Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus managed to sit up the right way before the hexes started flying. Realizing that he dropped his scepter when Lubar and Jarrett hexed him, he groped about for it on the ground. Not finding it, he crawled behind a nearby bush and watched.

Jarrett did n't wedge around long. He sent one silly Stunner at Harry, who easily deflected it, and disappeared on the speckle. Harry immediately disarmed Lubar before he could do the Lapp.

Once Lubar was defenseless, Albus left the refuge of the Bush and shakily stood up. He reached the fire and was able-bodied to see who the other two wizards next to Harry were. What he saw made him dizzy with shock all over again.

The shorter of the two was mat 's dad. He was staring stony faced at Lubar. Albus had never seen anyone glare at anyone else with such hatred and loathing as lustrelessness 's dad glared at Lubar. And that included when his Uncle Ron talked about the Malfoys, or his mum when somebody mentioned Vernon and Petunia Dursley.

It was the early mavin that nearly caused Albus to pass out in jounce. He was none other than prof Balladanis. What in the name of pigeon hawk was he doing there ? It looked like he was actually with Harry and lustrelessness 's dad. But why ? Did n't Matt 's dad hate Balladanis ?

"Eckerton, what a pleasant surprise,"Lubar smirked.

"Lubar, if we were n't in the presence of an Auror and a Presuler I 'd rip you limb from limb, Muggle flair,"Mr. Eckerton growled.

Albus was slightly stunned by Mr. Eckerton 's choice of row, but remembering what mat had told him at the beginning of the year, all surprisal left him.

"Lucky for me Potter and Balladanis are here, then,"Lubar replied and snatched Washburn 's wand off the ground.

Harry, Mr. Eckerton, and Balladanis all sent different enchantment at Lubar at the Lapp time, but it was too of late. He was already gone. Mr. Eckerton swore loudly.

"Two ai n't bad,"Balladanis muttered as he gestured to Washburn and Quinton, the latter of whom was still conscious but not completely cognisant of his surroundings.

"That 's the glaring difference of opinion between you and I,"Mr. Eckerton muttered as he moved swiftly past Quinton and Washburn to reach Matt.

"Dad !"Albus shouted.

Harry looked up from Kaden 's unconscious mind form and raced towards Albus. Albus threw his arms around his dad and the two of them hugged each other tightly.

"Al, thank Merlin,"Harry said.

"Dad, what 's Balladanis doing here ?"Albus asked immediately,"And Lubar, what 's going to happen to him ? And Willinson ?"

"I 'll explain it all once we get you back to Hogwarts,"Harry assured him.

Balladanis had a firm clasp on both Washburn and Quinton and was fiddling with a broken charge plate cup. A few seconds later, all three of them disappeared.

Harry turned to Mr. Eckerton, who was standing up with Matt in his blazon."Can you take John the Evangelist, too ? I 'll get Kaden and Al will come with me."

Mr. Eckerton nodded and grabbed hold of John 's arm before pulling his own broken credit card cup out of his sack. They disappeared.

Harry pulled Kaden up and took Albus 's arm. Albus was still thoroughly confused, but did not cause sentence to ask his dad anymore interrogation before feeling the familiar jerky behind his naval that signified he was traveling by Portkey.

Albus landed with a thud in the midsection of the Hospital Wing. The question of how they managed to Portkey inside the Hogwarts land was the least pressing question on his mind.

Looking around, Albus saw that the others had arrived as well. Mr. Eckerton was laying both Matt and John on the penny-pinching beds while Madam Pomfrey was shouting and gathering potions.

"Look at the state of them !"the nursemaid exclaimed,"Always this lot, too ! You 're a bad influence on them, Harry, I swear !"

Harry looked slightly sheepish as he set Kaden down on the bed next to flatness 's and then turned to Albus.

"I 've got to speak with prof Kendrick and go to the Ministry-"he began.

"But Dad !"Albus interrupted,"What was Balladanis doing there ?"

"I promise I 'll tell you all of that and more,"Harry replied,"But I need to tell everyone you and the others are ok. When I get back, I 'm going to necessitate you to tell me everything that happened."

"But-"

"No buts !"brothel keeper Pomfrey cut in,"Bed, Albus, bed ! You need perch !"

Albus, who had barely registered the fact that his foreland was bleeding and he was still quite dizzy, felt that the lowest thing he needed was rest. He needed to do it what was going on.

"I 'll explain once you 've gotten some sleep,"Harry assured him.

Albus muttered under his breath and got into bed. Once ma'am Pomfrey had given him a Sleeping draught, Harry left, leaving Albus to unsuccessfully try to fight down off the sopor he knew was coming.

******

The Ward was placidity when Albus woke up. It was completely dark outside, although Albus did n't have the slender clue as to what day it was. John, flatness, and Kaden were either still unconscious or audio asleep. Albus was betting on the latter since Madam Pomfrey was no where to be seen.

Mr. Eckerton was still there and he had been joined by his wife. Both of them were nodding off in death chair next to matt 's bed. It did n't look like Mr. Eckerton had even left. He was wearing the same Ministry robes he had been wearing before.

Albus sat up and put his paw to his head. There was a bandage on the rachis of it. Another patch was wrapped around his the right way arm, although he could n't recall when he had injured it. Besides that, he just felt exhausted.

The threshold to the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth opened, letting in a small flood of lighting from the corridor. A chassis stepped inside and began walking towards Albus 's bed.

"Hey, Al,"they said.

"Dad,"Albus replied, recognizing his father,"Are you going to tell me about Balladanis now ?"

"Yes,"Harry chuckled,"Perhaps we ought to go to the Room of Requirement."

Albus shook his head, remembering something he had been debating for the past year. He had waited long enough. It was time.

"No,"Albus said,"I know someplace better."

Without saying a discussion, Albus got out of bed and extend his dad out the door and up to the 5th story corridor. Harry did not ask a single interrogation as Albus pulled the arm down on the allow knight and turned to confront the opposite wall.

Albus located the paw print and touched his hand to them, turning it into a doorknob. He opened the door and stepped inside. Harry followed, letting out a pant as he did.

"Remember that map from last class ?"Albus asked as he shut the door.

Harry nodded, apparently at a exit for words.

"There was More to it. program line on how to get into this way. It was theirs, the Marauders'. Their orphic common room,"Albus said quietly.

Harry did n't respond. Instead he walked slowly around the room. Albus stood near the doorway and waited. He was n't sure enough how long he stood there, watching as his dad investigated the elbow room that had once belonged to his grandfather.

"This,"Harry began,"This is just unbelievable, Al. How long have you known about it ?"

"About a yr,"Albus said quietly.

"And you spend time here ?"Harry asked.

"Probably more than we do in the uncouth room,"Albus answered.

"Then it is the perfect situation to tattle,"Harry said as he sat down on one of the couches.

Albus sat down next to him."So why was Balladanis there ?"

"I 'll tell you that,"Harry said,"But first I want you to explicate to me what happened."

Albus took a trench breath and told his dad everything. Starting with when they saw Lubar in the palace and ending with throwing the Resurrection Stone into the Outback. He explained how they had first gone to a forest in Commonwealth of Australia, how they had Portkeyed to the Outback, the dementors, the almost Patronus he had managed to crap, the duel, the fact that the Resurrection of Christ I. F. Stone did n't work to wreak Voldemort back.

"Why did n't it work ?"Albus asked,"I mean, I 'm glad it did n't, but why ?"

Harry thought for a few arcminute and then looked at Albus."There are a few reasonableness that might explain it. The Christ's Resurrection gem brings back masses we love, but it does not get them back completely. It 's almost as if their soul is coming back."

"Like a ghost ?"

"Not exactly,"Harry said,"But similar. It 's possible that since Voldemort split his soul so many times, he ca n't be brought back with the gemstone. The Stone may demand the soul to be intact to work."

Albus nodded."That makes sense."

"It could also be that only loved one can be brought back with the rock. Washburn and the Willinsons did not do it Voldemort ; they did not know him. They wanted to bring him back for their own agenda,"Harry explained.

"Is there any way to find out which it is ?"Albus asked.

"No, I do n't mean so,"Harry said,"Especially now that the Isidor Feinstein Stone is once again gone. Which is something I 'm very thankful that you did."

"wellspring, I figured you left it out in the Forbidden Forest for a intellect,"Albus shrugged.

"Yes, yes I did,"Harry replied,"I think it best if nobody had that Stone."

Albus nodded."Yeah, that makes horse sense. But what was Balladanis doing there ?"

Harry laughed."You 're not going to let that go, are you ?"

"Nope, you said you 'd tell me,"Albus said.

"I will,"Harry replied,"Albus, do you cognise what a Presuler is ?"

"Yes,"Albus nodded,"And I know that Balladanis is one."

"You do ?"Harry looked impressed.

"He told me during one of those dueling deterrent example he gave me,"Albus explained.

"well, that makes my account easier,"Harry said,"A little over a twelvemonth ago, shortly after Quinton kidnapped Kaden, the Ministry decided to hire a Presuler to help obtain Washburn and Jarrett Willinson."

"Seriously ?"Albus gaped at him.

"Yes,"Harry muttered,"The pastor believed the Aurors needed some help."

Albus thought he heard bit of scorn in his dad 's voice.

"When I realized that Washburn and the Willinsons were most potential working with Ralph Lubar, I had to adjoin Balladanis and let him know. He came with us, and I have to admit that he was very helpful. We would not consume found you as fast if he was n't there,"Harry explained.

"But why was he teaching here ?"Albus asked.

"The Minister, Professor Kendrick, and I believed it would be salutary strategy to have him stationed at Hogwarts, where we all believed Washburn and the Willinsons would fall to. Balladanis agreed,"Harry said,"Of track, none of us realized that Balladanis would not be able to wield teaching.

"This is all quite secretive, Al. I 'd prefer you did n't evidence anyone. I will be telling flatness, St. John, and Kaden, because I feel they have the right to know, but I do n't need anyone else knowing about it."

"What about Rose and Amanda ?"Albus asked.

"I suppose I 'll tell them as well, otherwise Kaden is indisputable to tell them,"Harry said.

"What 's going to happen to Lubar ?"Albus asked,"Is Balladanis going to be after him now ?"

"No,"Harry shook his head,"That 's going to be catchy place. Lubar is n't a British citizen. We ca n't do a thing while he 's in Australia. It 's up to the Aboriginal Australian Ministry to either put him on run or give him to us to put on trial. And since he 's one of their officials, we 're not sure they 'll do either."

"But that 's not sightly !"Albus stood up angrily,"looking what he did ! Look what he 's done !"

"I know,"Harry sighed,"I 'd like nothing more than to give him a life-long stint in Azkaban, but unfortunately the law of nature do n't process that way."

"He and Balladanis get along anyway,"Albus said,"Balladanis probably would n't want to go after him."

"I do n't know about that,"Harry said,"Balladanis likes people to pay for what they 've done. However, being a Presuler and having no Ministry affiliation, he does not take to take a suit if he 's offered it."

"He told me I 'd cook a good Presuler,"Albus said quietly as I sat back down,"Malfoy, too."

Harry sighed."What do you think about that ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus shrugged,"I mean, I like dueling, but I do n't really want to decide what I want to do right now."

"You do n't ingest to,"Harry replied,"And I do n't want to tell you what to do, but I am going to severalise you something.

"Being a Presuler is a hard job and often a lonely one. You have no coworkers. You work with various Ministries, but rarely get to know anyone. You travel a lot, which can realise it difficult to have a fellowship. It 's not an light course to go down. Not one I 'd select for myself."

Albus had n't even thought about that. He did n't think he 'd need to rarely ever see his champion and family.

"There 's pot of other things you could do that would put your dueling skills to use,"Harry told him,"And you 're only 13 so no motivation to decide now."

"I know, I do n't plan to,"Albus replied.

"Well, you should probably get back to the Hospital Wing before lady Pomfrey notification you 're gone,"Harry smirked,"And thanks again for showing me the room."

Harry stood up and gave his son a hug. They left the way and walked back to the infirmary Wing, both lost in their thoughts.

******

As it turned out, gentlewoman Pomfrey had already noticed that Albus was missing. When he returned to the Hospital Wing with his dad, she was running about the cellblock shouting at the top of her lungs. Matt, John, and Kaden were all awake, staring at her.

"There you are !"she shrieked,"Where have you been ?"

"Er,"Albus began.

"I had to tattle to him in private,"Harry answered for him.

"You should have asked me first !"lady Pomfrey exclaimed as she ushered Albus back into bed,"He needs respite !"

"I 'm his father,"Harry said incredulously.

"I do n't worry if you 're the diplomatic minister of conjuring trick !"brothel keeper Pomfrey replied,"I 'm the one with the breast feeding stage !"

"How long has she been shouting ?"Albus whispered to Matt as he got back in bed.

"XV arcminute or so,"matte answered.

Madam Pomfrey returned to her desk and Harry strode over to where the Eckertons were sitting.

"Could I have a word in private ?"Harry asked Mr. Eckerton and then turned to Madam Pomfrey."Do I call for your permission for that ?"he grinned.

"Very amusing,"brothel keeper Pomfrey muttered.

Albus drifted back to sleep a little while later and when he next woke up it was light out and Madam Pomfrey was bringing them all breakfast trays.

"Er, what day is it ?"Albus asked as gentlewoman Pomfrey set his tray down.

"It 's Sunday, beloved, but it 's afternoon,"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I figured you 'd opt to let breakfast."

"Only Sunday ?"Albus asked. It felt like it had been far more than twenty-four 60 minutes since he had met up with Lubar before the Quidditch match.

"sentence zone modification are hard to adjust to,"Madam Pomfrey explained,"Commonwealth of Australia 's quite a few hours ahead of us."

Albus nodded and dug into his breakfast. Suddenly he was ravenous. When he thought about it, it must have been at least a day since he 'd eat anything.

"I wonder how the Quidditch match went,"Kaden mused as he shoved toast in his mouth.

Albus choked on his ballock. He 'd draw a blank about the mates !"I doubt we won,"he sighed.

"Is your dad going to state us why Balladanis was with him when he came to deliver us ?"Saint John asked,"I mean, he 's had plentifulness of time."

"He will,"Albus said,"He already told me. You lot were asleep."

The threshold to the hospital annexe banged open and rosebush and Amanda came running in. Madam Pomfrey made a move to get up from her desk, but then sat back down, shaking her head.

"Tell us what happened !"pink wine demanded as she skidded to a stop in front of Albus 's bed,"When did you get back ? Where did you go ?"

"Who won the Quidditch match ?"Albus asked.

"Quidditch ? Quidditch ?"rosiness groaned,"I 'm not saying a word about Quidditch until the four of you tell me what in the name of Merlin 's saggy left-"

"Miss Weasley !"Madam Pomfrey shouted,"If you do n't let down your voice, you 'll make to provide !"

"Sorry,"Rose turned back to Albus,"But you lot have got to tell us what happened !"

Albus launched into the entire narrative, which took the better part of a half hour to tell. Neither Rose or Amanda interrupted once during the whole thing. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the fourth dimension Albus concluded.

"But, but why was Balladanis there ?"Rose asked.

"My dad 's going to differentiate you,"Albus said,"He 's already told me. He 'll probably tell the quietus of you today."

"merlin, Albus,"rose wine sighed,"How a great deal problem can you get into ?"

"It 's not my break,"Albus shrugged,"Now can you tell us about the friction match ?"

Rose exchanged glances with Amanda, who sighed."It was quite the compeer, let me assure you,"Amanda said.

"cypher won, Al,"Rose said.

"What ?"John interrupted,"How can nobody win ?"

"About forty-five minutes into the match, Fred and heather mixture ran onto the pitch-"

"The match lasted that long ?"Matt asked.

"Yes,"Rose said,"I do n't have sex why. Anyway, Fred and broom ran right up to Ludo travelling salesman and started talking to him. Nobody could pick up what they were saying. Then Bagman blew his tin whistle and they went into a time-out.

"traveling salesman left the pitch and had a really foresighted talk with all the headmasters and captains. Then Kendrick announced that the match was called off and told everyone to return to their common rooms.

"Everyone was really tempestuous of course. Amanda and I were already worried because you lot had n't shown up yet. We thought something bad had happened and that was why they called it off."

"Why did they bid it off ?"lavatory asked.

"I 'm getting to that,"pink wine said,"We got back up to Gryffindor and everyone was gathered around Fred and Heather. Linda was n't there, and neither were any of her teammates who were Gryffindors.

"We pushed our way to the nominal head of the gang and get a line what Fred and Heather were talking about. They were claiming that Australia had been cheating the altogether time-"

"well, they were,"Matt muttered.

"I know,"Rose agreed,"And apparently so did Fred and heather. I 'm sure they figured it out just recently or else they would 've told someone Oklahoman. They found out Linda 's a vampire and now the entire school knows."

"How did they figure it out ?"Albus asked, completely shocked. Linda hid her secret quite well. Fred and Calluna vulgaris were sixth years, they would n't let heard Balladanis 's vampire lecture."

"They 've been trying to image it out all yr,"Rose explained,"And since they 're bright, they figured it out."

"But what about the match ?"Albus asked.

"I think they 're going to set off the tournament, Albus,"rose wine said quietly.

"Cancel the tournament ?"Albus gasped,"cancel the tourney ? ! They ca n't do that ! We 've spent the unscathed year on that tourney ! Do you know how much clip I 've spent on the Quidditch delivery this year ? Thomas More time than I 've spent in class, probably ! And now they 're going to scrub the bloody tournament ?"

"I do n't know, Al,"Rose said shortly,"And if they do it 's not my fault."

"Sorry,"Albus mumbled,"It 's just a slight aggravating."

"I know,"Rose replied.

"Where 's Linda ?"matt asked.

"Gone,"rose wine sighed,"Without a word. I have n't seen her or any of the Australian since the match. Killigan 's gone, too."

"Wow,"Matt replied,"Ca n't say I blame her, though."

"I guess,"pink wine said,"Anyway, they 'll probably make an announcement about the tournament at dinner."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome hoi polloi who have read and reviewed this ! There is only one more chapter left !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Harry returned to tell everyone else about Balladanis later on in the good afternoon. dame Pomfrey monotonic out refused to let any of them leave the Hospital Wing, so she agreed to lock the door and go to her study while Harry explained. lustrelessness 's dad was there as well.

Harry told them everything he had told Albus, although he left out the parts about why it was not all that advisable to become a Presuler. Everyone was completely shocked to con that Balladanis had been hired to help seize Washburn and the Willinsons.

Unfortunately, Harry also brought news of Lubar. tidings that was not all that welcome.

"As of right now, he 's completely free and in the clear,"Harry sighed,"The Australian Ministry refuses to extradite him, and they wo n't pursue him in Commonwealth of Australia either. To them, it 's like nil 's happened."

Albus noticed that Mr. Eckerton looked positively wild with this. Harry looked quite angry as well, but it did not come close to how Mr. Eckerton looked.

"We 're not going to move over up,"Harry said,"We 'll keep negotiating with them."

Mr. Eckerton had also apparently been told about the Hallows. When Harry had spoken with him the late night, it had been about the Hallows. Albus remembered back to his start twelvemonth, when Matt had told them about his dad 's Whitney Young adult dream of locating the Hallows. Harry must 've trusted him now.

Albus reached over to his bedside table, where Madam Pomfrey had placed the invisibility Cloak the previous night. He wordlessly handed it to Mr. Eckerton, who carefully took it with a look of awe on his face.

"Merlin 's beard,"he muttered,"It 's the Cloak."

"That it is,"Harry said quietly.

"Unbelievable,"Mr. Eckerton whispered as he fingered it.

He spent a few min trying the Cloak on before handing it back to Albus."I can not believe I 've finally solved the case of the Hallows,"he said to Harry,"This is amazing. I would make love to share the tale with my brother. Perhaps I could introduce you to him at the human beings Cup this summer."

Harry nodded."That would be OK. Perhaps I will eventually recite him as well."

******

Albus wanted nothing more than to be allowed out of the Hospital annexe in time to go to dinner that night. He was sure enough professor Kendrick would make up some sort of proclamation about the tourney and he did not want to lose it.

After a full ten minute of arc of begging on his part ( helped out by Matt, John, and Kaden ), Madam Pomfrey told him he was in no fit land to give the ward. Albus thought this was nonsensical because he felt ok. So what if his arm was still bandaged and in a scarf bandage ? That should n't stop him from eating dinner with the quietus of the school.

Instead, Albus was forced to eat a quiet meal in the hospital Wing and wait anxiously for rosebush and Amanda to recite him what Kendrick said.

The miss showed up right after dinner ended. Albus immediately asked them what Kendrick had said.

"Tournament 's canceled,"rose wine sighed as she sat down on the end of Albus 's bed,"The kids from New York are staying to finish out the yr, but the tournament 's canceled. I expect it 'll be in the oracle tomorrow."

"Merlin !"Albus shouted,"Why 'd they have to cancel it ? Could n't they just disqualify Australia ?"

"No,"Rose shook her head,"To do that Hogwarts would possess to play New York in another final."

"Why do n't they do that ?"John asked.

"Too close to exams,"Rose shrugged,"It 'll mess up everyone 's studying."

"That 's stupid,"Albus fumed.

"If it makes you experience better, I 'm pretty for certain Hogwarts would 've won if Commonwealth of Australia had n't have been here,"Rose pointed out,"And Kendrick gave one hundred house dot to everyone who was on the Quidditch and dueling teams."

"Yeah, well, all the menage had masses on the squad, so that does n't really help,"Albus muttered.

"Well,"pink wine grinned,"I know one thing that 'll cheer you up."

"What ?"Albus asked, even though there was goose egg that could inspire him up.

"There were Quidditch scouts at that match,"rose told him,"And even though the mate was disastrous, they did find someone they wanted to draft."

"Who ?"Albus asked, slightly intrigued.

"Empire State of the South !"Rose exclaimed,"She 's been drafted to fiddle for Kenmare Kestrals as soon as she graduates !"

"That 's brilliant !"Albus replied. Rose had been right, that did cheer him up. There was no one he thought who belonged on a professional Quidditch team Thomas More than Georgia.

"Yup, she 's their newest taciturnity Keeper,"Rose said,"She says Uncle Percy 's not impressed. He wanted her to run at the Ministry. She does n't handle what he thinks, though."

"Uncle Percy 's got plenty of other kids to work at the Ministry,"Albus shrugged. He could never see Sakartvelo working in government.

"Kenmare ?"Saint John the Apostle said incredulously.

"Yeah, seriously ?"mat grimaced.

"They 're nearly as bad as the cannon,"John Lackland groaned.

"She 's just glad to be on a squad,"pink wine shrugged,"She 's always supported Puddlemere, but she thinks if she 's on any team, she 'll be able to work her way up to a better one."

"Merlin, I hope so,"John shrugged.

"Is she the alone one who got drafted ?"Albus asked.

"Only one I know for sure of,"Rose said,"I heard a hearsay that Anna Reilly got taken on by the Balycastle Bats, but I do n't have sex for sure."

Albus nodded, feeling slightly better about the tournament. It was n't pointless now that he knew his cousin had been taken on by a professional Quidditch team because of it. However, that did n't take all the letdown away.

******

Madam Pomfrey reluctantly let the boys leave the next day after breakfast. She did n't really have a choice since exams began that day. Albus felt perfectly very well and was quite felicitous to leave the seat.

Rose handed him a written matter of the vaticinator as soon as he and the other boys reached the common way. Albus took it, well-chosen that he had a few bit before his first exam to learn the article that was inevitably there.

Aussie SCHOOL CHEATS- tournament CANCELED

After a startling discovery made by two Hogwarts
students, the Quidditch and Dueling tournament
involving Hogwarts, the Adirondack Academy of
conjuration, and the Aussie School of Sorcery
has been canceled.

The tournament 's final Quidditch mates was
interrupted this past Sabbatum by two Hogwarts
sixth years, Fred Weasley and Heather Weasley,
both 17, who claimed that the Australian squad
had been cheating throughout the integral
tournament.

A few month ago, allegement were brought upon
the Australian team after their quester, Linda
Morales, 14, flew at an exceptionally riotous speed.
An investigation found nothing. The tournament
continued.

Fred and Heather Weasley accused Linda team spirit
of being a vampire. Vampires are outlawed
from playing on master Quidditch teams due
to the unjust advantage they have.

The catch was immediately stopped while all three
headmasters questioned the Weasleys and Morales.

Headmaster Addiar Killigan of the Australian
schoolhouse of necromancy admitted to allowing Morales
to be the Seeker of his team in order to win the
tournament. The Aboriginal Australian team was immediately
disqualified from the tournament.

Killigan, morale, and the residual of the Australian
participating in the tournament left Hogwarts late
on Saturday, declining to mouth with any of our
reporters.

Tournament official as well as the other two
headmasters have decided to cancel the tournament,
and not declaring a winner.

'It is regrettable that the tourney turned out
this way ,'Fabius Kendrick told reporters, 'Perhaps
we can try it again in a few yr .'

"Killigan is an idiot,"Albus said.

"spirit at the next article,"Rose replied.

QUINTON WILLINSON rachis IN AZKABAN, JOINED BY WASHBURN

While the final Quidditch match was ending in disaster
at Hogwarts schooltime of witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry
Potter 's midriff child, Albus, 13, was dealing with his
own battle.

Albus Potter, as well as cousin Kaden Dursley, 12, and
friends Matthew Eckerton and John Brickston, both 14,
were kidnapped by Quinton and Jarrett Willinson, and
Jameson Washburn. The three convicts were helped by
Ralph Lubar, Head of the Department of the Regulation
and ascendence of Magical Creatures in Australia.

The four Hogwarts educatee were taken to Commonwealth of Australia
where Harry Potter and Walter Eckerton found them.
It is unclear what the convicts were after, as well as
why Lubar was involved.

Quinton Willinson and Jameson Washburn were caught and
sent to Azkaban. Lubar and Jarrett Willinson escaped.
Aurors are currently looking for Willinson and the
Ministry is negotiating with the Aussie Ministry
about what to do with Lubar.

All four boy have recovered from the ordeal and are
currently taking their end of the yr examinations
at Hogwarts. Harry Potter has declined comment.

"Well, that 's not a very informative clause,"Albus said as he tossed the report onto a nearby table.

"I do n't think they can report much,"rosiness said,"The Australian Ministry may be asking them to keep quiesce about Lubar in proceeds for giving him some sort of punishment.

"It wo n't matter,"lustrelessness said,"They 're not going to do anything to him."

Albus was forced to push Lubar into the back of his creative thinker as examination began. They were all significantly intemperate than the premature year 's had been, but he was sure he at least passed all of them.

There were short clause in the prophesier about Lubar everyday, but they all said the same thing. Commonwealth of Australia refused to deliver him. Matt was not at all surprised by this, but it infuriated Albus to no end.

The week after exams was a strange one for Albus. There was nothing left for them to do. No studying, no homework, no Quidditch. Rose and Amanda went back to spending all their time with the boys, like it had been before Linda had arrived.

things were dissimilar, though. Both Rose and Amanda were a lot subdued than they used to be. Albus was trusted they missed Linda, and he had no idea whether she had said goodbye to them, or even if she 'd had the prospect.

Matt was lost in his own intellection near of the time, rendering him quieter than ever. He often went entire evenings without saying two words to anyone, something that usually only happened around full synodic month. However, the next full moon was n't until after they left Hogwarts.

Albus was sure this was because of what had happened in Commonwealth of Australia. He never talked about it, but Albus knew that getting kidnapped by Lubar again had scared the daytime out of him.

St. John the Apostle and Kaden remained as boisterous as ever and did not seem to be fazed by what had happened in Australia. They spent their week pulling caper and playing eternal games of Exploding Snap that Albus occasionally joined in on.

Albus himself was quieter. His mind was racing with thoughts of Lubar and Balladanis. None of the article ever mentioned Balladanis, but he knew that was because Balladanis 's job had to remain a secret. He wished more than anything that Lubar would get thrown in prison, whether it was Azkaban or Australia 's prison.

******

The gearing drive back to London was subdued, the only when haphazardness being whoremonger and Kaden 's Exploding Snap wit. Albus and lustrelessness both gazed out the window, mesmerized by the passing landscape.

"Linda sent me a letter last dark,"Rose said, breaking the silence.

Albus lifted his head up and looked at her."What about ?"

"She told us she was sorry, and wanted me to tell you that she was distressing about the tournament,"Rose told him,"She 's on the run with her mum now. They 're thinking of moving to a different country."

"To go to schooltime ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Rose shook her head,"She 's been through school a couple clock time already. She was n't even a student at the Australian school day. Killigan pretty much forced her into playing searcher for them. He 's a really foul bloke. They have to get out now, though, because everyone knows."

"Where will they go ?"Albus asked, surprised that he was actually flavor sorry for Linda.

"No idea,"pink wine shrugged,"She said she 'd owl me when they find out."

"This whole twelvemonth has been so messed up,"John sighed,"I hope following year 's better."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed.

"We 've got the World Cup to search forward to, though,"Albus smiled.

"Oh, yeah !"John grinned,"Owl me as soon as you find out when we 're leaving for it."

"Definitely,"Albus said,"Your Sister 's going, too. Lily told me she 'd invited her. Hugo 's not really happy about that."

"Neither am I,"John muttered,"I do n't want Ashtyn going."

"fountainhead, I 'd prefer Lily not go, but it 's the Cup ! Nothing can really ruin it,"Albus said.

"Good decimal point,"John agreed.

"Let me know when the Cup is,"Kaden said.

"Why ? So you can win over your parents to take you ?"lavatory smirked.

"No,"Kaden laughed,"So I can know when to invite you lot to my star sign. My dad said he 'd exact us camping."

"Excellent !"John grinned,"Camping like Muggles ?"

"Yep,"Kaden replied,"aliveness in tent, no electricity, no magic either since we 're all underage."

"There is no way my parents will let me go,"lustrelessness said quietly.

"Why not ?"Kaden asked.

"I went camping when I was five,"Matt answered,"That was the time I got bitten."

"Oh,"Kaden looked a minuscule taken aback,"Sorry."

"It 's ok,"matte shrugged,"Just do n't go during a full-of-the-moon Moon. I do n't need any of you having to unite me in the Shrieking hutch next year."

"I 'll go,"Albus said. He 'd never been camping before, let alone camping like a Muggle. He did feel bad that Matt would n't get to go, but he kind of sentiment lusterlessness would n't desire to go anyway.

The difference of the trip was spent arguing about Quidditch and Albus felt like things were sort of returning to rule. It was almost prissy to get a line John and Matt arguing about the Cannons again and Kaden arguing about football.

The train arrived in Greater London and Albus found his parents waiting for him on the platform. After saying goodbye to his champion, Albus left the station with his family feeling that just maybe life sentence would be convention from then on. Well, maybe the summer would be at least be convention. Albus could n't get his Hope up too high.


A/N : Hard to believe it 's finished ! Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing and thanks to all of the awesome people who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are so lovely and amazing !

I am working on the fourth floor but it 'll be a patch before the first chapter is up. I 'm thinking I 'll update every early hebdomad at 1st, alternating weeks with Beyond the tail. In the meanspirited time, if you want something new to interpret, I suggest checking out Remember the shank, which is a collab I worked on last year and is now currently being updated. It 's all about the Chudley Cannons and their precipitation. It 's under the username The Golden Snitches and is also in my favorite chronicle so you can happen it that way.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

note of hand : This is the fourth story in a serial. I suggest reading them in order, but it 's not necessary.



"Ouch, that was my foot !"

"Shush ! You 're going to wake them up !"

"It 's your fault for stepping on my groundwork !"

"They 're heavy sleepers, do n't worry."

Albus Severus thrower sighed to himself as he and two of his best ally neared the tent. lavatory, whose metrical unit had been trodden upon, was carrying a spray can of mop up ointment, and Kaden, the one who had stepped on John 's substructure, was brandishing a big owl plume. It had been Kaden 's approximation to pull a prank on his nine-year-old sister, Bethany, while she slept, and John had been all too eager to take part. Albus personally thought it was pudding head to prank someone whose parents were in the Lapp tent, but Kaden had assured him that both of his parents could sleep through anything.

It was their third and final examination night of camping with Kaden 's family which was in Kaden 's opinion, the perfect time to pull a antic. After three days of being on their best behavior, the boys had successfully lured Dudley and Christina Dursley into a false sense of security department. fountainhead, a false sense of security department when it came to them and Bethany, that is. The boys had pranked each other constantly throughout the tripper. Albus had been pushed into the lake three fourth dimension already, been snuck up upon in the Mrs. Henry Wood twice, and had a nosebleed nougat hidden in his dinner party. He had gotten retaliation by stealing both Kaden and King John 's canoe paddles, leaving them stranded in the middle of the lake for a one-half hour.

"Happy Birthday, by the way,"Albus said.

"Is it midnight already ?"Kaden asked.

A sprig snapped behind them and Albus jumped."What do you three think you 're doing ?"soul shouted in a creepy tone.

Kaden shrieked and King John jumped backwards, bumping into Kaden and causing both of them to fall over. John 's digit slipped and the slash cream came shooting out, covering both of them in the sugary sum. They were both shouting profanity and Albus smirked despite the fact that his centre was still hammering. Who was that ? He turned and saw none other than Bethany, standing with her sleeve folded across her chest, glaring at all three of the boys.

"And just what were you planning on doing with that whipped pick ?"she demanded.

"Nothing,"Kaden muttered."What are you doing out here ?"

"coming back from the toilet,"Bethany replied."And I know you were planning on squirting that on my hand and then tickling my nozzle with a feather. Honestly, you 're so predictable."

With one last glare at her brother, Bethany stalked off to the collapsible shelter she shared with her parents, went inside it, and zipped it closed. Albus turned to his two sticky friends and break out laughing. They were both sitting on the land covered in a mixture of whisk cream and stain that was just visible by the Light Within of Albus 's torch. The two rarely had a prank backfire on them like that.

"Bloody short sister,"Kaden muttered as he scrubbed the whipped cream off in the can a few moment later.

"Yeah,"Gospel According to John agreed as he tried to get the whisk ointment out of his hairsbreadth by sticking his head in the swallow hole."Why do they have to be such a pain ?"

"I think it 's their job,"Albus mused."Lily would 've done the Same thing."

"You two are lucky you 've only got one,"John pointed out."Try living with three."

"I 've got enough cousins to make up for it,"Albus said.

"Matt 's the favorable one, then,"John said as he pulled his header out of the sinkhole and shake off the urine out."He has n't got any footling sis or short cousins."

"Wish he would 've came with us,"Kaden said as they left the bathroom.

"We never could 've convinced him,"john replied."Remember his look when you invited us ?"

"Do you fault him ?"Albus said."I mean, it was probably a night like this when, you know, when it happened."

The dark was very quiet. The boys made the only noise as they walked back to the campsite. The only illumination visible was the Light Within from Albus 's torch. He let out an involuntary shudder. It probably had been a Nox just like this one. No wonder he had n't wanted to go camping again.

"Only, you know,"Kaden said as he looked up at the sky."There would 've been a moon."

Albus smiled. Leave it to Kaden to manoeuver out the obvious. Yes, there would 've been a synodic month. Currently the lunar month was in its new moonshine phase and was not seeable in the sky.

The son made it back to their tent and climbed into their quiescence pocketbook. Albus was n't in the least bit tired, so he did n't bother turning off his torch. John pulled out a camp of Exploding Snap cards, figuring that since it was the suddenly of nighttime, no Muggles would notice.

"What should we do tomorrow ?"John asked.

"Canoeing ?"Albus suggested.

The former two boys glared at him."Only if you promise not to steal our paddles,"John muttered.

"What ? It was n't a bad swim. And you asked for it by putting that epistaxis nougat in my food."

"It was cold !"Kaden shouted indignantly.

"It 's summertime ; it 's supposed to be refreshing,"Albus pointed out.

"Well, it 's my birthday, so I say we hike up to that field of view and dramatic play football,"Kaden decided.

Albus and trick both groaned loudly, but knew they 'd be spending their death day playing football with Kaden. It was his birthday after all, so it was only fair that he pick the day 's natural process. Albus only wished that they did n't include football.
******


The two calendar week that separated the camping head trip and the Quidditch World Cup seemed to drag in on forever. They reminded Albus of account of deception and he was sure that duration of time was yearner than two calendar week, but his calendar told him otherwise. Nothing particularly shake happened during that span of fourteen days ; the highlight being three Hogwarts letters being delivered to Number 12 Grimmauld Place. All three varsity letter contained book list and to nobody 's surprise, Epistle of James 's did not contain a Prefect 's badge. Cedric and Ben had not received the badge either, but Saint James 's friend Nathan had. James supposed Neville had to pick somebody and Nathan was the to the lowest degree implike of the fifth year Gryffindor boys.

The most energize news of the two weeks arrived at Albus 's cousin Fred 's house informing him that he had been made Quidditch captain for Gryffindor. Henry James was quite excited about this since while Fred was fanatical about Quidditch, he was n't nearly as bad as Peach State. Heather was disappointed, but Fred assured her she would be his second-in-command.

public speaking of Georgia, she had begun her education with the Kenmare Kestrals shortly after commencement exercise and planned to propel into a unconditional closing to their pitch very soon. Apparently Percy had been dropping not-so-subtle jot about getting her an internship at the Ministry instead of playing pro Quidditch and she was sick of it. It was still a touchy national with both Walker Percy and Georgia, so much so that Albus was n't even for sure if Empire State of the South was going to go to the annual before school Weasley dinner party. Albus thought it was rather stupid of Percy to be arguing about it since it was Georgia 's life sentence and she was unspoilt at Quidditch.

Albus spent most of the two weeks at rose wine 's mansion, although it was not rosebush whom he was spending time with. Hugo was planning on trying out for the uncommitted keeper position on Gryffindor 's team and needed Albus to cast off Quaffles at him while he tried to protect the goals. Unfortunately Victor-Marie Hugo was not very good, but he was improving, even if it was at a very slow rate. Hugo was also quite sore with Lily over her choosing Ashtyn to take to the Cup, which somehow caused him to want to practice Quidditch nearly twenty-four/seven.

By the time the day finally arrived to pass on for the Cup, Albus was getting quite sick of throwing Quaffles at Victor Hugo and was even nursing a sore arm. He was very grateful for the geological fault that going to the Cup would allow. Albus 's syndicate was scheduled to arrive at the encampment near the pitch the day before the match, which was not bad at all. Some people had to arrive as lots as a hebdomad beforehand.

"When is Matt getting there ?"John asked Albus as they sat in Albus 's room, packing for the slip. lavatory had arrived the previous day and somehow all of his poppycock had been scattered throughout Albus 's room despite his solitary having been there for twenty-four hours.

"He 's already there, I think,"Albus answered, remembering the missive mat had sent him the late week.

"Did n't you say everyone who goes to the Cup has to camp ?"John the Evangelist asked as he inspected a sock to regulate whether it was his or not."How descend his parents will go to the Cup but they would n't let him camp with us ?"

"He 's not camping,"Albus said, deciding that the sock Saint John had was his and snatched it away, stuffing it in his bag."His uncle lives in New York, so they 're staying there and Apparating to the Cup right before."

"Oh,"King John replied."I thought international spectre was illegal."

"Not from the United State to Canada and back,"Albus explained."If you Apparate to the delimitation, they let you Apparate into Canada if you 've got the right identification."

"Are any of your other full cousin going ?"King John asked.

"I think Peach State 's going with her teammate, but other than her, no. James picked Nathan because he did n't want to choose between Cedric and Ben."

"Is Hugo still angry with Lily ?"lav asked."Ashtyn said he was n't speaking to either of them."

"Yeah,"Albus nodded as he rubbed his sore arm."And because of it he 's had me practicing with him for the preceding two weeks."

"Is he going to be Gryffindor 's next Keeper ?"

"Only if the repose of the mass who try out play Quidditch like Matt and Kaden do,"Albus answered.

"So I 'm guessing the new Keeper wo n't be a Weasley ?"

"Nope, I do n't think so.

"Are you boys ready ?"Harry asked as he popped his head into the room.

"Just about,"Albus said as he stuffed one last shirt into his bag and zipped it closed."How far do we have to go to get through the Portkey ?"

"Not far, just outside of London,"Harry replied."There 's an phantom and Floo station nearby, so we wo n't have to walk much."

A few arcminute later the Potters were congregated in the seance elbow room, along with John, Ashtyn, and Nathan. Everyone was going to Floo because Harry and Ginny could n't side-along Apparate six kids between the two of them. Harry had been right ; the Portkey was only a shortstop ways away from the fantasm and Floo station, and in no time they were standing in a small-scale clearing searching for the Portkey. Lily was the one who found it, hiding behind one of the lone bushes. It was an old deflated football game that looked to have tooth marks in it.

"When 's it leaving ?"Lily asked.

"In about five minutes,"Harry said as he checked his watch."Remember, Ontario, Canada, is five hr behind us, so when we get there it will be around eleven o'clock in the morning."

Nobody else had been assigned to this special Portkey, so five minutes later the thrower, John, Ashtyn, and Nathan disappeared from the field. Albus thought the journey lasted much foresighted than a pattern Portkey slip, but that made sense since they were going all the way to Canada.

They landed in another modest clearing and once Albus steadied himself, he could see a fleet of tent in the distance. Directly in strawman of them was a small wooden building that bore a sign that read 'Lakeside Park- tenting berth'. He looked around for a lake, but did n't see one.

"If we find the lake, we can go canoeing,"Albus said.

"Yeah, and perhaps we 'll get a nice Defense teacher this yr,"lav replied."There 's no bloody way I 'm canoeing with you ever again."

"And maybe you wo n't put nasty sweets in my food anymore."

"Ca n't get any hope,"John grinned.

Albus and lavatory followed everyone else towards the small wooden building. Once inside, Albus noticed that it was being manned by a very fox looking Muggle, who was staring off into space. He did n't even appear to observe when they walked in.

"Memory charm,"Harry whispered to the boys. He walked up to the blighter and set a piece of report down on the desk."Campsite reservation for Potter. Two nights."

"thrower, Potter,"the bloke muttered as he began to type on something that Albus was pretty sure was called a figurer."You 're site 43. Be careful, brain you, there 's a lot of odd multitude camping this week."

"Thanks,"Harry replied.

bivouac 43 did n't seem to be anywhere near the slight wooden construction so Albus and the others had to walk through most of the camping area to witness their site. A instant into the walk Albus realized why the Muggle in the building needed so many memory charms. It did n't seem like anybody was trying to hold back magic. The Cup was between Russia and Italy and it was very obvious who was rooting for whom.

The Italians had red, green, and egg white collapsible shelter, some of which had the actual sword lily design on the sides. One group had a cauldron boiling over a green and red fire and there was a wizard pouring alimentary paste into it.

"Who cooks pasta on a bivouacking trip ?"Harry muttered as they passed."No wonder that bloke thinks something funny 's going on."

The Russians were n't any better since their tent were also adorned with masthead and some had even littered the surrounding background with magical pseud snow. Since it was at to the lowest degree 75 degrees, Albus thought that was slightly strange.

Albus only saw a few other masses he knew. Damien and Kate Waverly from the Ravenclaw Quidditch team were at camping site routine 35 and he also saw a Hufflepuff whom he recognized but did n't commemorate the name of. to the highest degree of the citizenry appeared to be Russian, Italian, Canadian River, or American. Albus figured that was since the Cup was so far away from Britain. about British people would n't go see the Cup in Canada if they did n't really support Soviet Russia or Italy. Albus did n't support either team, but his dad had gotten innocent slate.

After passing a contingency of Russians, Albus noticed a few masses who looked oddly familiar. He paused to watch them for a arcminute or so and then realized that they were the Quidditch team from the Adirondack Academy of Magic.

"James IV,"Albus said as he poked his brother."face, the New House of York Quidditch team."

The New Yorkers had noticed Albus and James II as well. They abandoned their fervency and strolled over to the walkway.

"You came a longsighted way for the Cup,"the tallest of the lot said. Albus recognized him as one of the Beaters.

"My dad had tag,"Albus replied.

"Oh, right,"the boy said, craning his neck to see Harry, who was a few measure away."Your dad 's Harry thrower. Learned about him in account of Magic a few twelvemonth ago."

"pity about the friction match,"James said, clearly wanting to guide the conversation away from Harry."That Australian schoolmaster is contaminating cheater."

"Sure is,"the boy replied."It sucks."

"I wish they would 've let us work each other,"James said mutinously."examination ? Really ? That was a stupid excuse."

"I 'll say,"he agreed."Hey, you 'll never guess who else is here."

"Who ?"James asked.

"Linda, you know, the lamia,"the boy said excitedly."Saw her a few hr ago, but she turned the other way when she saw me."

Albus exchanged looks with john, and the two of them silently agreed to go look for Linda as soon as they could sneak away from James IV, Nathan, Lily, and Ashtyn, plus Albus 's parents.

The New Yorkers went to eat lunch and Albus and the others continued their trek to campsite 43. It was situated in a small clearing of tree, following to a group of Canadian wizards and a rather rowdy group of Italians. Harry and Ginny had the tent up in no time with help from Nathan, who was Muggle-born. James and Nathan each made a straightaway sandwich and then went off to explore. Lily and Ashtyn begged to be allowed to do the same, but both Harry and Ginny insisted that they stay at the campsite.

"Can we go explore ?"Albus asked as he polished off his lunch.

"I suppose so,"Ginny said."But be heedful, and be back in time for dinner."

"We will,"Albus assured her.

Albus and John set off down the way, both keeping an eye out for Linda."This post is huge,"King John said."How in the name of Merlin are we going to find out her ?"

"I have n't the fragile idea, but I suppose if we keep walking we might feel her,"Albus replied."Maybe we 'll obtain that lake as well."

"I am not canoeing with you."

"Suit yourself."

Albus and John did not find the lake, but after walking around the camping area for about an hour, they eventually came upon Linda. She was at a smallish camping area that contained a blue angel tent that actually looked like it could belong to to a Muggle. Linda was reading a book at the breeze table while another witch was bent over a flaming and she turned when she heard the boy arrive. She was quite beautiful, with long dark hair like Linda's.

"Can I help you ?"she asked. Her accent was not Aboriginal Australian and Albus could n't place it.

Linda looked up and her eyes rested upon Albus. She got up from the tabular array and walked over to the boys.

"Do you know them ?"the other witch asked.

"They 're from Hogwarts,"Linda replied. The witch raised her eyebrows."It 's fine,"Linda said."I 'll be back soon."

Albus was very surprise that Linda so willingly decided to take the air with them and he shared a look with John before they set off along the path. All three were quiet for about ten minutes before Linda spoke.

"I just want you to know that I 'm sorry about the match,"she said quietly."I did n't want to do it. I do n't even normally go to schooling. It 's rather unpointed since I 've been through schoolhouse three times already. The headmaster insisted I play and said if I did n't he 'd get some sort of law passed to make my life miserable."

"It 's not your fracture,"Albus said."The Australian headmaster is a git. We 've known that for years."

"Oh, your friend Matt ?"

"Yeah,"Albus answered.

"Is he here ?"Linda asked.

"He 's going to the Cup but he 's staying at his uncle 's family in New York."

Silence fell upon them once again until John the Evangelist spoke a few minutes later."So what are you doing now ?"

"My mother and I are living here, in Canada. Another province, though, one that 's even less inhabited than this one. We ca n't hold up in Australia after that Quidditch disaster. The headmaster blamed me for everyone finding out what I am. Said I did n't hide out it well enough."

"That 's insane,"John replied.

It was strange, Albus thought, how the former yr none of the boys had really liked Linda because they were afraid she would reveal that Matt was a werewolf, yet she was being blackmailed by Killigan the whole metre. Now, she seemed nice.

The conversation moved from Killigan to the upcoming match and who they thought would win. Linda, like Albus and privy, was rooting for Italian Republic and they all agreed that Russia did n't stand a hazard. They circled the campground and made it back to Linda 's campsite. Her female parent was talking with a mavin who was camping in the next web site over.

"Tell Rose and Amanda that I 'll owl them soon,"Linda said."Mum did n't want me to owl anyone until we 'd successfully gotten away from Killigan. But she thinks he 's given up and we should be secure in Canada."

"Ok,"Albus said."Maybe we 'll see you at the equal tomorrow."

Linda bade them adieu and joined her mum. She turned and smiled at Albus and John as they left to go back to their campsite.



A/N : And so the quaternary floor begins ! I 'm hoping to update this once a month. Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed the previous stories !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Neither of the boys slept much that night. This was partly due to excitement about the match and partly due to the fact that Harry and Ginny sent Lily and Ashtyn to the boys'collapsible shelter after the two of them refused to settle down. Albus, john, James River, and Nathan complained loudly about the addition of the miss in their collapsible shelter, but Harry and Ginny were adamant. James and Nathan decided to differentiate scarey stories in a vain endeavor to frighten Lily and Ashtyn back into the adults'tent, but both girls were now too old to get that scared.

The next day was similar to the previous day and Albus and John spent it trying to find the lake, but had no luck. John was lamenting the fact that the bivouac was called"lakeside"when there clearly was no lake around so often that Albus wished there was a lake just so he could push bathroom into it. Both boys begged Harry and Ginny to let them go to New York to see Matt, but had no luck. Harry and Ginny said they could see Matt later that Night at the match.

Dusk finally arrived and the great unwashed began to trek through the forest to the rake. Albus did n't sustain the flimsy idea how far away it was, but it seemed farther than the walkway from the Whomping willow tree to the Shrieking shack or from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade. Once they finally did go far, it seemed amazing that Muggles did n't remark it. The pitch was huge ; that was the just word for it. There were more enchantress and sensation congregated in one spot than Albus had ever seen in his life and more were coming up behind him.

John had brought two duad of his omnioculars but the group had to stop while James IV, Nathan, and Lily each purchased a pair. Ashtyn had stolen a pair of whoremaster 's, apparently without him knowing. Ginny quickly steered them all away from a couple wizards who were taking stakes.

A young wizard standing near the entry asked to see their tickets and then lead them higher and higher in the sales booth until they reached one of the top boxful. There were fourteen chairs lined up in two rows, six of which were already occupied. Matt and his parents took up one-half of those chairwoman ; in the early three sat two virtuoso and a beldame Albus did not know.

"flatness !"Albus shouted. He and John immediately took the two tooshie to flatness 's right field while Harry and Ginny greeted his parents.

"Albus, trick !"Matt replied."This is brilliant !"

"Yeah it is ! Look how high up up we are !"whoremaster said excitedly."Best seats ever !"

"Oh, this is my Uncle Jack,"Matt said, gesturing to one of the wizards Albus did n't acknowledge. He looked a lot like lustrelessness 's dad, only with less Second Earl Grey pilus and far fewer wrinkles."Uncle jackfruit, this is Albus and John."

"So you 're the ones who keep getting matte into trouble."diddley grinned.

"That 's Sir Thomas More Kaden and Saint John than Albus,"Matt pointed out.

"Hey, Albus was the one who got Kaden and I stranded in a lake a few weeks ago,"John muttered.

"What ? !"Matt exclaimed.

"He stole our canoe paddles. We had to swim back."

"This was after trick and Kaden pushed me into the lake multiple times,"Albus said.

"Makes sense to me."matte shrugged.

About a half hour later, during which Albus was introduced to the former witch and wizard in their box ( Canadian Ministry officials ) and then promptly forgot their names, the mate finally began.

The Russian mascots were up first. Albus, after hearing about the leprechauns and Veelas at the man Cup his parents attended, was quite looking forward to the mascots. Unfortunately, he was disappointed in the Russian mascots. Or should he say 'mascot .'There was only one. The full Russian team walked onto the pitch accompanied by what looked like a very slow, very haired goat.

"What the bloody hell is that ?"John asked as he got up and put his omnioculars to his oculus."It 's a goat !"

Albus and Matt followed Saint John the Apostle and watched the goat. With the omnioculars, Albus could see that the Goat 's fur was greying giving it a very old look.

"Looks as old as Aberforth Dumbledore,"lusterlessness muttered.

"Probably belongs to him,"St. John the Apostle pointed out.

"Let 's devote a warm welcome to Murphy the moufflon !"the reviewer shouted."spud has been with the Russian Quidditch team for nearly twenty years and is beloved by the stallion squad. Murphy has been trained to do a variety of tricks ...."

The observer droned on as Murphy slowly climbed through what looked like a goal post not on the spot and caught a Quaffle in his mouth. Albus thought the totally appearance was variety of odd and the grumbling in the box by the eternal rest of its occupier told him his ruling was shared.

"What in the name of Merlin is a mouflon ?"King James I asked.

"It 's a uncivilised sheep,"Lily explained."Although this one is obviously not rampantly. In fact, it seems kind of awful to nominate him perform tricks like that at his age."

The Italian mascots were the complete opposite. As soon as the Russian team left the pitch with Murphy the Ovis musimon, a very large number of wizards dressed in what looked care armored robes stepped onto the field of study. As they stepped aside, they revealed a John Milton Cage Jr. containing three chimeras.

"Bloody Hell !"privy exclaimed.

"How can they bring chimeras into a Quidditch match for Merlin 's sake ?"Ginny shouted."They 're grave !"

"They 're being handled by pro chimera handlers,"Mr. Eckerton explained."And the Canadian school principal of the section for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures is here. They had to clear it with all the Ministries of major countries first."

All the dashing hopes about the moufflon disappeared when Albus saw the handlers taking the chimeras out. Each one was attached to a thick metal Ernst Boris Chain and controlled by two coach. They roared and lunged at each other and at the versatile officials and referees standing on the spare-time activity.

Albus 's eyes were glued to his omnioculars during the integral performance, which must not have lasted more than ten instant. During those ten minute of arc the chimaeras tried to vote out no lupus erythematosus than five of the manager and had scared one of the referees into the changing rooms. Meanwhile the reviewer was keeping up a steady stream of Chimaera information and story. Apparently chimaeras had a long chronicle in Rome.

The grownup in the room ( with the possible exception of Jack ) let out a collective sigh of moderation when the chimaeras were put back in their batting cage and moved to the sidelines while James, Nathan, Albus, privy, and Matt groaned. Even Ashtyn and Lily seemed slightly disappointed with their disappearance.

However, Albus soon nearly forgot about the chimaera ( it was insufferable to completely forget about them as they roared every sentence a histrion got near them ) since the match started right after they left. The commentator announced the names of the players, but Albus could n't save any of them straight because they were flying far too fast. This Quidditch was intense, far more acute than any of the League matches he had been to.

The Quaffle exchanged hands faster than the commentator could say the figure of the pursuer and the Bludgers were being sent after player after player. The Seekers were staying out of the way, which seemed like a good idea to Albus since one of the Italian Chasers was injured only XV min into the match.

James kept up his own running commentary as well, much to the botheration of Albus and everyone else. He constantly named the child's play and critiqued the way the Russian Seeker sat on his broom.

"Shut it, James,"Albus finally said."He 's the one playing in the Cup, not you. He can sit on his broom however he likes."

"He 's not going to view the stoolie with that posture,"James muttered before looking through his omnioculars.

As it turned out, James was right. An hour later the Italian Seeker pulled into a dive and came back up with the struggling winged ball in his grasp. The entire box stood up and cheered, especially privy who did n't like Russia 's Quidditch squad. Albus did n't keep abreast either team, but he supposed if he had had to opt, he would 've chosen Italy. Italian Republic won with 520 points. Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic had 430. Both teams had played incredibly well.

"I knew it !"James shouted as they made their way back to the campground."I knew he would n't catch that stoolie ! A Seeker ca n't sit up so straight on his broom and expect to catch the stoolpigeon !"

Albus ignored him. James would be bragging about this for the next two months.

"You should total stoppage with me in New York,"Matt said as they reached the camping ground.

"Can we Mum ?"Albus asked."Please ?"

"I do n't think that 's going to work, Al,"Ginny replied."They 're flying back on an airplane and you two do n't sustain tickets."

"Aw, Merlin,"Albus groaned."I guess we 'll see you on the train, then."

"Yeah, definitely,"lusterlessness replied.

Albus and John said goodbye to Matt and watched as he left with his parents to go Apparate back to the border.

It was very recent, but the campground was far too trashy for anyone to get to sleep. The Italians were celebrating and even the Russians seemed to be very garish and knockabout, despite their red ink. Instead of going to bed, Harry lit another campfire and everyone sat around it, roasting whatever dessert they had over the fire and discussing the match.

"And when that mouflon got onto the pitch !"Nathan shouted."And the chimaeras went nuts ? I thought they were going to escape !"

"Did n't stop the player, though,"James pointed out."That was when one of the Russian Chasers got hit by that Bludger. He could have dodged that if he had been paying more attention to the match and less to the chimaeras."

"I think I 'd sooner pay care to a possible chimaera escape than a Bludger,"Ashtyn muttered.

"Are you the leading expert on Chasing now, too ?"Albus asked James.

"I 'm just trying to expand my knowledge of the former positions because I 'm going to be Gryffindor 's chieftain next year after Fred graduates."

Albus snorted."What makes you so sure ?"

"I 've been on the team since moment twelvemonth, I 'll be the honest-to-goodness adjacent class, and I 'm a good drawing card,"James replied.

"They do n't always plunk the onetime,"Albus pointed out."And Tom Bradley and Ryan are Old than you."

"What, you think you 'll get it ?"James IV asked incredulously.

"Boys,"Ginny warned.

"I do n't want it,"Albus said.

"No compass point in you getting it,"John Lackland chimed in."After all, you 're going to be Prefect side by side year."

King James laughed."Yeah, that 'll happen."

"You 're not one to talk, James,"Ginny said."observance your letter did not contain a Prefect 's badge this year."

"Well, yeah, because Kendrick would be dullard to make me a Prefect,"James said."But he 'd be dazed to wee-wee you-"

Jesse James was interrupted by a loud crack that sounded like someone Apparating or a branch break. Lily shrieked and Harry stood with his wand out. There was a rustling in the woods behind them and a figure lumbered out.

He stepped forward and the illumination from the fire illuminated his typeface, which was old and wrinkled. There was barely a hair on his head and he walked with an obvious limp. Adorned in a very old, very disgusting looking brownness cloak, he did not appear to consume showered in recent history.

"'Arry Potter,"he croaked. His vox did n't sound like it had been used in recent history, either. His accent was not Canadian, nor was it British or Australian."A word."

"verge out where I can see it,"Harry replied.

"Don''ave a scepter,"he muttered.

"shuffle it quick, then,"Harry said, his own sceptre still pointed at the stranger.

"Yer in trouble, thrower,"he said."An'not just 'bout what 'appened two months ago."

He sounded a bit like Hagrid, Albus thought, except this bloke seemed to induce zip but that in common with the friendly half-giant.

"Oh, no."The bloke smiled slightly."Election yr, ai n't it ? Oh, yes, you 've more to worry 'bout than that Willinson bloke."

"Who are you ?"Harry asked.

"Not important,"he said and turned to go back into the forest."estimable luck, ceramicist,"he said before disappearing completely.

"That was weird,"John said."How in the name of Falco columbarius can an election be bad for you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus agreed."Are you running for pastor or something ?"

Harry laughed."Definitely not. I reckon that bloke is off his cradle. I would n't occupy about it."

Ginny insisted they get to bed shortly after the strange bloke left since they had to get up early the next morn to grab their Portkey. Albus laid awake thinking about the stranger long after John, James, and Nathan fell asleep. His dad may let said not to worry about it, but is n't that what all begetter say when they do n't desire their boy to care about something, even if it is worthy of trouble ?
******


Early was an understatement for the time they had to get up the next good morning. Ginny was waking them up when the sun was barely above the horizon. Apparently everyone had to go away the campground before Muggles checked in, which meant everyone in the entire bivouac was rushing about resulting in world-wide chaos. Eventually the thrower managed to locate their Portkey and get back to London. When they arrived it was five hours later because of the time variety, yet all Albus wanted to do was crawl back in bed, which is exactly what he did. St. John the Apostle fell asleep right on Albus 's floor without any kind of blanket or pillow.

St. John spent two more solar day at Albus 's house, during which they went to Diagon Alley, along with Kaden, and spent most of their fourth dimension speculating on who the new Defense teacher would be. Harry told them that he would not be returning, much to their displeasure, but he was certain Kendrick would find a suitable replacement. Albus was not too sure about this since Kendrick 's last substitute turned out to be mad yet still capable of catching evilness wizards. lav left the day of the annual before school Weasley family dinner because his family was going to visit his cousins, much to can 's dismay.

The before school dinner was one of two times that Albus 's total extended family got together for a meal. The residuum of the year everyone was either in schooling or too busy to undertake the case. However, Albus 's grandmother, molly, insisted that they all spend an evening together before all the kidskin went off to school day. Albus loved it because there was always delightful food and multiple biz of Quidditch. Albus was not sure enough how much longer everyone would attend, though, now that his previous full cousin were graduating and getting jobs. Victoire was still in Healer preparation and shimmy was in Auror preparation. Stanley was in Romania studying dragons, just as his father had done. Empire State of the South of course of instruction was busybodied with training for the Kenmare Kestrals and Albus was sure it would n't be long until she was playing for England. Gabriella, much to her parents'dismay, said she did not sleep together what she wanted to do with her spirit and was spending her days painting pictures of the sea in front of their cottage rather than working at the internship Bill had secured for her at Gringotts. The comply year, Fred and Heather would fine-tune and it would n't be long after that Thomas More of the Weasley full cousin were out of Hogwarts than were in Hogwarts. Angie, Fred 's piffling babe, was just starting Hogwarts that year.

This was not the year that people began to not be able to present up, though. Each and every member of the Weasley and ceramist families were going to be there, else face the ira of molly Weasley. Albus almost felt sorry for the first of all of his cousins to have to influence on the day the dinner party was scheduled. It certainly would n't be him because he still had More than half his Hogwarts career left.

dinner party, of course, was a relative term. masses started showing up at the burrow shortly after lunch metre and did not leave until ten or eleven at night. Albus 's parents chose to testify up around two, so that Ginny could help Molly with the cooking. When they arrived they found that billhook, Fleur, Charlie, Katherine, and their tike were already there. Fleur and Katherine were helping in the kitchen while pecker and Charlie set up tables in the backyard. President Arthur was tinkering with some sort of Muggle device in the den.

James immediately hailed Ben and the two of them disappeared up to one of the bedrooms, no doubt to plan some sort of put-on. Heather was in the backyard, already on a broom, with Eddie trailing after her on an old broom that was lagging. Gabriella and Mark were sitting in the den pretending to listen to Arthur 's commentary on whatever he was taking apart. Albus, who really had nothing to do until rose arrived, wandered around the house and yard with Lily, until his mother hailed him to hack carrot, the Muggle way of course.

Everyone else arrived while he was chopping, except for Victoire who did n't get off work until five. With what must take been at least five pound sign of cultivated carrot finally chopped, Albus escaped outside, where about everyone else was congregating.

Percy was donned in very fancy midnight blue robe which struck Albus as very odd since everyone else was wearing daily robe or Muggle dress. But Percy was always slightly odd.

"Why 's Uncle Percy dressed up ?"Albus asked Rose, who had just appeared by his side.

"No idea,"pink wine said."But he 's quite excited about something and he wo n't tell anyone else what it is."

"He probably came up with some new type of cauldron nates,"Peach State muttered.

Albus turned around to see Georgia, still in praxis Kestral robes, with her arms crossed glaring at her father."He 's still not lament on the Quidditch thing, is he ?"Albus asked.

"Nope,"Georgia replied."cipher he says is going to change my mind, though. I 've even gotten a flat with one of the other players. I 'm moving out tomorrow, but he does n't know it yet. I do n't get it. He 's more angry about this than Uncle Bill and Aunt Fleur are about Gabriella not interning at Gringotts."

"I do n't see what 's awry with a Quidditch career,"Albus agreed."I mean, so long as you 're in force. And you are."

"Thanks, Albus. He just does n't get Quidditch, and in two old age he 's going to have to deal with it all again when Bradley graduates."

"You think Thomas Bradley 's going to get into Quidditch, too ?"Rose asked.

"No estimate, but I know he does n't want to get into the Ministry. He hates political relation,"Georgia explained."And merlin knows Cedric would never sour in the Ministry. He causes far too much trouble."

"I suppose he can hope Samantha or Lindy will try for a Ministry career,"rose joked, pointing to the two superposable red-haired girlfriend playing tag with Eddie, who had abandoned his broom.

"He better not,"Empire State of the South muttered."They 're too youth to receive his dreams forced upon them. They 're not even in Hogwarts yet."

"How is training ?"Albus asked, changing the subject.

Peach State 's optic lit up."Oh it 's wonderful ! I mean, I have n't gotten to diddle in a existent match yet but it 's really something to be able to flirt Quidditch every day of your biography and get paid for it. One of the Beaters, the girl I 'm getting a monotonic with, says I 'm a shoe-in for a permanent wave keeper position once their steward gets drafted for England. There 's been talking that he will be and I would n't be surprised since he 's the estimable player on the team."

"Oi, Empire State of the South !"James shouted as he crossed the chiliad, followed by Ben and Cedric."Want to get a match going ?"

"Definitely !"Georgia replied."interested, Al ?"

"Sure,"Albus answered.

Albus set off towards the sign to locate his Calluna vulgaris, which he had brought, the whole time thinking how favorable he was that Harry would stomach whatever calling he chose to get into. He liked his Uncle Hotspur well enough, but he could n't ideate being told he should n't do what he most wanted to do with his life.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! I will be responding to all of your lovely reassessment soon.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower.
Weasley home Tree is in the author 's Note at the bottom.


molly Weasley did n't dare help dinner party until after the Quidditch match had been completed because even she did n't receive the power to hale Weasleys away from Quidditch. chemise secured a win for his team by practically stealing the Snitch out James 's hold and then everyone was off their brooms and sitting at the tumid crew of tables in phonograph recording metre. After all, Quidditch was one of the best things one could do to develop a big appetite. Albus was certainly quite hungry and in a very beneficial mood as he had been on teddy bear 's team.

Albus and rose wine sat next to each other in the eye of the group of mesa and unfortunately Percy sat directly across from them. Early experience had taught them never to sit near Percy due to his use of talking politics during dinner, something that even bored rosiness. The two of them looked at each other as Percy sat down and Albus readied himself for political conversation rather than Quidditch talk.

"I 'm telling you,"Sir Henry Percy said to no one in particular as he served himself some carrots,"something 's going to hap. I guarantee it. It 's been too quiet in the Ministry lately. Personally I thought thing would get a bit riled up concluding year when Walter Eckerton took over for MacVicar, but I suppose the two of them had similar views. More similar than I expected anyway ..."

farewell it to Walker Percy to try and line up something faulty with the Ministry when all was fine, Albus thought. He reached over rose to grab a steak and kidney pie and served a heaping fate onto his scale.

"What do you cerebrate, Harry ?"Harry Hotspur turned to Albus 's dad, who happened to be sitting following to him."Any stirrings in the Auror section that I may not have heard about ?"

"things are pretty composure, Percy,"Harry replied.

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

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

"Well, it 's an election year,"Percy pointed out."Things never stay tranquillize during election years. Party announcements come first-class honours degree week of September and after that affair will be chaotic around the Ministry. lots of work to do. Let me tell you, when I run for Minister-"

"Oh, here we go again !"Ron said loudly."When Percy runs for minister. It 's never gon na happen, Perce. Honestly."

"I would vote for you, Sir Henry Percy,"mollie assured him."You would make a wonderful rector. But this dinner is supposed to be about the kids. St. James the Apostle ! And Ben and Cedric ! This is your O.W.L. year ! You three are going to do so wonderfully but you must calm down a bit and study."

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

"Well, as a matter of fact."Harry Hotspur stood up."I have a rather charge up promulgation to make and I feel I must assure my family first, before the rest of the Wizarding World."He paused, presumably for dramatic effect."I will be formally announcing on Monday, September second that I will be running for Minister for April 's election."

There was absolute muteness for about five seconds before a all 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 head slightly and then jumped up from her chair, running towards Walker Percy and finally enveloping him in a large hug and kissing him squarely on the forehead.

"Oh, Percy !"she exclaimed."I 'm so proud of you ! You 've been talking about it for long time and I think it 's high fourth dimension 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 Falco columbarius 's sake !"

"And you 're a fine good one, Ronald, but I ca n't ever see you being Minister. You just do n't have the ambition Sir Henry Percy does,"Molly said as she patted him on the shoulder.

amber was exchanging work force at the early end of the mesa. Cedric was grinning madly, so Albus assumed he had won some sort of bet involving when Harry Hotspur 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 Minister, but he had always believed Percy would n't ever do it. If Albus was dependable with himself, he did n't really want Percy running. His phratry was noted enough without having an genuine Minister in it.

"Honestly, Mum, do you think he 's really going to win ?"Ron exclaimed."I mean, do n't get me faulty, Percy, I 'll vote for you, but what about the ease 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 pungency,"throwaway pointed out.

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

"We are supporting you,"Molly assured him.

"son,"Chester Alan Arthur warned."Harry Hotspur 's right. If he wants to run for government minister he can without any of us making it difficult for him. You do n't have to vote for him, but I wo n't throw you arguing during dinner. You 'll upset your mum."

Everyone resumed their buttocks but Albus doubted they stopped talking about Percy running for rector. They just continued to do so in small voice. For once, Albus was happy he had chosen a seat near Percy.

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

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

So that 's what Percy 's statute title was, Albus thought. He had no idea if that was a position that had a lot of major power or not, but apparently it was enough to receive support for a minister of religion run.

"Hey, Dad,"GA shouted from a footling fashion down the board."I figure this is as trade good a time as any to tell you that I 'm moving out tomorrow."

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

"Moving out. You know, leaving the nest. I 've got a flat with a ally closer to the tar. It 'll be more commodious, for work."

"piece of work,"Percy muttered."If Quidditch can be considered work."

"expression, I know how these elections work. You 're going to want to form yourself look like a family man, so you 're not going to want to turn over me your crazy daughter who only plays Quidditch and has no job. So you 'd amend part thinking of me as your daughter who 's the young reserve Keeper for the Kenmare Kestrals. It 'll sound secure to the press."

Percy stared at her with his mouth agape. He shook his foreland slightly and resumed eating, without another word to Georgia. Georgia looked smug, so Albus assumed she had won that little argument.

Albus turned to rosebush and grinned. Georgia certainly knew how to make Percy 's run for government minister work to her advantage.

"rose, have you heard from Linda yet ?"Albus asked, deciding not to connect the quietus of his family in political conversation.

"Not yet."Rose shook her heading."Her mum might birth wanted her to await 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 tranquillise about it,"Albus answered.

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

"You 're robbing a depository financial institution ?"James shouted.

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

Albus and Rose did n't risk talking about Lubar for the rest of the evening. surely, the rest of their household make love about what had happened but neither of them wanted to discuss their theory with any of them.

The relaxation of the evening was rather out of case for common Weasley family dinners. All the previous years'dinners had consisted of public lecture 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 metre would get a carnival bit of attending, but this year Angie, who was starting, seemed to be forgotten. Instead all of the care was focused on Percy. The adult were talking politics and Albus 's older cousin were placing bets on whether he 'd win or not.

Stanley was the first to leave as he had to go back to Roumania the following dayspring. Charlie and Katherine had finished their class in Rumania and had returned to England permanently the previous month. Victoire and shimmy left shortly after that since they both had to work the following day.

Percy was still discussing military campaign tactic with Corrine, who was smiling and nodding the way Albus did when his cousins were modest and he had to pretend he was concern in what they were saying, when Albus 's parents decided it was metre to leave. For the first time in his living, he was actually happy to leave and get back to Grimmauld topographic point. The before school dinner was supposed to be about everyone who was at Hogwarts, a time to have fun all together before shoal started, and this time it had n't been that. It had been about Percy.
******


By some cam stroke of luck or miracle that had never descended upon the Potters before, James had packed his bole the night before they left for school. Albus was sure enough that some sort of apocalypse was going to arrive soon because Hotspur running for Minister and the Potters arriving early for the Hogwarts express mail were two events that nobody ever thought would happen. Albus did n't question it, though. Instead he just used the opportunity to his advantage.

Kaden, who had met Albus at political program 9 ¾ prior to going through the roadblock, was not early, so the Potters went through without him. rose and her family were already there of course, so Albus said a quick goodbye to his parents before getting on the train to retrieve Rose. With any luck his ally would n't be there yet and he could peach to go up alone. Usually there was nada he would n't talk to his friends about, but the strange feeling he had had about his kinsfolk was something he only wanted to talk to rosebush about.

Rose was alone in a compartment about halfway down the gearing, reading one of her new schoolbook. It was Arithmancy and Albus did n't have the slender idea what any of the symbolic representation in it meant. He chose the rear end next to her and waited for her to be done meter reading whatever it was she was deciphering.

"I 'm witnessing a miracle, apparently,"Rose said after setting her ledger down.

"James I packed finish night,"Albus answered.

"Again, I 'm witnessing a miracle."She laughed."Your mum is lucky if Saint James packs in the first place than five arcminute before you leave."

"It 's definitely odd,"Albus agreed."Listen, do you get the tactual sensation matter are changing ?"

"Changing ? Like what 's happening with Willinson and Lubar and their lot ? Yeah, I think so. It 's been over three geezerhood, Al, and they still have n't gotten all of them in Azkaban at the same clip. I know they 're really stupid person when it comes to dueling but I think they 're smarter than anyone 's giving them course credit for. Things are going to change, Al. The cosmos 's getting scarier,"Rose said quietly.

Albus swallowed arduous. That was in the back of his mind of course, but he had never voiced it before. Nor was it what he had set out to talk to climb up about.

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

"Oh,"was all rose said. Both cousins sat quietly for a minute before she continued."I know what you mean. What was up with that dinner at Gran and Gramps 's ? It was all Walker 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 less of us at Hogwarts now so I guess that 's what 's going to happen-"

"There 's still a lot of us here,"pink 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 Sakartvelo. We talked about Hotspur for Merlin 's sake !"

"What do you recall will happen if he wins ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't know. I do n't think things will interchange political-wise but I think it 's going to be really weird for Georgia and Tom Bradley and Cedric. Even the Twin will probably be effected. I mean, having your dad be the most crucial somebody in the wizarding earth has got to be stressful."

"Tell me about it,"Albus muttered."Can you ideate if my dad ran for Minister ?"

"Sir Henry Percy would n't stand a chance."

"Dad 'll never run, though,"Albus pointed out."I just think that affair are already dissimilar from lowest class. Everyone 's going to be focused on Uncle Harry Hotspur 's campaign."

"thing never stay the same, Al,"rose wine said.

"What 's not staying the Lapplander ?"John asked as he entered the compartment, followed by Kaden."I 'm hoping you 're talking about my divination patsy, Rose, because my parents nearly murdered me this yesteryear summer when they saw it."

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

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

"Nothing,"Rose said quickly.

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

"This is going to be the easily year ever !"Kaden said excitedly as he pulled a art object of lambskin out of his bag."look, it 's my Hogsmeade permission slip !"

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

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

"Just for the Slytherin common room,"Saint John the Apostle assured him."Our goal is to calculate out how to get a few in there."

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

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

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

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

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

"Fine."Albus took a oceanic abyss breath."Well, my Uncle Harry Hotspur 's running play 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 year ?"Amanda asked.

"Yes,"Albus answered."He 's seriously hunt down, it 's not that cool, I 'm honestly not sure 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 final stage thing he 'd ever want to do. He would n't want anymore mogul than he 's already got. Whereas Sir Henry Percy, all of my uncles have always said is kind of office hungry,"Albus replied.

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

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

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

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

"That 's stupid,"John said."Sakartvelo '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 signify, he 's right ?"Albus stared at her. She had a knowing smile splayed across her face.

"You, rose wine, and Matt are n't the only I of us who have household in politics,"Amanda said.

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

"I never said the Ministry of conjuration, King John. I meant the Muggle Ministry. My uncle 's the premier minister."

Albus continued to stare at her. Amanda was always rather quiesce and rarely talked about her kinsperson. He always figured that was because she was so placidity and never guessed that it might be because her sept was just as influential in the Muggle earthly concern as his was in the wizarding human race.

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

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

"He 'll suffer my Uncle Mike,"Amanda finished."But as I was saying, GA does have it all figured out. If word gets out that Harry Hotspur and her rowed about her Quidditch playing, it 's going to come off unseasonable in the jam and fall behind him votes. So, he 'll maintain it to himself and will be in the front row of every I one of her matches, pretending to be a huge Kenmare Kestrals fan."

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

"It 's politics from the other side. The public wants people in power to stimulate a certain image."

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

"My cousin Leanne went a fiddling wild at university her first of all year, our number one twelvemonth 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 concealment of some rag, but that was the only one. I know she partied more, but it was all hushed up."

"But it 's not comparable Georgia 's partying. She 's got Quidditch skills and is using them to make an honest living,"rosebush pointed out.

"I 'm not saying that 's bad. I 'm just saying your uncle wo n't want the public to know he 's not well-chosen with her career choice so he 's going to bring in himself attend like a pay father."

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

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

"It 's true, Albus,"flatness said."Amanda 's completely right. It 's the unharmed reason why my dad got sacked. The public did n't like that I was a lycanthrope, which is part of why the Ministry hushed it up. When it got out, cypher wanted him in politics anymore."

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. He never really thought about that before, but Matt was right. Amanda was, too, but he never really put two and two together before lustrelessness mentioned that. And now the Saame thing was happening with his family. Hotspur was going to pretend and while that did n't really directly upshot him, how long would it take before the populace did n't like the image he and the sleep of his cousins were presenting ?


A/N : From now on, updates for this will happen on the first of every calendar month and updates for Beyond the tail will take place 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 yr
Mark- 6th year
Eddie- 8

Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Georgia- 18
Bradley- 6th twelvemonth
Cedric- 5th year
Samantha & Lindy ( Twin ) - 9

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

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

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

*All in Gryffindor*