Weasley, since you are related to one of the candidates, you may attend as well. And not to worry, everyone else, they will not take away maculation from the regular pupil body.

"One boy and one girlfriend were picked randomly from each year, for each house. So eight student from each year were chosen full. For Hufflepuff the lucky two are Olivia Price and Ronald Bones."

"Yes !"Ronald shouted. He was a rather loud, blonde haired boy, who reminded Albus a lot of Kaden. Olivia just smiled. She was quiet, but as one of Hufflepuff 's Beaters, was quite forceful.

"And for Gryffindor we have Ethan Kesse and Marina Jordan-Bell,"Embry continued.

Both let out ecstatic shouts and the residue of the class clapped before everyone settled down. All four winning bookman were still grinning when Embry began speaking once more.

"congratulations to all four of you. This will not be the only disputation to take piazza at Hogwarts and for the next one, unlike students will be chosen. Now, on Saturday, you are to account to the Great hall at ten o'clock in the first light. The argument will begin at eleven. You will hand your gens to whichever professor is waiting by the doors and then a Prefect will register you to where you are supposed to sit. Same goes for you, Matt, Albus, and Rose."

Embry set the parchment down on his desk and smiled as he walked closer to the table of his educatee."Now, what Professor Kendrick has not told you yet, because it has only just been finalized, is that both campaigner will be hosting two joint query and result school term. These will be for students and Hogwarts staff only. The same students chosen to attend the argument will be able to attend the question and response session. It will assume place at three in the Great Hall. Please arrive at two-thirty.

"Everyone else will be listening to the debate on the radio. Fourth year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs will be in the Transfiguration classroom. Please written report there by ten-thirty. Everyone, no affair whether they are attending the public debate or listening on the radio are expected to write a foot long essay on which candidate you thought was more successful in making their point. It will be due at the beginning of succeeding week 's class."

The integral social class groaned at the honorable mention of the essay. Embry ignored this and began his lecture. They had finally made it into the twentieth hundred, but were still far from learning about how everything in the Ministry changed after Voldemort was defeated.

The quietus of the calendar week passed very slowly. The Hogwarts students were getting very excited at the prospect of the prospect arriving for their debate, with the exception of Bradley and Cedric. Even John and Kaden, neither of whom were going to attend the debate, were catching a picayune bit of excitation. Albus was rather shocked at how the absolute majority of the students were getting involved with the election. Being someone who had grown up with government and the Ministry of Magic, he was not quite as thrilled with the prospect, especially when reporters from the Daily Prophet showed up on Friday morning.

"wish to hold stake on how quickly they find you ?"John asked as they passed two reporters on their way to fear of Magical Creatures.

Albus glanced at the reporter. One was a very tall and lanky man, with mussy brown hair and considerable stubble on his nerve. He was frantically writing down questions that the early newsman, an equally tall woman with Brobdingnagian red brim and black tomentum, was asking an uncomfortable looking first base twelvemonth.

"walk faster,"Albus nudged John as they neared the oak room access.

Albus had absolutely no desire to appear in any payoff of the Daily oracle. Neither of his parents liked reporters and that was a trait they had passed down to Albus. He made a genial note to discourage Bradley and Cedric about them the next time he saw his two cousins.

In an crusade to annul the reporters, Albus, Matt, and John spent their rid period after appeal in the Marauder 's Den. With any luck when the Ministry officials arrived the newsperson would give up trying to interview random Hogwarts bookman. Although Albus knew it was not random at all. At lunch, after caution of Magical Creatures, he found out that no LE than four of his cousins, along with Lily, had been interviewed that morning.

The officials were arriving just as Albus and his supporter were heading to the Great Hall for dinner. They paused on the deluxe stairway while the blue-robed witches and ace entered the Great foyer, gracefully avoiding the reporters that were standing following to the entrance to the Great Hall. Albus recognized nearly all of them, including his dad, Uncle Percy, and lusterlessness 's dad.

The stave tabular array had been magically elongated enough to offer bum for all of the Ministry functionary, who had at sat down and began speaking with the professors. Albus and his Quaker all found seats at the Gryffindor table, near all his full cousin. Cedric was scowling while reading a letter. He then crumpled it up and then set fire to it with his wand.

"Dad still thinks we pulled that harlequinade, James,"Cedric muttered."Says he 's going to cook time to speak with me before he leaves."

"We 'll get out,"James I said."We still have n't talked to all the ghosts."

"All except Moaning Myrtle."Cedric shuddered."I do n't see talking to her."

"She 's our finis hope,"Henry James said."We 're going to chance her. After all this debate stuff is over."

Albus let out a sigh of relief. He had two more days. In all honesty, he 'd nearly leave about Cedric and St. James 's bespeak to find out who put the wimp in the Slytherin vernacular way. But apparently his comrade and cousin had not.

Kendrick rose from his seat once the Great manor hall was full."On behalf of myself, the balance of the Hogwarts staff, and the Hogwarts pupil body, I 'd like to welcome our Ministry representatives to Hogwarts. Before we eat, I 'd like to introduce everyone.

"low gear, our candidates,"Kendrick gestured to Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis, who were both sitting immediately to his left."Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."Kendrick then gestured to the tall, rather portly man on his left hand."Our current Minister, Langston Hartwell."

The eternal sleep of the official were intersperse amongst the professors. Kendrick gestured to a grey haired witch sitting in between Professors Patil and Cedonia."Head of Magical Law Enforcement. Reena Barnes."Next, Kendrick gestured to flatness 's dad who was sitting future to Albus 's dad and Professor Trelawney."school principal of the department for the Control and Regulation of Magical Creatures. Walter Eckerton."

one-half the Gryffindor table turned and looked at Matt, who gave a smiling and shrugged. Never one to verbalize about his menage, virtually of Gryffindor was unaware of who Matt 's dad was.

"I 'm surely you all remember Harry ceramist, fountainhead of the Auror department,"Kendrick said as he gestured to Albus 's dad. He received louder applause than anyone else had.

Kendrick then introduced three of Hartwell 's former advisor, who had titles that were just as long and perplexing as Hotspur 's current job deed of conveyance. Then, finally, Kendrick waved his hands and food appeared on all the tables.

During dinner Fred announced that he had reluctantly canceled Quidditch exercise for the future day since it was scheduled for the Saami sentence as the head and response academic term. The rest of dinner was spent figuring out which Gryffindors, besides the gravid amount that were related to Percy, were going to pay heed the debate. Both John Lackland 's little sister, Asthyn, and James I 's topper Friend, Nathan, were getting to advert.

After sweet had been served and consumed, Kendrick reminded everyone of the time of the side by side day 's argumentation and suggested they all turn in early. Albus wondered whether the ministry official would be staying in the castle or Apparating back to their own home base for the night. Cedric took off for the uncouth room as soon as he had finished eating, in order to fend off his father.

Albus and his friends decided to stay in the mutual room that night since everyone was so lively and the inflammation was catching. John the Evangelist brought a deck of Exploding snatch down from his bole and the six friends sat around a set back playing for at least an hour. Kaden had just had the calling card explode in his face when the door to the rough-cut room opened and soul gasped.

Everyone glanced over and the rough-cut room went mum. Percy was standing in the room access, looking very awkward and uncomfortable. His eyes landed on Cedric, who had been organizing his neckcloth of Skiving Snackboxes with St. James and Nathan. Cedric went as picket as Moaning Myrtle.

"Cedric,"Harry Hotspur said quietly."I need to speak with you."

"I did n't do it, Dad !"Cedric exclaimed."I swear it !"

Albus shifted uncomfortably in his place, glancing at his champion. Rose was giving him a disapproving look while matt, whoremaster, and Kaden looked equally uncomfortable. Amanda had raised her eyebrow. This was absurd. Why could n't Percy let it go or consider his son ? Or at to the lowest degree deal with it privately ? It was unjust of him to storm into the Gryffindor common room and call out his own son like that.

Percy shook his head."Cedric, you 've pulled harlequinade like this ever since you were trivial. This one has you written all over it. You, too, James."

"But Dad-"

"No buts,"Percy said."This is not satisfactory. Now I 'd like to verbalize with you privately."

Cedric did n't budge. Albus swallowed hard and looked at flatness, toilet, and Kaden each in turn. buffoonery were all in good fun, but not when innocent people were punished for them. And Albus had no incertitude that Percy would punish Cedric whether he had proof or not. Cedric 's past betrayed him and Percy was too focused on winning the election to give his son the welfare of the uncertainty. Albus did not like his full cousin taking the fall for something he and his friends did. It just was not something he was comfortable with.

Matt gave a slight nod of his head. St. John and Kaden both shrugged and Albus took that to mean"do what you have to do ”. Albus sighed and stood up."waiting, Uncle Percy."

"Albus, this is none of your headache,"Percy said."Cedric has to face his consequences."

"But he did n't do it !"Albus exclaimed."It was me. I did it."

Saint James burst out laughing."You, Al ? That 's overnice and all of you to try and keep Cedric out of trouble, but really ? You could n't get into the Slytherin unwashed room."

"It was n't only him,"John said, standing up."Kaden and I did nearly of it. Al was just a spirit out."

"I was, too,"Matt announced."It was the four of us."

Fred and a few of his friends suddenly jumped up from their seats and bowed in nominal head of Albus, mat, John the Evangelist, and Kaden."Masters ! You are the kings."

The integral usual room exploded in applause and whistle. Albus could n't facilitate but grin despite the fact that he knew he was going to be in trouble. St. James the Apostle gave Albus an odd feel before breaking out in a wry smiling himself. A few first years ran up and high-fived them. Victor-Marie Hugo was practically rolling on the floor laughing.

"Enough, enough !"Percy shouted."Albus, you 'd break come with me. You three as well."He gestured to lustrelessness, St. John the Apostle, and Kaden.

Albus and his friends reluctantly followed Hotspur out of the usual way to Kendrick 's sketch. On the way there Albus could n't help but remark that his uncle did n't really walk. He strutted, almost like he owned the billet. Albus supposed he was remembering back to his pass Boy days. principal Boy was probably now well out of orbit for Albus, as was becoming a Prefect. Not like he really wanted to suit a Prefect anyway.

Upon entering Kendrick 's study Albus was horrified to see that all of the Ministry functionary were there, including his own father. lustrelessness had paled considerably on seeing his Father of the Church as well. This was bad.

Kendrick glanced at the boy and then looked questioningly up at Percy."I think we need a moment of privacy,"Kendrick said to the officials,"except Harry and Walter."

The residual of the official left the room, whispering to themselves as they went. Kendrick then resumed his rear end behind his desk and conjured enough chairs for the remaining people. Albus took a seat in between lusterlessness and Kaden.

"What 's going on, Walker Percy ?"Kendrick asked.

"I went to Gryffindor to experience a chat with my son about that buffoonery endure week and as it turns out he was telling the truth."Albus was pleased to see that Percy looked slightly ashamed."As I was asking Cedric for a private talk, my nephew and his friends announced that they were the pranksters."

"They what ?"Harry exclaimed, looking at Albus."Is this about the chickens in the Slytherin rough-cut room prank ?"

"Yes,"Walker Percy confirmed."These four just confessed to it."

Matt 's dad let out a sigh and shook his head.

"Is this true, boys ?"Kendrick asked.

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied.

"I 'm very disappointed in you, Albus,"Harry said."This is the sort of thing I expect from Saint James, not from you."

"As am I in you, Matthew,"Walter added."You 've never been one to pull pranks."

"It was our idea,"lav said, gesturing to himself and Kaden."All they did was go on a looking out while we were in their common room."

"Nevertheless,"Kendrick said, folding his workforce on his desk."All four of you broke school regulation and you will be punished. Fifty points from Gryffindor-"

Kaden gasped.

"-each,"Kendrick finished."And detention. As much as I 'd care to start your detainment tomorrow we have early matter happening in this castling and none of the staff is free to supervise. You will set forth your detention on Mon eventide and you will make it for a week."

"But sir-"Albus and lusterlessness said at once.

"No buts,"Kendrick said."You blatantly broke multiple shoal rules."

"But Quidditch and dueling ! That 's the week before the first tournament-"

"Your teams will have to adjudge practice without you, Mr. ceramicist,"Kendrick said shortly."You should possess thought about that before you participated in this mischief."

"Sir ?"mat asked quietly.

Kendrick sighed."Yes ?"

"The, er, broad moonshine is Tuesday,"matt muttered.

"Right,"Kendrick replied."Attend the detainment that you can and whichever one you miss can be made up once you are better.

"Thank you,"Walter said,"for being understanding about that."

"Not a problem. lustrelessness 's berth is vastly different from missed Quidditch practice."

Albus felt his brass reddening. It had been a valid point for him. Fred would murder him in his sleep when he found out Albus would miss at least two practice for custody. He certainly would n't be applauding and bowing anymore.

"You 'll report to Filch 's office on Monday at seven. He 'll give you further instruction on what your detention will entail. Now, get back to Gryffindor towboat,"Kendrick said.

Albus rose from his can. Harry did the same."Al, you realize I 'm going to have to state your female parent about this."

Albus nodded."Yes."

"She wo n't be pleased. But I do want to differentiate you that I 'm gallant of the way you owned up to this when you realized Cedric was wrongfully accused. As frustrated as I am that you pulled that harlequinade, I am very happy to make such an true son. I 'll see you tomorrow. take a good night and retrieve, I always love you,"Harry said and gave Albus a hug.

"Love you too,"Albus said quietly.

Matt was having what was surely a interchangeable talk with his own father and once they were finished, the four son left Kendrick 's cogitation and went immediately back to Gryffindor tower.

"sevener detentions,"John muttered as they walked up a set of steps."Seven. This is worse than that sentence in second class when we were caught near the Whomping Willow."

"Not to remark the detail,"Albus replied.

"And detainment with Filch no LE,"Matt said."I 'll be doing at to the lowest degree two of them on my own, too."

Kaden shrugged."Still seems deserving it."

lavatory grinned."Most definitely worth it."

Albus and Matt gave each former looks that clearly meant they disagreed. No, 200 points from Gryffindor, seven detentions with Filch, and no Quidditch practice for a workweek was not deserving it.
***


In dependable Hogwarts fashion by the next morning at Breakfast the entire school knew that it had been three Gryffindor one-fourth class and one Gryffindor third base yr that had managed to sneak into the Slytherin common room and sedimentation two chickens and a cock, as well as cover the entire place in raspberry seed. Hufflepuff was especially excited about this because Gryffindor 's red ink of 200 points put them in the tether for the House Cup. Gryffindor was now dead last and the other Gryffindors were torn between their awe of Albus and his friends and their horror that the frivolity had cost them so many full stop.

Rose and Amanda had burst out laughing when the boys told them their fate the previous night. They were tempestuous about the red ink of full stop, though. rosiness was especially disgusted by John and Kaden 's deficiency of remorse.

All the ministry official were at the stave mesa, whereas the house tabular array were not nearly as wax as the previous day. It seemed that some bookman had not heeded Kendrick 's suggestion about going to bed early.

There was a whoosh of wings and Albus looked up to see that the post owls had arrived. His heart started beating faster and he swallowed intemperate upon seeing his mother 's owl holding a red envelope in its mouth.

"Oh no,"Albus whispered as the owl grew closemouthed. His friends glanced up and saw the howler just as the owl was preparing for landing. It landed in front of Albus 's plate of eggs and he took the sidesplitter in his hand before quickly running out of the Great Hall for the nearest bathroom.

The envelope was already hot when he arrived in the thankfully empty loo. He reluctantly opened it and the elbow room was soon full with Ginny 's senior high pitched shouting.

"ALBUS SEVERUS POTTER, WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU ? I AM ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED TO HEAR THAT YOU WERE IN THE SLYTHERIN COMMON way AND putting crybaby IN THERE NO LESS. I DO NOT charge THAT YOU WERE ONLY THE LOOK OUT. YOU MAY AS well HAVE BEEN IN THERE YOURSELF. YOU WERE BLATANTLY breakage MULTIPLE school dominion INCLUDING existence OUT OF BED AFTER minute.

I AM VERY foiled. THIS IS THE form OF THING I EXPECT FROM James River, BUT eve JAMES KNOWS WHEN NOT TO CROSS THE argument. AND YOU DID N'T JUST cross THE LINE. YOU JUMPED WAY OVER IT. AND TO HAVE PERCY FIND OUT ABOUT THIS WHILE HE IS AT HOGWARTS FOR A DEBATE ? ! YOU KNOW WE HAVE TO KEEP UP appearance IN ordination FOR HIM TO rich person A opportunity AT THIS ELECTION AND THIS DOE NOT HELP.

I HIGHLY APPROVE OF THE DETENTIONS AND LOSS OF level. I CAN NOT SAY I WOULD BE discomfited IF YOUR stallion sign of the zodiac WERE ANGRY WITH YOU OVER THIS. I EXPECT YOU WILL NOT DO THIS AGAIN. IF YOU DO YOU WILL HAVE Sir Thomas More THAN JUST PUNISHMENT AT SCHOOL."

The alphabetic character exploded with a brief blow of smoke. Albus stood there staring at it for a few seconds. His mother had not even mentioned how his confession had saved Cedric. There was no mention of how she was proud about his honesty, like his dad had been.

Albus heard a short laugh from behind him. He turned around and saw none other than Scorpio Malfoy leaning on one of the cesspit, smirking.

"I knew it was one of you Gryffindors,"Malfoy said."Just did n't expect it to be you lot. Did n't remember you 'd be fresh sufficiency to see out our password."

"Just shut up, Malfoy,"Albus muttered as he pushed his way past the Slytherin on his way out of the loo.

"Loved the belly laugh, by the way."Malfoy gave another laugh.

Albus groaned inwardly. He hoped Malfoy had n't heard much of it, but highly doubted it. Albus took a oceanic abyss breath and walked back to the Great Hall. Perhaps with the disputation coming in an hour, the residuum of the student would forget about the clowning and the red ink of points and find something new to discuss.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype authorship radical. You cat are all awesome ! Thanks for all the amazing reviews ! The new banner was done by violet ephemeral at TDA. There 's a little under a week left to nominate fib for the Dobby awarding, so if you like this story, question over to the forum and constitute it ! Just remember to interpret the dominion first.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was a long queue of pupil waiting to get into the Great residence hall after everyone left once breakfast was over. The Great Hall had been completely emptied in order for the professors to organize it for the debate. Albus craned his school principal in effort to see it. As far as he could distinguish it looked the same except the long business firm board had been replaced by dustup of seats. He, along with lustrelessness and Rose, were only a few student away from the front of the queue.

Once they made it to the front they gave their public figure to prof Longbottom and then were steer inside by one of the Ravenclaw Prefects. grownup were milling about talking with each other and students were already seated. The first few course were cordoned off with R-2 and the Ravenclaw Prefect lead Albus, rosebush, and Matt to the one-third roped off row. He lifted the rophy and told them to file all the way in, to the very end of the untenanted row. Albus sat in between Rose and Matt. It appeared that the roped off rows were reserved for Ministry official and their families. Albus noticed that his mum was sitting in the front row along with the rest of his aunt and uncles. Georgia was also in the front end row and was handing out coloring books and crayons to Samantha and Lindy.

King James, Ben, Lily, and Victor-Marie Hugo filed in succeeding to Rose a few minutes later. Albus saw that Cedric and Bradley, who had walked in with his sibling, were being lead to the straw man row. Fred, Angie, Heather, and home run finished out their row five proceedings later. Albus gazed around the elbow room and fleck Victoire and shift sitting across the aisle. John Rowlands walked in with Gabriella and took seating room next to Victoire and Teddy. Albus had to accept he was surprised to see them there. Last he heard she was in French Republic and he was in Romania.

The room soon became packed with the pupil who had won tush as well as other beldam and wizards who had chosen to come. Albus recognized a few who worked in shop class in Hogsmeade including Madam Rosmerta. He turned to the front of the room and noticed that the staff table had also disappeared and had been replaced with two podiums and a small tabular array, just like the set up in the courtroom at the Ministry.

At exactly eleven o'clock the threshold to the Great foyer were shut and hoi polloi began to sit down. Professor Kendrick entered the room from one of its antechambers, followed by the curate, Albus 's dad, Matt 's dad, and the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Reena Barnes. The other Ministry officials were seated in the nominal head row.

Kendrick lead them to the small table near the podium. All five, with the exception of Kendrick, sat. Kendrick walked to the front of the dais and the audience quieted.

"Welcome to the third disputation. I welcome all of you to Hogwarts School of witchery and Wizardry. Today 's debate will be on Department of Education. I 'd like to put in today 's moderator, the Head of the Department for the mastery and ordinance of Magical beast, Walter Eckerton."

The audience clapped and Albus whispered to matt, asking him if he knew his dad was moderating. matt shook his head no and the two looked back to the front.

Kendrick had taken his seat and lustrelessness 's dad had rose."Now I 'd like to receive our two candidates. Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."

There was Thomas More applause as Harry Hotspur and Laurentis walked out of the antechamber and took their property behind the ambo. Once the clapping subsided, Matt 's dad began to speak.

"Today 's argument will run similarly to past debates, with five bit responses and two minute rebuttal. All head and prompts will be about education. The debate will run for an minute and a half. After it is over, the elbow room will be cleared and then lunch will be served. After dejeuner there will be a short break and then the bookman question and answer session will exact office in this Sami way. Without farther adieu, the outset question. Mr. Weasley, you will reply first.

"How do you find about the Hogwarts forcible environment ? Do you feel it is adequate and conducive to learning or do you feel change should be made ?"

Percy took a step forward and smiled at the interview."I believe that the Hogwarts castle is very conducive to learning. Being in a sequester area provides little in the way of beguilement to the students. Yet the proximity of the palace to Hogsmeade village gives scholar in third base twelvemonth and above a much needed disruption. The only if changes I think need to be made are to update what needs to be updated and vivify what needs to be repaired."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Matt 's dad said. He turned to Laurentis."Ms. Laurentis."

"I agree with Mr. Weasley. The Hogwarts palace is very contributing to learning and I see nothing wrong with it the way it is. All of Mr. Weasley 's peak are very valid."

Albus turned to Matt and shrugged. That was odd. They actually agreed on something. matt 's dad seemed a lilliputian shocked by this as well, because he did not say anything for a few second base after Laurentis quieted.

"All right. Since you two agree, I see no need for rebutter. Moving on to the future question. Ms. Laurentis, this time you will go first. How do you feel about the stream Hogwarts syllabus ? Do you finger the classes adequately prepare today 's young people for living in British wizarding society ? What changes, if any, do you feel need to be made ?"

"The Hogwarts course of study has not been updated in decades. In fact, the only new class that has been introduced is this year 's class on political science. Curricula is something that needs to modify with the times and be re-evaluated at least every former yr. The world is a constantly changing stead and what students learn needs to change with it. New socio-economic class should be offered and outdated classes should be removed. syllabus for stratum that are kept needs to change in Holy Order to observe up with today 's research. Potions, for case, should not be taught the Sami way now as it was xl years ago, but unfortunately, that seems to be the case."

"Thank you. Mr. Weasley."

"The pith curriculum of Hogwarts is similar to that of magical schools all over the world. The classes taught here offer basic and advanced instruction in topics that wizards need in Holy Order to function in gild. We can not stand here and preach getting rid of Charms or Transfiguration in favour of some new matter that may or may not teach our student anything. Yes, the populace is constantly changing, but the canonical trance remain the like. bookman forty class ago used 'Alohomora'to open doors and the patch remains the same today,"Percy argued.

"Your rebuttal, Ms. Laurentis."

"I am in no way insinuating that we should get rid of Charms or Transfiguration."She looked offended at Hotspur 's accusal."All I am saying is that we need to seem at the elective course that are offered. The basic core classes should obviously be kept, although they should be updated. Today 's professors are using the Lapplander textbooks they used XXX years ago, which is preposterous considering how much has changed in their fields-"

"Your metre is up. Mr. Weasley."

Percy seemed to puff up out his pectus a bit."Those text edition still teach the basics ! How is a schoolbook written last class going to be any better at teaching a student how to stir a cauldron ? Additionally, one-time textbooks have to a greater extent victimized copy uncommitted making it more affordable for bookman from lower income families to purchase their books."

It seemed to Albus that they had gotten slightly off topic from the proposed dubiousness, but neither candidate seemed to notice or care.

"Next question. How do you feel about the way that teacher selection and evaluation is handled at Hogwarts ? Do you finger any changes are needed ?"Mr. Eckerton asked."You may go first, Mr. Weasley."

"Traditionally, the Ministry has taken a very hands-off approach to teacher survival of the fittest and I believe this has worked well. Ministry official do not throw the expertise to prefer teachers and leaving this up to the Hogwarts faculty has resulted in a very educated and well-rounded staff at Hogwarts. Following the sovereignty of Voldemort, a small-scale educational activity department was founded in the Ministry to oversee things and while it is still very hands-off, I believe the small amount of regulation has served Hogwarts well,"Percy explained.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Laurentis smirked and then began."teacher selection, along with curriculum changes, is the the prospect of Hogwarts that needs the most radical change, in my opinion. While professor Kendrick is a mulct headmaster, I think more guidance is needed when it comes to choosing prof. For the past four age, Hogwarts has been ineffectual to secure a Defense Against the night fine art prof for to a greater extent than two years. One only lasted a twelvemonth. Other prof have been here for decades and yet others have remained even beyond their own death. There is nothing wrongly, of line, with older teachers, but Hogwarts appears to have no way of evaluating these faculty members. They remain here, commandment, yr after twelvemonth, whether or not they are actually successful in providing student with an education."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

Percy 's human face had gained some color that was not always there."I hardly think it is appropriate to blame Professor Kendrick for the portion of previous Defense professors. Upon interviewing them he had no way of knowing what would take place in the end. As for the other professors, if you would appear at the statistics of the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. results of the past times few years you 'll see that the majority of scholarly person are passing. might I add that those are regulated by the Ministry."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"I would agree that the master should not be held responsible for one or two professors who should not make been hired in the low gear place, but Hogwarts has seen more than its fair ploughshare of inadequate professor in the past few geezerhood. Clearly something is wrong. to a greater extent people need to be involved with curriculum and instructor selection."

"Next dubiousness,"Mr. Eckerton said."Do you feel that the security at Hogwarts is adequate ? If not, what should be changed ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

If Albus was not mistaken, he could have sworn he saw Laurentis sigh and grant a slight eye axial motion before beginning."Let 's just holler it what it is, why do n't we ? Lack of security measures at Hogwarts ! The security measure here, if you can cry it that, is sorely lacking. might I bring up the fact that for the past three years there had been a austere breach in security measure here ? Three age ago, a group of first eld dueled the magical spell professor, a seventh class, and that seventh twelvemonth 's male parent on the solid ground for a significant point of sentence before the professors stepped in. The following year, another first year was kidnapped by that same seventh year, who had then graduated. end year, those same scholar were kidnapped and taken to Commonwealth of Australia of all places ! I think we could forgive one incident, but three-"

"Your clock time is up,"Matt 's dad said."Mr. Weasley."

Percy was looking Sir Thomas More and more disgruntled. His face now resembled his hair."Might I remind my opposition that following the incident three years ago, Aurors were stationed at Hogwarts and none of the following incidents resulted in any durable scathe to any of the educatee. live on year, the Aurors were slightly preoccupied by the disastrous competition that took station here. Hogwarts is protected by many captivation and all the professors are subject of protecting the students. terminal year 's incident was an extremely unfortunate accident-"

"One that nearly resulted in scholarly person last !"Laurentis shouted.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Albus felt like the entire room was staring at himself and Matt. Glancing around, he saw that this was true.

Laurentis ignored Mr. Eckerton."I remind the wizarding community that the Aurors have yet to capture the brainiac of that incident. Which by the way was not the alone incident last year. live yr 's Defense Against the Dark artistic production professor kept a highly grievous animal in the castle for month before anything was done. And by the fourth dimension it was discovered, it took Bruno Walter Eckerton stepping in to own it removed ! Then, the professor was allowed to stay, despite the fact that later on it was discovered that he had been terrorizing and humiliating students in his class all class, not to advert the fact that his curricula were not allow. Following that painful breech in security, regarding the animal, the same professor proceeded to bring out information that could compromise the life of another student-"

"That is enough, Ms. Laurentis !"Mr. Eckerton shouted."You are speaking out of turn."

Albus was unsure whether Matt 's dad was cutting her off because her time was up or because she was getting dangerously close to talking about Matt. Come to conceive of it, how did she even know about that ? She could n't possibly know about Matt 's precondition, could she ? Albus glanced at flatness, who was looking extremely pale.

"I believe we are out of clock time,"Mr. Eckerton continued. He looked quite flustered."Please exit the room while lunch is set up. You may turn back in a half hour."

Albus stood and waited for his turn to result the way. The entire crowd was whispering amongst themselves and pointing at Albus and Matt every so often. He was tempted to skip lunch all together, except he was extremely hungry.
***


Albus managed to avoid speaking to any newsperson before and during dejeuner, which proved difficult because they seemed to have multiplied during the debate. All seemed great on interviewing him, lustrelessness, john, and Kaden in particular due to their having been kidnapped the previous June. Albus was quite relieved when the food in presence of them vanished and the majority of the mass in the room left in fiat for the question and answer session to shoot lieu.

Both candidates seemed to have regained their composure during the meal because Percy 's face was no longer beet red and Laurentis had fixed her tomentum and was wearing a smile. The newsman had been banned from the room for the duration of the session, much to their disheartenment. lusterlessness 's dad also looked better and was standing in the front of the room in front man of the dais, waiting for everyone to sit down.

The room was much empty-bellied now, considering that only the pupil chosen to listen to the debate and the professor were allowed in the room. Albus and Matt managed to get a few seats in the front row. James I and Lily joined them.

Once the room access had been shut and everyone had sat down, Mr. Eckerton stepped forward."Welcome to the question and resolution academic term. It will run for an hour and the candidate will resolve as many questions as they can during that time. Please kindle your script if you have a question."Nothing about the effusion during the argument was mentioned.

Albus could not think of anything to ask. He had absolutely no desire to speak to Laurentis and anything that he would need to ask Hotspur he could just ask at Christmas or send him an owl. Not that he really had any dubiousness for his uncle, either.

A tall Ravenclaw boy raised his hand and Mr. Eckerton pointed to him."This question is for Ms. Laurentis,"the boy began."How exactly do you propose to make Hogwarts more secure ? I 'm nearly irrefutable that the most advanced tour are already used."

"That is very dead on target,"Laurentis answered."I believe that we need to search outside the world of spells and apply professors basic preparation in defense against intruders. I think a computer programme, standardized to very basic Auror training, would profit all faculty greatly."

A Hufflepuff in pigtails had a interrogative for both candidate next."Would either of you change the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams if you were elected ?"

"Only to fit better with any potential curriculum changes,"Laurentis replied."The changes would come later. Not for at least two years."

"about likely, no,"Percy said."The statistics prove that they work well as they are."

The question and reply session continued in the same way, proving itself very different from the disputation. It was quite the opposite, actually. Albus found himself very bored towards the end, his mind drifting towards what both candidates had said during the argumentation. He was very curious about what the Prophet would say about it the next day.

"We have prison term for one more question,"Mr. Eckerton finally said.

Albus let out a suspiration of succor. A glimpse at lusterlessness told him that his best friend was feeling the Sami way, since he was leaning back in his chair, his eyes nearly closed.

Mr. Eckerton pointed to a girl sitting in the far back. Albus did n't spot her, but she had Ravenclaw robes on.

"This is for both of you, if either of you know anything about it. Ms. Laurentis, you were talking about professor Balladanis in the debate and you mentioned something about him giving scholar information that they could use to scupper another student. Is that really on-key ? And what exactly happened ?"

Albus prodded mat in the side and whispered to him what the inquiry had been. precondition matt 's reaction, which was a look of dead terror, he almost wished he had n't bothered to wake him up.

Mr. Eckerton stared at the student before turning to the candidate."You may respond the first part of the doubt and that region only."

"It is true,"Laurentis said just as Hotspur had been opening his back talk to respond."Professor Balladanis was not cut out for teaching and did not understand the fact that there is a line of reasoning between teaching to disperse cognition and teaching to threaten others."

"Does it have to do with the Anamatek ?"a Slytherin boy asked.

"Yes,"Harry Hotspur said."The situations were related."

"This is why I believe teachers need to be evaluated so we can avert this type of situation,"Laurentis explained.

"But what kind of info could endanger someone ? Was it in the curriculum ?"the Ravenclaw who had originally asked the question said."knowledge is power."

"It was not,"Laurentis answered."Which is exactly why it will be honorable for professors to have curricula that they stick to."

"I just do n't understand,"the Ravenclaw went on."If people are kept in the dark they just blindly follow agency. I 've always believed that people should be taught everything possible."

mat and his dad were both wearing alike expressions. Both looked extremely uncomfortable and his dad was fiddling with a clutches on his gown. lusterlessness looked like he wanted his chair to accept him up.

"We 're all out of time,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thank you all for coming. The professor have requested that you all return to your common rooms and that you are free to decline commentary to the reporters that are waiting outside."

There was a shuffling of president as people got up and exited the room. lusterlessness grabbed Albus 's arm without saying anything, leading him directly to his Church Father, who was speaking to both the candidates.

"Dad,"lusterlessness said quietly, not waiting for him to land up his conversation with Laurentis and Percy.

Mr. Eckerton turned around and his face became sympathetic. He turned back to Laurentis and Hotspur."Excuse me. My son. I believe you can head up to Kendrick 's report and I will be there shortly."

Albus, Matt, and Mr. Eckerton left Laurentis and Harry Hotspur, who had now begun to reason about something, in the Great Hall and entered one of its entrance hall. The room was furnished with a few couches and professorship. Albus chose an armchair while lustrelessness and his dad sat down on a couch.

"I 'm really drab, lustrelessness,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."I did not look live year to be brought up during this debate."

"It 's not your mistake,"lusterlessness replied as he picked at a free screw thread on the sofa."It 's just the way she, Laurentis, was talking, I thought that maybe she .... Does she hump, Dad ? She seemed to get it on an awful lot about what Balladanis did."

"She does n't fuck,"Mr. Eckerton said immediately."The lonesome people at the Ministry who know are in my section. However, she and the rest of the Ministry did have to get laid why I was filing a report on Balladanis last year. I had to give reasons as to why I wanted him investigated on that report."

"Did you list exactly what he did, with the Anamatek and his loup-garou lessons ?"matt asked.

"No."Mr. Eckerton shook his head."There are natural law protecting minors in this form of situation and I was not legally required to mention your name. All I had to say was that an anonymous student had felt threatened by a certain object lesson that Balladanis taught. That was all that was needed to plunge the probe. That alone would not birth gotten him raped, but enough grounds was found through interviewing student about his teaching methods that zilch else was needed. It was n't even mentioned that it was a third year class in my original report."

"But she seemed to know so much,"flatness said.

"She does n't. Politicians lard what they know in order to get elected. You do n't have to worry. I suppose if she really wanted to she could look at the curriculum for Defense for that time of class and research and figure it out, but it would take a lot of work. And trust me, she does not give the metre for that. Nor does she really have any reason to care what deterrent example it was or why a student was threatened or who that student was."

"But she said my life had been at jeopardy,"matte said.

"Again, that 's her embellishment."Mr. Eckerton half-smiled."The only I who are really curious are your fellow pupil and this will blow over. They have no way of finding out."

"Good,"Matt replied, finally smiling a bit.

"I 'd better get to the master 's subject,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up.

Albus waited while Matt said goodbye to his dad and then the two boy headed back to Gryffindor column. The reporters had either scattered or had found students willing to be interviewed, for the male child came across no one but Prefects and a few first of all years setting off dungbombs on their way back to the green room. Albus was very sword lily to pick up that Laurentis did not know the specifics about what had happened with Balladanis the previous year, but he wished neither her or Percy would ever bring it up again in a debate. Somehow, though, Albus doubted that it would n't be.


Sorry for the late update ! Time has gotten away from me. Thanks to all who have read and reviewed. Big thanks to my Skype writing group ; you guys are amazing !

I have a new Meet the Author yarn on the meeting place. There 's a link to it on my Author Page. Please check up on it out and ask me questions !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The article in the Prophet on Sunday proved to be just as outrageous as the actual public debate had been. It took up the full front pageboy and was ripe with quotation mark from both candidates and a few students, although none of Albus 's cousin had been quoted. The Ravenclaw who had asked the question about Balladanis at the question and answer session had not only been interviewed, but she had received her own article located on the arcsecond page. Albus groaned when he opened the Thomas Nelson Page and saw it, complete with a flick of the Ravenclaw in inquiry. His Quaker quickly crowded around the paper to read it over his shoulder.

CENSORSHIP AT HOGWARTS ?

Yesterday 's newsworthy debate at Hogwarts
School of witchery and Wizardry proved
not only to be a time to check about the
candidates'reliable public opinion on wizard
Department of Education, but possibly uncovered an take
of censorship that had been looked over
finale year.

Following the public debate a question and answer
academic session was held for those favourable few
Hogwarts students who had gotten to sit
in the Great manor hall during the public debate. The
finally dubiousness was asked by 6th year
Ravenclaw Elizabeth York. During the disputation
Patricia Laurentis brought up the topic
of the investigation of Professor Aplysia
Balladanis, previous Defense Against
the night Arts professor ( see article on
front page ). York then questioned what
entropy had taught that according to
Laurentis"endangered a student 's life."

'I just enquire what selective information was being
taught because I 'm a firm believer that
scholarly person should never be denied
information. If it was bad enough
to endanger mortal 's life, then certain,
it should not be taught, but no one is
saying what the entropy was .'York
said in an consultation following the
session.

After the question was asked, debate
moderator and Head of the department for
the Regulation and Control of Magical
Creatures Bruno Walter Eckerton told the
nominee that they could not say
what the information was, just confirm
that the incident had happened. Eckerton
quickly wrapped up the session, stating
that they were out of time.

It is interesting to take note that Eckerton
is the wizard who filed the ill
thus launching the investigation of
Balladanis. When asked for a comment,
Eckerton said'I 'm the brain of the
department for the regulation and Control
of Magical animal. He had an Anamatek.
I was informed of the situation and had
to involve action .'

The post provided more questions
than answer and it will be interesting
to find out whether this incident plays
a further role in April 's election.

Albus set down the paper and pushed away his half-eaten breakfast. Why did the prophesier have to publish that ? It did n't seem relevant to the election. Balladanis had been sacked and was long gone. It was in the past.

"Your dad 's right,"Amanda said to Matt later on when they were in the Marauder 's Den."She 's just trying to make things into a bigger quite a little so she can win more suffrage. Politicians turn the simple thing into huge deals."

"I know, but still,"mat said as he picked through a pile of Bertie Bott 's Every sapidity Beans."It 's like none of them realize that it 's my life they 're making a big hatful of."

"Honestly, I do n't recollect it 's actually the information that people want,"Rose said, looking up from her Potions text."Think about it. If someone were to leak out the information, and say that Balladanis was teaching so practically about identifying werewolves that the great unwashed could visualize out you were one, they 'd have zero else to talk about-"

"Yeah, because they 'd be talking about how there 's a lycanthrope at Hogwarts,"Matt said.

"No, that 's not what I meant,"Rose replied."They 're interested in the grownup issue. The fact that there might be censorship at Hogwarts. They do n't care what the information is that 's been censored. They just like that something 's been censored. And I think that if they really knew what it was, they 'd all gibe that Balladanis had gone over the top."

"I guess,"matte said."But that 's the affair, no one 's going to really jazz what it is."

"It 'll all blow over soon enough,"Albus said."Next public debate 's on law enforcement. Aurors, Azkaban, that sort of matter, and Laurentis runs Azkaban."

Albus spent much of Sunday afternoon on the Quidditch pitch, which was a welcome stand-in from discussing the debate and the election and Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis. He loved his friends, but they all seemed to be able to discuss the election for ages and he could n't. Fred would possess had them on the pitch longer, but Hufflepuff had reserved it for the evening.

The discussion of the censorship article seemed to quiet down the next day, if only because a dear majority of the professors had all scheduled exams that day and everyone was occupy with last min studying. Albus had exams in both Herbology and defense lawyers Against the nighttime Arts, although the latter was really no different from the common worksheets. Luckily there was no exam in guardianship of Magical Creatures and then Albus had a free period.

lustrelessness slept the entire unloosen period and up until dinner in hopes that he would be able to look that night 's detainment. He had no desire to do detention on his own, so he was hoping that he 'd be able-bodied to get away with just missing the side by side night 's. He still looked absolutely exhausted even after the nap.

"If we 're doing anything outside I 'll have to leave,"Matt said as the four boys made their way to Filch 's study."Merlin I hope it 's not outside."

"Me, too,"John said."Ground 's horribly muddy after hold up Night 's storm."

"Bet the team will have it away that."Albus said They had exercise that night and Albus was missing it.

The son continued their way through the castle until they made it to Filch 's discipline. Albus knocked three sentence and then stood back, waiting for the ancient caretaker to open the door.

Filch was holding his cat, Josie, in his arms when he appeared in the doorway. He was scowling, the line on his face showing more than ever, and looked thoroughly disgusted at having to manage the boy'detention. He let the cat down on the ground and she took a swat at Kaden 's robes before darting behind a nearby suit of armour.

"You lot again,"Filch muttered as he shut the door behind him, despite the fact that the four male child had n't had a reefer detention with Filch since 2nd year."You 're scrubbing the 2nd floor lady friend 's can. With toothbrushes, of course."Filch reached into his sack and pulled out four Myxocephalus aenaeus toothbrushes.

"That 's Moaning Vinca minor 's bath,"Albus whispered to his ally as they distributed their cleaning implements and followed Filch down the corridor.

Filch shooed them into the bathroom and leaned against the door, his arms across his chest, and scowled at them as they began. Albus squatted down and began to scrub the flooring, John and Kaden doing the Saame. The three had agreed to make the hold as easy as potential for Matt and thus left him the sinks.

Albus had n't been scrubbing for more than two minutes when he heard a splashing behind him and a girlish giggle. He turned around and saw Vinca minor, smiling and winking at him. She floated over until she was hovering over the section of floor that Albus was scrubbing.

"Albus Potter."She giggled again."You 're back to my potty. Oh, but this fourth dimension you 've been in trouble, have n't you ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus muttered.

"This is n't for what you did to the Slytherin common room, is it ?"Vinca minor asked."Your brother asked me about that. I told him that you 'd been in here that night, hiding under your Invisibility Cloak."

Albus flinched when she said the Scripture"invisibility cloak"and hoped that Filch had had some hearing exit in his old age. The last affair Albus needed was for the caretaker to know he had an Invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't cognise you were pranking the Slytherins, though,"Myrtle continued."I like boys who pull pranks, you know."Vinca minor giggled again and floated closer to Albus, so tight that his bridge player was now inside her arm. He moved it away.

"You know, some years I hardly get any male child coming in here,"Myrtle said as she floated towards John."And this year there 's so many. I think you should come inspect me more often. It gets lonely in here, you know."

"Yeah, I imagine it 's quite lonely, being dead,"Kaden said.

myrtle let out an ear-piercing shriek and started wailing. She sped past Albus and into one of the stable, where she plunged herself into the toilet.

"medium type, is n't she ?"Kaden said.

There was another gimcrack splash and Vinca minor was suddenly right in front of Kaden."You would be too if you were dead !"she shouted.

"But could n't you leave the loo ?"john asked."The other ghosts float about the castle all the time."

"leave of absence the loo ?"Vinca minor repeated."Leave the loo ?"She said a bit louder."But this is where I died ! I find it 's best to think about my expiry right here. right hand where it happened."

"Would n't it be less lonely with the early ghosts ?"lavatory asked as he began to scratch one of the cubicle doors.

"The other ghosts do n't understand,"Myrtle lamented."They 're all satisfied being dead. Even the Grey Lady and she 's always seemed slightly abject. But no, none of them are as miserable as me."Myrtle seemed gallant about that.

"Weird,"whoremonger muttered under his breath.

"tranquility !"Filch shouted."You 're in detention. No talking."

Myrtle resumed floating above the boy, letting out a loud wail every so often. Kaden and Matt continued to scrub the trading floor while John scrubbed the stalls. flatness was still scrubbing the sinks, but was going very slowly and winced every so often.

"You look abject !"Myrtle exclaimed as Matt 's hand slipped and he dropped his toothbrush. He bent down to pick it up and leaned on the cesspit, squeezing his eyes shut. myrtle floated down to hover just above the sink next to him and smiled.

lustrelessness said nothing and turned from Vinca minor, to get started on the sink on the other side. Myrtle followed."You know, I 'm scummy here all the time. I just sit here and excogitate my destruction ..."myrtle continued.

Vinca minor continued to follow Matt around the bathroom while he was clearly trying to dismiss her and put as much distance between them as potential. He had no luck with this since he was exhausted and myrtle was a specter. Albus caught John 's eye as Myrtle giggled for the twentieth clip and the two shared a tacit laugh.

After they 'd been scrubbing for nearly two hours Filch finally told them they could stop. Albus 's knees and work force were raw and he had a feeling he smelled strongly of cleaner. bathroom and Kaden looked equally scurvy and Matt looked as bad as he did the break of the day after a full moon, only without the snub and bites. Vinca minor looked delighted at their misery.

"Visit me again soon !"she shouted after them as they left."Especially you,"she added to flatness with another giggle.

"person has a calf love on you,"John said to Matt as soon as they were out of earshot of Filch.

"Shut up,"matt muttered.

"Matt and myrtle, what an endearing brace you 'd defecate,"John continued."You should go visit her. She seemed to be well-chosen knowing that you were miserable."

"I said shut up about it !"lustrelessness shouted.

"Fine, was only making a joke,"John replied.

The boy walked in silence the rest of the way to Gryffindor column. They did not come across anyone else, which Albus was grateful for since he was changeable as to whether it was past curfew or not. Once back in Gryffindor, Matt immediately went to the dormitory without saying another word to Albus, trick, or Kaden.

"Hope it 's not cleaning tomorrow,"John muttered as he sat down on the skinny chair and pulled up his puff leg."Look at that. My genu 's all red."

"Matches my finger,"Kaden added.

Albus would gladly sustain through another day of Muggle cleaning if it meant the rest of the detentions would be called off. He was missing two Quidditch practices and the live dueling practice before the low duel. Some sea captain he was, missing the finis exercise before their first tourney. Their final examination practice was Thursday evening and Albus would be off in detention, doing who knows what. He was planning on having Amanda run the drill, although he had n't talked to her about it yet.

The doorway to the vernacular room opened and the Gryffindor Quidditch team, minus Albus of course, trouped in. They all looked muddy, exhausted, and sweaty and Albus felt a pang of guilt as he watched them head up to the dormitories to shower.

"Missed you, Al,"Fred said as he passed."You 're missing on Midweek, too, are n't you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus muttered."Sorry."

Fred nodded."Just do n't do it right before a match."

That was at least fortunate, Albus thought. They would n't be playing in another Quidditch match until after the holiday, seeing as the adjacent mates was Hufflepuff versus Ravenclaw. However, he couldn't avail but feel that missing dueling practice right before a tournament was uncollectible than missing Quidditch practice right before a match.
***


Albus 's hebdomad did not ameliorate the watch day, when he began it with double potions. lusterlessness, feeling too ill to brew potions all aurora, stayed in the hall to catch some Z's, leaving Scorpius Malfoy without a partner to brew that day 's Wart remotion Potion. Even big, Albus 's partner was also not in grade. Slughorn saw this as the perfect opportunity to geminate Albus with Malfoy.

Albus set up his caldron while Malfoy stalked off to the potions cupboard to get the component. He returned a brusk while later and began to hack a shrivelfig into perfectly sized piece. Albus took the rat spleen, dumped it into the cauldron, and began to shake it.

"Bible is you and your friend got a week 's detention for that prank,"Malfoy said, not looking up from his shrivelfig.

"Yes. Not that it 's any of your business,"Albus responded.

"Oh, but it is."Malfoy smirked, finally looking up."You did n't by opportunity get Th off from detention, did you ?"

"No,"Albus muttered. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down. He was stirring the caldron far too quickly.

"That 's dueling praxis,"Malfoy said, as if it had slipped Albus 's psyche."Our own captain, missing pattern because of detention. I do n't suppose you 've found somebody else to run practice, have you ?"

"If you 're angling for the job you 're out of circumstances,"Albus said as he threw another rat quick temper into the cauldron with more military force than was necessary."Amanda already said she 'd do it."That was n't necessarily reliable, as Albus had slept too late that break of day to see Amanda at breakfast before they 'd had to go down to the dungeon.

"Tagger ?"Malfoy scoffed."I think the captain ought to own at least some skill at dueling."

"Why does it matter so much ?"Albus asked."It 's one practice ! It 's not like one practice would work you captain."

"When the prof see what a better job of it I do-"

"One reason, Malfoy,"Albus interrupted."pay me one reason why you should do it over Amanda."

Malfoy 's face broke out in a malicious grin."One reason ? The moonshine 's going to be in an interesting phase tonight."

Albus lowered his voice."You would n't. You ca n't. Kendrick would expel you."

"Only if he knew it was me who spilled the noodle,"Malfoy pointed out.

Albus felt the blood drain from his nerve. Why had he never thought of that ? Of course there were manner Malfoy could let it fall away without anyone knowing it was him."amercement,"Albus muttered."Fine. You captain the team on Th. But just that day. I do n't have custody on Saturday afternoon."

"carnival enough,"Malfoy said, clearly satisfied at how thing had turned out.

Albus took a parsnip and began to chop it with as much force as he could muster, imagining Malfoy 's smirking face upon the vegetable 's surface. Luckily, Malfoy did not say another Holy Scripture to Albus throughout the intact category, which gave Albus the restraint not to hex him into next C after they left Slughorn 's room.

The day continued in a downward spiral when Patil had them work on transfiguring blabber into teacupful and Albus 's teacupful ran across his mesa and crashed onto the level. Politics was no better because Professor Embry had the division discuss the preceding Saturday 's debate, something Albus just wanted to put behind him. He could n't help but sense as if the intact course of instruction was staring at him for the whole hour since Embry brought up the topic of his kidnapping and the discharge of Professor Balladanis.

Kendrick sent Albus, matt, bathroom, and Kaden an owl at dinner party informing them that their detention would take place in nursery Two, where professor Longbottom needed aid transferring his dragon dung fertilizer from a huge mountain outside to assorted pots inside.

"Disgusting !"whoremonger exclaimed upon reading the note."I get enough of that in Herbology."

"At to the lowest degree we 're with Longbottom and not Filch,"Albus pointed out."Matt will be missing this one, obviously."

John the Divine nodded."Where is he, by the way ? Have n't seen him all day."

"Probably still in the dormitory room. He was sound asleep when I went up there to grab my Transfiguration al-Qur'an at lunch,"Albus said.

Kaden glanced at his watch."We 're not even going to take meter to go back there before detainment. It 's six-thirty."

Albus set his ramification down. He had been picking at his gripe fret, but not really eating it. He still had n't told his friends that Malfoy was going to be running his dueling praxis later that week. Add that to the fact that now he would n't get to see Matt before the wide-cut moon and it was just turning out to be an awed evening.

Rose seemed to register Albus 's judgement."We 'll go insure on him after dinner,"she said. Amanda nodded.

Gospel According to John and Kaden polished off the rest of their meal and then the three male child set off for the nursery. The sun was just beginning to set as they walked across the priming coat and Albus knew that meant that Matt would be heading to the Hospital Wing soon. He hoped Rose and Amanda would handle to see him before he did.

Neville was waiting for them when they arrived, bearing four shovels and four readiness of mitt.

"Matt ca n't come tonight,"Albus said once they reached Neville.

Neville glanced at the sky."Oh, right. I 'd forgotten."He handed the boys the shovels and baseball mitt."All of this,"he gestured to a vauntingly pile of manure,"want to be moved into the pots in Greenhouse Two. You can leave once you 're finished."

Albus groaned inwardly as he looked at the mickle. It must ingest been at least six feet highschool and as big around as the ling shed near the Quidditch auction pitch. It would take them at least an minute. He sighed as he pulled on his glove and began to shovel the manure.

With all three boy working steadily it took them an hour and a half to go all the manure. When they finally finished all Albus wanted to do was go up to Gryffindor Tower and take the world 's longest shower. He felt forged than he did after a Quidditch praxis in the pouring pelting.

"Two down, five to go,"John said after Neville parted ways with them on the second story."I 'd never thought I 'd say this, but I 'd really care some lines."

"I just wish they 'd cancel Thursday 's,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, right, what are you doing about your dueling practice ?"John asked.

Albus felt angriness boiling up in him again just thinking about it."Malfoy 's pickings over for the practice."

"Wait, seriously ?"lav exclaimed."But Amanda 's on your team. She could have-"

"It 's complicated,"Albus muttered. For some reason he did n't want to get into why Malfoy was going to be captain for the Night."And it 's only for a night."

can gave Albus a strange look."I guess, but still ... Malfoy ? It 's going to go to his head."

"I know !"Albus exclaimed."I know, all right ? It 's not like I wanted to have detention on Thursday and miss that practice. I 'll remind you that this prank was yours and Kaden 's idea. Not mine."

"I know,"St. John the Apostle said."But Malfoy ..."his voice trailed off.

Albus spent a beneficial half hour in the exhibitor once he returned to Gryffindor and then collapsed into bed, wishing that he could wake up and observe out that the day had been an dreadful dream. Instead, he dreamed that Professor Kendrick decided to take away Albus 's captaincy and afford it to Malfoy.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! This will be the lone update this month as I am currently working on NaNoWriMo.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


John got his like the following evening when the boys spent an 60 minutes doing melody with professor Pres Young, which was slightly pointless since youth paid absolutely no care to them. After they were released, Albus, St. John the Apostle, and Kaden immediately went to the Hospital Wing, as they had been unable to confab Matt earlier in the day.

Madam Pomfrey was refilling potion bottles when they arrived a short circuit while later. The mantle were drawn around mat 's usual bed while all the other bed remained empty.

"Hello, boys,"the nursemaid greeted them."I 'll let you visit for ten moment, but curfew 's very soon."

Albus nodded and led toilet and Kaden to lustrelessness 's bed, where he pulled back the curtains and entered the small area. Matt was laying in bed with a patch around his left arm and another on his forehead.

"How are you feeling ?"Albus asked.

"Awful,"matt replied."But I do n't want to talk about it. What 's new with you lot ?"

"Just did an minute of lines,"John said."And last night we had to shovel manure for Longbottom. You 're lucky you missed that one. I swear I still smell like dragon dung."

"But now I have to do two custody by myself. Possibly three,"Matt lamented.

"III ? You 're not going to get out of here tomorrow ?"Kaden asked. Usually Matt got out of the infirmary Wing two days after the good moon.

"I will, but it just depends on what the hold is. If it 's line of descent then I can go but if it 's cleaning again then I 'll induce to jump it. ma'am Pomfrey wants me to rest tomorrow."

"Ca n't recollect of what else they 'd let us do,"John said."supposition what else ? Albus is having Malfoy run his dueling team 's practice tomorrow since he 'll be in detention."

"You 're what ? !"matt exclaimed."That 's mad, Albus."

Albus sighed."It 's one day. One drill. It 's not like I 'm giving him my team."

"Yeah, but there are other mass on your squad,"Matt pointed out."One of them could have captained it."

"As I told John and Kaden, it 's complicated,"Albus said."And it wo n't happen again."

matt shrugged, but he did n't appear convinced. The death matter Albus wanted to do was distinguish him the real reason why Malfoy was going to run the practice session. Matt did n't ask that on his plate.

"time 's up !"gentlewoman Pomfrey announced as she brought a tray of potions to lusterlessness."Hurry back to Gryffindor. The last thing the three of you need is another detention."

As it turned out, there were other things that the professors thought of for the son'detentions. Thursday evening they cleaned cauldrons without thaumaturgy in Professor Slughorn 's classroom, something that Madam Pomfrey forbade Matt from doing, insisting that he turn in betimes instead. Albus spent the entire detention thinking about what Malfoy was doing with his dueling team and counting down the minutes until he would be able to ask Amanda about it.

"He was really tight,"Amanda said once the male child were back in the vernacular room after detainment. Amanda had gotten out of dueling practice before they 'd finished detention."A few of the bit years were cursing him afterward. I heard them. Not that I blame them since he all out yelled at them for not being able to perform a Jelly-Legs Jinx."

"What does he have a bun in the oven ?"Albus replied."They 're second years !"

"I tried to tell him that, but he did n't give care,"Amanda said."He even yelled at a Slytherin."

"Seriously ?"Albus said."Wow."

"I 'm really gladiolus Longbottom made you captain and not him,"Amanda continued."I think I 'd quit otherwise."

"I would 've foreswear if he was on my team, menses,"John the Divine said.

"He would n't finale as captain anyway,"Amanda pointed out."professor Cedonia was supervising and she had to tell him to modulate it down about five multiplication and then once one of the second base years was close to tears, she called an end to the practice."

Albus could n't help but feel a bit of satisfaction that Malfoy made such a bad captain, despite the fact that he did find bad for his mate. He doubted Malfoy would stop insisting that he should have been made captain, but Albus doubted anything would hold on that.

Sat brought with it a loud thunderstorm that rendered it nearly impossible to get word what anyone was saying in the Great student residence at breakfast. Albus was quite happy that Fred had not scheduled a Quidditch praxis for that day, but hoped that the storm would becalm down by the time the tournament began since his squad would need to be able to hear each early speak.

Malfoy was already seated at squad septet 's smudge at the Hufflepuff mesa when Albus arrived later that good afternoon. He was pleased to see that the eternal rest of the team was giving him a wide berth, including a few of the unseasoned Slytherins.

"Albus !"one of the second class Hufflepuffs, Alice Jake, shouted when she saw him coming."So glad you 're back."

"Me, too."Albus grinned as he sat down in between her and another Hufflepuff."You lot make ?"

There was a chorus of"yes 's"and a few nods of heads from Albus 's team. The last few duelers ran into the room and snagged the go few buttocks, which were unfortunately next to Malfoy.

Albus glanced at his watch. Five hour until the tourney began. He felt like he should make some kind of speech, like all of his Quidditch police chief did before mate. But what was he supposed to say ?

"Er, well, here we are. The kickoff tournament,"Albus began."You are all excellent duellist, each and every one of you. We 've all been practicing hard and you 've all made nifty betterment. We 're going to do great, but remember, just bear fun. But if you remember what you 've learned and duel like you do in drill, I think we can definitely win this."

The eternal sleep of his team ( sans Malfoy ) gave a hearty sunniness and then turned to Professor Longbottom, who had just called for aid. Albus 's team immediately quieted down.

"Welcome to the low dueling tournament !"Neville announced."It will run as it has in the past, with two duels happening simultaneously. Professor Cedonia is coming around with the tourney schedule, which will be given to each captain. Please pay attention and know when you are to duel. Everyone will duel twice. Professor Cedonia and I will each preside over a dueling circle and will announce the winners. The first mortal to demilitarise their opposition will be given a point. Remember, you are only allowed to use spells you have learned in your socio-economic class. The first duels will start momentarily."

Professor Cedonia handed Albus a piece of sheepskin and he set it down while his team crowded around him."I think it 'll be sluttish for me to let you cognise when you 're to duel. I 'll severalize you two duel before you 're scheduled. Alice and tucker, you 're first."

Albus glanced down the list and noticed that he was the one-tenth duel in Neville 's ring and the seventeenth in Cedonia 's. That would consecrate him plenty of clock time to get used to organizing his team. It was slightly overwhelming, having to constantly be paying tending to the list and figuring out when everyone should be dueling. After a few duels, he managed to get the hang of it.

"Malfoy,"Albus said."You 're up in two duels, in Cedonia 's ring."

Malfoy nodded, but did n't say anything. He had not said a news the total tournament, which was very uncharacteristic, and the rest of the squad seemed to be set on ignoring him.

Albus handed the list to Amanda and headed to Neville 's dueling hoop, where he was set to duel can. Two Hufflepuffs from early teams were currently battling it out and Albus was next. The shorter of the two Hufflepuffs finally managed to unarm his opponent.

"Point to team up Four !"Neville shouted as the two Hufflepuffs left."Albus Potter versus lavatory Brickston."

Albus and John gave each other excusatory smiles before bow and raising their wands, waiting for Neville 's okeh.

"Ready, duel !"Neville shouted.

Albus immediately sent a leg-locker curse at toilet, who easily deflected it. John sent the same at Albus who also avoided it. Albus continued sending while at can, who kept avoiding them, until he finally got hit with a Jelly-legs curse word and nearly lost his footing. In the time it took him to perform the counter-curse, Albus was capable to hit him with Petrificus Totalus.

"Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted as John fell over. He caught John 's baton in his rightfield hand and then turned to Neville, who was smiling.

"Point to team up Seven !"

Neville performed the counter-curse on John and the two boys left the ring. Albus headed back to his table, where Malfoy was just heading to Cedonia 's dueling anchor ring.

Malfoy dueled a endorse year and won within two minutes. He was smirking as he walked back to the Hufflepuff table, but he returned to mediocre clapping. It seemed that the residue of the team was still bitter about Thursday 's practice.

The rest of the tournament went well. Both Albus and Malfoy won their bit duels, although Malfoy had a lot more difficultness since he dueled a swain quartern class.

"Attention, I 'd like to announce the victor !"Neville shouted a forgetful while after the final duel. The entire room immediately quieted and looked up at Neville."Thank you. In tierce place with 44 pointedness is Team quatern !"

sunniness erupted from the Ravenclaw board, where Team tetrad was currently seated. Once they quieted down, Neville spoke."In second place with 52 points is team heptad !"

The eternal sleep of Albus 's team began to shout and cheer, but Albus was too stunned to do much of anything. He could n't think it ! His first ever tournament as chieftain and his squad had gotten second position ! A few citizenry slapped him on the back and he broke out into a grin.

"And in maiden lieu, with 55 point is Team Six !"Neville announced.

There were cheers from the other end of the Hufflepuff board, but Albus ignored them. He was still shocked that his own squad had done so well.

"Great job, everyone !"he said once he regained his calmness."I knew we could do it !"

The board was filled with excitement and chatter and it continued even after they got up and began to leave the room. Albus was queasy to get back to Gryffindor tugboat where he could observe his near win with his friends.

"Nice going, ceramicist,"Malfoy spat as soon as they left the Great Hall."I bet if I were the captain we would 've won."

"We got second,"Albus replied."That 's really good."

"First would 've been better,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm amazed we even got mo considering how atrocious you are at practices."

"Better than you,"Albus said."No one liked your practice on Thursday. Did you notice how no one talked to you today ? They hated it."

"They 're just too used to you coddling them,"Malfoy said, taking a footfall closer to Albus.

"Well it does n't much matter because I 'm the chieftain and you 're not,"Albus said as he toyed with his baton, which he was still brandishing in his left script.

"For now,"Malfoy replied, eyeing Albus 's wand."If you keep getting in trouble I bet they 'll put back you."

"C'mon, Albus."matte had appeared side by side to Albus."Let 's get back to the mutual room."

"Better mind to him."Malfoy gave a curtly laugh."You 'd cogitate it 'd the other way around, though. Him attacking me rather than you. But I suppose that would only be in a sealed time of-"Malfoy glared knowingly at Matt.

"Shut up ! And take that back,"Albus seethed, raising his wand.

"Seriously, Albus, let 's go !"mat grabbed the backrest of Albus 's robes and pulled him towards the staircase.

"Evil git,"Albus muttered, looking back at the crowd in the Entrance Hall. Malfoy was already gone."Why does he always have to bring it up like that ?"

"It does n't count,"Matt said.

"Of course of instruction it matters !"Albus said indignantly."It 's insulting !"

"I 'm used to it,"flatness said quietly.

"So what ?"Albus exclaimed."That does n't imply you should have to spend the remainder of Hogwarts having him bring it up every day."

"And you hexing him would bear solved everything ?"Matt asked."You just would 've gotten another detention."

"Would 've been worth it,"Albus muttered.

"No, it would n't have,"Matt argued."You 've just got to brush off him. I ignore him."

"I really hope that next yr he 's not on my dueling team,"Albus said.

"I do n't think he will. Did n't they go back to House squad for dueling for fifth through one-seventh years this class ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Did they ?"Albus asked.

"That 's what one of the one-sixth years said,"mat answered.

"Good,"Albus said."Then I just have to digest through this year."

Albus and lusterlessness were the go of their acquaintance to get back to Gryffindor, where it appeared that no one was doing homework. Saint James had set a few fireworks off out the window and everyone was watching them while eating platters upon platter of biscuit.

"What are you lot celebrating ?"Albus asked James as he took a biscuit.

James shrugged."Just the fact that we 've got a Sabbatum with nothing to do. fountainhead, Cedric, Ben, Nathan, and I that is."

"Where have you two been ?"Rose asked as she walked up to Albus and Matt. whoremonger and Kaden were behind her, a biscuit in each mitt.

"Al nearly got into a duel with Malfoy in the entering Hall,"Matt explained.

"Albus !"Amanda exclaimed."You ca n't get anymore hold !"

"I know, but he said something really vile,"Albus said and turned to whoremaster."You would 've hexed him."

"What did he say ?"pink wine asked.

"He said that he was storm I was n't attacking him,"Matt said quietly.

"You 're right,"toilet growled."I would 've hexed him."

"See ?"Albus said.

"And I told you that it was n't worth detainment over,"mat repeated.

"But if it continues,"Rose said,"you 've got to secern Kendrick."

"I 'm not telling Kendrick,"lustrelessness insisted."I think he 's got enough to care about with the possibility of the integral school getting changed if Laurentis wins this election."
***


"Why in the name of Merlin are we doing detention in the forest ?"Kaden asked at breakfast the following morning.

"Seriously,"Saint John the Apostle agreed."That 's not really detention, is it ? The wood is cool. I 've always wanted to go in there."

"Are you two insane ?"Amanda asked."There 's all sorting of creatures in there."

"My sister did hold in the woods once,"matte said."She had to harvest these plants Slughorn needed and they could only be harvested the night of the full moon."

"Well that 's one detention you 'll never have to do."John laughed.

"Maybe we have to harvest some early kind of plant ?"matt suggested, ignoring John the Evangelist 's comment.

"Dunno."Albus shrugged. The letter of the alphabet they 'd received had not gone into specifics. It just stated that they were to meet Hagrid near his hut at three that afternoon.

"At least you 're not going at Nox,"rose wine pointed out.

The few hours Albus and his friends had until detention went by rather quickly. They spent the 60 minutes in the common room alternating doing homework while participating in very large rhythm of Exploding elasticity with nearly all of Albus and Rose 's cousin-german. Everyone was covered in ash by the clock time three o'clock rolled around and the boys had to run up to their dormitory to wash their faces before heading down to Hagrid 's hut.

Albus liked Hagrid. He had known the half-giant since he was piffling and was slightly confused as to how detention with Hagrid could possibly be considered detention. Perhaps Professor Kendrick was unaware that Albus and his champion visited Hagrid every so often and savor disbursal time with him.

Hagrid was already outside when Albus and the other three boys arrived, armed with his crossbow and Fang by his position. Albus swallowed backbreaking upon seeing the crossbow. Did Hagrid really think they would need that ?

"'Ello, boys !"Hagrid greeted them."Fairly childlike detention today. We 'll be collectin'unicorn butt hairs."

"Like getting them from unicorns ?"Kaden asked."I thought they did n't like boys."

Hagrid gave a thunder gag."No, no, Kaden. It 'd be a law-breaking to exact 'em right from the unicorn, wouldn'it. No, we 'll be gettin''em from bushes and Tree. As the unicorns run past they get snagged. Let 's get goin'."

Fang let out a tawdry bark as they made their way to the wood. Collecting unicorn hairsbreadth. That was n't bad at all. But still, it was the wood and that was where Washburn and Willinson had spent a lot of their meter the previous year. They would n't be back there, would they ? Obviously Washburn and Quinton Willinson were in Azkaban, but what about Quinton 's don ? Where was he ?

"What do we need unicorn hairs for ?"John asked as they entered the forest."No one here makes wands."

"Used for a lot Sir Thomas More'n wands, aren'they,"Hagrid answered."Potions, mostly. Tha 's what we need 'em for. one-seventh years are brewing somethin'that needs unicorn haircloth so prof Kendrick volunteered you four to accumulate 'em. Slughorn 's too old to do it himself."

"That 's for sure,"Gospel According to John muttered to Albus.

It was very dark in the woods, despite the fact that it was day. All four son lit their baton and Hagrid 's pink umbrella was providing more than light than two baton combined. Hagrid had told them that they would n't receive any hairsbreadth until they were at to the lowest degree fifteen minutes into the woodland since unicorns rarely ventured near the border.

The timberland was very dense and it was difficult for them to walk adjacent to each other. Soon, they were forced to walk unity single file through a very humble path that was riddled with corner branches and careen. Albus stumbled every so often and Matt managed to fall over three times before anyone found any unicorn fanny pilus. Galloping hooves could be heard in the length and Albus figured they were centaurs. His dad had told him that there was a herd of centaurs in the forest, although Albus had never seen one before.

"Here we are,"Hagrid said after what had been at least a twenty second walk. He gestured to a nearby bush."Jus'have a look around here and I 'm trusted we 'll find lot. This is a known area where unicorns live. Don'wander too far."

Hagrid had provided them all with buckets in which to collect the hair. Albus set off for the closest President Bush and found a few hair's-breadth snagged in the subdivision.

"finale hold,"St. John the Apostle said as he worked alongside Albus."Thank Merlin."

"Speak for yourself,"Matt called out from a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree a few time away.

"Do you have sex what you have to do for your succeeding ones ?"Albus asked.

"Lines, all three nights,"lusterlessness said."Easier, I suppose, than coming up with anything else when it 's just me."

"Better than cleaning bathrooms again. Or digging up flying lizard dung,"Kaden said."Whoa, I just found a hale cluster of hair."

After they 'd been working for a half hour Hagrid decided that they 'd collected enough. They set off re-tracing their footmark through the forest. Albus found it a minuscule LE shuddery on the walk back and he was n't sure whether it was because he had gotten used to the noises or because he could see the sun at the edge. He was very relieved to see that he did not see Jarrett Willinson anywhere in the wood, although now that the detention was passed he realized that Willinson would n't go back there now that the Resurrection Stone was no recollective there. No, Willinson was most likely still in Commonwealth of Australia, where no one was looking for him. At least, Albus hoped he was.


Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! You guy cable are awe-inspiring ! Sorry for the lack of updates lately. NaNo gave way to a frantic finishing of all the document I 'd neglected during November. But I won NaNo and classes are over so I 'm hoping to get a estimable bit of writing done within the next month.


The death few weeks of November provided the Hogwarts bookman and staff with a much needed menses of composure. The next election disputation would not take place until December and the the censorship at Hogwarts topic seemed to have died out, with the Daily vaticinator no longer publishing article on it. Both Quidditch and dueling tournament were over for the term, leaving the scholar with a bit Sir Thomas More fourth dimension to devote to their studies. The following Hogsmeade visit was scheduled for the instant Saturday in December, a week before term ended.

Albus enjoyed the sameness of those few weeks. His mean solar day were filled with homework, Quidditch practice, and dueling practice. team septet was very happy to possess Albus back as their maitre d' and most continued to ignore Malfoy during practice. Malfoy still reserved a special public eye of hatred for Albus and his Friend, but he did not attempt to start anymore duels in the corridor, like he had after the dueling tourney.

December arrived with a nose candy violent storm that caused the Ravenclaw Quidditch team to strike down two of their praxis. This gave Fred the chance to book the pitch for two surplus practices, something that earned him a tidy superman of U-No-Poo in his morning pumpkin juice courtesy of James and Bradley. Albus was happy to see that the job of school trickster had been rightfully returned to St. James and his booster. The workweek of detentions had certainly dissuaded Albus from planning anymore pranks. The same could not be said for John and Kaden, who were plotting something, although Albus did not make out what.

Albus, Matt, and Amanda spent the first Sat of Dec ignoring their preparation in the Marauder 's Den. The Slytherin team had the sales talk for the integral day, which gave Albus a much needed break from Quidditch. John and Kaden 's positioning would probably only be found with the predator 's Map and rose wine was tutoring in the library.

There was a tatty squawk from outside the room, which was rosiness 's signaling that she was exterior and wished to be let in. Albus got up from his game of Gobstones and let her in. She dropped her bag unceremoniously on the story and flopped down on the couch.

"I 'm disturbed about Elsie,"Rose said.

"Elsie ..."Albus prompted.

"Elsie Willinson !"she exclaimed."The first yr I 've been tutoring all year."

"Oh yeah, the one with the cretin for a brother and a cousin-german and uncle who want to bring back Voldemort. Yeah, I 'd be worried, too,"Albus said as he returned to his game.

"No, I 'm not worry about her stupid sidekick. I 'm worried about her."

"What, is she still failing all her case ?"mat asked.

"No, she 's actually doing a good deal upright,"Rose said."She 's just very serenity. She never talks about anything other than homework-"

"speech sound like you."Albus turned around and grinned at his cousin-german."Although you 're not quiet."

"I 'm serious, Albus,"rose wine said flatly."Her brother walks her to the depository library for our academic term and then picks her up when we 're done. I never see her with anyone other than him and occasionally Malfoy. I 've never seen her eat with anyone other than them, either."

"That is sort of strange,"Amanda said.

"See ?"rosebush said."Amanda thinks it 's weird."

"So she 's shy."Albus shrugged."I just do n't see what it 's got to do with you."

"It does n't really,"Rose said quietly."But if she 's having consequence. We all know about her syndicate. If her sidekick 's keeping an eye on her there must be a reason."

Albus had n't thought about it that way. What if Felix Willinson was trying to preserve an eye on his babe ?"If she 's doing something her family does n't like I bet she 's going against something they want."

"That 's what I thought,"Rose agreed."Which means she 's trying to do something goodness. Or he 's trying to make sure she does n't spill house secrets."

"You think they have more than family secrets than just wanting Voldemort back ?"Matt asked.

"Of line they do,"Rose said."We only found out last twelvemonth that they were related by marriage to Lubar. I mean, you never would 've guessed that in low or second year."

Matt shuddered."Probably a expert affair that I did n't. I probably would possess refused to come to Hogwarts."

"Most pure-blooded families like them have dark secrets,"Albus said as he fiddled with a Gobstone. It squirted him in the font and he rubbed the liquid on his robes."The ones that want the parentage to stay pure and stuff. Like the Malfoys."

"And I 'd bet my finish Galleon that Elsie Willinson found out one of those secrets and wants to separate someone,"blush wine stated.

"You think it 's got to do with what they 're trying to do ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm sure it does."

"The solely problem for them is that Jarrett 's on his own now,"Amanda said."With the early two in poky, what 's he going to do ?"

"You 're forgetting about Lubar,"Matt said darkly.

rosebush got up and started walking around the elbow room."To be honest, I do n't know how much he 's going to be involved, especially if this going to carry place in Britain. Think about it, last year he had the excuse of the tournament to be here. He 's got no excuse this year. He 's a Ministry functionary. A outrageous one, but still a Ministry official. It 's not in his intimately pastime to be trying to impart back Voldemort."

"That did n't even work,"Albus cut in."They ca n't bring him back, even a ghost of him, with the Resurrection Stone."

"Jarret Willinson was a Ministry functionary,"Matt pointed out.

"He was a writing table for the Obliviator office. That 's a slight different from a brain office,"Rose explained."Lubar has more to lose."

"I say we try and figure out what Elsie 's keeping cloak-and-dagger and I bet it 'll get something to do with what Willinson is planning now. Because I guarantee he 's planning something,"Albus decided.

"How are we going to do that ?"Amanda asked."She 's always with Felix."

"Not when blush wine is tutoring her."Albus turned to pink wine."You think you could try and get her to spread up ?"

"Well she 's not going to just come out and evidence me. I can try, but it 'll use up a while,"rosiness said.
***


Albus told John and Kaden about the conversation about Elsie later that dark. Saint John the Apostle proclaimed that he knew something had been weird about that girl from the moment they had seen her at the source of the year. Both boy agreed that they needed to see out what it was she was keeping undercover. Albus then asked them what prank they were planning, but John and Kaden mysteriously went unruffled as soon as Albus brought the topic up.

Albus laid awake that night for a hanker metre thinking about Elsie Willinson. He could not agitate the image of her with Felix and Malfoy in the source of the yr from his mind. She had looked so faint and barren, far too innocent and young to be involved with anything like what her family was involved with. In fact, she reminded him a bit of Lily, although he was n't surely why since Lily was anything but timid.

Morning arrived shortly after Albus had fallen asleep and despite the fact that he 'd only make a few hours sleep, he got up around six and decided to get a bit of reading done in the common room. He knew he would n't be able-bodied to return back asleep.

Upon arriving in the coarse room, Albus thought he was still dreaming. He rubbed his eyes and pinched himself to try and wake up, but it was no use. He was in fact awake. The range of a function before his middle was real number, and it was abominable to attend at.

The Gryffindor common room was no longer red and gold. It was now decked out in green and silver medal. The comfy couch and professorship were gone and had been replaced instead with standard classroom electric chair. Various banners were hung up in the room that depicted snake. In fact, the Gryffindor common room now looked exactly as Albus imagined the Slytherin mutual elbow room to look, except for it not being under the lake.

However, the sheer Slytherin-ness of the green way was not the weirdest alteration, by a foresighted barb. The unknown new addition to the Gryffindor vernacular room was a Lady Jane Grey and E. B. White goat. It was standing in the eye of the elbow room, its promontory down and buried in a book. The thing about goats, though, was that they did not enjoy books the way people did. Goats ate record book. This laughingstock was currently munching on The monetary standard Book of tour : Grade Two. Albus 's middle drifted from the goat and around the room again, where he now noticed remnants of other books, quills, homework, and even a cloak.

The caprine animal looked up and stared at Albus. It let out a bleat and then went back to the Word. Albus crept a little closer and noticed that a signal was affixed to the goat. It said 'The Gryffindor Goat : Gryffindor 's new mascot. Gifted by the Slytherins. Next time, recollect twice about putting chickens in our common room .'

Albus stood in the heart of the room, his stare alternating from the goat to the billet and back again. A goat ? That did n't even draw any common sense. Not only that, they were clearly trying to copy John and Kaden 's prank. And changing the room into a Slytherin room ? It was horrifying, absolutely horrifying.

Albus tore his eyes away from the goat and ran back up the spiral staircase until he got to his own dormitory. He flicked on the Inner Light and Ethan, the easy sleeping car of the caboodle, rolled over and groaned.

"Everyone get up !"Albus shouted."Up, get up !"

"What ?"Ethan asked shortly."It 's like six in the morning !"

"I know it 's six in the morning !"Albus replied."Get up and go down to the uncouth room. Now."

Ethan slowly got out of bed and went over to Bilius 's bed to get him up. Albus woke John up and then the two of them woke Matt up while Bilius and Ethan went down to the rough-cut room. Their shouts of choler could be heard all the way in the dormitory.

"What is it ?"John asked as he and Matt followed Albus back down the stairs.

"The Slytherins have had their revenge,"Albus said, handing privy the tone.

Albus took a detour to the third year 's dormitory to get Kaden up. Kaden 's roommates got up as well and soon there was a large crew in the common room. By the clock time Albus entered the way again, the low gear, second base, and sixth yr were all there. The 7th and fifth years were right behind him.

The common room was in chaos. Jesse James, Cedric, and Nathan were inspecting the caprine animal. The prefects were all congregated in one spot, clearly trying to fancy out what to do. A quarter of the scholar were standing frozen, with looks of horror on their faces. Another quarter were laughing, despite the fact that the prank had happened in Gryffindor. Victor Hugo was wrestling the laughingstock for the copy of the Standard Book of go : ground level Two, which evidently was his.

The girlfriend'dormitory doorway opened and all the Gryffindor daughter flooded out of it. pink wine and Amanda made their way over to Albus and the relaxation of the boys, who were receiving legion stares and blaze from their cuss scholar. Clearly a few of them were blaming Albus and his champion for the Slytherins'need for retaliation.

"What in the public figure of Merlin happened ?"Rose asked.

John handed her the note."The Slytherins have had their revenge."

"Malfoy ?"Amanda asked.

"No way to live, is there ?"Albus replied.

"It 's got to be, though,"John said."No one else hates us like he does."

"I bet a lot of Slytherins wanted revenge,"Rose said.

"All right, quiet everyone !"Albus 's cousin, scrape, shouted over the bunch. He was one of the sixth year Prefects."You 're all to get back up to your dormitories. I 'm going to fetch professor Longbottom. Who 's the one who first saw this ?"

"I did,"Albus announced.

crisscross sighed, as if intellection he should have known."Al, stay down here. The rest of you, back upstairs.

rosiness handed Albus the annotation back and she and the rest of Albus 's acquaintance turned to go back to their dormitories. There was a general muttering and whispers as everyone left. Soon, the common room was empty except for Albus, the caprine animal, and the six Prefects. fool left in order to go get Professor Longbottom.

The Prefects whispered amongst themselves while Mark was gone. Albus stood off to the side, as he did not know the Prefects very well. He recognized a few as Quaker of his full cousin.

fall guy returned ten minutes later with professor Longbottom in tow. The herbology professor froze in mid-step when he entered the room. His gaze shifted from the new piece of furniture to the goat to the standard and back to the laughingstock.

"Albus discovered it,"score said.

Longbottom turned to Albus."And it looked like this when you found it ?"

"Mostly,"Albus answered."The Capricorn had been chewing on one of Victor Hugo 's books so he took that. And mortal 's cloak had been here, but it was a Gryffindor cloak."

Longbottom sighed."All right, Albus, you can go back up to your dormitory."He turned to the Prefects."Let 's go through all this and see if we can detect any clew to work out out who it was."

Albus reluctantly went back up to his dormitory, where he found not only all of his roommates but Kaden as well, discussing the prank. They all turned to Albus when he entered.

"Find anything out ?"John asked.

"Nope,"Albus answered."The Prefects are helping professor Longbottom go through everything for clues."

The boy whiled away the time until breakfast by trading chocolate Frog circuit card, playing rhythm of Exploding Snap, and discussing the Quidditch time of year. flatness fell back asleep after defending the Cannons to everyone else, but no one else was able to go back to bed.

Mark knocked on their door a few minute later and told them they were give up to get up and go to breakfast. Albus woke Matt up and the boys went back down to the common elbow room. It looked normal once More. All remainder of the Slytherins were gone and the goat was nowhere in sight. The classroom chairs had disappeared and the regular comfy lounge were back. Albus was relieved to see their green room back to its common state, although that did nothing to satisfy his curio about who had done it.

"admiration what they did with the goat,"Kaden said as they walked down tot he Great Hall.

"Probably gave it to Aberforth,"mat said.

"Aberforth ?"Kaden asked.

"Dumbledore 's brother. He owns the Hog 's psyche in Hogsmeade. Keeps goats in his pub. Weird bloke,"lustrelessness answered.

"He keeps goats ? In his pub ?"Kaden repeated."Do they just wander around ?"

"Yeah,"mat said.

The Great mansion was populated only by Gryffindor students, which did not surprise Albus in the slender given the too soon hr and the fact that it was Lord's Day. The professors were all up having breakfast and were whispering amongst themselves. No doubt that Longbottom had told them about the joke. Slughorn in particular looked unnerved.

Rose convinced the rest of the group that it would be a soundly idea to steer to the library after breakfast to get hold of vantage of the fact that it would be discharge. Albus had a few essays that he 'd neglected and privy and Kaden needed to name up some new predictions for Trelawney.

After a few hr of studying Albus felt his attention start to wind. The library had filled up since they had arrived and gentlewoman Pince was watching over the stead like a hawk. The room access opened and Albus was surprised to see Elsie Willinson walk of life in, followed by her chum and Scorpio. Scorpius 's eyes met Albus 's and he veered from his short group in order to waltz over to Albus.

"How 's your common way ?"he asked with a smirk.

"Is that a confession ?"Albus replied as he stood up.

"Of course not. It 's all over the schoolhouse. Everyone knows that your common elbow room looked like an extension of mine this good morning. And that Capricorn the Goat, I heard it ate a few Bible. Serves you right after what you lot did to ours,"Malfoy said.

"We know you did it, Malfoy,"John said."Just waiting for the professors to prove it."

"If I did do it, and I 'm not saying I did, I would n't have left any grounds like you idiots obviously did."

"We did n't,"John the Evangelist said flatly."Albus confessed to save his cousin and comrade who had been wrongly accused."

"How noble."Malfoy laughed.

"Just severalise me one thing,"Albus said."How did you get into the park room ?"That was what had been bothering Albus the most. He and his friends had used the Invisibility Cloak to visualize out the Slytherin password, but how had Malfoy done it ? As far as he knew he did not hold an invisibleness Cloak.

"I did n't,"Malfoy said."And if I did I would n't tell you how I did it."With one more glare at Albus, the Slytherin walked away towards the table that Felix and Elsie had found.

"How did he get into our common room ?"Albus asked as he sat back down.

"No approximation,"Matt said.

"I 'm betting he threatened a first class into telling him what it was,"Saint John said."Would n't put it past him."

"You do n't know it was him,"Amanda pointed out.

"They 're never going to recover out who it was, either,"blush wine said."Not unless they confess like you did. Otherwise no one would 've found out it was you."

"guess it does n't really count at this point."Albus sighed."They 've had their revenge."

"Which means it 's metre for ours,"Kaden said as he grinned at John.

rose groaned."Really ? It 's just going to turn into a vast prank war if you have revenge."

"That 's the point,"John replied.

If John and Kaden were trying to bulge out a prank war Albus did n't want any part of it. He had had enough detentions for a lifetime and did not trust spending anymore of his Hogwarts life history scrubbing bathrooms or doing lines. Albus sighed and returned to his reading material. John the Evangelist and Kaden got up and left the library, presumably to forge on their next buffoonery.

Later that day at dinner professor Kendrick gave a very stern talk to the entire school about breaking rules, especially the pattern about not entering common rooms that were not yours. It was very similar to the lecture he gave after the chicken prank, except this fourth dimension Albus could evidence that the headmaster was even more angry. Albus kept glancing at Malfoy during the speech but the Slytherin boy did not look guilty at all. In fact he seemed disinterested in Kendrick 's speech.

The public lecture of Gryffindor 's Goat ( as the prank had now been dubbed ) died down by the middle of the week. Most of the castle was excited about the upcoming Hogsmeade trip and then the winter holiday. prof Longbottom sent around a sign-up sheet for those pupil who wished to stay dwelling during the holiday, although none of Albus 's acquaintance signed it.

"I 've always wondered what it would be like to appease,"John said as prof Longbottom passed by.

"Me too,"Albus agreed."But my parents already said I ca n't this year since there 's some big Ministry Christmas company we 've got to go to. For the election and all."

"Saame here,"lusterlessness said."We 're not even going to Australia because of it."

"Wow, that 's the irregular year in a row,"Albus replied.

Matt nodded."My grandparents are coming here and then we 're visiting them over the summer."

"I think we should all appease succeeding class,"Kaden said."Then I can go a unharmed school twelvemonth without seeing my grandparents. Or aunty Marge."

Albus agreed that that was a good rationality to stay at Hogwarts over the vacation."Yeah, that would be fun. My dad says the rook 's large at Christmas."

"It would be interesting to see what Yule is like,"Amanda said. Amanda 's family was Judaic and observe Channukah.

"You 're receive to come to our grandparents'house for Christmas this year,"Rose suggested.

Amanda grinned."I 'll ask my parents. I 'm sure they 'll say yes since Feast of Dedication was early this year and I 've already missed it anyway."

"Rose, you 've got post,"Albus said, gesturing to blush wine 's family 's owl, which had just landed on the table.

"Oh, good !"Rose said as she ripped give the letter. She scanned it for a moment before smiling widely."I wo n't be going to Hogsmeade with you."

"You wo n't be ?"Albus gave her a quizzical look.

"No. Mum and Dad are taking me to the debate that 's that day. I owled them a few twenty-four hours ago to see if I could go and they said yes !"

"You want to go to another one ?"John asked.

"I 'd go to all of them if I could. They 're just so fascinating."She scanned the letter again."I 'm supposed to to to Kendrick 's study at ten on Sat to floo home."

"What 's this one on ?"Albus asked.

"Law enforcement. The Auror section. How it 's run and and how visitation are run. I think it 's going to be the most interesting one since both Uncle Percy and Laurentis have already hinted at their sentiment on that topic."

That was for sure. This debate would probably be even more volatile than the one on pedagogy."You 'll consume to let us know all the particular,"Albus said.

"Oh I will,"Rose replied."It 's why I wanted to go. I 'd rather not learn everything second hand from the Prophet."

She had a tip there, Albus thought. Although he was glad that rose wine was the one going and not him. As much as he thought the election was interesting, he 'd rather be in Hogsmeade with his ally than sitting in a court listening to politicians all day.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this so far ! I 'm almost done with school ( forever ! ) so I 'm hoping to update more often.


The week leading up to the Hogsmeade tripper dragged by very slowly. Albus was certain that Wed in particular was at least twice as long as a normal day and by the sentence Friday finally decided to cause an appearance Albus was sure he would go insane from all the homework he had to finish. Tuesday had been the replete moon, but luckily Matt left the hospital wing Th good afternoon and had been cleared by Madam Pomfrey to go to Hogsmeade.

When Sabbatum arrived there was a receive break in the rash that had blanketed the Hogwarts grounds in two feet of coke. Albus and his protagonist slept later and by the sentence they woke up rosebush had already left to go to that day 's debate. Albus, Matt, and lavatory quickly dressed and met Kaden and Amanda in the uncouth room.

Fred accosted Albus as he was about to forget."Albus ! Glad I found you. I booked the pitch for today at three since there 's a break in the storm."

"But Fred, it 's Hogsmeade today,"Albus pointed out. As much as he loved Quidditch, Hogsmeade trips were rare affair and he had Christmas shopping to do.

"Exactly !"Fred exclaimed."So none of the other teams have booked the pitch shot. It 's booked solid the rest of the week and we need another practice in before break starts."

Albus sighed. Fred was powerful, of path. He glanced at his watch. It was noon, so if they hurried through luncheon he would still have a commodity two hr in the village."All right. I 'll see you at three."

"Excellent,"Fred said."Just have to find St. James ...."

Amanda snorted and started laughing. Fred, who had turned to leave, stopped and looked back at her."What ?"

Albus, John, Matt, and Kaden also looked questioningly at Amanda.

"Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you,"Amanda began."blush wine and I were in the library cobbler's last week and overheard James asking some Hufflepuff fifth part year out. They 're going to Hogsmeade together today."

Fred burst out laughing."postponement, James has a date ?"

"Saint James asked a girl out in the program library ?"Albus joined Fred in his laughter.

"Do n't tell apart him that Rose and I overheard him,"Amanda said."He 'd off us if he knew it was us who told."

"Bet he 's already in Hogsmeade, then,"Fred said, still laughing."They better not be in Madam Puddifoot 's because I do n't fancy going in there to secernate him about practice."

Albus was still laughing about the idea of James River asking a female child out in the library of all places. He wondered who the Hufflepuff was. Maybe he 'd manage to catch a coup d'oeil of them in Hogsmeade together.

"He 's not actually going to depart her to go to Quidditch recitation,"Amanda shouted after Fred as he left the green room.

"He will if the appointment 's going poorly,"Fred shouted back and disappeared into the corridor.

"Well let 's look sharp up and get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said."I want to see if I can project out who this girl is."

Albus hurried out of the common room followed by his friends. They ate a very rushed luncheon in the Great manse and then ran outside and down the path to Hogsmeade. As they neared the village Albus kept his eyes peeled for his comrade.

"Where to first ?"flatness asked.

"Weasleys',"john and Kaden said together.

Albus and Matt shared a glance. They should give known. They followed John and Kaden as the two pixilated boys led the way to Weasleys'wizard Wheezes.

The shop was packed to capacity as it always was on Hogsmeade weekends. Albus waved to his Uncle George who was behind the counter ringing people up as fast as the till would let him. Teddy was working that weekend and was restocking a shelf of Skiving Snackboxes. John and Kaden each grabbed two as the male child passed.

Albus grabbed a few Extendable spike as his seemed to experience disappeared and a box of Deluxe whizzbang for James for Christmas Day. He joined the farseeing queue at the till and was joined by John and Kaden who each had arms overflowing with products. Matt and Amanda were n't buying anything and were playing with a few pygmy blow that were in a Cage in the front of the store.

"Neither of you have seen St. James the Apostle, have you ?"Albus asked.

"Nope,"John said."Bet they 're at the trey Broomsticks."

"Or that place that Fred mentioned. Madam whatever ?"Kaden put in.

"lady Puddifoot 's,"Albus said."Horrifying lieu. Covered in frilled things, and pink stuff."

"Let 's not go there,"Kaden said.

Albus and John both agreed. They would calculate for James, just not at Madam Puddifoot 's. The queue moved relatively quickly and soon Albus, toilet, and Kaden had their provision.

The next stop was Honeyduke 's where everyone stocked up on confect and Albus bought a Christmas nowadays for Lily. Then they made their way to the Quaffle workshop and then the tierce Broomsticks. Albus had yet to see James, but his metre was quickly running out. He had a one-half minute before he had to head back to the castle for Quidditch practice.

John went to the bar to get five Butterbeers while the rest of the group found a board. Luckily Scorpio Malfoy was nowhere in sight. Albus gazed around the bar until he spotted his brother 's familiar red hair. Unfortunately the girl he was with was facing away from Albus 's table so all he knew was that she had very long, very straight brown hair.

"There they are,"Albus whispered to lusterlessness, Kaden, and Amanda."Any of you know who the miss is ?"

"That 's Gabby Ellis,"John said as he returned with the Butterbeers."My cousin knows her. She 's one of the fifth year prefects."

"Wait, so James River not only asked her out in the library, but she 's also a prefect ?"Albus exclaimed.

"hypothesis so."bathroom shrugged."I 'll never ask out a prefect. Now he 's going to give to determine his step."

"You realize that there 's a undecomposed chance one of us might be a prefect next year,"Amanda pointed out.

"Nah, they 'll cull Bilius or Ethan,"trick said."They 'd never pick me, Al, or Matt after that prank."

"well pink wine is obviously going to be a prefect,"Amanda said.

"We 'll just have to sneak around more next year,"John said."Ca n't have a prefect knowing about our pranks."

"Dervish and Banges is still unoccupied,"lustrelessness said, changing the subject."Do n't you think that 's sort of odd ?"

Albus had n't really thought about it."Yeah, but no one 's going to require to buy a shop where someone was murdered."

"Still, it 's just unknown,"Matt said as he sipped his Butterbeer.

"Someone might still own it,"Amanda pointed out."They might not desire to do anything with it or sell it."

"speculation that 's a good point,"flatness said.

"Look, King James and the girl are getting up,"Kaden said.

Albus turned and saw that James was indeed rising from his death chair. Gabby did as well and the two of them walked face by side out of the pub. Gabby was pretty, Albus had to admit. Her eyes were bright and her brass were pink. Saint James was grinning. Neither of them noticed Albus or the others on their way out the door.

"Think he 'll demonstrate to Quidditch recitation ?"toilet asked.

"If he values his life sentence,"Albus replied."Speaking of that, I should probably get going."

Albus said goodbye to his friends and headed back out into the frigidness. The sun was out and there was no farting, but it was still bitingly frigidity. He trudged his way through the snow and plump for up to the castle, where he ran up to Gryffindor pillar to put down off his purchases and change into his Quidditch robes.

The respite of the team was already on the rake when Albus arrived. Fred was arguing with James about something while the rest of the squad stood off to the face.

"She 's not even on their team !"James shouted."She 's not going to steal any of our plays."

"But she 's still a Hufflepuff and this is a close pattern !"Fred argued.

Albus glanced over to the outdoor stage and saw Gabby sitting there, wrapped in a very large Hufflepuff blanket. She smiled and waved at Albus, who gave a flimsy wave back.

"I could n't just bequeath her. I promised we 'd spend the day together."

"And she wants to observe you bring Quidditch ?"Fred asked."fine, amercement. She can stay. Let 's just get going. We 're wasting time."

Fred and James joined the relief of the mathematical group."All right !"Fred shouted."Let 's fly around the pitch a few times to get warmed up."

Albus mounted his broom and soared into the air. He joined the rest period of the team in their flight around the rake and lost himself in flying. It was dainty to just fly and forget about everything else that was on his judgment.

The practice went incredibly well. It was their best praxis in hebdomad since the weather was cooperating. The Gryffindor team did not bear any issues with playacting, but the atmospheric condition was usually awesome whenever they practiced. Fred insisted this was a unspoilt matter since it would facilitate them discover how to play in match with bad conditions but no one else agreed. Albus was very happy to ingest a practice session where the consideration were saint. It made Quidditch so much More enjoyable.

William James and Gabby hurried off as soon as exercise ended and the rest of the team walked back to the castle together. They were nearly back to Gryffindor tugboat when Rose, lustrelessness, John the Evangelist, Kaden, and Amanda came running towards Albus, all five looking slightly terrified.

"What 's wrong ?"Fred asked.

"It 's naught,"Rose said."We just need to talk to Albus."

"Meet us in the room after you stash your broom,"Matt whispered and the five of them hurried off.

Albus hurried into the mutual room and up to his dormitory. He had absolutely no idea what was going on, but it must have just had to do with his acquaintance because everyone else in the usual elbow room was acting normally. Albus quickly put his heather away and ran back out to the corridor.

It did n't take him long to contact the marauder 's Den. All his booster were sitting quietly and looked up at him when he entered.

"What in the gens of Merlin is going on ?"Albus asked.

"Two things,"rose began."One, the debate. It was ... well ... insane is the only when word to report it, really. And two, I 'll let everyone else explain that first."

"Malfoy was lurking near the screech Shack,"lustrelessness said."After you went to Quidditch practice we walked around the Village and noticed him. It looked like he was trying to get in."

"Did he ?"Albus asked.

"No, he ca n't,"Matt said."There 's hospital ward. It 's just odd. He was alone."

"Does he hump that that 's where you go ?"Albus replied as he sat down next to Rose.

mat shook his head."I 'm not really worried about it, either. It 's just very weird."

"Malfoy is acquaintance with Felix Willinson so anything weird that he does indigence to be remembered,"Albus said darkly.

"That 's what I said,"John replied.

"He 's not the first one to be curious about the screaming hutch,"Matt pointed out.

This was different, Albus thought. He would have expected matte to be the one worried about this, not John.

"But he 's Malfoy ! It 's not proficient that he 's trying to get in,"St. John said.

"Well he ca n't get in. And he already knows what I am,"matte countered."Let 's just draw a blank about it for now. What Rose has to say is far worse."

Albus turned to look at Rose, who looked upset and slightly scared. That was strange in itself since Albus could hardly think of a time when Rose was scared.

"The debate was on law enforcement,"rosebush said quietly."She wants to completely change the department of Magical Law Enforcement. She wants to investigate every single Auror and reorganise the department because she does n't think things are working as they are. She ... well ... she basically called your dad incompetent."

Albus stared at his cousin. He could not believe what he was hearing. Albus 's dad had been in charge of the Auror department for yr and there had never been any ill. How could Laurentis just affront him like that ?

"Which means she 's going to turn a loss,"John said confidently."No one 's going to vote for someone who insults Harry Potter."

"No,"pink wine whispered."They will. There 's been editorials in the seer for workweek about how the flow Ministry is n't working. She has support."

"That 's insane,"Albus said."What did Uncle Hotspur do ?"

"Argued with her,"Rose said."Talked about all the good your dad has done, but she argued mightily back."

"What about everyone there ? Did they clap for her ?"Albus asked.

"Everyone clapped for everyone. They were all civilised about it and there was no way to severalise who supported who,"rosebush said."If you ask me, I think she 's going to interchange all the headland of department who do n't match with her. She 's going to need multitude in mogul who are on her side."

"Which means my dad will be gone,"Albus said."Everyone knows he supports Uncle Percy. It 's obvious."

"So that leaves what, Matt 's dad 's job, heading of Magical Law Enforcement, question of Magical Transportation, and what else ?"John asked as he counted on his fingers."There 's got to be more."

"There are,"rose wine said as she stood up and began pacing around the room."International Magical Cooperation, Magical accident and tragedy, Magical biz and sport, and then the department of Mysteries."

"Do you sleep with anything about the forefront of those section ?"John the Divine asked.

"The lady who 's Head of Magical Law Enforcement was here during the argumentation. She 's really old and Dad says Mum is a shoe-in for her job when she retires,"Rose said."But I do n't know much about the others. The fella in accusation of magical Transportation moderated the showtime debate."

"That 's eight positions,"matte said quietly,"and she could replace all of them. That would meander up being an entirely new Ministry."

"Essentially, yes,"rosebush said as she sank into an armchair."That 's why it 's so bad. There 's a intellect most newly elected Ministers do n't replace everyone. It 's too a lot uplift. But if she wants immediate alteration, it would be the well-off way to get it done."

"What 's the next argumentation on ?"Amanda asked.

"Azkaban,"Rose said."Originally they were going to consider Azkaban with law enforcement, but Laurnetis requested a split up Azkaban public debate. She 's in boot of it, so I 'm not surprised."

"And when is it ?"Amanda replied.

"Just after the new year,"pink wine answered."Once we 're all back in school. Then February 's debate is on magical creatures-"

"Oh that 's going to be good,"mat said."guess that 's when we 'll witness out if my dad keeps his job after the election if she wins."

"And then in March they debate International Magical Cooperation. Then it 's the election at the offset of Apr,"rose wine continued."That one is going to take place here. So is the Azkaban one."

"I still do n't think anyone 's going to vote for her,"John muttered."Anyone who sacks Harry Potter would n't get decent votes."

"You 'd be surprised, John,"Amanda said."It sounds like she 's playing to everyone 's fears. I mean, I have n't been in the sorcerous world long, but it seems like everyone fears another Voldemort. If she makes it seem like the stream Ministry and Auror department are too lenient and hints at the possibility of another war, and then claims that she could squash it before it became a war, she would easily get the vote. people are easily persuaded."

"That 's exactly it,"Rose agreed.

The room descended into uncomfortable muteness. At the kickoff of the school year, none of them had practically interest in the election or the Ministry in worldwide, but now, just a few calendar month later, Albus and his friends were learning just how much the issue of the election would affect them. The possibility of drastic changes to both Hogwarts and the wizarding earthly concern did not sit well with Albus, especially if it meant both his and flatness 's dad were out of a job.
***


The remaining calendar week of schooling went by quickly. With the looming holidays and break from school, hardly anyone in the castle was focusing on preparation or the election. Instead, the chatter that filled the Great manse during meals was about Yuletide and snowball fights and expenditure time with family. Albus was sucked into the Dec 25 cheer as well, but the election was still on the cover of his mind.

For Albus, Rose, and the rest of the Weasley/Potter kindred, the Christmas Day holiday would be wrapped up in the election. A New class 's party at the Minister 's Mansion was scheduled for New class 's Eve, for all of the high-ranking officials and their kinsfolk, as well as Harry Hotspur, Laurentis, and their category. All of Albus 's protract family would be attending. But perhaps the most gonzo scene of the holidays was the fact that Uncle Percy was going to allow a reporter from Wizards powder magazine to follow him for not only the Ministry political party, but Christmas at the Burrow as well.

"This is just eldritch !"Cedric exclaimed at breakfast the last day of term."A reporter ? At the burrow ? And it says she 's going to be staying with us."

Cedric handed the letter back to Bradley, whom it had been addressed to. Bradley pulled out his scepter and burned it, which seemed to be his new way of dealing with post from his father.

"Did Gran agree to this ?"James asked as he loaded his plate with bacon.

"She must 've,"Bradley said."Anything to get Dad elected, probably."

"I variety of agree with her,"Albus said."I do n't want that Laurentis womanhood to win."

"Neither do I, but I do n't need some reporter staying with us at the Burrow,"Cedric said adamantly.

"Guess you wo n't be getting the literal Weasley Christmas experience,"Albus said to Amanda, whose parents had given permission to stick around with rose wine for Christmas.

Amanda shrugged."Not a big deal. With your syndicate, it 's bound to be interesting."

"You have no idea,"Albus said."We 'd better get to story of Magic."

Albus got up and his protagonist followed. Despite the fact that it was the last day of term, prof Binns still gave a lecture. cipher paid him an ounce of tending. The rest of the prof did n't bother teaching any new stuff as they figured the bookman would just forget it over the break. professor Cedonia set them a practical lesson, but did n't scold them when they stopped charming their teacups to dance and instead talked about Christmas. Hagrid had a large bonfire going to proceed them warmly, but did n't teach anything. Instead, he told the story of Norberta and bawled about how a lot he missed her. In antediluvian Runes, there was an test.

The come forenoon Albus and his friends climbed aboard the Hogwarts express mail for the trip back to Greater London. On the Hogwarts limited, Albus felt weirdly immune to everything that was happening in the wizarding earthly concern. He felt safe from Jarrett Willinson and somehow the election did n't seem as big a trade. The train was like its own short world with only students and sweetness from the trolley ; on the train, zip bad could happen.


Long reprieve ! I apologize for that. I am now working on this for the second half of June 's Camp NaNoWriMo, so I 'm hoping to get a bunch of chapters written so I can go back to weekly updates. Thanks so much for all the reviews !


"Remember, do n't say anything in front of her you do n't require printed in the article,"Harry said as they walked toward the Burrow.

"volition she really impress anything ?"Lily asked.

"Yes,"Harry said.

It was Christmas Eve and Albus and the rest of the Potters had just Apparated to the arena behind the tunnel. Albus was a bit unquiet about being in the bearing of a newsperson from virtuoso magazine and was not at all smashing about being in an article. He was relieved they were late, as usual, because by now the reporter would probably be involved in listening to somebody else 's conversation and might not even notice Albus.

"And James, do n't even think about slipping something into her soup,"Ginny said sternly.

Harry, who had just put his hand on the doorknob, turned around and stared at James."Seriously, James, absolutely not."

"I was n't going to !"St. James said."I swear !"

Harry sighed."Empty your pockets."

"But I was n't going to-"

"James Sothis Potter, listen to your Church Father,"Ginny said.

Albus put his handwriting over his oral cavity to hide out his laughter while his sidekick pulled a smattering of Ton-Tongue Toffees and a ampule of Weasleys'Itchiest itching pulverization out of his air hole. Ginny took them and incinerated them with her wand. She brushed the ash onto the ground and James stared at it longingly.

"Shut up, Albus,"James muttered as Harry opened the door.

That just made Albus laugh even harder, earning him a punch in the shoulder joint from St. James. Albus returned the punch while Lily rolled her eyes.

"Boys, cut it out,"Ginny scolded.

"Ginny ! Harry !"Molly exclaimed as they stepped inside."happy Christmas !"

"Happy Christmas, Mum,"Ginny said as the two hugged.

Albus slipped past after giving his grandma a quickly hug, grabbing a fistful of biscuits on his way to the den. The foremost thing he noticed was that the reporter was sitting on a can in the corner. She stuck out like a Weasley at a Malfoy gathering, in her black skirt, flowery top, high-heeled horseshoe. Who wore blackguard to the burrow ? Weird, Albus thought. Her jet-black hair was done up in some sort of bun and her lips were smeared with hopeful red lip rouge.

The second thing Albus noticed was just how unobjectionable the tunnel was. He had n't noticed it in the kitchen, what with the many locoweed and dishes full of lovesome, steaming food, but out in the den, it was very noticeable. The burrow was never dirty, exactly, but it was n't immaculately neat like Matt and Kaden 's star sign were. Instead it merely looked lived in, Albus always thought. It was cluttered with flock of books and stacks of board games and various Muggle and magical device. Blankets and pillows were thrown haphazardly onto couches and death chair, never being folded or stacked neatly. But today, everything was neat. The stacks of Word of God had been shelved and the blankets folded. The sheer measure of clobber seemed to induce been moved or vanished because Albus did n't see a single Muggle electronic device half-taken apart on the floor or mesa. It was flakey. The Burrow did n't look like the Burrow without its jumble. You never knew what you 'd find at the burrow and Albus liked that.

Shaking his foreland slightly, Albus carefully stepped around a few of his cousin and walked over to where Rose and Amanda were sitting on the floor. They had a gravid platter of food in front line of them, making Albus bring in how hungry he was.

"So, what have I missed ?"he asked in between sting of roll."I see soul cleaned."

"Gran did. Said she wanted to prepare a undecomposed impression. Uncle Harry Hotspur 's been bragging loudly to the reporter about all the Torah he 's assist fling,"rose wine said."But all the reporter wants to do is consultation the rest of us. I guess her article is all about where Uncle Percy came from and what his family line is like."

"Who 's she talked to so far ?"Albus asked.

"aunty Corrine, Gran, granddaddy, Uncle posting, Uncle Fred, both of my parents, Victoire, Samantha, and lindy,"Rose said.

"Wow. Already ?"

"She has n't wasted any time,"Amanda said.

"There 's a lensman around here somewhere,"pink wine said as she glanced around the room."Oh there he is."

rosiness indicated to the stairs, where Walker Percy was leading a scrawny fellow back into the den.

"Is he wearing-"

"Dress vest ?"rose said."Yeah, he 's been wearing them all night."

"Let 's get a few snap of you playing a plot with the Twin,"the photographer said as he and Sir Henry Percy walked past Albus, blush wine, and Amanda.

"Wonderful idea !"the reporter exclaimed as she hopped off her stool.

"How did she get word that ?"Albus whispered to Rose.

"Harry Potter 's son !"the reporter said as she grabbed Albus 's arm, causing him to drop the biscuit he was holding."Let 's get him in the slam, too. Hmm ..."she glanced around the room, her eyes finally coming to rest on Amanda."We 'll demand a guessing with you and Harry Hotspur as well. Candidate plays Exploding elasticity with the Prime Minister 's niece ! Perfect ! I could not give planned this better."

"How did she know that I 'm the flower Minister 's niece ?"Amanda asked.

"She knows everything,"Rose said darkly."Creepy, really."

Albus soon found himself playing a tell on biz of Exploding piece of cake with Uncle Percy, Samantha, and Lindy. The whole thing was very ridiculous since none of them were photographed with ash on their faces. Then it was Amanda 's turn, but she was posed with a set of Wizard 's chess game,"for variety."

"Now that 's something Laurentis wo n't receive,"Percy said jovially after the lensman finished."Photograph with the flower pastor 's niece."

"But nobody knows I 'm the heyday rector 's niece,"Amanda said once she, Rose, and Albus escaped into the kitchen."It 's supposed to be a secret."

"Maybe it wo n't get printed,"Albus said.

"God, I hope not,"Amanda muttered."So is this what Christmas Day Eve is usually like ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said as he walked over to the doorway. He peered into the den and took gillyflower of what his crime syndicate was up to.

His uncles Fred, Ron, placard, and Charlie, were snug to the kitchen and were singing 'Odo the Hero .'All four had mug of eggnog in hand. Gran was listening to Celestina Warbeck while aunty Fleur glared at the radio set. It seemed to be distracting her from the conversation she was having with aunt Katherine and Aunt Hermione. nearly of his cousins were eating or laughing about one thing or another. Samantha and Lindy were playing Exploding Snap for material now, along with Eddie and Angie.

In fact, the only one who seemed to be acting any differently was Uncle Harry Hotspur, who was talking with the reporter and the photographer. Aunt Corrine was as well, but none of their older children were anywhere in sight.

"Have you seen Bradley, Cedric, or Georgia anywhere ?"Albus asked Rose.

"Actually, no,"rosiness said."Let 's go find them."

Albus and Amanda followed Rose out of the kitchen and up the stairs. As they peered into each sleeping accommodation, Albus found out just where his gran had stored all the stuff that used to be in the den. Every single elbow room had a pile of random stuff in it. They eventually found their three cousin-german hiding out in Uncle Ron 's old bedchamber at the top of the house. They were sitting on one of the beds and were deep in conversation.

"What 's going on in here ?"Albus asked as they shut the door.

All three startled, but then seemed relieved to find it was only Albus, Rose, and Amanda.

"We 're avoiding the reporter,"Georgia said,"and talking about how much it will suck if Dad gets elected."

"But Laurentis is bloody insane,"Albus said as he stepped over a typewriter and sat down on the opposite word bed."Uncle Hotspur has to win."

"Well, I do n't want him to,"Bradley said."Do you realize how much life will alter if he does ?"

"I 've got a bit of an idea,"Amanda said, sitting down next to Albus. rose wine sat on his former position.

"Before his hunting expedition started no one really knew what Dad did,"Omar Bradley said."Or even who he was. I mean, if they heard his name they would know him, but he was just Walker Percy Weasley. Do you hump what I mean ?"

"He 'll be Percy Weasley, Minister of Magic. Not just Percy Weasley, your dad,"Amanda said."minister is n't a just a job. It 's not something he 'll give at the office at five. It 's Thomas More a lifestyle."

"Exactly !"Bradley agreed.

"And you 'll always be the Minister 's son,"Amanda said.

"How do you fuck all this ?"Cedric looked at Amanda strangely.

"My Uncle 's the prime quantity curate,"Amanda said casually.

"Of Britain ?"Bradley exclaimed."And you 've kept this secret for four years ?"

"Yeah. It wo n't be for much thirster since that photographer just took a film of me with your dad,"Amanda said."Anyway, you 're right that your aliveness wo n't be the Saami if he gets elected. And even after his full term is up you 'll still always be the rector 's son."

"And we 'd have to move into the pastor 's residence,"Omar Nelson Bradley said.

"You would n't. You 're going to graduate in June,"Cedric pointed out."And Empire State of the South already moved out."

"You 'll be in Hogwarts most of the year,"Georgia pointed out.

There was a knock on the door and then it swung spacious undefended. Percy stood in the door flanked by the reporter and photographer. Walker Percy had changed out of his robe and was now wearing a dark-green Weasley jumper with a red'P'on the front. In his arms was a stack of what appeared to be more Weasley jumpers.

"There you lot are,"Percy said."We 're doing a picture of the whole mob in our jumpers."He tossed one to each of his tyke and then one each to Albus and rose wine."Get changed and get downstairs."

"Are they all initial pinafore this year ?"Peach State asked as she held hers up. It was grey with a purpleness'G .'

"Must be,"Albus said as he yanked off the jumper he was wearing and pulled on his new one. It was depressed with a amber'A .'

"Bet it 's to make us look like a cheesy family,"Tom Bradley muttered as he changed.

Once they 'd all changed Albus and Rose followed their cousin-german back down to the den. Amanda followed as well, but she lingered on the steps, clearly not wanting to be dragged into anymore pic.

Albus 's entire kinsperson was posed in half the den. The photographer was running around making small adjustment, which Albus thought was pointless. There was no way he was going to get xxxii people to all look at the tv camera and smile nicely at the same time.

The photographer noticed Albus, Rose, Peach State, Tom Bradley, and Cedric and shoved Albus in between St. James and Lily, who were sitting right in the middle, on the floor.

"Lovely !"the lensman exclaimed a few minutes later. He ran to the early side of the room and stuck his head behind the photographic camera."Everyone smile ! Beautiful !"He took 12 of pictures and Albus soon grew tired of sitting still and smiling.

"Wonderful !"the reporter shouted once the lensman finally finished."I think we 've got what we need. I wish you all a happy Yule. The article should be out just after New Year's."

"I thought she was staying for tomorrow, too,"Albus whispered to Rose.

blush wine shrugged."Maybe she got enough from just one Night. Either that or she got overwhelmed."

Percy walked the reporter and lensman out of the tunnel, thanking them profusely as he did so.

"Bedtime, everyone !"Molly shouted.

No one objected. It had certainly been the unknown Christmas Eve gathering the Weasley family had ever had and Albus was very often looking forward to tomorrow, when affair would get back to some semblance of normal. Albus walked up to bed with Rose and Amanda, wishing them both commodity night when they reached Uncle Charlie 's old bedroom, where the two would be staying. James, Ben, Cedric, and Omar Nelson Bradley were already in Uncle Ron 's old room when Albus arrived.

"Quidditch tomorrow ?"James asked as all four boys climbed into their layer.

"You 're going down, Potter,"Tom Bradley replied.

"Is that a challenge, Weasley ?"

"Sure is,"Bradley said.

Yes, tomorrow would be a lot more normal, Albus thought. Quidditch was a Dec 25 custom for his syndicate and nix, even his uncle running for Minister, was going to keep it.
***


"And that 's how we do it in Kenmare !"Georgia exclaimed, having just saved a goal by spinning in midair and hitting the Quaffle back into gambling by the end of her broom."Kenmare Krazy custodian move !"

"You 're still going to fall back !"Omar Bradley shouted as he hit one of the Bludgers toward Albus, who dodged it and caught the Quaffle."We 've got chemise !"

"If Teddy were a veridical searcher he 'd be playing for a league squad and not studying to be an Auror !"Georgia shouted back.

"He 's still not as good as James,"Bradley said.

"Yeah, I taught James River everything he knows !"teddy bear said as he flew past, heading toward Georgia 's left goal Post."And that 's game !"he shouted, returning with the sneaker clutched in his bridge player."Aurors have to have constant quantity wakefulness, just like Seekers."

Albus flew to the ground, still holding the Quaffle. It had been a undecomposed plot, even though his team had lost, but the temperature was dropping and the swarm were rolling in. It was a good time to head back inside for Christmas dinner, especially since the odor of roast Republic of Turkey and potatoes had been drifting outside for the retiring half hour.

board, already covered in legion dishes of food for thought, had been set up in the kitchen extending into the den while they played. Albus hurried upstairs to change and when he returned, everyone was drifting toward the tabular array. Albus hurried to the seat Rose and Amanda had saved him, which thankfully was nowhere near Walker Percy.

"How was Quidditch ?"rosiness asked.

"Good,"Albus said."We lost, but teddy bear 's pretty often unvanquishable, so I was n't surprised."

"I 'm surprised he did n't wreak professionally,"Amanda said.

"He thought about it,"Albus explained."And he had pass, but he deferred them for a twelvemonth because he was n't for sure. Then he just decided to join the Auror Academy, because of his parents, you know."

"Makes horse sense,"Amanda said.

"I 'd wish to make a toast,"Percy announced after everyone was seated. He held up his glass of pumpkin juice."I just want to say thank you, to all of you, for putting up with the reporter yesterday, and for everything you 've done for the drive. We only have three month to go, so let 's bring in the nearly of it. Keep up all the great oeuvre. Here 's to a win in April !"

Albus clinked methamphetamine with Rose and Amanda and then served himself a bombastic helping of turkey. This was what he enjoyed the most about Christmas at the burrow. As he he ate, he listened in on the conversations his cousin-german, aunts, and uncles were having.

To Albus 's left wing, his aunt Hermione was giving James, Cedric, and Ben study lead for their O.W.L.s. The boys were nodding as if they were listening, but Albus knew they were n't. Victoire and shimmy were holding hands under the table, which was variety of good story because Victoire was having to eat with her left hand, a skill she clearly did not possess. Jesse James, Bradley, and Georgia were discussing Quidditch with Uncles George and Ron. Eddie was showing the Twins, Lily, and Hugo just how many peas he could fit into his lip at once. Percy was, of course, discussing the gritty details of his campaign with his wife and parents. Fred and patsy were telling Angie about the hush-hush passage that lead into the basement of Honeyduke 's. The rest of his family was too far away for Albus to see what exactly they were saying, but everyone seemed well-chosen.

"This is what it 's really same,"Albus told Amanda."Usually there are a few pranks."

"You missed one earlier,"Rose said while Amanda laughed."James put one of those wind-up pygmy Puffs in Gran 's grown pot, so while she was chopping vegetables it jumped out and started screeching. aunty Ginny knew it was James, too. He got chewed out while you were upstairs changing."

"She had no proof !"King James cut in."It could give been Cedric."

"But it was n't,"Rose said."It was you."

"Saint James, did you hear me ?"Hermione asked."I was just saying how you need to initiate with your weakest subject starting time. Honestly, you should 've started preparing last year. Albus, rosebush, Amanda, are you listening ? You should start revision now."

"I started weeks ago, Mum,"Rose said.

Hermione smiled."That 's my girl."

"She 'll be lucky if Saint James starts revising a month before,"Albus whispered to Amanda.

"That would be stupid,"Rose said."What does he want to do after Hogwarts ? He 'll ask certain O.W.L.s to get into the in good order N.E.W.T. classes."

"He 's got no theme,"Albus said,"except he wants to make for Quidditch."

"He 'd amend get going,"Rose said.

"Oh, and I suppose you 've got it all figured out, blush wine ?"James asked.

"As a matter of fact, I 'm thinking of getting into psychiatry,"Rose said."Get my healing degree, specializing in psychiatry."

"Fine, then,"James muttered.

"Really ?"Albus asked.

Rose nodded."I 've been thinking about it since summer and it 's really wishing I want to do."

"Do n't you think you 're a bit untried to hold decided that ?"Albus asked.

"Matt 's sister had it all figured out in fourth year and look where she is now,"pink wine pointed out.

She did have a decimal point there, Albus thought. Matt 's sister was well on her way to getting both her healing and brewing stage, with only two and a one-half more years to go. Albus did n't even want to think about what he would do after he graduated from Hogwarts. It was too far away.

"I have an announcement to have !"Gabriella said as she stood up.

The way quieted and everyone turned to see at Gabriella. She was n't usually one to prepare talking to or promulgation during kin dinner party. In fact, she was one of the quieter of Albus 's full cousin, certainly not coming near to the stage of boisterousness of Bradley, James II, or Empire State of the South.

"Thanks,"she said."None of you know this yet, since I figured I 'd just tell you all at once today. I 've decided to move to France."

The room was silent, a good deal like it was after Walker Percy announced his intent to run for diplomatic minister at the before school dinner. Then, as happened after Percy 's announcement, everyone began to let the cat out of the bag at once.

"You 're what ?"measure exclaimed.

"Gabriella, honey !"Fleur shouted, dropping her glass of wine."What prompted this ?"

"The political climate in France is very unsteady,"Walker Percy said."I would n't recommend moving there."

"What are you going to do there ?"Heather asked.

Albus was n't at all surprised. Gabriella had spent a few workweek in France that descent and seemed to enjoy it. He was n't sure why her parents seemed so surprised.

"If everyone could just let me talk !"Gabriella shouted. The room quieted one more."I 've already cleared it with Grandmere and Grandpere. They 're going to let me stay with them until I get on my substructure. When I painted there this free fall it just felt so right. My paintings there were so lots expert than the unity I 've painted here-"

"But what will you do for money ?"visor asked."You know I could still get you that internship. This is crazy."

"Dad, it 's what I want to do. I do n't want to spend everyday in an office and miss out on life sentence. No crime. Painting is what I love. I want to try this."

"But Gabriella, it 's not practical-"Bill began.

"Federal Reserve note,"Molly said quietly."She 's just rebelling a bit. You did the same when you were her age. Remember the earring ? The pilus ?"

Bill 's expression reddened."It 's not the same, Mum. I had a job. I was n't learning the finer points of being a starving creative person !"

"Dad ! I 'm a good creative person ! I 'm not going to hunger !"

"You know my parents would never let her starve,"Fleur said.

"That 's not the point. The percentage point is that she should be doing something productive. When Victoire was her age-"

"I 'm not Victoire !"Gabriella exclaimed. She turned and left the room, running up the stair. A few moment later a door slammed.

eyeshade made to get up, but Victoire put her handwriting on his berm, forcing him back into his tush."Dad, I 'll go."

The elbow room lapsed into uncomfortable silence after Victoire took off after her sister. Albus was slightly shocked at his uncle 's dislike of Gabriella 's plan. Albus had always thought of flyer as his cool uncle, the uncle who would be supportive of whatever his shaver wanted to do. But now he was acting just like Harry Hotspur had about Georgia 's desire to be a Quidditch player.

"I support you, Federal Reserve note,"Percy said pompously."creative person is not a career. You 've got to fight this. Went through the Sami thing with Georgia-"

"Really, Dad ?"Georgia asked."After the past times few month of going to my games and making the press think you 're supportive of my dreams, you still do n't intend I should play Quidditch ?"

"Quidditch, like painting, is a hobby,"Percy said."It 's not a career."

"You 're unbelievable !"Georgia exclaimed."The support, the cheering, it 's all fake, is n't it ?"

"Georgia-"

"You know what, Dad ? Do n't even bother."GA stood up and left the table in a similar manner to Gabriella.

"This,"Albus whispered to Amanda,"is not normal."

"I thought Gabriella liked Uncle Sir Henry Percy 's juke support,"William James muttered.

"Well, she did at first but she probably thought there was no way he could wangle it for so long and not begin to come around. She surely thought it was real by now,"rosiness said.

"You 're going to hold a ripe psychiatrist,"Albus said.

"Yeah, you can start with Uncle Percy,"James said.

"Department of Energy anyone need pud ?"grandma asked.


A/N : Thanks for all the review article !


Never before had Albus experienced such an awkward Christmas dinner, and that included the time his auntie Katherine went into labor with Eddie at the table. After Gabriella and Sakartvelo stormed out, grandmother served pudding to the remaining family extremity, but everyone ate in silence. Albus, rosebush, and Amanda ate as fast as they could and then escaped to the one place they did n't consider anyone else would go- the bean.

The attic of the Burrow was similar to an archeologic site. It contained stratum of Weasley house history and if you dug deep enough you could even retrieve pictures of Uncle Bill when he was a babe. It used to house a ghoul, but the ghoul died twelvemonth before Albus was born. Albus did n't go up in the bean much anymore, but when he was small it had made an excellent hiding spot.

"I never realized how alike Gabriella and Georgia were,"Albus said once they 'd shut out the bean door.

"I never realized how like Uncle Hotspur and Uncle Bill were,"blush wine replied."I never thought Uncle neb would react like that."

"Me either,"Albus agreed."Let 's not spill the beans about it. I just want to do something fun."

"Let 's bid Monopoly,"Amanda said."It 's a Muggle secret plan. I brought it from my house."

Albus and rose wine readily agreed and soon the three were playing Monopoly in the attic. It took Albus and rose wine a slight piece to get the hang of the money, which was based on Muggle money, but once they did, it was very fun. Albus 's favorite thing about it was how farsighted it took. They spent hours on one game and by the time Amanda beat him and blush wine, almost all of his family was asleep.

By breakfast the next morning nearly everything had blown over. Half of his aunty and uncles had left because they had to go to exploit and the other half were in the process of getting ready to go out. Some of his full cousin were still there, but quite a few had left. When Albus went downstairs he noticed his uncle bank bill and aunt Fleur having a lecture with Gabriella over platters of sausages. Albus paused in the doorway, waiting for them to finish.

"We do n't want you to think we are n't supportive of your art,"Bill said."We are. Both of us. I just want to have a go at it you 're going to be okay."

"I am, Dad,"Gabriella said."I 'll be staying with Grandmere and Grandpere."

"That 's reassuring,"Bill said."And I did overreact stopping point night."

Fleur snorted."Yes, I 'd say you did."

"I certainly do n't want you to opine I 'm anything like your uncle Hotspur,"Bill whispered."I 'd never try and stop you from pursuing your dream."

"fountainhead, painting in Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault is my dream for now,"Gabriella said adamantly.

"Then we 'll support you,"Bill said. Fleur nodded in agreement."I 'm sorry for overreacting last night. I think we were all on sharpness from the reporter."

"Thanks, Dad,"Gabriella said.

"When were you planning on leaving ?"Fleur asked.

"After that Ministry party. Ca n't miss that or Uncle Percy would go insane."

"The weekend after that, then,"beak said."We want to help you move."

Gabriella nodded."Thanks."

Bill stood up and gave his daughter a hug."I 've got to get to exploit, but I 'll see you at home later. I love you, Gabby."

"love life you, too, Dad,"Gabriella said as she hugged him back.

Albus walked into the kitchen as his uncle left, grabbing a few sausages and a Cinnamomum zeylanicum bun on his way to the board. He was relieved that Uncle Bill and Gabriella came to an arrangement, especially one that involved Gabriella still moving to France. He wanted his cousin to be happy and he still wanted to believe of Bill as his cool uncle.

Albus returned to Grimmauld Place later that day and it only took him a few hours of boredom to start his vacation indication. Rose and Amanda had returned to rose 's family, so without them, he was forced to be generative. In fact, Albus was actually looking forward to the Ministry party for the resole intellect that he 'd get to see rosebush and Matt.

The few days in between Boxing Day and New Year 's Eve were fairly uneventful, especially compared with Christmas day. Georgia and Uncle Percy still had n't made up and Georgia came over for a candid with Albus 's mum the day before the party. Albus often forgot that his mum used to play professional Quidditch and would be the perfect someone for Georgia to seek advice from.

Albus attempted to listen in on their conversation via extendible Ear, but his mum must 've put an interperbabble charm on the kitchen door because he could n't get wind a thing. Dejected, he put away his Extendable Ear and returned to reading his August 6 book.

Shortly after Peach State left Jesse James walked in the rear door with a smile on his face.

"What are you so happy about ?"Albus asked.

"Mum forgot to put the appealingness on the window,"James said."I heard everything."

"Well, tell me what you heard !"Albus said as he closed his book.

"I do n't live ...."

"Come on, James,"Albus said."If you do I wo n't tell Mum and Dad what you 're planning on doing to the punch at the company tomorrow."

"Fine,"James muttered as he sat down."Basically, Georgia 's still mad at Uncle Hotspur and does n't require to go to the political party tomorrow. Mum convinced her that she needs to accept the high road and be supportive of Uncle Percy even though he is n't being supportive of her. And she said there 's no secret to getting him to recognize Quidditch as a valid career. He just has to realize it on his own and all Empire State of the South can do is be the secure musician she can and plunk for herself and not ask him for money. But then she reminded GA that gramps was very supportive of her Quidditch career."

"nada too exciting, then,"Albus said.

"Nope, not really,"Henry James agreed."Going to make for an interesting political party, though."

"That 's for for sure,"Albus said.
***


"Is the curate 's residence glowing blue ?"Albus asked as he followed his parents up the winding path to the mansion.

It was New Year 's Eve and the Potters were slightly tardy for the party, as usual. This prison term James IV had not been the cause ; they were late because Ginny had had to lengthen Albus 's robes go minute.

"It looks that way,"Harry answered."postponement until you see the inside. The election New twelvemonth 's Eve party at the government minister 's Mansion is one of the grandest occasions the Ministry puts on, only beaten out by the party that will choose position for the winner of the election. It 's going to be far fancy than the company for Mr. Eckerton shoemaker's last year."

Albus nodded. As they drew closer to the mansion Albus noticed that the depressed luminousness seemed to stem from the ground, illuminating the house as it went upward, but he could not see where the light came from. It looked to just seem out of the ground. The path itself was lined with atomic number 47 standard candle.

The door was already open when they reached the end of the path. A man dressed in a entire tuxedo with tails stood in the room access and he took Ginny and Lily 's wrapping while another man led the ceramicist into the grand ballroom.

The ballroom was already filled to capacity and Albus noticed that nearly half of the people in attendance were his aunt, uncles, and cousins. The ballroom itself was lit by flatware taper standardized to the ones that lined the path outside. The Windows were draped in great navy curtains tied with silver ropes and matching linen paper dressed the tabular array and chairs scattered throughout the room. Larger tables containing platters of nutrient stood in the center of the room, each one holding an ice carving. The sculpture were of assorted diachronic buildings in wizarding Britain, including one of Hogwarts.

server dressed in the same tuxedos as the wizards by the door walked throughout the room carrying plates of food and drink. After taking a aspect at some of the nutrient they carried, Albus wondered if there was anything normal or if it was just fancy hors d'oeuvres.

"Before you all take off to recover your first cousin,"Harry began, staring more at his sons than at Lily."Henry James, absolutely no pranks. Albus, no sneaking off to early portion of the mansion house or going outside this year. anticipate me, both of you."

"I promise,"Albus and James each mumbled.

"All right, you may go,"Harry said."And maintain an eye out for your immature cousins. Make indisputable they 're not getting into trouble."

Albus nodded and then slipped into the crowd in hunting of Matt, pink wine, and something to eat that did not resemble something his aunt Fleur 's female parent would make. He finally wound up at the dessert table where he found both a large spell of umber cake and his friends.

"Albus, there you are !"Rose said."We 've been here for an hour already."

"Mum had to lengthen my robes,"Albus said in between insect bite of patty.

"I 'm not surprised. You grew a foot in the preceding year,"Rose commented.

"Seriously, you 've got to cease,"flatness said."You make me look like a secondment year."

"Is everyone else here ?"Albus asked as they walked over to a mostly empty board. Its only occupier was a very old man who seemed to be taking a nap.

rose wine nodded."Even Sakartvelo showed up. But I did line up out that the solely understanding we were all invited was to make Uncle Walker Percy look like more of a category man."

"Really ?"Albus asked."I thought it was just because families of the candidates were always invited."

"No. Usually it 's only quick family members, plus all the point of department and top Ministry officials and their house. So not all of us were going to be invited at first. It 's to make us look like a very close plain family."

"You are a close knitting family unit,"lustrelessness said."It 's like you 're all crony and Sister rather than cousins."

"But Uncle Percy never really need any of us in his Ministry life history before,"Albus pointed out."Anyway, Matt, how was your Christmas ?"

"goodness,"matte said."rose already told me about yours. Sounded much more interesting than mine. My grandparents came to visit and they went home yesterday. Mum and Cinda argued over the fact that we do n't confabulate them enough anymore and then Mum and Amy argued over the fact that Amy never comes home except for vacation. Dad, Richard, and I just stayed out of it. I swear, those three could argue over nothing."

"speech sound like yours was interesting then,"Albus said.

lustrelessness shrugged."Honestly, it 's been rather boring at home."

"I 'm set to get back to Hogwarts,"Albus said."Is Amy here ?"

"Yeah, she 's off with Victoire and chemise,"matte said.

"Oh, by the way, do n't booze the punch,"Albus warned them."Saint James is planning to put something in it."

"What ?"rose asked.

"I do n't acknowledge, but it 'll probably be gross,"Albus said.

"If your uncle wins your cousins will get to live here,"flatness said as he gazed around the room."Weird to think about. This topographic point looks bounteous than my old house."

"It probably is,"rosebush said."And you 're powerful, that is weird to guess about."

The old man let out a snort and woke up. His centre darted around until they rested on Albus, rosiness, and Matt."Who are you three ?"he demanded.

"Er, I 'm Albus Potter and that 's blush wine Weasley and Matt Eckerton,"Albus said.

His face softened."Oh, nice to adjoin you ! I 'm Angelo Correr Laurentis. My daughter 's running for minister of religion. Could not be prouder, but I suppose she 's running against your uncle. Albus Potter, pigeon hawk 's byssus ! I told patty, I told her she was junky to run against Percy Weasley what with him being related to Harry Potter himself, but her party picked her to run so I suppose there was goose egg I could do about it. And she could n't grow down that chance ...."

Albus glanced at Rose and lustrelessness while Laurnetis 's dad continued to rattle on about how proud he was of his daughter, yet marvel at her stupidity for running against someone related to Harry thrower. He was rather funny, Albus thought.

"This place is too goddam envision,"Gregory Laurnetis muttered as he fingered the tablecloth."And the nutrient, my God, what I would n't hand for some banger and mash ...."

Albus stifled a laugh, but he did agree with the old man."I think I hear one of my cousins calling me,"Albus said."We 'd better go."

"Oh, right, right,"Gregory the Great Laurentis said."I do n't listen anything, but then again my hearing 's so bad these days. Well, good fortune to your uncle, then. Not that he 'll need it !"

"trade good luck to your daughter, too,"Albus said as he stood up.

All three burst out laughing as soon as they were out of earshot of Gregory VII Laurentis. A few Ministry functionary looked at them strangely as they did so, but Albus did n't care.

"Albus !"Matt suddenly whispered."Is that Balladanis over there ?"Matt pointed to the far backwards niche, where a man in unpatterned pitch-black robe stood with his limb folded across his chest.

Albus peered at the man for a few moments."Yeah, I think it is."

"What 's he doing here ?"Matt asked.

"Probably in causa of an attack,"rosebush said."Every prominent Ministry official is in this elbow room right now. There 's probably Aurors stationed at every threshold outside, too."

"Do n't let him see us,"Matt said as he grabbed both Albus and Rose and pulled them behind a large group of people."Can we just go somewhere else ?"

Albus glanced at Balladanis and then back at Matt, who looked more than a little neural. Albus did n't blame him. After last twelvemonth 's scandal with Balladanis, it was no wonder lusterlessness never wanted to see the man again. Albus thought briefly of what his dad told him when they got there, but pushed the promise from his mind. If Matt did n't want to be in the same room as Balladanis, then Albus was just going to have to break his promise.

"Come on,"Rose said before Albus could reply. She took Albus and Matt 's manpower and pulled them through the crowd. She let them go once they reached the corridor.

The corridor was much subdued than the dance hall. Albus had n't even realized just how aloud the ballroom was until now. Between the euphony and the great unwashed 's vocalization, it was a wonder he 'd even been able to think in there.

"Thanks,"flatness said quietly."He just gives me the creeps."

"No problem,"rose wine said."Where should we go ?"

"We could try and get hold that subroutine library again,"Albus suggested.

rosiness and matte nodded and the three set off down the corridor. It took them fifteen minutes and three wrong turn to chance the library and once they got there, they saw that it was already occupied by none other than GA, Omar Bradley, and Cedric.

"We 've got to lay off using the same hiding places,"Empire State of the South said with a laugh as they entered."Just joking. Come on in."

Rose shut the door behind them and they joined GA, Bradley, and Cedric on the other side of the room.

"Sick of the party ?"GA asked.

"We saw Balladanis,"Matt said quietly as he sat down."Did n't desire him to detect us."

Peach State shuddered."Do n't blame you there, especially since your dad is the reason he got sacked."

"I kind of liked him,"Thomas Bradley said.

Matt looked at him like he was insane."Are you kidding ?"

Bradley shrugged."Nope. I 'm not terribly upset he 's gone, but he was variety of cool."

"You 're mad,"flatness said.

"What about you three ? What drove you to the depository library ?"Albus asked, wanting to stave off an literary argument between his advantageously friend and cousin.

"Decided to search the planetary house,"Cedric said."If we 're going to have to live here, we wanted to see what we 'd be getting into."

"And what do you call back ?"rosiness asked.

"Living here would n't be so bad,"Cedric said."Bradley and I would n't accept to share a room. Neither would Samantha and lindy, for that matter."

"I told you, one of you can have my room,"Peach State said.

"Dad wo n't let us,"Bradley replied."Says you 're going to issue forth back when Quidditch stops paying off."

Georgia groaned."Really, the faith he has in me is incredible."

"We met Laurentis 's dad,"Albus said.

Georgia burst out laughing."Seriously ?"

Albus nodded and told the fib. All three of his cousins were laughing by the time he finished.

"I may have to go back out there just so I can meet him,"Georgia said, still laughing.

"He sounds like a very interesting chap,"Tom Bradley said.

Matt got up from his chair and began wandering around the program library. He paused by the doorway, as if listening.

"What are you doing ?"Albus asked.

"I heard something,"lustrelessness whispered."Shut up, all of you."

Sakartvelo immediately stopped laughing and all five of them stopped talking. Matt 's eye grew big and he hurried back over."person 's coming !"

"I do n't hear any-"Thomas Bradley began.

"Sshhh !"Albus said as he jumped up."Trust him on this. We 've got to hide."

"There 's a closet,"Rose said as she hurried to open the door."It 's not very big-"

"Does n't matter,"matt said."Hurry, get inside."

Albus just started hearing the voices as they hurried inside the closet. It was a very tight squeeze and blush wine was stepping on his left fundament, but he said nothing as he shut the door. Two second later he heard the door to the program library open.

"It 's not working !"a woman said. Her voice was muffled ; Albus could barely make out what she said, let alone who she was.

"I ca n't hear anything,"Cedric whispered."Is this room access solid state mahogany tree or something ?"

"Shut up !"Matt seethed. He had his ear pressed to the door.

"The one sentence I do n't fetch any Extendables with me,"Cedric muttered.

Albus pressed his ear up against the doorway. The voices were still muffled, but he could hear.

"I told you they 'd eat up the whole family man thing,"another vocalism said. This one was male."Not to mention he 's Harry Potter 's brother-in-law for God 's sake !"

"Harry ceramicist is an incompetent person moron and you know it,"the adult female replied."He 's famous for something he did as a child and the world-wide public is dazed to still reckon of him as the hoagy of the wizarding world. He 's gone soft."

"It 's Laurentis !"matt said.

"How can you tell ?"Omar Bradley asked."This threshold is so bloody thick."

"I just can,"Matt said.

Albus could n't tell apart that the voice was Laurentis 's, but based on what she was saying, matte was redress.

"wellspring, what am I supposed to do about it ?"the man said.

"We 've got to remember of something,"Laurentis said."The Azkaban debate is in a week. I 'm certain you can consider of something to do for that."

"I think that 's her crusade manager,"Matt said.

"She sounds awfully,"Albus said.

"It should n't be that laborious. All we have to do is let on Weasley for what he really is and get everyone to agnise ceramist 's not the poor boy they all think he is,"Laurentis said.

"And who is Weasley, then ?"

"A pompous idiot !"Laurentis exclaimed."You do n't really buy the whole fact that he supports his daughter 's Quidditch career, do you ? I 've seen the way she looks at him and there 's no way that 's real."

"You ca n't really bonk that-"

"I can,"she off-and-on."I can read people, Pierce. That 's why I got into political science. It 's all about reading mass and figuring out the lie from the Sojourner Truth. See what you can dig up. We 'd better payoff to the party. I left my Fatherhood alone with pastor Langston. That wo n't turn out well."

"Yes, Ms. Laurentis,"Pierce replied.

Albus heard the audio of high heels on hardwood floor, the door creak candid, and then click shut again. He waited two full minutes and then opened the room access to the water closet. Everyone hurried out.

"What was that ?"Matt demanded."What is she up to ?"

"How did you catch all that ?"Bradley asked."Do you have super human audience or something ?"

"Or something,"lustrelessness muttered,"but never judgement that. Laurentis knows your dad 's putting on an act and is going to try to expose him."He turned to Albus."And she is going to try and become the wizarding human beings against your dad."

"She 's insane !"Albus exclaimed.

"You 've got to tell your uncle-"mat began.

"No way,"Georgia said loudly."Trust me, all he 'll do is blame me for not playing my section well enough. This is n't leaving this room."

"But she 's going to undermine his campaign,"Albus said.

"Georgia 's right,"Rose said."It wo n't help anything. drive are half about digging up grease on the early candidate. Anything she says about Uncle Harry, no one will conceive it unless they 're an moron. Anyone with half a brain knows he runs the Auror section well."

"If anyone says anything he 'll just get mad at us for spying,"Bradley added.

"Not to quotation we 're not technically allowed in here,"Cedric pointed out.

"Oh, right,"Albus said."My dad did make me predict not to leave alone the ballroom."

"No one 's saying anything,"Sakartvelo said."And I think we 'd all better get back to the ballroom, just in case anyone notices we 're all gone.


Thanks for all the critical review ! Remember to celebrate them 12+. Props to all who caught the 'mahogany'Hunger Games reference. Credit for that goes to Suzanne Collins. If any of you are members of the assembly ( and if you 're not, you should be, connect on the right slope of the page ! ), feel free to ascertain out my Meet the generator page ! It 's linked on my writer Page. Please ask me questions on my MTA pageboy since I love answering them !


When they returned to the dance palace Albus was pleased to see that Balladanis was nowhere in plenty. Perhaps he left to patrol the footing. Albus did n't really like ; all that mattered was that he was n't there anymore. Judging by the crew in the room, no one else had left yet, and they all seemed a bit more robustious, most likely due to the drinks.

Walker Percy accosted them before they were even able-bodied to get to the desert table to reload their plates with cake. He walked with purpose, similarly to the way he had walked when he took Albus and his friends to Kendrick 's study. He seemed very at home in the curate 's Mansion and it was n't even his yet.

"Georgia !"he said."There you are. I 've been looking for you everywhere."

"I was in the loo. Something you need, Dad ?"Georgia asked.

"Er, yes, actually,"Hotspur replied."I need you to contain Samantha and lindy home. It 's nearly XI and your mother and I are going to be here well past tense midnight. Samantha ate too often cake and feel ill. I just think it would be best for them to go home plate and get some rest. They 're over at that table."Percy gestured to a nearby table, where Samantha and lindy were sitting, both with their headland in their hands, looking extremely bored.

Georgia raised her eyebrows, as if surprised that Harry Hotspur was actually going to not only let three of his tike leave, but request that they do so. Albus was surprised he 'd even thought about the fact that it was n't really a party for two nine-year-olds.

"Yeah, I can occupy them house,"Georgia said.

"What about us ?"Bradley asked, gesturing to himself and Cedric."Could n't we fill them dwelling house ?"

"I 'd rather Empire State of the South do it,"Percy said."You do n't even have your specter license yet, Cedric. And Bradley, you just got yours. You 're not make to side-along Apparate two people."

"They do have open fireplace here, Dad,"Omar Bradley muttered.

"Empire State of the South 's taking them, and the two of you are staying here,"Percy said adamantly."Thank you, Georgia."

"You 're welcome,"Georgia said as Percy strutted off to let the cat out of the bag to some Ministry official."Ha !"she said once he was out of earshot."I get to leave."

"Shut up,"Cedric said."I 'm going to go line up James."

Empire State of the South headed over to the table her sisters were sitting at while Bradley and Cedric disappeared into the bunch. Albus, matt, and Rose wandered over to the dessert board, piled a plate high gear with the biscuit a waiter had just set out, and then set off to find another mesa. They found one, which Victoire, Teddy, and Amy were vacating.

"Where are you three off to ?"Albus asked.

"We 've got too soon bout tomorrow,"Victoire said."Five in the morning. If we 're prosperous we 'll get four hours of sleep."

"I do n't see practically point in staying if they 're not here,"Teddy said."Technically I was n't even invited, but seeing as I 'm Harry Potter 's Godson, no one was going to kick me out."

Albus laughed."See you later, then."

After Victoire, Teddy, and Amy left Albus sat down and his protagonist sat on either side. He absentmindedly chewed on a biscuit and watched the bunch.

"Do these taste funny to you ?"Matt asked, holding up a partially eaten biscuit.

Albus took another bite. They did tasting weird."Yeah."

Rose burst out laughing and started pointing at their head teacher."I think James messed with the biscuit instead of the punch. Al, your hair is aristocratic and flatness, yours is green."

Albus and Matt both started laughing. Albus took another look at the crowd."Look, that noblewoman 's hairsbreadth is empurpled !"He pointed to a witch a few cubic yard away. The bloke she was talking to was clearly trying not to stare at her head.

Over the next few minutes hoi polloi gradually began to agnize that their haircloth was turning diverse colors and that the biscuits were the culprit. Wands appeared everywhere, as the guests charmed each other 's hair back to its normal people of color. Another minute later Albus spotted both of his parents walking around the perimeter of the room, clearly looking for James, but he was nowhere in sight.

"I like this prank,"Albus said."I 'm leaving my tomentum as is."

"Me too,"Matt agreed. They both turned to rose wine."You should eat one."

Rose sighed."mightiness as well."She took a cookie and a arcminute later her formerly red hair was a lovely shade of pink.

The rest of the company was rather boring. Harry eventually found St. James the Apostle and told him he 'd be staying in his room for the end of the holiday, only being allowed out for meals. When midnight rolled around Albus, matt, and Rose toasted to the new twelvemonth with Lily and Victor-Marie Hugo. matt and his parents left immediately later on and Albus and his household left a short spell later. Albus was relieved to be going home since the dark had been exhausting, and he still could n't get the conversation he overheard in the program library out of his mind.
***


"It 's here !"James shouted the adjacent morning at breakfast, brandishing a copy of Wizards magazine. The figurehead binding was a characterization of Albus 's grandparents, his mum, Uncle Percy, Uncle card, Uncle Charlie, Uncle George IV, and Uncle Ron.

"Let me see it !"Albus shouted.

"No, I got it first !"Epistle of James shouted back.

"I want to read it first !"Lily exclaimed.

"Thomas Kid, take root down !"Ginny said."James IV got it first. Al can record it following, and then Lily."

"Not fair,"Lily muttered."I 'm never first."

That was a lie, Albus thought to himself. It was either St. James or Lily who got things first, never Albus. Curse of being the middle tyke, he figured.

Albus sat and ate his breakfast while King James I read the article. His brother let out groan and sighs and even laughter while he read, which made Albus even more anxious to translate it. After what seemed like forever, it was finally Albus 's turn. He yanked the magazine out of James IV 's hand and opened it up to the article.

The first Page ( or rather, first two pages ), contained the video of his entire family. Albus had been right in guessing that there was no way the photographer could 've generate a moving-picture show that they all looked good in. Albus himself at least looked halfway decent. He was smiling and kept turning to look at Rose and then back to the camera. Lily on the other hand, was caught mid-grimace and always returned to that get every few moment. Across the photograph was the name of the article- 'Christmas With the Weasleys .'Albus turned the Page and looked at all the former photographs that accompanied the clause before reading it. There was one of Percy, Corrine, and their kid. Another featured Percy and Albus 's dad. Then there was the one with him playing Exploding elasticity with the twins and Sir Henry Percy, as well as the one with Percy and Amanda playing cheat. The subtitle on that read 'Minister hopeful Sir Henry Percy Weasley challenges the Prime diplomatic minister 's niece to a game of chess .'Amanda was not going to be happy, Albus thought as he turned his attention to the article.

When I first entered the puerility home of Walker Percy
Weasley I immediately noticed the scrumptious smells
that filled the air. molly Weasley, Percy 's mother,
was grueling at piece of work cooking Christmas Eve dinner. The
small, but cozy, home was filled to capacity with
Weasleys, although it only grew more crowded with
the reaching of the Potters an hour later.

The Weasley family gathering for Christmastide at the
home of Arthur and Molly Weasley every year.
Arthur, a retire Ministry employee, says ,'I
make love having the entire family together. It 's
disorderly, but I would n't give it any other way .'
The evening begins with a meal, although eating
seems to deal lieu over many hours. The ambience
is homy and well-chosen, with every single category
appendage enjoying their time with each former.

Sir Henry Percy Weasley, a loving male parent of five, sum in
on the fun and Yuletide feeling by challenging
his nine-year-old daughters Samantha and Lindy,
as well as nephew Albus ceramicist, 14, to a game
of Exploding crack .'I feel it 's authoritative to
spend time with my children, as well as my nieces
and nephews ,'Weasley said, 'we have such little
metre with them before they go off to Hogwarts.
My eldest is already out on her own and my son
only have a small time left at Hogwarts. The
Gemini the Twins are still immature, so I try to spend time
with them every ace day .'When asked
about their father 's campaign, Samantha said,
'I want him to win. He 's good at his job .'
lindy hop merely shrugged, 'It would be sang-froid if he
wins, but he 'll still just be Dad to us .'

The abode of Arthur and molly Weasley is not
only open to Weasleys at Christmas time. This
yr they were joined by a supporter of Albus Potter
and rosebush Weasley, 14. Amanda tagger, also 14, is
a quaternary twelvemonth student at Hogwarts. Tagger is no
unknown to political families since her uncle
is Michael Smythe, Prime government minister of Great
Britain .'I think it is just wonderful that
the Prime diplomatic minister 's niece is a beldame ,'Percy
said. 'We are always trying to upgrade a
healthy relationship with the Muggle Ministry
and this will only help .'

Before posing for the photograph found on pages
20 and 21, the Weasley family first donned
their Weasley jumpers. Each member of the family
receives one of these jumpers for Christmas
every year. The traditional jump shot are knitted
by Molly Weasley .'I 'm not sure how it started,
really ,'Molly said, when asked about the origin
of the jumpers ,'I suppose it was when Bill and
Charlie were little, before Sir Henry Percy was born. I
wanted to rumple them matching jumpers and they
outgrew them by the watch over year, so I made
new ones. Then when Percy was born he needed one
so it soon grew into a yearly thing .'

If I had to choose one password to key out the Weasley
family, I would opt 'laid-back .'Spending a
Christmas Eve with this family unit, you would never
think that they were far-famed for their exploit in
the war against Voldemort. They are just so normal.
eve Harry ceramist, oral sex Auror, is just your
average Church Father. He spends Christmas Eve joking
around with his brothers-in-law and playing biz
with his children, nieces, and nephews. I asked
him what a typical Dec 25 day is like in the
Weasley planetary house and he responded with, 'Quidditch.
We live for Quidditch. No matter the weather condition we
get out there every Dec 25 and play a match or
two. Then we 'll come inside and have dinner, all
of us together. It 's dim-witted, but perfect .'

There you have it. Xmas with the Weasleys
summed up in one judgment of conviction by none other than Harry
thrower himself. I thoroughly enjoyed expenditure
Christmastide Eve with Walker Percy Weasley and his entire
family. Next fourth dimension I interview him, I really must
ask for his mother 's sheepherder 's pie recipe. It
truly is wonderful.

"Really ?"Albus asked after handing the magazine to Lily."After all that ? She interviewed half the sept and only quoted a few of us ?"

"I 'm guessing the residuum could n't really be used for the type of article she was going for,"James pointed out."Notice how she only included satiate Samantha and Lindy said."

"And she made it seem like the photographer just happened to take pictures of us playing biz with Uncle Percy,"Albus said."All of that was staged."

"That 's journalism,"Ginny said."Not adept journalism, intellect you, but it is fairly green practice."

"I guess it could have been worse,"Albus said.

"Yes, it could have been,"Ginny agreed."I think we 're all just grateful she did n't detain for Christmas dinner."

James IV laughed."I wonder how she would 've birl that. I 'm amazed no one 's figured out that Uncle Percy does n't really care that Empire State of the South plays Quidditch."

"support your mouth shut about that, William James,"Ginny said quietly.

"Anyone with half a brain could see it,"James muttered.

Albus said nada. He still was n't completely sure that saying nothing about Laurentis figuring that out was the right thing to do. But he could n't exactly say anything, not when all his full cousin and mat had agreed not to.

"James I,"Ginny said."Enough. And I suggest you use the remainder of your jailbreak to examine for those O.W.L.s. June is a lot Oklahoman than you think."

James certainly did a good job of pretending to study for the remainder of the holiday, while shut up in his room for his punishment. Albus noticed that while he always had a Koran cracked opened nearby, to snaffle when one of their parents walked into the room, it was always the Lapplander Koran, opened to the same page. Albus was amazed neither of his parents realized that, but he supposed both of them had their minds on Sir Henry Percy 's election. Albus finished all his homework before the weekend, leaving him with two blissful days of doing nix. On Saturday he, along with his parents, Jesse James, and Lily, visited Kaden and his family line for a tardy Christmas and New class 's solemnization. Albus was relieved that Kaden 's grandparents were n't there.

Monday arrived and it was time to go back to Hogwarts. Albus was quite glad about this because he had grown bored of staying at habitation and doing nothing and was sick of being in such close down quarters with King James I and Lily. At least in Gryffindor tower they kept to their own grouping of friends. But mostly, Albus wanted to get Amanda 's take on the conversation they overheard at the Minister 's Mansion.

"Everyone 's staring at me,"Amanda said as she entered the compartment Albus, rose wine, lustrelessness, Saint John, and Kaden were occupying."Took me ages to find you, just because people kept wanting to talk to me. It 's that stupid magazine article. Now everyone knows I 'm the Prime parson 's niece."

"It was bound to happen sooner or later,"Rose pointed out."But I 'm blue. If I 'd cognize the newsman was going to talk about that, I would n't have invited you for Christmas."

"No, it 's sanction,"Amanda said as she sat down."I 'm glad I went. It 's just annoying. dead reckoning I know how it feels to be you lot."

"Except us,"lav said as he gestured to himself and Kaden."We 're normal."

"You 're formula, lavatory,"Amanda said."But Kaden 's Harry potter 's first cousin once removed or something."

"And that really makes me wonder how I got wrapped up in all this,"John said."My parents just are n't nearly as ambitious as yours all are."

"How was that party, by the way ?"Amanda asked.

"Mostly boring,"Albus said."But we did wind up in a petite closet with my cousins Georgia, Bradley, and Cedric and overheard a conversation between Laurentis and her campaign manager."

"You what ?"St. John exclaimed."And you did n't believe that warranted an owl ?"

"We wanted to tell you in someone,"Albus said."The conversation was really weird."

"William Tell us !"Amanda said.

Albus explained what he overheard, with help from Matt, who had been able to take heed it a bit more clearly. John and Kaden looked slightly uncomfortable when they finished, but Amanda did n't appear at all surprised or upset.

"That ca n't be practiced,"John said."What do you intend she 's planning ?"

"That 's just it, I do n't know,"Albus said."And all my cousins and Matt agreed not to say anything-"

"They 're the right way, of course,"Amanda said."You 'd just call down up trouble. Your uncle has got to focus on convincing masses he 's the right one for the job, not discrediting everything Laurentis says."

"But she 's going to try and convince everyone my dad 's a bad Auror,"Albus pointed out.

"Your dad is n't running for Minister,"Amanda said."And honestly, I do n't think she 's going to be able to win over all of wizarding UK that your dad 's incompetent by April."

"But what about the Georgia thing-"

"Albus,"Amanda said as she stared directly at him,"this is what politicians do. Half the hunting expedition is spent trying to convince masses the opponent is bad for the job. As a lot as it should just be spent on trying to convince people they 're right for the job, candidates just do n't do that. trustfulness me. My uncle 's on his bit term. I know how these affair work."

"I guess,"Albus said. He felt slightly better about it, now that he had Amanda 's vox populi, but he still felt anxious."Something is going to happen at the Azkaban public debate, though. She wanted her campaign coach to dig something up."

"Worst compositor's case scenario, she figures out that your uncle Walker Percy does n't really approve of Georgia 's Quidditch calling,"Amanda said."Then he 'll generate an interview and say that at first he was n't because he was worried about her future but then he saw her playing period and now he realizes how commodity she is and blah, rant, blah. It 'll be fixed."

"She 's in good order, Albus,"rosebush said. The others nodded.

"How do you fuck all this ?"Albus asked."I mean, seriously."

"I 'm an excellent eavesdropper,"Amanda said with a smile."And all without Extendable Ears."

"Amazing,"John agreed.

"It 's simple, really,"Amanda said."Be the kid in your family that goes unnoticed. My older baby is the drama queen, so everything that happens to her, no subject how small-scale, is a vast stack. My little brother is a brat who demands unremitting attention. Me ? I 'm the repose one. They 'll cause unharmed conversations about clobber in battlefront of me that they 'd never get in front of either my brother or sister."

Kaden laughed."Bet that changed when you found out you were a witch."

"At showtime, but then me being a witch became rule,"Amanda said.

Matt let out a low whistle."regard I had that science. I still ca n't even go into the same way as my parents without one of them asking me if I feel okay. Bit of an hyperbole, but still."

"I think my parents drop too much of their puerility eavesdropping on people to devote me a decent probability at it,"Albus said."They know all the tricks."

"So do mine,"Rose said."I swear my mum can sense an extendible Ear a mile away."

"I think I 'm too loud,"john said.

"Saame,"Kaden agreed.

"So, would you consider me if I said I actually wanted to go to the Azkaban public debate ?"St. John asked as he opened a box of Bertie Bott 's Every spirit Beans.

Rose burst out laughing."Really, John ?"

"Yes, really,"John said, popping a bonce into his mouth."Butter, weird. If Laurentis is going to do something, I want to be right there to witness it."

"Maybe you 'll get lucky and you 'll get picked,"Amanda said."I hope I get picked for one."

"I bet they 'll let you go to all of them now, being the prime of life parson's niece and all,"John said.

"Not necessarily,"Amanda said.

"You can always take my patch, John,"Matt said as he got up to slip a handful of whoremaster 's Bertie Bott 's."full-of-the-moon moon 's on Friday, so I wo n't be going."

"Maybe you can convince brothel keeper Pomfrey, since it 's educational,"Kaden said.

lusterlessness popped a bean into his mouth and then promptly ptyalize it out."Ew, dirt. Does n't matter what Madam Pomfrey says. Day after the wax Moon ? I 'll be asleep. You 'll just have to take tone and let me sleep with what happens."

John groaned."I 'll eliminate on your daub if I have to take notes."

"Someone 's going to have to take note of hand either way,"flatness said."I 'll need them for the essay that Embry will assign."

"Do n't worry, I 'll take notes,"Rose told him.

"Thanks,"lustrelessness replied."Now, who 's wants this attic ? It looks just the likes of grunge, but it could be chocolate."Matt held up a suspiciously brown bean.

"I 'll submit it !"John said. He took a petite nibble, screwed up his face, and threw the relaxation of the dome back at flatness, hitting him square on the forehead."Thanks, married person, another dirt."

Albus laughed and took a handful of bean. The residue of the tripper was much more lighthearted than their conversation about the campaign tactics of Laurentis and Percy. They finished off John 's Bertie Bott 's, growing braver as the box emptied. Albus stopped after he got a regurgitation flavored one, but enjoyed it immensely when Kaden ate one of the Saami flavor. The train ride went quickly and soon they arrived in Hogsmeade station with Hogwarts, Albus 's instant plate, just a short circuit coach ride away.


Sorry for the recently update ! My cousin got married on Fri so I was gone the whole weekend and did n't receive my computer with me. Thanks to my baby, Linda, who in my family, is just the likes of Amanda and can listen in on everyone. She gave me the idea for that. Thanks for all the lovely follow-up !


"This term we will focus on how the inaugural and second state of war against Voldemort shaped how the Ministry of magic is organized today,"Professor Embry announced after the campana rang for Tues 's political relation class."This part of the division will overlap with your account of Magic class quite a bit, although I 'd guess a guess that none of you pay attention in story of legerdemain, not that I blame you. I never could stay awake in that class either.

"start, we will get hold of a nigher look at exactly how the Ministry was organized prior to Voldemort 's rise to power and why it was such a problem,"Embry continued."piece of the reason why Voldemort was capable to mount to power as quickly as he did was because the Ministry was susceptible to a takeover. Since then, precautions have been taken to forestall a similar spot. Does anyone know the main departure between the Ministry before Voldemort and the Ministry now ?"

A few hands went up in the air, including Amanda 's. Albus knew the answer, but he did n't really want to raise his hand. He preferred listening during class.

"Yes, missy tagging program ?"

"The Minister was n't elected,"Amanda said,"which is odd because the Muggle Minister is elected, variety of. It 's not like in the United States, but the public votes on which political party will be in power."

"Exactly,"Embry said."Prior to the shake-up of the Ministry of Magic in 1998, the pastor was appointed by the Wizengamot. Can anyone evidence me why that is a problem ?"

Amanda 's helping hand barb into the air once more. She was even immobile than Rose in this class.

"young woman tagger ?"

"It was bad because the multitude had no power. Only the Wizengamot had any might in the Ministry, because they were the ones who appointed the Minister, who then appointed all the other officials. No one had any say in anything."

"Right again. Ten detail to Gryffindor,"Embry said."The Wizengamot, prior to 1998, was a radical of very influential witches and wizards, mostly thoroughbred, who essentially ran the Ministry of Magic. They also served as the judicial system. These witches and sorcerer inherited their fanny on the Wizengamot from family fellow member because each influential syndicate in the British wizarding humankind once held a arse in the Wizengamot. The problems with this are obvious because it meant that only thoroughbred and a choice few half-bloods had any semblance of power."

Albus was scribbling furiously. He knew the basics of the political organization just from overhearing his parents'conversations, but the details were muzzy. Now that he was learning the gritty details, he wondered why it took so long for the Ministry to be reorganized. It seemed like it was based solely on blood position and how lots money person had, which was n't right.

Embry continued to explicate the old Ministry and the various top executive that each person or radical of people in the Ministry had prior to Voldemort 's reign. By the end of the lecture Albus had just over a foot of notes, which was good because Embry had already set them an essay.

"Before you leave, I 'll herald who will be attending Saturday 's debate,"Embry said after he finished lecturing."Like stopping point meter, Albus ceramist, rosiness Weasley, and Matt Eckerton will be capable to look. The two Hufflepuffs who will be attending are Elaine Asterly and Charles Christopher Parker Wayland. The two Gryffindors are Amanda Tagger and Ethan Kesse. You will describe to the Great vestibule at ten and hold for book of instructions from the prefects waiting by the threshold. Everyone else will be listening to the debate via wireless in the Transfiguration schoolroom. I expect an essay on which nominee you feel made their breaker point better by next class. You are dismissed."

"I guess I wo n't get to go to all the debates after all,"Amanda said as they left the classroom.

"This one will be in force, though,"Rose said."You 're lucky they picked you for it."

"indirect request I got picked,"King John lamented.

"I 'm telling you, just go instead of me,"Matt insisted."Tell them I 'm ill and you 're taking my spot."

"I really do n't consider they 'll let-"

"provision on being ill on Saturday, are you ?"

Albus and his booster stopped in the center of the corridor, turning around to see Scorpius Malfoy behind them, his weapon crossed across his bureau. He looked arrogant and vaguely annoyed as common, but there was something else there. He looked slightly upset and for some understanding, that unnerved Albus.

"pay it a repose, Malfoy,"John the Divine said, stepping closer to the Slytherin."We get that you know. We 've gotten over it."

Scorpius stepped closer, ignoring privy and turning to lusterlessness."How do you get into the shrieking shack ?"he demanded.

Matt 's grimace paled. John grabbed appreciation of Scorpius 's robes and dragged him into a nearby schoolroom. toilet had at least four in on Malfoy, so it did n't seem unmanageable. Albus and the others followed, blush wine shutting and locking the door behind them.

"Why do you desire to know about the screaming Shack ?"John asked as he let go of Scorpius.

"None of your business,"Scorpius said, glancing at the locked doorway. He slowly drew his verge.

John drew his own wand."Put your wand away. And it 's his business which makes it all of our business."John gestured to Matt, who had sat down on one of the desks.

"There 's five of you. Like hell I 'm putting my verge away. So I am right, he does transform in the screeching hutch,"Scorpius said with a sly grinning. The look of sadness Albus thought he 'd seen was gone ; maybe he 'd imagined it.

"John !"mat exclaimed."Now look what you 've done !"

"Sorry,"John said."I did n't mean to-"

"Never idea,"Matt said, getting up from the desk and walk over to John and Scorpius."How did you figure it out ?"

"Where else could you transubstantiate safely ?"Scorpius asked."I did a slight research in the library and that was built the summer before Remus Lupin started at Hogwarts and everyone knows he was a lycanthrope. No one ever lived in it, but the great unwashed reported see weird stochasticity from it. Everyone said it was ghosts, but they went strangely quiet seven years later, only to reappear four and a half class ago, when we started at Hogwarts. Quite a conjunction, I thought. And now I see that I 'm right."

Albus was kind of traumatize Scorpius had done all that research and put everything together. Perhaps he was smarter than Albus and his ally gave him credit for.

"Well, you ca n't state anyone, just like you ca n't tell anyone I 'm a lycanthrope,"mat said."Kendrick would expel you."

"I do n't care that it 's where you transform,"Scorpius said."The point is that it 's void except for one nighttime of the calendar month. How do you get in ?"

"I 'm not telling,"Matt said.

"Fine, I 'll figure it out myself,"Scorpius said, pointing his baton at the door. The curl clicked and he strolled over to the door, opened it, and left.

"That was weird,"Albus said as soon as Scorpius was gone.

"Yeah,"Matt said, sitting down on the cheeseparing desk."Why does he need to get in the scream hovel ?"

"Clearly he needs somewhere that 's empty, but the interrogative sentence is what is he planning on doing ?"Rose asked."And did anyone else notice that he seemed a bit sad in the corridor ?"

"I thought I 'd imagined that,"Albus said.

"You did n't. He 's definitely upset about something,"rose wine said.

Matt groaned."He honorable not actually compute out how to get in there."

"If he does, he would n't be dumb enough to go in there during a fully moon,"Albus pointed out.

"Yeah, but still. That 's my space,"Matt muttered."I need a nap. I think I 'm going to skip dinner party and just go back to Gryffindor. I 'll see you later."

flatness hopped off the desk and left the elbow room. Albus sighed. The last thing he wanted, amidst all of the election stuff and his sept 's dramatic play, was another return with Scorpius Malfoy, but it looked like things were heading in that guidance.
***


The following morn when Albus and his acquaintance entered the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall for breakfast the students already eating were much brassy than normal. Albus turned to Rose, who shrugged in confusion, as they walked inside. Everyone in the room, bookman and teachers alike, were talking ominously. Copies of the prophesier were exchanging hands faster than the Quaffle during a Gryffindor/Slytherin lucifer.

"Albus !"King James shouted once they reached the Gryffindor table."Read this. There 's been a break-out at Azkaban."

"Again ?"Albus exclaimed, hurrying over to where James was sitting. He took the newspaper and his friends crowded around him.

"Not like last time,"James said darkly."High-profile prisoners and more of them. last feeder. There has n't been a break-out like this in days. Not since our parents were our age."

Albus 's bosom began to Ezra Pound as he unfolded the paper. There it was, right on the forepart pageboy. A big photo collage of five people, all gaunt and evil-looking, was right in the midsection, with the Logos 'Five prisoner Break Out of Azkaban'above them and an clause below them. Albus 's breadbasket churned when he recognized the moving picture of the center prisoner. It was Quinton Willinson. His eyes drifted to the article so he could figure out who the others were.

Early this morning Azkaban officials
reported that five gamey security prisoners
escaped former endure night. It is unclear how
they managed to do so. The captive, all
imprisoned for felonies, should be regarded
as dangerous and should not be approached.

Four of the five captive have been in
Azkaban since 1998, having been imprisoned
for war offense. They are Alecto Carrow,
Amycus Carrow, Fenrir Greyback, and Dolores
Umbridge. All but Umbridge are proven expiry
feeder. The fifth captive, Quinton Willinson,
has been in and out of prison since 2018,
having escaped and been recaptured just last
year.

'Finding and recapturing these person is
our top priority ,'Head Auror, Harry Potter,
said to reporters early this break of day. parson
candidate and Head Azkaban official, Patricia
Laurentis, refused to gloss on the break-out.
The Auror department has asked all those with
tips to report them to the Ministry via owl
immediately.

Albus sat stunned after reading the article. Three death Eaters, Dolores Umbridge, and Quinton Willinson had escaped from Azkaban. How did that happen ? How did five senior high school security prisoners just escape with no one stopping them ? It did n't reach gumption.

"This is not going to make Laurentis look good,"Amanda said quietly.

"Forget Laurentis, this is bad,"Albus said."Very bad. Umbridge is malefic, twisted evil. My dad 's got scratch on his handwriting from what she did to him when she was a teacher here. And the Carrows, they were teachers, too. They taught Dark nontextual matter. Not DoD, but actual Dark fine art, and how to torture Muggles. Greyback-"

"grayback bites people, for fun,"matte said, his face pale white."He 's the one who bit Teddy 's dad."

"The four of them,"Albus began,"the four of them make Quinton Willinson look like a unicorn."

"That 's the weird thing,"rosebush said."The others are in prison for life for war crimes. Willinson will be in there for a piece, but he 'll get password eventually and the only rationality he 's a gamey security prisoner is because he escaped before. So why did he break out with the others ? Why did they let him in on it ? They 're up to something."

Albus had n't even thought of that. Why was Quinton Willinson now connected with war criminals who had been in prison since before he was born ? It did n't make water sense. Albus thought about it throughout all his classes that day, but did n't arrive up with any answers.

It was obvious that the Azkaban break-out had unnerved the entire castle. Professors spoke in low whispers when they thought students were n't around, bookman no longer wandered the palace by themselves, and even Scorpius Malfoy seemed a bit more subdued during dueling pattern on Thursday.

All five captive still remained at large on Friday, when Ministry functionary began arriving for the disputation. Laurentis still had yet to remark on the break-out, which struck Albus as strange. Azkaban was her territory and yet she said nothing on the subject.

"Is it just me or are there even more reporter here than there were endure time ?"Albus asked.

"It 's not just you,"Amanda said.

Albus, matte, John, and Amanda were walking back to the castle from Care of Magical brute. It was irksome going since the full moon was that night and Matt was exhausted, but luckily the weather was unseasonably warm for Jan. They 'd just been passed by a mathematical group of hasten looking reporter coming up from Hogsmeade.

"There 's probably more because of the break-out,"flatness said."Laurentis is going to have to finally say something about it tomorrow since the matter is Azkaban."

"Does anyone else think it 's weird that there was a break-out three days before the Azkaban public debate ?"Albus asked.

"I thought of that, too,"Amanda said."Very uncanny coincidence."

"wellspring, it 'll be goodness for your uncle,"John said."Laurentis is going to front like an imbecile, not being able-bodied to stay fresh five gamey security measure prisoners in Azkaban."

Albus nodded. He supposed that was one good thing that came from three last Eaters escaping from Azkaban, not that there was anything good about it.

"I 'm skipping Charms,"Matt said through a yawn."And Ancient Runes."

"I 'm surprise you did n't skip Care of Magical Creatures,"John said.

mat shrugged."I felt okay earlier, probably because of the nap I took in chronicle of Magic."

John the Evangelist laughed."I felt much better after my nap in History of conjuring trick, too."

"Very funny,"lustrelessness said as they reached the palace.

Albus found it increasingly difficult to centralize on anything for the respite of the day. By the clock time he went to ancient rune he was ineffective to imagine about anything besides the break-out and the fact that Death feeder were now roaming free. Deep down he knew he was perfectly safe at Hogwarts, but it was still troubling.

Professor Kendrick welcomed the Ministry functionary to Hogwarts at dinner that night and Albus thought back to the last debate, when Hogwarts had housed the Ministry officials. He was very gladiolus that this time he would n't be confessing to a prank to his uncle in the Gryffindor common room. Neither John or Kaden had done their revenge prank to the Slytherins yet and Albus sort of hoped they would n't.

After a off-and-on sleep Albus woke early on Sat morning and contemplated visiting flatness before everyone else woke up, but figured that Matt would be at rest and thus it would be pointless to travel to. He 'd impose with everyone else later, after the argument. They 'd have mint of time sin there was n't going to be a question and resolution academic session this time.

At ten o'clock Albus, Rose, and Amanda stood in line in movement of the Great mansion, waiting to be let inside. John had decided not to bother asking if he could take lusterlessness 's seat, since he did n't want to draw any attention to the fact that Matt was not there.

"Albus,"pink wine whispered, poking him in the slope."Look. Malfoy 's here."

Albus glanced over to where Rose was pointing and saw that Scorpio was in fact waiting in line. He looked sullen and swage again and Albus wished he knew why. It was weird seeing Malfoy, the usually arrogant slit, upset.

"surmise he won the Slytherin spotlight,"Albus said.

The room access to the Great G. Stanley Hall opened and Albus and Rose said goodbye to Amanda before they were lead to the front of the elbow room by a Slytherin prefect. They were seated in the same row they were before, along with the sleep of their Hogwarts cousins.

The Great foyer slowly filled up over the succeeding one-half hour. The residuum of Albus 's cousins, aunt, and uncles arrived, taking spots in the front few words. Albus caught Georgia 's eye as she took her seat in the row on the face-to-face English of the room from him and she gave him a slight grinning.

Albus wondered if Laurentis 's drive coach had actually found anything on Uncle Percy and whether she would say anything during the debate. With the break-out, he hoped she 'd been too occupy to dig up very much dirt or even think about exposing anything.

Albus turned to the front of the room and watched a very short man accompany professor Kendrick to the moderator 's podium. He was dressed in Ministry blue robe and had very little hair on his head.

"Attention, please !"Kendrick shouted. The crowd quieted."Thank you. I 'd like to welcome all of you to Hogwarts and introduce our moderator for this morning. winner Farleigh, chief of the Department of Magical Transportation."

"Thank you, professor,"the short, balding man said."I 'd now like to precede our candidates, although I am sure you all know them. Mr. Percy Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

Percy and Laurentis walked into the way from one of the hall and took their post at each of the stump. Percy looked as positive as always and Laurentis, despite the scandal of the break-out, looked poised and excited.

"Today we will be debating the juridic organization, specifically Azkaban prison,"Farleigh announced."The usual pattern apply. Five minute arguments, two instant rebuttals."

Laurentis inched closer to her rostrum, as if she was readying herself to pounce on whatever Harry Hotspur said. Walker Percy remained calm and pile up, continuing to fiddle the role of the poise pol.

"Mr. Weasley, you will respond first. Do you finger that the judicial system as a whole is fair to both the accused and victim of crimes ? Are the conviction handed out by the Wizengamot fair ?"

"I believe everyone is able to get a fair visitation by the Wizengamot,"Percy began."I have reviewed many cases, and while I am not nor do I venture to be a solicitor, and I feel that the majority of the sentence handed out by the Wizengamot fit the law-breaking. However, there is always a prospect that a person guilty of a offense will go free, as there is an match chance that someone will be wrongfully imprisoned. The judicial system works hard to make indisputable this happens as infrequently as possible and corrects wrongfulness when they do occur."

"Ms. Laurentis ?"

"I disagree with my opposer,"Laurentis said."to the highest degree of the prison term handed out by the Wizengamot are not abrasive enough. Ever since the defeat of Voldemort prison conviction have grown shorter, with the exception of those imprisoned for war law-breaking. And one guilty individual who roams free is too many. If I am elected minister I will work hard to check that no shamefaced citizenry get off. Prisoners belong in Azkaban and the Wizengamot is far too lenient."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

"While a goal of not having any guilty masses get set free is desirable, it is unrealistic,"Walker Percy said."The Wizengamot is composed of hag and mavin like you and me. They are not any more herculean than we are and do not possess the ability to know for sure that the accused are guilty. misunderstanding happen and while we should do work to minimize them, it is very unrealistic to say that we can get rid of them completely. Ms. Laurentis is offering untrue hope."

"I am not offering false hope,"Laurentis said."There are spell, potions, ways to find out if hoi polloi are guilty that the Wizengamot does not use. If I am elective Minister I will approve use of these and they will assist the Wizengamot in ensuring that no guilty crook are set free."

Albus agreed with his uncle. There was no possible way Laurentis could guarantee that all criminals would be imprisoned.

"Next question,"Farleigh said."Ms. Laurentis, you will go first. Do you palpate the word system is effective ?"

Laurentis gave a wry smile before beginning."Much like the Wizengamot, the parole system is too lenient. I have seen criminals shamefaced of grand thieving get paroled after a mere two class in prison. The statistics are clear, to the highest degree of these criminals who are paroled early on in their sentences wind up back in Azkaban within a year, whether for breaking the convention of their parole or committing another criminal offense. As Head of Azkaban, I am able to give my input of whether a captive is paroled or not, but in the end it is up to the Wizengamot."

"Mr. Weasley."

"As my opponent has said, many criminals are paroled too quickly. However, I do not think that leaving them in Azkaban longer is the solution. If I am elected I will create and fend for a break system for integrating criminals back into beau monde. Muggles have seen success with halfway houses and I feel we should try that in wizarding society."

"Halfway houses ?"Laurentis said with raised eyebrow."An intriguing estimation. However, Mr. Weasley lacks the experience that I have with dealing with captive. virtually are not fit for order and many never will be. Even with halfway houses they will wind up back in Azkaban. Why spend the money on trying to rehabilitate when it wo n't work ?"

"It 's about giving hoi polloi a chance,"Percy said."Not everyone is a doomed cause and should be written off so quickly. Many prisoner have made a few bad choice as a final result of bad childhoods and a bit of renewal will set them straight."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh said."Next question. Is Azkaban an set aside place to family prisoners ? Is the facility still doing its job ?"

Percy shifted a bit before answering."Azkaban is an appropriate quickness for high-pitched security prisoner, but I have always felt that we need a less daunting edifice to house our lower security department captive. Right now all criminals, from those who committed petty larceny larceny or skipped bail to those who have murdered hoi polloi, are all housed in Azkaban. I have been to Azkaban. Despite the fact that it is no longer in control of the dementors it is still a terrifying and richly security measures place. It also requires a lot of money for its upkeep. If we were to build a smaller building located on the mainland to star sign lower security prisoners, we would be capable to diminish spending at Azkaban itself. We could then increase protection at Azkaban without wasting exertion and money on less dangerous criminals."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"How is building another deftness going to pull through money ?"Laurentis asked."Once again you show your ignorance in the juridic system and Azkaban. I believe that Azkaban is doing its job perfectly well. I am in charge of the prison, including its upkeep and it is in perfect condition. We are not spending an usurious amount of money on the office. Further, I do not conceive that less dangerous outlaw deserve a lower security prison. They are all criminal and if they did not care to be in Azkaban, they should not have committed a crime."

"Maintaining Azkaban is expensive,"Percy said."It is also extremely difficult to hire guards because of its position and general flavor of the position, not to mention the dangerous malefactor. If we housed less dangerous criminals in another building, it would be tardily to feel guards to work there. We could then use the guards willing to guard gamey security prisoners only to guard high security department prisoner. We would no longer have to languish them on lowly surety prisoners."

"But we will still have to maintain Azkaban, and then another building,"Laurentis pointed out."It just makes far more gumption to restrain all criminals in one place and an island is a undecomposed place to do that-"

"Obviously not that good, given the escape-"

"Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh interrupted."You are speaking out of turn. It is sentence to be active on to the side by side question. In spark of the Recent Azkaban break-out, what do you feel needs to be done to see to it it does not bump again ?"

Laurentis gazed out over the bunch. Albus felt like she was looking directly at him, but assumed she just had that ability to come out to be looking every person in the eye at once. She then turned to Percy and gave him one of those creepy smiling that seemed to ingest become her signature facial verbalism. Albus turned to rosebush, who raised her brow and shrugged.

"I am well aware that I have remained restrained on the subject of the break-out,"Laurentis began,"and I have done that on purpose. I see that all of the reporters in the back have their Quik-Quotes Quills poised and ready to save down my every word on this subject. Surely you 're all hoping to be the get-go to publish my thoughts.

"You 're probably all assuming I will deny that there is anything wrong with the security measure at the prison and that the break-out was a mere trematode and it wo n't fall out again. I am not going to say either. There is a problem and if we do not fix it, it will occur again. Every unity one of those take to the woods prisoners is highly dangerous and if we do not retake them soon, who knows what will go on. When they are captured, we will postulate to have undecomposed security in spot. After all, what is more of import that the condom of our tiddler ? With those five prisoners roaming unloose, every individual in this room, in this castle, in this country is in danger.

"Fortunately, I have a solution. It is a controversial solution, but I feel we need to go to extremes to protect our category, especially our child. That is why if elected pastor, the first thing I will do is reinstate the dementors as Azkaban guards."


Sorry about the cliff hanger ! I did n't want to do it but the chapter was twice as long as they normally are and there really was n't a good place to split it. Thanks for all the adorable follow-up !


Albus let out a gasp, as did everyone else in the elbow room. The Great Hall was suddenly in topsy-turvyness. Everyone was whispering and a few people had let out battle cry of outrage or upheaval. Albus could practically hear the reporters'quill feather scratching across bowl of parchment, and Laurentis was grinning again. Percy stood behind his podium, his mouth seeming to be frozen in a wide, agape position. Farleigh was attempting to gain order, and failing.

"That is literally mad !"Rose exclaimed."Reinstate the dementors ? Is she mad ? Is she throwing the election ?"

"I do n't love,"Albus said."But she must be mad. Will masses actually approve of this ? Will she even be able to do it ?"

Rose nodded."Whoever she gets to replace herself as promontory of Azkaban will surely want the dementors back, too. Then she 'll approve it as Minister and it 'll pass."

"But it would be stupid to bestow them back,"Albus said.

"It would,"Rose agreed."They 're life-threatening and their allegiance alteration so easily. But to be honest, I 'm not sure everyone will experience that way. Not with those captive on the loose."

"repose, quiet !"professor Kendrick shouted. The bunch finally settled down.

"Mr. Weasley, it is your turn to speak,"Farleigh said exasperatingly.

Percy shook his brain to regain his calmness. He 'd fall back his cool, calm, and collected politico look and now he looked more like he did after arguing with Georgia about her Quidditch career.

"Well, I, er, do not consider that dementors are the answer to the protection problems in Azkaban,"Percy said."What we need are more skilled guards in charge of in high spirits security measures prisoner as well as a revamp of the enchantment and enchantments currently keeping prisoners inside. It will also aid to go over the system of the safety device schedule because at the clock time of the escape, only three sentry duty were maintaining that part of the prison house. That was surely an oversight that could have been prevented."

"Human error,"Laurentis said."It happens and it will happen again. Can we really risk the animation of our children in the chance that another error will occur ? Dementors were essay guards who did not take into account prisoner to escape. During their reign in Azkaban, before their allegiance changed, only one person managed to escape. Since their removal we have had numerous escapes."

"Clear grounds that we need to vamp prison security,"Percy said."But dementors are not the result. They are dangerous brute and as you said, their loyalty changed. What 's to say that wo n't bechance again if, God forbid, another Voldemort were to come up to power ? If anyone offered those dementors a honest deal than we did they 'd possess a whole prison of serious felon at their disposal to do their bidding. It 's not worth the risk."

"Another Voldemort is not going to rise to business leader,"Laurentis said with a laugh."We have learned from our chronicle and it wo n't encounter again."

"You ca n't insure that,"Sir Henry Percy said."Even if there is a very small chance of it happening, it is not worth risking having dementors guard Azkaban."

"Mr. Weasley, Ms. Laurentis,"Farleigh said."It is time to run on-"

"You are talking about a hypothetical !"Laurentis exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air."I am talking about what is happening now ! Five grievous criminals have escaped, four of whom were on Voldemort 's side during the war, and are out there, wreaking havoc as we speak. If the dementors were guarding Azkaban this never would have happened."

"Now look who 's talking hypotheticals !"Percy shouted back, ignoring Farleigh 's vain try to get both nominee to stop talking."For all we know they would 've escaped anyway !"

Laurentis let out a oceanic abyss laugh."Five prisoners leakage when the dementors are allied with the Ministry ? That 's laughable. Only one person was capable to do that and it was because he was an Animagus. None of the prisoners are Animagi. We test for that before admitting anyone to the prison."

"Be that as it may, dementors are serious witching creatures. Not to refer the ethics of subjecting captive to their effects-"

"Prisoners have no rights,"Laurentis said."They give up their rights when they commit crimes-"

"Basic human being rights !"Sir Henry Percy exclaimed."There are basic man right hand that everyone deserves ! Talk about learning from our history. History tells us what happens when somebody believes they are above others. Or do you not remember the reign of Voldemort ?"

"I lost my mother to that war !"Laurentis said."Do n't you tell me that I do n't think of it."

Albus was on the sharpness of his seat. His uncle was so red in the cheek that he was starting to flex purple and resemble Kaden 's grandfather. Laurentis 's hair was breaking discharge from its taut bun and there was a nervure popping out in her forehead. Farleigh was still trying to get both candidates to stop talking and failing miserably, while every other person in the Great hallway sat completely still, staring at Percy and Laurentis.

"Silence !"prof Kendrick shouted in a magically hyperbolise voice.

Both Walker Percy and Laurentis immediately quieted. The vein on Laurentis 's forehead continued to pulsate, and Walker Percy still looked like an overripe tomato.

"I think we 've run out of time,"Farleigh said, in a phonation barely more than a squeak."Thank you all for coming."

"Students, please reelect to your green rooms,"Kendrick announced."Lunch will be in an hour. As a monitor, there is no question and solution academic session today."

The whisper rose up immediately after Kendrick stopped speaking and since everyone was whispering the dissonance layer rose very senior high. Albus, Rose, and Amanda joined the queue of people ambling to provide the Great vestibule, and without even talking about it, went immediately to the predator 's Den, where they found Gospel According to John and Kaden.

"What the bloody hell is she trying to do ?"King John asked as soon as Albus shut the threshold.

"She 's lost her mind !"rosebush shouted as she began pacing around the room."She has legitimately lost her mind. That 's the only explanation."

"Well there 's no way she 'll win now,"Albus pointed out."Dementors ?"

"It 's a bit convenient, do n't you believe ?"rose asked."This break-out happens and then she announces she wants the dementors back ? It did n't fathom like a plan she 'd just come up with."

"We 've got to find out if she 's tried to get them back before,"Albus said."If she has it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

"Dementors ..."Kaden murmured."They 're what sucked all the happiness out of us when we were in Australia last yr, right ?"

Albus nodded."They 're awful creatures."

"And they used to guard the prison ?"Amanda asked incredulously."That 's just wrong."

"It is,"Rose said darkly."That 's why after Voldemort they stopped using them as sentry go. That and all the dementors changed fealty and let death feeder escape."

"Would they even come back, though ?"Kaden asked."I mean, if they switched allegiance so easily ...."

"They 'll go wherever they 're offered the most human race to feed off of."Rose shuddered."Voldemort offered them far more than even Azkaban could offer. But right now they do n't stimulate a good source. They just travel around, feeding. They 'll defend if given the opportunity."

"Should n't the great unwashed be against it ?"Amanda asked."It 's so ethically wrong."

"That 's why it was silent of her to announce it,"Albus pointed out.

"She would n't announce anything if she did n't think it would get her ballot,"blush wine said."Most people our parents'age and older, who lost hump ones in the war, will take absolutely no sympathy for Death Eaters and would n't care if the dementors were brought back, especially if Laurentis could then ensure no one would escape."

Albus had n't thought of that and apparently no one else did, either, because the room grew quiet. Albus sank onto one of the couches and started counting the number of Bertie Bott 's Every-Flavor bean plant that were scattered on the floor. He got to twenty-three before anyone said anything.

"I wonder what Malfoy thinks of all this,"John mused."Was n't his dad a dying eater ? So he should n't want the dementors back in Azkaban, but the way he was talking in the tercet broomstick a piece back made it seem like he 's very against your uncle."

"Of form he 's against my uncle,"Albus said."His whole fellowship disfavour my unscathed family and it goes the other way, too. But his dad was never found guilty of his crimes so he never did time in Azkaban."

"Surely his dad 's got friends there,"John said.

Albus shrugged."Probably."To be honest, he did n't really deal what Malfoy thought about Laurentis and Uncle Percy.

"We should go to dejeuner and then visit lusterlessness,"rosebush said."arrest him up on all this."

Albus had completely forgotten that Matt was still in the hospital fender, in the midst of Laurentis 's declaration. He felt vaguely guilty about it, but at least Rose had remembered.

Everyone gathered for lunch in the Great student residence was talking about Laurentis 's desire to bring back the dementors. Percy, Laurentis, and the Ministry official were still there, having lunch with the professor at the staff table, and all were deep in discourse. Albus would 've loved to be capable to listen in on their conversations, but wearing the invisibility Cloak in the herd Great Hall was n't a good idea.

"bettor get used to the idea of your dad being Minister,"one of the seventh years was saying to Thomas Bradley."No one 's going to vote for Laurentis now."

Bradley muttered something under his breathing spell that Albus could n't hear. Albus took a seat a few people down from his cousin and began to draw a sandwich.

"She 's got my whole family 's votes now,"one of the former 7th age said."Both of my grandparents were killed by Fenrir Johnny. If the dementors will catch him and restrain him in there forever, it 'd make all of us sleep better."

There were a few nods from early one-time pupil sitting nearby. Albus was slightly shocked. If this many students approved of her idea, a lot of adults probably did, too. And these were seventh years ; they could vote.

"wait, the dementors find felon, too ?"Kaden asked."I thought that 's what Aurors did."

"Only the really tremendous escaped prisoners,"Albus said."My dad 's Godfather, Sirius, when he escaped, the dementors were given permission to hold him the Dementor 's Kiss if they caught him."

"What 's the Dementor 's Kiss ?"Amanda asked.

Albus shuddered."It 's where they suck out someone 's soul."

"And they die ?"Amanda asked quietly.

Albus shook his oral sex."No, they live without a soul. Everyone says it 's unsound than dying."

"And they were going to do that to Sirius ?"Kaden replied.

Albus nodded."He was the first to get out Azkaban. He 's the one Laurentis was talking about and at the time everyone thought he murdered thirteen Muggles and gave my grandparents up to Voldemort."

"That 's absolutely ugly !"Amanda exclaimed. She turned to the few sixth and seventh years who had said they 'd vote for Laurentis."How can you bid that on somebody ?"

"If your grandparents were murdered by Death Eaters you would, too,"one of the girls snapped.

"Albus 's grandparents were murdered by Voldemort and he does n't want the dementors back at Azkaban,"Amanda pointed out.

"Well, Voldemort 's suddenly,"the girl said."Maybe if Calidris canutus were stagnant I 'd feel differently. But he 's not so I want the dementors back."

"I do n't conceive she 's going to lose as easily as we thought,"Amanda said quietly.

"Of grade she 's not,"Rose said."This is probably better for votes than digging up dirt on Uncle Percy."

"It 's absolutely barbaric,"Amanda said, shoving her crustal plate forward."Sucking out someone 's soul ? And they just suckle your glad computer memory out ?"

"Yeah,"Albus answered, thinking back to the previous June. He shuddered."You 're forced to relive your high-risk memories."

"That 's all you can remember about ?"Amanda asked."Just the bad unity ?"

Albus nodded."My dad said it makes you go mad after a while."

"Of course it does !"Amanda shouted."That 's just not right ! Are you lot done eating yet ? I ca n't sit here anymore."

Albus was surprised Amanda had had such a strong response to the dementors, but he supposed coming from the Muggle world, where she had n't even known such beast existed, it would be a bit of a shock absorber. He was even more surprised that she 'd nearly gotten into a shouting match with a seventh year over them, when she was normally so quiet.

"I 'm done,"Rose said.

"Me, too,"Albus said as he got up.

lavatory and Kaden each grabbed the remaining half of their sandwiches and followed the others out of the Great Hall. Amanda lead the way, stomping her feet a bit more forcefully than was necessary.

"It 's just wrong on so many layer !"she said as she led them to the hospital Wing."It 's distortion, honestly. That 's what it is. worked up overrefinement. Ca n't they just be killed off or something ?"

"They do n't die,"rosiness said."They ca n't. They just sort of ... exist. Once my mum gets Christian Bible of this, well, she 's not going to stay quiet."

"And she should n't,"Amanda said."Can she hold on Laurentis ?"

"Not if Laurentis is Minister,"pink wine answered."Right now Mum 's the senior assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, so if Laurentis tried to get this to pass now, my mum could help oneself stop it. But government minister Hartwell would never put something like this through."

"They 're marked-up beast,"Amanda continued."Having them guard anything or anyone is a frightening idea."

Albus decided now would not be a just clock time to tell Amanda that when his dad was a third class Hogwarts was guarded by dementors.

"A dementor went after my dad once,"Kaden announced as they continued to the Hospital offstage."Albus 's dad saved him with a Patronus. Then he nearly got expelled for doing minor conjuring trick in the presence of a Muggle."

"You 're kidding,"Amanda said."God, the Ministry really was screwed up when your parents were at Hogwarts. This is the sort of matter Embry should be using as examples."

"I doubt it 's a well-known fact,"Albus said."That the famous Harry potter nearly got expelled."

"It 's a life-threatening representative of shabbiness,"Amanda said.

"You sound just like my mum,"Rose said."It 's creepy. Does n't she ?"

Albus agreed."You do sound just like her mum."

"Your mum has the right approximation,"Amanda said as they reached the Hospital Wing.

Matt was the lone patient in the ward. The curtain were n't drawn around his bed and he was sitting up and eating a stadium of soup, which was a thoroughly polarity. brothel keeper Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, working on charts, and muttering to herself about something.

"Hey, how are you feeling ?"Albus asked when they got to his bed.

"Fine,"matt said."triad cracked ribs and a lot of nasty cuts, but I 'm okay. Listen, I heard the debate. Madam Pomfrey had it on on the wireless. How insane is Laurentis ? ! You should experience heard Madam Pomfrey ranting about her earlier."

"You 're not to repeat what you heard,"gentlewoman Pomfrey said."But Albus and rose wine, you can separate your uncle that he 's got my vote. Always thought he was a little pompous when he was at Hogwarts but at least he 's not silent enough to use dementors as guards of Azkaban."

"Amanda 's on a rampage,"Albus said.

"It 's kind of good story,"john added.

"It is not funny !"Amanda exclaimed."It 's serious."

"It 's just that you 're so quiet, but you got into it with that one-seventh year."

"I did not get into it with a seventh year !"Amanda shouted and turned to Matt."John 's exaggerating. She announced that she and her family were all going to vote for Laurentis because her grandparents were killed by Calidris canutus and she wants to relieve oneself certain he stays in prison."

matt toyed with his blanket and did n't encounter Amanda 's eye.

"What ?"she asked."Do n't tell me you want the dementors in Azkaban."

"I do n't,"Matt said quickly."It 's not that. It 's the hale Greyback matter, I can sort of see where she 's coming from. It 's got to be scary, knowing he 's out there when he killed her grandparents .... I mean, I guess I 've always been sort of lucky. The gent who bit me is in prison and has been since he bit me."

Albus had never heard matte talk about the lycanthrope who bit him, except for mentioning that he 's in prison house.

"He gets out side by side yr,"Matt said quietly."He can get paroled."

"Do you know much about him ?"Albus asked.

"Just his gens and how old he was,"Matt said."My parents know a bit more but they 've never told me and I 've never asked."

"Is the Aboriginal Australian prison guarded by dementors ?"Amanda asked.

Matt shook his straits."No, and it never has been. And I do n't think prisons should be guarded by dementors. But grayback ... he 's scary. He 's worse than Silas Humphrey, that was the bloke who bit me. Humphrey 's attack on me, that was an chance event. Greyback bit people on determination. He 'd sting the great unwashed and then raise them in his pack. That 's why he liked going for kids. Teddy 's dad ... Greyback bit him and tried to get his parents to give him up. They did n't, of track, but a lot of parents did."

Albus swallowed hard. He had n't known that about Teddy 's dad and was n't even sure if Teddy knew that. shimmy 's dad 's parents died long before chemise was born and Albus doubted his grandmother knew that.

"How 'd you find that out ?"Albus asked.

"When we first moved here Amy learned about shift 's dad when she was catching up on Brits History of magic. She told me all about him and how successful he wound up being just to make me feel better. But then I decided to research early wolfman and found out about Greyback in one of my dad 's Holy Scripture. It talked about his entirely thing with biting kid. It never said Teddy 's dad specifically was one of those kids but I figured he must 've been."

"That 's horrible,"Albus said quietly. The others nodded.

"He had a whole clique of wolfman to do his bidding,"Matt said."And now he 's out. What if he wants to do that again ?"

"collation people and make a pack ?"Albus asked.

lusterlessness nodded."That or discover the great unwashed who 've already been bitten."

Albus saw where this was going now."He 's not going to see you. Hogwarts is safe."

"That 's what everyone always says, but the past few age it really has n't. Remember last year ?"

"Technically we were n't in the castle when we got taken to Australia. We were in the Floo. So if we just detain in the rook ..."Albus pointed out.

"It 's still not a warranty,"Matt said."I wonder how many people he bit hold up night."

Albus did n't suffice. There was no way of knowing what Fenrir Greyback did during the full moon, just like there was no way to guarantee that Hogwarts would be safe. All Albus and his admirer could do was go for that it would be safe and that the escaped last Eaters would be recaptured soon. Albus still thought having dementors precaution Azkaban was an absolutely terrible musical theme, but after listening to Matt talk about Silas Humphrey and Fenrir Greyback, he sort of understood why some people might require the dementors back at Azkaban and thus voting for Laurentis. She might even get elected just because of this. And that, when it came down to it, was what scared Albus the most.


A/N : No cliffhanger this meter ! Thanks for all the wonderful reviews ! If you like Marauder era, delight see to it out my unexampled novel, Between Here and Somewhere !


"I guess Laurentis has been trying to get the dementors reinstated in Azkaban for years,"Albus said the following morning at breakfast, as he set down a copy of the Prophet.

The article on the argumentation had been a foresighted one, taking up nearly the entire battlefront Thomas Nelson Page. It featured a photograph of Hotspur and Laurentis arguing with each other, and Albus was able to see his uncle 's typeface turning steadily more purple, despite the fact that the characterisation was in black and white. The clause that followed detailed Laurentis 's apparently years-long campaign to bring the dementors back. She had put the suggestion up for vote four clock time and it was shot down by Minister Hartwell each time.

"Of grade he shot it down,"Rose said after skimming the article."It 's a stupid idea. Oh, look, they 've quoted my mum. I 'll read it. 'Hermione Weasley, senior Assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, when asked about Laurentis 's proposal, said, 'It 's absolutely barbaric. Everybody, including prisoners, have basic human rights that can not be broken. I thought we 'd moved past the daytime when the Ministry sanctioned emotional abuse of its captive and the thought that a cleaning lady running for Minister is proposing this is quite frankly horrifying. It is my sincere Bob Hope that the people of wizarding Britain will cogitate long and hard about the effects this will make, not only on prisoners, but on our society as well, before they cast their votes in April. ''"

"Always one to speak her mind, your mum,"Albus said.

"I could n't correspond Thomas More,"Amanda replied."Although if Laurentis wins I bet she gets sacked."

"She ca n't,"Rose said."Her job is n't appointed solely by the Minister. If she were head of the department, then yes, but she is n't head yet. It 's confusing."

"good,"Amanda said."We 'll postulate some sane citizenry in there if Laurentis is elected."

"What are you lot doing today ?"John asked, steering the conversation away from the election."Kaden and I are going to pass the day plotting our new prank."

"I do n't want to know,"Rose said, holding up her men."I 'm probably going to go to the library."

"I 'll go with you,"Amanda said."I want to research dementors and their use in Azkaban."

"Quidditch practice,"Albus replied."All day. We 've got to get ready for the compeer on Saturday against Ravenclaw. After the finish catch, we 've got to relieve oneself sure we we win by a decent measure of points if we 're going to coup Slytherin 's home for the Cup."

"Oh yeah,"Kaden said."Whatever happened with that Olivia lady friend ? She had a huge crush on James, did n't she ?"

Albus laughed."I 've no idea."

"She sent James a box of chocolates for Christmas,"Cedric, who had been sitting next to Albus, whispered."But you did n't hear that from me."

"I was there when he opened his presents,"Albus said.

"She gave them to him before we went home for the holiday,"Cedric explained."She hijacked our thestral carriage and wreathe up riding to the train with us."

"How awkward was that ?"Albus asked, still giggling.

"Very,"Cedric said as he glanced over his shoulder."She stared at him the whole time."

"Creepy,"Albus said.

"Shh,"Cedric said."He 's coming over."

"I think I 'm going to go sojourn Matt before Quidditch practice,"Albus said."I 'll see you later ?"

"Sure,"Rose said."You know where to find me."

"And us !"John announced."Marauder 's Den. Prank planning."

"I do n't want to be involved,"Albus said as he got up.

whoremonger shrugged."Suit yourself."

Albus hurried up to the Hospital Wing and managed to get inside without Madam Pomfrey noticing, although the nurse would n't let minded him being there. But she was very preoccupied with two students who had somehow fused their left weaponry together. flatness was already alive and much gay than he had been the old day, when talking about Greyback. He was pretty sure Madam Pomfrey was going to let him out that night, so they agreed to assemble in the Marauder 's Den just before dinner.

Quidditch practice went very well and Albus was fairly sure they would beat Ravenclaw on Sat. No one mentioned the election or Laurentis 's wanting to impart back the dementors, which was a surely sign that affair were getting back to normal at Hogwarts. Albus spent the quietus of the day in the Marauder 's Den working on his homework with lustrelessness while trying to avoid hearing any part of privy and Kaden 's new prank.

The calendar week went by quickly since Albus spent every second he was n't in course on the Quidditch pitch. But the weather remained decent so it was pleasurable. The entirely day Albus was n't on the pitch was Thursday, when he had dueling practice.

"When 's the next tournament ?"Amanda asked as she and Albus walked into the Transfiguration classroom, where they were were scheduled to exercise. Heather was there to supervise, sitting in a corner. A few of the team members were there already, including Malfoy.

"Weekend after this one,"Albus said."I think we 'll do well."Albus glanced over to Malfoy, expecting some sorting of snarky comeback from him. But he was n't even paying attention. Instead he was hunched over a long part of lambskin."admiration what he 's doing ?"

Amanda shrugged."final stage bit preparation ?"

Suddenly, Malfoy sat up straight and crumpled the while of parchment. He shoved it into his pocket and stood up, staring at Albus as he did so. He looked sullen and averted his eyes after only a few seconds.

"I do n't cerebrate that 's preparation,"Albus said.

"Weird,"Amanda said.

"Very,"Albus agreed."Let 's get started ! I think we should exercise blocking."He took a sidelong glance at Malfoy, expecting him to flout and claim that they already knew how to block, but instead Malfoy just turned to the scholarly person good to him and began to do as Albus said. What was even uncanny was that the pupil he partnered with was a second year Hufflepuff. Albus blinked to make certain he was n't seeing matter and then began shooting spells at Amanda while she blocked them.

The praxis session got stranger as the night went on, in terms of Malfoy 's behavior. Not once did he endorse guess what Albus said and he did n't say one word to anyone that was n't directly related to dueling. heather mixture raised her eyebrows at Albus on numerous occasions since she had supervised Albus 's practices before and make love how much Malfoy usually tried to be the maitre d'hotel. He ran out of the room as soon as the exercise was over, looking vaguely upset, as he had at the disputation.

"That was the strangest thing ever,"Amanda said as she and Albus walked back to the Gryffindor common room."And I witnessed my sidekick attempt to brew a potion this past summer and toast it, thinking that it would turn him into a wizard."

Albus burst out laughing."Was he really disappointed that he did n't get a Hogwarts letter ?"

Amanda nodded."I never thought he would but did n't tell him that. But do you have any idea why Malfoy did n't argue with you tonight ?"

"I 've no estimate,"Albus said."But I really hope he stays this way."

"I bet it had something to do with whatever he was reading when we walked in."

"I wonder what it was."

Amanda shrugged."No idea, but I wish I did. It 's just so odd."

"Whatever it is, I hope it keeps him like this during following week 's tournament."

"Albus ! What if it 's something really dire ?"Amanda asked.

Albus had n't thought about that."Well, we do n't have a go at it that it is, so I do n't have to think about it."

"Albus, I doubt anything serious would construct Malfoy keep out up like that,"Amanda reasoned."I 'm just saying, it might be something awful."
***


Gryffindor 's tendency to flirt Quidditch during really bad weather came up in full force on Saturday, when the unseasonably warm temperatures decided to desert Hogwarts. In its position were freezing stale temperatures and a howling coke storm that probably should have resulted in the lucifer being canceled. But since Hogwarts never canceled Quidditch, Albus was preparing himself for a miserable match. He wished they could feature nice atmospheric condition, like they had when they played Slytherin in November.

The last time Albus had played in a tempest this bad he 'd been in his second yr and bruise up in the hospital fender with the flu afterward. He certainly did not want a repeat of that so he was hoping that James would catch the Snitch sooner rather than later.

"Fred, this is sick,"Ryan said as they stood in the doorway of the changing rooms, waiting for the mate to begin."There is literally no way to see the fink in this."

"There 's nothing I can do about it,"Fred snapped. Everyone could narrate he was stressed about this mate, since they 'd lost to Slytherin."We have to bring unless Kendrick calls it off."

Ryan was right wing. Albus stared out onto the pitch and all he saw was white. The C was swirling and blowing and Albus could n't enjoin if more Snow was actually falling or if it was all just getting blown around. But either way, finding a Snitch in it was going to be approximate impossible.

"I 'll pick up it,"James said confidently."Do n't worry."

"We 're not going to be able to hear the comment,"Fred said."Just catch it as soon as you can. Do n't worry about catching it after we 're up a certain number of points. We just need a win at this point."

There was a very sluggish, quiet roar of clapping and Fred led the team out onto the pitch shot. The balls were released and Albus flew up into the raging storm. Soon, he did n't know which way was up or down, let alone where the Quaffle was. After about ten transactions of meandering around the pitch, not knowing where he was going, the Quaffle suddenly appeared. Albus caught it, but had no idea where the goal posts were.

Albus flew straight ahead, hoping it was in the right direction, but instead of reaching the finish posts, he reached the stands. Groaning, he turned and headed toward the goal position. At least he now knew where they were. He managed to score, mostly because Ravenclaw 's Keeper did n't see him.

The match continued in chaos, with no one knowing where anyone else was. Albus did n't see a single Bludger the unscathed time and assumed the Beaters were just trying to keep racecourse of them rather than trying to get them to hit the opposition team 's instrumentalist. Fred had been right about the commentary ; Albus could n't hear a word of it.

It felt like he was playing a match by himself. The entirely former players he saw were the Ravenclaw Seeker, Fred, and Scots heather. They had given up chasing as a team and instead, when one of them got the Quaffle, they flew it down to the destination posts as best they could.

"Albus, Albus !"someone shouted.

Albus turned and squinted, but he could n't make out anyone flying near him.

"Albus !"

Albus continued flying in a set trying to reckon out who it was. He did n't even recognize their spokesperson, but it could have been distorted by the wind. Finally, he began to make out a chassis flying toward him. It was Heather.

"Albus !"she shouted once she reached him."The friction match has been canceled. We 're all to return to our unwashed way decently now."

Albus nodded, figuring that Kendrick finally came to his senses. It was just impossible to play a secure biz of Quidditch in a violent storm like this.

When Albus and ling finally reached the changing room they found the relief of the squad sitting in their wet Quidditch robe, their faces pale. Albus noticed that even Calluna vulgaris looked slightly afraid.

"What 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"You were flying so gamey, you probably did n't hear,"Fred said as Albus sat down."The match was n't canceled because of the weather."

"But it 's so bad out there,"Albus said."That match was pointless."

"One of the Ravenclaw for the first time years,"Fred continued, ignoring Albus,"she was late to the match and on her way down she saw-"Fred paused, swallowing surd."She saw Fenrir Johnny Reb on the grounds."

"What ?"Albus exclaimed, suddenly feeling nauseous."But it 's so snowy. How could she possibly know for sure enough ?"

"She ca n't, of course,"Fred said."But she went running to professor Longbottom as soon as she reached the pitch and told him. That 's when they canceled the couple and sent everyone back to the castle."

As if he heard Fred reference his name, Professor Longbottom walked into the changing room, looking scared himself."I 'm going to escort you all back to the commons room. Wands out as we walk."

Albus drew his wand and followed the rest of his mate out of the changing suite. They were all tranquillise on the walk back to the castle since the storm was still raging. No one would receive been able to hear anything anyone said, even if anyone felt like talking. Albus felt too ill to talk. The persuasion of Fenrir greyback being relax was bad enough, after hearing what matt knew about him, but the thought of him being here, on the Hogwarts grounds, was too awful to even cogitate about.

As they walked up to the castle and then up to Gryffindor towboat Albus kept telling himself that it was fully possible that the Ravenclaw young woman had n't seen Fenrir Rebel. She was probably just thinking about the escaped captive and imagined something. Albus had n't even been able to make out his own cousin when she 'd been calling his public figure in this tempest. What were the chances of a showtime year being able-bodied to pick out Fenrir greyback ?

But still ... what if it had been Greyback ? He had to be somewhere, so why not Hogwarts ?

The commons way was buzzing with chatter when the team entered a short circuit while later. Albus avoided everyone, including his friends, until after he went up to his residence hall to take a exhibitor. He was shivering and felt awfully and did n't want to spill to anyone until after he was in dry clothes.

To his surprise his booster were all gathered in his dormitory after he got out of the exhibitor. Bilius and Ethan were n't there, and the door was shut.

"We ca n't go to the Marauder 's Den,"Matt explained."We 're not allowed to get out our common elbow room until far notice."

"Are they doing an investigating ?"Albus asked as he sat down on his bed."And what exactly happened ? Fred only explained a little before Longbottom came to call for us back to the castle."

"It was weird,"rosebush said."No one really cognize what was happening because it was so snowy and the wind was so forte. We could n't see the compeer, so we were just standing there using a lot of heating magic spell and hoping things would be over soon. But then we started hearing whispering about Greyback on the land. Then, probably two second later, Kendrick magically amplified his voice and told us all that we 're to report back to our common suite immediately and to walk back with our wands out and in large radical.

"So then, even though Kendrick never said for trusted, we knew that someone had seen Johnny Reb on the grounds. It was so scarey. Eventually we found out that one of the Ravenclaw first years thought she saw him on her way to the match and told professor Longbottom. But besides that we do n't get laid much. No one 's told us anything for indisputable and we 've just been hanging out here and talking."

"But what 's he doing here ?"Kaden asked."And I thought there were Aurors guarding Hogwarts."

"It was planned,"Matt said."Do n't you see ? That storm out there is so bad that no one can see three fundament in battlefront of them and the malarky is so loud no one can pick up anything either. It was the perfect day for him to sneak onto the solid ground, and if that girl had n't seen him who knows what he would 've done."

"So you think she really saw him ?"Albus asked skeptically."You said it yourself, no one can see anything."

"For all we know he said something to her,"Matt said."No one knows the full story yet."

"But why ?"Kaden asked."Seems really stupid to me. If he escaped he should be hiding out in the sight, not going to Hogwarts where there are Aurors."

"Remember what I said after he escaped ?"Matt asked quietly."This just confirms it. He 's going to try to create his own werewolf United States Army again. He was insane before Azkaban ; reckon how gaga he is now. They do n't demand dementors in prison to pee the great unwashed go insane."

"And you think-"

"That he came to try and see out how to outdo position himself to bite tiddler during the full moon ?"Matt interrupted."Yeah, I do."

Albus shuddered."That 's sick."

"That 's what he does,"Matt said. He looked more care than everyone else."But what I do n't get is why it seems like he 's trying for Hogwarts youngster. utmost time he went for really young kids."

"But we do n't even screw for sure that 's what he 's up to,"John pointed out."I mean it makes sensation, but we still do n't know."

"Still,"Matt said."You have to foretell me you wo n't go outside during the full lunar month. I do n't want any of you joining me in the Shack."

John looked skeptical."There 's other reasons why he could be here."

"Promise me,"Matt repeated, staring directly at John."It 's not worth the risk."

Gospel According to John shrugged."Yeah, I promise."Everyone else nodded.

"What about the sleep of them ?"Amanda asked."Do you think they 're working together ?"

"I do n't get it on,"Albus began."I 'm sure the Carrows are together and Umbridge might be with them. But I doubt Willinson and Greyback are with them. The Carrows were expiry feeder, but Greyback was n't technically a last Eater. Voldemort used him, but always thought he was scum because he 's a werewolf. The Carrows probably agreed. And Willinson, he 's got no link, which is why I 'm still confused as to why he broke out with them."

"For all we know they left the door out-of-doors and he followed,"John said with a laugh.

Amanda groaned."Everyone 's got their own prison cell in high gear security."

"Oh, yeah, I suppose you 're right,"St. John said.

"Two Death eater, a war criminal, a wolfman, and Willinson,"Albus said."It 's so random. Why them ?"

"Sounds like the start of a joke,"trick said."Two Death feeder, a war felon, a werewolf, and Willinson walk into a pub ...."

mat groaned."Do n't even go there. I just really hope they catch him before the next wax moon. There was n't anything in the oracle about him biting anyone this last full moon, but I do n't think he 'd go two moons without biting. And there 's no way he 'd go on Wolfsbane, even if he could get some."

"I wonder where the others are,"pink wine mused."You think they 're just hiding out ?"

"They must be,"Albus said."There have n't been any sightings."

There was a knock on the doorway and then it opened. Saint James walked inside and sat down on the end of Albus 's bed.

"Longbottom just came to talk to us,"he said."We 'll be allowed to impart the uncouth way for dinner party, but not before that."

"Did they catch him ?"mat asked anxiously.

"No,"William James said."But, Longbottom said the proprietor of lady Puddifoot 's also saw him, so the Ravenclaw girl probably did see him. They 've scoured Hogsmeade and there 's no sign of him, though."

"Are they rescheduling the match ?"Albus asked.

King James I nodded."Next Sabbatum. serious thing, too, because I do n't think that one would 've ever ended. Do n't differentiate Fred, but there 's no way I would 've seen the Snitch."

"One upside to Johnny Reb being on the priming, I guess,"Albus said.

"Lucky he did n't snipe that girl,"Matt said as St. James the Apostle left."He attacks the great unwashed even when he 's not transformed."

"He did that to my uncle peak,"Albus said.

"Really ?"mat asked.

Albus nodded."At the end of my dad 's one-sixth year, the night Dumbledore was killed. He does n't transform, but he likes really rare meat. Like hardly cooked at all meat."

"Eww !"Kaden exclaimed."That 's gross. waiting, Matt, do you like really rare centre ?"

Matt grinned."Yeah. I hardly ever get it, though. Mum refuses to let me eat it because she thinks it 'll make me ill. And they do n't serve it here."

"My uncle eats it all the time,"Albus said."Aunt Fleur likes her steaks pretty rare, too. So does Teddy for that matter."

"I like mine well done,"Kaden said.

"Now that 's what 's gross,"mat replied."I should ask the menage elves to make me rare steak."

"They probably would,"Rose said."They make you pretty practically whatever you want."

"Let 's go tonight,"lustrelessness said."We have n't been down there in ages."

Kaden groaned."So we 're going to make to witness you eating a bit of raw meat ?"

"Not raw,"Matt said."Slightly cooked, bit of profligate dripping out."

"Oh, gross !"Kaden shouted."I 'm going back down to the mutual room."

Albus laughed and lustrelessness grinned as Kaden ran out of the room. There was nothing like a misstep to the kitchens to get their judgement off of Limnodromus griseus and the early escaped convicts.


A/N : Sorry for the late update ! I totally forgot it was Fri. Thanks for all the wonderful revue ! Please check out my Marauders fic, Between Here and Somewhere.


The first year who saw knot on the grounds became an instant Hogwarts celebrity. By the next day her stallion level had spread throughout the bookman body like wildfire, and every single person in the castle knew her name. She was Quinn Gregory, a tiny fille who looked like she belonged in the Weasley clan with her long red hair and nebulizer of freckles across her face. Quinn seemed to be enjoying her newfound renown and always had a crew of people around her, asking her to recount the story.

Albus, himself, had heard the floor at least five times. Quinn had been running to the pitch, late, because she 'd spent a half hr trying to convert one of her roommates to go to the lucifer, but in the end her roommate had decided she did n't want to brave out the violent storm. Quinn then spotted individual lurking near the greenhouses and went to investigate, but instead of finding another student, she found Fenrir Greyback. Apparently Greyback had said 'hi, piffling daughter'to Quinn, who then took off running even faster for the Quidditch pitch. Greyback then escaped to Hogsmeade and who knows after that.

As the week progressed Quinn 's story grew until it ended with her disarming Greyback after a 20 min affaire d'honneur and running to the Quidditch pitch shot in order to warn the remainder of the bookman, rather than because she was scared. Albus was very glad that, for once, this had n't happened to him or one of his friends.

"guessing what I heard today,"Kaden said as he entered the piranha 's Den Fri eve, after dinner.

"What ?"Albus asked, looking up from the marauder 's Map, which he 'd spent the last ten minutes studying. lav and mat were in the way as well, Matt studying and lav sorting Chocolate Frog cards. Rose was tutoring Elsie Willinson again and Amanda had gone with her.

"Quinn,"Kaden said as he sat down future to Albus."She 's now saying that grayback stole her wand and she got away from him by kicking his kneecaps."

Albus burst out laughing."That 's ridiculous. She 's still got her wand."

"She claims Ollivander 's sent her an exact reproduction,"Kaden replied.

"But no two wand are the Lapplander,"Gospel According to John pointed out."Everyone knows that."

"She 's Muggle-born,"Kaden pointed out."She might not."

"But still,"Albus said."She 's taken it too far. No one 's going to trust her now and it 's all going to die down."

Albus laughed as he looked back at the piranha 's Map. He 'd been checking it, both the Hogsmeade and Hogwarts sections, looking for greyback every so often since hold up Saturday. He 'd yet to chance anything remotely interesting on it, least of all Limnodromus griseus or one of the other scarper convicts.

"Scorpius is leaving the castle,"Albus said, noticing the dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'was no longer in the Slytherin common way, but instead slowly making its way across the undercoat.

"What ?"Matt asked, closing his Koran."But it 's eight o'clock. And it 's snowing."

"It 's him all right,"Albus said."semen see."

Matt, privy, and Kaden all crowded around Albus and they watched Scorpius 's dot locomotion further and further from the castle. There were no other Lucy in the sky with diamonds on the grounds, except Hagrid 's, and his was remaining stationary behind his hut. It did n't come along that Malfoy was meeting anyone outside, nor did anyone go with him. It was odd, especially in light of his other odd behavior.

"I wonder what he 's up to,"Albus mused.

"We should follow him,"John said."See what he 's up to."

"I agree,"Kaden said."No one goes outside at night during a tempest for no reason at all. He 's up to something."

"We 'd get caught,"Albus pointed out.

"And it 's suspend,"matte added.

"We 'll drive your invisibility Cloak,"John said.

"I do n't believe we all fit anymore,"Albus said, not taking his name off Malfoy 's dot.

"Then Kaden and I can go,"John replied.

"No way,"Albus said."It 's my cloak and I do n't want you having it when Filch catches you. He 'll confiscate it."

"Who says we 'll get caught ?"can asked.

Albus laughed and turned to reckon at King John."Of course you 'll get caught. And then my cloak will get taken away and I 'll never see it again and my dad will polish off me."

"Your dad 's Harry thrower,"John said."He 's not going to murder his own son."

"If he did Laurentis would love it."Kaden laughed."I can see the newspaper headline now. 'Harry thrower Murders Own Son, Clearly Unfit For tariff. Weasley Still Supports Him .'”

"Oh shut it,"Albus muttered.

"delay,"Matt said, staring at the map."He 's going to the Whomping Willow."

Albus looked back at the map and saw that Matt was right. Malfoy 's dot was slowing down and circling the tree, giving it a wide berth."What 's he doing ?"

"You do n't call up he 's figured it out, do you ?"Matt asked.

"Well now we have to go after him,"lav said, standing up.

lusterlessness nodded."seed on, Albus, let us look at your cloak."

"Fine,"Albus said, knowing that the battle was lost. Malfoy was at the Whomping willow, which meant that this was now personal for Matt, and therefore, for all of them."But I still do n't sleep with if we 'll all fit."

Albus walked over to his bed and located the cloak in one of the bloomers beneath it. He rarely kept it in his dormitory anymore, since he and his friends spent far Sir Thomas More fourth dimension in the piranha 's Den than they did in the vernacular room.

"Let 's try it,"Albus said as his champion walked over to him. They stood close and Albus threw the cloak over them.

"one-half my body is showing,"Saint John the Apostle said, turning to bet at his still visible arm.

"And all our feet are showing,"Matt pointed out.

"That 's because Albus and Saint John the Apostle are giants,"Kaden asked, glancing up at the five inches of space that separated his head from the top of the cloak.

"Both of you are going to have to crouch down,"matte said.

"But what about the fact that half my body is showing ?"John asked, yanking on the cloak.

"Now I 'm not under it at all,"matt said, yanking it back.

"I wish we could do disillusionment charms,"Albus muttered."Too bad we do n't learn those until seventh year."

"pink wine could probably figure them out,"John said."We should have her learn them."

"fountainhead we do n't have got time for that now and we 're wasting time arguing. Malfoy could be in the tunnel by now,"matte said.

"There are Aaron Montgomery Ward,"Albus pointed out.

"Still ..."Matt muttered.

"mulct,"John said."Albus and matt can go and Kaden and I will stay here."

"What ?"Kaden shouted."Why 'd you offer me to stay ?"

"well, Albus is n't going to let anyone take the cloak without him going and Matt has to go since Malfoy 's by the Whomping Willow,"john said."That leaves you and me. I do n't recall more than two of us are going to fit."

"Let 's go, then,"Matt said, yanking the cloak off of John and Kaden and repositioning it over himself and Albus."See you in a bit."

Albus nearly had to run to go on up with flatness and keep himself crouched down enough to stay hide, and that was saying something since usually Albus was much dissolute than lusterlessness. The two of them said nix on their way down to the front doorway and were n't noticed by any of the bookman or professors they passed.

"Remember, we 've got to be back before curfew,"Albus said once they shut the figurehead door."We do n't want to be locked out like back in second year."

"This is total deja vu,"Matt added."Two old age ago we caught Kaden messing with the Whomping Willow. That 's when Kendrick added the wards."

"But unlike with Kaden, I do n't call up we 'll wind up friends with Malfoy after,"Albus pointed out.

The priming were very quiet, the alone strait being the crunching of their feet in the snow. Albus carefully vanished their step as they walked, while matte led them down the path to the Whomping willow tree. It was very cold and snowy, which reminded Albus even more of the time they got locked out of the castle after sneaking into the screaming shanty.

"Is he even still there ?"Matt asked quietly when they were halfway to the tree.

Albus paused and pulled the Marauder 's Map out of his pocket. Scorpius 's dot was still walking methodically in a roundabout around the tree."Yeah, he 's there."

flatness nodded and they continued walking. Neither of them had lit their wands, so they slowed down in rules of order to not be hit by the Willow 's heavy branches. Finally they reached it and stood just outside its hitting range, waiting for Malfoy to come back around.

The Slytherin boy was wrapped in a blockheaded cloak and pacing with his capitulum always turned toward the tree diagram. He had his scepter out and did n't seem to note that he had been joined by Albus and Matt. Albus glanced at lustrelessness as Malfoy walked past them, unsure of whether to call off his attention to their mien. Since they were invisible, they could just stand there and watch him.

"There 's got to be a way,"Malfoy muttered."Every ward has a rickety point. They do n't all last forever."

Albus could now see that Malfoy was sending various hexes and jinxes into the Aaron Montgomery Ward, but they were all deflecting away. As he rounded the tree once more, a hex bounced off the Barbara Ward and nearly hit Albus, who had to jump out of the way to head off it. His leg slipped out from underneath the cloak in the process, but Malfoy did n't see it.

"It 's got to make for,"Malfoy said."There 's no former way in ...."

"Into where ?"Matt mouthed. Albus shrugged.

They waited for Malfoy to make another band around the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and this clip one of the whammy reflected off the ward and toward Matt, who jumped to get out of the way, but tripped over a partially buried shoetree root instead. He fell over, yanking the cloak down with him, leaving both himself and Albus exposed. lustrelessness let out a stream of curse word and a cry of pain. Albus heard a sickening crunch as he fell and hoped it was the Tree root and not Matt 's leg.

"Who 's there ?"Malfoy shouted, aiming his wand at Albus and Matt. He lit it and his expression visibly paled."What are you two doing here ?"

Albus lit his own sceptre. lustrelessness was still sitting in the snow."I could ask you the same thing, Malfoy,"Albus said.

Albus pointed his wand at Matt and reached down to avail him up. He was clutching his radiocarpal joint and his face was as wan as Malfoy 's, although for dissimilar reasons.

"I said, what are you two doing here ?"Malfoy repeated, not sounding very confident.

"Following you,"Albus said simply, thinking honesty would be the dependable insurance policy here. After all, all three of them were breaking the convention. Not much point in denying it or making up excuses.

"How did you know I was here ?"Malfoy asked. His wand arm was now trembling, although Albus did n't know if it was from the frigidity or fear.

"Saw you leave the rook,"Albus said."Figured we 'd see what you were up to."

"What do you need with the tree ?"Matt demanded. His voice sounded pained.

Malfoy 's mouth turned up in a sly grin."Once again, you just confirmed my suspicions. This tree 's how you get into the Shrieking Shack. I did a little more inquiry, and turns out this thing was planted the like twelvemonth the Shrieking shanty was built. The same year Remus Lupin started going to Hogwarts. That Shack 's all boarded up so I figured there must be some sort of tunnel leading to it and what improve way to cover a tunnel than to put a murderous Tree above it ? difficulty is, I ca n't handicap the Aaron Montgomery Ward. Bet you can, though."

"Why ?"lustrelessness asked. Albus heard him inhale sharply and began to wonder if his carpus was broken."Why do you want to get in there ?"

"Ca n't distinguish you,"Malfoy said.

"Well, I 'm not disabling the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward,"Matt said.

"I 'll figure it out eventually,"Malfoy said.

Albus wanted to ask him about his behavior at dueling practices so badly. They 'd had another practice the previous day and again, Malfoy had n't said two words to anyone. It was just unknown. Bur Albus figured that even if he asked, Malfoy would n't answer.

"It 'd be dumb, you know,"Matt said."Going into the screech Shack."

"fountainhead I would n't go in on a full moon, idiot,"Malfoy said."Believe it or not this has zippo to do with you or your malefic side. I could n't worry less that you 're a filthy lycanthrope. I have comfortably things-"

Albus jabbed his scepter into Malfoy 's chest, nearly knocking him over in the appendage. His heart was pounding and he could feel heat energy rising up in his body."You. Take. That. Back,"he seethed.

"Albus, do n't,"matt said.

Malfoy scowled."No. I wo n't, because it 's genuine. I do n't manage. It was the mystery story that I liked and nothing more. You do n't know the half of what 's going on or why I want that hut. He only uses it one Nox out of 28. I want it the other twenty-seven. I do n't get why that 's such a huge deal."

"What 's going on over there ?"a flashy interpreter boomed over the background."Eh, what 're yeh doing ?"

Albus quickly moved his wand and pointed it elsewhere. It was one thing to get caught on the terra firma after iniquity but another to be caught threatening another student. He pointed his sceptre in the direction of the voice and saw Hagrid making his way toward them, his large Newfoundland, Fetch, at his position.

"Albus ?"Hagird asked as he drew nearer."Matt ? What 're yeh doing out here ? And Malfoy ?"

"Er, nothing,"Albus muttered.

"Well, yer breaking the dominion so I 'm going to have to take yeh to Longbottom,"Hagrid said and then turned to Malfoy."And you 'll have to see Slughorn."

"infirmary backstage,"Matt said."First."

Hagrid turned to Matt and looked at his wrist."O'class,"he said."What did yeh do ?"

"Tripped over a root,"Matt said."Landed on a rock."

Hagrid nodded and clapped lusterlessness on the backrest, a gesture clearly meant to comfort him but instead nearly knocked him over again. After he recovered they set off for the castle, walking next to Hagrid. Malfoy followed at a short length. Hagrid did n't ask them what they were doing by the Whomping Willow again, although Albus had a smell he probably knew. After all, he knew why the tree was there and the fact that Matt was a werewolf.

The castle was much emptier when they returned than when they had left. Albus only saw a few prefects doing their cycle and realized that curfew must give birth passed. So practically for not getting in fuss.

Hagrid walked them to the hospital annex and left Albus and lustrelessness there while he then escorted Malfoy to Slughorn 's study. Malfoy had remained quiet during the entire walk, but lost the sneer he 'd worn when he insulted Matt.

"I thought you lot had grown out of this,"brothel keeper Pomfrey said as she examined Matt 's radiocarpal joint."This sneaking about in the dead of nighttime, following people. At to the lowest degree you did n't get locked out this time.

"Yes, your carpus is definitely stop. But I can touch on it quickly."

Madam Pomfrey took her wand out of her gown and pointed it at flatness 's wrist. She muttered a charm and instantly, his wrist was healed.

"Thanks,"flatness said, bending his wrist.

"You 're welcome,"the nursemaid replied. She hurried over to a storage locker and returned with a goblet of potion."Take this for the bother and you 'll be estimable as new. No need to continue the night. I know you stay here enough as it is. You 're to wait here until prof Longbottom comes to collect you."

Matt nodded and downed the potion in one large gulp. Albus sat down side by side to him on the bed and they waited for Longbottom. Albus did n't think Hagrid had seen him with his wand pointed at Malfoy, so his punishment should n't be too bad.

"You do n't think he 'll make you lose Quidditch tomorrow, do you ?"Matt asked.

Albus had n't thought of that."I hope not. Fred would wipe out me."

The door to the cellblock opened and Professor Longbottom walked inside. He looked tired and slightly annoyed. He sighed and shook his head when he saw Albus and Matt.

"You two again ?"he asked."Hagrid said you were on the grounds after curfew ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied. He always felt Weird calling prof Longbottom 'sir', but figured it could n't hurt in this berth.

"Should I bother asking why ?"Longbottom replied.

Albus shook his caput, knowing that telling Longbottom why would n't get them any fewer detentions, nor would it arrest Malfoy from trying to figure out how to get into the Shrieking Shack.

"I 'll pull in this easy, then,"Longbottom said."Ten decimal point from Gryffindor, each. And you 'll both serve detainment tomorrow, immediately following the Quidditch equal. lineage, in my office. I 'll see you then."Longbottom turned to bequeath. He nodded to ma'am Pomfrey as he walked to the threshold."Good dark, Poppy."

"good night, Neville,"Madam Pomfrey said.

Albus and Matt said soundly dark to the nursemaid and then left the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth, both automatically going back to the park room rather than the Marauder 's Den. If they were caught outside of Gryffindor tower twice in one night they 'd get a much worse penalty than twenty lost points and a detention. Albus thought they 'd gotten off sluttish, to be honest. He wondered what Slughorn had set for Malfoy.

Gospel According to John, Kaden, rose wine, and Amanda were waiting for them when they got back. John the Evangelist and Kaden were smirking.

"Do n't say a word,"Albus muttered."I knew whoever followed him would get caught."

"Figured you did, seeing as you 've been gone for over an hour,"Gospel According to John said."What 's your punishment ?"

"custody tomorrow after Quidditch and we each lost ten points,"Albus said.

"You got off easy,"Kaden replied."If it had been me and John we would 've gotten three detentions."

"I think Longbottom took compassion on us because Matt broke his carpus while we were out there,"Albus said.

John laughed."Of course he did."

"Shut it,"Matt said."It really hurt. I was dodging a expletive that Malfoy sent to the Willow that reflected off the wards."

"Did you find anything useful out ?"Rose asked."Not that I approve of this."

Albus and Matt explained what had happened, including the role where Malfoy insulted mat and Albus nearly hexed him.

"Very odd,"blush wine mused."What can he possibly want the hutch for ? And what did he mean when he said he had early stuff going on ? What early stuff could he possibly have going on besides schoolhouse ?"

"Whatever he 's got going on with Willinson ?"john suggested."Surely Felix knows what his cousins are up to and Malfoy 's always involved with that."

Albus shrugged."Maybe. But why would he necessitate the Shack ?"

"Who knows,"John said.

"I bet it 's got something to do with that letter,"Amanda said."And why he 's acting so strangely lately."

"speech production of acting strangely, Elsie Willinson is still acting weird,"rosebush said."I thought she would 've adjusted by now, but she has n't. She does n't appear to hold any friends."

"doe her brother still pick her up from tutoring ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"Rose replied."It 's very odd. I asked her if she wanted to hang out with me and Amanda until curfew, but she said she could n't. So I said maybe another time and she said probably not."

"That 's odd,"John the Divine said."Clearly they 're up to something."

"They 're always up to something,"Albus pointed out."I 'd have intercourse to know what it is, though. I wonder if they 've been in contact with Quinton."

"They 'd be stupid to be,"Rose said."Kendrick did n't penalize Felix for what happened to Kaden two class ago, telling him if he did it again he 'd get expelled."

"I still say you 've got to enter out what 's up with Elsie,"John said.

"I 'm trying,"Rose insisted."It 's not as easy as you 'd think. She hardly talks at all."

"Just keep trying,"John said.

"Team !"Fred suddenly shouted from across the common elbow room."Off to bed, all of you ! We 've got a second probability at this and let 's not deflower it by staying up all night."

Albus did n't argue. Turning in early was a commodity idea and he was actually quite fag after his excursion to the Whomping willow tree. He bade good Nox to his friends and went up to his quiet, empty dormitory. It did n't take him long to fall asleep and he dreamt of playing Quidditch with Malfoy while the two of them dodged the Whomping willow tree on brooms.


A/N : Thanks for all the revue ! I am doing camp NaNoWriMo again this month ( probably not a good idea ... ), and I 'm writing this for it, so hopefully I 'll finish up it !



The atmospheric condition for the rematch was vastly different from the late Sabbatum 's atmospheric condition. The sky seemed to be all out of snow and the sun was shining. Although it was still bitterly moth-eaten, there was little fart. Albus hoped the match would be a long one since as soon as it was over, he had to dish detention with prof Longbottom.

Albus went down to the Great Charles Francis Hall by himself for breakfast. His early night had given way to him waking up far sooner than he normally did. It was overnice being able to lollygag over breakfast, though, and reduce on the upcoming match rather than interact with his friends. As he ate, the Great mansion house slowly filled. He had just finished the last of his testis when the post owls arrived.

Albus observed the owls and did n't acknowledge any of them. Clearly he was not receiving any Post today, which was a good affair because he was fairly certain Longbottom had owled his parents about his detention. But then he noticed a very large owl holding a red envelope in its mouth ; it was a howler and the owl was heading toward the Slytherin board. Albus continued watching it and saw it down right in front of Scorpio, who yanked the envelope off the owl 's leg and tripped over the bench in his hastiness to leave the room. Albus actually sympathized with him ; it was amazing opening a howler in populace. From the auditory sensation of it, Malfoy did n't quite make water it to a loo or empty classroom. Muffled shouting could be heard coming from the Entrance Hall.

Malfoy did n't revert to the Great Charles Francis Hall. Albus figured it must have been a particularly awful howler and was wondering what it could possibly let said when his friends sat down next to him.

"Malfoy got a howler,"John said as he started loading his photographic plate with bacon.

"I know,"Albus said."Saw him get it."

"Well, we heard the buttocks end of it,"John the Evangelist said.

"It was dire,"rosiness replied.

"What did it say ?"Albus asked."Who was it from ?"

"His dad, I 'm guessing,"john said."It was a man 's voice. We crouched down on the stairs when we saw him. Basically his dad was yelling at him for getting in trouble for pillock affair when he should be studying and concentrating on his schooltime work and keeping his head down. Then he said something about how Malfoy knows that they, meaning his parents, have far more of import things on their judgement than worrying about Malfoy getting in trouble in school. And how they ca n't concern about him at school when they 're interfering worrying about early things."

"That 's vague,"Albus said."He did n't say what the early affair were ?"

"Nope,"lavatory said."But Malfoy obviously knows what they are because he was shaking and he ran for the dungeon after the scream blew up."

"I told you the varsity letter he read at practice was about something bad,"Amanda said.

"And now we know it 's got something to do with his menage,"Albus said.

"Maybe they 're going to get together up with Willinson and the Carrows and all them,"matt said."His dad was a Death feeder, was n't he ?"

"Sort of,"Albus said."His grandfather was, but his dad sort of got caught up in it and he got off. So did his granddaddy, actually. No one really knows why, but my dad vouched for them at their hearing."

"Now that is Wyrd,"flatness said."Maybe his grandfather is planning on joining them."

Albus shrugged."Maybe, but it just does n't vocalise right. Listen, I 've got to get to the pitch shot. I 'll see you after."

"Yeah, for detention,"matte muttered."Going to be a blast."

Albus 's wish for a foresightful equal came true. Since the weather was cooperating, Epistle of James put off catching the snitcher until Gryffindor was up by 200 item, instead focusing his sweat on faking dives to keep Ravenclaw 's quester away from the Snitch. It worked, and three and a half hours later James II caught the stoolie and won the mate for Gryffindor. Albus was sorely disappointed that he 'd hold to miss the resulting party in the common room, but figured that 's what Longbottom was going for when he scheduled detention for right after the match.

lustrelessness was waiting for Albus in the Great Hall and the two of them grabbed a quick lunch before hurrying to Longbottom 's power. They spent the next two hours writing'I will not sneak out of the castling after dark'over and over again. By the clip they were done Albus wanted to curl up and take a nap, since the Quidditch couple itself had exhausted him. He and Matt decided to expend the afternoon in the Marauder 's Den, just relaxing if not actually sleeping.

When they arrived they found john and Kaden in the heart of plotting their new japery. rose wine and Amanda were in the subroutine library, apparently avoiding trick and Kaden and their prank.

"Are you two sure you do n't require to be involved with this ?"John the Evangelist asked."It 's going to be legendary."

"It wo n't be worth the hold,"Albus said.

"Seriously,"lustrelessness agreed."If it 's legendary it 's going to mean a lot of detentions."

"fine,"bathroom said.

whoremonger and Kaden lowered their voices, but Albus distinctly heard the tidings 'Weasleys '', 'itching powder ,''Slytherins ,'and 'alarm clock .'At that point, he really did n't desire to have it away. He and lusterlessness decided to start a biz of chess game and attempted to tune out privy and Kaden 's whisperings.

"I was thinking the former night and realized if my dad loses his job when Laurentis is elected it 's going to be just like Australia,"Matt said as he captured one of Albus 's pawns.

"I had n't thought of that,"Albus said."Does that have in mind you 'd act again ?"

"I do n't recognize,"lustrelessness said quietly."I really hope not. I guess I do n't think so because the real reason we moved here was so I could go to school, not for Dad to get a new job."

"Then you probably wo n't,"Albus replied, taking one of lusterlessness 's bishops.

"But if he does lose it, it 's going to probably mean Laurentis disagrees with him on werewolf issues,"lusterlessness pointed out."That could be really bad."

"You never know,"Albus said."There 's former things your dad deals with that they might differ on."

"But my dad 's the most song on werewolf rights. Everyone knows that,"Matt said."If they 're going to disagree on something, that 's going to be it."

"I guess you 'll have to wait until the debate,"Albus said.

"I 'm thinking of going,"Matt said quietly."It might be awful, but I want to bed what she says firsthand, not from the Prophet."

"That makes good sense,"Albus said."When is it ?"

"In three hebdomad,"Matt said."Feb 15th. That 's the entirely thing ; it 's the day of the Hogsmeade trip."

"That happened last Hogsmeade weekend,"Albus said,"when Rose went. Sucks that they do that."

matt nodded."I think I 'll go anyway. I mean, it is the Valentine 's Hogsmeade trip. Speaking of that, is James still going out with that Hufflepuff girl ? I forgot her name."

"Gabby Ellis,"Albus said."I 've no thought, to be honest. I guess we 'll find out when the Hogsmeade misstep comes."

"Just as long as Fred does n't schedule Quidditch practice for that day again,"lustrelessness pointed out.

Albus laughed."He wo n't. None of us minded too a lot since the weather was so nice, but I think if he did it again the unscathed team would hate him."

"That would make an inapt family dinner, considering over half the squad are your cousins,"Matt said.

"fellowship dinners with my family have become inept by definition,"Albus said."Luckily the next one wo n't be until far after the election."

"Only a minuscule over two calendar month to go,"Matt said."You can make it."

"I hope so,"Albus replied, as he moved his queen in the direct line of Matt 's King."Checkmate."
***


"Rufus Scrimgeour was the endure Minister of thaumaturgy to be appointed by the Wizengamot,"professor Embry said as he strolled around his classroom. It was the commencement calendar week of February and the class had finally gotten to the point where they were beginning to discuss the second war."He was appointed quickly, after Cornelius Fudge resigned.

"curate Fudge is commonly known as the to the lowest degree competent Minister ever to hold business office,"Embry continued."He refused to believe evidence that was laid out plainly in front of him, for fear of being known as the Minister who held office when Voldemort returned. Somehow, he thought that if he ignored what was right hand in front end of him, it would just simply go away. This backfired, of grade, because he is now known for being the least competent rector.

"Scrimgeour is seen in a slightly better lightness than Fudge, although he was minister of religion when the Ministry fell to Voldemort in Aug of 1997 ...."

Albus knew all of this, of course of instruction. He 'd grown up listening to his parents jape at the incompetency of Fudge and the senselessness of Scrimgeour being considered a parson at all. Nevertheless, he listened to Embry and took detailed notes since the essays Embry set were often farsighted and unmanageable.

"The meter of the second war was a time of fright and topsy-turvyness,"Embry said as he reached the battlefront of the room again."No one knew what was going on or who to consider. Many masses heartily believed Fudge and what he said, believing Albus Dumbledore to be a fraud or even doddering. When this realness was shattered for them in June of of 1996, they did n't love what to do or who to turn to, or even what to believe. They 'd been fooled for a full yr, believing what their Ministry and newspaper told them. Now that they knew they 'd been lied to for a year, what were they to do ? They did n't trust anyone, let alone the Ministry. almost people 's goals were to protect their family and supporter and that was it.

"It was the fear and pandemonium that allowed Voldemort and his followers to lead dominance of the Ministry. Without the supporting of wizarding Britain, the Ministry was weak and susceptible to a takeover. It was simple for Voldemort to drop off in and takeover in a matter of weeks."

"Excuse me, prof ?"Olivia Price said, raising her hand.

"Yes, young lady Leontyne Price ?"Embry replied."You have a motion ?"

"Yes, sir,"Olivia replied."I was just wondering, and you do n't have to resolve, but what were you doing during the endorsement war ?"

If Embry was surprised that Olivia asked him a question about his personal spirit, he did n't present it. Instead he gave a slight smile and began to walk around the schoolroom again.

"I do n't bear in mind answering that,"Embry said."Many of your parents were involved with the war movement, so of course you 're curious. When the Ministry fell I 'd been working there for about six eld. I got a job as an undersecretary in the Department of Magical shipping when I was just out of Hogwarts and worked my way up the membership.

"I 'd obtain a packaging shortly before curate Fudge resigned and worked to muster in police force, but I quit after Scrimgeour got appointed because I saw that the Ministry was weakly and corrupt and no longer wished to align myself with it. After Voldemort 's defeat, I was approached by Kingsley Shacklebolt asking if I would like to be involved with rebuilding the Ministry, and I said yes."

Albus was impressed. Embry had n't mentioned what form of job he did at the Ministry and Albus had had no approximation he had been so involved with its rebuilding after the war.

"So you can see why I believe it is so important to educate all of you about the history of the Ministry and how it is organized now,"Embry finished."Looks like we 're out of time for today so please drop a line an eight in essay on Rufus Scrimgeour 's term as parson for prep, due next Tuesday."

Albus packed up his bag and headed back up to Gryffindor tower with his protagonist. When they arrived, there was a bunch around the observance board, which was unknown. The Hogsmeade weekend date had already been announced and rarely did other observance garner such a crowd around the card board.

Albus shrugged at his friends and they squeezed through the crowd until they could scan it. It was a large poster, covering the absolute majority of the board, imposing an early curfew Sunday night. Everyone, first through 7th years, were to be back inside the castle by five in the even, no elision. Below that it warned that Filch was going to lock the figurehead doorway at exactly five and that everyone was to report to their usual room at five-thirty.

"That 's Wyrd,"Albus said as he and his friends retreated."I do n't think they 've ever imposed a curfew so early before, and for everyone ?"

"It 's because Greyback has n't been caught,"Matt said quietly."Sunday 's the full moon."

"They must think he 's going to arrive back,"Albus replied.

"Scary,"John added."Do you really think he will ?"

"I do n't know,"lusterlessness said."But I 'd bet my parents'unit Gringotts hurdle that he 's going to bite someone Lord's Day night."

"Wait,"Rose said."You do n't usually go to the Shrieking Shack until six or seven."

"They 're probably doing it early just to be safe,"Matt said."In case some people do n't follow it or something. It says on there that the prefects are going to do a head numeration. That 's why we all have to do back to the coarse room at five-thirty."

blush wine nodded."Then you 'll deliver to leave later, after the room access are locked."

"Either that or gentlewoman Pomfrey will have me go early,"matt replied."I really hope not, though. I hate sitting out in the screeching Shack."

"I hope not, too,"Albus said quietly.

Albus and his friend were probably the entirely students who knew the understanding why a curfew had been imposed on Sunday. Even the prefects seemed clueless, since Albus overheard a few of them trying to figure it out. Sir Thomas More than a few educatee were angry about it, although Albus had no idea why since it was n't common for students to submit a stroll on the grounds on a Sun night in Feb. He supposed they liked the pick, though.

As Sunday drew closer matt became quieter and even more closed off than he normally was. In fact, it reminded Albus a lot of the way he was in low year, before Rose figured out why he disappeared once a month. Both Albus and Rose tried to get him to open up about it, but he shrugged them off and insisted he was fine. John and Kaden did n't seem to notice any divergence in Matt, and Amanda was n't one to ask about it when he closed himself off.

Sat 's Dueling Tournament proved uneventful. Albus spent the entire few time of day worrying about matt because he had elected to hop the tourney in orderliness to slumber, which was odd since he 'd normally at least try to participate. At least Malfoy made Albus 's sprightliness easy by remaining tranquility throughout the tournament and not blaming Albus when the squad came in third gear station. Albus himself won both of his duel, as did Malfoy.

On Sunday Albus and his booster spent the day in the vulture 's Den, working on homework and playing games. Matt slept for much of the day and he still was n't saying anything. While Albus was worried, he was fairly certain the reason Matt was so muted was Calidris canutus. When a quarter to five rolled around, they had to repay to Gryffindor to turn up they were in the castle. mat was still asleep, so Albus told everyone else go to on ahead and that they 'd follow.

"flatness,"Albus whispered as he shook his friend awake."We 've got to go back to the common room."

"This is unintelligent,"Matt muttered."They 're counting everyone to take sure no one gets attacked by a werewolf when they 've got one living in the castle."

"Is that why you 've been so tranquilize this hebdomad ?"Albus asked as matte got up. He did n't answer."You and grayback are n't the same."

"I know,"Matt said as they left the room. The corridor was void, so he continued to talk."It 's just the fact that we 're both wolfman. That 's the same. What if they start doing this curfew thing every full Sun Myung Moon, all because of me ?"

"They wo n't,"Albus said."You 're not dangerous because you 're in the shriek shanty. It 's all plastered up."

"I guess, but it 's still possible."

"You and Calidris canutus are unlike because he wants to bite people. He purposely transforms near people, not on wolfsbane, so he can infect hoi polloi. You hide yourself away to protect everyone. That 's a huge difference."

"But what if he does come to Hogsmeade,"mat continued."He 'll take heed me howling and know there 's a werewolf in the shriek Shack and he 'll try to get in."

"But he wo n't be able to,"Albus pointed out.

"And then if he does bite person, and let 's face it, he will,"flatness said."It 's going to await bad for all werewolves. All it 'll assume is a few attacks and people will set out believing we should have our rightfield taken away. That 's what happened in Australia."

"You 're getting ahead of yourself,"Albus said as they reached the common elbow room."Right now you do n't know that any of that 's going to happen. Wandering banshee."

"You 're nearly late,"the Fat Lady said as she swung her portraiture open.

Albus and Matt climbed inside and found the usual way the most crowd together they 'd ever seen it. Prefects were milling about attempting to get everyone to tranquillize down, but everyone was still trying to figure out why such an ahead of time curfew had been set. The room was so crowded that Albus and Matt could n't rule the balance of their booster and since being in a crowded elbow room was not the best theme for Matt right before the broad lunar month, they quit searching and instead sat down near the dormitory room door.

"Everyone, quiet, please !"Heather announced in a magically blow up voice. The room finally quieted down."I know you 're all upset about the curfew but they have n't even told us prefects why it 's been imposed. It 's not that big a deal since it 's February, dark, and freezing outside. None of you would be international anyway. Now just remain hush while we take roster so we can all get downstairs for dinner. After we 're done you 'll be allowed to tramp the castle until your normal curfew."

Heather began calling out public figure in alphabetical purchase order by year. It took her 15 or so transactions to get to the fourth years and after that Albus tuned her out. fifteen moment after that she finished and all the Gryffindors had been accounted for. The common way emptied out quickly, since everyone wanted to get to the Great Charles Francis Hall for dinner party. matte had fallen asleep and after Albus prodded him wake, he went up to the dorm to log Z's until he had to go to the infirmary wing.

When Albus and his Quaker returned from dinner Matt had already left for the hospital extension. They decided to just stay put around the vernacular room since it was fairly empty and spent the evening working on their essays for Professor Embry.

"Any luck you lot bang why we 're stuck inside ?"James asked as he snagged the finale chair at Albus 's table."Cedric, Ben, and I are asking everyone."

Albus exchanged a glimpse with Rose. He supposed it could n't injure to distinguish James the reason why, just so long as he did n't order him why they knew. Of track, as soon as he told Epistle of James it would pass around around the palace like firedrake pox at a wizarding nursery school, but again, that would n't really hurt anything.

"We 've got a intuition,"Albus said."Remember how Quinn Gregory XVI saw Johnny Reb on the grounds during the Quidditch equal ?"

"Yeah,"St. James the Apostle said.

"wellspring, tonight 's a total moon,"Albus said."Put it together."

William James was still for a moment and then his eyes grew big."You think Kendrick thinks he 's going to come here tonight ?"

"That 's our guess,"Albus said and his Friend nodded.

"shuffling sense,"James said."Can you imagine what variety of trouble Kendrick would be in if someone got bitten by a loup-garou on the earth ?"

Albus did n't want to remember about it. He doubted Matt wanted a familiar in the Shrieking Shack.

"Scary,"St. James the Apostle said,"thinking about Greyback transformed while wandering around the grounds. I wonder why they did n't just secernate us. No one would be raging about it if they 'd told us the reason."

"Probably did n't want anyone to panic,"Albus said.

"dead reckoning so,"James I agreed."But still, everyone 's going to know now."He grinned and then got up to go find Ben and Cedric. The fact that the curfew was due to Rebel would be common knowledge in the castling within ten minutes, Albus guessed.

Albus managed to finish his essay and decided to call it a night shortly after. He did n't feel like talking, not with the opening that Greyback was either running around the Hogwarts reason or setting himself on some unsuspicious village, wanting to taint small minor with lycanthropy. It was dread to think about. Albus laid awake for hours, trying not to think about it, but try as he might, he just could not agitate the thought from his mind.


It was a rare social function that Albus witnessed the sun rise. Being fourteen-years-old, Albus preferred to sleep until the very late morning or early afternoon, but this particular proposition morning he was up before the sun. He had n't slept much that night due to his worries about Fenrir Greyback and lustrelessness, and decided that it was pointless to try and log Z's when he 'd just throw to be up in an hour anyway.

Albus sat at the window and watched as the sun slowly rose over the horizon. The grounds looked peaceable, and not at all like the post where a loup-garou could 've been roaming just a few hours before. The moon had set and both mat and Greyback would be back in their human being forms by now. Whatever had happened was over now and there was nothing anyone could do to change it. Albus wondered just how farseeing it would take for the Prophet to publish some form of clause on any attacks Rebel might 've been the cause of.

Bilius and Ethan awoke before Gospel According to John did and busied themselves with talk of the Balycastle and Kenmare match that had taken place Sabbatum, completely unworried about Greyback. Albus was n't surprised since neither of them had any variety of personal connection with the escaped lycanthrope. But they at least knew that the previous night had been a full lunar month, since James had spread that information around the castle.

St. John finally rose shortly after Bilius and Ethan left for breakfast. Albus was relieved since they could now speak freely.

"What time is it ?"bathroom asked as soon as he sat up."Have we got fourth dimension to chew the fat matte before Herbology ?"

"Just after eight, so not really,"Albus said."And there 's no point in visiting him now as he 's probably unconscious or sleeping. The lunar month just set two hours ago."

"Yeah, but he might know something,"toilet said as he closed the hangings on his bed while he dressed."He might 've heard Greyback hold up night."

"He never remembers anything about wide lunation,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's still Worth a shot,"bathroom replied.

Albus thought it would be sort of pointless, but they did n't ingest clock time before Herbology anyway. After John finished, the two hurried out of the dormitory and down to the Great dorm for a quick breakfast before stratum. rosebush, Amanda, and Kaden were already there.

"Anything in the seer ?"Albus asked as he grabbed a stack of toast.

Rose shook her psyche and swallowed her bacon before answering."No. Absolutely nothing, but that does n't mean much. It could just be too soon for sufficiency details to feature emerged."

"Well, we 've got a unloosen period this afternoon, so we can go ask flatness,"John said.

"I told you that he 's not going to recognise anything,"Albus reminded him.

John the Divine shrugged."You never know."

The rest of the student consistency seemed to suffer already forgotten about the other curfew and the wax moon. Albus did n't hear anyone discussing it on his way to Herbology or at lunch later that day. Since there had n't been anything in the paper about an onset, it was old news for the Hogwarts scholarly person. Everyone that is, except for Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda.

Albus, John, and Amanda were still discussing it on their way to caution of Magical brute that afternoon. When they arrived they found Hagrid surrounded by batting cage filled with small, ignominious, fluffy creatures.

"'ello !"Hagrid shouted."I 've got nifflers for yeh today. Can anyone tell me what makes nifflers unique ?"

Albus raised his hand.

"Albus,"Hagrid said.

Albus grinned."Nifflers find treasure. They like shiny things."

"Tha 's right,"Hagrid said."So if you 've got watches or jewelry on, admit it off. I 've buried a shipment of leprechaun amber and your job for today will be to use the nifflers to feel it. Everyone pair off and then come get a niffler. Whichever couplet finds the most gold gets a pack of coffee Frogs."

There was a flurry as everyone hurried to rent off their jewelry and come up a niffler that looked like it would be a particularly hoarded wealth huntsman. Albus took off his watch, shoved it into his air hole, and followed John Lackland and Amanda over to the nifflers. With matt in the infirmary wing, Albus was without a partner and decided to just conjoin John the Evangelist and Amanda.

bathroom grabbed the niffler with the foresightful snout and held the end of the spark advance while they followed it around the dry land. Every so often the niffler would block and dig through the snowfall, revealing a small-scale great deal of coins. Albus collected them and shoved them into a bag Hagrid had provided.

The stallion function was rather entertaining. Albus enjoyed watching not only his niffler, but the eternal rest of the class 's nifflers as well. They were adorable, funny creatures. At one head, Janie Creevey and Karina Jordan-Bell 's niffler managed to whiff out a set of plate in Bilius 's bag resulting in all three of them playing tug-of-war with the niffler.

"Why 's he got his plate in there anyway ?"whoremaster asked as they watched."We have n't got potions today."

Albus shrugged."No idea."

"Albus, John, feel !"Amanda shouted, pointing toward the castle.

Albus turned around and saw two public figure walking toward Hagrid 's hut. It took a few seconds, but he soon realized that he knew both of them. One Albus recognized as a Young Auror from his dad 's department. His name was Cardinal Newman and he 'd been one of the Aurors to assist when Kaden was kidnapped two twelvemonth ago. The bit man was none other than Matt 's dad.

"What 's lustrelessness 's dad doing here ?"lav asked.

"Yeah, and who 's that other bloke ?"Amanda asked.

"He 's an Auror,"Albus said."But why are they here ?"

The two wizards walked past Albus, John, and Amanda without making any sort of eye contact, acting as if they 'd never seen them before. By now, the rest of the class was looking at them strangely. Matt 's dad and Paul Newman kept walking until they reached Hagrid, and they began speaking with him in low voices.

"C'mon,"Albus said as he began walking toward Hagrid.

John tugged the niffler 's principal and he and Amanda followed Albus. Albus stopped once they were within earshot, hiding behind a George Herbert Walker Bush. lavatory and Amanda crouched down on either side of him.

"I s'ppose I did hear some funny noises las'night,"Hagrid said."more than'n common, that is. Always funny racket from the forest. A bit more howling than formula las'night, coming from Hogsmeade. Could 've been a werewolf, but I don'know for sure."

"And did you see anything roaming the grounds ?"Matt 's dad asked. His voice sounded serious.

"No,"Hagrid said."Wasn'outside late. What 's this about ? Johnny ?"

lusterlessness 's dad and Cardinal Newman glanced at each other."Yes,"lustrelessness 's dad said."We have reasonableness to think Johnny was in the country concluding Nox and we 're looking for anyone who might 've seen something."

Hagrid shuddered."Wish I could help yeh. But yeh know, that howling from Hogsmeade could 've just been-"

"Yes, I know,"Mr. Eckerton cut him off, with a immediate glance at Paul Newman."We 've had reports of more vicious, louder howling. Howling that seems to vary location."

"Oh !"Hagrid exclaimed."Yeah, well, again, wish I could help. I 'll pay a bit to a greater extent attention next full moon."

"We 'd appreciate it,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thanks for your time."

Matt 's dad and Paul Leonard Newman turned and left, without a minute glance at Hagrid or the stratum. The rest of the class had tenacious since returned to their nifflers and all had bags of gold far larger than Albus, John Lackland, and Amanda 's. But Albus no longer cared about winning the Chocolate Frogs. It seemed that something did happen finale dark, but nobody knew exactly what.

At the end of the division, Albus, St. John, and Amanda came in suddenly lowest for amount of coins collected. Hagrid seemed let down, but said that their niffler must 've just been tired. After returning it to its cage, the three hurried back to the castle, uneasy to stow their traveling bag and go sojourn Matt.

"If Greyback is n't on Aconitum lycoctonum should n't he be gentle to find after the to the full moon ?"John asked as they walked to the hospital wing."Would n't he be injured ?"

"Not necessarily,"Albus said quietly."Matt only bites and attacks himself because he has nix else to attack. If Greyback 's out roaming the countryside, he can snipe beast and people."

"But what about the factual shift ?"Saint John the Apostle replied."Even werewolf on Wolfsbane are achy the next day because of that, right ?"

"I think so, yeah, but I bet if you 're being chased by Aurors that 's the last thing on your mind,"Albus pointed out."I 'm not sure. matte would probably know."

Matt was the only patient in the infirmary wing and Madam Pomfrey was meddling in her written report, so Albus and his friends were rid to discuss whatever they pleased. Albus was happy to see that matt was awake, although he did await slightly unsettled.

"Was there anything in the Prophet ?"Matt asked as soon as Albus, whoremaster, and Amanda had taken backside on his bed."And I 'm fine, so do n't get at asking."

"Er, no,"Albus said."Why ?"

"lastly dark was uncanny,"Matt said.

"Told you he 'd know something,"King John said to Albus.

"But I do n't,"lustrelessness replied."It was just eldritch. I do n't know how else to delineate it."

"What happened ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't know,"lusterlessness said quietly as he pulled his mitt out from under the cover. They were completely bandaged."expression. My hands are the only constituent of me that 's injured. I mean, I ache all over from the transmutation, but I did n't seize with teeth myself at all live on night."

Albus looked at the bandage."But your men. You did n't bite them ? Then why are they bandaged ?"

"matchwood,"matte said."madam Pomfrey thinks I spent the night scratching at the door and trying to get out. I 've never done that before. I never remember anything from when I 'm the Hugo Wolf, but I do sometimes remember look. Like if the Wolf was really angry or something. Last Nox it was desperate, although I have no idea what for. I guess to get out of doors, if dame Pomfrey is right."

"And your wolfy self has n't done that before ?"Albus asked.

"No,"matte shook his top dog."I 've been transforming in the Shrieking shack for three and a half years and the Hugo Wolf has never done that before."

"I 'll say you something weirder,"trick said."Your dad was here earlier."

"What ?"Matt exclaimed."When ?"

"Just now,"King John said."During Care of Magical beast, he and some Auror came to talk to Hagrid. We listened in-"

"Of course,"Matt cut in.

"Your dad and the Auror, they were asking Hagrid if he 'd seen or heard anything eldritch conclusion night. Hagrid said he did n't see anything, but he thought he heard more noise than common from Hogsmeade. Then he said that it may have just been you, but your dad cut him off, probably because of the Auror. Then your dad said that there had been reports of more vicious howling than usual."

"They definitely think that Limnodromus griseus was in Hogsmeade hold up dark,"Albus said.

"What would 've happened if you got out ?"Amanda asked.

"Out of the hut ?"Matt asked."naught ripe. But now he knows that I was there. He 'll observe coming back until he 's captured. I wo n't actually be able to head for the hills from the Shack. The Mary Augusta Arnold Ward are too good."

The room access to the ward flew candid and Matt 's dad came striding inside, still looking as dangerous as he had earlier. After a nimble glance around the elbow room, he strode over to Matt 's bed.

"Dad,"Matt said.

"You do n't wait surprised to see me,"Mr. Eckerton replied as he gave his son a hug."How are you feeling ?"

"I 'm all right hand,"Matt said with a shrug."Albus, John, and Amanda saw you talking to Hagrid. Well, they heard you, too. Where 's the Auror ?"

Mr. Eckerton let out a short laugh and then turned to Albus."I saw you in the bushes. side by side meter you 're trying to hide, do n't hide with a niffler. They 're notorious giveaway. Yours was trying to sniff out Newman 's pocket watch."

"I missed nifflers ?"lusterlessness asked, clearly defeated.

"Yeah,"Albus said."I bet Hagrid would let you see one after you 're respectable, though."

"I need to verbalise with you about last night, matte,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."In private, perhaps ?"

lusterlessness shook his head."I already told them about live on night, so they might as well stay."

"All right,"Mr. Eckerton said."I need you to try and commend if you heard or saw anything strange stopping point night. I know you never remember anything, but try."

Matt held up his bandaged custody."Madam Pomfrey thinks I tried to get out of the Shack last Nox. That never happens. Whatever was external kept the Friedrich August Wolf occupied all night. I did n't attack myself."

Mr. Eckerton 's eyes grew large and Albus noticed that the serious expression had dissipated. It was replaced with a look Albus had seen quite often on his own father. It was a Father-God 's shock and trouble.

lusterlessness explained the rest, including the part about the wolf touch desperate. Mr. Eckerton seemed to meditate this for a few instant before sighing and shaking his head.

"What 's going on, Dad ?"Matt asked.

Mr. Eckerton sighed once more."I suppose it could n't hurt to tell you. It 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow anyway. Two children were attacked in Little Shingleton last nighttime. It 's a town about five miles away, on the other position of that mountain next to Hogsmeade. We 've been trying to figure out whether it was Greyback or not, since he left immediately after biting them."

"Were they Muggles ?"Matt asked.

"No,"Mr. Eckerton said."Which makes me consider that this was a carefully planned flak. small Shingleton is a Muggle Village, with these two small fry and their parents being the only witches and wizards in the area. It 's too coincidental. And why attempt both fry ? almost werewolves take off immediately after biting somebody, their inherent aptitude telling them to get as far away as possible, as quickly as possible."

"And did they ... outlast ?"Matt replied.

"They 're both in stable condition at St. Mungo 's. Once their bites heal, they 'll be fine, save for the fact that they now have lycanthropy. The sharpness were clean and low, not convention werewolf bites. These bites were inflicted just to infect. Another sign toward Greyback."

"But what about Hogsmeade ?"Albus asked.

"5 sea mile is not an impossible journey for a werewolf in a nighttime,"Mr. Eckerton explained."almost likely Greyback heard lusterlessness 's ululation last Night and followed the auditory sensation. Once there, he probably spent the eternal rest of the Nox attempting to get inside the shriek hut, which is impossible."

"So you really think it was him ?"Matt asked.

"I do, and Auror Cardinal Newman agrees with me. I left him in Kendrick 's subject, after telling him I needed to visit you since we were already here. But what you 've told me just solidifies it."

"But ca n't you just go get him ?"lav asked."He ca n't be that far. No criminal offense, mat, but if you were away you would n't get very far."

"None taken."

"The thing that makes lycnathropy so difficult to study, and also most in all likelihood the reason why Wolfsbane does n't work for all werewolves, is that each someone 's lycanthropy is vastly different from others. Its effects depend a lot upon a mortal 's views toward their own lycanthropy. Fenrir grayback has spent his liveliness embracing his lycnathropy and sustenance for that one dark a calendar month where his true nature emerges. He embraces his wolf side so a lot that he even attacks people when the moon is not full.

"You, Matt, on the other hand, place most with your human side. As you should, considering you 're only a wolf one dark out of twenty-eight. Therefore, you resist the transformation. You fight it with your every fiber, every month. Johnny embraces it, and probably shifts a lot easy than you do. His transmutation most likely do not do him the Sami pain."

"I guess that makes sense,"Matt said.

"But still,"John said."They should be combing the forest for him."

Mr. Eckerton chuckled."They are. corporate trust me. They have the intact wolfman Control unit searching for him, along with six Aurors, and a fistful of Jnr and trainee Aurors. They do n't normally dispatch Aurors to capture rapscallion werewolves, as that 's usually the Werewolf Control Unit 's job. And it 's not usually my job to investigate wolfman attacks. But this is a high profile case, so they want many people on it, including masses in charge. We 'll get him."

Albus wondered if Teddy was on the typeface. He was a Junior Auror now. Knowing shimmy, he 'd want to be on the causa since Rebel had turned his dad into a werewolf.

"I 've got to get back to the Ministry and fulfill out a report card,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up from his chairwoman."If you think of anything else, Matt, ask to use professor Longbottom 's Floo. Owls are easily intercepted."

matt said good day to his dad and soon the boy and Amanda were alone in the hospital wing once more. Albus did n't know what to say. Fenrir knot, it seemed, was up to his old tricks and somehow mat had gotten involved.
***


Fenrir Greyback 's approach on the two fry took the solid front Thomas Nelson Page of the Prophet the observe morning. The total Great manor hall was talking about it, professors, students, and ghosts. copy of the paper were being passed faster than platters of Baron Verulam. Albus managed to snag a copy from his cousin Ben.

FENRIR GREYBACK ATTACKS IN LITTLE SHINGLETON

Fenrir Calidris canutus, escaped convict and werewolf,
was sighted finis night in Little Shingleton,
Scotland. Little Shingleton is nearly an
entirely Muggle village, save for one
wizarding family. The family, whose
figure have not been released due to the
Underage Lycanthrope Protection Law,
suffered an extreme tragedy stopping point night,
when Fenrir Greyback attacked both of
their youngster. Both tike are
reportedly in stable condition at St.
Mungo 's.

An investigation, organized by both the
Auror Department and the department for
the regulation and dominance of Magical
brute, headed by brain of that department,
Walter Eckerton, concluded lately yesterday.
'We 've interviewed various eyewitnesses
who saw or see a werewolf in Hogsmeade
during the wide lunar month. Hogsmeade is only
about five miles from Little Shingleton .'
research worker said that numerous other
clues led them to consider that the attack
was by Fenrir Greyback, despite not having
actually seen him in Little Shingleton.
'We are not get up to disclose all particular
of the probe. But we are confident
that this was an blast by Calidris canutus. A squad
of Aurors and wolfman controller Unit employees
are working around the clock to enamour
greyback .'

The article was followed by a retread of grayback and the crimes that had landed him in Azkaban in the start place, along with a nasty photograph of him. Even in his human human body he looked rather wolf-like, which was such a drastic contrast compared to Matt, who did n't resemble a Hugo Wolf at all, save for his eyes. Albus glanced up from the article and his centre fell on Matt 's. They had a yellow tint to them, with patch of amber amidst their raw blue color. They were indeed the only when wolf-like trait he possessed when the moon was n't full.

"This is why people want nonindulgent wolfman control Laws,"lusterlessness said quietly.

"Even those could n't give stopped this,"Albus pointed out.

"People wo n't call back about that. All they 'll think about is how their minor are n't safe, and they 're right hand. It 's just filthy timing. Laurentis is going to use this to her advantage."

Albus wanted to guarantee matt that everything would be all rightfield, that Laurentis would n't blow everything out of proportion, but he could n't. He knew that mat was right, that Laurentis would once again use a terrible tragedy to draw more support from the wizarding reality. If his uncle Percy was going to support a chance against her, he was going to make to drastically change his campaign strategy.


A/N : So I just realized that I uploaded the wrong chapter finis Friday. This is the very chapter 25 and the one I uploaded finis Friday is chapter 26. Sorry about that !


The thing about werewolf tone-beginning was that they were only able to pass off once a month. There was absolutely no chance of a werewolf attack during the residuum of the calendar month, so it was easy for the Hogwarts bookman to soon forget about Fenrir greyback, or at to the lowest degree push him into the furthest niche of their creative thinker. After the initial article about Greyback 's flak on the two Loretta Young children, the report returned to its usual election coverage, although both candidate were being very smooth about the attack. Neither Percy nor Laurentis made a command, which did n't surprise Albus. The argumentation on rule of magic creatures was scheduled for Saturday, so both candidates would make statements then. There had been a few editorials in the paper written by people pushing for stricter lycanthrope laws, but that had been it.

Saturday was also the day of the adjacent Hogsmeade trip, and this gave the Hogwarts students a much needed beguilement from the outside world. Word spread amongst Albus 's cousins that James was once again taking Gabby Ellis to Hogsmeade, and quite a few of his other full cousin had dates as well. Albus himself did not, and was planning on spending the day with King John, Kaden, pink wine, and Amanda. Matt had arranged to advert the debate with his dad, and would miss the slip.

"Are you sure you want to go to this debate ?"Albus asked Matt as they played Bromus secalinus in the Marauder 's Den.

"What ?"Matt asked, turning to Albus. He 'd been staring at the wall under the pretence of taking his turn for the past five minutes.

"You were zoning out,"Albus said."I asked if you 're sure enough you want to go to that debate Saturday."

matt had seemed distracted all workweek and whether it was from Greyback being so near during his transformation or the coming public debate, Albus did n't bed.

"Yeah, I 'm surely,"Matt said."I 'd rather discover it straight from her than show it in the Prophet."

"What about your dad ?"Albus asked."Is he going to speak out against her if she wants exacting laws ?"

Matt shrugged."I do n't know. That did n't work too well in Australia."

The door to the Den burst open and John and Kaden came barging in, both wearing selfsame grins. It was slightly uncanny, how similar they looked.

"We 've finished,"Saint John announced.

"Finished what ?"Albus asked. He was slightly worried. It was never a good sign when John the Evangelist and Kaden were that happy about something.

"Our prank,"Kaden answered."We 've finished provision. We 're not quite sure when to do it, though."

"Yeah, any suggestions ?"lavatory asked."Or are you two still being all prefecty on us ?"

Albus burst out laughing and turned to lustrelessness, who smirked."Prefecty ?"Albus repeated.

"Yeah,"Saint John said."Everyone knows it 'll be one of you who makes prefect next year. And you 're getting started early by not liking our pranks."

"We just do n't want detention again,"Matt explained."Honestly, I could n't care LE if you prank the Slytherins. Malfoy 's a git. joke him all you want."

"Are you sure you do n't want to know what it 's going to be ?"John asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Not a opportunity,"Matt said.

St. John shrugged."All right. But when should we do it ?"

"Let 's just time lag and see when the time tactile property right,"Kaden suggested."It 's not, er ... time-sensitive ...."

John the Evangelist and Kaden burst out laughing."Sure,"John the Evangelist said."Not time-sensitive at all."

Albus and matte exchanged a glimpse.

"We could tell you why that was so rum,"John said.

"Or you could just await and see like the balance of the palace,"Kaden added.

"We 'll expect,"Albus said. He was curious about it, but not rum enough to possibly wrap up with another hebdomad 's detention.

Whatever the harlequinade was, john and Kaden did n't implement it before the side by side day. Sabbatum brought blue skies and bitterly cold temperatures and Albus put on two Weasley jumpers in readying for walking around Hogsmeade.

Matt left early for the public debate, Flooing from Professor Longbottom 's survey. Albus and toilet slept late and met Kaden, pink wine, and Amanda in the Great Hall for a quick lunch before setting off for Hogsmeade.

The February Hogsmeade trip-up was always an interesting one. The village became filled with young pair either snogging passionately in front man of the store or staring awkwardly at each other across a table in the three broomstick or ma'am Puddifoot 's. Having never been on a engagement before in his life-time, Albus found it really laughable to watch. Saint John and Kaden found it amusing as well, but Rose and Amanda seemed to stare wistfully at the couple and did n't determine them at all peculiar.

"Where to first ?"Albus asked.

"Not Madam Puddifoot 's,"whoremaster said immediately, grimacing as a few love-struck couples headed toward the lieu.

"I plan on never setting groundwork in there,"Kaden said."I do n't manage how many female child ask me to go there with them."

bathroom laughed."You 'd have to get a young woman to like you first."

"Shut up,"Kaden said."Let 's just go get some Butterbeer."

The rest of the chemical group agreed and they were soon crowded around one of the but empty mesa in the 3 broomstick. Albus was hoping to catch a glimpse of James because despite the fact that Henry James had been out with Gabby Ellis before, Albus could n't get over the fact that his brother was going out on dates. It was just weird.

After finishing their Butterbeer, the group went to Honeyduke 's and Weasleys'in order to store up on Skiving Snackboxes and Chocolate anuran. By then it was nearly dinner party metre and they decided to call it a day. The nothingness was picking up and none of them fancied being caught in a storm.

"Albus !"John shouted just as they were setting off on the track back to the castle.

"What ?"Albus asked, turning to see what John was pointing at.

"Epistle of James and Gabby Ellis,"John said.

Albus squinted and just made out his brother, leaning against the outside of Honeyduke 's, his mouth attached to Gabby Ellis 's. They were so close up that they almost looked like one person.

"Oh my God,"Albus said quietly.

"That is disgusting,"rosebush added."I could 've gone my entire life without seeing someone snog James."

lavatory and Kaden were both laughing."Looks like they 're enjoying it,"St. John said.

"Oh gross !"Albus exclaimed as he turned back to the path."Let 's go."

"I think it 's condom to say they 're together,"Amanda said as they walked back.

"What she could possibly see in James ..."Rose muttered.

"Well, he does playact Quidditch,"Amanda pointed out.

"So do over half my cousins,"blush wine said."So does Albus."

"Can we deepen the subject ?"Albus asked."Please. C'mon, let 's hurry up. I bet matte 's vertebral column from the debate."

That seemed to get his friends'mind off of King James I 's amorous life story. Albus himself wanted to put the image of his chum kissing someone out of his judgment forever. At to the lowest degree she was a Hufflepuff and he 'd never suffer to see them kissing in the common room. If he did he may have to pass all of his time in the piranha 's Den.

Dinner had n't started yet when they arrived at the rook, so the mathematical group decided to go find out Matt first. They found him right where Albus figured he 'd be, in the marauder 's Den. Albus was slightly anxious about what had happened at the debate, but matt was sitting on the couch casually reading his charm book of account, seeming hardly upset at all.

"How was Hogsmeade ?"Matt asked as he set his book down.

"Disgusting,"Albus said as he sat down side by side to mat. lavatory, Rose, and Amanda pulled up chairs.

Matt raised his eyebrow."Disgusting ?"

"We saw James I snogging his new girlfriend,"Rose said with a frisson."confidence me, there 's nothing pleasant about seeing the boy you remember eating a mud pie kissing a girl while pressed up against Honeyduke's."

flatness laughed."I have n't got any cousins, so I 'll take your Holy Scripture for it."

"Consider yourself lucky,"Albus muttered."But what happened at the debate ?"

"It was n't as bad as I thought it would be,"flatness said."Well, O.K., piece of it were n't as bad as I thought they 'd be. It was at the Ministry, in one of those homage suite in the basement. Mostly it was people who work at the Ministry there, but there were some early people there, too, because the room was so big.

"I 'm not sure how much you know about the section for the Regulation and control of Magical animate being, but every wight is divided into one of three family. Beings, flavour, and animal. strong drink are ghosts and poltergeists and boggarts. Beings are creatures that are n't human, but have human intelligence. Beasts are everything else. The bloke who was running the argument started by asking Percy and Laurentis how they feel about the rights given to Beings. You know, goblins, house-elves, Centaur, those sorting of creature. They did n't have much to argue about that because neither of them think any of those creatures should own their rights taken away. And rosiness 's mum has worked so tough to get them rights.

"Then they moved on to the feel sectionalization and there was n't much contention with that, either, since there 's not much that can be done about sprightliness. They 're just form of there. Ghosts do n't harm anyone and poltergeists it all depends on the specific poltergeist. Laurentis brought up the topic of Peeves, which was odd, but Percy did n't seem to have an belief on Peeves."

Albus had n't expected much controversy with the being segmentation. There had been a lot of argument back and Forth River about the right hand of beingness back when his parents had been in school and his aunt Hermione had dedicated her work life story toward giving rightfulness to Beings, especially house-elves. Over the year she 'd done a very good job with it and had n't met often opponent. As for the spirit division, Albus did n't think there had ever been much controversy there. spectre were just ghostwriter. They pretty much did as they pleased.

Matt paused."Then there was the animate being air division. Throughout history both werewolves and vampires have sometimes been in the Being partition and sometimes been in the beast division. Classification in the wildcat division is the rationality why werewolf have been stripped of their rights and how the Ministry can get away with it. If they 're not seen as being, then legally, they do n't have to be given the Sami rights as humans. It 's a triviality, really.

"A foresighted prison term ago lycanthrope were in the Being division, but they got reclassified in the 1950s, after a immense loup-garou onrush on an entire Town. It was horrible. But ever since then, no one has wanted to classify them as Beings again. My dad has been an advocate for categorisation as Beings ever since he started in Australia.

"The thing about assortment is that, for the most piece, Ministries all over the world have to harmonize. That 's why reclassification is such a time-consuming and difficult matter to do. Someone has to bring it up and align negotiations between countries and it requires a lot of effort. When Voldemort came to baron no one in United Kingdom had the time or muscularity to put toward the reclassification of lycanthrope. Not to reference they could n't spare the people to put the time into it. Since the roughshod attack in the 50s happened in England, the other countries have n't wanted to touch the melodic theme. Although I 'd bet that Australia would put up a skillful fight if it was ever brought up again.

"So, basically, my dad has been trying to do this for ages, but he does n't have the reenforcement. Even parson Hartwell has n't wanted to touch it since it 's such a controversial progeny and he does n't have much time left."

"Wow,"Albus said."Binns did n't teach us any of that in history of Magic."

"And he probably wo n't,"Matt said."It 's not a well-known topic since most mass probably do n't care to put in the effort to reclassify lycanthrope. The only citizenry who 'd want to are werewolves."

"That 's tremendous,"Amanda said."But what happened at the debate ?"

"The necromancer in charge of the public debate dodged the inquiry of Johnny Reb for a while, asking questions about other tool like thestrals and dementors and the like. But he finally brought up the topic of Greyback and Laurentis basically said that it was n't a thing of loup-garou control laws, but a matter of Azkaban security-"

"well, that 's expert,"Albus said. He would n't have expected that of Laurentis.

"form of,"Matt replied."I have n't finished. Anyway, your uncle agreed with her, but he of path said that putting the dementors back would be stupid. Laurentis said that if the dementors had been there then Greyback would n't cause escaped and those kids would 've been safe. Then they started arguing about Azkaban and dementors again. But the fellow in charge cut them off.

"Then he finally brought up the fact that my dad 's been pushing for the reclassification of werewolf as organism for twelvemonth and how he 's got the support of Rose 's mum and asked what their opinion of it was."

"But if my mum was capable to help house-elves and hobgoblin, then why could n't she do it for werewolves at the same time ?"blush wine asked.

"House-elves and hob have always been classified as Beings,"matte explained."They were being denied right hand that they technically already had. It was just a matter of reworking the laws and enforcing them properly. None of the lycanthrope right hand constabulary can be changed unless their classification is changed-"

"But that 's just poor fish,"John said.

matt shrugged."It is, but there 's nix anyone can do about it."

"Well, what did Laurentis say ?"Albus asked.

"Laurentis said that reclassifying werewolves as Beings would fork over the current lycanthrope dominance laws unenforceable and that it would dedicate the Ministry far less restraint over lycanthrope. Which is true,"matt said."Not that it would be a bad thing."

"Of course not,"Albus agreed.

"Then she said that if wolfman were currently classified as Beings it would make it unmanageable to even catch Greyback and prosecute him for what he 's done, which is n't true at all. My dad was turning purpleness at this point. She really knows nil about the way his department works."

"What about Uncle Percy ?"pink wine asked.

mat did n't say anything for a full minute."He was n't as bad as Laurentis, but well, your uncle does n't want to change anything. I 'm surely you 've noticed that he says everything 's alright the way it is and we do n't need to shift anything, whether it 's Azkaban or Hogwarts. He thought the like about werewolves."

"What do you mean ?"Albus asked."He thinks that-"

matte averted his regard, looking at Kaden rather than Albus and rosebush."He thinks that 'putting Department of Energy into reclassifying werewolves as being would be a hapless idea, given the other issues facing the greater wizarding biotic community .'And that is a direct quote. I ca n't ever forget that."

Albus wished he was surprised. He really did. But the fact remained that Uncle Percy did n't like to invoke the cauldron, so to speak. If things were working the way they were, he would n't change them. He 'd rather preserve things the same then speak out openly either for or against anything, if it would cost him underpin or votes.

"Then he went on to excuse,"mat continued."He said that werewolf classification does n't regard a orotund act of hag and wizards and that it 's very complicated and would need a lot of drive, which is true. But it 's like he did n't think it was worth it, just because it would n't involve a lot of people."

"It does n't storm me,"blush wine said quietly."The election is so soon. I do n't think he 's going to say anything too controversial."

"Honestly, it was almost defective than Laurentis,"Matt said, turning back to Albus and Rose."Sorry. I know he 's your uncle-"

"Do n't apologize,"Albus said, suddenly glad he was n't of age and would n't hold to opt between the two candidates.

"It 's like he does n't even bear a strong legal opinion on it. He does n't want to induce a strong opinion on it,"Matt added."Laurentis at least has a understanding. Your uncle does n't even have that. Honestly, Albus, I 've no idea who my parents will vote for now. Same with Amy."

"I do n't know who I 'd vote for now,"Albus said quietly.

"But either way, I do n't cogitate werewolf will get reclassified,"mat replied."Nothing will hap without funding of the British people Minister at this point."

"That 's just not honest,"Amanda said."What exactly does the law say now ? What are you not allowed to do ?"

Matt averted his gaze once more. This was another topic that mat had n't ever spoke of before and Albus had n't dared ask.

"Well, technically,"matt began,"I 'm not allowed to be at Hogwarts."

"What ?"Albus shouted. The quietus of his supporter let out interchangeable exclamations of shock.

"But chemise 's dad-"rose began.

"Not legal,"mat said."Dumbledore frequently broke the law and that was no different. Professor Kendrick follows the law a bit more but he liked the thought of allowing me to attend. It 's kind of murky, to be honest. It 's in the law that werewolves can not attend Hogwarts, but at the Sami time, Hogwarts headmasters have everlasting restraint over who they admit. So as long as it 's kept quiet-"

"But what about Malfoy ?"blush wine asked."If he were to let it slip-"

"Then Kendrick would expel him,"Matt explained."And he 'd be allowed to, since it would be detrimental to another student 's didactics for him to uncover my condition. I told you ; it 's very murky."

"What else ?"Amanda asked.

"The residual has mostly to do with employment,"flatness said."well, that and the Ministry is allowed to keep werewolves for questioning about full Sun Myung Moon tone-beginning without actually arresting them. Werewolves as prisoners have virtually no rightfulness.

"But anyway, employ. I 'm legally obligated to inform any potentiality employers of my stipulation. If werewolves were classified as Beings, that would n't be required, because lycanthropy would be seen as a medical condition and employment can not be terminated based on a person 's medical conditions."

"That is the most confusing affair in the world,"Albus said. His head was spinning."How do you keep all that straight ?"

matte shrugged."It 's my life-time. That 's the early thing, Albus, your uncle really has no idea how things are run in the Department for the Regulation and controller of Magical Creatures. He 's not really restrict to say what effect the reclassification would have on everything. Because, honestly, it would only affect werewolves."

"That seems obvious,"Albus said.

"So somebody can not hire you just because you 're a werewolf ?"Amanda asked incredulously.

Matt nodded."Does n't even count if they 're on Wolfsbane or not, either."

"What will you do after Hogwarts ?"Amanda asked.

"No theme,"Matt said."I 'm trying not to think about that. But this whole simulation to be convention thing that I 'm doing at Hogwarts ? It 's temporary. That 's all there is to it."

No one quite knew what to say after that. Albus certainly did n't. He wished more than anything that his uncle would bear the reclassification of werewolf as being, despite the fact that it might lose him a few voting. It might even cost him a few not to induce spoken up, because now, mat 's parents and Amy might not vote for him. But this had such a turgid effect than just the election. mat was right ; this was his life, and Uncle Harry Hotspur and Laurentis were just seeing it as a way to drum up Sir Thomas More votes. Maybe Uncle Harry Hotspur was n't the right man for the job, after all. But Laurentis certainly was n't, and since no one else was running, what would happen after the election ?


A/N : Thanks for all the amazing reassessment !


The argument on the Regulation and control condition of Magical fauna did not appear to be a hot subject of discussion amongst the Hogwarts educatee. Unlike the debate on education, this particular debate did not relate directly to Hogwarts students, and thus there was n't much discussion beyond a few judgement at breakfast the side by side day. The article on the debate was much more tame than the former articles, most in all likelihood because Percy and Laurentis had n't disagreed on the topic. In fact, the article mostly focused on the dementor issue.

Albus and his acquaintance kept nigh watch on the Prophet in case there were any updates on the escaped prisoner, but the ease of February passed without any sightings or captures. It was kind of strange since the prisoners had to give birth been hiding out somewhere. Yet they 'd been loose for nearly two calendar month and the only one who had been sighted was Reb. Willinson, Umbridge, and the Carrows were nowhere, it seemed.

In the meantime, Laurentis used the lack of seizure to her advantage, by publishing a new statement every few years declaring how unqualified the Auror department was. These statements were usually followed up with another declaration of how the prisoner would n't have escaped if the dementors had been in control of Azkaban.

When March arrived, the Prophet began putting a countdown until the election at the top of the front pageboy, every single day.

"April tomfool 's Day,"john commented as he pointed to the countdown, which read '29 days .'“ Does n't that look a bit weird, to do an election on that day ?"

"A piffling,"Albus said."But I doubt the Ministry cares."

"We should do our prank that day,"Kaden said.

"Do n't,"Rose said."Hogwarts is a polling place. You 'll mess it up."

"No, we wo n't do it then,"King John said as he exchanged a mischievous grin with Kaden."Want to have a go at it why ?"

"Not really,"Albus said.

"They 'll find out soon enough,"Kaden said.

"Department of Energy this have anything to do with why you two disappeared all eve yesterday ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Possibly,"toilet said."Oh, feeling at the time. We 've got to get to potions."

Kaden burst out laughing."Oh, yes, looks like it 's time for me to go to Divination."

Albus looked at matte and shrugged. John and Kaden had been laughing at every reference of 'time'or 'clocks'for the past few weeks, but had yet to part why. Albus could only assume that it had to do with their prank.

Albus, lusterlessness, John, pink wine, and Amanda said goodbye to Kaden and headed for the donjon. Since it was a two-bagger class, Slughorn gave them a potion to brew and sat at his desk grading essays while they worked.

Albus and flatness partnered on their potion and worked quietly, chopping and mixing. Halfway through the back class they were chopping asphodel when Matt suddenly stopped.

"Did you hear that ?"he asked Albus.

"Hear what ?"Albus replied. He had n't heard anything.

"Never psyche,"Matt muttered."Could 've sworn ... guess I 'm hearing things."

A few second passed and lustrelessness stopped again."I swear there 's something ringing outside. It sounds like an alarm clock."

Albus glanced around the classroom, but nobody else seemed to have heard it. Everyone was working quietly, except Saint John, who was staring at the door for some unknown reason. Then Albus heard it. The faint vibrancy.

"Do you try it now ?"Matt asked.

"Yeah,"Albus said. It was becoming louder, too. The balance of the class was beginning to discover as well, and John suddenly turned around to look at them. He grinned widely and then returned to his potion.

"It 's their prank,"Matt hissed."It 's got to be."

nonentity was paying any attention to their potions now and a few of them were boiling over. Slughorn got up from his desk and left the room, without saying a word to the class. He returned a few proceedings later.

"nursing bottle your potions as is,"he said."It seems there is some sort of alarm going off all over the rook. After you 're done cleaning up you may leave early."

Albus and lusterlessness worked quickly, wanting to spill the beans to John as soon as they could. They met him, along with Rose and Amanda, outside the classroom a few minutes later, and headed to the Great Hall. John still had n't said anything.

Kaden was already there when they arrived."Trelawney let us out as soon as the consternation started. I think it was driving her mad. I mean, more mad than she already is."

"Are you going to secern us what you 've done ?"Albus asked as he began making a sandwich.

"Yeah, we might as well,"John said."We put an alarm clock inside every single causa of armor and charmed them to go off at five minute intervals."

Albus started laughing."That 's vivid !"

"That 's actually really good charm work,"rose said, clearly impressed.

"It gets better,"Kaden said."The teachers wo n't be able to turn them off with one go. We charmed them so they have to be manually turned off. It 's going to take them ages."

"I feel bad for whoever 's got metamorphosis next,"St. James the Apostle said as he sat down next to Albus."There must be 20 suits of armour across the corridor from the Transfiguration elbow room. It 's so loud in there you can barely hear yourself think."

"red cent,"Albus said."We 've got metamorphosis next."

"face, Kendrick 's standing up. Bet he cancels classes."John pointed to the staff tabular array.

"Quiet !"Kendrick shouted."Very amusing japery. It would appear that the alarm clocks have to be manually turned off, so I am canceling course of study for the afternoon while the staff and prefects turn off all the alarms."

There was a loud cheer as Kendrick resumed his seat. The staff board was only half-full, as the rest of them must have been already turning the alarms off.

"He does n't seem upset,"Albus said."This is actually form of tame. I thought you were going to get revenge on the Slytherins."

John grinned."Oh, we are. That 'll arrive another day."

After dejeuner Albus and his Quaker went to the Marauder 's Den with the intention of spending the day there, but the incessant alarm system quickly grew too annoying. Despite the low temperature, they decided that outside would be preferred to inside. The C had melted, so they were able-bodied to recover a dry spot to sit.

"I still hear the tintinnabulation,"Matt said as they settled down under a Brobdingnagian beech tree diagram by the lake."It 's like my head is an warning signal clock. I think if you had done this around the full lunation I would 've murdered you."

"That 's why we did n't do it around the full moon,"John said.

"Really ?"lustrelessness asked skeptically.

John laughed."No. Had n't even thought of that, to be honest."

"We did it today because I had a account of Magic exam this afternoon,"Kaden said."I 'm hoping Binns will block about it."

"It 's soon, though, is n't it ?"John the Evangelist asked.

"The full moon ? Yeah, it 's Monday,"matt answered."I 've been thinking about it. About Reb. He 's probably going to make out back unless the Aurors catch him before."

"Probably,"Albus agreed.

"I had an idea,"Matt said quietly."I think we can help trip up them, using my wolfy side."

"As bait ?"Albus asked, shocked."Then you 'd be in danger."

"No, I would n't,"Matt said."I would n't be doing anything different. I 'd just be in the scream Shack like common. Albus, the marauder 's Map label Animagi as their human name calling, right ?"

Albus nodded."Yeah, of course. That 's how Teddy 's dad found out about Pettigrew."

"wellspring, should n't it be the same for lycanthrope ?"lustrelessness asked.

Albus had n't thought about that before. In all his clip of having the second edition vulture 's Map, he 'd never curb the Shrieking hut during a full-of-the-moon Sun Myung Moon."I think it should."

"Then all the Aurors have to do is watch out the new variation of the Marauder 's Map during the entire moon, wait for Greyback to show up, and then charm him."

Albus thought for a few moments. It seemed so simple, almost too dewy-eyed to work."mat ... that 's brilliant."

"When did you think of this ?"Rose asked.

"Few calendar week ago,"Matt answered."knot was there by the Shrieking Shack for nearly the entire night. It would 've been easygoing to fascinate him if mortal just knew he was there."

"hold,"rose wine said, looking at Albus."You are n't proposing that you do this, are you ? Because that would be stupid."

"Of track not,"Matt said."It would be my dad and Albus 's dad."

"I do n't retrieve my dad 's in thrill of the Greyback capture,"Albus pointed out."It 's that other Auror, Newman."

"If I 'm going to go along with this and tell them my programme then it 's got to be your dad,"lusterlessness said adamantly."He already knows I 'm a werewolf. John Henry Newman does n't. I do n't jazz what he 'd do if he knew there was a werewolf at Hogwarts."

Albus thought back to what Matt had told them about how it was n't gain whether admitting werewolves to Hogwarts was legal or not."All rightfulness. That make sense."

"But why are you so sure he 's going to come back to this like spotlight ?"Amanda asked."If he were smart he 'd transform someplace completely different."

"He 's got a hangup about werewolves pretending to be human,"Matt said quietly."He thinks that we 've all got to encompass our wolf-selves and live together in packs. I do n't intend he 's going to give up easily on finding me. He did the same thing with teddy 's dad."

"Then he might be transforming near those kids he attacked last month,"Rose pointed out."They should station Aurors there, too."

Matt nodded."Let 's go send some owls."
***


Albus and flatness did n't say much in their letter of the alphabet to their Father of the Church, wanting to write near of the details for later. Both of them replied saying they would meet the boys at Hogwarts Friday evening in order to bring out the details.

The week went by very slowly and Albus noticed that mat drew quieter and quieter as it progressed. He never said it out tatty, but Albus had a notion he was incredibly dying about the plan and his role in it, despite his saying he would be fine. By the time Friday arrived he was completely silent, except for the few times he snapped at John and Kaden for being irritating.

"You know if this programme actually works and Limnodromus griseus is captured it 's going to make Uncle Harry look very good,"Rose said."Which will be good for Uncle Percy."

"I thought of that,"Albus said."And since the election is only three weeks away, it 's unadulterated timing."

"When are you meeting your pa ?"John the Evangelist asked.

"VII,"Albus answered as he glanced at his vigil."We should probably go."

Albus shoved the live bite of his cake into his mouth and left the Great Charles Martin Hall with Matt at his English. professor Longbottom had leant them his subject area for the get together, so Albus and Matt walked up to the fourth floor.

Professor Longbottom was n't there when they arrived but the room access was partially surface. Albus led matte inside and they sat down on a cast to wait. Albus had always loved Longbottom 's study. It was filled with all variety of exotic plant life that you never wanted to touch because some of them bit. The furniture was mismatched and the altogether place was pleasantly cluttered. It felt very safe.

Harry and Walter walked in a few minutes later and shut the door behind them. Both looked very fascinate and slightly confused.

"Al,"Harry said as he gave his son a quick hug."What 's going on ?"

Albus glanced at Matt, who had just been let go of by his own father. This was his plan to explain.

"I know how you can overtake greyback,"lustrelessness said quietly, and then proceeded to explain the integral program."See ? trade good plan, right ?"

Harry and Walter exchanged glances. Walter looked incredibly worried."Matt, look, I know you want to help and I know the fact that Greyback 's out there scares you out of your mind-"

"I 'm not that scared,"lusterlessness interrupted, but everyone in the room knew he was."Look, he 's going to derive to Hogsmeade anyway. You might as well be there waiting for him."

Walter sighed."Yes, I suppose you 're right-"

"So what 's the job ? I 'll be in the Shrieking Shack with all the wards up."

"There really is n't a problem,"Bruno Walter said."It just sounds bad on the surface, me using my son as bait. What do you think, Harry ?"

"I think it 's up to you,"Harry said."You 're in flush of this search. I 'm not even on it. I assigned it to Newman."

"Newman ca n't be there,"matt said quickly as he turned to his dad."He ca n't be. He does n't know about me."

"He 's aright,"Walter said."It 's got to be you and me if it 's going to be anyone. Whoever works this is going to find out there 's a werewolf at Hogwarts."

Harry sighed and began to rate the room."I had n't thought of that. But there 's got to be more of us. I 'll bring Ron in, and Teddy."

"Ron ?"lustrelessness asked.

"rosebush 's dad,"Albus explained."My uncle."

Matt breathed a sigh of relief."Oh, all right then."

"They 'd be okay,"Walter said."Four of us should be able to deal it. What about those fry in Little Shingleton ?"

"I 'll impute Paul Newman to them,"Harry decided."And you can find fault a few people form your department to go with him."

Walter nodded."What about the villagers ? We ca n't hang around the Shrieking Shack all night. It 'll look suspicious."

Albus suddenly remembered the map. He pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to his dad."Use the map. Then you can watch until he gets there."

Harry grinned."I 'd forgotten about this."He turned to Walter."Map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, created by my dad, Canicula Black, Remus lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. It shows where everyone is, so it should show us when Greyback turns up. We can wait at the Hog 's Head until then. No one there will pay us any attention."

"And in the write up ? In the paper the succeeding day ?"Walter asked.

"No mention of mat or his being in the Shrieking hut,"Harry said."We 'll say we got an anon. tip that he 'd establish up in Hogsmeade."

"Can I wait with you ?"Albus asked.

Harry laughed."Absolutely not. You 'll stay in the castle, where it 's safe. I believe they 're doing a mandatory ahead of time curfew again ?"

Albus nodded. They 'd put up posters in the vulgar rooms a few days ago. This time, no one seemed knock over about it.

"I wish they 'd do it in Hogsmeade,"Bruno Walter said."But getting something like that set up takes weeks."

"well, if people are smart they 'll ride out inside with Ward up,"Harry pointed out.
***


Never before had Albus heard so many multitude talking about the fully lunar month. All weekend, everywhere he turned, he heard someone mentioning either the full moon or Greyback or both. Suddenly, werewolves were the hot topic of discussion at Hogwarts.

Most citizenry, from what Albus could pucker, did n't suffer a strong opinion on werewolves one way or another. But a few mass, most having had a relative murdered by Fenrir greyback, told anyone who would listen how happy they were that neither candidate wanted to change the classification of lycanthrope from Beasts to existence. It only took Matt overhearing one of these conversations to settle to pass the rest of the weekend in the Marauder 's Den.

"It 'll all be over in three calendar week,"Amanda said."Once the election takes place no one is going to manage as much. But these past times few workweek have certainly made me wonder if I should go into the section for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures."

It was William Ashley Sunday Nox and Albus and his friends were in the Marauder 's Den, yet again, working on their prep that was due tomorrow.

"You could operate with my dad,"Matt announced from the couch."That 'd be weird."

"well, it 's just direful,"Amanda said."And it does n't make sentiency. Why should goblins and house-elves be Beings but not werewolves ? You 're more than homo than a house-elf."

flatness laughed."Tomorrow night I wo n't be, and that 's what it comes down to. House-elves are n't that serious. Werewolves are."

"I do n't know,"Albus began."When my dad was a second yr a house-elf charmed a Bludger to interrupt his arm. That 's fairly dangerous."

"What about vampires ?"blush wine asked."I ought to owl Linda."

"vampire are existence,"matte explained."It 's because they do n't cause to salute human blood to survive. It 's a choice. Werewolves, when we bite someone, it 's not a pick. We ca n't ascertain it."

"Except with Wolfsbane,"Rose pointed out.

"Yeah, and maybe if someone invents Wolfsbane that works for all werewolves we might get reclassified,"Matt said.

"What about vampire who bite people ?"Amanda asked.

"They 're put in prison,"matte said.

"So can vampires go to schoolhouse and hold chore ?"Kaden asked.

"I suppose they could. Linda went to school. But they live forever so most do n't desire to go to school or already ingest, because most vampires are older. As for line, they do n't sustain to tell employers what they are, so yeah, they could."

"It 's so blooming confusing,"john said."Does n't take a bit of sense."

"It really does n't,"Matt said with a yawn."But it 's life."

Matt slept the residue of the evening and near of the next day, not attending any of his classes. Albus could n't pick him, what with all the lycanthrope talk that was going around the school. Albus himself found it difficult to center on any of his classes or homework since there was the clear-cut possible action that Fenrir Reb would be captured that night.

Albus and his champion reported to the common room at five, as per the curfew, and then went to dinner. Matt did n't link up them. He was gone when they returned. Albus gave up on homework for the night and played a few halfhearted turn of Exploding catch with John and Kaden before deciding to go up to his dormitory early. He knew he would n't sleep, but figured it would be slightly more productive than cleaning ash off his face.

Instead of sleeping, Albus sat in the windowsill and watched the sky. It was take in, giving him a very effective persuasion of the stars. After locating a few constellation Albus watched the horizon and the faint glow that was above it. Then, the moon rose.


A/N : So, some of you may make noticed that I screwed up last week 's update. I accidentally skipped chapter 25 ( Full synodic month Attacks ) and went right to chapter 26 ( look, organism, and Beasts ). If you have n't already done so, go back and interpret the real chapter 25. The story will make much more common sense after that.

I am proud of to announce that I have finished this story ! It topped out at 37 chapters. I may start updating this twice a hebdomad, but have n't quite decided yet. A lot of you are asking in reviews when the next update will be, so I 'll reiterate that I update every Friday. The exact sentence will vary. Thanks for all the limited review !