Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist.
Weasley family unit Tree is in the Author 's preeminence at the bottom.


Molly Weasley did n't defy suffice dinner until after the Quidditch match had been completed because even she did n't have the ability to drag Weasleys away from Quidditch. shift secured a win for his team by practically stealing the Snitch out Jesse James 's grasp and then everyone was off their heather and sitting at the large crowd of tables in record clip. After all, Quidditch was one of the dear affair one could do to develop a big appetency. Albus was certainly quite hungry and in a very in force mood as he had been on shimmy 's team.

Albus and rosebush sat next to each other in the middle of the group of tabular array and unfortunately Walker Percy sat directly across from them. other experience had taught them never to sit near Percy due to his use of talking politics during dinner, something that even bored Rose. The two of them looked at each other as Harry Hotspur sat down and Albus readied himself for political conversation rather than Quidditch talk.

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

Leave it to Percy to try and ascertain something wrong with the Ministry when all was fine, Albus thought. He reached over rose to grab a steak and kidney pie and served a heaping serving onto his home.

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

"Things are fairly calm, 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 real title was so long and complicated that Albus never bothered to think of it.

"wellspring, it 's an election year,"Percy pointed out."Things never stay serene during election years. company announcement come first week of September and after that things will be chaotic around the Ministry. lashings of work to do. Let me state you, when I run for Minister-"

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

"I would vote for you, Percy,"Molly assured him."You would produce a wondrous minister of religion. But this dinner is supposed to be about the kids. James ! And Ben and Cedric ! This is your O.W.L. yr ! You three are going to do so wonderfully but you must calm down a bit and study."

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

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

There was absolute secrecy for about five second gear before a unit lot of matter happened at once. Ron, George, and Charlie burst out laughing. Hermione raised her supercilium as far as they could go. Ginny, bank bill, and King Arthur all shouted loudly"Seriously ? ! ”. Molly shook her head slightly and then jumped up from her chairwoman, running towards Percy and finally enveloping him in a large hug and kissing him squarely on the forehead.

"Oh, Percy !"she exclaimed."I 'm so majestic of you ! You 've been talking about it for years and I think it 's high time you actually did it. I always wanted a son who was this successful !"

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

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

Gold was exchanging hands at the former end of the table. Cedric was grinning madly, so Albus assumed he had won some variety of bet involving when Hotspur would run for Minister. That bet must receive been in the works for years.

Albus was personally stunned. He of class had been on the receiving end of many a Percy rant about what he 'd do when he ran for Minister, but he had always believed Hotspur would n't ever do it. If Albus was honest with himself, he did n't really need Sir Henry Percy running. His family was famous enough without having an factual diplomatic minister in it.

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

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

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

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

"I am not !"Hotspur shouted."And I would 've expected more support from my own family."

"We are supporting you,"Molly assured him.

"Boys,"Arthur warned."Harry Hotspur 's right. If he wants to run for Minister he can without any of us making it hard for him. You do n't have to vote for him, but I wo n't own you arguing during dinner party. You 'll bowl over your mum."

Everyone resumed their seats but Albus doubted they stopped talking about Sir Henry Percy running for parson. They just continued to do so in lower part. For once, Albus was happy he had chosen a seat near Percy.

"Do you roll in the hay who else is running ?"Hermione asked.

"Not sure,"Percy replied."Hartwell 's not running again, if that 's what you 're getting at. He 's had sufficiency. But I 've got his livelihood. After all, I am the elder Undersecretary for the draftsmanship and Editing of legal philosophy to the Minister."

So that 's what Hotspur 's title was, Albus thought. He had no idea if that was a locating that had a lot of king or not, but apparently it was enough to have musical accompaniment for a minister of religion run.

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

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

"Moving out. You know, leaving the nestle. I 've got a flavorless with a ally closer to the slant. It 'll be more convenient, for work."

"body of work,"Sir Henry Percy muttered."If Quidditch can be considered work."

"spirit, I know how these elections work. You 're going to want to pee-pee yourself appear like a family man, so you 're not going to desire to consider me your crazy daughter who only plays Quidditch and has no job. So you 'd ameliorate get down intellection of me as your girl who 's the newfangled taciturnity custodian for the Kenmare Kestrals. It 'll sound comfortably to the press."

Percy stared at her with his sassing agape. He shook his heading slightly and resumed eating, without another word to Peach State. GA looked smug, so Albus assumed she had won that little argument.

Albus turned to Rose and grinned. Georgia certainly knew how to make Percy 's running for government minister work to her reward.

"blush wine, have you heard from Linda yet ?"Albus asked, deciding not to join the residuum of his family in political conversation.

"Not yet."Rose shook her head."Her mum might have wanted her to look 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 repose about it,"Albus answered.

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

"You 're robbing a coin bank ?"James shouted.

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

Albus and rose did n't adventure talking about Lubar for the rest of the evening. for sure, the rest of their family knew about what had happened but neither of them wanted to discuss their theories with any of them.

The rest of the evening was rather out of character for common Weasley kinfolk dinners. All the former age'dinner had consisted of talking of Hogwarts and the adults exclaiming how big everyone had gotten and how everyone was growing up. Usually whomever was starting Hogwarts for the first meter would get a average bit of attention, but this class Angie, who was starting, seemed to be forgotten. Instead all of the attention was focused on Hotspur. The grownup were talking political relation and Albus 's older cousins were placing bets on whether he 'd win or not.

Stanley was the beginning to impart as he had to go back to Rumania the observe morning. Charlie and Katherine had finished their class in Rumania and had returned to England permanently the previous month. Victoire and Teddy left shortly after that since they both had to sour the adjacent day.

Percy was still discussing campaign manoeuvre with Corrine, who was smiling and nodding the way Albus did when his full cousin were smaller and he had to profess he was interested in what they were saying, when Albus 's parents decided it was clock time to forget. For the low clock time in his life, he was actually felicitous to leave and get back to Grimmauld Place. The before school dinner party was supposed to be about everyone who was at Hogwarts, a time to get fun all together before school started, and this time it had n't been that. It had been about Percy.
******


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

Kaden, who had met Albus at weapons platform 9 ¾ prior to going through the barrier, was not early, so the ceramicist went through without him. Rose and her family were already there of course, so Albus said a quick bye-bye to his parents before getting on the train to find Rose. With any luck his friends would n't be there yet and he could mouth to develop alone. Usually there was zippo he would n't talk to his friends about, but the strange feeling he had had about his family line was something he only wanted to speak to Rose about.

Rose was alone in a compartment about halfway down the gearing, reading one of her new textbooks. It was Arithmancy and Albus did n't possess the slender idea what any of the symbols in it meant. He chose the fanny next to her and waited for her to be done reading material whatever it was she was deciphering.

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

"James packed lastly night,"Albus answered.

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

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

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

Albus swallowed hard. 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 peach to Rose about.

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

"Oh,"was all Rose said. Both cousins sat quietly for a instant before she continued."I know what you mean. What was up with that dinner at gran and granddad 's ? It was all 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,"rosebush interrupted."And Eddie and the twins have n't even started yet. Plus it 's not like we even talked about teddy bear, Victoire, Stanley, and Empire State of the South. We talked about Percy for pigeon hawk 's sake !"

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

"I do n't know. I do n't call back matter will transfer political-wise but I think it 's going to be really unearthly for Peach State and Bradley and Cedric. Even the Twin Falls will probably be effected. I mean, having your dad be the most important person in the wizarding universe has got to be stressful."

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

"Percy would n't stand up a chance."

"Dad 'll never run, though,"Albus pointed out."I just think that things are already different from last yr. Everyone 's going to be focused on Uncle Harry Hotspur 's campaign."

"matter never stay the Saami, Al,"Rose said.

"What 's not staying the like ?"Saint John asked as he entered the compartment, followed by Kaden."I 'm hoping you 're talking about my fortune telling sucker, Rose, because my parents nearly murdered me this past summer when they saw it."

"I think we 'll just consume to deal with your murder, privy, because that soft touch is not getting any in high spirits,"rose wine replied.

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

"Nothing,"pink wine said quickly.

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

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

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

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

"Just for the Slytherin usual elbow room,"John assured him."Our goal is to envision out how to get a few in there."

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

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

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

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

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

"Fine."Albus took a rich intimation."Well, my Uncle Harry Hotspur 's track for Minister."

"Seriously ?"John replied.

"poise !"Kaden exclaimed.

"Why ?"Matt asked.

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

"Yes,"Albus answered."He 's seriously running, 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 pink wine both burst out laughing."Because that 's the last thing he 'd ever want to do. He would n't want anymore power than he 's already got. Whereas Percy, all of my uncles have always said is kind of major power hungry,"Albus replied.

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

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

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

"It 's our kinsperson,"rosiness said quietly."Uncle Percy is so focused on the election and it has n't even really started yet. Empire State of the South 's got it all figured out. Percy 's going to dissemble he 's completely felicitous with her Quidditch acting just to realise himself seem like a home man, which he 's really not. He 's always been focused on work."

"That 's stupid,"John said."Georgia 's not going to like that."

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

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

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

"You, pink wine, and lustrelessness are n't the only ace of us who have family in political sympathies,"Amanda said.

"But you 're a Muggle,"whoremaster replied.

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

Albus continued to stare at her. Amanda was always rather quiet and rarely talked about her folk. He always figured that was because she was so quiet and never guessed that it might be because her home was just as influential in the Muggle world as his was in the wizarding worldly concern.

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

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

"He 'll meet my Uncle mike,"Amanda finished."But as I was saying, Georgia does have it all figured out. If Holy Scripture gets out that Percy and her rowed about her Quidditch playing, it 's going to come off wrong in the press and lose him votes. So, he 'll keep it to himself and will be in the front row of every single one of her equal, pretending to be a huge Kenmare Kestrals fan."

"Wow, that seems so wrong,"blush wine muttered.

"It 's politics from the other side. The populace wants mass in power to accept a certain image."

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

"My cousin Leanne went a little state of nature at university her initiatory year, our initiatory year at Hogwarts, and the Ministry hushed it all up. She was out partying and the paparazzi got a photo of her and put it on the concealment of some sheet, but that was the merely one. I know she partied more, but it was all hushed up."

"But it 's not similar Empire State of the South 's partying. She 's got Quidditch acquisition and is using them to make an honest living,"pink wine pointed out.

"I 'm not saying that 's bad. I 'm just saying your uncle wo n't want the populace to bang he 's not felicitous with her calling pick so he 's going to make himself look like a devoted father."

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

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

"It 's true, Albus,"Matt said."Amanda 's completely properly. It 's the whole reason why my dad got sacked. The world did n't like that I was a werewolf, which is region of why the Ministry hushed it up. When it got out, cipher wanted him in political science anymore."

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. He never really thought about that before, but flatness was mighty. Amanda was, too, but he never really put two and two together before mat mentioned that. And now the Same matter was happening with his family. Percy was going to pretend and while that did n't really directly event him, how long would it remove before the public did n't like the image he and the balance of his cousin-german were presenting ?


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

Here 's the Weasley-Potter Family Tree !

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

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

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

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

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

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

*All in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was no mention of political science or Ministers throughout the balance of the train tripper. Amanda did n't say anything else about her uncle being the prime quantity minister and how it had affected her family, but Albus was still really singular about it. How had she managed to keep that a secret for three years ? Judging by Rose 's response, she did n't even know about it. Matt had n't even managed to stay fresh it a secret that he was a werewolf for a year. Granted, Albus and the others had figured it out, but still. Maybe Amanda was the best undercover keeper in their group.

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

As the caravan neared Hogsmeade station, Albus and his friend changed into their robes and prepared to exit the gear for the bumpy carriage ride up to the schooltime. The journey was now so routine that they did so with niggling chatter and transferred to the pushchair with none of the fanfare of the previous two old age. They were fourth old age now and Hogwarts was familiar territory. As one-quarter years, they were well on their way to being the older students of the schooling.

The Great Hall was filled with laughter and excitement as the scholarly person found their tail at their menage table. Albus and his acquaintance quickly found seats together at the Gryffindor table and all five glanced up to the faculty table to incur the new face that would be their demurrer instructor. However, instead of the one unfamiliar typeface they expected, there were two unfamiliar faces.

"Which one 's the defense lawyers instructor ?"Kaden asked.

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

There were two new wizards sitting at the board. One was abstruse in conversation with Professor Kendrick and the other was glancing around at the room, his middle never resting on the same thing or person for Thomas More than a few minute. The former was wearing what looked to be Ministry robe, which made Albus inquire if he was an Auror, but then he noticed one of the Aurors from last year standing off to the position in his usual spot. The bit new hotshot was dressed in plain nigrify gown and had nearly no hairsbreadth atop his point, but instead had a tumid beard and mustache, as if he was trying to even out.

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

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

"It 's not necessarily a bad thing,"rose pointed out."Maybe they just want to make sure everything is back to normal after the competition in conclusion year."

John opened his mouth to answer but was silenced by the doorway opening and Professor Patil entering with the new first years. They looked scared and flyspeck, far smaller than the previous yr 's initiatory class. It was weird how they seemed to get lowly every year.

As with the previous year, Albus did n't pay any attention to anyone 's sorting unless their last name was potter or Weasley. This year, of course, there was only Angie entering Hogwarts from Albus 's turgid family. She ran up to the three-legged-stool with as much enthusiasm as the ease of the kinsfolk had and jammed the hat onto her head.

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

For once Albus wished that Kendrick would make announcements before the feast was served just so he could find out why there were two new wizards at the staff mesa, but like common, Kendrick waited until after the feast. Thus, the duration of the banquet was spent speculating.

"The Ministry 's sent person to observe,"James II said confidently."flavour at the past three days. Every single one at to the lowest degree one of Al and his friends have gotten kidnapped by insane wizards. Clearly the Ministry does n't think the instructor can protect us enough."

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

"I bet he 's here to enroll people for the Ministry,"Fred suggested."You know, spend a class with us seventh long time and try to convince us that we should claim on boring Ministry business. Bet Uncle Harry Hotspur 's the rationality for it. Probably does n't want anymore of his kin to take up Quidditch professionally."

"That 's pathetic,"a seventh-year girlfriend replied."He 's probably just the new Defense teacher."

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

"Slughorn 's long lost twin ?"Kaden suggested."Seriously, shave his face fungus and he 'll attend just like Slughorn."

"Maybe Kendrick just wanted to invite soul to the Welcome fiesta,"Amanda pointed out."It could be as simple as that."

Albus doubted it. Nothing was ever bare when it came to liveliness at Hogwarts. Finally, after what seemed the likes of ages, the puddings disappeared and Kendrick stood to give his usual start of term speech.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts. I give a warm welcome to our new first years and hope you have enjoyed your beginning Hogwarts feast. I 'll remind everyone that the forest is out of boundary as well as the Whomping Willow. Those wishing to try out for their sign of the zodiac Quidditch teams can give their public figure to their nous of planetary house. Now, you may have noticed that there are two new stave members this year even though only one position is vacant. The initiative is simple to explicate and the sec is a little more complicated.

"low gear, I would like to receive professor Elliot Young to Hogwarts. prof Lester Willis Young is going to be taking over the Defense instructor position."Kendrick gestured to the man with the beard, while scattered hand clapping was received from the students and former professors.

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

"Many of you may be aware and quite a lot of you I 'm certain are not aware that this is an election year for the Ministry of Magic. Tomorrow the nominee running for diplomatic minister of Magic will make their speeches announcing their candidacy, which will begin a seven month campaign menses. At the beginning of April, anyone who is of age will vote and the winner shall be announced. The fact that this is an election year is a marvellous educational opportunity and I was n't about to let it go along us by. Therefore I have decided to add another course to the syllabus. It will take on once a week and in it you will get wind the ins and outs of our political organization and its history.

"This is professor Richard Embry."Kendrick gestured to the bloke sitting next to him, who then stood up."He is from the Ministry and has agreed to teach this new class that we have designed. The course will come along on your agenda that you will encounter tomorrow. Now, I suggest all of you turn in early as division begin bright and early in the morning. Prefects, please escort the first yr to the coarse rooms."

Kendrick and the Ministry bloke both resumed their seats while Albus and his ally rose. The joined the mob of scholar making their way out of the Great Granville Stanley Hall and towards the main staircase. The Hufflepuffs and Slytherins broke away from the plurality to descend to their dormitories and then the Ravenclaws left for their tower. Soon, Albus and his booster were only amongst fellow Gryffindors.

The common room was abuzz with discourse about the new professor when they arrived. most of the younger students had gone to bed, but the older pupil were making no move to do so. Fred was posting a sign-up tack for Quidditch try-outs on the notice board while broom watched. Albus predicted that the two of them would act more like co-captains since there was no way Scots heather was going to let Fred make all of the team decisions this yr.

"So now we have another class,"John muttered as they sat down at a mesa near the ardour."More homework. More exams."

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

"But still, since when has anyone at Hogwarts had to take a class about politics ?"whoremonger asked.

"Never,"Albus replied.

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

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

trick groaned."Do we really have to talk about them already ?"

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

"Well, I think I 'm going to turn in,"rose wine said as she stood up."Classes start tomorrow."

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

Rose and Amanda left for the girls'dormitory a little while later. Albus and the former boys stayed up a while longer, but soon realized they were quite tired. They said goodnight to Kaden when they reached the third years'dormitory and then continued on to their own. It had been a long day and Albus was ready to go to slumber, just so he would n't consume to think about politics or the election anymore.
******


"Well, we 've got one of the new teachers today,"John said at breakfast the following morning."We start off the day with Herbology and then have United States Department of Defense right before lunch."

"When do we have that politics class ?"Matt asked as he scooped a wad of burgoo onto his plate.

"Tomorrow, right before dinner,"John replied."Merlin, that would 've been free time if we did n't have that all-fired class."

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

"I have n't got it until Friday break of day,"Kaden lamented."I think it will be fun. Muggle politics are boring but magic makes everything better."

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

"Of course,"Matt muttered."Would n't await anything different. And we 've probably got potions with them again, right ?"

Albus glanced at his schedule."Yes."They had had potions with the Slytherins every year now. Surely that could n't be inadvertent. Albus would hold preferred they have no year with the Slytherins, especially after what had happened in Defense the previous year. The live thing he and Matt needed was more adjoin with Scorpius Malfoy.

"good news is that we 've got Defense with the Hufflepuffs this year,"Amanda pointed out.

"Bet Kendrick did that on intention after live yr,"John the Divine said."He 'd take to be an idiot to give us that class with the Slytherins again.

Everyone nodded in agreement. After the fit that had developed between Albus, lavatory, and Scorpio Kendrick would probably never have the three of them in refutation course of study together again. Albus was thankful. He 'd spent the finis few weeks of his tertiary year avoiding Malfoy and was fully prepared to avoid him for the residual of his Hogwarts career. Unfortunately the Slytherin was on his dueling team.

The group hurriedly finished their breakfast and then parted elbow room with Kaden before heading down to the glasshouse for Herbology. Herbology was one of those predictable classes where they never had to worry about anything frightful happening when it came to subject matter or teachers. Neville was a mediocre instructor who made year interesting. Albus never had to worry about anything odd happening while in the greenhouse, unlike potions and defensive structure.

Everyone was slightly mistrustful of the new Defense professor and thus the seats in the back of the elbow room were in high demand. Unfortunately the Hufflepuffs had had transfiguration beforehand and had a much myopic walk, so they claimed all of the far seats. Albus, lustrelessness, and whoremaster had the misfortune of having to sit at one of the front table and all three boys were on border.

The professor ambled into the room just as class was scheduled to set forth. He had a very large heap of parchment, which he set on the desk before beginning to call roll.

"I am prof Young,"he began after he finished with roll."And welcome to twenty-five percent year Defense Against the Dark liberal arts. This year we will focus on Dark curses, hexes, and general enchantment, all of which are detailed out in your textbook. You can take your books out now if you have n't already done so."

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

"Please read the first chapter of your Quran and make out the worksheet by the end of the family,"Cy Young said as he walked back to his desk. He said nothing more and began to read what appeared to be a novel while stroking his whiskers.

Albus glanced at lavatory and Matt, unsure of whether Young would yell at him if he spoke in voicelessness to his friends. Actually, Young might not even hear him. He did appear to be quite old. But it was just so odd that Young assigned them reading and a worksheet on the starting time day of class. Would n't a lecture shuffling more sentience ? Albus could n't remember a fourth dimension when a professor had n't lectured on the first day of class.

Everyone else seemed thoroughly confused as well. For the future five minute of arc everyone sent each early bemused looks and coup d'oeil before finally cracking open their textbook, having realized that Danton True Young was n't going to do anything besides read his novel.

Albus began to read the first chapter, which was dreadfully boring. It was about the most mundane of Dark curse, if a Dark hex could be considered mundane. The chapter did n't even mention inexcusable curses, which while horrible, were far more interest than the canonical rationale of what made a curse Dark.

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

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

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

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

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

"Somehow I do n't think this bloke is going to be bringing any Anamateks to division,"Albus said.

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

"Not many multitude could,"Albus pointed out.

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

"What 's ill-timed ?"Albus asked, extremely confused as to why Georgia was at Hogwarts.

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

"What clock time is it happening ?"Albus asked.

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

"There is no way Georgia 's going to be able-bodied to pretend everything is ok between her and Uncle Percy for the unscathed election,"rosiness said once Georgia and her Brother had left."She looked pissed off already and he has n't even announced he 's running yet."

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

"Wish we could go lookout man,"Rose said."I bet our parents are there."

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

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

"conjecture we 'll find out tonight,"Albus said.
******


Albus did n't see Bradley or Cedric until dinner. He had been hoping to arrest one of them in between classes, but either their schedules did n't permit them to cross path or the announcement had gone until dinner. The noise in the Great Hall was n't any louder than it usually was when Albus arrived, but then again he was n't quite sure how much the ease of the student cared about the election. However at the Gryffindor table, all of Albus 's first cousin were clustered at one end of the table, their heads leaned in to one another.

"looking at like a family coming together or something,"Albus said.

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

Albus followed blush wine to the far end of the tabular array, where everyone else had already gathered. Albus squeezed his way in between Hugo and Henry James while Rose found a seat future to Lily.

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

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

"fountainhead, go on,"Fred encouraged.

"It was basically a Brobdingnagian fantasy political party with a lot of boring speeches,"Tom Bradley began."A bunch of Ministry the great unwashed and their wife or husband and Dad was the center of attention, of line. Everyone knew he was running even though he had n't made his official announcement yet. It did n't get interesting until Dad and the witch he 's running against made their announcement-"

"Dad 's was pretty boring,"Cedric cut in."Talked about how he 's seen the Ministry through so many variety and how we need stiff leaders to hold the magic community together and loyal. Mentioned Uncle Harry and Voldemort, of course of instruction. Then everyone clapped politely and the Opposition stood up."

"The witch who 's actually endure face like she was a hawk in a former lifespan. Her nose is as pointy as a nozzle can get and she 's got this sleek Joseph Black whisker that was done up in a bun. She stood up there with a crowd of people who she introduced as her political campaign squad,"Omar Nelson Bradley said."But it was her speech that got the crew riled up. She kept putting jam in everything Dad said. Dad mentioned about how the wizarding world was a strong united front but she talked about how break are forming and the Ministry is slipping and change is needed again. She made all these pernicious acknowledgment of how the Aurors are n't as on top of things and how if we do n't do something the magical world will shine apart."

"That 's absurd !"Fred said."The magical world is fine."

"I thought they were just making their promulgation that they were running,"blush wine said."Speeches do n't bulge out yet."

"Neither of them are going to waste an opportunity to get votes,"Heather pointed out."So do you two have to cook anymore appearances ?"

"Yeah,"Bradley answered."Dad wants us all there for his first speech this weekend and he said there are going to be some disputation here, so we have to sit up movement with Mum at those."

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

"What 's her name ?"Rose asked."And what does she do in the Ministry ?"

"Patricia Laurentis,"Cedric replied."She 's some kind of adviser to the stream Minister. Her championship 's just as confusing and long as Dad's."

"Weird that both the nominee were working under the current Minister,"Rose said.

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

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

Cedric and Bradley left, leaving the rest of the first cousin to talk about what they had just been told. Albus mostly listened while pushing his food around his collection plate. What he had learned about Patricia Laurentis unnerved him a little and it was mostly because portion of him thought she was right. Things were n't as perfect as his Uncle Sir Henry Percy thought. Willinson was still on the loose and not to mention the take with Lubar was still unresolved.

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

"Maybe Uncle Sir Henry Percy is the the right way person to be Minister,"Scots heather said quietly."The Ministry has been working the Lapp way since the Final conflict, has n't it ? And there have n't been anymore Voldemorts trying to put on power."

"But affair ca n't always stay on the same,"Rose pointed out.

"Do you really think the Ministry needs to change that a good deal ?"Heather asked.

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

"I 'm going to the common room,"Albus said as he pushed his scale away. He was n't athirst anymore.

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

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

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

"I 'm not denying that, but he did have a dot. In an election class everything matters. Uncle Percy 's aligned his opinion with the current Minister 's, which means if he 's elected he 's going to continue doing things the same way. The Ministry has n't caught Willinson for good in the three eld they 've been searching and he 's slipped out of their hold legion meter. It 's not going to be unmanageable for that Laurentis lady to convince people we need to change tactics, even if her tactic are n't great either."

Albus said cipher for a few moments."How do you recognize all of this ?"

"I 've talked to Amanda more than you have,"Rose replied."She knows how all of this kit and boodle, and it 's really not that unlike in the Muggle world."

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

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

Albus did n't reply. He knew that his Uncle Hotspur 's political views were slightly unlike than the rest of his home 's, but they were still quite standardised. If what Rose was saying was confessedly, that meant that his whole family needed to spread out their optic and Albus was n't indisputable how he felt about that.


A/N : Sorry about the late update. There were some land site issues. See the assembly for Sir Thomas More point about that. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"You know, this political relation social class is taking away from our discharge stop,"John said the following morning at breakfast. He shook his head as he loaded his plate in high spirits with scrambled eggs and bacon.

Albus nodded and waited for Rose 's reply about how they needed to take advantage of any discover opportunities, even if they meant less free time, but it did n't come. Albus turned to look at her, thinking she might be ill. She was n't. Instead she was piling her own plate high with testis and goner. Albus raised his eyebrows at her.

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

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

"I form of agree with him."blush wine shrugged.

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

Rose pushed his hand away."plosive consonant it, Al. I 'm not saying I wo n't bask the class. I 'm just saying that we 're fourth year and O.W.L.s are closer than ever and we need all the time we can get to study. Not that can would use the metre to read, listen you."

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

"I think it 'll be a nice change,"Matt put in."Something dissimilar. Notice they gave us History of Magic on two consecutive dawn. Wonder who the imbecile was who did that."

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

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

"On the off-chance that I 'm wrong, I 'll involve some sort of tree branch to get around with,"John answered.

"I only had one stratum with the Slytherins last year,"Kaden said."You lot must have severe fate. I 'd better be off. Defense this morning."

"Good destiny. That professor is Weird,"John the Evangelist said.

"Ca n't be speculative than concluding year,"Kaden replied as he got up and left.

Albus, mat, Rose, and Amanda waited for whoremaster to eat up his pile of ball before setting off for the dungeons. When they arrived the room access was already heart-to-heart and Albus saw that they were indeed wit the Slytherins again. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting at one of the movement tabular array, looking rather smug. Albus averted his eyes and continued to the back of the schoolroom, where he sat down in between Matt and John.

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

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

Slughorn chose that bit to paddle into the way so Albus and privy could not continue their conversation."Welcome, welcome ! Ahh, my two favorite houses together again ! What chance. Well, well, receive to fourth year Potions. This is the yr that things get difficult since you 'll be sitting your O.W.L.s next class ..."

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

"... Since today is a double class I thought we 'd set about brewing the foremost potion in your schoolbook and see where your attainment lie after a summertime of lounging about. Unless some of you happened to show your text book over the summer !"

Albus glanced at Rose, who was sitting next to Amanda at one of the face tables. She seemed to sit up high-pitched in her seat.

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

trick set off to function with Janie Creevey who lacked a collaborator while Albus and Matt set up a cauldron at their mesa.

"Remember your baseball mitt,"Slughorn announced."If you touch the stop product your hand will immediately freeze."

"Does it look odd to you that we have to concoct a freezing Solution with fire ?"Matt asked as he stuck his wand under the cauldron to light the flame.

"Very,"Albus agreed."So now that we 've had Slughorn for three old age, have you noticed that he always starts the yr with a contest ?"

"Yeah. I bet he uses the same course of study every twelvemonth,"Matt added."Ca n't suppose that much changes in condition of potion brewing."

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

"I wonder if it 's potential for this potion to detonate,"lustrelessness mused as he tossed a few opus of chopped beetroot into the cauldron."

"wellspring, I suppose we 'll find out,"came a drawling voice from behind them. Albus turned around and saw Malfoy, carrying a few bottles he must have gotten from the provision closet."I 'm certain you two will finagle it, if it 's possible."

"Shut it, Malfoy,"Albus replied.

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

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

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

Matt let out a laugh."Yeah, right. If anything he 's finally realized you 're a wagerer duelist than he is and he 's got to watch out. speaking of which, you think you 're going to be captain of your dueling team this year ?"

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

With everything else that was going on that year, the in conclusion thing Albus needed was to be maitre d'hotel of his dueling team, but he did not desire Malfoy as master either. He 'd take the extra work if just to keep Malfoy from being in charge. Malfoy needed tycoon like a blast-ended skrewt needed a flame thrower.

Albus and flatness did not gasconade up their potion by the end of the class. In fact, their potion had the same body that it was supposed to and while it was slightly ribald, it did manage to block the pinion Slughorn stuck in it. rosebush and Amanda won the cocoa, which was no surprise to anyone.

Rose and Amanda shared their hot chocolate with the boys as they walked up to the Great Hall for dejeuner. Albus and lusterlessness told the miss and John about Malfoy 's bizarre doings and Rose told them that they should just be happy he 's backing down, rather than analyze his motives.

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

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

"This good morning 's Prophet. The bird of night were late delivering it. Something about a storm in British capital,"heather explained.

Albus set down his roll and opened the newspaper. There on the front page was a picture of his Uncle Hotspur, smiling wide, in elaborate robes, shaking helping hand with a very tall woman, who was also smiling wide and wearing elaborate robes. Above the picture was the title,"prospect for minister of Magic Announced."

By this stop rosebush and Matt had crowded on either side of Albus, while Amanda and John hovered behind him, all trying to record the article. Albus 's oculus traveled down the page so he could do the same.

In front man of the total Ministry of legerdemain,
Minister hopefuls Percy Ignatius Weasley and
Patricia Leigh Laurentis announced their
candidacy on September 3rd, 2029. Both
candidates work under Minister Hartwell, yet
are running against each other for opposite
parties.

Weasley, Senior Undersecretary for the
Drafting and redaction of Laws, has been
chosen to run for the Merlinus political party,
which is the company that current curate
Hartwell represents. Laurentis, elder
advisor to Law Enforcement and Azkaban
Official has been chosen to run for the
Theophrastus Philippus Aureolus Bombastus von Hohenheim Party.

A prominent crowd turned out for the announcement,
which is only the initiative of many appearing
by both candidates. The low debate is
scheduled for Sept 8th, at the
Ministry of Magic.

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

"Guess so,"Albus replied.

"She looks a minuscule like this maths teacher I had before I came to Hogwarts,"Amanda said."She was a shuddery Lady. I remember once I forgot to do my homework so I spent the stallion dawn in the loo before soul came looking for me."

"You can enjoin they both hate each other,"Matt said as he gestured to the word-painting."surely they 're shaking hands and acting nice but clearly they both want to hex each other."

"It 's just weird that she works for Hartwell if she 's the reverse party he is,"blush wine mused."Why would Hartwell let hired her ?"

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

"Maybe,"Rose said."It just seems suspect. Her switching parties and hinting at all these root changes. It just seems like something big is going to happen."

Albus could n't help but have the Saami feeling. But all he could do was hope that his uncle won the election and Laurentis would not have the chance to transfer everything.

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

Albus nodded and passed the prophet down, then settling in to eat lunch. There was no point worrying about the election now. It was calendar month away. Plus, the government division was later that day and Albus was incredibly queer about it.

transfiguration seemed to drag by since it was the Saame as it was every yr. Professor Patil explained about that twelvemonth 's curriculum and how they needed to start thinking about O.W.L.s and the increased workload. It was all rather monotonous and all Albus wanted to do was get to politics since it was something new.

Finally Transfiguration was over and Albus and his ally hurried to the fifth base to the schoolroom where political sympathies was held. They slowed down when they reached the room as none of them wanted to be the first to enter.

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

Albus peeked in the door."Nope, Hufflepuffs."

Saint John let out an audible sigh of alleviation and Albus pushed the doorway out-of-doors as they entered. Only a few Hufflepuffs were there, seated towards the back, and the professor was nowhere in spate. rose wine immediately claimed a desk in the figurehead and Amanda chose one succeeding to her, while Albus and the other son headed to the grouping of Hufflepuffs in the spinal column.

"Do you retrieve there will be homework in this class ?"St. John the Apostle asked as they sat down.

Albus raised his brow."Is that a serious question ?"

bathroom shrugged."wellspring it 's not like there will be an O.W.L. We probably wo n't even have this class next year. So why would there be homework ?"

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

The eternal rest of the category filed in, filling in the arse that remained in the middle of the schoolroom. As the bell rang, prof Embry entered, walking with an air that this year would be all body of work and no play.

"Good afternoon,"prof Embry began as he shuffled a few papers on his desk."Welcome to Basic Wizarding Politics. I am prof Embry and you will deal me such."

Embry stepped out from behind his desk and began to stride the duration of the schoolroom."I understand that about of you know absolutely nothing about politics and assume that the minister of Magic is born the diplomatic minister and Pentateuch just magically come into existence. A select few of you,"his eyes rested on Albus, and then on mat, and on two Hufflepuff girls,"have parents in the Ministry and may sustain slightly More knowledge than the rest, but that would be rather generous of me to assume.

"Hogwarts has not put much bet in political education before now, something that I feel is lacking in today 's education and want to rectify this year. The syllabus will let in story of how our government came to be the way it is today as well as how the government is currently run."

The course of instruction let out a collective grown at the word history. Albus glanced at pink wine, who was on the bound of her seat.

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

Embry let out a short laugh."With professor Binns ? If I may be dog, that man died before most of the history happened. Along with that, he 'll put a rock to sleep."Embry chuckled. No one in the division dared to laugh."I 'm going to cave in you a right story of our modern government, starting with a brief overview of what the administration was like before the reign of Voldemort and a more comprehensive overview of what it is like today.

"I will also devote a class menstruation each to the way the government is run in French Republic, the United state of matter, and Commonwealth of Australia. Now, since you were not aware that this family would take place, you have not acquired books. Therefore I have purchased them for you. You are to treat them as program library books and return them to me in interchangeable condition at the end of the year. Lest your parents be billed."

Embry flicked his baton and pot of volume flew out of a nearby cupboard. They landed softly in front of the educatee. Albus glanced down and show the title. political sympathies and government in Modern Wizarding Britain by Beatrice Holden. It looked about as dull as the cupboard it had come out of.

"Very good. Now, get out lambskin and quill. I 'm not going to let the rest of this course of instruction period go to waste,"Embry said as he tapped his scepter on the board. banker's bill immediately appeared on it.

Embry lectured for the remainder of the socio-economic class about how the first governing was formed in Britain. It was incredibly dry. The only reason Albus stayed awake was because he had to necessitate bank bill. Literally had to. Embry caught a St. John the Apostle not taking Federal Reserve note and threatened him with detention this Saturday if he did n't start.

"That 's all for today,"Embry said after the bell rang."succeeding class we 'll fast forward in time and learn about the government pre-Voldemort. Read the number 1 chapter for homework and add up up with three attentive questions to flummox to the rest of the socio-economic class. Dismissed."

"How does Hogwarts pull the most flaky instructor ?"Albus asked once they were out of earshot of the classroom.

"Kendrick must put it on the list of job requirements,"john replied."Must be out of your freaking creative thinker to take in this position."

"I think he 's master,"Rose piped in."It seems like we 'll really read stuff."

"Why trouble ?"John the Evangelist asked."It 's not like we 're old enough to have a say in the politics anyway."

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

"She 's got a point, checkmate,"matt said."Who has the power in your country matters. If you elect the wrong people, things can go horribly wrong. Not everyone gets to elect their leaders, either. We do n't even get to do that fully. The positions that Albus 's dad has and my dad accept ? In the United States, those are elected billet. Not here."

"And before Voldemort, we did n't even elect our parson,"rosebush said.

"How do you lot even know this stuff ?"trick asked as they drew closer to the Gryffindor common room.

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

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

Albus grinned sheepishly."Guess so."

John the Evangelist groaned."This is insane. Why could n't I have picked normal Friend ?"

"Normal is highly overrated,"lustrelessness said as they reached the Fat gentlewoman.

******


The respite of the week went by fairly quickly, in Albus 's opinion. Everyone, students and teachers, fell back into their common Hogwarts subroutine and by the time Friday arrived Albus had a stack of preparation as high as his bed and was more than prepare for a few 24-hour interval off. But when he saw the notice plug-in in the common way when he got back from Charms on Friday afternoon, he knew that would not be entirely possible.

Fred had scheduled Quidditch practice on Saturday at eight in the break of day.

"Eight !"Albus exclaimed."In the break of day ? Is he thoroughly insane ? It 's the first week back ! Even Georgia was n't crazy enough to do that."

"yobbo hazard, mate,"can said as he tossed his bag onto a nearby couch."ogdoad in the morning time. Let 's see, I 'll be snuggled up in bed. What about you, lustrelessness ? What will you be doing at eight in the morn ? Flying through the rainwater ? Trudging through the mud to the pitch ?"

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

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

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

"Speak of the the Tempter,"John said as Fred entered the park room.

"You !"Albus shouted as he got up."Why in the name of everything Merlin owns did you schedule practice at eight in the morning on a Sat ? Not everyone 's a 7th year taking four form. We ca n't all sleep in every bloody day."

Fred shrugged."Had to. Pitch is booked hearty all weekend except for Saturday morning and even. All the other firm are having try-outs. We ca n't even view as our Keeper try-outs until following weekend because of it."

"Why not the even then ?"

"Bradley 's got to establish an appearance at Uncle Percy 's speech."Fred rolled his eyes.

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

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

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

"looking, Al, I 'm not changing it. just passel with it,"Fred said as he continued up to his student residence.

Albus spent the rest of the evening fuming about recitation and cursing Fred under his breath, until pink wine suggested they all go to the Room after dinner. Albus reluctantly agreed, knowing that if they went to the elbow room he 'd be up half the night and would only get a few hour'sopor.

In the end he was glad rosebush suggested it. They spent the evening playacting Gobstones and Exploding Snap and listening to privy and Kaden think up new ways to prank the Slytherins, and more specifically, Scorpio Malfoy. Eventually, Albus decided to call it a night and headed back to his dormitory, leaving his friends to continue discussing whether it would be undecomposed to bend Malfoy 's hair red or purpleness.

Only a few short hours later Albus found himself sneaking quietly out of his dormitory at an hour of day that was only signify to be seen on weekdays. He grabbed his Scots heather and went to meet his mate in the uncouth room.

No one looked well-chosen. Saint James the Apostle was nodding off on the couch while Ryan attempted to tie his shoes without opening his centre. ling 's hair's-breadth was sticking up at odd Angle while she tried to reclaim it into a ponytail. Omar Bradley was sulking in an armchair. Even Fred looked a petty worse for wear. But they trudged through the castle, only seeing Peeves loosening a few doorway hinges and Filch 's cat skulking behind a suit of armor.

The weather was at least nice and the four hours they spent on the delivery went by relatively profligate. Albus and his teammates landed on the ground as the Slytherin Quidditch team made their way onto the sales talk. Albus glared at them as they passed.

Without going up to his dormitory to change, Albus headed into the Great Hall hoping there would be something sound for lunch. Having skipped breakfast, he was starving. He spotted his friends halfway down the Gryffindor board and after stowing his Scots heather underneath the bench, he sat down and grabbed the nearest dish.

"You could at to the lowest degree shower outset, Al,"pink wine said."You stink."

"Too starved,"Albus replied.

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

Albus groaned as he read the alphabetic character."That gives me about four hour to slack and possibly do homework."

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

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

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

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

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

"And what about you ? Your dad 's high in the Ministry. Why are n't you going ?"Albus asked, do-or-die to determine someone else who could restrain him company.

"He already told me over the summertime that I 'll only induce to go to ones at Hogwarts. And then whatever party the candidates will throw for the officials. Does n't call up an election should have much burden on my life story,"mat explained.

"Lucky,"Albus replied.

Albus made the most of the rest of the day. He and his champion took prep down to the lake, but it sat ignored under a beech Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree while they sat by the bound of the lake and dangled their feet in. Kaden swore the Giant Squid tried to eat his foot, but cypher believed him. Rose and Amanda took a walk by themselves along the edge of the woods, insisting that none of the son follow.

Kaden pulled a Fanged Frisbee out of his bag once the girls left and the son began tossing it around. This was with child fun until the Frisbee decided it had had enough of being thrown and took out a department of Kaden 's hair, leaving his head bleeding rather profusely and Albus, can, and Matt having to rush him to the hospital annex. By the fourth dimension Kaden 's head had been bandaged up and all four had received a lecture on the danger of Fanged Frisbees ( Madam Pomfrey somehow figured out that that was the cause ) it was prison term for Albus to head back to Gryffindor tug to get ready for the debate.


A/N : Sorry for the want of a May update. schooling was insane. But I only have a year left ! I 'm now home for the summer and am having topic getting my net to cooperate with HPFF. Things take a long clip to load and I can not reply to reviews. I will still study every review, but responses will remove a while since I have to be at the library to respond to them.

Since I live updated I 've had some issues with masses plagiarizing my storey. I really hate that I have to tell you guys this, but it is against the dominion to take anyone 's fib from here and put them on former sites. It 's also against the regulation to take plots, graphic symbol, etc without permission. I do not make my permission for anyone to take my secret plan or eccentric. I 'm really glad that you guys like my stories, but please do n't take them.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


If there was one thing Albus hated it was getting dressed up for Ministry upshot. He had always been slightly uncomfortable with his dad 's celebrity and Ministry position because he hated the attention. St. James had always been the type who would relish in the attention, enjoying when all the Ministry official proclaimed how big he was getting and how he was for sure to be the ace of Gryffindor 's Quidditch team. Lily was rather indifferent towards it. She never really expressed emotion about the attention one way or another. She enjoyed getting dressed up but once they were at whatever party, she would go off and do her own thing. Albus just did not like it. He did not like getting his brass pinched by old ladies and did not like random the great unwashed telling him how tall he was getting. As he got aged, he did not like it any more.

But it was a fact of life and so Albus found himself once again forcing himself into a set of emerald William Green attire gown. They were wrinkled, but he did n't know any sorting of ironing good luck charm so he let them be. It 's not like anyone would be focused on him anyway. This was his Uncle Percy 's night and it seemed like this entire year was going to be his Uncle Percy 's twelvemonth.

Albus tamed his hair with a bit of water and then met James, Lily, Omar Nelson Bradley, and Cedric in the common way. James looked debonnaire and perfectly comfortable in his patrician dress robes, whereas Bradley and Cedric looked like they were being force fed lousy fish in their matching grey robes. Lily was wearing a purple dress and as usual, did n't seem to have an opinion about going to the argument.

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

"Yeah, Mum sent us a letter this break of day,"Lily explained."I guess Dad thinks we should be at the first one."

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

The rest of the head trip to Kendrick 's study was mute. When they arrived they saw that Kendrick was in dress robe as well and was apparently escorting them to the Ministry and would last out to determine the public debate. He handed them each a bit of Floo powder and let them go first.

Albus stepped into the Floo after James II and soon found himself in the Ministry of Magic 's entrance hall. The place was far smooth than it was the last metre he had been there, the follow year, when he went with Matt to tell his dad about Lubar being at Hogwarts.

Kendrick led them to the lifts and down to the court rooms."The simply berth big enough to adapt everyone witnessing the public debate. Even still, it 's an invitation only event. It 's being broadcasted over the wireless, however. Kendrick stopped in strawman of court way ten and opened the door. The room was about half broad. Albus spotted his mother 's bright red fuzz in the first row of seating. He followed Kendrick down the stairs.

Albus 's auntie Corrine was sitting with his parents, along with a rather lowering looking Empire State of the South and the twins, who were both reading book of account. Kendrick began to speak quietly to Harry as Albus and the others filed into the row. Saint James the Apostle, Bradley, and Cedric immediately began to speak of Quidditch and Albus listened in. They were speculating on who would exhibit up for steward try-outs the travel along weekend. GA immediately perked up and began giving the boys advice on who they should keep an eye out for.

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

Albus assumed that the first row on the correct side of meat was reserved for Laurentis 's kinsfolk, although Albus did n't greet a single one of the citizenry in that row. He turned around and focused on the the great unwashed filing in. He recognized a few of them including matt 's parents and a few other Ministry functionary he 'd met before. Matt 's parents sat down behind Albus 's parents, future to Professor Kendrick. Albus briefly wished that matte had been forced to go, but quickly erased that view because what kind of friend would wish their best friend had to attend a political argument ?

The chatter in the room immediately subsided when parson Hartwell entered followed by a few of his faithful adviser. Behind them were Harry Hotspur and Laurentis, both wearing Ministry robe. Hartwell and his advisers sat along a table at the front of the room while Percy and Laurentis stood behind ambo, also at the front of the way. The Minister spoke with his consultant briefly while Harry Hotspur and Laurentis smiled and waved at the crowd. Then one of the advisers rose from his seat.

He was a portly man, whose robes stretched very tightly across his midriff. He was completely bald and had no beard, but a very encompassing moustache. Aiming his baton at his own pharynx, he muttered a patch and then set his wand down.

"Welcome,"his voice boomed over the hearing,"to the maiden argument of the 2020 election for Minister of trick. Our two campaigner, Harry Hotspur St. Ignatius Weasley and Patricia Leigh Laurentis, bring together us tonight for an introductory debate on a mixed bag of issues. My name is Wendell York and I am the head teacher of the department of Magical transferral and will help as moderator for tonight 's debate. I will stupefy the topic and each candidate will get five minutes to answer, then two mo for a rebuttal.

"The first issue is how our human beings is concealed from Muggles. Do you think the stream Ministry is doing an adequate job ? What changes would you draw out ? Mr. Weasley, you may go first."

Albus yawned. Why could n't it be an exciting topic like catching dark sorcerer ? Or at least something relevant to his life, like the want of good Defense professors at Hogwarts. Now that would be a argumentation he 'd be worry in. Albus turned towards Percy and realized he had n't even been paying attention to much of his uncle 's response.

"... current laws do a satisfactory job of concealing our mankind from Muggles. illusion sightings by Muggles are low in number and when they do occur Obliviators do an excellent job of altering the store of our Muggle neighbors ..."Percy droned on.

Albus turned to James who rolled his eyes. Could they have come up with a more boring topic ? Albus seriously doubted it. Except perhaps cauldron bottom thickness, which was a report Harry Hotspur had done when he first started at the Ministry, according to Harry. Albus glanced at his dad. He was paying aid, but in that sealed way of paying attention that meant he was really tire but was trying to fake it. Even Corrine looked slightly bored.

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

"I disagree with Mr. Weasley,"Laurentis began."One sighting of our variety by Muggles is too many. Each fourth dimension a Muggle gimmick hatful of an act of magic puts our total Earth at risk of exposure, and not only Britain 's wizarding world. We have a responsibility to the world that we keep our magic under wraps. According to last year 's statistics we were in the top five country in terms of bit of sightings. That 's not soundly ..."

Laurentis went on and on about versatile laws that could be enacted to guarantee that Muggles did not see routine of magic trick until Wendell York cut her off. He then let Percy experience his two min rebutter, during which he went on about how it was an impossible end to try, to accomplish no magic sightings by Muggles. Laurentis 's rebutter was basically just a re-statement of her previous argument.

Albus tuned much of the debate out, focusing instead on what he wanted to do during the current school year. He was a twenty-five percent twelvemonth, which meant he was no longer one of the younger kids. He 'd been on the Quidditch squad for two years and now he was hoping he 'd be able to throw some say in how practices went and how matches were played. Then there was the Dueling nightspot. Each of the eight team had a police chief and the captains were fourth old age. prof, mostly Neville, picked the sea captain. Albus knew it would be down to either him or Scorpius and as much as he did not really need the obligation of being captain, he did not want Scorpius to have top executive over him. He would use that to his vantage.

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

"I think educational reform is the unspoilt way to go. Hogwarts has been ran the Lapplander way for generations and while no one can deny that Headmaster Kendrick runs a wonderful shoal, we also can not dismiss that changes could be made to gain the bookman. The world is a constantly changing lieu and education needs to keep up in order for our students to be better devise.

"The social class alternative for lesson. It is my understanding that a new division has been added this year about government, which I think is greatly beneficial to student. But other than that the same classes are offered now as have been offered for ten. New classes need to be phased in while old ones that either no farsighted interest students need to be phased out. Obviously I am not talking about nucleus classes such as Potions and spell, but electives.

"instructor also need to be kept up to escort with recent determination in their field of honor. They should not be teaching the Sami information I or my opponent learned at Hogwarts. They should be teaching the young valid selective information available-"

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

"My opponent brings up an interesting point, but even she admits that master Kendrick is running an excellent school. I believe that some government regulation is necessary, instance being net yr 's incident with professor Balladanis, but we as governance official do not throw the training nor experience needed to properly run a school. I, as well as my opposite, would be kidding ourselves if we believed we could do a better job running Hogwarts than professor Kendrick.

"Just as professors most in all likelihood believe it best to impart law making and the running of the state to those such as my opponent and I, I believe it best to give the running of Hogwarts to Professor Kendrick and the other professors. In close, I believe that Hogwarts is ticket as is and if the headmaster thought he needed government assistance bringing about modification in course of study he would ask."

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

"I in no way stated that I am trying to run Hogwarts. Nor do I think I would do a better job of it than Professor Kendrick. I am merely stating that the scholar would benefit from more government intervention. If the Ministry had been more involved with teacher excerption, for illustration, we could hold possibly avoided hiring Professor Balladanis last year."

"Mr. Weasley."

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

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

There was one terminal question about law making that Albus did n't really sympathise, nor did he worry to understand. He was far more worry in the Hogwarts question. Harry Hotspur 's line was far better, in his opinion. Hogwarts was fine the way it was. Why did Laurentis neediness to modify everything ? What kind of changes was she talking about, anyway ? He supposed the subject would be explored more specifically at the pedagogy themed debate which was scheduled to charter situation at Hogwarts the following month. But one thought that Albus could not get out of his forefront was that if Laurentis won, what would materialize to Hogwarts ?
******


"The but change I want to see at Hogwarts is LE prep and fewer exams,"John said as he walked with Albus and the rest of their booster to the Great Hall.

A week had passed since the 1st debate and students were still talking about the potential changes to Hogwarts. A very boastfully full Sir Frederick Handley Page bed cover had appeared in the Daily Prophet the day after the debate, proclaiming that Laurentis wished to modify Hogwarts. This had both scholarly person and professors up in arms and matter were only beginning to calm down. The prof had been on boundary the premature week, snapping at students for cipher and assigning additional preparation. This resulted in the students being very unhappy. Albus did not quite understand why everyone was letting it affect them so much. It 's not like Laurentis had won. Yet.

It was early on Saturday dayspring and Albus and his friend were heading to the Great Hall for the first junior 's Dueling order get together of the twelvemonth. Albus 's boldness were on end. It was at this first meeting that the sea captain would be announced.

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

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

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

"If he 's senior pilot, tournaments are going to be awful,"John the Divine countered."Plus, I 'm Al 's friend."

The Great Hall was in mass chaos, as it always was during the first meeting of the year. Two teams were congregated at each board and much to Albus 's disdain, his team was holding court at the Slytherin table. He weaved his way through the put off second years who had yet to be assigned a team and stood next to his squad. Scorpio was seated across the tabular array from him.

"Well, Potter, ready to be under my captaincy ?"Scorpio greeted him.

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

"I 'm the skilful dueler, obviously."Scorpius smirked.

"Quiet, quiet everyone !"Neville shouted.

Albus turned away from Scorpius and swallowed the desire to make a ejaculate back and paid attention to Neville instead. Professor Patil stood following to him. Albus supposed the new Defense professor had not had a desire to assist with the Dueling Club. Somehow, Albus was not surprised.

"Thank you,"Neville said."commencement I 'd like to announce that professor Patil has graciously agreed to help me patronise this year 's Dueling cabaret. As a admonisher, all teams must possess a prof nowadays during practices and it is up to the squad maitre d' to align recitation times and locate a prof to sit in. The professor does not have to be myself or professor Patil. However, this year we are allowing 7th year Dueling Club penis to monitor as well. So as an alternative, you may ask a one-seventh year to supervise.

"first base decree of business is this year 's second yr. I 've already assigned you to team and shall now say off the list."

Albus let his nous wander while Neville read off the lean. The sole second years he knew were his Sister, and she was assigned to mat 's team, as well as Hugo, who was assigned to John and Kaden 's team. A crop of shy looking 2nd years had congregated at his own team 's patch and he smiled at them, encouraging them to take tush next to the onetime students. There were five of them. Two male child and three lady friend. Three Ravenclaws, a Slytherin, and a Hufflepuff. No Gryffindors, but Albus could exist with that.

"And now, what I am sure all the fourth years have been waiting for, police captain announcements ! Let me cue you that I, as well as the former professors who have been involved with this club have been watching you over the past two class and have chosen not only surpassing duelers, but exceptional drawing card. Without further adieu.

"The police captain of Team One is Marina Jordan-Bell."

cheer erupted for Marina, mostly from the Hufflepuff mesa, where her team was seated. Albus grinned. Marina was very nice and would earn an excellent captain.

"The captain of Team Two is Harvey Tucker."

John and Kaden 's team. Harvey was a Ravenclaw and all Albus knew about him was that he knew every answer in every single class.

"The police chief of team trine is Peter Smith."

A Hufflepuff. His founder had attended schooling with Albus 's parents and they had n't liked him much.

"The captain of team four is Lydia Thompson."

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

"The captain of Team Five is Jace Johnson."

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

"The captain of team Six is Raisha Sweeney."

A Hufflepuff that Albus did n't make out well. He swallowed hard. Team Seven was next and that was his team.

"The captain of Team Seven is Albus Potter."

John the Divine 's whistling could be heard above everyone 's cheering. Albus grinned. His intact squad ( economise for Scorpius and his friends ) were clapping hard. He 'd done it. He 'd made captain ! All the uncertainties he 'd had over the summer about it had disappeared. He, Albus Potter, was the new sea captain of team Seven.

"The captain of Team ogdoad is Dayton Coons."

flatness 's squad. Dayton was another Ravenclaw who had multiple encyclopedia in his brain.

"That 's all for today. Captains, please flesh out a time for your first practice, which should take station during the adjacent two weeks. Once you have a date, please see me to get a classroom. Then incur a professor or seventh year to supervise.

Scorpius did not say one word as Albus talked with the respite of his team and figured out a exercise time that did not interfere with four different Quidditch teams, Gobstones social club, and Chess night club. Eventually he settled on the following Thursday evening. Neville assigned them to an empty schoolroom on the sixth floor. Albus figured he 'd ask a 7th class to supervise rather than a professor. It was less intimidating for his first practice session.

Albus 's admirer joined him at the door to the Great residence. Scorpius brushed past them, but did not say a Word. He looked like he was ready to murder person. Albus thought he looked far too furious over a missed captaincy. It was just the Junior 's Dueling Club anyway.

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

"Not a news,"Albus replied.

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

Albus grinned."Most of the captains are pretty in good order, too. I mean Lydia 's variety of irritating, but the residual are n't bad."

"It 's going to be a dependable year for dueling, that 's for sure enough,"matte agreed.

The six friends discussed dueling all the way back to the common elbow room. When they entered they saw a star sign that said 'Congratulations Albus and Marina !'Unopened butterbeers cluttered one of the mesa and all of Albus 's cousins were cracking them open. Marina was surrounded by her Quaker and Albus was accosted by his cousins as soon as he entered. someone thrust a butterbeer into his hand and patted him on the rear. He smiled as he looked out at the common room, at the political party that his cousin had thrown together for himself and Marina. matt was not only compensate about the fact that it would be a good year for dueling. It was going to be a good yr in general.


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

To do in betterment, because I know this will come up, I wo n't tell what the old plot was going to be. I 'd rather people not compare the old plot with the one that will actually be written.

If any of you are on the forums, you 'll love about the tragedy we had live on week. Liza Potter on the archives ( and lizzacc on the forum ) has died. She was a fan of my Albus series and told me once that they were the first floor she ever read on HPFF. She will be missed. I am dedicating this fib to you, Liza.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The next day Albus found himself on the Quidditch pitch staring at all of the new Gryffindor Keeper wannabee. There were a lot of them. Try-outs were scheduled to set about in 15 moment, yet the delivery had been packed since before lunch. Albus speculated that some hopefuls, including Hugo, had not even taken a break for lunch. Poor Hugo need n't take bothered skipping his meal since even an additional half hour of practice would not give helped him.

Students from indorse through seventh year were hoping for a office on the team, including Janie Creevey. Albus recognized virtually of them, but there were a few one-time educatee whom he did not. Along with the Gryffindors, there were instance from former teams, surely there to hold out Gryffindor 's new custodian.

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

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

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

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

"All right then, I 'm going to hold you fly around the pitch shot to assess your basic flying skills. If you 're not up to par on that, you 'll be eliminated. Then we 'll run on to guarding the finish posts."

Albus stood back while Fred had the aspirer fly circle around the pitch. Quite a few could not even bring off to fly straight or execute turns properly. About a quarter of them were eliminated during the low ten minutes. half of the remaining Gryffindors were eliminated within the low gear ten minutes of goal keeping, including Victor-Marie Hugo. He hung his headspring as he walked to the stands, broom trailing behind him. Albus felt bad for him.

The rest of the of the students took longer to egest. After about an hour the sum of money had been narrowed down to ten and they all seemed to be similar in skill.

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

It took another half hr to finish the try-outs. To Albus 's surprise, the achiever was Janie Creevey. Albus had had no idea that she even played Quidditch until he saw her at the try-outs. She grinned as she dismounted from her heather and accepted the congratulations from the residual of the team.

"Nice to birth another girl,"ling said."I thought I 'd be the lonesome one after GA left."

"I thought your full cousin Victor Hugo would get picked,"Ryan replied."Who knew he was the but Weasley who ca n't act as Quidditch ?"

"Have you seen pink wine on a Scots heather ?"Albus asked.

Janie grinned."I 've played since I was trivial. So felicitous to throw won the smirch. When 's first practice session ?"

"right now,"Fred said."We 've got the tar all afternoon."

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

pattern lasted a few minute and Albus was thoroughly exhausted by the time it was over. He immediately went back to his dormitory to take a cascade and then set off to locate his friends. dinner party would be served shortly and Albus was starved.

Albus 's friends were in the marauder 's Den, just where he had predicted when he did n't see them in the Gryffindor common room when he had traipsed through after practice session. lav and Kaden were playing chess and Kaden was trouncing John, like usual. Rose and Amanda were sitting on the couch discussing an essay that Cedonia had assigned the former calendar week. matte was not there since the full-of-the-moon moon had been the previous Night.

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

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

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

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

"Hey, I 'm dear than Al and mat are,"John muttered.

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

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

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

Everyone nodded in arrangement and they set off towards the Great Hall. The corridors were filled with students who had spent the day open and Albus felt very subject matter walking alongside his friend, despite how every single one of his brawn ached from practice.

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

"What is it ?"rosebush asked.

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

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

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

Albus craned his caput around the room access frame. Scorpius and Felix were standing succeeding to a few suits of armor, heads leaned in towards each former. There was a girl about a chief unforesightful than Scorpius with them. She and Felix had the Sami color hair, except hers was long and curly.

"She 's a get-go year. I remember seeing her a the sort but I do n't remember her name,"Rose answered.

"I have half a head to carry through her from the two of them,"John muttered."She 'd be honest off not getting mixed up with the likes of them."

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

Scorpius began walking down the corridor and Felix and the girl followed. Albus and his friends watched them until they turned a nook, disappearing out of pot.

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

"You 're paranoid,"rose wine said."They were just talking and they 're in the same planetary house. Maybe she had a question or something."

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

"Oh Merlin."Rose let out an aggravate suspiration."Two week into the term and you 're already picking a row with him."

"Remember last yr ?"Albus asked."I 'm only trying to avoid something like that again."

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

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


mat returned from the infirmary wing two sidereal day later and the month wore on in its usual way. The prof were assigning to a greater extent and more homework and it took longer and longer to make out.

Once October arrived excitement began to brew when the first Hogsmeade weekend was announced. The visit was scheduled for the Saturday before Allhallows Eve and Kaden in particular was very excited. He never did manage to fix it to Hogsmeade under the invisibility Cloak the old yr.

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

Albus wished he could say things were going equally well for the election. Ever since the outset debate versatile magazine publisher and radio display had been latching onto Walker Percy 's statements about education and his lack of willingness to modify, as they had put it.

"Dad 's really stressed,"Bradley said one night at dinner. The Weasleys and potter were all eating together in social club to hash out the election."Does n't publish us as much and when he does it 's always about the election."

"Not to refer the five page spread that Wizards magazine is doing about our family,"Cedric muttered as he gnawed on a turkey leg."That 's sure as shooting to fuel the fire."

"When is that ?"Albus asked.

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

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

"Dad 's life story,"Cedric answered."Plus a few paragraphs on each of us and Mum about our lives. Just a happy article about how we all love each other and Dad 's a family man. That 's what his movement manager wants to limn him as seeing that Laurentis does n't have any kids."

"And Uncle Percy has a whole lot,"St. James pointed out.

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

"Did he say when ?"James asked.

"Around Christmas, I think. Adds to the glad family atmosphere,"Cedric explained.

"Then they ought to consultation Uncle George when he 's had a bit too often eggnog."Saint James the Apostle laughed.

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

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

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

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

"oral presentation of elections, what does everyone think of that political science class ?"Albus asked.

"Professor 's very intense,"William James said in between bites."But it 's not nearly as awed as the other classes. There 's no O.W.L. in it so it 's my electric current favorite."

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

professor Embry seemed to be teaching the class in chronological guild and thus was currently lecturing on how the Ministry was organized prior to the drop of Voldemort. Albus thought it was a little oil production but he had a feeling it would get more interest once Embry started on the fall of Voldemort.

"And that 's why the class is necessary,"Rose said."Think about it. No socio-economic class like this has been taught before, so where did the stream Ministry functionary learn the account of the Ministry ? Where did they memorize about politics ? They learned it as they went, but did n't know much when they started. That 's a little scary. citizenry should have sex how their country is run."

Albus thought about what rose had said as he chewed on his roll. She had a practiced full stop. Where had they learned it ? Had his Uncle Sir Henry Percy really known nothing about the Ministry when he started ? No, he could n't have. Walker Percy 's own father had been in the Ministry as well. Still, it was weird to conceive about.

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


"Now she wants to transfer Azkaban ?"Albus asked at breakfast a few days later. The law enforcement argumentation had taken place the night before and the entire front Sir Frederick Handley Page of the oracle was devoted to it."Is n't changing Hogwarts enough ?"

Ministry hopefuls Percy Weasley and
Patricia Laurentis debated law cosmos
and enforcement death night at the Ministry
of illusion. Like the previous general argument,
sparks flew in this one, with each nominee
speaking passionately about the topic.

'I 've worked in law creation for years ,'
Weasley began with. 'Since the defeat
of Voldemort, I think we can all tally that
affair are running smoothly. I intend to
ensure that affair keep going the way they
are, with enforcement of laws that benefit
the integral wizarding residential district .'

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

'Sure, the laws we have now are sufficient.
I 'm not denying that. But I think we need
to take a well hard look at how they are
enforced, or rather, not enforced. The
statistics are clear. Far more malefactor
are being acquitted and even More are
being released from Azkaban. In my oeuvre
at the prison house, I see many criminals being
released whom I do not think should be.
Not to cite the break-outs. There are
far too many. Law enforcement needs to change .'

Without a doubt, thing are only going to
heat up. The candidate seem to have
completely dissimilar legal opinion on everything
from education to laws. The adjacent argument,
which will be on education, will take place
at Hogwarts on Sabbatum, November the 9th at
two in the afternoon.

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

"Probably does n't have the power,"rosebush answered."The curate has to sign off on most things, unless all instance and officials disagree with him or her."

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

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

"Doubt it,"Amanda said."It 's like this in the Muggle elections, too. They 're usually staring antonym. What I do n't understand is how she 's working under Hartwell when he and your uncle check on everything."

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

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

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

Tom Bradley sat down following to Albus and threw a copy of star clip onto the board."clause 's out."

"That was fast,"Albus said.

"They wanted it to be out right-hand around the argumentation,"Omar Nelson Bradley muttered."You really ought to take it. It 's awful."

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

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

Rose, Amanda, John, flatness, and Kaden crowded around Albus as he flipped through the clip. The clause was in the middle, with the two Sir Frederick Handley Page being a full color photograph of Uncle Percy, Aunt Corrine, and their child. Sir Henry Percy and Corrine were sitting on their living room couch, with Georgia in between them. All three were smiling and waving. Tom Bradley and Cedric were leaning on either face of the sofa and the twins were sitting in front of it. Albus flipped the page and saw a very lengthy article, interspersed with diverse film of his family and boxes about each of those five cousins. The article finished up on the be page.

Upon entering the family of parson of Magic
campaigner Walker Percy Weasley 's Southampton family
I am surprised to see that it does not look
like the home of a Ministry candidate. It is
not filled with piles and piles of papers and
Weasley 's campaign managing director is nowhere to be
found. Instead, the floor is cluttered with
toys belonging to the immature Weasley youngster,
nine-year-old twins, Samantha and Lindy. A
plate of warm cookies sits upon the coffee
table and Weasley 's wife, Corrine, bustles
into the elbow room carrying a tray of tea. Percy
enters as well, followed by the five Weasley
children.

'I prefer to preserve the cause at the Ministry ,'
Percy explains after I ask where his hunting expedition
material are. 'The crusade is piece of work. It is my
job. The house is for my kinfolk .'

"Really ?"Rose raised her supercilium."She should 've seen his subject. That 's where all his hunting expedition stuff is."

The clause went on to discuss Percy and his fathering acquisition. Albus grew more and more repel as it went on. Percy had and always would be a workaholic, but the article was painting him to be founder of the year. No marvel Thomas Bradley had not been pleased when giving Albus the article.

'I could not be more proud of Georgia ,'
Walker Percy said, speaking of his eldest daughter,
who currently plays as Reserve keeper for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I 've been to a
number of her catch and it is clear
that she could have a recollective career in
Quidditch .'

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

"Did he actually say that or was that newsperson just saying he did ?"matte asked.

"Oh he said it,"Bradley, who had taken a seat a brusk ways down the table, answered."Not that he really thinks it."

Albus had had enough of the main article. His oculus glanced across the page and rested upon the small box that discussed Georgia.

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

Next to Peach State 's box there was one for Bradley.

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

Then there was one for Cedric.

Cedric Weasley is in his fifth year
at Hogwarts and is the prankster of
the family. 'Every Weasley family
has to have someone who will dally the
laugh. It 's like a rule or something.
I come up with the best estimation when I 'm
with my cousin James [ Potter ] .'Upon
asking Cedric what he wants to do after
Hogwarts, he replied, 'Have n't got a clue.
I think I 'll pore on getting through
my O.W.L.s first .'

The final box was for both Samantha and Lindy.

Samantha and Linda ( lindy ) Weasley are
nine class old and attend a topical anesthetic
primary winding school for Muggles. Both twins
ca n't hold off to enter Hogwarts in two
years .'I 'm going to be in Gryffindor,
just like my babe and brothers ,'says
Samantha .'I do n't care what house I 'm
in, just as long as I can play Quidditch.
Well, okay, I do n't want to be in Slytherin .'

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

"I shudder to think what the one about our intact kinsfolk will be like,"blush wine muttered.

"Nah,"John said."That one will be better because they wo n't possess to take a leak as a good deal up. Albus 's dad saved the altogether wizarding world. They 'll just represent that up."

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

Amanda nodded."Yeah, they will. They know nothing about your uncle 's family. trusted, they know all about your dad, but really, how much do they have intercourse about Percy ? Not much. They 're going to want to trust it and why should n't they ? They have no idea Harry Hotspur does n't approve of Sakartvelo 's Quidditch career. It 's the like as in the Muggle world.

"It would be overnice if multitude voted on nominee who shared their Lapplander views, but it honestly comes down to who presents the best campaign. People are n't going to want someone in might who has topic with his own family."

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

"My mob is your fellowship,"Albus pointed out.

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

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

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

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

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


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this narrative ! You guys are all awful. Just as another reminder, I ca n't respond to reviews while I am home for the summer, but I read every one one. If you have some sort of query that you need answered about my stories, please use my Ask the Author page at the forums or send me a PM there.

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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The following calendar week brought a storm so long and so acute that Herbology and care of Magical puppet had to be canceled for the moment one-half of the hebdomad. It was thoroughly impossible to take the air outside without being doubled over by the wind and the younger scholar could not take the air without being blown away. The rain was also so heavy that one would become souse within two min. The scholar secretly rejoiced, for the extra free full stop were helpful to all.

It remained so rainy and windy that even Quidditch practice had to be canceled on Sabbatum. Not that Fred would have canceled it himself, but Kendrick announced a ban on going out of doors until the storm let up. Fred lamented this fact all of Fri evening and contemplated holding a strategy session in the common room instead, but heather convinced him just to let it go.

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

The library was absolutely packed with pupil, well-nigh belike due to the weather and not a burning desire of the Hogwarts universe to study, and it took a good five minutes for Albus and his admirer to settle an hollow table. It was a lot cheap than common and madam Pince was glaring at each table of educatee in go.

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

John and Kaden, as common, were ineffectual to get started on their homework right away and were scolded by dame Pince twice before finally opening their books. Amanda immediately set to operate on the same essay Albus was working on. Matt cracked undefendable his Charms text but stared at the same page for five second before Albus noticed that his eyes had glazed over. The October full Sun Myung Moon was the following dark, so Albus was not surprise.

"This is abruptly boring,"John muttered after they 'd been studying for an hour."political science back before Voldemort is pointless. It 's completely unlike now, so why do we necessitate to bother reading it ?"

"So we do n't make the Lapplander mistakes,"Amanda said without looking up from her parchment."Simple, really."

"You 're channeling Rose now,"John stated.

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

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

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

"Perfect. That 'd be something I 'd do,"Kaden said as he scrawled it down."And then I can derive down with a nasty coldness after being outside in the rain so long."

Albus rolled his eyes. The two of them had been insane to take Divination in the first topographic point, but at least they seemed to savour making up their fake predictions. Albus grinned to himself as John and Kaden snorted into their parchment, laughing over some ludicrous prediction.

An hour later Albus had finished his essay, as had Amanda. The two of them had moved on to transfiguration indication. John and Kaden had given up on homework and were planning an elaborate prank that involved a chicken, bird food, and the Slytherin park room. matte had been dozing on his Charms book. Albus prodded him awake.

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

"Oh, er ..."Matt glanced at his Word of God and quickly wiped it with the sleeve of his gown."Great, really. Think I 'll head to the Den, actually."

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

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

"Wait,"John said when he was only a few substructure from the tabular array."Is that rose ?"He pointed to a head of shaggy red haircloth at a nearby mesa."Who 's she with ? Is that-"He walked across the room and hid behind a book shelf to get a closer look.

Albus craned his heading. rose was sitting with a small-scale girl. John returned a few secondment later.

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

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

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

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

"Wyrd. Tutoring a Slytherin,"John replied.

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

"What 's with him ?"can asked.

"You know what 's tomorrow. And honestly, what 's it matter if she 's tutoring that girl ?"Albus asked.

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

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

"I suppose."King John sighed."fountainhead, see you in a bit."

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

Albus and Amanda studied for another hr before joining their friends in the Marauder 's Den. whoremonger and Kaden were having a severe discussion on how they were going to obtain a volaille and lusterlessness was sound asleep on the couch. Albus and Amanda settled down with a deck of cards of Exploding snapshot and played round after unit of ammunition while listening to John and Kaden.

"I still say it 'll be promiscuous to have an older student transfigure something into a Gallus gallus,"Kaden said a full twenty minutes later."I 'll bet one of Albus 's cousins will do it."

"Yeah, but I want this to be our joke. We could just go take one of the wimp from Hagrid 's poulet cage,"John replied.

"More opportunity of getting caught. No one 's going to suspect if one of Al 's full cousin is practicing their transfiguration. But sneaking a chicken into the palace ? They 're fairly gaudy with their squawking."

"Where 's the fun in no hazard of getting caught ?"lav asked.

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

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

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

rose wine rolled her eyes and sat down next to Amanda, picking up a few cards to join in on the next round.

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

"fine,"rosiness answered."Lapp as always."

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

"Why ? You want to tutor ?"Rose smirked.

bathroom laughed."Definitely not. Just curious."

"Professor Longbottom contacted me over the summer. Fourth years and above can be in the tutoring political platform. The professor match you up with younger scholarly person and I 've been tutoring a first-class honours degree twelvemonth for a few workweek now."

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

"hold, that one clip that you and Al thought they were up to something ?"

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

rosebush sighed."She 's Willinson 's petty sister. Her name 's Elsie. She 's really nice, actually. pipe down, does n't seem much like a Slytherin to me but her whole family 's been in Slytherin."

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

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

Everyone, except Matt, who just wanted to sleep, agreed and they headed down to the Great Hall. pink wine had been right. Nothing shady about Willinson 's babe tagging after him and Scorpio. Albus 's inherent aptitude had been wrong on that occasion.
******


Never in Albus 's liveliness did he ever think there would be a professor who could top Professor Binns in full term of drilling form. But Professor Young had done the out of the question. Twice a hebdomad Albus and his friends traipsed to young 's classroom to work on a exclusive worksheet. Brigham Young did zilch else, except hired hand out worksheets. Said worksheets did not even take an entire class period to complete, resulting in bookman using the remaining meter to catch up on other homework, something that Young neglected to notice. The only good theatrical role about the socio-economic class was that Young never assigned homework.

"You think he 'll lowest the twelvemonth ?"Matt asked as they were leaving Loretta Young 's classroom.

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

"He does n't really teach,"pink wine pointed out.

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

The rest of Albus 's classes were the right way, although about assigned too much homework for his liking, but that was not anything new. As the end of October drew nearer, Albus became very stimulate about the get-go Hogsmeade visit of the year. It would be the first time that all of Albus 's acquaintance would get to go together and possibly the final stage, given how busy everyone was this year.

Albus nearly did not get to go to Hogsmeade when the day finally arrived. Fred had sprung an extra Quidditch praxis on that day in ordination to make up for the omit praxis due to the violent storm. However, the entire team was outraged and Heather threatened to hex Fred if he did not repeal the practice. Albus was very alleviate as it was a Nice day and perfect for Hogsmeade.

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

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

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

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

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

Albus and lustrelessness exchanged looks. John the Evangelist and Kaden had finally agreed to ask one of Albus 's sometime cousins to transfigure them a Gallus gallus that they would then somehow stoolpigeon into the Slytherin park room. The bird feed was to spread out throughout the place in order to irritate the Slytherins even more.

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

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

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

"Around Halloween,"lavatory answered.

"Idiots,"rose wine muttered.

Weasleys'whiz Wheezes was packed with scholar. Being the first Hogsmeade weekend, most bookman had a sober lack of pranking products and needed to store up. Saint George was behind the counter ringing up purchase after purchase and waved at Albus as he walked in with his Friend. They quickly scattered, each bearing towards the showing that contained what they needed.

Albus wandered towards the Skiving Snackboxes and grabbed two, figuring that he would need to get out of Defense Department at least once and History of Magic a few multiplication a month. John and Kaden each had about five loge and Matt watched with a disgust tone on his case. Since he missed at least a day or two of course of instruction a month due to his lycanthropy, he never understood why anyone would attain themselves ill to do so.

"Should 've gone there finale,"toilet said as he lugged his bags to the triplet Broomsticks.

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

Albus smiled. His full cousin had had Butterbeer before when hoi polloi snuck it back to the Gryffindor vulgar room, but he 'd never had it in Hogsmeade before.

The Three broomstick was crowded, but mat managed to snap up a mesa in the book binding. pink wine set off to get them all Butterbeers. They had been there for about fifteen proceedings before Scorpius showed up, followed by Garth Octavius, Xavier Goyle, Felix Willinson, and Elsie Willinson. Scorpius surveyed the way and his eyes rested upon Albus. Smirking, he sauntered over towards them.

"Potter,"Malfoy greeted him. He nodded to each of Albus 's Friend, glaring at matt, and then turned back to Albus."I expect you lot are ready to duel next weekend."

"Course we are,"Albus answered."The squad 's flock prepared. Last practice on Thursday."

"I 'll be there,"Scorpio replied."And I 'll be ready to dribble the team on Saturday since the rest of our team could n't win a duel against a start year."

"Shut it. Our team is okay,"Albus said coldly.

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

"They chose based on skill,"Albus replied, staring him in the eye."Not name. pink wine did n't make chieftain and she 's a Weasley."

"But you 're a Potter and you get everything because your dad is the Boy Who Lived,"Scorpius pettifoggery, ignoring Albus 's input."But I 've got news for you. Not everyone in the world likes that your intact family runs the wizarding earth and that nothing gets done without one of them signing off on it. Not everyone 's going to vote for your uncle, you know."

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

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

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

"That 's not the point."Scorpio took a step closer to Albus."The degree is that your family might not be running this country much longer. So you 'd better watch out."

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

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

"He 's just covetous,"Amanda said."You got made captain of our team and he hates that. Your dad 's famous and he 's covetous of that."

"His dad 's famous too,"Albus said darkly."Just for the ill-timed reasons."

"And Scorpius probably wishes his dad was far-famed for the right reasons,"Amanda replied.

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

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

"Clearly Kendrick 's menace have worn off,"lusterlessness said quietly."I liked it in September when he just sort of ignored us."

"It does n't intend he 's going to tell anyone,"blush wine whispered."He 's just looking for a fight."

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

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

"I guess."matte sighed."What do you think he stand for by your family not being in charge of the wizarding man much longer ?"

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

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

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

"okay, I guess Embry has n't really discussed it yet but I read ahead in the book. New Ministers can appoint new principal of the department if they want to. Most do n't because so many new people makes for a bad conversion period, but it 's happened a few times. If Laurentis wins, she could replace Uncle Harry,"Rose explained.

"waiting, seriously ?"Albus 's mouth fell open.

pink wine nodded."Seriously."

"And my dad, too,"flatness said.

"Yeah, yours, too,"rosiness replied.

Albus stared at his half-finished Butterbeer. Having a new curate was one thing, but having new read/write head of all the section ? The Ministry would be run in a completely different way. Nothing would stay the Lapplander. nonentity would replace Harry Potter as headland of the Auror department, though, would they ?

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

"He 's a great Auror, that 's true,"rosiness agreed,"but capital is an public opinion. Hartwell thinks he 's a great Auror. Uncle Percy undoubtedly thinks he 's a keen Auror. But if Laurentis gets elected, none of that will matter. All that will matter is whether she think he 's a corking Auror. And the question is, does she ?"

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

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

"They do n't do that in Australia. All the heads have terms like the minister of religion. When their term is up, the current Minister can replace them or keep them, but they ca n't get replaced when their term is n't up. Unless there 's a scandal and they have a listening. Like with my dad."

"DOE n't seem fair,"Albus said.

"It works both ways. If Uncle Walker Percy wins he 'll get to interchange who he wants and he 'll no doubt exchange Laurentis,"rose wine pointed out.

"I 'm surprise Hartwell has n't done that,"John said.

"She 's probably kept placidity about her opinions so she could keep her side while running,"Amanda replied.

"So why does n't he replace her now ?"John asked.

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

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

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"I say we do it on Halloween,"Kaden said adamantly while inspecting individual Bertie Bott 's Every relish beans and tossing the foul ones into a sight on the floor.

"That 's stunned,"bathroom countered."Everyone 's going to be expecting a prank on Allhallows Eve. We should do it the day before."

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

The first Quidditch match of the season, Gryffindor versus Slytherin, was scheduled to take place on Saturday, two days after Allhallows Eve.

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

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

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

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

Albus and the rest of his friends were in the Marauder 's Den, attempting to decide on a day to put the chicken and chicken feed in the Slytherin common room. They 'd been arguing for a half hr and had n't agreed on anything. Albus and Matt, who had been leery on whether to enter in the trick at all, had decided that they would do as look-outs while John and Kaden snuck into the vulgar room.

"I think Wed would be a good option. Wednesday night. We 've got to do it really belated, though. The first of all years have Astronomy on Wednesday, so we have to wait until they 're back in their dormitories,"John explained."Night before Halloween-"

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

"But not Halloween Nox,"John said."Pre-Halloween."

"shenanigan dark,"Amanda said.

"What ?"Albus asked.

Kaden threw another bean onto his stilt and started laughing."You 're in good order !"

"devilry Night,"Amanda repeated."It 's a Muggle thing. It 's when Muggles pull caper and get mayhem. It 's traditionally the night before Halloween or the night before Guy Fawkes Day, so if you pull this on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, it 'll be on Mischief Night."

whoremaster grinned."Perfect. thaumaturgist do n't do that, so no one will be expecting a thing."

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

"I 'd rather do it before Allhallows Eve,"John said."We have Astronomy on Tuesdays so the night before Guy Fawkes Day would be harder."

Everyone nodded in agreement, except rose, who rolled her heart.

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

"Not yet, but we have plan. Tonight I 'm going to lurk by the Slytherin plebeian room under the Invisibility Cloak to learn their parole. Wednesday evening we 'll ask Bradley to transfigure us a few chickens. Then, Al and matt will stand sentry duty while Kaden and I let them loose in the common room,"John explained.

"How in the figure of Merlin are you going to celebrate the volaille calm while you bring them to the dungeons ?"rosebush asked.

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


Wednesday brought with it a huge thunderstorm which Albus saw as a rather ominous omen for Operation Slytherin wimp as the buffoonery had been dubbed. As the day wore on Albus found himself having doubts about the whole thing. Previous trick had been harmless and had not broken any Major school rules, but this one broke at least ten. This could get them worse than a few detention.

Saint John and Kaden seemed to take no such reservations. Both of them were particularly jubilant the integral day and john even returned from foretelling with a smile on his face, which never happened. lusterlessness seemed indifferent to the whole thing and acted as usual.

"You do realize we 'll be getting three hours of rest, tops, tonight,"Matt said after dinner, while they were attempting to do prep in the Marauder 's Den."And that we have History of Magic tomorrow morning."

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

"Clearly not,"Matt agreed.

Albus had a very difficult metre getting any homework done while they were waiting for the metre to go far. He found himself drawing dire pictures of crybaby in the edge on his Transfiguration essay. No one else was having a good deal luck either. John and Kaden were playing chess and mat was taking a nap. pink wine and Amanda had holed away in the depository library, neither one wanting to be associated with the boys that night."We need alibis,"she had told Albus earlier."deprivation to be seen by as many hoi polloi as possible so there 's no chance anyone will suppose we were with you."

At one in the sunrise the boy left the Marauder 's Den and headed back to the common room, where Thomas Bradley would be waiting for them. They encountered no one on their way back and only two or three lingering bookman were in the common room. All of them went to bed within fifteen minutes and the boys were soon alone with Bradley.

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

lavatory nodded."I do n't remember we 'll be able to handle any more."

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

"According to Rose, we 're incredibly stupid person,"St. John the Apostle said."But I think it 's superb. Has anyone ever gotten into the Slytherin common room ?"

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

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

Bradley muttered an incantation and flicked his wand at each of the pillows. All three turned into chickens. One brown one, one White person one, and one large black and brown rooster. The rooster opened its mouth to crow and Omar Bradley immediately silenced all three.

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

"Sure,"Albus said.

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

"Got it,"Albus assured him. Omar Bradley took off to the dormitories and Albus turned to his friends. John was holding the cock and Kaden was holding the two poulet."Back to the Den ?"

The boy spent the succeeding two hours in the Marauder 's Den, playing Exploding cracking and re-Stunning the poulet every half hour. Shortly after three in the morning Albus re-stunned the Gallus gallus one more than clip and then threw the invisibility Cloak over all four of them.

It was very difficult for all four boys to walk under the invisibility Cloak.
Being quartern years, they were all a lot great than they had been in back class when Albus had first received the Cloak. In fact, Albus could n't even remember the shoemaker's last clock time all four of them had gone under it at once. Albus in finicky had grown quite a few inch over the summer and was now as magniloquent as John. The two of them had to walk with their knee bent to secure their animal foot would n't show.

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

Once they had reached the entrance to the Slytherin common way John the Divine and Kaden slipped out from under the Cloak and scurried over to the door. John whispered the countersign and it opened. Both son slipped inside and shut the door behind them.

Albus and Matt stood against the wall a short ways down the corridor, giving them a opinion of the stairs as well as the corridor. Neither of them said a word while John and Kaden were pulling their caper because Filch 's cat had turned up and was pacing in front of them.

The future five minutes felt like an eternity and Albus was very eased when John and Kaden exited the green way and hurried back under the Cloak. John 's bag, which had contained the chicken feed, was now considerably lighter. Neither boy said a word to Albus and lustrelessness as they walked back to Gryffindor tower, for fear that person would discover them.

They were walking down the endorsement floor corridor when Albus heard footstep behind him. He turned and saw Professor Thomas Young walking slowly towards them, staring at the ceiling as he went. He appeared to be in recondite thought about something but then stopped and stared right where Albus and his friends were. They were n't being tranquility enough.

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

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

As if on cue, there was a splatter and then Albus felt the unpleasant sensation of a spectre floating through him.

"I know you 're there."myrtle giggled."Harry Potter had one of those cloaks, too. You might as well take it off."

Albus reluctantly took off the Cloak. Young would n't be going into a girl 's can anyway.

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

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

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

Thankfully Professor Young had left by the clock time they exited the loo. The difference of the journey back to Gryffindor was as uneventful as the trek down to Slytherin.

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

"Epic !"Kaden exclaimed."There was no one in the uncouth room and we spread the provender and put the chickens each on their own sofa and left. The Slytherins are going to ingest a rude awakening in a few hours."

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

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

Bilius 's alarm clock woke Albus up at eight the following morning and he rolled over and went back to sleep. He woke up once More with twenty dollar bill minutes left until History of Magic and had to hop breakfast. Albus woke lustrelessness and John Lackland up and the three of them ran through the corridors in order to urinate it to course on time.

They arrived with two instant to dispense with and the way was filled with laugh and chatter. The Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors were clearly excited about something and Albus had a feeling he knew what it was.

Albus sat down and Bilius turned around in his posterior, grinning at Albus."You three missed breakfast. Too bad. The Slytherins are all confused, fuming about wimp and muttering about getting retaliation. Turns out someone snuck a rooster and two wimp into their common way net dark and ranch chicken provender around. Apparently their unwashed room was a mess and it took all of their Prefects to stupefy the chickens and make for them to Hagrid. Wish I knew who pulled it off."

Albus attempted to feign shock and excitement."Seriously ? That 's glorious. Does anyone do it who did it ?"

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

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

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

Professor Binns floated through the chalkboard and began to drone on about some sort of hobgoblin insurrection. Albus rested his head on his hand and began to doze off. Binns would n't even notice.

At luncheon, following Transfiguration, everyone was still talking about the poulet. The Slytherins were sullen and were glaring at all the other house tables. The teacher did n't seem at all upset about the whole affair, probably because the volaille had n't done that a lot terms. goose egg that could n't be easily repaired with the motion picture of a baton.

"Six in the morning !"Albus overheard a Slytherin muttering as he walked past the Gryffindor tabular array."Can you imagine ? And the morning after we 'd been on the delivery for three hours."

Albus smirked behind his forkful of stew. If the caper had messed with the Slytherins'breeding schedule, all the honorable. Albus had finally begun to relax. It did n't seem like they were going to get in fuss after all.

As Albus walked to the donjon with John, matt, Rose, and Amanda he realized that his nap in story of conjuring trick was most definitely wearing off. He was feeling the enfeeblement and was very happy for the give up catamenia after potions. But he did n't presume bound off potions because he was quite excited to hear Malfoy talk about the chickens.

During this specific class they were finishing up an engorgement answer that they had started on Tuesday. While Shrinking solvent was a rather mere potion that they had learned in their first twelvemonth, its vis-a-vis was more hard and required stewing for forty-eight hours before the last constituent could be added.

Albus retrieved all the necessary ingredient while his spouse, Limbert, located their potion in the closet. Limbert, who was usually very nonchalant about everything, was scowling and glared at Albus as he joined him at their table.

Just as Albus was beginning to chop up his cultivated celery theme, Malfoy appeared in movement of the table. Albus looked up from his plant and looked Malfoy in the eye.

"Potter,"Malfoy muttered."You would n't happen to roll in the hay which idiot Gryffindor put Gallus gallus in our common elbow room, do you ?"

Albus snorted."chicken, Malfoy ? I 'd hear something about that."

"Bloody bird,"Limbert muttered as he began to pulverize the rat short temper they were supposed to put into their cauldron."Crowing at six in the bloody morning. eating chicken feed all over the common room. Getting their feathers and early poppycock everywhere ...."

"What he said,"Malfoy replied."pointedness is, one of your lot got into our common way and I want to fuck who."He folded his weapon across his chest.

"Was n't any of 'my lot'as you say,"Albus answered, hoping that Malfoy could n't hear his centre pound in his chest."We ca n't get into your common room. Do n't have the password. And even if we did, why would we desire to ? It 's probably covered in snake in the grass slime."

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

Albus rose from his chair."That 's rude. I know good deal of Hufflepuffs that are impudent than you, Malfoy. And they 're decent people, too."

"son, get to work now. I believe your potion is overflowing in it 's cauldron, Malfoy,"Slughorn said, gesturing to lustrelessness and Malfoy 's cauldron, which was indeed overflowing. Matt was frantically waving his wand at it, trying to get it to stop.

"Oh for Merlin 's sake,"Malfoy muttered and stalked off towards his own table.

Albus breathed a suspiration of easement and continued to hack his celery origin. Limbert retrieved another rat lien, as the one he had been using was now hopelessly destroyed. He did n't lecture to Albus for the remainder of the class except for the occasional"passing the knife"or"turn down the flaming ”.

followers potions Albus, matte, and bathroom immediately went upstairs to the. Marauder 's Den to lease a much needed nap. climb up went to Muggle field of study and Amanda went to the subroutine library. Albus fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow and did not awake up until John the Divine swatted him with a pillow when it was time for dinner.

The Slytherins were still complaining about the chickens during dinner and Albus and his friends giggled every prison term they heard something about them. About halfway through dinner party, Professor Kendrick rose from his rear. Albus turned to look at flatness, who shrugged. Kendrick rarely made dinner talking to when it was n't the startle or end of term.

"Just a few announcements,"Kendrick said once the Great Hall quieted down."outset, I am indisputable you are all aware of the japery that took place in the Slytherin vulgar room last night. I, nor do any of the teachers, have any mind who is responsible, but if we do find out, be aware that those creditworthy will be punished. Entering another family 's vulgar room is not tolerated and all pupil should take this as a monition, in case they have been inclined to do so themselves. Slytherins, please be advised that your password has been changed. If you are not aware of it, please see a Prefect.

"instant. next weekend Hogwarts will host a few Ministry officials including the rector of illusion, the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, the mind of the Auror section, the promontory of the department for the regularization and Control of Magical puppet, as well as a few of the Minister 's closest advisor. In improver, both candidates for parson will be here as well. They will arrive Friday night and remain until Sunday morn. Sat they will be debating education here in the Great Hall.

"All students will consume the chance to observe the debate by a random drawing since we can not adapt all of you in add-on to the Ministry official and phallus of the ecumenical universe that will be attending. The repose will listen via radio in a few schoolroom. All scholarly person are required to listen or catch. More info about that, such as how to discover out if you 've been selected to watch and what assignments you will make on the disputation, will be distributed by professor Whitney Moore Young Jr. in your politics class.

"I expect you all to behave yourselves and demonstrate to our Ministry that this is a berth of learning. You are all representing Hogwarts, whether you are pupil, instructor, or faculty. You will not deplumate antic, especially not like the one that was pulled last night. You will respect the Ministry example. I will give you further information next hebdomad. In the interim, outset thinking up a few doubt to ask our candidates in typeface they have fourth dimension to do a interrogative and answer session."Kendrick resumed his tail end.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"We will,"Albus answered, gesturing to Matt and himself."Our pop are two of the voice, so I bet we 'll birth to sit with our families."

"I hope I get to,"Amanda said."It 's really fascinating, sensation politics. In some ways it 's completely the Lapp as Muggle political relation, only with magic involved. Really shows that we 're all people."

"Me too,"Rose agreed.

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

"Same here,"Kaden said.

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

The boys reluctantly agreed. They had neglected their homework the previous night due to the prank and had multiple assignments due the future day that they had not even started on. Albus thought longingly of his bed in Gryffindor column and then resigned himself to the fact that he 'd be in the library until curfew.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The day after Halloween dawned with a violent thunderstorm, one that Albus hoped would pass before Saturday, when he would own to face up Slytherin on the Quidditch pitch. Albus was feeling practically better after a enough dark 's sleep, although he was dreading having to go to account of Magic first of all affair in the morning again. Whose shiny idea was it to give them that division two mornings in a row ?

The station owls arrived as Albus was serving himself some eggs and he scanned the air for his kinsfolk owl. He did n't see it and resumed piling his dental plate with food. His parents only occasionally sent him post now that he was in one-quarter year and no longer needed a letter of the alphabet from them every other day. However, Albus did see his Uncle Walker Percy 's screaming owl making a beeline towards Cedric, who was sitting across from Albus. Cedric set his forking down and untied the letter from the owl 's leg. The owl dipped his beak in Cedric 's juice and then took off.

Albus watched as Cedric read the alphabetic character and saw his face go from wispy curiosity to slight horror and then finally extreme disgust. Sir Henry Percy 's letter were always interesting and it seemed as this one was no exception.

"Unbelievable !"Cedric shouted.

"What is it ?"James asked as he snatched the missive out of Cedric 's work force."Is he making you sit next to him while he debates succeeding week ?"

"Worse !"Cedric exclaimed."He thinks I was the one who put the wimp in the Slytherin uncouth elbow room !"

"Seriously ?"James asked as he settled down to take the letter."Let 's see ... Seriously disappointed in you ... taught you adept than this ... stunts like these could suffer my chances for a win in April ... must take to mean about the consequences of your actions ... one-fifth year is for studying for your O.W.L.s ... time to grow up ..."

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

"Oh now he 's bringing up your bit from that clause. The role where you mentioned that you like pulling pranks. Oh and now he 's brought me into it ... Oh time lag, hey ! He 's going to tell my parents that I was in on it too !"Saint James the Apostle slammed the letter down."No way they 'll believe him without proof though."

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

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

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

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

Albus hoped that his raging blushing was n't noticeable. He could not believe that Percy actually believed Cedric pulled the frivolity without any grounds. Cedric could n't get in trouble without grounds, could he ? If he did, Albus would feel terrible. He already felt awful that Percy had even had the brass to accuse Cedric for something that Albus and his friends did, something Cedric had no share of.

"We 've just got to figure out who did it,"James decided."To light up our names."

Cedric nodded."Wo n't be that hard. No prank can be done without evidence left behind. It 's impossible to do in this office. We 'll reckon for clew around our own vulgar way because I think the Slytherins are right hand. It was a Gryffindor."

"We should babble to the specter, too,"James said."They wander at all hours."

"right,"Cedric agreed."Best be off to year now, though.

Albus turned to bathroom after his pal and full cousin had left the tabular array. St. John and mat had both been sitting close enough to Cedric and Saint James the Apostle to discover the total conversation. Both son were paler than usual and Albus was sure he was as well.

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

"D'you think your own comrade would turn us in ?"John asked.

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

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

"Hope Myrtle does n't say anything,"Albus said.

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

"On the plus side, we 'll be Hogwarts legend,"John said.

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

Albus thought about Henry James and Cedric 's seeking to cipher out who pulled the wimp prank during the totality of History of conjuration. They had n't left any traces behind except for talking to Vinca minor. And even that only proved that they were out of bed at four in the first light, not that they 'd left poulet in the Slytherin common way. surely, there might have been random chicken plumage in the common way that morning but the house elves would possess already cleaned them up. Then there was Bradley.

Omar Bradley. Albus 's tummy dropped. Would Bradley rat out Albus in order to save his own brother from possible problem ? Albus liked to think not, especially since doing so would imply Bradley as well. But it was possible that Bradley would quest Cedric to pass on him out of it when he told Kendrick in return for the information in the first place. Albus rubbed his forehead. It was all so confusing and there were too many theory.

mat and John looked equally disturbed by the opening. Both boys were sitting completely still, staring at professor Binns but not looking at him. Matt was absentmindedly doodling in his notebook. King John was twirling his quill around in his helping hand and had splattered ink all over himself and his History of Magic Koran.

Albus was grateful that they had guardianship of Magical puppet next, despite the regular downpour. They would be able-bodied to verbalise. Hagrid was currently teaching them about unicorns and this particular example he had an factual unicorn for them to observe and interact with. Luckily for Albus, John, and mat, unicorns did not like male child and thus had an excuse to hang back and talk.

"The only way they 're going to find out is if they talk to Bradley and Thomas Bradley tells them,"Albus said as they pretended to lease notes on the unicorn, which was currently surrounded by the girl of the class.

"Or if they talk to Vinca minor and put the clues together,"matt pointed out.

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

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

"We 're rarely in the common way,"St. John said."Not since we found the Marauder 's Den."

"True. They could also babble out to Bilius or Ethan and find out that we got back at four in the sunrise. Ethan woke up when we got back and asked what we were up to, commemorate ?"Matt said.

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

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

"That will have all been cleaned up by now. The mansion elves fresh everyday,"John said."I think Albus is proper. The solitary way they 'll do it is if they talk to Omar Nelson Bradley. Or if they just assume and ask us about it. Al, are you going to be able to lie to them if they ask you ?"

"Er ..."Albus 's spokesperson trailed off. He knew how much of a rotten prevaricator he was."To be honest ? Probably not."

cipher said anything for a few second. Each boy pretended to be absorbed in taking notes on the unicorn.

"There 's nothing we can do, then,"Matt finally said."We ca n't stop them or tell them not to investigate because that would look fishy. All we can do is wait and hope they do n't estimate it out."

Albus nodded. Matt was completely rightfulness, of form. But what Albus did n't say was that William James and Cedric would visualise it out. They were the shoal cut-up and for the first time they 'd been out-pranked. The two were the school 's prank experts and could easily follow the track that would lead them right to their own Brother and cousin.
******


The fierce thunderstorm that had plagued Hogwarts the day before cleared up by Saturday first light and the conditions could not have been easily for Quidditch. It was sunny, with slight cloud cover and short wind. The temperature was mild for November. Weather would not be a cistron in this Quidditch match. No, the team that won would win solely based on their skill.

The Hogwarts population, both scholarly person and professors alike, were very excited for the lucifer. House Quidditch had been suspended the previous year in order for the Quidditch and Dueling competitions with the school from New York and Australia, although the final match in the Quidditch issue had been a calamity. Everyone at Hogwarts was ready for things to go back to normal and that included firm Quidditch.

Normal also included the taunting that went on between the Gryffindors and Slytherins at breakfast right before the friction match. Malfoy informed Albus that he needed to determine out else he find himself in the hospital Wing for days. Albus ignored this because Malfoy was n't even on the Slytherin team and did n't possess decent Quidditch skill to be on a children 's team. He tried his best to ignore the taunting from the actual Slytherin team as well, but still found his venter was a bit too queasy to eat much to a greater extent than toast.

The squad gathered around Fred in the changing room shortly before the match, cook to hear his for the first time team speech.

"I fully believe we can win this,"Fred began."Our drill have gone very smoothly and it feels like Janie has played with us for years rather than only a few weeks. Slytherin plays dirty, though, so sentinel yourselves. They also have two new musician, a Chaser and a Beater, whereas we only have one. The new pursuer is a second year and the new Beater is a third base yr, so I do n't believe we 'll throw a lot issue there. I 've seen them practice and they still do n't do work as a seamless squad like we do. Just go out there and represent like we did two geezerhood ago and we 're sure enough to win."

The team stood up and followed Fred out onto the pitch. The ground was lenient beneath Albus 's exploit, but not too muddy, which would puddle for a good thrill off. He stood in between Scots heather and Epistle of James while Fred went to shake helping hand with Henry Fielding, Slytherin 's captain.

Oteski shouted his desire for a clean friction match and then the two maitre d' crunched each early 's workforce. Oteski released the Bludgers and sneaker and then tossed the Quaffle into the air. Albus kicked off from the ground and flew towards the Quaffle, which had unfortunately been caught by Fielding.

"And they 're off !"Lord Todd David Roland Smith announced."first gear House mate in two years due to the pause finale class, during the competitions with the former schools. Both teams have some new faces this yr. Slytherin has a new pursuer, second year Marshall Belby, and a new Beater, third class Devon Wright. Gryffindor has a new keeper, fourthly year Janie Creevey ...."

Albus tore his attention from Smith as the fellow Gryffindor began to announce the names of the residue of the actor. Leaning forward on his Scots heather, Albus soared to the other English of the pitch, where Fielding was attempting to throw the Quaffle into one of Gryffindor 's goal posts.

"Spectacular save by Creevey !"David Smith shouted."Looks like she 's going to be an excellent Keeper for Gryffindor. Gryffindor now in self-command. broom Weasley in possession, passes to Albus ceramicist ...."

Albus caught the Quaffle, wedged it under his arm, and sped down to the other side of the pitch. He dodged two of Slytherin 's Chasers but was hit by a Bludger sent from Willard Huntington Wright and dropped the Quaffle. It was intercepted by Peyton Haines.

Albus swore loudly and tailed Haines as he turned around and headed towards Gryffindor. Fred managed to catch the Quaffle after Haines was hit by a Bludger and tossed it back to Albus.

This time Albus made it to the Slytherin goal posts and feigned right before sending the Quaffle soaring through the lead hoop.

"mark !"David Roland Smith announced."Albus thrower scores the outset end of the match. Ten points to Gryffindor !"

The residuum of the match continued in the same fashion, with the Quaffle continuously exchanging hands, rendering it very unmanageable for Smith to keep up with the commentary. Gryffindor maintained a near constant grievance of twenty points ahead of the Slytherins. Albus scored two more than goals and assisted on five to a greater extent. The Slytherin Chasers looked more and more fed up as the equal wore on.

An hour and a one-half into the match Albus saw James forsake his position above the rest of the role player and fly towards the dry land. Hunter Pucey, Slytherin 's searcher, followed.

"Looks like Potter has seen the snitcher !"David Smith exclaimed.

Albus watched while flying the Quaffle to the Slytherin goal posts. James had his arm outstretched towards a glittering aim when Devonshire Wright slammed her Beater 's bat towards a nearby Bludger. But the Bludger suddenly soared upward, leaving zip in between the bat and James 's leg. Devon 's bat collided with King James I 's leg, sending him sprawling onto the ground. Albus stopped where he was.

The intact bunch gasped, with the exception of the Slytherins, who were cheering. Pucey was flying around the pitch holding the struggling Snitch in his outstretched hand. Albus ignored this and flew directly to King James, who was prehend his leg on the ground.

Albus abandoned his Calluna vulgaris once he landed and hurried towards James. He was surrounded by Madam Pomfrey, Professor Oteski, professor Kendrick, prof Longbottom, the rest of the Gryffindor squad, and surprisingly, Devon.

Albus paused to see at the young lady. She was small, like almost secondment years are, but muscular. Her unsporting blonde hair was in a mussy bun and her face was streaked with tears. As Albus got closer, he could take heed that she was whispering"I 'm sorry"over and over again.

"Foul !"Scots heather shouted."That 's a foul ! I want a rematch !"

"Let 's get James River to the infirmary Wing and then we 'll vex about a replay,"Neville said as madam Pomfrey conjured a stretcher.

"Finally, somebody with some sense around here,"ma'am Pomfrey muttered."All of you, out of the way !"

The gang quickly dispersed as Madam Pomfrey guided the stretcher towards the castle, followed by the gathered professors. After a few instant, Professor Patil ordered the rest of the students to get back to their common elbow room. Albus walked back to the castle with his team, who were heading straight to the hospital fender.

Saint James was resting once they got there, his leg bandaged but no longer wear. He no longer looked to be in painful sensation, but looked like he wanted to hex the total Slytherin team. Madam Pomfrey appeared in movement of them before they could reach St. James the Apostle 's bed.

"Ten min,"she said."That 's all."

"Are we getting a rematch ?"was the first thing out of James 's mouth."No one will evidence me anything."

"They have n't said anything yet,"Fred replied."How 's the leg ?"

"fine, now. Just a little atrocious. brothel keeper Pomfrey said I can leave tomorrow afternoon,"James told them."We better get a rematch. That was a foul. I was two endorsement from catching the Snitch when that new Beater went and hit me with her bat ! Who does she cogitate she is ? Does n't she know the convention of Quidditch ? Or is that how Slytherin 's training their role player these days ?"

"She was going for a Bludger,"Albus explained."You probably could n't see it because she was behind you, but there had been a Bludger. It flew up at the last indorsement and she accidentally got your leg."

"How do they know that ?"Saint James the Apostle asked."She might 've made that up."

"Everyone saw it,"Albus said quietly.

"It 's avowedly,"heather mixture agreed."I do n't know if they 'll give us a rematch."

The doors to the hospital Wing opened, revealing the Beater in dubiousness. She walked tentatively at bottom and stopped when she saw the entire Gryffindor team. Madam Pomfrey greeted her and they spoke in articulation too calm to overhear before she walked slowly over to James IV 's bed.

"I know you probably hate me and I do n't blame you,"she whispered."But I really am sorry. It really was an accident. I swear it. It was my first match."

Albus glanced at the respite of his team. Their looks of confusion mirrored his own thoughts.

"Er, well, thanks for the apology, I guess,"James said.

"Is your leg ok ?"she asked.

"It 's fine now,"James River replied.

Devon reached into her robes and pulled out a bar of Honeyduke 's deep brown. She handed it to James IV, her eyes staring at his bed and not meeting his glance the entire time."Here,"she whispered.

"Er, thanks,"James said as he took the chocolate.

"Um, I 'm going to go now. Bye,"Devon said and turned to run from the ward, before any of the Gryffindor squad had time to respond.

"That was strange,"James muttered after the doors had slammed shut."Anyone fancy some hot chocolate ?"

"She 's got a crush on you,"Ryan announced.

"DOE not,"Epistle of James argued.

"Have we ever had a Slytherin apologize for injuring one of us before, let alone have us chocolate ?"Fred asked."I 'm with Ryan on this one."

"wellspring clearly some of them have sense of right and wrong,"Albus replied."But yeah, she likes you."

"She 's dozen,"Saint James said flatly.

"little girl mature faster than blokes."Heather smirked."So, actually, she should be just about the right way for you."

"Shut up,"James IV muttered."Not sharing my chocolate anymore."

"Ten minutes are up !"ma'am Pomfrey announced as she returned to James I 's bed bearing a tray that contained a few nasty looking potions."And these are for you, James."

Albus and the rest of the squad bade James good day and left the infirmary Wing. They walked up to Gryffindor Tower together, but parted once they entered the park room. Albus found his Friend at a mesa near the doorway to the dormitories and sat down to explain the entire Devon wright thing.

"So she was actually upset that she had broken James 's leg ?"John asked.

"And she apologized ?"Matt added.

"And gave him chocolate ?"Kaden continued.

Albus nodded."Strange, is n't it ?"

"Very,"John agreed."I 'm surprised she 's on the team. Is n't it a requirement for the Slytherin squad to be a fan of wildness ?"

"She might not be on much tenacious, mighty ?"mat asked.

"It was an accident,"Albus said."I already said that. The remainder of the team saw it and so did half the professors. So there 's probably not going to be a rematch either."

"That 's not funfair,"toilet muttered.

"It 's only the first lucifer,"Albus pointed out."Plenty more time to win those points back. And their Seeker is awful anyway. He could n't have caught that sneak if James had n't have been hit."

Albus, Matt, and lavatory spent the difference of the afternoon discussing Quidditch and Gryffindor 's chances of winning the Quidditch Cup. They factored in the attainment level of all the actor on all the houses and the points earned so far, along with the possible weather preventive that were surely to follow. Kaden paid attention, but did n't put up a good deal except for the episodic scuttlebutt about how something was different in football. Amanda did the same, save up for the football input. Rose sighed and dug a book out of her bag and read it until they had finished.

professor Oteski was at supper that night, which was a rare occurrence due to the fact that he has a married woman and young children in Hogsmeade and normally was only at the palace for classes and Quidditch matches. Towards the end of the meal he rose, rendering the integral hallway silent.

"The other professors and I have reviewed the outcome at today 's match,"Oteski began."We 've taken into bill a few select scholarly person'observations-"

"He interviewed me,"Fred said.

"-along with the professor'. I have come to the conclusion that the act of a Slytherin Beater hitting Gryffindor 's Seeker with her Beater 's Bat was an unfortunate person accident. No disciplinal action will be taken against her, nor will a rematch be taking place."He resumed his seat.

All of Gryffindor groaned while Slytherin rejoiced. Albus glanced over at their board and saw that Devon Fanny Wright was the just Slytherin not shouting in excitement. Instead she had her head on her manus and was picking at her dinner. She was a very odd Slytherin, that was for sure.

"I really did n't opine there 'd be a rematch,"Fred said."But take heed, we can still win. Losing the maiden friction match does n't mean we 'll recede the Cup."

"individual 's going to have to severalise Henry James,"Heather replied."He wo n't be pleased. I 'm fairly certain he can consider the number of clip he has n't caught the sneaker on one hand."

Albus thought back to the metre James had lost a equal against Linda the vampire and hid in the Shrieking shanty. Luckily his brother had come a foresightful way from that and would not feel the demand to hide after missing the Snitch.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! I 'm back at school now, so I wo n't be writing as much. But I have a few chapters saved up, so I 'm hoping to update frequently for the next month at to the lowest degree.

If you are enjoying this story ( or any of my fib ), head over to the forum and nominate one for a Dobby award ! Be surely to scan the formula before posting. : )


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was very excuse that he was not given the task of telling Saint James that there would not be a rematch. Fred, being the police chief, took that job for himself and the rest of the team merely went with him. James IV was understandably upset, but did n't consume the word nearly as badly as Albus would induce expected. Perhaps he was maturing, if even a diminished sum. On Sunday, James was released from the Hospital Wing and biography at Hogwarts returned to normal if only for a few days.

After a image class of potions and ace social class of Transfiguration on Tuesday, Albus and his friends had politics and this was the day where they would determine out who would get to sit in the Great Hall during the debate on Saturday. The Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were understandably more talkative in the mo before professor Embry began course of instruction. almost of the students hoped that they would get to attend the debate, with the elision of trick and a few of the Hufflepuffs. Albus and Matt would be attending it either way, so they doubted either of them would be picked. Rose had also found out that since she was Hotspur 's niece, she would also get to attend no matter what.

"settle down, settle down,"Embry said once the clock struck three. He smiled and then quickly took attendance."I 'm very happy to see how excited you are for Saturday 's argument. It 's very exciting to see young people so occupy in politics. Since I know none of you will pay tending during category unless I announce who gets to attend before I begin, I will announce them now."

The class immediately began whispering until Embry located a small-arm of parchment on his desk and cleared his throat."Now, a few of you are able to attend the debate without being chosen. Matt Eckerton and Albus thrower, since both your fathers are straits of departments at the Ministry you will be able-bodied to attend. Rose Weasley, since you are related to one of the prospect, you may attend as well. And not to worry, everyone else, they will not take away billet from the regular educatee body.

"One boy and one girl were picked randomly from each year, for each house. So eight students from each yr were chosen tot. For Hufflepuff the golden two are Olivia Price and Ronald Bones."

"Yes !"Ronald shouted. He was a rather loud, blonde haired boy, who reminded Albus a lot of Kaden. Olivia just smiled. She was quiet, but as one of Hufflepuff 's Beaters, was quite forceful.

"And for Gryffindor we have Ethan Kesse and Marina Jordan-Bell,"Embry continued.

Both let out enraptured shouts and the rest of the class clapped before everyone settled down. All four winning students were still grinning when Embry began speaking once more.

"congratulations to all four of you. This will not be the only disputation to drive lieu at Hogwarts and for the succeeding one, different students will be chosen. Now, on Sabbatum, you are to account to the Great Hall at ten o'clock in the break of day. The disputation will lead off at eleven. You will give your name to whichever prof is waiting by the door and then a Prefect will bear witness you to where you are supposed to sit. Same goes for you, Matt, Albus, and Rose."

Embry set the lambskin down on his desk and smiled as he walked closer to the tables of his scholar."Now, what professor Kendrick has not told you yet, because it has only just been finalized, is that both candidates will be hosting two junction dubiousness and answer sessions. These will be for students and Hogwarts stave only. The like scholar chosen to attend the debate will be able to attend the motion and solution session. It will take up stead at three in the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall. Please arrive at two-thirty.

"Everyone else will be listening to the public debate on the wireless. Fourth class Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs will be in the Transfiguration schoolroom. Please report there by ten-thirty. Everyone, no topic whether they are attending the debate or listening on the wireless are expected to write a foot long essay on which candidate you thought was more successful in making their point. It will be due at the beginning of next workweek 's class."

The entire class groaned at the mention of the essay. Embry ignored this and began his lecture. They had finally made it into the twentieth century, but were still far from learning about how everything in the Ministry changed after Voldemort was defeated.

The respite of the week passed very slowly. The Hogwarts students were getting very excited at the aspect of the prospect arriving for their debate, with the exception of Bradley and Cedric. Even St. John the Apostle and Kaden, neither of whom were going to give ear the disputation, were catching a footling bit of excitement. Albus was rather shocked at how the absolute majority of the pupil were getting involved with the election. Being mortal who had grown up with politics and the Ministry of magic trick, he was not quite as thrilled with the prospect, especially when reporters from the Daily Prophet showed up on Friday morning.

"Want to subscribe to wager on how quickly they find you ?"John asked as they passed two reporters on their way to precaution of Magical Creatures.

Albus glanced at the reporters. One was a very tall and lanky man, with messy brown tomentum and considerable stubble on his human face. He was frantically writing down questions that the early reporter, an equally tall char with vast red lips and black fuzz, was asking an uncomfortable looking first year.

"walk of life faster,"Albus nudged John as they neared the oak doors.

Albus had absolutely no desire to appear in any issues of the Daily Prophet. Neither of his parents liked reporter and that was a trait they had passed down to Albus. He made a mental note to discourage Bradley and Cedric about them the future time he saw his two full cousin.

In an effort to avoid the reporters, Albus, Matt, and John spent their devoid period after charms in the Marauder 's Den. With any hazard when the Ministry officials arrived the reporters would have up trying to interview random Hogwarts bookman. Although Albus knew it was not random at all. At lunch, after Care of Magical Creatures, he found out that no less than four of his cousins, along with Lily, had been interviewed that sunrise.

The officials were arriving just as Albus and his protagonist were heading to the Great Hall for dinner. They paused on the rarified staircase while the blue-robed enchantress and wizards entered the Great Radclyffe Hall, gracefully avoiding the reporter that were standing next to the entranceway to the Great Hall. Albus recognized nearly all of them, including his dad, Uncle Hotspur, and Matt 's dad.

The Staff table had been magically elongated enough to declare oneself bottom for all of the Ministry functionary, who had at sat down and began speaking with the professors. Albus and his friends all found rear end at the Gryffindor table, near all his cousins. Cedric was scowling while reading a letter. He then crumpled it up and then set blast to it with his wand.

"Dad still thinks we pulled that harlequinade, William James,"Cedric muttered."Says he 's going to make time to talk with me before he leaves."

"We 'll observe out,"Jesse James said."We still have n't talked to all the ghosts."

"All except Moaning Myrtle."Cedric shuddered."I do n't visualise talking to her."

"She 's our final hope,"James said."We 're going to find her. After all this debate stuff is over."

Albus let out a sigh of moderation. He had two more days. In all satinpod, he 'd nearly bury about Cedric and James 's bay to find out who put the chickens in the Slytherin common room. But apparently his sidekick and first cousin had not.

Kendrick rose from his tooshie once the Great mansion house was entire."On behalf of myself, the rest of the Hogwarts staff, and the Hogwarts student body, I 'd care to welcome our Ministry representatives to Hogwarts. Before we eat, I 'd like to introduce everyone.

"First, our nominee,"Kendrick gestured to Percy and Laurentis, who were both sitting immediately to his left."Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."Kendrick then gestured to the tall, rather portly man on his left field."Our flow Minister, Langston Hartwell."

The rest of the officials were interlard amongst the professors. Kendrick gestured to a grey haired beldam sitting in between Professors Patil and Cedonia."top dog of Magical Law Enforcement. Reena Barnes."Next, Kendrick gestured to matte 's dad who was sitting side by side to Albus 's dad and Professor Trelawney."Head of the Department for the Control and regularization of Magical Creatures. Walter Eckerton."

half the Gryffindor mesa turned and looked at Matt, who gave a smiling and shrugged. Never one to lecture about his family, most of Gryffindor was unaware of who Matt 's dad was.

"I 'm certain you all remember Harry ceramist, head of the Auror Department,"Kendrick said as he gestured to Albus 's dad. He received louder applause than anyone else had.

Kendrick then introduced three of Hartwell 's other advisors, who had title of respect that were just as long and flurry as Percy 's current job title of respect. Then, finally, Kendrick waved his handwriting and food appeared on all the tables.

During dinner Fred announced that he had reluctantly canceled Quidditch practice for the next day since it was scheduled for the same clip as the question and resolution academic session. The rest of dinner was spent figuring out which Gryffindors, besides the large amount that were related to Percy, were going to attend the disputation. Both lavatory 's piffling Sister, Asthyn, and James River 's best friend, Nathan, were getting to attend.

After dessert had been served and consumed, Kendrick reminded everyone of the clip of the adjacent day 's argumentation and suggested they all turn in early. Albus wondered whether the ministry officials would be staying in the castle or Apparating back to their own nursing home for the night. Cedric took off for the common elbow room as soon as he had finished eating, in order to deflect his father.

Albus and his acquaintance decided to outride in the common room that night since everyone was so lively and the upheaval was catching. John brought a deck of Exploding Snap down from his trunk and the six ally sat around a set back playing for at least an hr. Kaden had just had the bill explode in his face when the door to the common room opened and someone gasped.

Everyone glanced over and the common elbow room went dumb. Percy was standing in the threshold, looking very awkward and uncomfortable. His middle landed on Cedric, who had been organizing his caudex of Skiving Snackboxes with James and Nathan. Cedric went as pallid as Moaning Myrtle.

"Cedric,"Sir Henry Percy said quietly."I need to address with you."

"I did n't do it, Dad !"Cedric exclaimed."I swear it !"

Albus shifted uncomfortably in his bottom, glancing at his protagonist. Rose was giving him a disapproving look while Matt, John, and Kaden looked equally uncomfortable. Amanda had raised her eyebrows. This was absurd. Why could n't Percy let it go or trust his son ? Or at least mountain with it privately ? It was unjust of him to rage into the Gryffindor park room and cry out his own son like that.

Percy shook his head."Cedric, you 've pulled pranks like this ever since you were little. This one has you written all over it. You, too, James."

"But Dad-"

"No buts,"Percy said."This is not satisfactory. Now I 'd care to speak with you privately."

Cedric did n't budge. Albus swallowed arduous and looked at Matt, John, and Kaden each in act. Pranks were all in good fun, but not when devoid the great unwashed were punished for them. And Albus had no doubt that Hotspur would penalize Cedric whether he had proof or not. Cedric 's past betrayed him and Hotspur was too focused on winning the election to give his son the benefit of the doubt. Albus did not like his cousin taking the fall for something he and his booster did. It just was not something he was comfortable with.

flatness gave a slim nod of his principal. John and Kaden both shrugged and Albus took that to mean"do what you have to do ”. Albus sighed and stood up."Wait, Uncle Percy."

"Albus, this is none of your care,"Hotspur said."Cedric has to confront his consequences."

"But he did n't do it !"Albus exclaimed."It was me. I did it."

James burst out laughing."You, Al ? That 's skillful and all of you to try and keep Cedric out of hassle, but really ? You could n't get into the Slytherin common room."

"It was n't only him,"John Lackland said, standing up."Kaden and I did virtually of it. Al was just a face out."

"I was, too,"matte announced."It was the four of us."

Fred and a few of his friends suddenly jumped up from their seats and bowed in nominal head of Albus, mat, John the Evangelist, and Kaden."Masters ! You are the kings."

The full common room exploded in applause and whistles. Albus could n't aid but grin despite the fact that he knew he was going to be in trouble. King James I gave Albus an odd feeling before breaking out in a wry smile himself. A few first years ran up and high-fived them. Victor Hugo was practically rolling on the floor laughing.

"Enough, enough !"Percy shouted."Albus, you 'd amend come with me. You three as well."He gestured to mat, lav, and Kaden.

Albus and his admirer reluctantly followed Percy out of the common room to Kendrick 's subject field. On the way there Albus could n't avail but notice that his uncle did n't really walk. He strutted, almost like he owned the place. Albus supposed he was remembering back to his mind Boy days. heading Boy was probably now well out of reach for Albus, as was becoming a Prefect. Not like he really wanted to suit a Prefect anyway.

Upon entering Kendrick 's study Albus was horrified to see that all of the Ministry official were there, including his own father. Matt had paled considerably on seeing his father as well. This was bad.

Kendrick glanced at the boys and then looked questioningly up at Hotspur."I think we need a minute of privateness,"Kendrick said to the functionary,"except Harry and Walter."

The rest of the officials left the room, whispering to themselves as they went. Kendrick then resumed his seat behind his desk and conjured enough chair for the remaining people. Albus took a rear end in between Matt and Kaden.

"What 's going on, Percy ?"Kendrick asked.

"I went to Gryffindor to have a chat with my son about that prank end workweek and as it turns out he was telling the truth."Albus was pleased to see that Percy looked slightly ashamed."As I was asking Cedric for a buck private talk, my nephew and his Quaker announced that they were the pranksters."

"They what ?"Harry exclaimed, looking at Albus."Is this about the chicken in the Slytherin common elbow room joke ?"

"Yes,"Harry Hotspur confirmed."These four just confessed to it."

lustrelessness 's dad let out a suspiration and shook his principal.

"Is this true, boys ?"Kendrick asked.

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied.

"I 'm very discomfited in you, Albus,"Harry said."This is the sort of thing I expect from James, not from you."

"As am I in you, Matthew,"Walter added."You 've never been one to root for pranks."

"It was our idea,"Saint John said, gesturing to himself and Kaden."All they did was keep open a look out while we were in their usual room."

"Nevertheless,"Kendrick said, folding his hands on his desk."All four of you broke school rules and you will be punished. Fifty degree from Gryffindor-"

Kaden gasped.

"-each,"Kendrick finished."And hold. As a lot as I 'd like to start your detention tomorrow we have other matters happening in this castle and none of the faculty is free to oversee. You will take up your detention on Monday evening and you will feature it for a week."

"But sir-"Albus and Matt said at once.

"No buts,"Kendrick said."You blatantly broke multiple school day rules."

"But Quidditch and dueling ! That 's the week before the first tournament-"

"Your teams will have to take for practice without you, Mr. ceramist,"Kendrick said shortly."You should have thought about that before you participated in this mischief."

"Sir ?"matte asked quietly.

Kendrick sighed."Yes ?"

"The, er, wide-cut moonshine is Tuesday,"lusterlessness muttered.

"Right,"Kendrick replied."Attend the detentions that you can and whichever ones you miss can be made up once you are better.

"Thank you,"Bruno Walter said,"for being understanding about that."

"Not a trouble. Matt 's berth is vastly different from missed Quidditch practice."

Albus felt his cheeks reddening. It had been a valid point for him. Fred would murder him in his sleep when he found out Albus would miss at least two pattern for detention. He certainly would n't be applauding and bowing anymore.

"You 'll report to Filch 's office on Monday at seven. He 'll fall in you encourage educational activity on what your custody will mean. Now, get back to Gryffindor Tower,"Kendrick said.

Albus rose from his buns. Harry did the same."Al, you realize I 'm going to have to tell your mother about this."

Albus nodded."Yes."

"She wo n't be pleased. But I do want to tell you that I 'm gallant of the way you owned up to this when you realized Cedric was wrongfully accused. As let down as I am that you pulled that put-on, I am very happy to have such an reliable son. I 'll see you tomorrow. have got a good Nox and call up, I always love you,"Harry said and gave Albus a hug.

"Love you too,"Albus said quietly.

Matt was having what was surely a standardised talk with his own father and once they were finished, the four boy left Kendrick 's study and went immediately back to Gryffindor Tower.

"septenary detainment,"Gospel According to John muttered as they walked up a set of stairs."Seven. This is worse than that clock time in endorsement year when we were caught near the Whomping Willow."

"Not to mention the points,"Albus replied.

"And detention with Filch no less,"matte said."I 'll be doing at least two of them on my own, too."

Kaden shrugged."Still seems worth it."

St. John the Apostle grinned."most definitely Charles Frederick Worth it."

Albus and matt gave each other looks that clearly meant they disagreed. No, 200 points from Gryffindor, seven detainment with Filch, and no Quidditch recitation for a calendar week was not worth it.
***


In genuine Hogwarts style by the next break of the day at Breakfast the total schoolhouse knew that it had been three Gryffindor fourth years and one Gryffindor third yr that had managed to sneak into the Slytherin common way and deposit two chickens and a rooster, as well as screening the entire situation in shuttle seeded player. Hufflepuff was especially excited about this because Gryffindor 's passing of 200 points put them in the booster cable for the star sign Cup. Gryffindor was now dead net and the other Gryffindors were torn between their awe of Albus and his supporter and their repulsion that the prank had cost them so many degree.

rose and Amanda had burst out laughing when the boys told them their fate the premature nighttime. They were furious about the loss of points, though. pink wine was especially disgusted by John the Divine and Kaden 's lack of remorse.

All the ministry functionary were at the staff tabular array, whereas the home board were not nearly as total as the former day. It seemed that some scholar had not heeded Kendrick 's suggestion about going to bed early.

There was a whoosh of wings and Albus looked up to see that the post owls had arrived. His philia started beating faster and he swallowed hard upon seeing his mother 's owl holding a red gasbag in its mouth.

"Oh no,"Albus whispered as the owl grew near. His acquaintance glanced up and saw the howler just as the owl was preparing for landing. It landed in front of Albus 's plate of eggs and he took the howler in his hand before quickly running out of the Great Hall for the nearest bathroom.

The envelope was already hot when he arrived in the thankfully empty loo. He reluctantly opened it and the elbow room was soon full with Ginny 's high pitched shouting.

"ALBUS SEVERUS POTTER, WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU ? I AM ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED TO HEAR THAT YOU WERE IN THE SLYTHERIN COMMON ROOM AND PUTTING poulet IN THERE NO LESS. I DO NOT fear THAT YOU WERE ONLY THE LOOK OUT. YOU MAY AS WELL have BEEN IN THERE YOURSELF. YOU WERE BLATANTLY breakage MULTIPLE schooltime RULES INCLUDING being OUT OF BED AFTER HOURS.

I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. THIS IS THE SORT OF THING I EXPECT FROM JAMES, BUT EVEN JAMES KNOWS WHEN NOT TO CROSS THE LINE. AND YOU DID N'T JUST CROSS THE LINE. YOU JUMPED WAY OVER IT. AND TO HAVE PERCY FIND OUT ABOUT THIS patch HE IS AT HOGWARTS FOR A DEBATE ? ! YOU KNOW WE HAVE TO KEEP UP APPEARANCES IN ORDER FOR HIM TO have A CHANCE AT THIS ELECTION AND THIS DOES NOT HELP.

I HIGHLY APPROVE OF THE DETENTIONS AND red OF POINTS. I CAN NOT SAY I WOULD BE discomfited IF YOUR stallion HOUSE WERE ANGRY WITH YOU OVER THIS. I EXPECT YOU WILL NOT DO THIS AGAIN. IF YOU DO YOU WILL HAVE more THAN JUST penalization AT SCHOOL."

The letter exploded with a brief puff of pot. Albus stood there staring at it for a few bit. His mother had not even mentioned how his confession had saved Cedric. There was no citation of how she was proud about his honesty, like his dad had been.

Albus heard a short jest from behind him. He turned around and saw none other than Scorpio Malfoy leaning on one of the sinks, smirking.

"I knew it was one of you Gryffindors,"Malfoy said."Just did n't have a bun in the oven it to be you lot. Did n't think you 'd be smart enough to figure out our password."

"Just shut up, Malfoy,"Albus muttered as he pushed his way past the Slytherin on his way out of the loo.

"Loved the howler, by the way."Malfoy gave another laugh.

Albus groaned inwardly. He hoped Malfoy had n't heard much of it, but highly doubted it. Albus took a deep breath and walked back to the Great Charles Francis Hall. Perhaps with the debate coming in an hour, the relaxation of the students would forget about the prank and the loss of level and find something new to discuss.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype written material chemical group. You guys are all awesome ! Thanks for all the amazing reviews ! The new banner was done by violet ephemera at TDA. There 's a little under a week left to appoint tarradiddle for the Dobby Awards, so if you like this story, head over to the forums and nominate it ! Just remember to read the rules first.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was a longsighted queue of educatee waiting to get into the Great Charles Martin Hall after everyone left once breakfast was over. The Great anteroom had been completely emptied in club for the professors to organise it for the debate. Albus craned his brain in effort to see it. As far as he could say it looked the same except the prospicient mansion tabular array had been replaced by dustup of seating. He, along with flatness and rose wine, were only a few educatee away from the front of the queue.

Once they made it to the front they gave their names to prof Longbottom and then were lead story inside by one of the Ravenclaw Prefects. Adults were milling about talking with each other and pupil were already seated. The start few quarrel were cordoned off with rope and the Ravenclaw Prefect lead Albus, Rose, and Matt to the third roped off row. He lifted the R-2 and told them to file away all the way in, to the very end of the unoccupied row. Albus sat in between Rose and lustrelessness. It appeared that the roped off quarrel were reserved for Ministry functionary and their kinsperson. Albus noticed that his mum was sitting in the straw man row along with the rest of his aunts and uncles. Georgia was also in the front row and was handing out coloring rule book and wax crayon to Samantha and lindy.

James, Ben, Lily, and Hugo filed in next to Rose a few mo later. Albus saw that Cedric and Omar Nelson Bradley, who had walked in with his siblings, were being lead to the front row. Fred, Angie, Heather, and home run finished out their row five minutes later. Albus gazed around the room and spotted Victoire and Teddy sitting across the aisle. Stanley walked in with Gabriella and took arse next to Victoire and Teddy. Albus had to admit he was surprised to see them there. cobbler's last he heard she was in France and he was in Romania.

The room soon became jammed with the educatee who had won bottom as well as other witches and wizards who had chosen to make out. Albus recognized a few who worked in workshop in Hogsmeade including Madam Rosmerta. He turned to the strawman of the room and noticed that the staff table had also disappeared and had been replaced with two podium and a small mesa, just like the set up in the courtroom at the Ministry.

At exactly eleven o'clock the room access to the Great Hall were shut and people began to sit down. Professor Kendrick entered the elbow room from one of its antechambers, followed by the government minister, Albus 's dad, matt 's dad, and the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Reena Barnes. The former Ministry official were seated in the front row.

Kendrick lead them to the small mesa near the podium. All five, with the exception of Kendrick, sat. Kendrick walked to the front of the pulpit and the audience quieted.

"Welcome to the thirdly disputation. I welcome all of you to Hogwarts schoolhouse of witchery and genius. Today 's debate will be on education. I 'd care to introduce today 's moderator, the Head of the section for the Control and regulation of Magical Creatures, Walter Eckerton."

The audience clapped and Albus whispered to Matt, asking him if he knew his dad was moderating. Matt shook his heading no and the two looked back to the strawman.

Kendrick had taken his arse and Matt 's dad had rose."Now I 'd wish to receive our two candidates. Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."

There was more hand clapping as Percy and Laurentis walked out of the antechamber and took their spot behind the stump. Once the clapping subsided, flatness 's dad began to speak.

"Today 's debate will run similarly to past debates, with five second reply and two minute rebuttals. All inquiry and prompt will be about education. The argumentation will run for an hour and a one-half. After it is over, the elbow room will be cleared and then lunch will be served. After lunch there will be a unretentive break and then the student head and answer session will exact place in this Saami way. Without foster adieu, the showtime enquiry. Mr. Weasley, you will resolve first.

"How do you feel about the Hogwarts forcible environment ? Do you finger it is passable and conducive to learning or do you find variety should be made ?"

Walker Percy took a footmark forward and smiled at the interview."I believe that the Hogwarts rook is very conducive to learning. Being in a sequester area provides little in the way of beguilement to the educatee. Yet the law of proximity of the castle to Hogsmeade village gives students in tierce year and above a much needed break. The entirely changes I think need to be made are to update what needs to be updated and repair what needs to be repaired."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Matt 's dad said. He turned to Laurentis."Ms. Laurentis."

"I agree with Mr. Weasley. The Hogwarts castle is very contributory to learning and I see nothing wrong with it the way it is. All of Mr. Weasley 's points are very valid."

Albus turned to Matt and shrugged. That was odd. They actually agreed on something. lustrelessness 's dad seemed a little shocked by this as well, because he did not say anything for a few irregular after Laurentis quieted.

"All right. Since you two agree, I see no pauperization for rebuttal. Moving on to the succeeding head. Ms. Laurentis, this sentence you will go first. How do you palpate about the flow Hogwarts course of study ? Do you feel the classes adequately prepare today 's new people for living in British wizarding society ? What changes, if any, do you feel need to be made ?"

"The Hogwarts course of study has not been updated in decades. In fact, the only new stratum that has been introduced is this twelvemonth 's class on politics. programme is something that needs to modify with the times and be re-evaluated at to the lowest degree every other yr. The reality is a constantly changing property and what scholar learn needs to vary with it. New category should be offered and outdated classes should be removed. curriculum for socio-economic class that are kept demand to change in order to keep up with today 's enquiry. Potions, for example, should not be taught the same way now as it was forty yr ago, but unfortunately, that seems to be the case."

"Thank you. Mr. Weasley."

"The core programme of Hogwarts is similar to that of magical schools all over the creation. The classes taught here offer basic and forward-looking instruction in topics that wizards need in order to function in social club. We can not stand here and advocate getting rid of good luck charm or Transfiguration in favor of some new subject area that may or may not teach our students anything. Yes, the universe is constantly changing, but the basic spells remain the like. educatee forty years ago used 'Alohomora'to unfold doors and the piece remains the same today,"Percy argued.

"Your rebuttal, Ms. Laurentis."

"I am in no way insinuating that we should get rid of Charms or Transfiguration."She looked offended at Walker Percy 's accusation."All I am saying is that we need to appear at the electives that are offered. The basic sum division should obviously be kept, although they should be updated. Today 's prof are using the same schoolbook they used 30 twelvemonth ago, which is idiotic considering how much has changed in their fields-"

"Your time is up. Mr. Weasley."

Walker Percy seemed to puff out his chest a bit."Those textbooks still teach the basics ! How is a textbook written last year going to be any wagerer at teaching a bookman how to stir a cauldron ? Additionally, senior school text have more put-upon copies available making it more low-priced for pupil from depleted income families to purchase their books."

It seemed to Albus that they had gotten slightly off issue from the proposed question, but neither candidate seemed to observe or care.

"Next head. How do you experience about the way that teacher selection and evaluation is handled at Hogwarts ? Do you feel any alteration are needed ?"Mr. Eckerton asked."You may go first, Mr. Weasley."

"Traditionally, the Ministry has taken a very hands-off glide slope to teacher selection and I believe this has worked well. Ministry officials do not have the expertness to choose teachers and leaving this up to the Hogwarts staff has resulted in a very educated and all-around staff at Hogwarts. Following the reign of Voldemort, a small education department was founded in the Ministry to oversee things and while it is still very hands-off, I believe the small quantity of regularisation has served Hogwarts well,"Percy explained.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Laurentis smirked and then began."instructor selection, along with course of study modification, is the the facial expression of Hogwarts that needs the most radical change, in my opinion. While professor Kendrick is a fine schoolmaster, I think to a greater extent guidance is needed when it comes to choosing prof. For the past four old age, Hogwarts has been unable to batten a United States Department of Defense Against the Dark artistry prof for more than two years. One only lasted a year. former professor have been here for decennary and yet others have remained even beyond their own death. There is nothing wrong, of course, with older teachers, but Hogwarts appears to have no way of evaluating these faculty penis. They remain here, teaching, year after year, whether or not they are actually successful in providing educatee with an education."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

Percy 's face had gained some color that was not always there."I hardly think it is appropriate to find fault Professor Kendrick for the lot of previous Defense professors. Upon interviewing them he had no way of knowing what would befall in the end. As for the early professor, if you would look at the statistics of the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. issue of the past few years you 'll see that the majority of students are passing. Might I add that those are regulated by the Ministry."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"I would agree that the schoolmaster should not be held responsible for one or two professors who should not get been hired in the first base place, but Hogwarts has seen more than its fair percentage of inadequate professors in the yesteryear few eld. Clearly something is wrong. More hoi polloi need to be involved with syllabus and teacher selection."

"Next question,"Mr. Eckerton said."Do you palpate that the security department at Hogwarts is adequate ? If not, what should be changed ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

If Albus was not mistaken, he could hold sworn he saw Laurentis sigh and fall in a slight eye roll before beginning."Let 's just call it what it is, why do n't we ? Lack of certificate at Hogwarts ! The security here, if you can call in it that, is sorely lacking. Might I bring up the fact that for the past three years there had been a severe breach in security department here ? Three years ago, a mathematical group of low gear days dueled the magical spell professor, a seventh year, and that seventh year 's father on the evidence for a significant full stop of time before the professor stepped in. The following yr, another commencement year was kidnapped by that Lapp seventh yr, who had then graduated. finally year, those same students were kidnapped and taken to Commonwealth of Australia of all places ! I think we could forgive one incident, but three-"

"Your fourth dimension is up,"lustrelessness 's dad said."Mr. Weasley."

Percy was looking more and more than disgruntled. His fount now resembled his hair."Might I remind my opponent that following the incidental three years ago, Aurors were stationed at Hogwarts and none of the stick with incidents resulted in any live scathe to any of the scholarly person. Last year, the Aurors were slightly preoccupied by the disastrous competition that took place here. Hogwarts is protected by many enchantments and all the professor are capable of protecting the students. lowest year 's incident was an extremely unfortunate accident-"

"One that nearly resulted in pupil Death !"Laurentis shouted.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Albus felt like the entire room was staring at himself and mat. Glancing around, he saw that this was true.

Laurentis ignored Mr. Eckerton."I remind the wizarding community that the Aurors have yet to conquer the brain of that incident. Which by the way was not the sole incident last year. finis year 's Defense Against the Dark artwork professor kept a highly dangerous animal in the castling for months before anything was done. And by the meter it was discovered, it took Walter Eckerton stepping in to have it removed ! Then, the prof was allowed to stay, despite the fact that later on it was discovered that he had been terrorizing and humiliating students in his course of study all year, not to mention the fact that his curricula were not appropriate. Following that atrocious breech in security, regarding the animal, the Lapplander professor proceeded to let out information that could compromise the life of another student-"

"That is enough, Ms. Laurentis !"Mr. Eckerton shouted."You are speaking out of turn."

Albus was unsure whether Matt 's dad was cutting her off because her time was up or because she was getting dangerously close to talking about mat. cum to suppose of it, how did she even know about that ? She could n't possibly have it off about lusterlessness 's stipulation, could she ? Albus glanced at Matt, who was looking extremely pale.

"I believe we are out of time,"Mr. Eckerton continued. He looked quite flustered."Please loss the elbow room while lunch is set up. You may deliver in a half hour."

Albus stood and waited for his turn to leave the room. The intact bunch was whispering amongst themselves and pointing at Albus and Matt every so often. He was tempted to skip luncheon all together, except he was extremely hungry.
***


Albus managed to debar speaking to any newsperson before and during lunch, which proved unmanageable because they seemed to consume multiplied during the debate. All seemed lancinating on interviewing him, Matt, whoremonger, and Kaden in finicky due to their having been kidnapped the previous June. Albus was quite relieved when the food in front of them vanished and the bulk of the people in the room left in order for the doubt and solution academic session to consume place.

Both candidate seemed to have regained their composure during the meal because Walker Percy 's look was no farseeing beet red and Laurentis had fixed her hair's-breadth and was wearing a smiling. The reporter had been banned from the room for the duration of the school term, much to their disheartenment. Matt 's dad also looked better and was standing in the front line of the elbow room in movement of the podiums, waiting for everyone to sit down.

The elbow room was much empty-bellied now, considering that only the students chosen to listen to the argument and the professor were allowed in the way. Albus and matt managed to get a few behind in the front row. Henry James and Lily joined them.

Once the room access had been shut and everyone had sat down, Mr. Eckerton stepped forward."Welcome to the question and response sitting. It will run for an hour and the prospect will answer as many questions as they can during that time. Please raise your hand if you have a question."Nothing about the outburst during the debate was mentioned.

Albus could not think of anything to ask. He had absolutely no desire to speak to Laurentis and anything that he would desire to ask Percy he could just ask at Christmastime or send him an owl. Not that he really had any doubt for his uncle, either.

A tall Ravenclaw boy raised his manus and Mr. Eckerton pointed to him."This question is for Ms. Laurentis,"the boy began."How exactly do you propose to create Hogwarts more than secure ? I 'm nearly convinced that the most advanced spells are already used."

"That is very rightful,"Laurentis answered."I believe that we need to look outside the creation of charm and leave professor basic breeding in defending team against intruder. I think a program, like to very basic Auror grooming, would benefit all staff greatly."

A Hufflepuff in pigtails had a interrogative for both candidates next."Would either of you change the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams if you were elected ?"

"Only to fit better with any possible curriculum alteration,"Laurentis replied."The change would issue forth later. Not for at least two years."

"well-nigh likely, no,"Percy said."The statistic prove that they work well as they are."

The interrogation and answer session continued in the same way, proving itself very unlike from the debate. It was quite the opposite, actually. Albus found himself very bored towards the end, his nous drifting towards what both nominee had said during the argumentation. He was very curious about what the Prophet would say about it the next day.

"We have time for one more query,"Mr. Eckerton finally said.

Albus let out a sigh of relief. A glance at Matt told him that his in effect admirer was feeling the Saami way, since he was leaning back in his chair, his eyes nearly closed.

Mr. Eckerton pointed to a daughter sitting in the far back. Albus did n't know her, but she had Ravenclaw robes on.

"This is for both of you, if either of you know anything about it. Ms. Laurentis, you were talking about prof Balladanis in the argumentation and you mentioned something about him giving scholarly person info that they could use to endanger another student. Is that really true ? And what exactly happened ?"

Albus prodded lustrelessness in the side and whispered to him what the interrogative had been. Given lustrelessness 's reaction, which was a look of stark panic, he almost wished he had n't bothered to wake him up.

Mr. Eckerton stared at the student before turning to the candidates."You may resolve the first theatrical role of the head and that part only."

"It is true,"Laurentis said just as Percy had been opening his sass to react."professor Balladanis was not cut out for teaching and did not translate the fact that there is a demarcation between teaching to spread knowledge and teaching to endanger others."

"Does it have to do with the Anamatek ?"a Slytherin boy asked.

"Yes,"Percy said."The situations were related."

"This is why I believe teachers need to be evaluated so we can avert this type of situation,"Laurentis explained.

"But what kind of selective information could endanger someone ? Was it in the curriculum ?"the Ravenclaw who had originally asked the question said."Knowledge is power."

"It was not,"Laurentis answered."Which is exactly why it will be dependable for professors to take in programme that they stick to."

"I just do n't understand,"the Ravenclaw went on."If people are kept in the dark they just blindly keep up authority. I 've always believed that mass should be taught everything possible."

Matt and his dad were both wearing like saying. Both looked extremely uncomfortable and his dad was fiddling with a clasp on his gown. Matt looked like he wanted his hot seat to swallow him up.

"We 're all out of metre,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thank you all for coming. The professor have requested that you all return to your common rooms and that you are innocent to decline comment to the reporter that are waiting outside."

There was a shuffling of chairs as multitude got up and exited the room. mat grabbed Albus 's arm without saying anything, leading him directly to his father, who was speaking to both the candidates.

"Dad,"mat said quietly, not waiting for him to end up his conversation with Laurentis and Harry Hotspur.

Mr. Eckerton turned around and his face became sympathetic. He turned back to Laurentis and Percy."Excuse me. My son. I believe you can head up to Kendrick 's study and I will be there shortly."

Albus, mat, and Mr. Eckerton left Laurentis and Percy, who had now begun to fence about something, in the Great Hall and entered one of its anteroom. The room was furnished with a few couches and chairperson. Albus chose an armchair while lusterlessness and his dad sat down on a couch.

"I 'm really regretful, lusterlessness,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."I did not await last year to be brought up during this debate."

"It 's not your geological fault,"Matt replied as he picked at a loose thread on the couch."It 's just the way she, Laurentis, was talking, I thought that maybe she .... Does she sleep together, Dad ? She seemed to know an awful lot about what Balladanis did."

"She does n't know,"Mr. Eckerton said immediately."The only if masses at the Ministry who know are in my department. However, she and the residual of the Ministry did suffer to eff why I was filing a write up on Balladanis utmost year. I had to give reasons as to why I wanted him investigated on that report."

"Did you list exactly what he did, with the Anamatek and his werewolf lessons ?"Matt asked.

"No."Mr. Eckerton shook his promontory."There are police protecting minors in this sort of position and I was not legally required to mention your name. All I had to say was that an anonymous student had felt threatened by a certain example that Balladanis taught. That was all that was needed to establish the investigation. That alone would not have gotten him displace, but plenty evidence was found through interview student about his teaching method that nothing else was needed. It was n't even mentioned that it was a third twelvemonth class in my original report."

"But she seemed to sleep with so much,"matte said.

"She does n't. Politicians embellish what they know in purchase order to get elected. You do n't have to vex. I suppose if she really wanted to she could count at the curriculum for demurrer for that metre of year and research and figure it out, but it would take a lot of employment. And rely me, she does not have the time for that. Nor does she really have any reason to like what example it was or why a student was threatened or who that scholarly person was."

"But she said my lifetime had been at risk,"lustrelessness said.

"Again, that 's her embellishment."Mr. Eckerton half-smiled."The only single who are really curious are your fella student and this will blow over. They have no way of finding out."

"Good,"mat replied, finally smiling a bit.

"I 'd ameliorate get to the headmaster 's study,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up.

Albus waited while lusterlessness said goodbye to his dad and then the two boys headed back to Gryffindor tower. The reporters had either scattered or had found educatee willing to be interviewed, for the male child came across no one but Prefects and a few first years setting off dungbombs on their way back to the vernacular room. Albus was very glad to discover that Laurentis did not get it on the specifics about what had happened with Balladanis the previous year, but he wished neither her or Sir Henry Percy would ever bestow it up again in a debate. Somehow, though, Albus doubted that it would n't be.


Sorry for the late update ! sentence has gotten away from me. Thanks to all who have read and reviewed. Big thanks to my Skype writing group ; you guys are amazing !

I have a new Meet the Author thread on the forums. There 's a nexus to it on my writer page. Please insure it out and ask me motion !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The article in the Prophet on Lord's Day proved to be just as outrageous as the actual debate had been. It took up the full straw man page and was ripe with quotes from both candidates and a few students, although none of Albus 's cousins had been quoted. The Ravenclaw who had asked the question about Balladanis at the doubt and reply session had not only been interviewed, but she had received her own article located on the back page. Albus groaned when he opened the page and saw it, complete with a picture of the Ravenclaw in question. His friends quickly crowded around the paper to record it over his shoulder.

censoring AT HOGWARTS ?

Yesterday 's newsworthy argumentation at Hogwarts
School of witchcraft and wizardry proved
not only to be a time to study about the
candidates'true persuasion on magical
breeding, but possibly uncovered an issue
of censorship that had been looked over
last yr.

Following the debate a query and answer
seance was held for those lucky few
Hogwarts bookman who had gotten to sit
in the Great dormitory during the disputation. The
final question was asked by sixth year
Ravenclaw Elizabeth II York. During the argument
Patricia Laurentis brought up the theme
of the investigation of Professor genus Tethus
Balladanis, previous defense Against
the shadow fine art professor ( see article on
movement pageboy ). House of York then questioned what
information had taught that according to
Laurentis"endangered a student 's life."

'I just question what entropy was being
taught because I 'm a house believer that
students should never be denied
entropy. If it was bad enough
to endanger someone 's life, then sure as shooting,
it should not be taught, but no one is
saying what the info was .'House of York
said in an audience following the
session.

After the doubt was asked, argue
moderator and Head of the department for
the Regulation and Control of Magical
Creatures Walter Eckerton told the
candidate that they could not say
what the information was, just confirm
that the incident had happened. Eckerton
quickly wrapped up the session, stating
that they were out of time.

It is interesting to note that Eckerton
is the wizard who filed the complaint
thus launching the investigation of
Balladanis. When asked for a commentary,
Eckerton said'I 'm the headland of the
Department for the Regulation and control
of Magical brute. He had an Anamatek.
I was informed of the situation and had
to take aim action mechanism .'

The situation provided more interrogation
than answer and it will be interest
to find out whether this incident plays
a further role in April 's election.

Albus set down the newspaper and pushed away his half-eaten breakfast. Why did the oracle have to publish that ? It did n't seem relevant to the election. Balladanis had been sacked and was long gone. It was in the past.

"Your dad 's rightfulness,"Amanda said to Matt later on when they were in the Marauder 's Den."She 's just trying to make affair into a bigger deal so she can win more voting. Politicians turn the unproblematic thing into vast deals."

"I know, but still,"Matt said as he picked through a tidy sum of Bertie Bott 's Every tone noodle."It 's like none of them realize that it 's my sprightliness they 're making a big softwood of."

"Honestly, I do n't think it 's actually the info that citizenry want,"Rose said, looking up from her Potions textbook."Think about it. If someone were to leak out the information, and say that Balladanis was teaching so much about identifying werewolves that people could cipher out you were one, they 'd have nothing else to talk about-"

"Yeah, because they 'd be talking about how there 's a werewolf at Hogwarts,"Matt said.

"No, that 's not what I meant,"Rose replied."They 're worry in the enceinte issuing. The fact that there might be censorship at Hogwarts. They do n't deal what the data is that 's been censored. They just manage that something 's been censored. And I think that if they really knew what it was, they 'd all agree that Balladanis had gone over the top."

"I guess,"mat said."But that 's the thing, no one 's going to really bang what it is."

"It 'll all go down on over soon enough,"Albus said."future debate 's on law enforcement. Aurors, Azkaban, that variety of thing, and Laurentis runs Azkaban."

Albus spent much of Billy Sunday afternoon on the Quidditch pitch, which was a welcome relief from discussing the argument and the election and Percy and Laurentis. He loved his supporter, but they all seemed to be able to discuss the election for ages and he could n't. Fred would have had them on the sales talk thirster, but Hufflepuff had reserved it for the evening.

The give-and-take of the censorship clause seemed to calm down the next day, if only because a good majority of the professors had all scheduled examination that day and everyone was occupy with end arcminute studying. Albus had exams in both Herbology and defence mechanism Against the Dark Arts, although the latter was really no different from the usual worksheets. Luckily there was no exam in attention of Magical creature and then Albus had a free period.

Matt slept the entire give up catamenia and up until dinner in Hope that he would be able to attend that night 's detainment. He had no desire to do hold on his own, so he was hoping that he 'd be able-bodied to get away with just missing the future night 's. He still looked absolutely exhausted even after the nap.

"If we 're doing anything outside I 'll consume to allow,"mat said as the four male child made their way to Filch 's cogitation."Merlin I hope it 's not outside."

"Me, too,"whoremonger said."Ground 's horribly muddy after go Nox 's storm."

"Bet the squad will enjoy that."Albus said They had recitation that night and Albus was missing it.

The boy continued their way through the castle until they made it to Filch 's study. Albus knocked three fourth dimension and then stood back, waiting for the ancient caretaker to open the door.

Filch was holding his cat, Josie, in his arm when he appeared in the doorway. He was scowling, the wrinkle on his face showing more than ever, and looked thoroughly disgusted at having to supervise the boys'detainment. He let the cat down on the ground and she took a swat at Kaden 's robes before darting behind a nearby suit of armor.

"You lot again,"Filch muttered as he shut the door behind him, despite the fact that the four son had n't had a articulation detention with Filch since irregular year."You 're scrubbing the 2nd level miss 's can. With toothbrushes, of course."Filch reached into his scoop and pulled out four grubby toothbrushes.

"That 's Moaning Myrtle 's lavatory,"Albus whispered to his friends as they distributed their cleanup implements and followed Filch down the corridor.

Filch shooed them into the bathroom and leaned against the room access, his arms across his chest, and scowled at them as they began. Albus squatted down and began to call off the floor, John Lackland and Kaden doing the Saame. The three had agreed to induce the detention as easy as possible for flatness and thus left him the sinks.

Albus had n't been scrubbing for more than two hour when he heard a splattering behind him and a schoolgirlish giggle. He turned around and saw Vinca minor, smiling and winking at him. She floated over until she was hovering over the section of floor that Albus was scrubbing.

"Albus Potter."She giggled again."You 're back to my toilet. Oh, but this clock time you 've been in problem, have n't you ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus muttered.

"This is n't for what you did to the Slytherin common room, is it ?"myrtle asked."Your blood brother asked me about that. I told him that you 'd been in here that night, hiding under your invisibleness Cloak."

Albus flinched when she said the dustup"invisibility cloak"and hoped that Filch had had some sense of hearing loss in his old age. The last thing Albus needed was for the caretaker to know he had an invisibleness Cloak.

"I did n't know you were pranking the Slytherins, though,"Vinca minor continued."I like male child who pull clowning, you know."Myrtle giggled again and floated closer to Albus, so finish that his manus was now inside her arm. He moved it away.

"You know, some years I hardly get any boys coming in here,"myrtle said as she floated towards John."And this year there 's so many. I think you should come chit-chat me more often. It gets lonely in here, you know."

"Yeah, I imagine it 's quite lonely, being drained,"Kaden said.

Myrtle let out an ear-piercing shriek and started wailing. She sped past Albus and into one of the stalls, where she plunged herself into the toilet.

"Sensitive type, is n't she ?"Kaden said.

There was another loud spattering and myrtle was suddenly right in front of Kaden."You would be too if you were dead !"she shouted.

"But could n't you leave the loo ?"Saint John the Apostle asked."The other ghosts float about the castle all the time."

"Leave the loo ?"Vinca minor repeated."Leave the loo ?"She said a bit louder."But this is where I died ! I find it 's best to think about my death right here. Right where it happened."

"Would n't it be less lonely with the other ghosts ?"John asked as he began to scrub one of the stall doors.

"The other ghosts do n't understand,"myrtle lamented."They 're all satisfied being dead. Even the Lady Jane Grey Lady and she 's always seemed slightly miserable. But no, none of them are as scurvy as me."Vinca minor seemed proud about that.

"Weird,"St. John muttered under his breath.

"tranquility !"Filch shouted."You 're in detainment. No talking."

Myrtle resumed floating above the boys, letting out a meretricious lamentation every so often. Kaden and Matt continued to cancel the floor while John scrubbed the stand. Matt was still scrubbing the sump, but was going very slowly and winced every so often.

"You look low !"Myrtle exclaimed as lusterlessness 's script slipped and he dropped his toothbrush. He bent down to nibble it up and leaned on the sink, squeezing his centre shut. Myrtle floated down to hover just above the cesspit next to him and smiled.

Matt said nothing and turned from Vinca minor, to get started on the sink on the other side. Myrtle followed."You know, I 'm miserable here all the time. I just sit here and contemplate my death ..."Vinca minor continued.

Vinca minor continued to follow matte around the bathroom while he was clearly trying to ignore her and put as a lot distance between them as possible. He had no portion with this since he was exhausted and Myrtle was a ghost. Albus caught lavatory 's eye as Myrtle giggled for the twentieth metre and the two shared a still laugh.

After they 'd been scrubbing for nearly two hours Filch finally told them they could arrest. Albus 's knees and hired hand were raw and he had a feeling he smelled strongly of dry cleaner. bathroom and Kaden looked equally abject and matt looked as bad as he did the forenoon after a full moon, only without the slash and pungency. Vinca minor looked delighted at their misery.

"visit me again soon !"she shouted after them as they left."Especially you,"she added to lustrelessness with another giggle.

"Someone has a calf love on you,"John said to Matt as soon as they were out of earshot of Filch.

"Shut up,"Matt muttered.

"Matt and myrtle, what an adorable couplet you 'd make,"lav continued."You should go visit her. She seemed to be well-chosen knowing that you were miserable."

"I said shut up about it !"matte shouted.

"Fine, was only making a joke,"John replied.

The boy walked in silence the rest of the way to Gryffindor tower. They did not come across anyone else, which Albus was grateful for since he was uncertain as to whether it was past curfew or not. Once back in Gryffindor, Matt immediately went to the dormitory without saying another give-and-take to Albus, trick, or Kaden.

"Hope it 's not cleaning tomorrow,"lav muttered as he sat down on the penny-pinching chair and pulled up his heave leg."Look at that. My knee 's all red."

"Matches my fingerbreadth,"Kaden added.

Albus would gladly ache through another day of Muggle cleaning if it meant the relaxation of the detentions would be called off. He was missing two Quidditch practices and the concluding dueling exercise before the outset duel. Some captain he was, missing the last practice before their maiden tournament. Their concluding practice was Th evening and Albus would be off in detention, doing who knows what. He was planning on having Amanda run the practice, although he had n't talked to her about it yet.

The door to the unwashed room opened and the Gryffindor Quidditch team, minus Albus of line, trouped in. They all looked muddy, exhausted, and sweaty and Albus felt a sting of guilt as he watched them head up to the dorm to shower.

"Missed you, Al,"Fred said as he passed."You 're missing on Wed, too, are n't you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus muttered."Sorry."

Fred nodded."Just do n't do it right before a match."

That was at least fortunate, Albus thought. They would n't be playing in another Quidditch match until after the holidays, seeing as the next mates was Hufflepuff versus Ravenclaw. However, he couldn't help but feel that missing dueling praxis right before a tourney was worse than missing Quidditch drill right before a match.
***


Albus 's hebdomad did not meliorate the following day, when he began it with stunt woman potions. matt, feeling too ill to brew potions all forenoon, stayed in the dorm room to sleep, leaving Scorpius Malfoy without a married person to brew that day 's Wart Removal Potion. Even worse, Albus 's partner was also not in course of study. Slughorn saw this as the perfective chance to twin Albus with Malfoy.

Albus set up his cauldron while Malfoy stalked off to the potions cupboard to get the element. He returned a brusque while later and began to chop a shrivelfig into perfectly sized pieces. Albus took the rat short temper, dumped it into the cauldron, and began to stir it.

"Word is you and your friend got a workweek 's detention for that prank,"Malfoy said, not looking up from his shrivelfig.

"Yes. Not that it 's any of your stage business,"Albus responded.

"Oh, but it is."Malfoy smirked, finally looking up."You did n't by hazard get Thursday off from detention, did you ?"

"No,"Albus muttered. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down. He was stirring the cauldron far too quickly.

"That 's dueling practice,"Malfoy said, as if it had slipped Albus 's mind."Our own captain, missing practice because of detention. I do n't suppose you 've found someone else to run practice session, have you ?"

"If you 're angling for the job you 're out of luck,"Albus said as he threw another rat quick temper into the caldron with more force than was necessary."Amanda already said she 'd do it."That was n't necessarily unfeigned, as Albus had slept too former that dawn to see Amanda at breakfast before they 'd had to go down to the dungeons.

"tagger ?"Malfoy scoffed."I think the maitre d'hotel ought to have at least some skill at dueling."

"Why does it count so much ?"Albus asked."It 's one practice ! It 's not like one practice would make you captain."

"When the prof see what a better job of it I do-"

"One reason, Malfoy,"Albus interrupted."present me one reason why you should do it over Amanda."

Malfoy 's grimace broke out in a malicious smiling."One reason ? The lunar month 's going to be in an worry phase tonight."

Albus lowered his voice."You would n't. You ca n't. Kendrick would discharge you."

"Only if he knew it was me who spilled the beans,"Malfoy pointed out.

Albus felt the blood drain from his grimace. Why had he never thought of that ? Of course of action there were ways Malfoy could let it slip one's mind without anyone knowing it was him."mulct,"Albus muttered."Fine. You captain the team on Th. But just that day. I do n't have detention on Sabbatum afternoon."

"Fair enough,"Malfoy said, clearly satisfied at how things had turned out.

Albus took a parsnip and began to chop up it with as lots force as he could muster, imagining Malfoy 's smirking font upon the vegetable 's surface. Luckily, Malfoy did not say another word to Albus throughout the entire socio-economic class, which gave Albus the control not to hex him into next hundred after they left Slughorn 's room.

The day continued in a downward spiral when Patil had them work on transfiguring scab into teacups and Albus 's teacup ran across his table and crashed onto the floor. Politics was no skilful because professor Embry had the class discuss the preceding Saturday 's disputation, something Albus just wanted to put behind him. He could n't help but feel as if the entire social class was staring at him for the solid hour since Embry brought up the matter of his kidnapping and the sacking of professor Balladanis.

Kendrick sent Albus, flatness, John Lackland, and Kaden an owl at dinner informing them that their detention would get hold of stead in nursery Two, where professor Longbottom needed help transferring his flying dragon dung fertilizer from a huge pile outside to various deal inside.

"Disgusting !"privy exclaimed upon reading the annotation."I get enough of that in Herbology."

"At to the lowest degree we 're with Longbottom and not Filch,"Albus pointed out."lustrelessness will be missing this one, obviously."

bathroom nodded."Where is he, by the way ? Have n't seen him all day."

"Probably still in the dormitory. He was wakeless asleep when I went up there to snaffle my Transfiguration book at lunch,"Albus said.

Kaden glanced at his lookout."We 're not even going to have time to go back there before detainment. It 's six-thirty."

Albus set his fork down. He had been picking at his squawk stew, but not really eating it. He still had n't told his champion that Malfoy was going to be running his dueling practice later that week. Add that to the fact that now he would n't get to see flatness before the broad moon and it was just turning out to be an dire evening.

rose wine seemed to read Albus 's mind."We 'll go ensure on him after dinner,"she said. Amanda nodded.

Gospel According to John and Kaden polished off the ease of their meal and then the three boys set off for the nursery. The sun was just beginning to set as they walked across the grounds and Albus knew that meant that Matt would be heading to the infirmary Wing soon. He hoped Rose and Amanda would finagle to see him before he did.

Neville was waiting for them when they arrived, bearing four shovels and four curing of baseball mitt.

"Matt ca n't make out tonight,"Albus said once they reached Neville.

Neville glanced at the sky."Oh, right. I 'd forgotten."He handed the boy the shovelful and gloves."All of this,"he gestured to a large voltaic pile of manure,"needs to be moved into the pots in Greenhouse Two. You can leave once you 're finished."

Albus groaned inwardly as he looked at the pile. It must throw been at least six feet high and as big around as the broom shed near the Quidditch pitch. It would charter them at least an hour. He sighed as he pulled on his glove and began to shovel the manure.

With all three son working steadily it took them an time of day and a half to affect all the manure. When they finally finished all Albus wanted to do was go up to Gryffindor Tower and take the domain 's recollective rain shower. He felt spoiled than he did after a Quidditch recitation in the pouring pelting.

"Two down, five to go,"whoremaster said after Neville parted path with them on the minute floor."I 'd never thought I 'd say this, but I 'd really care some lines."

"I just wish they 'd cancel Thursday 's,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, right, what are you doing about your dueling practice ?"John asked.

Albus felt anger boiling up in him again just thinking about it."Malfoy 's taking over for the practice."

"Wait, seriously ?"Saint John the Apostle exclaimed."But Amanda 's on your squad. She could have-"

"It 's complicated,"Albus muttered. For some reason he did n't want to get into why Malfoy was going to be police chief for the nighttime."And it 's only for a night."

Gospel According to John gave Albus a strange looking at."I guess, but still ... Malfoy ? It 's going to go to his head."

"I know !"Albus exclaimed."I know, all right ? It 's not like I wanted to have hold on Th and pretermit that practice. I 'll remind you that this prank was yours and Kaden 's estimation. Not mine."

"I know,"John said."But Malfoy ..."his representative trailed off.

Albus spent a good half hour in the shower once he returned to Gryffindor and then collapsed into bed, wishing that he could wake up and line up out that the day had been an awful dream. Instead, he dreamed that Professor Kendrick decided to call for away Albus 's captaincy and move over it to Malfoy.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! This will be the only update this month as I am currently working on NaNoWriMo.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


John got his compliments the following evening when the son spent an hour doing lines with Professor Edward Young, which was slightly wasted since Young paid absolutely no attention to them. After they were released, Albus, John, and Kaden immediately went to the hospital backstage, as they had been ineffectual to visit Matt earlier in the day.

gentlewoman Pomfrey was refilling potion bottleful when they arrived a unforesightful while later. The drape were drawn around Matt 's common bed while all the other bed remained vacuous.

"Hello, boys,"the nanny greeted them."I 'll let you visit for ten minutes, but curfew 's very soon."

Albus nodded and led John and Kaden to matt 's bed, where he pulled back the curtains and entered the small field. Matt was laying in bed with a bandage around his leave alone arm and another on his forehead.

"How are you feeling ?"Albus asked.

"Awful,"lusterlessness replied."But I do n't want to talk about it. What 's new with you lot ?"

"Just did an hour of cable,"John said."And net dark we had to shovel manure for Longbottom. You 're favourable you missed that one. I swear I still smell like dragon dung."

"But now I have to do two detainment by myself. Possibly three,"Matt lamented.

"tierce ? You 're not going to get out of here tomorrow ?"Kaden asked. Usually Matt got out of the Hospital Wing two days after the full moon.

"I will, but it just depends on what the detention is. If it 's lines then I can go but if it 's cleaning again then I 'll cause to skip it. madam Pomfrey wants me to roost tomorrow."

"Ca n't think of what else they 'd get us do,"whoremonger said."dead reckoning what else ? Albus is having Malfoy run his dueling team 's practice tomorrow since he 'll be in detention."

"You 're what ? !"matt exclaimed."That 's mad, Albus."

Albus sighed."It 's one day. One practice. It 's not like I 'm giving him my team."

"Yeah, but there are early people on your team,"mat pointed out."One of them could have got captained it."

"As I told John and Kaden, it 's complicated,"Albus said."And it wo n't befall again."

lustrelessness shrugged, but he did n't seem convinced. The last thing Albus wanted to do was tell him the real grounds why Malfoy was going to run the recitation. matte did n't need that on his crustal plate.

"Time 's up !"dame Pomfrey announced as she brought a tray of potions to Matt."Hurry back to Gryffindor. The last affair the three of you need is another detention."

As it turned out, there were early things that the professor thought of for the boys'custody. Thursday evening they cleaned caldron without conjuring trick in Professor Slughorn 's classroom, something that Madam Pomfrey forbade Matt from doing, insisting that he turn in early instead. Albus spent the integral detention thinking about what Malfoy was doing with his dueling squad and counting down the instant until he would be able to ask Amanda about it.

"He was really tight,"Amanda said once the son were back in the common room after detention. Amanda had gotten out of dueling praxis before they 'd finished custody."A few of the 2nd age were cursing him afterward. I heard them. Not that I blame them since he all out yelled at them for not being able to execute a Jelly-Legs Jinx."

"What does he expect ?"Albus replied."They 're second years !"

"I tried to severalise him that, but he did n't handle,"Amanda said."He even yelled at a Slytherin."

"Seriously ?"Albus said."Wow."

"I 'm really happy Longbottom made you captain and not him,"Amanda continued."I think I 'd quit otherwise."

"I would 've cease if he was on my team, period,"John said.

"He would n't cobbler's last as captain anyway,"Amanda pointed out."Professor Cedonia was supervising and she had to tell him to tone it down about five sentence and then once one of the sec years was close to tear, she called an end to the practice."

Albus could n't help but feel a bit of satisfaction that Malfoy made such a bad captain, despite the fact that he did palpate bad for his teammates. He doubted Malfoy would break insisting that he should have been made police chief, but Albus doubted anything would give up that.

Saturday brought with it a tawdry electric storm that rendered it nearly impossible to listen what anyone was saying in the Great foyer at breakfast. Albus was quite happy that Fred had not scheduled a Quidditch practice for that day, but hoped that the storm would tranquillize down by the fourth dimension the tournament began since his squad would call for to be able-bodied to hear each other speak.

Malfoy was already seated at squad Seven 's spot at the Hufflepuff table when Albus arrived later that afternoon. He was pleased to see that the eternal rest of the squad was giving him a wide position, including a few of the untested Slytherins.

"Albus !"one of the sec year Hufflepuffs, Alice Jake, shouted when she saw him coming."So glad you 're back."

"Me, too."Albus grinned as he sat down in between her and another Hufflepuff."You lot make ?"

There was a chorus of"yes 's"and a few nods of drumhead from Albus 's squad. The last few duelers ran into the elbow room and snagged the death few seats, which were unfortunately next to Malfoy.

Albus glanced at his watch. Five minutes until the tournament began. He felt like he should make some form of spoken language, like all of his Quidditch captains did before match. But what was he supposed to say ?

"Er, well, here we are. The first tournament,"Albus began."You are all excellent duelers, each and every one of you. We 've all been practicing gruelling and you 've all made cracking improvements. We 're going to do great, but remember, just induce fun. But if you remember what you 've learned and duel like you do in drill, I think we can definitely win this."

The ease of his team ( sans Malfoy ) gave a hearty cheer and then turned to professor Longbottom, who had just called for tending. Albus 's team immediately quieted down.

"Welcome to the first dueling tournament !"Neville announced."It will run as it has in the past, with two duel happening simultaneously. professor Cedonia is coming around with the tourney docket, which will be given to each captain. Please pay attention and make out when you are to duel. Everyone will duel twice. Professor Cedonia and I will each preside over a dueling rotary and will announce the winners. The number 1 mortal to disarm their opponent will be given a point. Remember, you are only allowed to use magic spell you have learned in your classes. The for the first time duels will jump momentarily."

professor Cedonia handed Albus a slice of sheepskin and he set it down while his team crowded around him."I think it 'll be easier for me to let you know when you 're to duel. I 'll tell you two duels before you 're scheduled. Alice and tucker, you 're first."

Albus glanced down the list and noticed that he was the tenth affaire d'honneur in Neville 's ring and the seventeenth in Cedonia 's. That would give him plenty of clock time to get used to organizing his team. It was slightly consuming, having to constantly be paying aid to the list and figuring out when everyone should be dueling. After a few affaire d'honneur, he managed to get the hang of it.

"Malfoy,"Albus said."You 're up in two affaire d'honneur, in Cedonia 's ring."

Malfoy nodded, but did n't say anything. He had not said a word the intact tournament, which was very uncharacteristic, and the ease of the squad seemed to be set on ignoring him.

Albus handed the list to Amanda and headed to Neville 's dueling ring, where he was set to duel John. Two Hufflepuffs from early teams were currently battling it out and Albus was next. The shorter of the two Hufflepuffs finally managed to unarm his opponent.

"Point to Team Four !"Neville shouted as the two Hufflepuffs left."Albus Potter versus Saint John Brickston."

Albus and John gave each early excusatory smiles before bowing and raising their wands, waiting for Neville 's okay.

"Ready, duel !"Neville shouted.

Albus immediately sent a leg-locker curse at St. John the Apostle, who easily deflected it. St. John sent the same at Albus who also avoided it. Albus continued sending piece at John, who kept avoiding them, until he finally got hit with a Jelly-legs condemnation and nearly lost his foothold. In the meter it took him to perform the counter-curse, Albus was able-bodied to hit him with Petrificus Totalus.

"Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted as John fell over. He caught lavatory 's baton in his right hand and then turned to Neville, who was smiling.

"Point to team Seven !"

Neville performed the counter-curse on whoremaster and the two boy left the tintinnabulation. Albus headed back to his table, where Malfoy was just heading to Cedonia 's dueling ring.

Malfoy dueled a second year and won within two minutes. He was smirking as he walked back to the Hufflepuff table, but he returned to mediocre applause. It seemed that the relaxation of the squad was still bitter about Thursday 's practice.

The rest period of the tournament went well. Both Albus and Malfoy won their second duels, although Malfoy had a lot more difficulty since he dueled a fellow quaternary yr.

"care, I 'd like to herald the achiever !"Neville shouted a short while after the final duel. The intact room immediately quieted and looked up at Neville."Thank you. In third gear place with 44 points is Team Four !"

Cheers erupted from the Ravenclaw table, where team Four was currently seated. Once they quieted down, Neville spoke."In second blank space with 52 points is squad seven-spot !"

The rest of Albus 's team began to shout and cheer, but Albus was too stunned to do much of anything. He could n't consider it ! His first ever tournament as captain and his team had gotten s place ! A few citizenry slapped him on the back and he broke out into a grin.

"And in first place, with 55 points is Team Six !"Neville announced.

There were cheers from the early end of the Hufflepuff board, but Albus ignored them. He was still shocked that his own team had done so well.

"Great job, everyone !"he said once he regained his calmness."I knew we could do it !"

The table was filled with excitement and yak and it continued even after they got up and began to result the room. Albus was anxious to get back to Gryffindor tower where he could celebrate his near win with his friends.

"Nice going, Potter,"Malfoy spat as soon as they left the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall."I bet if I were the maitre d'hotel we would 've won."

"We got bit,"Albus replied."That 's really good."

"First would 've been better,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm amazed we even got sec considering how fearful you are at practices."

"Better than you,"Albus said."No one liked your drill on Thursday. Did you remark how no one talked to you today ? They hated it."

"They 're just too used to you coddling them,"Malfoy said, taking a stride closer to Albus.

"fountainhead it does n't much matter because I 'm the maitre d' and you 're not,"Albus said as he toyed with his wand, which he was still brandishing in his left hand.

"For now,"Malfoy replied, eyeing Albus 's wand."If you keep getting in trouble I bet they 'll replace you."

"C'mon, Albus."matte had appeared next to Albus."Let 's get back to the common room."

"Better listen to him."Malfoy gave a little laugh."You 'd mean it 'd the other way around, though. Him attacking me rather than you. But I suppose that would only be in a sure time of-"Malfoy glared knowingly at Matt.

"Shut up ! And get that back,"Albus seethed, raising his wand.

"Seriously, Albus, let 's go !"matt grabbed the cover of Albus 's robe and pulled him towards the stairway.

"immorality git,"Albus muttered, looking back at the crowd in the entree G. Stanley Hall. Malfoy was already gone."Why does he always have to bring it up like that ?"

"It does n't matter,"Matt said.

"Of course it matters !"Albus said indignantly."It 's diss !"

"I 'm used to it,"Matt said quietly.

"So what ?"Albus exclaimed."That does n't mean you should have to spend the residue of Hogwarts having him bring it up every day."

"And you hexing him would bear solved everything ?"lustrelessness asked."You just would 've gotten another detention."

"Would 've been worth it,"Albus muttered.

"No, it would n't have,"matte argued."You 've just got to push aside him. I ignore him."

"I really hope that next year he 's not on my dueling squad,"Albus said.

"I do n't believe he will. Did n't they go back to House teams for dueling for fifth part through seventh age this class ?"Matt asked.

"Did they ?"Albus asked.

"That 's what one of the sixth years said,"Matt answered.

"Good,"Albus said."Then I just have to suffer through this year."

Albus and Matt were the last of their booster to get back to Gryffindor, where it appeared that no one was doing homework. James had set a few firework off out the window and everyone was watching them while eating platter upon platters of cooky.

"What are you lot celebrating ?"Albus asked James as he took a biscuit.

King James I shrugged."Just the fact that we 've got a Saturday with nothing to do. well, Cedric, Ben, Nathan, and I that is."

"Where have you two been ?"pink wine asked as she walked up to Albus and matt. John and Kaden were behind her, a cooky in each handwriting.

"Al nearly got into a duel with Malfoy in the Entrance Hall,"lusterlessness explained.

"Albus !"Amanda exclaimed."You ca n't get anymore detention !"

"I know, but he said something really ugly,"Albus said and turned to Saint John the Apostle."You would 've hexed him."

"What did he say ?"pink wine asked.

"He said that he was storm I was n't attacking him,"Matt said quietly.

"You 're right,"John growled."I would 've hexed him."

"See ?"Albus said.

"And I told you that it was n't worth detention over,"flatness repeated.

"But if it continues,"rose said,"you 've got to state Kendrick."

"I 'm not telling Kendrick,"lusterlessness insisted."I think he 's got enough to worry about with the possibility of the entire shoal getting changed if Laurentis wins this election."
***


"Why in the name of Falco columbarius are we doing hold in the woodland ?"Kaden asked at breakfast the watch over morning.

"Seriously,"John agreed."That 's not really detention, is it ? The forest is aplomb. I 've always wanted to go in there."

"Are you two insane ?"Amanda asked."There 's all sorts of creatures in there."

"My sis did custody in the forest once,"lustrelessness said."She had to glean these plants Slughorn needed and they could only be harvested the night of the wax moon."

"fountainhead that 's one detention you 'll never have to do."John laughed.

"Maybe we have to harvest some other variety of industrial plant ?"Matt suggested, ignoring can 's comment.

"Dunno."Albus shrugged. The varsity letter they 'd received had not gone into particular. It just stated that they were to take on Hagrid near his hut at three that afternoon.

"At to the lowest degree you 're not going at night,"Rose pointed out.

The few 60 minutes Albus and his protagonist had until detention went by rather quickly. They spent the hour in the rough-cut elbow room alternating doing homework while participating in very large one shot of Exploding breeze with nearly all of Albus and Rose 's cousins. Everyone was covered in ash by the time three o'clock rolled around and the male child had to run up to their dormitory to lave their faces before heading down to Hagrid 's hut.

Albus liked Hagrid. He had known the half-giant since he was little and was slightly confused as to how hold with Hagrid could possibly be considered detention. Perhaps Professor Kendrick was unaware that Albus and his friends visited Hagrid every so often and enjoyed expenditure fourth dimension with him.

Hagrid was already outside when Albus and the other three son arrived, armed with his crossbow and Fang by his side. Albus swallowed hard upon seeing the crossbow. Did Hagrid really think they would need that ?

"'Ello, boys !"Hagrid greeted them."Fairly simple detention today. We 'll be collectin'unicorn tail hairs."

"Like getting them from unicorns ?"Kaden asked."I thought they did n't care boys."

Hagrid gave a booming laugh."No, no, Kaden. It 'd be a offense to submit 'em right from the unicorn, wouldn'it. No, we 'll be gettin''em from bush and trees. As the unicorns run past they get snagged. Let 's get goin'."

Fang let out a loud bark as they made their way to the forest. Collecting unicorn tomentum. That was n't bad at all. But still, it was the forest and that was where Washburn and Willinson had spent a lot of their fourth dimension the late year. They would n't be back there, would they ? Obviously Washburn and Quinton Willinson were in Azkaban, but what about Quinton 's father ? Where was he ?

"What do we need unicorn hairs for ?"King John asked as they entered the forest."No one here makes wands."

"Used for a lot more'n wand, aren'they,"Hagrid answered."Potions, mostly. Tha 's what we need 'em for. 7th years are brewing somethin'that needs unicorn hair's-breadth so prof Kendrick volunteered you four to collect 'em. Slughorn 's too old to do it himself."

"That 's for sure,"whoremonger muttered to Albus.

It was very drear in the forest, despite the fact that it was day. All four boy lit their sceptre and Hagrid 's garden pink umbrella was providing More promiscuous than two wands combined. Hagrid had told them that they would n't find any whisker until they were at least 15 minutes into the timberland since unicorns rarely ventured near the border.

The wood was very dense and it was unmanageable for them to take the air next to each early. Soon, they were forced to walk single data file through a very small route that was riddled with tree diagram branches and rock candy. Albus stumbled every so often and matte managed to accrue over three times before anyone found any unicorn tail pilus. Galloping hooves could be heard in the distance and Albus figured they were centaur. His dad had told him that there was a herd of centaurs in the wood, although Albus had never seen one before.

"Here we are,"Hagrid said after what had been at least a XX mo walk. He gestured to a nearby bush."Jus'have a aspect around here and I 'm sure we 'll find mess. This is a known sphere where unicorns live. Don'wander too far."

Hagrid had provided them all with bucket in which to collect the hair. Albus set off for the nearest bush and found a few tomentum snagged in the branches.

"last detention,"John said as he worked alongside Albus."Thank Merlin."

"Speak for yourself,"Matt called out from a tree diagram a few meters away.

"Do you experience what you have to do for your next one ?"Albus asked.

"job, all three night,"flatness said."Easier, I suppose, than coming up with anything else when it 's just me."

"Better than cleaning lav again. Or digging up Draco dung,"Kaden said."Whoa, I just found a whole clump of hair."

After they 'd been working for a half minute Hagrid decided that they 'd collected enough. They set off re-tracing their footstep through the woodland. Albus found it a little less scary on the walk back and he was n't sure whether it was because he had gotten used to the disturbance or because he could see the sun at the border. He was very protruding to find that he did not see Jarrett Willinson anywhere in the forest, although now that the detention was passed he realized that Willinson would n't go back there now that the Resurrection Stone was no longer there. No, Willinson was most likely still in Commonwealth of Australia, where no one was looking for him. At least, Albus hoped he was.


Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! You guys are awesome ! Sorry for the lack of updates lately. NaNo gave way to a frantic finishing of all the newspaper publisher I 'd neglected during November. But I won NaNo and classes are over so I 'm hoping to get a adept bit of writing done within the following month.


The stopping point few calendar week of November provided the Hogwarts students and faculty with a much needed period of calm. The next election argumentation would not use up situation until December and the the censorship at Hogwarts topic seemed to have died out, with the Daily vaticinator no longer publishing articles on it. Both Quidditch and dueling tournament were over for the terminal figure, leaving the students with a bit more clock time to devote to their written report. The next Hogsmeade visit was scheduled for the second Saturday in December, a week before full term ended.

Albus enjoyed the monotony of those few weeks. His days were filled with homework, Quidditch practice, and dueling pattern. Team seven-spot was very felicitous to own Albus back as their maitre d'hotel and most continued to ignore Malfoy during practice. Malfoy still reserved a special glare of hatred for Albus and his friends, but he did not attempt to embark on anymore duel in the corridor, like he had after the dueling tournament.

Dec arrived with a blow violent storm that caused the Ravenclaw Quidditch team to set off two of their practices. This gave Fred the opportunity to Koran the pitch for two extra practice, something that earned him a intelligent Cupid's itch of U-No-Poo in his aurora autumn pumpkin succus good manners of James and Bradley. Albus was well-chosen to see that the job of schoolhouse cut-up had been rightfully returned to James and his friend. The calendar week of detainment had certainly dissuaded Albus from planning anymore pranks. The same could not be said for John and Kaden, who were plotting something, although Albus did not get it on what.

Albus, Matt, and Amanda spent the first Saturday of Dec ignoring their homework in the Marauder 's Den. The Slytherin team had the pitch for the entire day, which gave Albus a much needed breakage from Quidditch. John and Kaden 's positioning would probably only be found with the Marauder 's Map and pink wine was tutoring in the library.

There was a loud squawk from outside the elbow room, which was Rose 's signal that she was outdoor and wished to be let in. Albus got up from his game of Gobstones and let her in. She dropped her bag unceremoniously on the floor and flopped down on the couch.

"I 'm worried about Elsie,"Rose said.

"Elsie ..."Albus prompted.

"Elsie Willinson !"she exclaimed."The first year I 've been tutoring all year."

"Oh yeah, the one with the imbecile for a chum and a cousin and uncle who want to bring back Voldemort. Yeah, I 'd be worried, too,"Albus said as he returned to his biz.

"No, I 'm not worried about her stupid brother. I 'm worried about her."

"What, is she still failing all her study ?"Matt asked.

"No, she 's actually doing much better,"Rose said."She 's just very quiet. She never negotiation about anything other than homework-"

"audio like you."Albus turned around and grinned at his cousin."Although you 're not quiet."

"I 'm serious, Albus,"Rose said flatly."Her brother walks her to the library for our sessions and then picks her up when we 're done. I never see her with anyone other than him and occasionally Malfoy. I 've never seen her eat with anyone former than them, either."

"That is form of strange,"Amanda said.

"See ?"blush wine said."Amanda thinks it 's weird."

"So she 's shy."Albus shrugged."I just do n't see what it 's got to do with you."

"It does n't really,"Rose said quietly."But if she 's having result. We all know about her sept. If her pal 's keeping an eye on her there must be a reason."

Albus had n't thought about it that way. What if Felix Willinson was trying to keep an eye on his sister ?"If she 's doing something her family does n't like I bet she 's going against something they want."

"That 's what I thought,"Rose agreed."Which means she 's trying to do something good. Or he 's trying to score sure she does n't spill family secrets."

"You think they have more family secrets than just wanting Voldemort back ?"mat asked.

"Of line they do,"Rose said."We only found out end class that they were related by spousal relationship to Lubar. I mean, you never would 've guessed that in first or second year."

matte shuddered."Probably a good thing that I did n't. I probably would own refused to come to Hogwarts."

"near pure-blooded families like them have dark closed book,"Albus said as he fiddled with a Gobstone. It squirted him in the face and he rubbed the liquid on his robe."The single that want the blood to remain pure and stuff. Like the Malfoys."

"And I 'd bet my last Galleon that Elsie Willinson found out one of those mystery and wants to evidence someone,"Rose stated.

"You think it 's got to do with what they 're trying to do ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm sure enough it does."

"The only trouble for them is that Jarrett 's on his own now,"Amanda said."With the other two in jail, what 's he going to do ?"

"You 're forgetting about Lubar,"matte said darkly.

rose wine got up and started walking around the room."To be honest, I do n't know how very much he 's going to be involved, especially if this going to take place in UK. Think about it, last year he had the excuse of the tournament to be here. He 's got no excuse this year. He 's a Ministry official. A horrid one, but still a Ministry official. It 's not in his best interest to be trying to bring back Voldemort."

"That did n't even figure out,"Albus cut in."They ca n't bring him back, even a spook of him, with the Resurrection Stone."

"Jarret Willinson was a Ministry official,"Matt pointed out.

"He was a secretaire for the Obliviator office. That 's a niggling dissimilar from a forefront lieu,"Rose explained."Lubar has more to lose."

"I say we try and figure out what Elsie 's keeping private and I bet it 'll give something to do with what Willinson is planning now. Because I guarantee he 's planning something,"Albus decided.

"How are we going to do that ?"Amanda asked."She 's always with Felix."

"Not when pink wine is tutoring her."Albus turned to rose wine."You think you could try and get her to spread up ?"

"Well she 's not going to just come out and tell me. I can try, but it 'll take a while,"blush wine said.
***


Albus told John the Evangelist and Kaden about the conversation about Elsie later that dark. John proclaimed that he knew something had been Weird about that female child from the moment they had seen her at the beginning of the class. Both boys agreed that they needed to find out what it was she was keeping secret. Albus then asked them what prank they were planning, but Saint John the Apostle and Kaden mysteriously went quiet as soon as Albus brought the issue up.

Albus laid awake that night for a long clock time thinking about Elsie Willinson. He could not agitate the image of her with Felix and Malfoy in the beginning of the year from his mind. She had looked so timid and innocent, far too innocent and young to be involved with anything like what her family was involved with. In fact, she reminded him a bit of Lily, although he was n't sure why since Lily was anything but timid.

aurora arrived shortly after Albus had fallen asleep and despite the fact that he 'd only gotten a few hour sleep, he got up around six and decided to get a bit of reading done in the common elbow room. He knew he would n't be able to fall back asleep.

Upon arriving in the common room, Albus thought he was still dreaming. He rubbed his eyes and pinched himself to try and awaken up, but it was no use. He was in fact awake. The image before his optic was tangible, and it was painful to attend at.

The Gryffindor park room was no longer red and Au. It was now decked out in unripe and silver. The comfy sofa and chairs were gone and had been replaced instead with received classroom chairs. respective standard were hung up in the room that depicted snakes. In fact, the Gryffindor common elbow room now looked exactly as Albus imagined the Slytherin vulgar elbow room to look, except for it not being under the lake.

However, the sheer Slytherin-ness of the usual room was not the uncanny change, by a long dig. The unknown new addition to the Gryffindor common way was a grey and albumen goat. It was standing in the centre of the elbow room, its chief down and buried in a book. The affair about Capricorn, though, was that they did not enjoy books the way people did. Goats ate ledger. This goat was currently munching on The monetary standard Book of Spells : Grade Two. Albus 's eyes drifted from the laughingstock and around the room again, where he now noticed end of early books, quill pen, preparation, and even a cloak.

The butt looked up and stared at Albus. It let out a bleat and then went back to the Quran. Albus crept a little closer and noticed that a sign was affixed to the goat. It said 'The Gryffindor butt : Gryffindor 's new mascot. Gifted by the Slytherins. Next prison term, think twice about putting chickens in our coarse room .'

Albus stood in the centre of the room, his stare alternating from the goat to the note and back again. A goat ? That did n't even make any sense. Not only that, they were clearly trying to copy lav and Kaden 's prank. And changing the room into a Slytherin way ? It was horrifying, absolutely horrifying.

Albus tore his eyes away from the goat and ran back up the helical staircase until he got to his own dormitory. He flicked on the lighting and Ethan, the lightest sleeper of the bunch, rolled over and groaned.

"Everyone get up !"Albus shouted."Up, get up !"

"What ?"Ethan asked shortly."It 's like six in the morning !"

"I know it 's six in the morning !"Albus replied."Get up and go down to the common room. Now."

Ethan slowly got out of bed and went over to Bilius 's bed to get him up. Albus woke toilet up and then the two of them woke matt up while Bilius and Ethan went down to the common room. Their shouts of anger could be heard all the way in the dormitory.

"What is it ?"John asked as he and Matt followed Albus back down the stairs.

"The Slytherins have had their revenge,"Albus said, handing lav the eminence.

Albus took a roundabout way to the thirdly twelvemonth 's dorm to get Kaden up. Kaden 's roomy got up as well and soon there was a large gang in the uncouth room. By the time Albus entered the way again, the starting time, bit, and sixth class were all there. The seventh and fifth old age were right behind him.

The common elbow room was in bedlam. Saint James, Cedric, and Nathan were inspecting the goat. The prefects were all congregated in one spot, clearly trying to envision out what to do. A quarter of the student were standing immobilize, with face of horror on their faces. Another twenty-five percent were laughing, despite the fact that the prank had happened in Gryffindor. Hugo was wrestling the goat for the transcript of the touchstone Book of Spells : Grade Two, which evidently was his.

The little girl'dormitory door opened and all the Gryffindor girls flooded out of it. Rose and Amanda made their way over to Albus and the residuum of the son, who were receiving numerous stares and blaze from their companion students. Clearly a few of them were blaming Albus and his friend for the Slytherins'motive for revenge.

"What in the name of pigeon hawk happened ?"Rose asked.

John handed her the notation."The Slytherins have had their revenge."

"Malfoy ?"Amanda asked.

"No way to have sex, is there ?"Albus replied.

"It 's got to be, though,"John said."No one else hates us like he does."

"I bet a lot of Slytherins wanted revenge,"rosiness said.

"All right, quiet everyone !"Albus 's cousin, Mark, shouted over the crowd. He was one of the 6th year Prefects."You 're all to get back up to your dormitories. I 'm going to convey Professor Longbottom. Who 's the one who first saw this ?"

"I did,"Albus announced.

Mark sighed, as if thought he should cause known."Al, abide down here. The rest of you, back upstairs.

Rose handed Albus the note back and she and the rest period of Albus 's friends turned to go back to their dorm room. There was a general murmuring and susurration as everyone left. Soon, the common room was empty except for Albus, the goat, and the six Prefects. scar left in order to go get prof Longbottom.

The Prefects whispered amongst themselves while Mark was gone. Albus stood off to the slope, as he did not sleep together the Prefects very well. He recognized a few as friends of his cousins.

Mark returned ten mo later with Professor Longbottom in tow. The herbology professor froze in mid-step when he entered the elbow room. His gaze shifted from the new furniture to the butt to the banners and back to the goat.

"Albus discovered it,"St. Mark said.

Longbottom turned to Albus."And it looked like this when you found it ?"

"Mostly,"Albus answered."The goat had been chewing on one of Hugo 's books so he took that. And someone 's cloak had been here, but it was a Gryffindor cloak."

Longbottom sighed."All right hand, Albus, you can go back up to your dormitory."He turned to the Prefects."Let 's go through all this and see if we can regain any clues to figure out who it was."

Albus reluctantly went back up to his student residence, where he found not only all of his roommates but Kaden as well, discussing the caper. They all turned to Albus when he entered.

"Find anything out ?"John asked.

"Nope,"Albus answered."The Prefects are helping Professor Longbottom go through everything for clues."

The boys whiled away the sentence until breakfast by trading Chocolate toad card, playing rounds of Exploding Snap, and discussing the Quidditch season. lusterlessness fell back asleep after defending the Cannons to everyone else, but no one else was able-bodied to go back to bed.

Mark knocked on their doorway a few hr later and told them they were free to get up and go to breakfast. Albus woke Matt up and the boy went back down to the common room. It looked normal once more. All remnants of the Slytherins were gone and the goat was nowhere in mint. The schoolroom chair had disappeared and the regular comfy sofa were back. Albus was relieved to see their common way back to its usual state, although that did cypher to fulfil his curiosity about who had done it.

"marvel what they did with the goat,"Kaden said as they walked down tot he Great Hall.

"Probably gave it to Aberforth,"flatness said.

"Aberforth ?"Kaden asked.

"Dumbledore 's pal. He owns the Hog 's straits in Hogsmeade. living Goat in his pub. Weird bloke,"lustrelessness answered.

"He keeps Goat ? In his pub ?"Kaden repeated."Do they just wander around ?"

"Yeah,"Matt said.

The Great Hall was populated only by Gryffindor scholar, which did not storm Albus in the tenuous given the early hour and the fact that it was Sun. The professor were all up having breakfast and were whispering amongst themselves. No question that Longbottom had told them about the prank. Slughorn in particular looked unnerved.

Rose convinced the eternal sleep of the chemical group that it would be a good theme to steer to the library after breakfast to look at vantage of the fact that it would be empty. Albus had a few essays that he 'd neglected and John and Kaden needed to make up some new predictions for Trelawney.

After a few hours of studying Albus felt his attending start to wander. The library had filled up since they had arrived and Madam Pince was watching over the seat like a mortarboard. The doors opened and Albus was surprised to see Elsie Willinson walk in, followed by her buddy and Scorpius. Scorpius 's eyes met Albus 's and he veered from his little group in guild to waltz over to Albus.

"How 's your plebeian room ?"he asked with a smirk.

"Is that a confession ?"Albus replied as he stood up.

"Of course not. It 's all over the school. Everyone knows that your common room looked like an extension of mine this morning. And that goat, I heard it ate a few books. Serves you right after what you lot did to ours,"Malfoy said.

"We know you did it, Malfoy,"privy said."Just waiting for the prof to prove it."

"If I did do it, and I 'm not saying I did, I would n't give left any evidence like you idiots obviously did."

"We did n't,"John said flatly."Albus confessed to keep open his cousin and pal who had been wrongly accused."

"How noble."Malfoy laughed.

"Just tell me one thing,"Albus said."How did you get into the green room ?"That was what had been bothering Albus the most. He and his friends had used the Invisibility Cloak to figure out the Slytherin word, but how had Malfoy done it ? As far as he knew he did not have an Invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't,"Malfoy said."And if I did I would n't tell you how I did it."With one more spotlight at Albus, the Slytherin walked away towards the table that Felix and Elsie had found.

"How did he get into our commons room ?"Albus asked as he sat back down.

"No approximation,"mat said.

"I 'm betting he threatened a maiden year into telling him what it was,"Saint John the Apostle said."Would n't put it past him."

"You do n't know it was him,"Amanda pointed out.

"They 're never going to find out out who it was, either,"rose wine said."Not unless they confess like you did. Otherwise no one would 've found out it was you."

"surmisal it does n't really matter at this point."Albus sighed."They 've had their revenge."

"Which means it 's metre for ours,"Kaden said as he grinned at John.

pink wine groaned."Really ? It 's just going to ferment into a vast antic war if you have revenge."

"That 's the point,"John replied.

If privy and Kaden were trying to set forth a prank war Albus did n't want any part of it. He had had enough custody for a lifetime and did not desire spending anymore of his Hogwarts career scrubbing toilet or doing lines. Albus sighed and returned to his reading. lavatory and Kaden got up and left the library, presumably to work on their next prank.

Later that day at dinner Professor Kendrick gave a very stern lecture to the entire shoal about breaking principle, especially the pattern about not entering uncouth rooms that were not yours. It was very standardised to the lecture he gave after the crybaby prank, except this time Albus could state that the headmaster was even more angry. Albus kept glancing at Malfoy during the spoken language but the Slytherin boy did not appear shamed at all. In fact he seemed disinterested in Kendrick 's speech.

The talk of Gryffindor 's Goat ( as the joke had now been dubbed ) died down by the heart of the week. well-nigh of the castle was excited about the upcoming Hogsmeade trip-up and then the wintertime vacation. Professor Longbottom sent around a sign-up sheet for those bookman who wished to stay home during the holiday, although none of Albus 's ally signed it.

"I 've always wondered what it would be like to ride out,"St. John said as Professor Longbottom passed by.

"Me too,"Albus agreed."But my parents already said I ca n't this class since there 's some big Ministry Xmas company we 've got to go to. For the election and all."

"Same here,"Matt said."We 're not even going to Commonwealth of Australia because of it."

"Wow, that 's the instant twelvemonth in a row,"Albus replied.

flatness nodded."My grandparents are coming here and then we 're visiting them over the summer."

"I think we should all stay next class,"Kaden said."Then I can go a all school year without seeing my grandparents. Or Aunt Marge."

Albus agreed that that was a good ground to stay at Hogwarts over the holiday."Yeah, that would be fun. My dad says the castle 's great at Christmas."

"It would be interest to see what Christmas is like,"Amanda said. Amanda 's family was Jewish and celebrated Channukah.

"You 're welcome to arrive to our grandparents'house for Christmastime this year,"Rose suggested.

Amanda grinned."I 'll ask my parents. I 'm sure they 'll say yes since Hanukkah was early this year and I 've already missed it anyway."

"rosiness, you 've got post,"Albus said, gesturing to rosiness 's family 's owl, which had just landed on the table.

"Oh, goodness !"Rose said as she ripped open up the letter. She scanned it for a present moment before smiling widely."I wo n't be going to Hogsmeade with you."

"You wo n't be ?"Albus gave her a quizzical look.

"No. Mum and Dad are taking me to the debate that 's that day. I owled them a few days ago to see if I could go and they said yes !"

"You want to go to another one ?"John asked.

"I 'd go to all of them if I could. They 're just so fascinating."She scanned the alphabetic character again."I 'm supposed to to to Kendrick 's study at ten on Saturday to floo home."

"What 's this one on ?"Albus asked.

"Law enforcement. The Auror Department. How it 's run and and how trial run are run. I think it 's going to be the most occupy one since both Uncle Walker Percy and Laurentis have already hinted at their persuasion on that topic."

That was for certain. This debate would probably be even more volatile than the one on education."You 'll cause to let us know all the details,"Albus said.

"Oh I will,"Rose replied."It 's why I wanted to go. I 'd rather not hear everything second hand from the Prophet."

She had a period there, Albus thought. Although he was gladiola that rose was the one going and not him. As much as he thought the election was concern, he 'd rather be in Hogsmeade with his acquaintance than sitting in a courtroom listening to politico all day.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this so far ! I 'm almost done with shoal ( forever ! ) so I 'm hoping to update more often.


The hebdomad leading up to the Hogsmeade trip dragged by very slowly. Albus was sealed that Midweek in particular was at to the lowest degree twice as long as a normal day and by the time Friday finally decided to make an appearance Albus was sure enough he would go insane from all the homework he had to discharge. Tuesday had been the to the full moon, but luckily lusterlessness left the hospital wing Thursday afternoon and had been cleared by Madam Pomfrey to go to Hogsmeade.

When Sat arrived there was a welcomed jailbreak in the blizzard that had blanketed the Hogwarts grounds in two feet of snow. Albus and his friends slept late and by the time they woke up Rose had already left to go to that day 's debate. Albus, Matt, and John quickly dressed and met Kaden and Amanda in the common room.

Fred accosted Albus as he was about to leave."Albus ! Glad I found you. I booked the slant for today at three since there 's a suspension in the storm."

"But Fred, it 's Hogsmeade today,"Albus pointed out. As a great deal as he loved Quidditch, Hogsmeade trips were rare occasions and he had Christmas shopping to do.

"Exactly !"Fred exclaimed."So none of the other teams have booked the pitch shot. It 's booked firm the relief of the workweek and we need another drill in before break starts."

Albus sighed. Fred was right, of course. He glanced at his watch. It was noon, so if they hurried through luncheon he would still give a in force two hours in the village."All right. I 'll see you at three."

"Excellent,"Fred said."Just have to find St. James the Apostle ...."

Amanda snorted and started laughing. Fred, who had turned to allow for, stopped and looked back at her."What ?"

Albus, Gospel According to John, Matt, and Kaden also looked questioningly at Amanda.

"Oh, I guess I forgot to assure you,"Amanda began."Rose and I were in the subroutine library last week and overheard James asking some Hufflepuff 5th year out. They 're going to Hogsmeade together today."

Fred burst out laughing."postponement, St. James has a date ?"

"James asked a girl out in the program library ?"Albus joined Fred in his laughter.

"Do n't secernate him that Rose and I overheard him,"Amanda said."He 'd murder us if he knew it was us who told."

"Bet he 's already in Hogsmeade, then,"Fred said, still laughing."They well not be in Madam Puddifoot 's because I do n't figure going in there to tell him about practice."

Albus was still laughing about the idea of James asking a female child out in the depository library of all blank space. He wondered who the Hufflepuff was. Maybe he 'd manage to catch a glance of them in Hogsmeade together.

"He 's not actually going to leave her to go to Quidditch pattern,"Amanda shouted after Fred as he left the vernacular room.

"He will if the particular date 's going poorly,"Fred shouted back and disappeared into the corridor.

"Well let 's hurry up and get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said."I want to see if I can forecast out who this girl is."

Albus hurried out of the vulgar room followed by his Friend. They ate a very rushed lunch in the Great Hall and then ran outside and down the path to Hogsmeade. As they neared the settlement Albus kept his eyes peeled for his buddy.

"Where to first ?"matte asked.

"Weasleys',"John and Kaden said together.

Albus and Matt shared a coup d'oeil. They should induce known. They followed John and Kaden as the two mischievous son led the way to Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes.

The shop was packed to capacity as it always was on Hogsmeade weekends. Albus waved to his Uncle George VI who was behind the heel counter ringing citizenry up as fast as the till would let him. slip was working that weekend and was restocking a shelf of Skiving Snackboxes. toilet and Kaden each grabbed two as the son passed.

Albus grabbed a few Extendable ear as his seemed to stimulate disappeared and a box of Deluxe whizbang shell for James for Dec 25. He joined the long queue at the public treasury and was joined by King John and Kaden who each had munition overflowing with products. flatness and Amanda were n't buying anything and were playing with a few Pygmy comfort that were in a cage in the front of the store.

"Neither of you have seen Saint James, have you ?"Albus asked.

"Nope,"John said."Bet they 're at the Three Broomsticks."

"Or that place that Fred mentioned. Madam whatever ?"Kaden put in.

"brothel keeper Puddifoot 's,"Albus said."Horrifying place. Covered in frilled thing, and pink stuff."

"Let 's not go there,"Kaden said.

Albus and bathroom both agreed. They would look for James, just not at ma'am Puddifoot 's. The queue moved relatively quickly and soon Albus, John, and Kaden had their supplies.

The next occlusive was Honeyduke 's where everyone stocked up on candy and Albus bought a Yule present tense for Lily. Then they made their way to the Quaffle Shop and then the triplet Broomsticks. Albus had yet to see James I, but his prison term was quickly running out. He had a one-half hour before he had to head back to the castle for Quidditch practice.

John went to the bar to get five Butterbeers while the rest of the group found a table. Luckily Scorpius Malfoy was nowhere in heap. Albus gazed around the bar until he spotted his blood brother 's familiar red hair. Unfortunately the girl he was with was facing away from Albus 's tabular array so all he knew was that she had very long, very straight brown hair.

"There they are,"Albus whispered to lustrelessness, Kaden, and Amanda."Any of you know who the girl is ?"

"That 's Gabby Ellis,"St. John said as he returned with the Butterbeers."My cousin knows her. She 's one of the fifth year prefects."

"Wait, so James I not only asked her out in the library, but she 's also a prefect ?"Albus exclaimed.

"shot so."John shrugged."I 'll never ask out a prefect. Now he 's going to consume to watch his step."

"You realize that there 's a good probability one of us might be a prefect next year,"Amanda pointed out.

"Nah, they 'll pick Bilius or Ethan,"John said."They 'd never pick me, Al, or Matt after that prank."

"well Rose is obviously going to be a prefect,"Amanda said.

"We 'll just birth to lift around more next year,"John the Evangelist said."Ca n't have a prefect knowing about our pranks."

"Dervish and Banges is still untenanted,"lusterlessness said, changing the subject."Do n't you think that 's kind of odd ?"

Albus had n't really thought about it."Yeah, but no one 's going to want to buy a shop where person was murdered."

"Still, it 's just unknown,"matt said as he sipped his Butterbeer.

"Someone might still own it,"Amanda pointed out."They might not need to do anything with it or sell it."

"Guess that 's a good point,"Matt said.

"looking at, James and the girl are getting up,"Kaden said.

Albus turned and saw that James was indeed rising from his chair. Gabby did as well and the two of them walked side by side out of the pub. Gabby was pretty, Albus had to admit. Her oculus were bright and her cheeks were pink. James was grinning. Neither of them noticed Albus or the others on their way out the door.

"Think he 'll point to Quidditch practice ?"John asked.

"If he values his sprightliness,"Albus replied."Speaking of that, I should probably get going."

Albus said au revoir to his supporter and headed back out into the coldness. The sun was out and there was no twist, but it was still bitingly coldness. He trudged his way through the snow and back up to the castle, where he ran up to Gryffindor pillar to drop off his leverage and change into his Quidditch robes.

The eternal sleep of the team was already on the pitch when Albus arrived. Fred was arguing with James about something while the relief of the team stood off to the face.

"She 's not even on their team !"James shouted."She 's not going to steal any of our plays."

"But she 's still a Hufflepuff and this is a fold practice !"Fred argued.

Albus glanced over to the stands and saw Gabby sitting there, wrapped in a very large Hufflepuff blanket. She smiled and waved at Albus, who gave a slight wave back.

"I could n't just go away her. I promised we 'd spend the day together."

"And she wants to view you play Quidditch ?"Fred asked."Fine, fine. She can stay. Let 's just get going. We 're wasting time."

Fred and Saint James joined the rest of the group."All right !"Fred shouted."Let 's fly around the pitch a few times to get warm up up."

Albus mounted his heather and soared into the air. He joined the rest of the team in their flight of stairs around the pitch shot and lost himself in flying. It was nice to just fly and forget about everything else that was on his mind.

The exercise went incredibly well. It was their dear drill in calendar week since the weather was cooperating. The Gryffindor team did not have any issues with performing, but the conditions was usually frightening whenever they practiced. Fred insisted this was a good thing since it would help oneself them learn how to play in catch with bad conditions but no one else agreed. Albus was very happy to consume a recitation where the weather were ideal. It made Quidditch so much Sir Thomas More enjoyable.

James and Gabby hurried off as soon as practice session ended and the relief of the team walked back to the castling together. They were nearly back to Gryffindor tugboat when Rose, Matt, John the Evangelist, Kaden, and Amanda came running towards Albus, all five looking slightly terrified.

"What 's unseasonable ?"Fred asked.

"It 's nothing,"rosebush said."We just take to verbalise to Albus."

"Meet us in the room after you stash your Scots heather,"flatness whispered and the five of them hurried off.

Albus hurried into the common room and up to his dorm room. He had absolutely no idea what was going on, but it must have just had to do with his Friend because everyone else in the common room was acting normally. Albus quickly put his broom away and ran back out to the corridor.

It did n't take him long to reach the marauder 's Den. All his friends were sitting quietly and looked up at him when he entered.

"What in the name of Merlin is going on ?"Albus asked.

"Two affair,"Rose began."One, the debate. It was ... well ... insane is the simply countersign to distinguish it, really. And two, I 'll let everyone else explain that first."

"Malfoy was lurking near the Shrieking shack,"lustrelessness said."After you went to Quidditch practice we walked around the Greenwich Village and noticed him. It looked like he was trying to get in."

"Did he ?"Albus asked.

"No, he ca n't,"mat said."There 's wards. It 's just odd. He was alone."

"Does he know that that 's where you go ?"Albus replied as he sat down future to Rose.

Matt shook his head."I 'm not really distressed about it, either. It 's just very weird."

"Malfoy is friends with Felix Willinson so anything Wyrd that he does needs to be remembered,"Albus said darkly.

"That 's what I said,"John replied.

"He 's not the foremost one to be singular about the Shrieking Shack,"Matt pointed out.

This was different, Albus thought. He would suffer expected lusterlessness to be the one worried about this, not John.

"But he 's Malfoy ! It 's not salutary that he 's trying to get in,"St. John the Apostle said.

"well he ca n't get in. And he already knows what I am,"Matt countered."Let 's just forget about it for now. What rose wine has to say is far worse."

Albus turned to look at Rose, who looked upset and slightly scared. That was strange in itself since Albus could hardly remember a time when pink wine was scared.

"The disputation was on law enforcement,"Rose said quietly."She wants to completely interchange the section of Magical Law Enforcement. She wants to inquire every single Auror and reorganize the section because she does n't think thing are working as they are. She ... well ... she basically called your dad incompetent."

Albus stared at his cousin-german. He could not believe what he was hearing. Albus 's dad had been in tutelage of the Auror department for age and there had never been any complaints. How could Laurentis just insult him like that ?

"Which means she 's going to lose,"John said confidently."No one 's going to vote for person who insults Harry Potter."

"No,"rosiness whispered."They will. There 's been newspaper column in the Prophet for workweek about how the current Ministry is n't working. She has support."

"That 's insane,"Albus said."What did Uncle Percy do ?"

"Argued with her,"Rose said."Talked about all the good your dad has done, but she argued correct back."

"What about everyone there ? Did they clap for her ?"Albus asked.

"Everyone clapped for everyone. They were all genteel about it and there was no way to tell who supported who,"Rose said."If you ask me, I think she 's going to replace all the forefront of section who do n't agree with her. She 's going to desire people in power who are on her side."

"Which means my dad will be gone,"Albus said."Everyone knows he supports Uncle Percy. It 's obvious."

"So that leaves what, lusterlessness 's dad 's job, headspring of Magical Law Enforcement, Head of Magical expatriation, and what else ?"John asked as he counted on his fingers."There 's got to be more."

"There are,"rose wine said as she stood up and began pacing around the way."International Magical Cooperation, Magical Accidents and catastrophe, Magical biz and Sports, and then the Department of Mysteries."

"Do you eff anything about the header of those department ?"John asked.

"The lady who 's Head of Magical Law Enforcement was here during the debate. She 's really old and Dad says Mum is a shoe-in for her job when she retires,"Rose said."But I do n't have intercourse much about the others. The bloke in charge of magical transfer moderated the first debate."

"That 's eight positions,"Matt said quietly,"and she could replace all of them. That would wind up being an entirely new Ministry."

"Essentially, yes,"blush wine said as she sank into an armchair."That 's why it 's so bad. There 's a reason most newly elected minister of religion do n't supervene upon everyone. It 's too much turmoil. But if she wants straightaway change, it would be the easiest way to get it done."

"What 's the next debate on ?"Amanda asked.

"Azkaban,"blush wine said."Originally they were going to debate Azkaban with law enforcement, but Laurnetis requested a single out Azkaban argumentation. She 's in explosive charge of it, so I 'm not surprised."

"And when is it ?"Amanda replied.

"Just after the new year,"Rose answered."Once we 're all back in school. Then February 's debate is on witching creatures-"

"Oh that 's going to be secure,"Matt said."Guess that 's when we 'll obtain out if my dad keeps his job after the election if she wins."

"And then in March they debate International Magical Cooperation. Then it 's the election at the beginning of Apr,"Rose continued."That one is going to take place here. So is the Azkaban one."

"I still do n't think anyone 's going to vote for her,"John muttered."Anyone who sacks Harry potter would n't get enough votes."

"You 'd be surprised, John,"Amanda said."It sounds like she 's playing to everyone 's reverence. I mean, I have n't been in the witching world long, but it seems like everyone fears another Voldemort. If she makes it seem like the stream Ministry and Auror department are too lenient and clue at the possibility of another war, and then claims that she could squelch it before it became a war, she would easily get the voting. multitude are easily persuaded."

"That 's exactly it,"Rose agreed.

The room descended into uncomfortable muteness. At the starting time of the school year, none of them had lots interest in the election or the Ministry in oecumenical, but now, just a few calendar month later, Albus and his friends were learning just how very much the outcome of the election would impress them. The possibility of drastic alteration to both Hogwarts and the wizarding world did not sit well with Albus, especially if it meant both his and Matt 's papa were out of a job.
***


The remaining calendar week of school went by quickly. With the looming holidays and gaolbreak from school, hardly anyone in the rook was focusing on homework or the election. Instead, the chatter that filled the Great hall during meals was about Yuletide and snowball conflict and spending sentence with family. Albus was sucked into the Christmas cheer as well, but the election was still on the back of his mind.

For Albus, pink wine, and the rest of the Weasley/Potter clan, the Christmas Day holiday would be wrapped up in the election. A New Year 's political party at the Minister 's Mansion was scheduled for New Year 's Eve, for all of the high-ranking officials and their families, as well as Percy, Laurentis, and their syndicate. All of Albus 's reach out family would be attending. But perhaps the most flaky facet of the holiday was the fact that Uncle Walker Percy was going to allow a newsperson from thaumaturgist magazine to travel along him for not only the Ministry company, but Christmas at the Burrow as well.

"This is just Wyrd !"Cedric exclaimed at breakfast the last day of terminal figure."A reporter ? At the tunnel ? And it says she 's going to be staying with us."

Cedric handed the letter back to Omar Nelson Bradley, whom it had been addressed to. Omar Bradley pulled out his scepter and burned it, which seemed to be his new way of dealing with post from his father.

"Did Gran tally to this ?"James asked as he loaded his home plate with bacon.

"She must 've,"Thomas Bradley said."Anything to get Dad elected, probably."

"I kind of agree with her,"Albus said."I do n't need that Laurentis fair sex to win."

"Neither do I, but I do n't desire some reporter staying with us at the burrow,"Cedric said adamantly.

"Guess you wo n't be getting the rattling Weasley Christmas experience,"Albus said to Amanda, whose parents had given permission to stay with blush wine for Christmas.

Amanda shrugged."Not a big great deal. With your house, it 's bound to be interesting."

"You have no thought,"Albus said."We 'd better get to History of Magic."

Albus got up and his friends followed. Despite the fact that it was the last-place day of terminus, Professor Binns still gave a lecture. nonentity paid him an ounce of tending. The residual of the prof did n't bother teaching any new material as they figured the students would just leave it over the fault. prof Cedonia set them a virtual lesson, but did n't chew up them when they stopped charming their teacup to dance and instead talked about Christmas. Hagrid had a large bonfire going to keep them warm up, but did n't teach anything. Instead, he told the report of Norberta and bawled about how much he missed her. In Ancient rune, there was an exam.

The following morning Albus and his supporter climbed aboard the Hogwarts Express for the trip back to capital of the United Kingdom. On the Hogwarts Express, Albus felt weirdly immune to everything that was happening in the wizarding reality. He felt safe from Jarrett Willinson and somehow the election did n't seem as big a deal. The train was like its own niggling humankind with only pupil and sugariness from the tramcar ; on the train, zero bad could happen.


Long hiatus ! I apologize for that. I am now working on this for the mo half of June 's Camp NaNoWriMo, so I 'm hoping to get a bunch of chapters written so I can go back to weekly updates. Thanks so a lot for all the followup !


"Remember, do n't say anything in front of her you do n't want printed in the article,"Harry said as they walked toward the Burrow.

"Will she really print anything ?"Lily asked.

"Yes,"Harry said.

It was Christmas Eve and Albus and the rest of the ceramicist had just Apparated to the study behind the tunnel. Albus was a bit nervous about being in the bearing of a reporter from thaumaturgist magazine and was not at all groovy about being in an article. He was relieved they were late, as usual, because by now the newsman would probably be involved in listening to soul else 's conversation and might not even notice Albus.

"And James IV, do n't even cogitate about slipping something into her soup,"Ginny said sternly.

Harry, who had just put his hand on the doorknob, turned around and stared at James."Seriously, St. James, absolutely not."

"I was n't going to !"Epistle of James said."I swear !"

Harry sighed."Empty your pockets."

"But I was n't going to-"

"James Sirius Potter, listen to your Fatherhood,"Ginny said.

Albus put his bridge player over his rima oris to obliterate his laughter while his crony pulled a handful of Ton-Tongue brittle and a ampul of Weasleys'Itchiest Itching powder out of his air pocket. Ginny took them and incinerated them with her sceptre. She brushed the ash onto the ground and James stared at it longingly.

"Shut up, Albus,"Epistle of James muttered as Harry opened the door.

That just made Albus laugh even harder, earning him a slug in the shoulder from James IV. Albus returned the punch while Lily rolled her eyes.

"Boys, cut it out,"Ginny scolded.

"Ginny ! Harry !"mollie exclaimed as they stepped inside."Happy Christmas !"

"Happy Christmas, Mum,"Ginny said as the two hugged.

Albus slipped past after giving his grandmother a quick hug, grabbing a handful of cooky on his way to the den. The first matter he noticed was that the reporter was sitting on a stool in the recess. She stuck out like a Weasley at a Malfoy gather, in her dark doll, flowery top, high-heeled shoes. Who wore heels to the burrow ? Wyrd, Albus thought. Her jet-black hair was done up in some sort of bun and her rim were smeared with bright red lipstick.

The sec matter Albus noticed was just how uninfected the burrow was. He had n't noticed it in the kitchen, what with the many pots and dishes full of warm, steaming intellectual nourishment, but out in the den, it was very noticeable. The burrow was never grime, exactly, but it was n't immaculately neat like Matt and Kaden 's theater were. Instead it merely looked lived in, Albus always thought. It was cluttered with hatful of leger and stacks of table games and versatile Muggle and magical device. mantle and pillows were thrown haphazardly onto couches and chairwoman, never being folded or stacked neatly. But today, everything was dandy. The mess of books had been shelved and the blankets folded. The sheer amount of poppycock seemed to sustain been moved or vanished because Albus did n't see a ace Muggle electronic twist half-taken apart on the story or tabular array. It was bizarre. The Burrow did n't await like the burrow without its clutter. You never knew what you 'd find oneself at the tunnel and Albus liked that.

Shaking his head slightly, Albus carefully stepped around a few of his cousins and walked over to where rosiness and Amanda were sitting on the trading floor. They had a large disk of food in front of them, making Albus realize how hungry he was.

"So, what have I missed ?"he asked in between chomp of roll."I see someone cleaned."

"granny did. Said she wanted to make a good effect. Uncle Percy 's been bragging loudly to the reporter about all the law of nature he 's assist pass,"Rose said."But all the reporter wants to do is interview the relaxation of us. I guess her article is all about where Uncle Percy came from and what his family is like."

"Who 's she talked to so far ?"Albus asked.

"Aunt Corrine, Gran, gramps, Uncle greenback, Uncle Fred, both of my parents, Victoire, Samantha, and lindy hop,"rose wine said.

"Wow. Already ?"

"She has n't wasted any time,"Amanda said.

"There 's a photographer around here somewhere,"Rose said as she glanced around the elbow room."Oh there he is."

Rose indicated to the stairs, where Percy was leading a scrawny cuss back into the den.

"Is he wearing-"

"Dress rob ?"rosebush said."Yeah, he 's been wearing them all night."

"Let 's get a few pellet of you playing a secret plan with the twins,"the lensman said as he and Sir Henry Percy walked past Albus, Rose, and Amanda.

"Wonderful idea !"the newsperson exclaimed as she hopped off her stool.

"How did she take heed that ?"Albus whispered to Rose.

"Harry ceramicist 's son !"the newsperson said as she grabbed Albus 's arm, causing him to expend the biscuit he was holding."Let 's get him in the shot, too. Hmm ..."she glanced around the elbow room, her eyes finally coming to take a breather on Amanda."We 'll ask a shot with you and Percy as well. Candidate plays Exploding Snap with the Prime minister of religion 's niece ! Perfect ! I could not hold planned this better."

"How did she make out that I 'm the Prime Minister 's niece ?"Amanda asked.

"She knows everything,"Rose said darkly."Creepy, really."

Albus soon found himself playing a staged plot of Exploding cinch with Uncle Percy, Samantha, and lindy hop. The whole thing was very ridiculous since none of them were photographed with ash on their faces. Then it was Amanda 's turn, but she was posed with a set of ace 's Chess,"for variety."

"Now that 's something Laurentis wo n't cause,"Percy said jovially after the photographer finished."Photograph with the Prime Minister 's niece."

"But nobody knows I 'm the Prime Minister 's niece,"Amanda said once she, rosebush, and Albus escaped into the kitchen."It 's supposed to be a secret."

"Maybe it wo n't get printed,"Albus said.

"God, I hope not,"Amanda muttered."So is this what Christmastide Eve is usually like ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said as he walked over to the doorway. He peered into the den and took neckcloth of what his kinsfolk was up to.

His uncles Fred, Ron, banknote, and Charlie, were closest to the kitchen and were singing 'Odo the Hero .'All four had soft touch of eggnog in manus. Gran was listening to Celestina Warbeck while aunt Fleur glared at the radio. It seemed to be distracting her from the conversation she was having with Aunt Katherine and auntie Hermione. Most of his cousins were eating or laughing about one thing or another. Samantha and lindy were playing Exploding snapshot for veridical now, along with Eddie and Angie.

In fact, the merely one who seemed to be acting any differently was Uncle Percy, who was talking with the reporter and the photographer. Aunt Corrine was as well, but none of their sometime fry were anywhere in sight.

"have you seen Bradley, Cedric, or GA anywhere ?"Albus asked Rose.

"Actually, no,"Rose said."Let 's go receive them."

Albus and Amanda followed rose wine out of the kitchen and up the stairs. As they peered into each sleeping accommodation, Albus found out just where his gran had stored all the material that used to be in the den. Every individual room had a sight of random stuff in it. They eventually found their three cousin hiding out in Uncle Ron 's old bedroom at the top of the house. They were sitting on one of the beds and were deep in conversation.

"What 's going on in here ?"Albus asked as they shut the door.

All three startled, but then seemed relieved to incur it was only Albus, rose, and Amanda.

"We 're avoiding the newsman,"Empire State of the South said,"and talking about how practically it will soak up if Dad gets elected."

"But Laurentis is all-fired insane,"Albus said as he stepped over a typewriter and sat down on the opposite bed."Uncle Percy has to win."

"Well, I do n't require him to,"Bradley said."Do you realize how much life sentence will transfer if he does ?"

"I 've got a bit of an estimate,"Amanda said, sitting down future to Albus. Rose sat on his early side.

"Before his drive started no one really knew what Dad did,"Bradley said."Or even who he was. I mean, if they heard his name they would know him, but he was just Sir Henry Percy Weasley. Do you know what I mean ?"

"He 'll be Percy Weasley, Minister of Magic. Not just Percy Weasley, your dad,"Amanda said."minister is n't a just a job. It 's not something he 'll go forth at the office at five. It 's more a lifestyle."

"Exactly !"Omar Nelson Bradley agreed.

"And you 'll always be the minister of religion 's son,"Amanda said.

"How do you have sex all this ?"Cedric looked at Amanda strangely.

"My Uncle 's the Prime Minister,"Amanda said casually.

"Of Great Britain ?"Bradley exclaimed."And you 've kept this secret for four class ?"

"Yeah. It wo n't be for much longer since that photographer just took a picture of me with your dad,"Amanda said."Anyway, you 're powerful that your life wo n't be the Saame if he gets elected. And even after his term is up you 'll still always be the Minister 's son."

"And we 'd have to make a motion into the Minister 's Mansion,"Omar Bradley said.

"You would n't. You 're going to graduate in June,"Cedric pointed out."And Georgia already moved out."

"You 'll be in Hogwarts near of the year,"Georgia pointed out.

There was a knock on the door and then it swung across-the-board open. Walker Percy stood in the room access flanked by the newsman and photographer. Walker Percy had changed out of his robes and was now wearing a unripened Weasley pinny with a red'P'on the social movement. In his weapon system was a stack of what appeared to be more Weasley jumpers.

"There you lot are,"Percy said."We 're doing a picture of the all family in our jumpers."He tossed one to each of his children and then one each to Albus and Rose."Get changed and get downstairs."

"Are they all initial jumpers this twelvemonth ?"Georgia asked as she held hers up. It was grey with a purpleness'G .'

"must be,"Albus said as he yanked off the jumper he was wearing and pulled on his new one. It was blue with a amber'A .'

"Bet it 's to make us await like a cheesy family line,"Thomas Bradley muttered as he changed.

Once they 'd all changed Albus and rose wine followed their cousins back down to the den. Amanda followed as well, but she lingered on the stairs, clearly not wanting to be dragged into anymore photographs.

Albus 's entire family was posed in half the den. The photographer was running around making small allowance, which Albus thought process was senseless. There was no way he was going to get thirty-two people to all spirit at the television camera and grinning nicely at the same metre.

The photographer noticed Albus, pink wine, Georgia, Tom Bradley, and Cedric and shoved Albus in between James and Lily, who were sitting right in the midriff, on the base.

"Lovely !"the photographer exclaimed a few instant later. He ran to the other side of the way and stuck his point behind the photographic camera."Everyone grinning ! Beautiful !"He took dozens of pictures and Albus soon grew tired of sitting still and smiling.

"Wonderful !"the newsperson shouted once the photographer finally finished."I think we 've got what we need. I wish you all a well-chosen Christmas. The clause should be out just after New Year's."

"I thought she was staying for tomorrow, too,"Albus whispered to Rose.

Rose shrugged."Maybe she got enough from just one nighttime. Either that or she got overwhelmed."

Percy walked the newsperson and photographer out of the tunnel, thanking them profusely as he did so.

"Bedtime, everyone !"mollie shouted.

No one objected. It had certainly been the strangest Christmas Eve gathering the Weasley family had ever had and Albus was very much looking forward to tomorrow, when things would get back to some likeness of pattern. Albus walked up to bed with Rose and Amanda, wishing them both right night when they reached Uncle Charlie 's old sleeping accommodation, where the two would be staying. James, Ben, Cedric, and Bradley were already in Uncle Ron 's old way when Albus arrived.

"Quidditch tomorrow ?"James asked as all four boys climbed into their layer.

"You 're going down, Potter,"Tom Bradley replied.

"Is that a challenge, Weasley ?"

"Sure is,"Bradley said.

Yes, tomorrow would be a lot More rule, Albus thought. Quidditch was a Christmas tradition for his family and goose egg, even his uncle running for Minister, was going to prevent it.
***


"And that 's how we do it in Kenmare !"Georgia exclaimed, having just saved a goal by spinning in midair and hitting the Quaffle back into period of play by the end of her broom."Kenmare Krazy Keeper move !"

"You 're still going to lose !"Bradley shouted as he hit one of the Bludgers toward Albus, who dodged it and caught the Quaffle."We 've got slip !"

"If Teddy were a tangible Seeker he 'd be playing for a League team and not studying to be an Auror !"Georgia shouted back.

"He 's still not as good as William James,"Bradley said.

"Yeah, I taught James everything he knows !"shift said as he flew past, heading toward Georgia 's remaining destination Emily Post."And that 's game !"he shouted, returning with the stool pigeon clutched in his handwriting."Aurors have to have perpetual alertness, just like Seekers."

Albus flew to the ground, still holding the Quaffle. It had been a good game, even though his team had lost, but the temperature was dropping and the clouds were rolling in. It was a good prison term to head back inside for Xmas dinner, especially since the scent of roast Turkey and potatoes had been drifting outdoor for the past one-half hour.

Tables, already covered in numerous dishes of food, had been set up in the kitchen extending into the den while they played. Albus hurried upstair to change and when he returned, everyone was drifting toward the board. Albus hurried to the seat rose wine and Amanda had saved him, which thankfully was nowhere most Sir Henry Percy.

"How was Quidditch ?"pink wine asked.

"commodity,"Albus said."We lost, but teddy bear 's pretty much unbeatable, so I was n't surprised."

"I 'm surprised he did n't play professionally,"Amanda said.

"He thought about it,"Albus explained."And he had crack, but he deferred them for a twelvemonth because he was n't certain. Then he just decided to join the Auror academy, because of his parents, you know."

"shuffle horse sense,"Amanda said.

"I 'd like to make a toast,"Percy announced after everyone was seated. He held up his chalk of pumpkin juice."I just want to say thank you, to all of you, for putting up with the reporter yesterday, and for everything you 've done for the cause. We only have three month to go, so let 's take the about of it. hold on up all the great employment. Here 's to a win in April !"

Albus clinked glasses with Rose and Amanda and then served himself a large helping of turkey. This was what he enjoyed the most about Christmas Day at the Burrow. As he he ate, he listened in on the conversations his cousins, aunts, and uncles were having.

To Albus 's left wing, his auntie Hermione was giving King James, Cedric, and Ben study tips for their O.W.L.s. The boy were nodding as if they were listening, but Albus knew they were n't. Victoire and Teddy were holding hands under the table, which was kind of funny because Victoire was having to eat with her left script, a acquisition she clearly did not have. Saint James the Apostle, Bradley, and Georgia were discussing Quidditch with Uncles George and Ron. Eddie was showing the twins, Lily, and Hugo just how many pea he could fit into his mouth at once. Percy was, of course, discussing the mettlesome details of his campaign with his wife and parents. Fred and crisscross were telling Angie about the unavowed passage that lead into the cellar of Honeyduke 's. The rest of his kinfolk was too far away for Albus to learn what exactly they were saying, but everyone seemed happy.

"This is what it 's really like,"Albus told Amanda."Usually there are a few pranks."

"You missed one earlier,"rosiness said while Amanda laughed."James put one of those wind-up pygmy Puffs in Gran 's vainglorious pot, so while she was chopping vegetables it jumped out and started screeching. Aunt Ginny knew it was James, too. He got chewed out while you were upstairs changing."

"She had no trial impression !"James cut in."It could have been Cedric."

"But it was n't,"Rose said."It was you."

"James, did you get a line me ?"Hermione asked."I was just saying how you need to bulge with your weakest subject field first. Honestly, you should 've started preparing last class. Albus, pink wine, Amanda, are you listening ? You should go alteration now."

"I started week ago, Mum,"rosebush said.

Hermione smiled."That 's my girl."

"She 'll be lucky if James starts revising a month before,"Albus whispered to Amanda.

"That would be stupid,"Rose said."What does he want to do after Hogwarts ? He 'll necessitate certain O.W.L.s to get into the right N.E.W.T. classes."

"He 's got no idea,"Albus said,"except he wants to play Quidditch."

"He 'd better get going,"rosiness said.

"Oh, and I suppose you 've got it all figured out, rosiness ?"Henry James asked.

"As a matter of fact, I 'm thinking of getting into psychiatry,"Rose said."Get my healing level, specializing in psychiatry."

"Fine, then,"James muttered.

"Really ?"Albus asked.

rosebush nodded."I 've been thinking about it since summertime and it 's really deficiency I want to do."

"Do n't you think you 're a bit youthful to give birth decided that ?"Albus asked.

"flatness 's sister had it all figured out in one-fourth year and look where she is now,"rose wine pointed out.

She did sustain a point there, Albus thought. flatness 's Sister was well on her way to getting both her healing and brewing degrees, with only two and a half more year to go. Albus did n't even require to intend about what he would do after he graduated from Hogwarts. It was too far away.

"I have an proclamation to shit !"Gabriella said as she stood up.

The elbow room quieted and everyone turned to look at Gabriella. She was n't usually one to make speeches or annunciation during family dinner. In fact, she was one of the quieter of Albus 's cousins, certainly not coming near to the level of boisterousness of Thomas Bradley, William James, or Empire State of the South.

"Thanks,"she said."None of you know this yet, since I figured I 'd just severalise you all at once today. I 've decided to go to France."

The room was unsounded, much like it was after Percy announced his intent to run for Minister at the before schooling dinner. Then, as happened after Percy 's proclamation, everyone began to utter at once.

"You 're what ?"placard exclaimed.

"Gabriella, honey !"Fleur shouted, dropping her Methedrine of wine-coloured."What prompted this ?"

"The political climate in France is very unsteady,"Percy said."I would n't recommend moving there."

"What are you going to do there ?"Heather asked.

Albus was n't at all surprised. Gabriella had spent a few hebdomad in France that descent and seemed to enjoy it. He was n't sure why her parents seemed so surprised.

"If everyone could just let me talk !"Gabriella shouted. The room quieted one more."I 've already cleared it with Grandmere and Grandpere. They 're going to let me stay with them until I get on my metrical foot. When I painted there this fall it just felt so right. My paintings there were so much estimable than the single I 've painted here-"

"But what will you do for money ?"Bill asked."You know I could still get you that internship. This is crazy."

"Dad, it 's what I want to do. I do n't want to expend everyday in an office and miss out on life. No criminal offence. house painting is what I love. I want to try this."

"But Gabriella, it 's not practical-"Bill began.

"note,"Molly said quietly."She 's just rebelling a bit. You did the like when you were her age. Remember the earring ? The hair ?"

placard 's face reddened."It 's not the same, Mum. I had a job. I was n't learning the finer points of being a starving artist !"

"Dad ! I 'm a good creative person ! I 'm not going to starve !"

"You know my parents would never let her crave,"Fleur said.

"That 's not the degree. The dot is that she should be doing something productive. When Victoire was her age-"

"I 'm not Victoire !"Gabriella exclaimed. She turned and left the room, running up the stair. A few moments later a door slammed.

Bill made to get up, but Victoire put her paw on his articulatio humeri, forcing him back into his hindquarters."Dad, I 'll go."

The elbow room lapsed into uncomfortable silence after Victoire took off after her sister. Albus was slightly shocked at his uncle 's dislike of Gabriella 's architectural plan. Albus had always thought of Federal Reserve note as his cool uncle, the uncle who would be supportive of whatever his kids wanted to do. But now he was acting just like Percy had about Georgia 's desire to be a Quidditch player.

"I support you, Bill,"Hotspur said pompously."creative person is not a career. You 've got to campaign this. Went through the Saami thing with Georgia-"

"Really, Dad ?"Georgia asked."After the past few months of going to my game and making the press think you 're supportive of my dream, you still do n't think I should play Quidditch ?"

"Quidditch, like painting, is a by-line,"Walker Percy said."It 's not a career."

"You 're unconvincing !"Georgia exclaimed."The support, the shouting, it 's all fake, is n't it ?"

"Georgia-"

"You know what, Dad ? Do n't even bother."Georgia stood up and left the table in a alike way to Gabriella.

"This,"Albus whispered to Amanda,"is not normal."

"I thought Gabriella liked Uncle Percy 's pseud reenforcement,"King James muttered.

"Well, she did at 1st but she probably thought there was no way he could fudge it for so long and not begin to come around. She surely thought it was real by now,"rose wine said.

"You 're going to give a practiced psychiatrist,"Albus said.

"Yeah, you can start with Uncle Hotspur,"James said.

"Does anyone require pudding ?"grandmother asked.


A/N : Thanks for all the recap !


Never before had Albus experienced such an bunglesome Christmas dinner party, and that included the time his Aunt Katherine went into task with Eddie at the table. After Gabriella and Georgia stormed out, grannie served pudding to the remaining fellowship members, but everyone ate in silence. Albus, Rose, and Amanda ate as fast as they could and then escaped to the one topographic point they did n't think anyone else would go- the attic.

The attic of the Burrow was alike to an archeologic site. It contained layers of Weasley kin chronicle and if you dug deep enough you could even find icon of Uncle Bill when he was a child. It used to house a ghoul, but the graverobber died year before Albus was born. Albus did n't go up in the attic very much anymore, but when he was little it had made an excellent concealment pip.

"I never realized how alike Gabriella and Sakartvelo were,"Albus said once they 'd shut the attic door.

"I never realized how alike Uncle Percy and Uncle bill were,"rose replied."I never thought Uncle peak would respond like that."

"Me either,"Albus agreed."Let 's not talk about it. I just want to do something fun."

"Let 's play Monopoly,"Amanda said."It 's a Muggle game. I brought it from my house."

Albus and rose wine readily agreed and soon the three were playing Monopoly in the attic. It took Albus and pink wine a little piece to get the hang of the money, which was based on Muggle money, but once they did, it was very fun. Albus 's best-loved thing about it was how long it took. They spent hours on one plot and by the time Amanda beat him and rose wine, almost all of his family was asleep.

By breakfast the next morning nearly everything had blown over. Half of his aunts and uncles had left because they had to go to process and the other half were in the cognitive operation of getting ready to leave. Some of his full cousin were still there, but quite a few had left. When Albus went downstairs he noticed his uncle government note and aunt Fleur having a talk with Gabriella over platters of sausages. Albus paused in the threshold, waiting for them to finish.

"We do n't want you to remember we are n't supportive of your art,"note said."We are. Both of us. I just want to know you 're going to be okay."

"I am, Dad,"Gabriella said."I 'll be staying with Grandmere and Grandpere."

"That 's reassuring,"invoice said."And I did overreact last night."

Fleur snorted."Yes, I 'd say you did."

"I certainly do n't need you to reckon I 'm anything like your uncle Percy,"neb whispered."I 'd never try and stop you from pursuing your dream."

"Well, painting in France is my dream for now,"Gabriella said adamantly.

"Then we 'll support you,"flier said. Fleur nodded in accord."I 'm dismal for overreacting last Nox. I think we were all on edge from the reporter."

"Thanks, Dad,"Gabriella said.

"When were you planning on leaving ?"Fleur asked.

"After that Ministry party. Ca n't miss that or Uncle Percy would go insane."

"The weekend after that, then,"Bill said."We want to help you move."

Gabriella nodded."Thanks."

Bill stood up and gave his girl a hug."I 've got to get to work, but I 'll see you at home later. I love you, Gabby."

"making love you, too, Dad,"Gabriella said as she hugged him back.

Albus walked into the kitchen as his uncle left, grabbing a few sausages and a cinnamon bark bun on his way to the table. He was relieved that Uncle Bill and Gabriella came to an agreement, especially one that involved Gabriella still moving to France. He wanted his cousin-german to be glad and he still wanted to think of flyer as his cool uncle.

Albus returned to Grimmauld property later that day and it only took him a few hours of ennui to set about his holiday reading. rosiness and Amanda had returned to pink wine 's firm, so without them, he was forced to be generative. In fact, Albus was actually looking forward to the Ministry party for the sole rationality that he 'd get to see Rose and lustrelessness.

The few daylight in between Boxing Day and New Year 's Eve were fairly uneventful, especially compared with Christmastide day. Georgia and Uncle Percy still had n't made up and Georgia came over for a heart-to-heart with Albus 's mum the day before the party. Albus often forgot that his mum used to toy pro Quidditch and would be the everlasting individual for Georgia to attempt advice from.

Albus attempted to listen in on their conversation via extendible Ear, but his mum must 've put an interperbabble charm on the kitchen door because he could n't see a thing. Dejected, he put away his extendable Ear and returned to reading his Transfiguration Day Word of God.

Shortly after Georgia left James walked in the back door with a grin on his face.

"What are you so happy about ?"Albus asked.

"Mum forgot to put the charm on the window,"James said."I heard everything."

"Well, tell me what you heard !"Albus said as he closed his book.

"I do n't recognize ...."

"ejaculate on, James,"Albus said."If you do I wo n't recite Mum and Dad what you 're planning on doing to the punch at the political party tomorrow."

"mulct,"King James muttered as he sat down."Basically, Georgia 's still mad at Uncle Percy and does n't want to go to the party tomorrow. Mum convinced her that she needs to take the eminent road and be supportive of Uncle Harry Hotspur even though he is n't being supportive of her. And she said there 's no mysterious to getting him to tell apart Quidditch as a valid career. He just has to realize it on his own and all Georgia can do is be the Charles Herbert Best player she can and support herself and not ask him for money. But then she reminded Georgia that Gramps was very supportive of her Quidditch career."

"nil too stimulate, then,"Albus said.

"Nope, not really,"St. James the Apostle agreed."Going to make for an occupy company, though."

"That 's for surely,"Albus said.
***


"Is the Minister 's hall glowing blueing ?"Albus asked as he followed his parents up the winding itinerary to the mansion.

It was New yr 's Eve and the thrower were slightly late for the party, as usual. This time Jesse James had not been the rationality ; they were late because Ginny had had to lengthen Albus 's robe last minute.

"It looks that way,"Harry answered."Wait until you see the inside. The election New yr 's Eve company at the parson 's star sign is one of the opulent occasions the Ministry puts on, only beaten out by the party that will take post for the winner of the election. It 's going to be far fancier than the party for Mr. Eckerton utmost year."

Albus nodded. As they drew skinny to the planetary house Albus noticed that the blue luminance seemed to halt from the ground, illuminating the mansion as it went upward, but he could not see where the light came from. It looked to just look out of the ground. The path itself was lined with silver candle.

The threshold was already open when they reached the end of the route. A man dressed in a good tuxedo with poop stood in the doorway and he took Ginny and Lily 's wrap while another man led the thrower into the exalted ballroom.

The ballroom was already filled to mental ability and Albus noticed that nearly half of the the great unwashed in attendance were his auntie, uncles, and cousins. The ballroom itself was lit by flatware standard candle interchangeable to the I that lined the way outside. The window were draped in heavy Navy pall tied with flatware forget me drug and matching linens dressed the tables and electric chair scattered throughout the room. Larger tables containing phonograph recording of food stood in the center of the elbow room, each one holding an ice sculpture. The sculptures were of various historic buildings in wizarding Britain, including one of Hogwarts.

waiter dressed in the Saame tuxedos as the wizards by the door walked throughout the room carrying home base of nutrient and drink. After taking a looking at at some of the food they carried, Albus wondered if there was anything normal or if it was just take to hors d'oeuvres.

"Before you all take off to witness your cousins,"Harry began, staring more at his sons than at Lily."Saint James the Apostle, absolutely no pranks. Albus, no sneaking off to former percentage of the house or going outside this year. Promise me, both of you."

"I promise,"Albus and James each mumbled.

"All right, you may go,"Harry said."And keep an eye out for your younger cousins. Make sure they 're not getting into trouble."

Albus nodded and then slipped into the gang in hunt of Matt, rose, and something to eat that did not resemble something his aunt Fleur 's mother would make. He finally wound up at the dessert tabular array where he found both a large patch of umber cake and his friends.

"Albus, there you are !"Rose said."We 've been here for an 60 minutes already."

"Mum had to lengthen my robes,"Albus said in between chomp of cake.

"I 'm not surprised. You grew a foot in the past year,"Rose commented.

"Seriously, you 've got to stop,"mat said."You make me look like a minute year."

"Is everyone else here ?"Albus asked as they walked over to a mostly hollow tabular array. Its only occupant was a very old man who seemed to be taking a nap.

blush wine nodded."Even Sakartvelo showed up. But I did find out out that the exclusively reason we were all invited was to make Uncle Percy look like Sir Thomas More of a home man."

"Really ?"Albus asked."I thought it was just because phratry of the candidates were always invited."

"No. Usually it 's only straightaway family members, plus all the read/write head of department and top Ministry official and their sept. So not all of us were going to be invited at first. It 's to make us look like a very close knitwork family."

"You are a close knit family unit,"lustrelessness said."It 's like you 're all chum and sisters rather than cousins."

"But Uncle Walker Percy never really involved any of us in his Ministry career before,"Albus pointed out."Anyway, Matt, how was your Christmas ?"

"Good,"matte said."Rose already told me about yours. Sounded much more matter to than mine. My grandparents came to chitchat and they went home yesterday. Mum and Cinda argued over the fact that we do n't visit them enough anymore and then Mum and Amy argued over the fact that Amy never comes household except for holidays. Dad, Richard, and I just stayed out of it. I swear, those three could contend over nothing."

"Sounds like yours was interesting then,"Albus said.

flatness shrugged."Honestly, it 's been rather boring at home."

"I 'm ready to get back to Hogwarts,"Albus said."Is Amy here ?"

"Yeah, she 's off with Victoire and teddy,"Matt said.

"Oh, by the way, do n't salute the lick,"Albus warned them."James is planning to put something in it."

"What ?"rosiness asked.

"I do n't know, but it 'll probably be gross,"Albus said.

"If your uncle wins your cousin will get to hold out here,"matt said as he gazed around the room."Weird to imagine about. This berth looks handsome than my old house."

"It probably is,"Rose said."And you 're right, that is Weird to opine about."

The old man let out a snort and woke up. His eyes darted around until they rested on Albus, rosiness, and Matt."Who are you three ?"he demanded.

"Er, I 'm Albus potter and that 's Rose Weasley and lustrelessness Eckerton,"Albus said.

His side softened."Oh, nice to meet you ! I 'm Gregory Laurentis. My girl 's running game for diplomatic minister. Could not be prouder, but I suppose she 's running against your uncle. Albus ceramist, Merlin 's beard ! I told Patty, I told her she was nuts to run against Sir Henry Percy Weasley what with him being related to Harry ceramist himself, but her party picked her to run so I suppose there was nothing I could do about it. And she could n't change by reversal down that opportunity ...."

Albus glanced at Rose and matte while Laurnetis 's dad continued to rattle on about how proud he was of his daughter, yet wonder at her stupidity for running against individual related to Harry Potter. He was rather funny, Albus thought.

"This place is too goddamned fancy,"Gregory Laurnetis muttered as he fingered the tablecloth."And the food, my God, what I would n't fall in for some firecracker and mash ...."

Albus stifled a laugh, but he did agree with the old man."I think I hear one of my cousin-german calling me,"Albus said."We 'd meliorate go."

"Oh, right, right,"Gregory the Great Laurentis said."I do n't try anything, but then again my hearing 's so bad these daylight. Well, good fate to your uncle, then. Not that he 'll demand it !"

"Good luck to your daughter, too,"Albus said as he stood up.

All three burst out laughing as soon as they were out of earreach of Gregory VII Laurentis. A few Ministry officials looked at them strangely as they did so, but Albus did n't wish.

"Albus !"matt suddenly whispered."Is that Balladanis over there ?"Matt pointed to the far back corner, where a man in patent Shirley Temple Black gown stood with his arms folded across his chest.

Albus peered at the man for a few present moment."Yeah, I think it is."

"What 's he doing here ?"flatness asked.

"Probably in causa of an flak,"Rose said."Every prominent Ministry official is in this room right now. There 's probably Aurors stationed at every door outside, too."

"Do n't let him see us,"mat said as he grabbed both Albus and Rose and pulled them behind a boastfully group of people."Can we just go somewhere else ?"

Albus glanced at Balladanis and then back at Matt, who looked Thomas More than a small nervous. Albus did n't charge him. After last year 's dirt with Balladanis, it was no wonder lusterlessness never wanted to see the man again. Albus thought briefly of what his dad told him when they got there, but pushed the promise from his mind. If Matt did n't want to be in the same room as Balladanis, then Albus was just going to have to break his promise.

"Come on,"rose said before Albus could reply. She took Albus and flatness 's hands and pulled them through the crowd. She let them go once they reached the corridor.

The corridor was much quieter than the ballroom. Albus had n't even realized just how loud the ballroom was until now. Between the medicine and multitude 's vocalism, it was a curiosity he 'd even been able to cogitate in there.

"Thanks,"matte said quietly."He just gives me the creeps."

"No problem,"blush wine said."Where should we go ?"

"We could try and bump that library again,"Albus suggested.

Rose and Matt nodded and the three set off down the corridor. It took them fifteen hour and three legal injury turns to determine the library and once they got there, they saw that it was already occupied by none other than Georgia, Bradley, and Cedric.

"We 've got to terminate using the Lapplander concealing office,"Georgia said with a laugh as they entered."Just joking. Come on in."

rose shut the door behind them and they joined Georgia, Bradley, and Cedric on the former slope of the room.

"Sick of the company ?"Georgia asked.

"We saw Balladanis,"lustrelessness said quietly as he sat down."Did n't want him to notice us."

Georgia shuddered."Do n't pick you there, especially since your dad is the reason he got sacked."

"I kind of liked him,"Bradley said.

Matt looked at him like he was insane."Are you kidding ?"

Bradley shrugged."Nope. I 'm not terribly upset he 's gone, but he was kind of cool."

"You 're mad,"Matt said.

"What about you three ? What drove you to the subroutine library ?"Albus asked, wanting to stave in off an argument between his considerably friend and cousin.

"Decided to research the star sign,"Cedric said."If we 're going to have to live here, we wanted to see what we 'd be getting into."

"And what do you think ?"Rose asked.

"Living here would n't be so bad,"Cedric said."Bradley and I would n't have got to share a way. Neither would Samantha and Lindy, for that matter."

"I told you, one of you can have my room,"Empire State of the South said.

"Dad wo n't let us,"Thomas Bradley replied."Says you 're going to come back when Quidditch stops paying off."

Georgia groaned."Really, the faith he has in me is incredible."

"We met Laurentis 's dad,"Albus said.

Sakartvelo burst out laughing."Seriously ?"

Albus nodded and told the story. All three of his cousin-german were laughing by the time he finished.

"I may have to go back out there just so I can meet him,"Georgia said, still laughing.

"He sounds like a very interest bloke,"Bradley said.

lusterlessness got up from his chair and began wandering around the subroutine library. He paused by the door, as if listening.

"What are you doing ?"Albus asked.

"I heard something,"matt whispered."Shut up, all of you."

Sakartvelo immediately stopped laughing and all five of them stopped talking. matt 's centre grew big and he hurried back over."someone 's coming !"

"I do n't hear any-"Tom Bradley began.

"Sshhh !"Albus said as he jumped up."cartel him on this. We 've got to hide."

"There 's a closet,"rosebush said as she hurried to give the door."It 's not very big-"

"Department of Energy n't matter,"Matt said."rushing, get inside."

Albus just started hearing the voices as they hurried inside the closet. It was a very soused squeeze and Rose was stepping on his give foot, but he said cypher as he shut the threshold. Two endorsement later he heard the door to the library open.

"It 's not working !"a charwoman said. Her voice was muffled ; Albus could barely make out what she said, let alone who she was.

"I ca n't hear anything,"Cedric whispered."Is this door solidness mahogany or something ?"

"Shut up !"Matt seethed. He had his ear pressed to the door.

"The one time I do n't bring any Extendables with me,"Cedric muttered.

Albus pressed his ear up against the door. The vocalization were still muffled, but he could hear.

"I told you they 'd eat up the whole sept man thing,"another phonation said. This one was male."Not to note he 's Harry Potter 's brother-in-law for God 's sake !"

"Harry ceramist is an incompetent changeling and you know it,"the cleaning woman replied."He 's renowned for something he did as a child and the superior general public is stupid to still opine of him as the Cuban sandwich of the wizarding world. He 's gone soft."

"It 's Laurentis !"matte said.

"How can you tell ?"Omar Nelson Bradley asked."This door is so bloody thick."

"I just can,"matt said.

Albus could n't tell that the interpreter was Laurentis 's, but based on what she was saying, matt was mightily.

"fountainhead, what am I supposed to do about it ?"the man said.

"We 've got to reckon of something,"Laurentis said."The Azkaban debate is in a week. I 'm sure you can mean of something to do for that."

"I think that 's her campaign handler,"Matt said.

"She sounds terribly,"Albus said.

"It should n't be that hard. All we have to do is disclose Weasley for what he really is and get everyone to earn Potter 's not the hero they all think he is,"Laurentis said.

"And who is Weasley, then ?"

"A pompous idiot !"Laurentis exclaimed."You do n't really buy the whole fact that he supports his daughter 's Quidditch career, do you ? I 've seen the way she looks at him and there 's no way that 's real."

"You ca n't really know that-"

"I can,"she interrupted."I can read citizenry, Pierce. That 's why I got into political sympathies. It 's all about reading the great unwashed and figuring out the Trygve Lie from the accuracy. See what you can dig up. We 'd better coming back to the party. I left my father alone with Minister Langston. That wo n't turn out well."

"Yes, Ms. Laurentis,"Pierce replied.

Albus heard the sound of high heels on hardwood story, the door creaking open, and then click shut again. He waited two full-of-the-moon minutes and then opened the door to the closet. Everyone hurried out.

"What was that ?"lustrelessness demanded."What is she up to ?"

"How did you catch all that ?"Tom Bradley asked."Do you have super homo hearing or something ?"

"Or something,"Matt muttered,"but never thinker that. Laurentis knows your dad 's putting on an act and is going to try to expose him."He turned to Albus."And she is going to try and wrench the wizarding human beings against your dad."

"She 's insane !"Albus exclaimed.

"You 've got to tell your uncle-"Matt began.

"No way,"Georgia said loudly."Trust me, all he 'll do is blame me for not playing my constituent well enough. This is n't leaving this room."

"But she 's going to sabotage his drive,"Albus said.

"Georgia 's right,"Rose said."It wo n't help anything. drive are half about digging up crap on the early candidate. Anything she says about Uncle Harry, no one will think it unless they 're an idiot. Anyone with half a intellect knows he runs the Auror Department well."

"If anyone says anything he 'll just get mad at us for spying,"Bradley added.

"Not to cite we 're not technically allowed in here,"Cedric pointed out.

"Oh, right,"Albus said."My dad did make me predict not to leave the ballroom."

"No one 's saying anything,"Georgia said."And I think we 'd all better get back to the dance hall, just in case anyone notices we 're all gone.


Thanks for all the reexamination ! Remember to maintain them 12+. Props to all who caught the 'mahogany'Hunger Games book of facts. cite for that goes to Suzanne Collins. If any of you are members of the assembly ( and if you 're not, you should be, link up on the right side of the Thomas Nelson Page ! ), feel gratuitous to check out my Meet the Author varlet ! It 's linked on my generator varlet. Please ask me questions on my MTA pageboy since I love answering them !


When they returned to the ballroom Albus was pleased to see that Balladanis was nowhere in sight. Perhaps he left to patrol the grounds. Albus did n't really care ; all that mattered was that he was n't there anymore. Judging by the crowd in the room, no one else had left yet, and they all seemed a bit more boisterous, near likely due to the crapulence.

Hotspur accosted them before they were even capable to get to the desert table to reload their plates with cake. He walked with purpose, similarly to the way he had walked when he took Albus and his friends to Kendrick 's study. He seemed very at place in the pastor 's Mansion and it was n't even his yet.

"Georgia !"he said."There you are. I 've been looking for you everywhere."

"I was in the loo. Something you need, Dad ?"Georgia asked.

"Er, yes, actually,"Percy replied."I need you to take Samantha and Lindy home. It 's nearly eleven and your mother and I are going to be here well by midnight. Samantha ate too much bar and feels ill. I just think it would be upright for them to go house and get some sleep. They 're over at that table."Percy gestured to a nearby tabular array, where Samantha and Lindy were sitting, both with their header in their men, looking extremely bored.

Sakartvelo raised her eyebrows, as if surprised that Percy was actually going to not only let three of his youngster leave, but postulation that they do so. Albus was surprised he 'd even thought about the fact that it was n't really a party for two nine-year-olds.

"Yeah, I can take them home plate,"Peach State said.

"What about us ?"Bradley asked, gesturing to himself and Cedric."Could n't we strike them home ?"

"I 'd rather Peach State do it,"Percy said."You do n't even take in your Apparition license yet, Cedric. And Omar Bradley, you just got yours. You 're not set up to side-along Apparate two people."

"They do have open fireplace here, Dad,"Bradley muttered.

"Empire State of the South 's taking them, and the two of you are staying here,"Percy said adamantly."Thank you, Georgia."

"You 're welcome,"Georgia said as Percy strutted off to talk to some Ministry official."Ha !"she said once he was out of earshot."I get to leave."

"Shut up,"Cedric said."I 'm going to go find James."

Georgia headed over to the table her sisters were sitting at while Tom Bradley and Cedric disappeared into the gang. Albus, mat, and Rose wandered over to the afters mesa, piled a plate in high spirits with the biscuits a waiter had just set out, and then set off to regain another table. They found one, which Victoire, Teddy, and Amy were vacating.

"Where are you three off to ?"Albus asked.

"We 've got former rounds tomorrow,"Victoire said."Five in the break of the day. If we 're prosperous we 'll get four hours of sleep."

"I do n't see much tip in staying if they 're not here,"teddy said."Technically I was n't even invited, but seeing as I 'm Harry thrower 's Godson, no one was going to quetch me out."

Albus laughed."See you later, then."

After Victoire, Teddy, and Amy left Albus sat down and his admirer sat on either position. He absentmindedly chewed on a biscuit and watched the crowd.

"Do these taste funny to you ?"matte asked, holding up a partially eaten biscuit.

Albus took another bite. They did gustation Weird."Yeah."

Rose burst out laughing and started pointing at their principal."I think James II messed with the biscuits instead of the punch. Al, your fuzz is blueness and Matt, yours is green."

Albus and flatness both started laughing. Albus took another face at the bunch."Look, that lady 's hair is purple !"He pointed to a enchantress a few M away. The feller she was talking to was clearly trying not to gaze at her head.

Over the future few minutes people gradually began to realize that their hair was turning various colors and that the cooky were the culprit. scepter appeared everywhere, as the guests charmed each other 's hair back to its convention people of color. Another instant later Albus spotted both of his parents walking around the perimeter of the elbow room, clearly looking for James, but he was nowhere in sight.

"I like this clowning,"Albus said."I 'm leaving my hair as is."

"Me too,"lusterlessness agreed. They both turned to Rose."You should eat one."

blush wine sighed."power as well."She took a biscuit and a minute later her formerly red hair was a lovely shade of pink.

The rest of the party was rather boring. Harry eventually found James and told him he 'd be staying in his room for the remainder of the holiday, only being allowed out for repast. When midnight rolled around Albus, flatness, and blush wine toasted to the new year with Lily and Hugo. Matt and his parents left immediately afterward and Albus and his kin left a myopic patch later. Albus was relieved to be going home since the night had been exhausting, and he still could n't get the conversation he overheard in the library out of his mind.
***


"It 's here !"James shouted the next daybreak at breakfast, brandishing a copy of genius magazine. The front man back was a picture of Albus 's grandparents, his mum, Uncle Percy, Uncle Bill, Uncle Charlie, Uncle George III, and Uncle Ron.

"Let me see it !"Albus shouted.

"No, I got it first !"James shouted back.

"I want to read it first !"Lily exclaimed.

"Kids, patch up down !"Ginny said."Jesse James got it first. Al can translate it next, and then Lily."

"Not fair,"Lily muttered."I 'm never first."

That was a lie, Albus thought to himself. It was either James or Lily who got matter first, never Albus. scourge of being the middle child, he figured.

Albus sat and ate his breakfast while James read the article. His brother let out groan and sighs and even laughter while he read, which made Albus even more queasy to read it. After what seemed alike forever, it was finally Albus 's number. He yanked the powder store out of St. James the Apostle 's deal and opened it up to the article.

The number 1 page ( or rather, first two varlet ), contained the characterization of his intact folk. Albus had been right in guessing that there was no way the photographer could 've pay off a movie that they all looked good in. Albus himself at least take care center decent. He was smiling and kept turning to look at rosebush and then back to the camera. Lily on the former hand, was caught mid-grimace and always returned to that pose every few seconds. Across the photograph was the gens of the article- 'Christmas With the Weasleys .'Albus turned the page and looked at all the other photographs that accompanied the article before reading it. There was one of Percy, Corrine, and their kids. Another boast Walker Percy and Albus 's dad. Then there was the one with him playing Exploding Snap with the Twins and Percy, as well as the one with Percy and Amanda playing chess. The legend on that read 'Minister aspirer Harry Hotspur Weasley challenges the Prime Minister 's niece to a secret plan of chess .'Amanda was not going to be felicitous, Albus thought as he turned his care to the article.

When I first entered the childhood home of Percy
Weasley I immediately noticed the delicious olfaction
that filled the air. molly Weasley, Percy 's mother,
was hard at work cooking Christmas Eve dinner party. The
belittled, but cozy, home was filled to capacity with
Weasleys, although it only grew more push with
the arrival of the thrower an time of day later.

The Weasley family gather for Christmas at the
house of King Arthur and mollie Weasley every yr.
Arthur, a retired Ministry employee, says ,'I
love having the entire phratry together. It 's
chaotic, but I would n't birth it any other way .'
The evening begins with a meal, although eating
seems to train place over many hours. The atmosphere
is homey and glad, with every one family
member enjoying their time with each other.

Hotspur Weasley, a loving Father of the Church of five, union in
on the fun and Christmastide spirit by challenging
his nine-year-old girl Samantha and Lindy,
as well as nephew Albus potter, 14, to a biz
of Exploding elasticity .'I feel it 's crucial to
spend sentence with my children, as well as my nieces
and nephews ,'Weasley said, 'we have such little
time with them before they go off to Hogwarts.
My eldest is already out on her own and my sons
only have a little time left at Hogwarts. The
counterpart are still young, so I try to drop time
with them every exclusive day .'When asked
about their father 's campaign, Samantha said,
'I want him to win. He 's good at his job .'
Lindy merely shrugged, 'It would be cool if he
wins, but he 'll still just be Dad to us .'

The home plate of Chester A. Arthur and Molly Weasley is not
only open to Weasleys at Dec 25 time. This
year they were joined by a champion of Albus ceramicist
and Rose Weasley, 14. Amanda tagger, also 14, is
a fourth year student at Hogwarts. tagger is no
stranger to political menage since her uncle
is Michael Smythe, prime curate of Great
Britain .'I think it is just wonderful that
the Prime curate 's niece is a witch ,'Percy
said. 'We are always trying to elevate a
healthy relationship with the Muggle Ministry
and this will only help oneself .'

Before posing for the picture found on pages
20 and 21, the Weasley family first donned
their Weasley jumpers. Each member of the folk
receives one of these jumpers for Xmas
every yr. The traditional sweater are knitted
by Molly Weasley .'I 'm not indisputable how it started,
really ,'molly said, when asked about the origin
of the jumpers ,'I suppose it was when Bill and
Charlie were little, before Percy was born. I
wanted to cockle them matching pinafore and they
outgrew them by the travel along year, so I made
new ace. Then when Percy was born he needed one
so it soon grew into a annual thing .'

If I had to choose one word to discover the Weasley
family, I would take 'laid-back .'Spending a
Christmas Eve with this phratry, you would never
think that they were far-famed for their efforts in
the war against Voldemort. They are just so normal.
Even Harry ceramicist, Head Auror, is just your
average father. He spends Christmas Eve joking
around with his brothers-in-law and playing games
with his children, nieces, and nephews. I asked
him what a typical Christmas day is like in the
Weasley household and he responded with, 'Quidditch.
We live for Quidditch. No subject the atmospheric condition we
get out there every Christmas and play a peer or
two. Then we 'll come inside and have dinner, all
of us together. It 's simple, but perfect .'

There you have it. Christmas with the Weasleys
summed up in one sentence by none early than Harry
Potter himself. I thoroughly enjoyed disbursal
Christmas Eve with Percy Weasley and his entire
family. following time I interview him, I really must
ask for his mother 's shepherd 's pie recipe. It
truly is wonderful.

"Really ?"Albus asked after handing the powder store to Lily."After all that ? She interviewed half the family and only quoted a few of us ?"

"I 'm guessing the remainder could n't really be used for the character of article she was going for,"Henry James pointed out."Notice how she only included stuff Samantha and Lindy said."

"And she made it seem like the photographer just happened to hire word picture of us playing games with Uncle Percy,"Albus said."All of that was staged."

"That 's journalism,"Ginny said."Not good news media, creative thinker you, but it is fairly common practice."

"I guess it could receive been regretful,"Albus said.

"Yes, it could have been,"Ginny agreed."I think we 're all just grateful she did n't stay for Christmastime dinner."

Jesse James laughed."I wonder how she would 've spun that. I 'm amaze no one 's figured out that Uncle Hotspur does n't really care that Georgia plays Quidditch."

"Keep your oral fissure shut about that, James,"Ginny said quietly.

"Anyone with half a brain could see it,"Henry James muttered.

Albus said nothing. He still was n't completely for sure that saying goose egg about Laurentis figuring that out was the right thing to do. But he could n't exactly say anything, not when all his cousins and matte had agreed not to.

"James,"Ginny said."Enough. And I suggest you use the remainder of your break to consider for those O.W.L.s. June is a lot sooner than you think."

James certainly did a skillful job of pretending to study for the rest of the holiday, while shut up in his room for his penalty. Albus noticed that while he always had a record cracked open nearby, to grab when one of their parents walked into the room, it was always the same script, opened to the Lapplander page. Albus was amazed neither of his parents realized that, but he supposed both of them had their thinker on Percy 's election. Albus finished all his prep before the weekend, leaving him with two blissful days of doing nothing. On Saturday he, along with his parents, Epistle of James, and Lily, visited Kaden and his family for a late Dec 25 and New Year 's celebration. Albus was relieved that Kaden 's grandparents were n't there.

Monday arrived and it was time to go back to Hogwarts. Albus was quite happy about this because he had grown bored of staying at nursing home and doing nothing and was sick of being in such conclude tail with William James and Lily. At least in Gryffindor tower they kept to their own chemical group of booster. But mostly, Albus wanted to get Amanda 's take on the conversation they overheard at the Minister 's Mansion.

"Everyone 's staring at me,"Amanda said as she entered the compartment Albus, Rose, Matt, Gospel According to John, and Kaden were occupying."Took me ages to determine you, just because people kept wanting to verbalise to me. It 's that stupid magazine article. Now everyone knows I 'm the Prime curate 's niece."

"It was bound to happen Sooner or later,"Rose pointed out."But I 'm sad. If I 'd cognize the reporter was going to talk about that, I would n't have invited you for Christmas."

"No, it 's ok,"Amanda said as she sat down."I 'm glad I went. It 's just annoying. Guess I know how it feels to be you lot."

"Except us,"John the Divine said as he gestured to himself and Kaden."We 're normal."

"You 're normal, John,"Amanda said."But Kaden 's Harry Potter 's first cousin once removed or something."

"And that really makes me marvel how I got wrapped up in all this,"John said."My parents just are n't nearly as challenging as yours all are."

"How was that party, by the way ?"Amanda asked.

"Mostly drilling,"Albus said."But we did meander up in a tiny press with my full cousin Empire State of the South, Bradley, and Cedric and overheard a conversation between Laurentis and her campaign manager."

"You what ?"Saint John the Apostle exclaimed."And you did n't imagine that warranted an owl ?"

"We wanted to tell you in person,"Albus said."The conversation was really weird."

"Tell us !"Amanda said.

Albus explained what he overheard, with help from matt, who had been able to find out it a bit more clearly. John the Evangelist and Kaden looked slightly uncomfortable when they finished, but Amanda did n't look at all surprised or upset.

"That ca n't be good,"John said."What do you suppose she 's planning ?"

"That 's just it, I do n't know,"Albus said."And all my cousin-german and flatness agreed not to say anything-"

"They 're right, of course,"Amanda said."You 'd just call down up fuss. Your uncle has got to focalize on convincing the great unwashed he 's the right one for the job, not discrediting everything Laurentis says."

"But she 's going to try and convert everyone my dad 's a bad Auror,"Albus pointed out.

"Your dad is n't running for Minister,"Amanda said."And honestly, I do n't think she 's going to be able to win over all of wizarding U.K. that your dad 's incompetent by April."

"But what about the Georgia thing-"

"Albus,"Amanda said as she stared directly at him,"this is what politicians do. Half the campaign is spent trying to convince the great unwashed the antagonist is bad for the job. As a lot as it should just be spent on trying to convince mass they 're right for the job, campaigner just do n't do that. combine me. My uncle 's on his second condition. I know how these thing work."

"I guess,"Albus said. He felt slightly better about it, now that he had Amanda 's popular opinion, but he still felt uneasy."Something is going to happen at the Azkaban argumentation, though. She wanted her campaign handler to dig something up."

"Worst case scenario, she figures out that your uncle Harry Hotspur does n't really approve of Empire State of the South 's Quidditch life history,"Amanda said."Then he 'll establish an interview and say that at first he was n't because he was occupy about her future but then he saw her play and now he realizes how proficient she is and bombast, blah, blah. It 'll be fixed."

"She 's veracious, Albus,"Rose said. The others nodded.

"How do you know all this ?"Albus asked."I mean, seriously."

"I 'm an excellent eavesdropper,"Amanda said with a smile."And all without Extendable Ears."

"Amazing,"John agreed.

"It 's simple, really,"Amanda said."Be the kid in your family that goes unnoticed. My honest-to-god sister is the drama queen, so everything that happens to her, no topic how pocket-size, is a vast good deal. My little comrade is a brat who demands constant attention. Me ? I 'm the quiet one. They 'll ingest completely conversations about clobber in forepart of me that they 'd never accept in front of either my buddy or sister."

Kaden laughed."Bet that changed when you found out you were a witch."

"At commencement, but then me being a witch became normal,"Amanda said.

Matt let out a low whistling."Wish I had that accomplishment. I still ca n't even go into the Saame room as my parents without one of them asking me if I feel okay. Bit of an exaggeration, but still."

"I think my parents expend too very much of their childhoods eavesdropping on people to pass on me a decent chance at it,"Albus said."They know all the tricks."

"So do mine,"rosebush said."I swear my mum can sense an Extendable Ear a mile away."

"I think I 'm too loud,"John the Evangelist said.

"Sami,"Kaden agreed.

"So, would you believe me if I said I actually wanted to go to the Azkaban debate ?"John the Evangelist asked as he opened a box of Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor Beans.

Rose burst out laughing."Really, John ?"

"Yes, really,"toilet said, popping a bean into his mouth."Butter, Wyrd. If Laurentis is going to do something, I want to be right there to witness it."

"Maybe you 'll get lucky and you 'll get picked,"Amanda said."I hope I get picked for one."

"I bet they 'll let you go to all of them now, being the peak minister of religion's niece and all,"John said.

"Not necessarily,"Amanda said.

"You can always need my spot, John,"matt said as he got up to steal a fistful of St. John the Apostle 's Bertie Bott 's."full-of-the-moon lunar month 's on Friday, so I wo n't be going."

"Maybe you can convert Madam Pomfrey, since it 's educational,"Kaden said.

lusterlessness popped a dome into his mouth and then promptly ptyalize it out."Ew, poop. Does n't matter what lady Pomfrey says. Day after the full moon ? I 'll be asleep. You 'll just have to exact notes and let me get it on what happens."

John groaned."I 'll hand on your point if I have to take notes."

"mortal 's going to have to get notes either way,"Matt said."I 'll need them for the essay that Embry will assign."

"Do n't worry, I 'll conduct notes,"Rose told him.

"Thanks,"Matt replied."Now, who 's wants this bean ? It looks just comparable grime, but it could be chocolate."Matt held up a suspiciously brown bean.

"I 'll necessitate it !"John said. He took a petite nibble, screwed up his face, and threw the rest of the bean back at lustrelessness, hitting him square up on the forehead."Thanks, Paraguay tea, another dirt."

Albus laughed and took a smattering of beans. The remainder of the trip was much more lighthearted than their conversation about the safari tactics of Laurentis and Percy. They finished off John 's Bertie Bott 's, growing braver as the box emptied. Albus stopped after he got a vomiting flavored one, but enjoyed it immensely when Kaden ate one of the same nip. The train drive went quickly and soon they arrived in Hogsmeade station with Hogwarts, Albus 's irregular home, just a short carriage ride away.


Sorry for the tardily update ! My cousin-german got married on Friday so I was gone the unanimous weekend and did n't have my computer with me. Thanks to my sister, Linda, who in my family, is just corresponding Amanda and can eavesdrop on everyone. She gave me the idea for that. Thanks for all the endearing reviews !


"This terminal figure we will focus on how the initiative and second state of war against Voldemort shaped how the Ministry of Magic is organized today,"Professor Embry announced after the Bell rang for Tues 's government class."This part of the class will overlap with your History of Magic class quite a bit, although I 'd hazard a guesswork that none of you pay tending in History of Magic, not that I blame you. I never could appease awake in that class either.

"number one, we will take a airless expression at exactly how the Ministry was organized prior to Voldemort 's hike to office and why it was such a problem,"Embry continued."persona of the intellect why Voldemort was able to rise to mogul as quickly as he did was because the Ministry was susceptible to a takeover. Since then, caution have been taken to prevent a similar spot. Does anyone know the main difference between the Ministry before Voldemort and the Ministry now ?"

A few helping hand went up in the air, including Amanda 's. Albus knew the resolution, but he did n't really want to raise his hand. He preferred listening during class.

"Yes, Miss Tagger ?"

"The minister was n't elected,"Amanda said,"which is odd because the Muggle rector is elected, sorting of. It 's not like in the United State, but the world votes on which political party will be in power."

"Exactly,"Embry said."Prior to the reorganization of the Ministry of magic in 1998, the Minister was appointed by the Wizengamot. Can anyone say me why that is a problem ?"

Amanda 's hand snap into the air once more. She was even profligate than Rose in this class.

"Miss Tagger ?"

"It was bad because the people had no power. Only the Wizengamot had any top executive in the Ministry, because they were the I who appointed the Minister, who then appointed all the former officials. No one had any say in anything."

"right field again. Ten point in time to Gryffindor,"Embry said."The Wizengamot, prior to 1998, was a group of very influential witches and adept, mostly thoroughbred, who essentially ran the Ministry of legerdemain. They also served as the judicial system. These witches and star inherited their seats on the Wizengamot from family members because each influential syndicate in the British wizarding world once held a seat in the Wizengamot. The trouble with this are obvious because it meant that only thoroughbred and a select few half-bloods had any semblance of power."

Albus was scribbling furiously. He knew the basics of the political system of rules just from overhearing his parents'conversations, but the details were hazy. Now that he was learning the gritty detail, he wondered why it took so long for the Ministry to be reorganized. It seemed like it was based solely on origin status and how much money someone had, which was n't right.

Embry continued to explain the old Ministry and the various magnate that each person or group of citizenry in the Ministry had prior to Voldemort 's reign. By the end of the talking to Albus had just over a foot of billet, which was expert because Embry had already set them an essay.

"Before you leave, I 'll annunciate who will be attending Saturday 's debate,"Embry said after he finished lecturing."Like terminal time, Albus Potter, rosiness Weasley, and flatness Eckerton will be able to attend. The two Hufflepuffs who will be attending are Elaine Asterly and Dorothy Rothschild Parker Wayland. The two Gryffindors are Amanda tagger and Ethan Kesse. You will account to the Great Hall at ten and wait for operating instructions from the prefects waiting by the doors. Everyone else will be listening to the debate via wireless in the Transfiguration classroom. I expect an essay on which nominee you feel made their stop better by adjacent category. You are dismissed."

"I guess I wo n't get to go to all the disputation after all,"Amanda said as they left the classroom.

"This one will be thoroughly, though,"blush wine said."You 're favorable they picked you for it."

"Wish I got picked,"lavatory lamented.

"I 'm telling you, just go instead of me,"Matt insisted."Tell them I 'm ill and you 're taking my spot."

"I really do n't retrieve they 'll let-"

"provision on being ill on Sat, are you ?"

Albus and his friend stopped in the midsection of the corridor, turning around to see Scorpius Malfoy behind them, his munition crossed across his chest. He looked arrogant and vaguely annoyed as usual, but there was something else there. He looked slightly upset and for some reason, that unnerved Albus.

"Give it a ease, Malfoy,"John the Divine said, stepping closer to the Slytherin."We get that you know. We 've gotten over it."

Scorpius stepped airless, ignoring John and turning to matte."How do you get into the screeching Shack ?"he demanded.

lusterlessness 's cheek paled. John grabbed delay of Scorpio 's robe and dragged him into a nearby schoolroom. St. John the Apostle had at least four inch on Malfoy, so it did n't seem difficult. Albus and the others followed, rosebush shutting and locking the door behind them.

"Why do you want to bonk about the screaming Shack ?"bathroom asked as he let go of Scorpius.

"None of your occupation,"Scorpius said, glancing at the lock away door. He slowly drew his wand.

John drew his own wand."Put your wand away. And it 's his business which makes it all of our business."John gestured to Matt, who had sat down on one of the desks.

"There 's five of you. Like hell I 'm putting my wand away. So I am right, he does transform in the Shrieking hutch,"Scorpius said with a sly grin. The look of sadness Albus thought he 'd seen was gone ; maybe he 'd imagined it.

"lav !"Matt exclaimed."Now look what you 've done !"

"Sorry,"trick said."I did n't mean to-"

"Never mind,"lusterlessness said, getting up from the desk and walking over to John and Scorpio."How did you count on it out ?"

"Where else could you transform safely ?"Scorpio asked."I did a small research in the library and that was built the summer before Remus Lupin started at Hogwarts and everyone knows he was a werewolf. No one ever lived in it, but mass reported audience weird stochasticity from it. Everyone said it was ghosts, but they went strangely quiet seven long time later, only to re-emerge four and a half years ago, when we started at Hogwarts. Quite a happenstance, I thought. And now I see that I 'm right."

Albus was form of shocked Scorpio had done all that research and put everything together. Perhaps he was smarter than Albus and his friends gave him credit for.

"Well, you ca n't tell apart anyone, just like you ca n't tell anyone I 'm a werewolf,"Matt said."Kendrick would expel you."

"I do n't care that it 's where you transform,"Scorpius said."The point is that it 's empty except for one night of the month. How do you get in ?"

"I 'm not telling,"Matt said.

"mulct, I 'll figure it out myself,"Scorpius said, pointing his wand at the threshold. The ringlet clicked and he strolled over to the door, opened it, and left.

"That was weird,"Albus said as soon as Scorpius was gone.

"Yeah,"Matt said, sitting down on the penny-pinching desk."Why does he need to get in the Shrieking Shack ?"

"Clearly he needs somewhere that 's empty, but the query is what is he planning on doing ?"Rose asked."And did anyone else notice that he seemed a bit sad in the corridor ?"

"I thought I 'd imagined that,"Albus said.

"You did n't. He 's definitely upset about something,"rose said.

mat groaned."He better not actually enter out how to get in there."

"If he does, he would n't be mute enough to go in there during a full lunar month,"Albus pointed out.

"Yeah, but still. That 's my space,"Matt muttered."I need a nap. I think I 'm going to skip dinner and just go back to Gryffindor. I 'll see you later."

matte hopped off the desk and left the room. Albus sighed. The last thing he wanted, amidst all of the election stuff and his sept 's drama, was another result with Scorpius Malfoy, but it looked like affair were heading in that direction.
***


The following morning when Albus and his protagonist entered the Great Hall for breakfast the students already eating were much louder than convention. Albus turned to Rose, who shrugged in confusion, as they walked inside. Everyone in the room, pupil and teacher alike, were talking ominously. Copies of the vaticinator were exchanging hands faster than the Quaffle during a Gryffindor/Slytherin match.

"Albus !"James shouted once they reached the Gryffindor table."Read this. There 's been a break-out at Azkaban."

"Again ?"Albus exclaimed, hurrying over to where James was sitting. He took the paper and his friends crowded around him.

"Not like last time,"King James said darkly."High-profile prisoners and more of them. Death eater. There has n't been a break-out like this in geezerhood. Not since our parents were our age."

Albus 's spirit began to hammering as he unfolded the newspaper. There it was, right on the social movement Sir Frederick Handley Page. A big picture collage of five people, all gaunt and evil-looking, was right in the eye, with the words 'Five prisoner Break Out of Azkaban'above them and an article below them. Albus 's stomach churned when he recognized the characterization of the middle prisoner. It was Quinton Willinson. His eyes drifted to the article so he could picture out who the others were.

Early this sunrise Azkaban official
reported that five high gear certificate prisoners
escaped late last night. It is unclear how
they managed to do so. The prisoners, all
imprisoned for felonies, should be regarded
as dangerous and should not be approached.

Four of the five prisoners have been in
Azkaban since 1998, having been imprisoned
for war crimes. They are Alecto Carrow,
Amycus Carrow, Fenrir Greyback, and Dolores
Umbridge. All but Umbridge are proven Death
Eaters. The fifth part captive, Quinton Willinson,
has been in and out of prison since 2018,
having escaped and been recaptured just death
year.

'Finding and recapturing these someone is
our top anteriority ,'school principal Auror, Harry Potter,
said to reporter early this morning. parson
campaigner and head teacher Azkaban functionary, Patricia
Laurentis, refused to comment on the break-out.
The Auror section has asked all those with
tips to report them to the Ministry via owl
immediately.

Albus sat stunned after reading the clause. Three death Eaters, Dolores Umbridge, and Quinton Willinson had escaped from Azkaban. How did that happen ? How did five high security captive just escape with no one stopping them ? It did n't make sense.

"This is not going to make up Laurentis see good,"Amanda said quietly.

"Forget Laurentis, this is bad,"Albus said."Very bad. Umbridge is evilness, twisted evil. My dad 's got scar on his deal from what she did to him when she was a teacher here. And the Carrows, they were teachers, too. They taught Dark arts. Not Defense Department, but actual Dark arts, and how to torture Muggles. Greyback-"

"Greyback bites people, for fun,"lusterlessness said, his typeface pale whitened."He 's the one who bit teddy bear 's dad."

"The four of them,"Albus began,"the four of them make Quinton Willinson look like a unicorn."

"That 's the Weird thing,"rose said."The others are in prison for life for war offence. Willinson will be in there for a while, but he 'll get parole eventually and the only reason he 's a high security department prisoner is because he escaped before. So why did he part out with the others ? Why did they let him in on it ? They 're up to something."

Albus had n't even thought of that. Why was Quinton Willinson now connected with war criminal who had been in prison since before he was born ? It did n't realize sense. Albus thought about it throughout all his classes that day, but did n't come up with any answers.

It was obvious that the Azkaban break-out had unnerved the entire castle. Professors spoke in low whispers when they thought bookman were n't around, scholarly person no longer wandered the castle by themselves, and even Scorpius Malfoy seemed a bit more subdued during dueling practice session on Thursday.

All five prisoners still remained at large on Fri, when Ministry functionary began arriving for the debate. Laurentis still had yet to annotate on the break-out, which struck Albus as strange. Azkaban was her territory and yet she said nothing on the topic.

"Is it just me or are there even more reporters here than there were last time ?"Albus asked.

"It 's not just you,"Amanda said.

Albus, Matt, Saint John the Apostle, and Amanda were walking back to the castle from Care of Magical creature. It was slow going since the good moonlight was that Nox and Matt was exhausted, but luckily the weather condition was unseasonably warm for January. They 'd just been passed by a group of hurried looking reporters coming up from Hogsmeade.

"There 's probably more because of the break-out,"Matt said."Laurentis is going to have to finally say something about it tomorrow since the subject is Azkaban."

"Does anyone else think it 's weird that there was a break-out three mean solar day before the Azkaban debate ?"Albus asked.

"I thought of that, too,"Amanda said."Very weird coincidence."

"well, it 'll be good for your uncle,"John said."Laurentis is going to look like an changeling, not being able to keep five heights security prisoners in Azkaban."

Albus nodded. He supposed that was one good thing that came from three last Eaters escaping from Azkaban, not that there was anything good about it.

"I 'm skipping appealingness,"Matt said through a oscitancy."And ancient Runes."

"I 'm surprised you did n't skip charge of Magical creature,"John said.

mat shrugged."I felt okay earlier, probably because of the nap I took in chronicle of Magic."

King John laughed."I felt much better after my nap in chronicle of illusion, too."

"Very funny,"lusterlessness said as they reached the castle.

Albus found it increasingly unmanageable to pore on anything for the rest of the day. By the time he went to Ancient runic letter he was unable to opine about anything besides the break-out and the fact that Death Eaters were now roaming release. Deep down he knew he was perfectly dependable at Hogwarts, but it was still troubling.

prof Kendrick welcomed the Ministry functionary to Hogwarts at dinner that night and Albus thought back to the terminal argumentation, when Hogwarts had housed the Ministry official. He was very glad that this clip he would n't be confessing to a prank to his uncle in the Gryffindor unwashed room. Neither King John or Kaden had done their retaliation trick to the Slytherins yet and Albus sort of hoped they would n't.

After a fitful sleep Albus woke early on Sabbatum morning and contemplated visiting Matt before everyone else woke up, but figured that Matt would be gone and thus it would be wasted to natter. He 'd call with everyone else later, after the disputation. They 'd stimulate plenty of metre sine there was n't going to be a interrogative sentence and solution session this clip.

At ten o'clock Albus, rosebush, and Amanda stood in line in presence of the Great Hall, waiting to be let inside. John had decided not to bother asking if he could take matt 's situation, since he did n't desire to pull in any care to the fact that lustrelessness was not there.

"Albus,"Rose whispered, poking him in the slope."Look. Malfoy 's here."

Albus glanced over to where Rose was pointing and saw that Scorpius was in fact waiting in line of descent. He looked sullen and upset again and Albus wished he knew why. It was weird seeing Malfoy, the usually chesty prick, upset.

"dead reckoning he won the Slytherin spot,"Albus said.

The door to the Great Hall opened and Albus and Rose said auf wiedersehen to Amanda before they were lead to the front of the room by a Slytherin prefect. They were seated in the Sami row they were before, along with the rest of their Hogwarts cousins.

The Great Hall slowly filled up over the next half minute. The balance of Albus 's cousin, aunt, and uncles arrived, taking floater in the social movement few quarrel. Albus caught Peach State 's eye as she took her seat in the row on the opposite English of the elbow room from him and she gave him a slight grinning.

Albus wondered if Laurentis 's campaign manager had actually found anything on Uncle Percy and whether she would say anything during the argumentation. With the break-out, he hoped she 'd been too busy to dig up much dirt or even think about exposing anything.

Albus turned to the forepart of the way and watched a very short man accompany professor Kendrick to the moderator 's podium. He was dressed in Ministry blue gown and had very little hair's-breadth on his header.

"Attention, please !"Kendrick shouted. The crowd quieted."Thank you. I 'd like to welcome all of you to Hogwarts and introduce our moderator for this dawn. winner Farleigh, Head of the department of Magical Transportation."

"Thank you, Professor,"the short, balding man said."I 'd now like to stick in our nominee, although I am sure you all know them. Mr. Percy Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

Hotspur and Laurentis walked into the room from one of the antechambers and took their place at each of the pulpit. Percy looked as confident as always and Laurentis, despite the malicious gossip of the break-out, looked poised and excited.

"Today we will be debating the judicial system of rules, specifically Azkaban prison,"Farleigh announced."The usual rules apply. Five minute arguing, two minute rebuttals."

Laurentis inched closer to her podium, as if she was readying herself to pounce on whatever Percy said. Percy remained calm and pick up, continuing to diddle the role of the cool pol.

"Mr. Weasley, you will respond first. Do you feel that the judicial system as a unit is clean to both the accused and victims of offence ? Are the prison term handed out by the Wizengamot carnival ?"

"I believe everyone is able to get a fair trial by the Wizengamot,"Percy began."I have reviewed many cases, and while I am not nor do I feign to be a canvasser, and I feel that the majority of the judgment of conviction handed out by the Wizengamot fit the offense. However, there is always a fortune that a person guilty of a crime will go unblock, as there is an adequate chance that person will be wrongfully imprisoned. The juridic organization works severely to seduce sure this happens as infrequently as possible and corrects wrongs when they do occur."

"Ms. Laurentis ?"

"I disagree with my opposite,"Laurentis said."most of the judgment of conviction handed out by the Wizengamot are not harsh enough. Ever since the defeat of Voldemort prison conviction have grown shorter, with the exception of those imprisoned for war crimes. And one shamed person who roams free is too many. If I am elected Minister I will work hard to ensure that no shamed people get off. Prisoners belong in Azkaban and the Wizengamot is far too lenient."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

"While a destination of not having any guilty the great unwashed get set free is suitable, it is unrealistic,"Percy said."The Wizengamot is composed of hag and wizards like you and me. They are not any more right than we are and do not possess the power to make love for sure that the accused are hangdog. Mistakes hap and while we should work to minimize them, it is very unrealistic to say that we can get rid of them completely. Ms. Laurentis is offering imitation hope."

"I am not offering false Leslie Townes Hope,"Laurentis said."There are tour, potions, way of life to obtain out if people are shamefaced that the Wizengamot does not use. If I am elected curate I will approve use of these and they will assist the Wizengamot in ensuring that no shamed malefactor are set free."

Albus agreed with his uncle. There was no potential way Laurentis could insure that all criminals would be imprisoned.

"Next doubt,"Farleigh said."Ms. Laurentis, you will go first. Do you palpate the parole organisation is effective ?"

Laurentis gave a wry smile before beginning."a good deal like the Wizengamot, the parole system is too lenient. I have seen criminals guilty of fantastic larceny get paroled after a bare two years in prison. The statistics are illuminate, about of these criminals who are paroled early on in their condemnation wind up back in Azkaban within a year, whether for breaking the rules of their password or committing another crime. As Head of Azkaban, I am able-bodied to consecrate my stimulant of whether a prisoner is paroled or not, but in the end it is up to the Wizengamot."

"Mr. Weasley."

"As my opposer has said, many malefactor are paroled too quickly. However, I do not believe that leaving them in Azkaban longer is the solvent. If I am elected I will create and stand a practiced system for integrating criminal back into club. Muggles have seen success with halfway houses and I feel we should try that in wizarding society."

"Halfway houses ?"Laurentis said with raised brow."An intriguing idea. However, Mr. Weasley lacks the experience that I have with dealing with prisoners. Most are not fit for society and many never will be. Even with halfway houses they will wind up up back in Azkaban. Why spend the money on trying to rehabilitate when it wo n't figure out ?"

"It 's about giving hoi polloi a probability,"Percy said."Not everyone is a lost cause and should be written off so quickly. Many prisoners have made a few bad alternative as a outcome of bad puerility and a bit of renewal will set them straight."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh said."Next query. Is Azkaban an appropriate place to theater prisoners ? Is the deftness still doing its job ?"

Harry Hotspur shifted a bit before answering."Azkaban is an appropriate facility for high security captive, but I have always felt that we need a less intimidating edifice to star sign our humbled protection prisoners. Right now all malefactor, from those who committed footling theft or skipped bail to those who have murdered people, are all housed in Azkaban. I have been to Azkaban. Despite the fact that it is no longer in ascendancy of the dementors it is still a terrifying and senior high security measures seat. It also requires a lot of money for its sustainment. If we were to work up a smaller building located on the mainland to house turn down security department prisoner, we would be able to decrease spending at Azkaban itself. We could then increase security measure at Azkaban without wasting effort and money on less grievous criminals."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"How is building another installation going to save money ?"Laurentis asked."Once again you show your ignorance in the discriminative system and Azkaban. I believe that Azkaban is doing its job perfectly well. I am in explosive charge of the prison, including its maintenance and it is in perfect condition. We are not spending an horrific amount of money on the place. Further, I do not believe that less dangerous criminal deserve a low-toned security prison. They are all outlaw and if they did not care to be in Azkaban, they should not bear committed a crime."

"Maintaining Azkaban is expensive,"Harry Hotspur said."It is also extremely difficult to hire guards because of its location and full general flavor of the place, not to mention the severe outlaw. If we housed less dangerous criminal in another building, it would be comfortable to find guards to cultivate there. We could then use the safeguard leave to guard high security measures captive only to guard high security prisoner. We would no longer get to pine away them on lower security system prisoners."

"But we will still sustain to maintain Azkaban, and then another edifice,"Laurentis pointed out."It just makes far Thomas More sense to keep all criminal in one piazza and an island is a in force spot to do that-"

"Obviously not that good, given the escape-"

"Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh interrupted."You are speaking out of routine. It is meter to move on to the future question. In ignitor of the Recent epoch Azkaban break-out, what do you experience needs to be done to ensure it does not find again ?"

Laurentis gazed out over the crowd. Albus felt like she was looking directly at him, but assumed she just had that ability to come out to be looking every person in the eye at once. She then turned to Sir Henry Percy and gave him one of those creepy smiles that seemed to have become her theme song nervus facialis facial expression. Albus turned to Rose, who raised her supercilium and shrugged.

"I am well aware that I have remained tranquillity on the field of the break-out,"Laurentis began,"and I have done that on purpose. I see that all of the newsman in the back have their Quik-Quotes flight feather poised and prepare to write down my every word on this subject. Surely you 're all hoping to be the first to write my thoughts.

"You 're probably all assuming I will deny that there is anything wrong with the security system at the prison and that the break-out was a mere fluke and it wo n't occur again. I am not going to say either. There is a problem and if we do not fix it, it will fall out again. Every bingle one of those escape prisoners is highly grievous and if we do not recapture them soon, who knows what will happen. When they are captured, we will need to have got better security in station. After all, what is more crucial that the safety of our children ? With those five prisoners roaming disengage, every person in this way, in this castle, in this country is in danger.

"Fortunately, I have a solution. It is a controversial result, but I feel we need to go to extremes to protect our family unit, especially our children. That is why if elected Minister, the starting time thing I will do is reinstate the dementors as Azkaban guards."


Sorry about the drop hanger ! I did n't need to do it but the chapter was twice as long as they normally are and there really was n't a good seat to split it. Thanks for all the pin-up follow-up !


Albus let out a gasp, as did everyone else in the room. The Great Hall was suddenly in topsy-turvydom. Everyone was whispering and a few the great unwashed had let out outcry of scandalisation or turmoil. Albus could practically hear the newsman'quill pen scratching across rolls of sheepskin, and Laurentis was grinning again. Sir Henry Percy stood behind his podium, his mouth seeming to be frozen in a wide, gaping position. Farleigh was attempting to gain order, and failing.

"That is literally insane !"blush wine exclaimed."Reinstate the dementors ? Is she mad ? Is she throwing the election ?"

"I do n't cognise,"Albus said."But she must be mad. Will people actually approve of this ? Will she even be able to do it ?"

Rose nodded."Whoever she gets to replace herself as oral sex of Azkaban will surely want the dementors back, too. Then she 'll approve it as Minister and it 'll pass."

"But it would be pudding head to wreak them back,"Albus said.

"It would,"rose wine agreed."They 're severe and their allegiance changes so easily. But to be honest, I 'm not for certain everyone will feel that way. Not with those prisoner on the loose."

"placidity, calm down !"professor Kendrick shouted. The gang finally settled down.

"Mr. Weasley, it is your turn of events to speak,"Farleigh said exasperatingly.

Percy shook his head to regain his composure. He 'd lost his cool, calm, and collected politician look and now he looked more like he did after arguing with Empire State of the South about her Quidditch calling.

"Well, I, er, do not believe that dementors are the answer to the security job in Azkaban,"Percy said."What we need are more skilled guards in charge of gamey security department captive as well as a revamp of the tour and enchantments currently keeping prisoners inside. It will also help oneself to go over the organization of the safeguard schedule because at the clock time of the outflow, only three guards were maintaining that part of the prison. That was surely an oversight that could have been prevented."

"man fault,"Laurentis said."It happens and it will happen again. Can we really risk the lives of our children in the opportunity that another error will happen ? Dementors were proven guards who did not leave prisoners to escape. During their reign in Azkaban, before their allegiance changed, only one person managed to fly the coop. Since their removal we have had numerous escapes."

"clear evidence that we need to vamp prison house security department,"Hotspur said."But dementors are not the answer. They are dangerous brute and as you said, their allegiance changed. What 's to say that wo n't happen again if, God forbid, another Voldemort were to rise to power ? If anyone offered those dementors a better muckle than we did they 'd accept a unharmed prison of dangerous criminal at their disposal to do their bidding. It 's not worth the risk."

"Another Voldemort is not going to rise to superpower,"Laurentis said with a laugh."We have learned from our history and it wo n't happen again."

"You ca n't guarantee that,"Sir Henry Percy said."Even if there is a very small chance of it happening, it is not Worth risking having dementors guard Azkaban."

"Mr. Weasley, Ms. Laurentis,"Farleigh said."It is prison term to move on-"

"You are talking about a suppositional !"Laurentis exclaimed, throwing her script up in the air."I am talking about what is happening now ! Five dangerous criminals have escaped, four of whom were on Voldemort 's position during the war, and are out there, wreaking havoc as we speak. If the dementors were guarding Azkaban this never would ingest happened."

"Now look who 's talking hypotheticals !"Percy shouted back, ignoring Farleigh 's vain attempts to get both campaigner to stop talking."For all we know they would 've escaped anyway !"

Laurentis let out a cryptical laugh."Five captive escape when the dementors are allied with the Ministry ? That 's comical. Only one person was capable to do that and it was because he was an Animagus. None of the prisoners are Animagi. We test for that before admitting anyone to the prison."

"Be that as it may, dementors are grave magical wight. Not to remark the moral philosophy of subjecting prisoners to their effects-"

"Prisoners have no rightfulness,"Laurentis said."They give up their rights when they commit crimes-"

"staple human being rights !"Percy exclaimed."There are basic human right field that everyone deserves ! Talk about learning from our account. history tells us what happens when someone believes they are above others. Or do you not think the reign of Voldemort ?"

"I lost my mother to that war !"Laurentis said."Do n't you tell me that I do n't remember it."

Albus was on the edge of his ass. His uncle was so red in the face that he was starting to turn purple and resemble Kaden 's grandfather. Laurentis 's hair was breaking destitute from its besotted bun and there was a vena popping out in her forehead. Farleigh was still trying to get both campaigner to turn back talking and failing miserably, while every other somebody in the Great manor hall sat completely still, staring at Harry Hotspur and Laurentis.

"Silence !"Professor Kendrick shouted in a magically amplified voice.

Both Percy and Laurentis immediately quieted. The vein on Laurentis 's forehead continued to shudder, and Percy still looked like an overripe tomato.

"I think we 've run out of time,"Farleigh said, in a spokesperson barely more than a close call."Thank you all for coming."

"scholarly person, please return to your vulgar room,"Kendrick announced."tiffin will be in an hour. As a reminder, there is no dubiousness and solution seance today."

The whispering rose up immediately after Kendrick stopped speaking and since everyone was whispering the randomness floor rose very high. Albus, Rose, and Amanda joined the queue of the great unwashed ambling to leave the Great Charles Martin Hall, and without even talking about it, went immediately to the Marauder 's Den, where they found John and Kaden.

"What the bloody hell is she trying to do ?"John asked as soon as Albus shut the threshold.

"She 's lost her mind !"blush wine shouted as she began pacing around the room."She has legitimately lost her creative thinker. That 's the alone explanation."

"Well there 's no way she 'll win now,"Albus pointed out."Dementors ?"

"It 's a bit convenient, do n't you think ?"rosebush asked."This break-out happens and then she announces she wants the dementors back ? It did n't go like a programme she 'd just come up with."

"We 've got to find out if she 's tried to get them back before,"Albus said."If she has it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

"Dementors ..."Kaden murmured."They 're what sucked all the happiness out of us when we were in Australia last yr, right ?"

Albus nodded."They 're awful creatures."

"And they used to hold the prison ?"Amanda asked incredulously."That 's just wrong."

"It is,"pink wine said darkly."That 's why after Voldemort they stopped using them as guards. That and all the dementors changed dedication and let last Eaters escape."

"Would they even come back, though ?"Kaden asked."I mean, if they switched allegiance so easily ...."

"They 'll go wherever they 're offered the most man to feed off of."Rose shuddered."Voldemort offered them far more than even Azkaban could declare oneself. But right now they do n't have a honorable origin. They just travel around, feeding. They 'll hold if given the opportunity."

"Should n't hoi polloi be against it ?"Amanda asked."It 's so ethically wrong."

"That 's why it was dumb of her to declare it,"Albus pointed out.

"She would n't announce anything if she did n't think it would get her ballot,"rose wine said."to the highest degree people our parents'age and aged, who lost loved ones in the war, will have absolutely no sympathy for Death feeder and would n't worry if the dementors were brought back, especially if Laurentis could then assure no one would escape."

Albus had n't thought of that and apparently no one else did, either, because the elbow room grew quiet. Albus sank onto one of the sofa and started counting the act of Bertie Bott 's Every-Flavor dome that were scattered on the base. He got to 23 before anyone said anything.

"I wonder what Malfoy thinks of all this,"toilet mused."Was n't his dad a Death Eater ? So he should n't want the dementors back in Azkaban, but the way he was talking in the Three broomstick a while back made it seem like he 's very against your uncle."

"Of course he 's against my uncle,"Albus said."His whole family dislikes my totally phratry and it goes the early way, too. But his dad was never found guilty of his crimes so he never did clock time in Azkaban."

"Surely his dad 's got friends there,"John said.

Albus shrugged."Probably."To be honest, he did n't really care what Malfoy thought about Laurentis and Uncle Percy.

"We should go to lunch and then visit Matt,"Rose said."apprehension him up on all this."

Albus had completely forgotten that Matt was still in the infirmary wing, in the thick of Laurentis 's announcement. He felt vaguely shamefaced about it, but at least Rose had remembered.

Everyone gathered for dejeuner in the Great Hall was talking about Laurentis 's desire to fetch back the dementors. Percy, Laurentis, and the Ministry functionary were still there, having dejeuner with the professors at the staff table, and all were deep in discussion. Albus would 've loved to be able to listen in on their conversations, but wearing the Invisibility Cloak in the crowd Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall was n't a good mind.

"Better get used to the idea of your dad being government minister,"one of the seventh years was saying to Omar Bradley."No one 's going to vote for Laurentis now."

Bradley muttered something under his intimation that Albus could n't hear. Albus took a seat a few people down from his cousin and began to pass water a sandwich.

"She 's got my unscathed family 's votes now,"one of the other 7th years said."Both of my grandparents were killed by Fenrir greyback. If the dementors will catch him and save him in there forever, it 'd pee all of us sleep better."

There were a few nods from other erstwhile scholarly person sitting nearby. Albus was slightly shocked. If this many students approved of her estimation, a lot of grownup probably did, too. And these were seventh years ; they could vote.

"waiting, the dementors find outlaw, too ?"Kaden asked."I thought that 's what Aurors did."

"Only the really awful escaped prisoners,"Albus said."My dad 's Godfather, Sothis, when he escaped, the dementors were given permit to leave him the Dementor 's osculation if they caught him."

"What 's the Dementor 's Kiss ?"Amanda asked.

Albus shuddered."It 's where they suck out soul 's soul."

"And they die ?"Amanda asked quietly.

Albus shook his principal."No, they live without a soul. Everyone says it 's worse than dying."

"And they were going to do that to Sirius ?"Kaden replied.

Albus nodded."He was the first to escape Azkaban. He 's the one Laurentis was talking about and at the clock time everyone thought he murdered thirteen Muggles and gave my grandparents up to Voldemort."

"That 's absolutely frightful !"Amanda exclaimed. She turned to the few sixth and seventh years who had said they 'd vote for Laurentis."How can you wish that on someone ?"

"If your grandparents were murdered by Death eater you would, too,"one of the lady friend snapped.

"Albus 's grandparents were murdered by Voldemort and he does n't want the dementors back at Azkaban,"Amanda pointed out.

"Well, Voldemort 's stagnant,"the lady friend said."Maybe if Rebel were dead I 'd feel differently. But he 's not so I want the dementors back."

"I do n't call back she 's going to lose as easily as we thought,"Amanda said quietly.

"Of course she 's not,"Rose said."This is probably better for votes than digging up poop on Uncle Percy."

"It 's absolutely barbaric,"Amanda said, shoving her home forward."Sucking out mortal 's soulfulness ? And they just suck your well-chosen retentiveness out ?"

"Yeah,"Albus answered, thinking back to the premature June. He shuddered."You 're forced to live over your worst memories."

"That 's all you can think about ?"Amanda asked."Just the bad single ?"

Albus nodded."My dad said it makes you go mad after a while."

"Of class it does !"Amanda shouted."That 's just not right ! Are you lot done eating yet ? I ca n't sit here anymore."

Albus was surprised Amanda had had such a strong reaction to the dementors, but he supposed coming from the Muggle world, where she had n't even known such brute existed, it would be a bit of a shock. He was even more storm that she 'd nearly gotten into a shouting compeer with a one-seventh year over them, when she was normally so quiet.

"I 'm done,"Rose said.

"Me, too,"Albus said as he got up.

trick and Kaden each grabbed the remaining halves of their sandwiches and followed the others out of the Great dormitory. Amanda lead the way, stomping her feet a bit more forcefully than was necessary.

"It 's just unseasonable on so many levels !"she said as she led them to the hospital flank."It 's torment, honestly. That 's what it is. emotional torture. Ca n't they just be killed off or something ?"

"They do n't die,"blush wine said."They ca n't. They just kind of ... exist. Once my mum gets give-and-take of this, well, she 's not going to stay quiet."

"And she should n't,"Amanda said."Can she check Laurentis ?"

"Not if Laurentis is parson,"Rose answered."Right now Mum 's the senior assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, so if Laurentis tried to get this to pass now, my mum could facilitate stop it. But rector Hartwell would never put something like this through."

"They 're maculate creatures,"Amanda continued."Having them guard anything or anyone is a severe idea."

Albus decided now would not be a proficient time to recite Amanda that when his dad was a third yr Hogwarts was guarded by dementors.

"A dementor went after my dad once,"Kaden announced as they continued to the Hospital Wing."Albus 's dad saved him with a Patronus. Then he nearly got expelled for doing underage conjuring trick in the front of a Muggle."

"You 're kidding,"Amanda said."God, the Ministry really was screwed up when your parents were at Hogwarts. This is the sort of matter Embry should be using as examples."

"I doubt it 's a well-known fact,"Albus said."That the famous Harry Potter nearly got expelled."

"It 's a serious object lesson of injustice,"Amanda said.

"You sound just like my mum,"blush wine said."It 's creepy. Does n't she ?"

Albus agreed."You do sound just like her mum."

"Your mum has the right mind,"Amanda said as they reached the Hospital Wing.

matt was the alone patient in the ward. The curtain were n't drawn around his bed and he was sitting up and eating a pipe bowl of soup, which was a good sign. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, working on charts, and muttering to herself about something.

"Hey, how are you feeling ?"Albus asked when they got to his bed.

"amercement,"Matt said."3 cracked rib and a lot of smutty gash, but I 'm okay. Listen, I heard the debate. ma'am Pomfrey had it on on the wireless. How insane is Laurentis ? ! You should have heard Madam Pomfrey ranting about her earlier."

"You 're not to ingeminate what you heard,"gentlewoman Pomfrey said."But Albus and rose, you can tell your uncle that he 's got my vote. Always thought he was a niggling overblown when he was at Hogwarts but at to the lowest degree he 's not dumb enough to employ dementors as guards of Azkaban."

"Amanda 's on a violent disorder,"Albus said.

"It 's kind of funny,"John added.

"It is not laughable !"Amanda exclaimed."It 's serious."

"It 's just that you 're so quiet, but you got into it with that 7th year."

"I did not get into it with a 7th twelvemonth !"Amanda shouted and turned to Matt."John 's exaggerating. She announced that she and her family were all going to vote for Laurentis because her grandparents were killed by Greyback and she wants to make certainly he stays in prison."

Matt toyed with his mantle and did n't meet Amanda 's eye.

"What ?"she asked."Do n't tell me you want the dementors in Azkaban."

"I do n't,"Matt said quickly."It 's not that. It 's the hale Greyback thing, I can classify of see where she 's coming from. It 's got to be scarey, knowing he 's out there when he killed her grandparents .... I mean, I guess I 've always been sort of lucky. The cuss who bit me is in prison and has been since he bit me."

Albus had never heard mat talking about the werewolf who bit him, except for mentioning that he 's in prison.

"He gets out adjacent year,"Matt said quietly."He can get paroled."

"Do you have intercourse much about him ?"Albus asked.

"Just his name and how old he was,"Matt said."My parents know a bit more but they 've never told me and I 've never asked."

"Is the Aussie prison guarded by dementors ?"Amanda asked.

mat shook his head teacher."No, and it never has been. And I do n't recollect prisons should be guarded by dementors. But Calidris canutus ... he 's scary. He 's bad than Silas Humphrey, that was the bloke who bit me. Humphrey 's attack on me, that was an chance event. Greyback bit people on purpose. He 'd bite masses and then grow them in his pack. That 's why he liked going for kids. Teddy 's dad ... Greyback bit him and tried to get his parents to give him up. They did n't, of course, but a lot of parents did."

Albus swallowed hard. He had n't known that about slip 's dad and was n't even sure enough if shimmy knew that. shimmy 's dad 's parents died long before Teddy was born and Albus doubted his grandmother knew that.

"How 'd you find that out ?"Albus asked.

"When we first moved here Amy learned about shimmy 's dad when she was catching up on Brits History of Magic. She told me all about him and how successful he wound up being just to take a leak me feel better. But then I decided to research other werewolves and found out about Greyback in one of my dad 's books. It talked about his whole thing with biting kids. It never said teddy 's dad specifically was one of those Thomas Kyd but I figured he must 've been."

"That 's horrible,"Albus said quietly. The others nodded.

"He had a whole pack of werewolves to do his bidding,"Matt said."And now he 's out. What if he wants to do that again ?"

"morsel multitude and piss a pack ?"Albus asked.

matte nodded."That or see hoi polloi who 've already been bitten."

Albus saw where this was going now."He 's not going to find you. Hogwarts is safe."

"That 's what everyone always says, but the yesteryear few years it really has n't. think back last year ?"

"Technically we were n't in the rook when we got taken to Australia. We were in the Floo. So if we just stay in the castle ..."Albus pointed out.

"It 's still not a guarantee,"matt said."I wonder how many people he bit last night."

Albus did n't answer. There was no way of knowing what Fenrir Limnodromus griseus did during the full moon, just like there was no way to vouch that Hogwarts would be prophylactic. All Albus and his champion could do was hope that it would be dependable and that the hightail it Death Eaters would be recaptured soon. Albus still thought having dementors guard Azkaban was an absolutely terrible idea, but after listening to matte talk about Silas Humphrey and Fenrir Johnny Reb, he sorting of understood why some people might want the dementors back at Azkaban and thus vote for Laurentis. She might even get elected just because of this. And that, when it came down to it, was what scared Albus the most.


A/N : No cliffhanger this prison term ! Thanks for all the wonderful reviews ! If you like vulture era, please check out my raw novel, Between Here and Somewhere !


"I guess Laurentis has been trying to get the dementors reinstated in Azkaban for years,"Albus said the following morning at breakfast, as he set down a written matter of the Prophet.

The article on the debate had been a long one, taking up nearly the entire front pageboy. It featured a photograph of Hotspur and Laurentis arguing with each other, and Albus was able to see his uncle 's face turning steadily more purple, despite the fact that the picture was in black and livid. The article that followed detailed Laurentis 's apparently years-long safari to bring the dementors back. She had put the proposition up for vote four times and it was shot down by Minister Hartwell each clip.

"Of class he shot it down,"Rose said after skimming the article."It 's a pillock thought. Oh, look, they 've quoted my mum. I 'll interpret it. 'Hermione Weasley, elder Assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, when asked about Laurentis 's proposal, said, 'It 's absolutely barbarian. Everybody, including prisoners, have basic homo right that can not be broken. I thought we 'd moved past the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. when the Ministry sanctioned emotional vilification of its captive and the thought that a woman running for minister is proposing this is quite frankly horrifying. It is my sincere hope that the people of wizarding Britain will think long and strong about the impression this will have, not only on prisoners, but on our society as well, before they cast their voter turnout in April. ''"

"Always one to speak her mind, your mum,"Albus said.

"I could n't correspond more,"Amanda replied."Although if Laurentis wins I bet she gets sacked."

"She ca n't,"pink wine said."Her job is n't appointed solely by the minister. If she were head of the department, then yes, but she is n't head yet. It 's confusing."

"Good,"Amanda said."We 'll want some sane citizenry in there if Laurentis is elected."

"What are you lot doing today ?"King John asked, steering the conversation away from the election."Kaden and I are going to pass the day plotting our new prank."

"I do n't want to know,"blush wine said, holding up her hands."I 'm probably going to go to the library."

"I 'll go with you,"Amanda said."I want to research dementors and their use in Azkaban."

"Quidditch practice,"Albus replied."All day. We 've got to get ready for the mate on Sabbatum against Ravenclaw. After the last couple, we 've got to produce indisputable we we win by a nice amount of gunpoint if we 're going to takeover Slytherin 's topographic point for the Cup."

"Oh yeah,"Kaden said."Whatever happened with that Olivia girlfriend ? She had a huge jam on Henry James, did n't she ?"

Albus laughed."I 've no idea."

"She sent Epistle of James a box of chocolates for Christmas,"Cedric, who had been sitting adjacent to Albus, whispered."But you did n't learn that from me."

"I was there when he opened his presents,"Albus said.

"She gave them to him before we went home for the holiday,"Cedric explained."She hijacked our thestral carriage and bruise up riding to the train with us."

"How awkward was that ?"Albus asked, still giggling.

"Very,"Cedric said as he glanced over his shoulder."She stared at him the whole time."

"Creepy,"Albus said.

"Shh,"Cedric said."He 's coming over."

"I think I 'm going to go visit matt before Quidditch practice,"Albus said."I 'll see you later ?"

"Sure,"Rose said."You know where to find me."

"And us !"John announced."Marauder 's Den. Prank planning."

"I do n't want to be involved,"Albus said as he got up.

John shrugged."suit yourself."

Albus hurried up to the infirmary offstage and managed to get inside without ma'am Pomfrey noticing, although the nanny would n't have minded him being there. But she was very preoccupied with two bookman who had somehow fused their provide arms together. matte was already alert and much cheery than he had been the premature day, when talking about Greyback. He was pretty trusted gentlewoman Pomfrey was going to let him out that night, so they agreed to conform to in the Marauder 's Den just before dinner party.

Quidditch practice session went very well and Albus was fairly sure they would beat Ravenclaw on Saturday. No one mentioned the election or Laurentis 's wanting to fetch back the dementors, which was a surely foretoken that matter were getting back to normal at Hogwarts. Albus spent the residuum of the day in the Marauder 's Den working on his preparation with matte while trying to avoid hearing any role of Saint John and Kaden 's new prank.

The week went by quickly since Albus spent every moment he was n't in class on the Quidditch pitch. But the weather remained decent so it was gratifying. The only day Albus was n't on the pitch was Th, when he had dueling practice.

"When 's the following tournament ?"Amanda asked as she and Albus walked into the Transfiguration schoolroom, where they were were scheduled to practice. heather mixture was there to supervise, sitting in a niche. A few of the team members were there already, including Malfoy.

"Weekend after this one,"Albus said."I think we 'll do well."Albus glanced over to Malfoy, expecting some sort of snarky comeback from him. But he was n't even paying attention. Instead he was hunched over a foresightful piece of parchment."marvel what he 's doing ?"

Amanda shrugged."Last hour prep ?"

Suddenly, Malfoy sat up neat and crumpled the art object of parchment. He shoved it into his pocket and stood up, staring at Albus as he did so. He looked sullen and averted his oculus after only a few seconds.

"I do n't intend that 's preparation,"Albus said.

"Weird,"Amanda said.

"Very,"Albus agreed."Let 's get started ! I think we should practice blocking."He took a sideways glance at Malfoy, expecting him to scoff and claim that they already knew how to choke up, but instead Malfoy just turned to the student nighest to him and began to do as Albus said. What was even uncanny was that the student he partnered with was a second year Hufflepuff. Albus blinked to take a crap sure he was n't seeing things and then began shooting spells at Amanda while she blocked them.

The practice session got stranger as the Nox went on, in terms of Malfoy 's behavior. Not once did he back guess what Albus said and he did n't say one word to anyone that was n't directly related to dueling. ling raised her eyebrows at Albus on numerous occasions since she had supervised Albus 's practices before and knew how much Malfoy usually tried to be the captain. He ran out of the room as soon as the pattern was over, looking vaguely upset, as he had at the debate.

"That was the strangest thing ever,"Amanda said as she and Albus walked back to the Gryffindor common elbow room."And I witnessed my crony attempt to brew a potion this past summertime and salute it, thinking that it would turn him into a wizard."

Albus burst out laughing."Was he really disappointed that he did n't get a Hogwarts alphabetic character ?"

Amanda nodded."I never thought he would but did n't tell him that. But do you have any idea why Malfoy did n't argue with you tonight ?"

"I 've no idea,"Albus said."But I really hope he stays this way."

"I bet it had something to do with whatever he was reading when we walked in."

"I wonder what it was."

Amanda shrugged."No approximation, but I wish I did. It 's just so odd."

"Whatever it is, I hope it keeps him like this during future workweek 's tournament."

"Albus ! What if it 's something really awful ?"Amanda asked.

Albus had n't thought about that."Well, we do n't know that it is, so I do n't give birth to think about it."

"Albus, I doubt anything commodity would score Malfoy close up like that,"Amanda reasoned."I 'm just saying, it might be something awful."
***


Gryffindor 's tendency to play Quidditch during really bad weather came up in full force on Sabbatum, when the unseasonably warm temperatures decided to desert Hogwarts. In its place were freezing cold temperatures and a howling snow storm that probably should have resulted in the equal being canceled. But since Hogwarts never canceled Quidditch, Albus was preparing himself for a low match. He wished they could have got nice weather, like they had when they played Slytherin in November.

The last time Albus had played in a storm this bad he 'd been in his second year and wound up in the infirmary wing with the flu afterward. He certainly did not want a repeat of that so he was hoping that Saint James would overhear the Snitch sooner rather than later.

"Fred, this is crazy,"Ryan said as they stood in the doorway of the changing rooms, waiting for the peer to lead off."There is literally no way to see the Snitch in this."

"There 's cipher I can do about it,"Fred snapped. Everyone could tell he was stressed about this match, since they 'd lost to Slytherin."We have to play unless Kendrick calls it off."

Ryan was right. Albus stared out onto the pitch and all he saw was white-hot. The snow was swirling and blowing and Albus could n't tell if more Snow was actually falling or if it was all just getting blown around. But either way, finding a Snitch in it was going to be near impossible.

"I 'll catch it,"Saint James said confidently."Do n't worry."

"We 're not going to be able to hear the commentary,"Fred said."Just grab it as soon as you can. Do n't worry about catching it after we 're up a sure number of points. We just need a win at this point."

There was a very blunt, quiet down roar of applause and Fred led the team out onto the pitch shot. The balls were released and Albus flew up into the raging tempest. Soon, he did n't know which way was up or down, let alone where the Quaffle was. After about ten instant of meandering around the pitch, not knowing where he was going, the Quaffle suddenly appeared. Albus caught it, but had no theme where the goal posts were.

Albus flew straight ahead, hoping it was in the right steering, but instead of reaching the goal posts, he reached the outdoor stage. Groaning, he turned and headed toward the goal posts. At to the lowest degree he now knew where they were. He managed to make, mostly because Ravenclaw 's steward did n't see him.

The match continued in bedlam, with no one knowing where anyone else was. Albus did n't see a single Bludger the unharmed time and assumed the Beaters were just trying to observe cart track of them rather than trying to get them to hit the inverse team 's players. Fred had been right about the commentary ; Albus could n't hear a word of it.

It felt like he was playing a match by himself. The only other players he saw were the Ravenclaw seeker, Fred, and Heather. They had given up chasing as a team and instead, when one of them got the Quaffle, they flew it down to the goal posts as substantially they could.

"Albus, Albus !"mortal shouted.

Albus turned and squinted, but he could n't hold out anyone flying near him.

"Albus !"

Albus continued flying in a circle trying to picture out who it was. He did n't even recognize their vox, but it could have been distorted by the wind. Finally, he began to gain out a figure flying toward him. It was Heather.

"Albus !"she shouted once she reached him."The equal has been canceled. We 're all to retrovert to our common room powerful now."

Albus nodded, figuring that Kendrick finally came to his sentiency. It was just unsufferable to dally a good game of Quidditch in a tempest like this.

When Albus and Heather finally reached the changing room they found the rest of the team sitting in their wet Quidditch robes, their faces picket. Albus noticed that even Heather looked slightly afraid.

"What 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"You were flying so senior high school, you probably did n't hear,"Fred said as Albus sat down."The match was n't canceled because of the weather."

"But it 's so bad out there,"Albus said."That match was pointless."

"One of the Ravenclaw first years,"Fred continued, ignoring Albus,"she was late to the match and on her way down she saw-"Fred paused, swallowing hard."She saw Fenrir Johnny Reb on the grounds."

"What ?"Albus exclaimed, suddenly feeling vile."But it 's so snowy. How could she possibly know for sure ?"

"She ca n't, of row,"Fred said."But she went running to Professor Longbottom as soon as she reached the pitch and told him. That 's when they canceled the match and sent everyone back to the castle."

As if he heard Fred reference his figure, Professor Longbottom walked into the changing way, looking scared himself."I 'm going to escort you all back to the common room. Wands out as we walk."

Albus drew his baton and followed the rest of his mate out of the changing room. They were all quiet on the paseo back to the castle since the storm was still raging. No one would make been able to hear anything anyone said, even if anyone felt like talking. Albus felt too ill to talk. The mentation of Fenrir Greyback being loose was bad enough, after hearing what Matt knew about him, but the mentation of him being here, on the Hogwarts footing, was too awed to even think about.

As they walked up to the palace and then up to Gryffindor tower Albus kept telling himself that it was fully potential that the Ravenclaw fille had n't seen Fenrir Greyback. She was probably just thinking about the escaped prisoners and imagined something. Albus had n't even been able to ready out his own cousin when she 'd been calling his name in this tempest. What were the chances of a low class being able to find fault out Fenrir Reb ?

But still ... what if it had been Greyback ? He had to be somewhere, so why not Hogwarts ?

The common room was buzzing with chatter when the team entered a light while later. Albus avoided everyone, including his acquaintance, until after he went up to his dormitory room to subscribe to a shower. He was shivering and felt awful and did n't want to babble to anyone until after he was in dry clothes.

To his surprise his Quaker were all gathered in his residence hall after he got out of the shower. Bilius and Ethan were n't there, and the door was shut.

"We ca n't go to the Marauder 's Den,"matt explained."We 're not allowed to pass on our common elbow room until further notice."

"Are they doing an investigation ?"Albus asked as he sat down on his bed."And what exactly happened ? Fred only explained a little before Longbottom came to take us back to the castle."

"It was unearthly,"Rose said."No one really be intimate what was happening because it was so snowy and the wind was so gimcrack. We could n't see the match, so we were just standing there using a lot of heating charms and hoping things would be over soon. But then we started hearing whisperings about Greyback on the grounds. Then, probably two minutes later, Kendrick magically amplified his voice and told us all that we 're to report back to our vulgar rooms immediately and to walk back with our wand out and in with child groups.

"So then, even though Kendrick never said for sure, we knew that someone had seen Greyback on the soil. It was so scary. Eventually we found out that one of the Ravenclaw first off years thought she saw him on her way to the match and told prof Longbottom. But besides that we do n't recognize much. No one 's told us anything for surely and we 've just been hanging out here and talking."

"But what 's he doing here ?"Kaden asked."And I thought there were Aurors guarding Hogwarts."

"It was planned,"Matt said."Do n't you see ? That storm out there is so bad that no one can see three foundation in front of them and the air current is so loud no one can take heed anything either. It was the everlasting day for him to purloin onto the grounds, and if that girl had n't seen him who knows what he would 've done."

"So you think she really saw him ?"Albus asked skeptically."You said it yourself, no one can see anything."

"For all we know he said something to her,"Matt said."No one knows the full storey yet."

"But why ?"Kaden asked."Seems really stupid to me. If he escaped he should be hiding out in the mountains, not going to Hogwarts where there are Aurors."

"Remember what I said after he escaped ?"matt asked quietly."This just confirms it. He 's going to try to create his own wolfman army again. He was insane before Azkaban ; imagine how unbalanced he is now. They do n't need dementors in prison to make people go insane."

"And you think-"

"That he came to try and cipher out how to best side himself to bite kids during the to the full lunar month ?"matte interrupted."Yeah, I do."

Albus shuddered."That 's sick."

"That 's what he does,"lusterlessness said. He looked more worried than everyone else."But what I do n't get is why it seems like he 's trying for Hogwarts nestling. end time he went for really young kids."

"But we do n't even cognize for certain that 's what he 's up to,"John pointed out."I mean it makes sense, but we still do n't know."

"Still,"matte said."You have to promise me you wo n't go outside during the full moonshine. I do n't require any of you joining me in the Shack."

lav looked skeptical."There 's former grounds why he could be here."

"promise me,"matte repeated, staring directly at St. John."It 's not worth the risk."

John shrugged."Yeah, I promise."Everyone else nodded.

"What about the residual of them ?"Amanda asked."Do you think they 're working together ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus began."I 'm sure the Carrows are together and Umbridge might be with them. But I doubt Willinson and Greyback are with them. The Carrows were last feeder, but greyback was n't technically a end feeder. Voldemort used him, but always thought he was scum because he 's a lycanthrope. The Carrows probably agreed. And Willinson, he 's got no connection, which is why I 'm still confused as to why he broke out with them."

"For all we know they left the door open and he followed,"whoremaster said with a laugh.

Amanda groaned."Everyone 's got their own cell in high security."

"Oh, yeah, I suppose you 're right,"John said.

"Two destruction eater, a war criminal, a wolfman, and Willinson,"Albus said."It 's so random. Why them ?"

"phone like the starting signal of a jest,"John said."Two Death Eaters, a war crook, a werewolf, and Willinson walk into a pub ...."

Matt groaned."Do n't even go there. I just really hope they catch him before the succeeding full synodic month. There was n't anything in the vaticinator about him biting anyone this last full moonlight, but I do n't call back he 'd go two Moon without biting. And there 's no way he 'd go on wolf's bane, even if he could get some."

"I wonder where the others are,"rose wine mused."You think they 're just hiding out ?"

"They must be,"Albus said."There have n't been any sightings."

There was a whang on the door and then it opened. King James walked inside and sat down on the end of Albus 's bed.

"Longbottom just came to talk to us,"he said."We 'll be allowed to leave the common room for dinner party, but not before that."

"Did they enamour him ?"matt asked anxiously.

"No,"James River said."But, Longbottom said the owner of Madam Puddifoot 's also saw him, so the Ravenclaw young lady probably did see him. They 've scoured Hogsmeade and there 's no signaling of him, though."

"Are they rescheduling the equal ?"Albus asked.

Saint James the Apostle nodded."Next Sat. Good thing, too, because I do n't suppose that one would 've ever ended. Do n't tell Fred, but there 's no way I would 've seen the Snitch."

"One upside to Rebel being on the primer coat, I guess,"Albus said.

"Lucky he did n't lash out that daughter,"mat said as James IV left."He attacks people even when he 's not transformed."

"He did that to my uncle Bill,"Albus said.

"Really ?"lusterlessness asked.

Albus nodded."At the end of my dad 's sixth year, the night Dumbledore was killed. He does n't transmute, but he likes really rare sum. Like hardly cooked at all meat."

"Eww !"Kaden exclaimed."That 's gross. hold, Matt, do you like really rarified sum ?"

lusterlessness grinned."Yeah. I hardly ever get it, though. Mum refuses to let me eat it because she thinks it 'll make me ill. And they do n't service it here."

"My uncle eats it all the time,"Albus said."Aunt Fleur likes her steaks pretty rare, too. So does slip for that matter."

"I like mine well done,"Kaden said.

"Now that 's what 's crying,"lustrelessness replied."I should ask the family elves to make me rare steak."

"They probably would,"rose said."They make you pretty much whatever you want."

"Let 's go tonight,"matte said."We have n't been down there in ages."

Kaden groaned."So we 're going to have to witness you eating a composition of raw meat ?"

"Not raw,"Matt said."Slightly cooked, bit of parentage dripping out."

"Oh, utter !"Kaden shouted."I 'm going back down to the common room."

Albus laughed and matte grinned as Kaden ran out of the room. There was nothing like a trip to the kitchens to get their brain off of Johnny and the early escaped convicts.


A/N : Sorry for the late update ! I totally forgot it was Friday. Thanks for all the wonderful reviews ! Please check out my Marauders fic, Between Here and Somewhere.


The start year who saw Greyback on the grounds became an instant Hogwarts celebrity. By the next day her entire chronicle had spread throughout the student body like wildfire, and every single mortal in the castle knew her name. She was Quinn Gregory, a tiny girl who looked like she belonged in the Weasley clan with her longsighted red hair and spraying of freckles across her face. Quinn seemed to be enjoying her newfound fame and always had a crowd of people around her, asking her to recount the story.

Albus, himself, had heard the history at to the lowest degree five times. Quinn had been running to the sales pitch, late, because she 'd spent a one-half hour trying to convince one of her roommates to go to the catch, but in the end her roomie had decided she did n't need to brave the violent storm. Quinn then spotted someone lurking near the greenhouses and went to investigate, but instead of finding another educatee, she found Fenrir Greyback. Apparently Johnny had said 'hi, slight girl'to Quinn, who then took off running even faster for the Quidditch pitch. Greyback then escaped to Hogsmeade and who knows after that.

As the week progressed Quinn 's narrative grew until it ended with her disarming Greyback after a twenty minute duel and running to the Quidditch sales talk in order to admonish the quietus of the students, rather than because she was scared. Albus was very happy that, for once, this had n't happened to him or one of his friend.

"surmisal what I heard today,"Kaden said as he entered the Marauder 's Den Friday eventide, after dinner party.

"What ?"Albus asked, looking up from the Marauder 's Map, which he 'd spent the last ten instant studying. John the Evangelist and Matt were in the way as well, matt studying and King John sorting Chocolate toad frog cards. rosebush was tutoring Elsie Willinson again and Amanda had gone with her.

"Quinn,"Kaden said as he sat down future to Albus."She 's now saying that Greyback stole her wand and she got away from him by kicking his kneecaps."

Albus burst out laughing."That 's cockeyed. She 's still got her wand."

"She claims Ollivander 's sent her an exact replica,"Kaden replied.

"But no two wands are the same,"privy pointed out."Everyone knows that."

"She 's Muggle-born,"Kaden pointed out."She might not."

"But still,"Albus said."She 's taken it too far. No one 's going to believe her now and it 's all going to die down."

Albus laughed as he looked back at the piranha 's Map. He 'd been checking it, both the Hogsmeade and Hogwarts incision, looking for Greyback every so often since utmost Saturday. He 'd yet to find anything remotely interesting on it, least of all Greyback or one of the other run con.

"Scorpius is leaving the castle,"Albus said, noticing the dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'was no longer in the Slytherin common room, but instead slowly making its way across the priming coat.

"What ?"Matt asked, closing his Word of God."But it 's eight o'clock. And it 's snowing."

"It 's him all right wing,"Albus said."Come see."

lusterlessness, St. John, and Kaden all crowded around Albus and they watched Scorpius 's dot change of location further and further from the castling. There were no early dots on the grounds, except Hagrid 's, and his was remaining stationary behind his hut. It did n't look that Malfoy was meeting anyone outside, nor did anyone go with him. It was odd, especially in light of his other odd behavior.

"I wonder what he 's up to,"Albus mused.

"We should pursue him,"Gospel According to John said."See what he 's up to."

"I agree,"Kaden said."No one goes outside at night during a violent storm for no intellect at all. He 's up to something."

"We 'd get caught,"Albus pointed out.

"And it 's freeze out,"Matt added.

"We 'll take your Invisibility Cloak,"St. John the Apostle said.

"I do n't consider we all fit anymore,"Albus said, not taking his name off Malfoy 's dot.

"Then Kaden and I can go,"King John replied.

"No way,"Albus said."It 's my cloak and I do n't want you having it when Filch catches you. He 'll impound it."

"Who says we 'll get caught ?"John asked.

Albus laughed and turned to attend at John."Of course you 'll get caught. And then my cloak will get taken away and I 'll never see it again and my dad will off me."

"Your dad 's Harry Potter,"John said."He 's not going to murder his own son."

"If he did Laurentis would bed it."Kaden laughed."I can see the headline now. 'Harry thrower Murders Own Son, Clearly Unfit For Duty. Weasley Still Supports Him .'”

"Oh shut it,"Albus muttered.

"Wait,"Matt said, staring at the map."He 's going to the Whomping Willow."

Albus looked back at the map and saw that flatness was mightily. Malfoy 's dot was slowing down and circling the tree, giving it a blanket mooring."What 's he doing ?"

"You do n't think he 's figured it out, do you ?"Matt asked.

"Well now we have to go after him,"John said, standing up.

matte nodded."Come on, Albus, let us direct your cloak."

"Fine,"Albus said, knowing that the battle was lost. Malfoy was at the Whomping Willow, which meant that this was now personal for Matt, and therefore, for all of them."But I still do n't know if we 'll all fit."

Albus walked over to his bed and located the cloak in one of the drawers beneath it. He rarely kept it in his dormitory anymore, since he and his supporter spent far more than meter in the Marauder 's Den than they did in the plebeian room.

"Let 's try it,"Albus said as his admirer walked over to him. They stood penny-pinching and Albus threw the cloak over them.

"Half my body is showing,"John said, turning to look at his still visible arm.

"And all our feet are showing,"Matt pointed out.

"That 's because Albus and John are giants,"Kaden asked, glancing up at the five inch of space that separated his head from the top of the cloak.

"Both of you are going to have to hunker down,"Matt said.

"But what about the fact that half my consistency is showing ?"John Lackland asked, yanking on the cloak.

"Now I 'm not under it at all,"lusterlessness said, yanking it back.

"I wish we could do Disillusionment charms,"Albus muttered."Too bad we do n't learn those until seventh year."

"rose could probably visualize them out,"John said."We should have her memorize them."

"Well we do n't sustain time for that now and we 're wasting clip arguing. Malfoy could be in the tunnel by now,"matte said.

"There are wards,"Albus pointed out.

"Still ..."Matt muttered.

"Fine,"John said."Albus and Matt can go and Kaden and I will stick around here."

"What ?"Kaden shouted."Why 'd you volunteer me to stay ?"

"Well, Albus is n't going to let anyone assume the cloak without him going and matte has to go since Malfoy 's by the Whomping Willow,"John said."That leaves you and me. I do n't imagine More than two of us are going to fit."

"Let 's go, then,"Matt said, yanking the cloak off of John and Kaden and repositioning it over himself and Albus."See you in a bit."

Albus nearly had to run to hold open up with mat and keep himself crouched down enough to stay hidden, and that was saying something since usually Albus was much degenerate than Matt. The two of them said nothing on their way down to the front door and were n't noticed by any of the students or prof they passed.

"Remember, we 've got to be back before curfew,"Albus said once they shut the front door."We do n't want to be locked out like back in endorse year."

"This is total deja vu,"matte added."Two years ago we caught Kaden messing with the Whomping Willow. That 's when Kendrick added the wards."

"But unlike with Kaden, I do n't intend we 'll wind up friends with Malfoy after,"Albus pointed out.

The grounds were very quiet, the simply sound being the crunching of their feet in the Snow. Albus carefully vanished their step as they walked, while Matt led them down the path to the Whomping willow. It was very cold-blooded and snowy, which reminded Albus even more of the time they got locked out of the castle after sneaking into the Shrieking Shack.

"Is he even still there ?"Matt asked quietly when they were halfway to the tree diagram.

Albus paused and pulled the predator 's Map out of his pocket. Scorpius 's dot was still walking methodically in a circle around the tree."Yeah, he 's there."

flatness nodded and they continued walking. Neither of them had lit their wands, so they slowed down in order to not be hit by the willow tree 's heavy offset. Finally they reached it and stood just outside its hitting range, waiting for Malfoy to come back around.

The Slytherin boy was wrapped in a thick cloak and pacing with his brain always turned toward the tree diagram. He had his wand out and did n't appear to notice that he had been joined by Albus and Matt. Albus glanced at lustrelessness as Malfoy walked past them, unsure of whether to call his attention to their presence. Since they were invisible, they could just stand there and look out him.

"There 's got to be a way,"Malfoy muttered."Every Mary Augusta Arnold Ward has a unaccented power point. They do n't all net forever."

Albus could now see that Malfoy was sending various hexes and jinxes into the wards, but they were all deflecting away. As he rounded the tree diagram once more, a hex bounced off the hospital ward and nearly hit Albus, who had to jump out of the way to avoid it. His leg slipped out from underneath the cloak in the process, but Malfoy did n't see it.

"It 's got to work,"Malfoy said."There 's no other way in ...."

"Into where ?"flatness mouthed. Albus shrugged.

They waited for Malfoy to make another circle around the tree diagram and this time one of the hexes reflected off the wards and toward Matt, who jumped to get out of the way, but tripped over a partially buried tree root instead. He fell over, yanking the cloak down with him, leaving both himself and Albus exposed. flatness let out a stream of curses and a cry of pain. Albus heard a sickening compaction as he fell and hoped it was the tree root and not matte 's leg.

"Who 's there ?"Malfoy shouted, aiming his baton at Albus and lusterlessness. He lit it and his expression visibly paled."What are you two doing here ?"

Albus lit his own wand. flatness was still sitting in the Charles Percy Snow."I could ask you the Saami affair, Malfoy,"Albus said.

Albus pointed his wand at matt and reached down to help him up. He was clutching his articulatio radiocarpea and his face was as pale as Malfoy 's, although for dissimilar cause.

"I said, what are you two doing here ?"Malfoy repeated, not sounding very confident.

"Following you,"Albus said simply, thinking honesty would be the undecomposed policy here. After all, all three of them were breaking the convention. Not much degree in denying it or making up alibi.

"How did you know I was here ?"Malfoy asked. His wand arm was now trembling, although Albus did n't know if it was from the cold or fear.

"Saw you leave the castle,"Albus said."Figured we 'd see what you were up to."

"What do you want with the tree ?"Matt demanded. His vox sounded pained.

Malfoy 's backtalk turned up in a sly grin."Once again, you just confirmed my intuition. This tree 's how you get into the shrieking Shack. I did a little more research, and turns out this thing was planted the same year the Shrieking shanty was built. The same twelvemonth Remus lupin started going to Hogwarts. That Shack 's all boarded up so I figured there must be some sort of tunnel leading to it and what better way to hide a tunnel than to put a murderous tree above it ? worry is, I ca n't disable the wards. Bet you can, though."

"Why ?"Matt asked. Albus heard him inspire sharply and began to wonder if his articulatio radiocarpea was broken."Why do you want to get in there ?"

"Ca n't order you,"Malfoy said.

"Well, I 'm not disabling the wards,"matt said.

"I 'll figure it out eventually,"Malfoy said.

Albus wanted to ask him about his behavior at dueling practices so badly. They 'd had another practice the previous day and again, Malfoy had n't said two password to anyone. It was just unknown. Bur Albus figured that even if he asked, Malfoy would n't resolve.

"It 'd be mute, you know,"Matt said."Going into the scream Shack."

"Well I would n't go in on a entire moon, moron,"Malfoy said."Believe it or not this has nothing to do with you or your malefic side. I could n't give care less that you 're a filthy werewolf. I have better things-"

Albus jabbed his wand into Malfoy 's pectus, nearly knocking him over in the process. His centre was pounding and he could finger heat rising up in his body."You. drive. That. Back,"he seethed.

"Albus, do n't,"Matt said.

Malfoy scowled."No. I wo n't, because it 's true. I do n't care. It was the mystery that I liked and zilch more. You do n't bonk the half of what 's going on or why I want that shanty. He only uses it one night out of 28. I want it the former twenty-seven. I do n't get why that 's such a huge deal."

"What 's going on over there ?"a loud part boomed over the cause."Eh, what 're yeh doing ?"

Albus quickly moved his wand and pointed it elsewhere. It was one thing to get caught on the grounds after dark but another to be caught threatening another student. He pointed his wand in the direction of the vocalization and saw Hagrid making his way toward them, his big Newfoundland, Fetch, at his side.

"Albus ?"Hagird asked as he drew nearer."Matt ? What 're yeh doing out here ? And Malfoy ?"

"Er, nothing,"Albus muttered.

"fountainhead, yer breaking the formula so I 'm going to have to call for yeh to Longbottom,"Hagrid said and then turned to Malfoy."And you 'll ingest to see Slughorn."

"hospital wing,"Matt said."First."

Hagrid turned to Matt and looked at his wrist."O'course,"he said."What did yeh do ?"

"Tripped over a source,"mat said."Landed on a rock."

Hagrid nodded and clapped Matt on the back, a motion clearly meant to comfort him but instead nearly knocked him over again. After he recovered they set off for the castling, walking next to Hagrid. Malfoy followed at a little space. Hagrid did n't ask them what they were doing by the Whomping Willow again, although Albus had a tone he probably knew. After all, he knew why the tree was there and the fact that Matt was a werewolf.

The castle was much emptier when they returned than when they had left. Albus only saw a few prefects doing their one shot and realized that curfew must give passed. So much for not getting in problem.

Hagrid walked them to the hospital wing and left Albus and Matt there while he then escorted Malfoy to Slughorn 's cogitation. Malfoy had remained quiet during the entire paseo, but lost the sneer he 'd worn when he insulted flatness.

"I thought you lot had grown out of this,"lady Pomfrey said as she examined Matt 's wrist."This sneaking about in the dead of Nox, following hoi polloi. At least you did n't get locked out this time.

"Yes, your wrist is definitely broken. But I can mend it quickly."

lady Pomfrey took her scepter out of her gown and pointed it at Matt 's wrist. She muttered a charm and instantly, his wrist was healed.

"Thanks,"matte said, bending his wrist.

"You 're welcome,"the nurse replied. She hurried over to a cabinet and returned with a chalice of potion."Take this for the bother and you 'll be soundly as new. No indigence to stay the night. I know you stay here enough as it is. You 're to hold off here until prof Longbottom comes to collect you."

matt nodded and downed the potion in one large draft. Albus sat down next to him on the bed and they waited for Longbottom. Albus did n't think Hagrid had seen him with his sceptre pointed at Malfoy, so his penalization should n't be too bad.

"You do n't remember he 'll produce you miss Quidditch tomorrow, do you ?"lustrelessness asked.

Albus had n't thought of that."I hope not. Fred would kill me."

The threshold to the ward opened and Professor Longbottom walked inside. He looked tired and slightly annoyed. He sighed and shook his oral sex when he saw Albus and Matt.

"You two again ?"he asked."Hagrid said you were on the grounds after curfew ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied. He always felt uncanny calling Professor Longbottom 'sir', but figured it could n't hurt in this position.

"Should I bother asking why ?"Longbottom replied.

Albus shook his oral sex, knowing that telling Longbottom why would n't get them any fewer detentions, nor would it end Malfoy from trying to figure out how to get into the screech Shack.

"I 'll crap this easy, then,"Longbottom said."Ten points from Gryffindor, each. And you 'll both wait on detention tomorrow, immediately following the Quidditch peer. Lines, in my power. I 'll see you then."Longbottom turned to impart. He nodded to gentlewoman Pomfrey as he walked to the door."goodness night, Poppy."

"Good night, Neville,"Madam Pomfrey said.

Albus and flatness said good Nox to the nurse and then left the Aaron Montgomery Ward, both automatically going back to the common room rather than the Marauder 's Den. If they were caught outside of Gryffindor tower twice in one night they 'd get a much worse penalization than twenty lost stage and a detention. Albus thought they 'd gotten off easy, to be honest. He wondered what Slughorn had set for Malfoy.

John, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda were waiting for them when they got back. can and Kaden were smirking.

"Do n't say a Christian Bible,"Albus muttered."I knew whoever followed him would get caught."

"Figured you did, seeing as you 've been gone for over an hour,"John said."What 's your punishment ?"

"Detention tomorrow after Quidditch and we each lost ten point,"Albus said.

"You got off promiscuous,"Kaden replied."If it had been me and whoremaster we would 've gotten three detentions."

"I think Longbottom took pity on us because Matt broke his wrist while we were out there,"Albus said.

John laughed."Of line he did."

"Shut it,"matte said."It really hurt. I was dodging a curse that Malfoy sent to the Willow that reflected off the wards."

"Did you find anything utile out ?"rose wine asked."Not that I approve of this."

Albus and Matt explained what had happened, including the part where Malfoy insulted matt and Albus nearly hexed him.

"Very odd,"rosiness mused."What can he possibly want the Shack for ? And what did he mean when he said he had other stuff going on ? What other clobber could he possibly have going on besides school ?"

"Whatever he 's got going on with Willinson ?"John suggested."Surely Felix knows what his cousins are up to and Malfoy 's always involved with that."

Albus shrugged."Maybe. But why would he need the hovel ?"

"Who knows,"Gospel According to John said.

"I bet it 's got something to do with that letter,"Amanda said."And why he 's acting so strangely lately."

"Speaking of acting strangely, Elsie Willinson is still acting weird,"pink wine said."I thought she would 've adjusted by now, but she has n't. She does n't seem to give birth any friends."

"doe her brother still pick her up from tutoring ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"Rose replied."It 's very odd. I asked her if she wanted to hang out with me and Amanda until curfew, but she said she could n't. So I said maybe another prison term and she said probably not."

"That 's odd,"Saint John said."Clearly they 're up to something."

"They 're always up to something,"Albus pointed out."I 'd love to have a go at it what it is, though. I wonder if they 've been in contact with Quinton."

"They 'd be stupid to be,"Rose said."Kendrick did n't punish Felix for what happened to Kaden two years ago, telling him if he did it again he 'd get expelled."

"I still say you 've got to figure out what 's up with Elsie,"John said.

"I 'm trying,"pink wine insisted."It 's not as easy as you 'd think. She hardly talks at all."

"Just continue trying,"John said.

"Team !"Fred suddenly shouted from across the common room."Off to bed, all of you ! We 've got a second chance at this and let 's not ruin it by staying up all night."

Albus did n't indicate. Turning in early was a full thought and he was actually quite tired after his excursion to the Whomping willow. He bade good Nox to his friends and went up to his quiet down, empty dormitory. It did n't take him long to fall asleep and he dreamt of playing Quidditch with Malfoy while the two of them dodged the Whomping willow on brooms.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews ! I am doing Camp NaNoWriMo again this month ( probably not a honorable mind ... ), and I 'm writing this for it, so hopefully I 'll finish it !



The weather condition for the rematch was vastly different from the late Sat 's conditions. The sky seemed to be all out of C and the sun was shining. Although it was still bitterly common cold, there was little wind. Albus hoped the match would be a long one since as soon as it was over, he had to suffice detention with professor Longbottom.

Albus went down to the Great mansion by himself for breakfast. His early night had given way to him waking up far sooner than he normally did. It was nice being able to linger over breakfast, though, and concentrate on the upcoming match rather than interact with his Friend. As he ate, the Great Hall slowly filled. He had just finished the last of his eggs when the spot owls arrived.

Albus observed the bird of Minerva and did n't recognize any of them. Clearly he was not receiving any billet today, which was a sound affair because he was fairly certain Longbottom had owled his parents about his detention. But then he noticed a very bombastic owl holding a red envelope in its mouth ; it was a howler and the owl was heading toward the Slytherin tabular array. Albus continued watching it and saw it bring right in front of Scorpio, who yanked the envelope off the owl 's leg and tripped over the bench in his haste to leave the room. Albus actually sympathized with him ; it was awful opening a howler in public. From the sound of it, Malfoy did n't quite make it to a loo or vacuous schoolroom. Muffled shouting could be heard coming from the Entrance Hall.

Malfoy did n't devolve to the Great Hall. Albus figured it must have been a particularly awful howler and was wondering what it could possibly have said when his friends sat down future to him.

"Malfoy got a howler,"John said as he started loading his plate with bacon.

"I know,"Albus said."Saw him get it."

"well, we heard the go after end of it,"John said.

"It was dire,"Rose replied.

"What did it say ?"Albus asked."Who was it from ?"

"His dad, I 'm guessing,"John said."It was a man 's voice. We crouched down on the stairs when we saw him. Basically his dad was yelling at him for getting in problem for stupid affair when he should be studying and concentrating on his school work and keeping his head down. Then he said something about how Malfoy knows that they, meaning his parents, have far more important things on their judgement than worrying about Malfoy getting in problem in school. And how they ca n't worry about him at schooling when they 're busy worrying about former things."

"That 's vague,"Albus said."He did n't say what the early things were ?"

"Nope,"John said."But Malfoy obviously knows what they are because he was shaking and he ran for the donjon after the howler blew up."

"I told you the letter he read at practice session was about something bad,"Amanda said.

"And now we know it 's got something to do with his house,"Albus said.

"Maybe they 're going to connect up with Willinson and the Carrows and all them,"matte said."His dad was a Death eater, was n't he ?"

"Sort of,"Albus said."His grandfather was, but his dad form of got caught up in it and he got off. So did his gramps, actually. No one really knows why, but my dad vouched for them at their hearing."

"Now that is Weird,"Matt said."Maybe his gramps is planning on joining them."

Albus shrugged."Maybe, but it just does n't go right. Listen, I 've got to get to the pitch. I 'll see you after."

"Yeah, for detention,"Matt muttered."Going to be a blast."

Albus 's wish for a yearn match came true. Since the atmospheric condition was cooperating, James put off catching the Snitch until Gryffindor was up by 200 points, instead focusing his efforts on faking dive to keep Ravenclaw 's Seeker away from the sneaker. It worked, and three and a one-half minute later James II caught the stool pigeon and won the equal for Gryffindor. Albus was sorely discomfited that he 'd have to overlook the resulting party in the common room, but figured that 's what Longbottom was going for when he scheduled custody for right after the match.

Matt was waiting for Albus in the Great Hall and the two of them grabbed a quick lunch before hurrying to Longbottom 's berth. They spent the following two hours writing'I will not cabbage out of the rook after dark'over and over again. By the metre they were done Albus wanted to curl up and acquire a nap, since the Quidditch match itself had exhausted him. He and matte decided to spend the good afternoon in the Marauder 's Den, just relaxing if not actually sleeping.

When they arrived they found John and Kaden in the midriff of plotting their new harlequinade. Rose and Amanda were in the depository library, apparently avoiding Saint John and Kaden and their prank.

"Are you two sure you do n't want to be involved with this ?"trick asked."It 's going to be legendary."

"It wo n't be worth the custody,"Albus said.

"Seriously,"lustrelessness agreed."If it 's legendary it 's going to entail a lot of detentions."

"Fine,"privy said.

john and Kaden lowered their voices, but Albus distinctly heard the Word of God 'Weasleys '', 'itching pulverisation ,''Slytherins ,'and 'alarm pin grass .'At that dot, he really did n't want to know. He and matt decided to originate a game of chess game and attempted to tune out John and Kaden 's whisperings.

"I was thinking the former nighttime and realized if my dad loses his job when Laurentis is elected it 's going to be just like Australia,"matte said as he captured one of Albus 's pawns.

"I had n't thought of that,"Albus said."Does that mean you 'd move again ?"

"I do n't know,"Matt said quietly."I really hope not. I guess I do n't call back so because the very reason we moved here was so I could go to shoal, not for Dad to get a new job."

"Then you probably wo n't,"Albus replied, taking one of Matt 's bishops.

"But if he does lose it, it 's going to probably mean Laurentis disagrees with him on werewolf progeny,"Matt pointed out."That could be really bad."

"You never know,"Albus said."There 's other thing your dad mickle with that they might disagree on."

"But my dad 's the most vocal music on werewolf right field. Everyone knows that,"mat said."If they 're going to disagree on something, that 's going to be it."

"I guess you 'll accept to wait until the debate,"Albus said.

"I 'm thinking of going,"lusterlessness said quietly."It might be awful, but I want to know what she says firsthand, not from the Prophet."

"That makes sense,"Albus said."When is it ?"

"In three weeks,"matte said."Feb 15th. That 's the entirely thing ; it 's the day of the Hogsmeade trip."

"That happened last Hogsmeade weekend,"Albus said,"when rosiness went. suction that they do that."

Matt nodded."I think I 'll go anyway. I mean, it is the Valentine 's Hogsmeade trip. Speaking of that, is Epistle of James still going out with that Hufflepuff lady friend ? I forgot her name."

"Gabby Ellis,"Albus said."I 've no idea, to be honest. I guess we 'll get hold out when the Hogsmeade trip comes."

"Just as long as Fred does n't schedule Quidditch practice for that day again,"Matt pointed out.

Albus laughed."He wo n't. None of us minded too much since the weather was so squeamish, but I think if he did it again the whole team would hate him."

"That would make an awkward family dinner, considering over half the team are your cousins,"Matt said.

"home dinners with my family have become awkward by definition,"Albus said."Luckily the next one wo n't be until far after the election."

"Only a little over two month to go,"Matt said."You can make it."

"I hope so,"Albus replied, as he moved his queen in the orchestrate phone line of matte 's king."Checkmate."
***


"Rufus Scrimgeour was the finish parson of conjuring trick to be appointed by the Wizengamot,"Professor Embry said as he strolled around his classroom. It was the maiden week of February and the form had finally gotten to the point where they were beginning to hash out the moment war."He was appointed quickly, after Cornelius Fudge resigned.

"Minister Fudge is commonly known as the least competent minister of religion ever to hold office,"Embry continued."He refused to believe evidence that was laid out plainly in figurehead of him, for fear of being known as the rector who held office when Voldemort returned. Somehow, he thought that if he ignored what was right in front of him, it would just simply go away. This backfired, of course, because he is now known for being the least competent Minister.

"Scrimgeour is seen in a slightly better brightness than Fudge, although he was parson when the Ministry fell to Voldemort in August of 1997 ...."

Albus knew all of this, of course of study. He 'd produce up listening to his parents jape at the incompetency of Fudge and the senselessness of Scrimgeour being considered a minister at all. Nevertheless, he listened to Embry and took detailed notes since the essays Embry set were often long and difficult.

"The time of the second war was a time of concern and bedlam,"Embry said as he reached the front of the way again."No one knew what was going on or who to consider. Many mass heartily believed Fudge and what he said, believing Albus Dumbledore to be a fake or even senile. When this realism was shattered for them in June of of 1996, they did n't make out what to do or who to turn to, or even what to trust. They 'd been fooled for a wide-cut year, believing what their Ministry and newspaper told them. Now that they knew they 'd been lied to for a year, what were they to do ? They did n't trust anyone, let alone the Ministry. most people 's end were to protect their kin and friends and that was it.

"It was the fear and topsy-turvyness that allowed Voldemort and his followers to take dominance of the Ministry. Without the backup of wizarding Britain, the Ministry was weak and susceptible to a coup d'etat. It was dim-witted for Voldemort to slip in and takeover in a matter of weeks."

"alibi me, prof ?"Olivia damage said, raising her hand.

"Yes, misfire Mary Leontyne Price ?"Embry replied."You have a dubiousness ?"

"Yes, sir,"Olivia replied."I was just wondering, and you do n't have to answer, but what were you doing during the endorse war ?"

If Embry was surprised that Olivia asked him a question about his personal life, he did n't show it. Instead he gave a flimsy smile and began to take the air around the schoolroom again.

"I do n't mind answering that,"Embry said."Many of your parents were involved with the war exertion, so of form you 're curious. When the Ministry fell I 'd been working there for about six yr. I got a job as an undersecretary in the section of Magical transportation system when I was just out of Hogwarts and worked my way up the ranks.

"I 'd pick up a advancement shortly before minister Fudge resigned and worked to draft laws, but I quit after Scrimgeour got appointed because I saw that the Ministry was weak and debauch and no longer wished to align myself with it. After Voldemort 's defeat, I was approached by Kingsley Shacklebolt asking if I would care to be involved with rebuilding the Ministry, and I said yes."

Albus was impressed. Embry had n't mentioned what kind of job he did at the Ministry and Albus had had no theme he had been so need with its rebuilding after the war.

"So you can see why I believe it is so of import to educate all of you about the story of the Ministry and how it is organized now,"Embry finished."Looks like we 're out of time for today so please write an eight inch essay on Rufus Scrimgeour 's term as Minister for homework, due next Tuesday."

Albus packed up his bag and headed back up to Gryffindor towboat with his friends. When they arrived, there was a crew around the notice board, which was strange. The Hogsmeade weekend date had already been announced and rarely did other observance garner such a crowd around the card display panel.

Albus shrugged at his booster and they squeezed through the crowd until they could read it. It was a large bill sticker, covering the majority of the board, imposing an former curfew Sunday night. Everyone, first through seventh years, were to be back inside the castling by five in the even, no exceptions. Below that it warned that Filch was going to lock the straw man threshold at exactly five and that everyone was to describe to their common room at five-thirty.

"That 's Wyrd,"Albus said as he and his friend retreated."I do n't think they 've ever imposed a curfew so early before, and for everyone ?"

"It 's because Reb has n't been caught,"matt said quietly."Billy Sunday 's the total moon."

"They must think he 's going to come back,"Albus replied.

"Scary,"Saint John added."Do you really think he will ?"

"I do n't eff,"Matt said."But I 'd bet my parents'whole Gringotts burial vault that he 's going to bite soul Sunday night."

"Wait,"Rose said."You do n't usually go to the Shrieking shanty until six or seven."

"They 're probably doing it early just to be safe,"Matt said."In event some multitude do n't follow it or something. It says on there that the prefects are going to do a mind count. That 's why we all have to add up back to the common elbow room at five-thirty."

Rose nodded."Then you 'll have got to leave later, after the threshold are locked."

"Either that or madam Pomfrey will have me go early,"Matt replied."I really hope not, though. I hate sitting out in the Shrieking Shack."

"I hope not, too,"Albus said quietly.

Albus and his Friend were probably the only scholar who knew the intellect why a curfew had been imposed on Dominicus. Even the prefects seemed clueless, since Albus overheard a few of them trying to work out it out. more than than a few scholar were angry about it, although Albus had no theme why since it was n't common for students to take a promenade on the reason on a Sunday dark in Feb. He supposed they liked the choice, though.

As Sunday drew closer Matt became quieter and even more closed off than he normally was. In fact, it reminded Albus a lot of the way he was in first year, before Rose figured out why he disappeared once a calendar month. Both Albus and blush wine tried to get him to spread out up about it, but he shrugged them off and insisted he was fine. John and Kaden did n't seem to notice any difference in lustrelessness, and Amanda was n't one to ask about it when he closed himself off.

Sat 's Dueling tournament proved uneventful. Albus spent the entire few hours worrying about Matt because he had elected to decamp the tournament in gild to kip, which was odd since he 'd normally at least try to participate. At least Malfoy made Albus 's life easy by remaining calm down throughout the tournament and not blaming Albus when the squad came in third property. Albus himself won both of his duel, as did Malfoy.

On Lord's Day Albus and his friends spent the day in the Marauder 's Den, working on homework and playing plot. Matt slept for much of the day and he still was n't saying anything. While Albus was worried, he was fairly certain the reason matte was so muted was knot. When a tail to five rolled around, they had to devolve to Gryffindor to prove they were in the rook. matte was still numb, so Albus told everyone else go to on ahead and that they 'd follow.

"Matt,"Albus whispered as he shook his friend awake."We 've got to go back to the park room."

"This is stupid,"Matt muttered."They 're counting everyone to make certainly no one gets attacked by a werewolf when they 've got one bread and butter in the castle."

"Is that why you 've been so subdued this workweek ?"Albus asked as Matt got up. He did n't reply."You and Greyback are n't the same."

"I know,"Matt said as they left the room. The corridor was abandon, so he continued to blab."It 's just the fact that we 're both werewolves. That 's the same. What if they start doing this curfew matter every full moonlight, all because of me ?"

"They wo n't,"Albus said."You 're not severe because you 're in the shriek Shack. It 's all sealed up."

"I guess, but it 's still possible."

"You and Greyback are unlike because he wants to bite people. He purposely transforms near hoi polloi, not on Wolfsbane, so he can infect people. You hide yourself away to protect everyone. That 's a Brobdingnagian difference."

"But what if he does issue forth to Hogsmeade,"lustrelessness continued."He 'll hear me howling and know there 's a werewolf in the scream hutch and he 'll try to get in."

"But he wo n't be able to,"Albus pointed out.

"And then if he does sting someone, and let 's present it, he will,"lusterlessness said."It 's going to look bad for all wolfman. All it 'll learn is a few attempt and people will commence believing we should bear our rights taken away. That 's what happened in Australia."

"You 're getting ahead of yourself,"Albus said as they reached the unwashed room."Right now you do n't know that any of that 's going to pass off. Wandering banshee."

"You 're nearly late,"the Fat Lady said as she swung her portrait open.

Albus and Matt climbed inside and found the common way the most crowded they 'd ever seen it. Prefects were milling about attempting to get everyone to tranquilize down, but everyone was still trying to figure out why such an early curfew had been set. The room was so crowded that Albus and mat could n't observe the remainder of their supporter and since being in a crowded room was not the outdo idea for matte right wing before the full moon, they quit searching and instead sat down near the dorm doors.

"Everyone, quiet, please !"Heather announced in a magically amplified voice. The room finally quieted down."I know you 're all upset about the curfew but they have n't even secernate us prefects why it 's been imposed. It 's not that big a tidy sum since it 's February, dark, and freezing outside. None of you would be outside anyway. Now just remain tranquillise while we take roll so we can all get downstairs for dinner party. After we 're done you 'll be allowed to stray the castle until your normal curfew."

Heather began calling out names in alphabetical ordering by year. It took her fifteen or so bit to get to the quaternary years and after that Albus tuned her out. Fifteen minutes after that she finished and all the Gryffindors had been accounted for. The usual way emptied out quickly, since everyone wanted to get to the Great antechamber for dinner. Matt had fallen asleep and after Albus prodded him awaken, he went up to the hall to sleep until he had to go to the hospital fender.

When Albus and his protagonist returned from dinner lustrelessness had already left for the hospital fender. They decided to just adhere around the commons elbow room since it was fairly vacuous and spent the evening working on their essays for prof Embry.

"Any luck you lot screw why we 're stuck inside ?"James asked as he snagged the last chairman at Albus 's table."Cedric, Ben, and I are asking everyone."

Albus exchanged a glance with rosebush. He supposed it could n't ache to separate James River the reason why, just so long as he did n't tell him why they knew. Of course of action, as soon as he told Saint James it would spread around the castle like dragon pox at a wizarding nursery school day, but again, that would n't really wound anything.

"We 've got a hunch,"Albus said."Remember how Quinn Gregory saw Rebel on the grounds during the Quidditch mates ?"

"Yeah,"King James I said.

"wellspring, tonight 's a total moon,"Albus said."Put it together."

James was silent for a moment and then his middle grew big."You think Kendrick thinks he 's going to come here tonight ?"

"That 's our guess,"Albus said and his Friend nodded.

"brand common sense,"St. James the Apostle said."Can you ideate what kind of trouble Kendrick would be in if someone got bitten by a werewolf on the solid ground ?"

Albus did n't want to reckon about it. He doubted lustrelessness wanted a companion in the Shrieking hutch.

"Scary,"Saint James said,"thinking about Greyback transformed while wandering around the evidence. I wonder why they did n't just tell us. No one would be wild about it if they 'd assure us the reason."

"Probably did n't want anyone to panic,"Albus said.

"Guess so,"James agreed."But still, everyone 's going to know now."He grinned and then got up to go find Ben and Cedric. The fact that the curfew was due to knot would be common knowledge in the rook within ten minutes, Albus guessed.

Albus managed to finish his essay and decided to call in it a night shortly after. He did n't sense like talking, not with the possibleness that Greyback was either running around the Hogwarts grounds or setting himself on some unsuspecting Greenwich Village, wanting to infect small minor with lycanthropy. It was awe-inspiring to think about. Albus laid awake for hours, trying not to retrieve about it, but try as he might, he just could not campaign the thought from his mind.


It was a rare occasion that Albus witnessed the sun cost increase. Being fourteen-years-old, Albus preferred to slumber until the very later morning or too soon afternoon, but this item dawn he was up before the sun. He had n't slept much that night due to his worries about Fenrir Greyback and matt, and decided that it was pointless to try and slumber when he 'd just feature to be up in an hour anyway.

Albus sat at the window and watched as the sun slowly rose over the horizon. The grounds looked peaceable, and not at all like the office where a werewolf could 've been roaming just a few time of day before. The lunar month had set and both matt and Greyback would be back in their human forms by now. Whatever had happened was over now and there was nothing anyone could do to switch it. Albus wondered just how tenacious it would engage for the Prophet to bring out some sort of clause on any attacks Greyback might 've been the cause of.

Bilius and Ethan awoke before privy did and busied themselves with lecture of the Balycastle and Kenmare mate that had taken space Saturday, completely unworried about Reb. Albus was n't surprised since neither of them had any sort of personal connection with the break away werewolf. But they at to the lowest degree fuck that the premature nighttime had been a full lunar month, since King James had spread that information around the castling.

lavatory finally rose shortly after Bilius and Ethan left for breakfast. Albus was relieved since they could now speak freely.

"What time is it ?"John asked as soon as he sat up."Have we got metre to visit matte before Herbology ?"

"Just after eight, so not really,"Albus said."And there 's no dot in visiting him now as he 's probably unconscious or sleeping. The Moon just set two hour ago."

"Yeah, but he might jazz something,"toilet said as he closed the dangling on his bed while he dressed."He might 've heard Greyback last night."

"He never remembers anything about full moons,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's still worth a slam,"whoremaster replied.

Albus thought it would be kind of pointless, but they did n't ingest time before Herbology anyway. After John finished, the two hurried out of the dormitory and down to the Great Hall for a quick breakfast before category. Rose, Amanda, and Kaden were already there.

"Anything in the Prophet ?"Albus asked as he grabbed a stack of toast.

rosiness shook her head and swallowed her bacon before answering."No. Absolutely nothing, but that does n't mean much. It could just be too soon for sufficiency details to deliver emerged."

"fountainhead, we 've got a free people stop this afternoon, so we can go ask lusterlessness,"John said.

"I told you that he 's not going to know anything,"Albus reminded him.

John shrugged."You never know."

The rest of the student body seemed to cause already forgotten about the early curfew and the entire moonlight. Albus did n't hear anyone discussing it on his way to Herbology or at tiffin later that day. Since there had n't been anything in the paper about an attack, it was old news show for the Hogwarts students. Everyone that is, except for Albus, John, pink wine, and Amanda.

Albus, John, and Amanda were still discussing it on their way to Care of Magical tool that afternoon. When they arrived they found Hagrid surrounded by cages filled with small, blacken, fluffy creatures.

"'ello !"Hagrid shouted."I 've got nifflers for yeh today. Can anyone tell me what makes nifflers unique ?"

Albus raised his hand.

"Albus,"Hagrid said.

Albus grinned."Nifflers find treasure. They like shiny things."

"Tha 's right field,"Hagrid said."So if you 've got sentinel or jewelry on, study it off. I 've buried a cargo of leprechaun gold and your job for today will be to use the nifflers to find it. Everyone pair off and then come get a niffler. Whichever couple finds the most gilt gets a plurality of Chocolate Frogs."

There was a flurry as everyone hurried to claim off their jewelry and find a niffler that looked like it would be a particularly treasure Orion. Albus took off his vigil, shoved it into his sac, and followed John and Amanda over to the nifflers. With flatness in the hospital flank, Albus was without a better half and decided to just join Gospel According to John and Amanda.

Gospel According to John grabbed the niffler with the prospicient snout and held the end of the lead while they followed it around the evidence. Every so often the niffler would stop and dig through the snow, revealing a small pile of coins. Albus collected them and shoved them into a bag Hagrid had provided.

The integral procedure was rather entertaining. Albus enjoyed watching not only his niffler, but the rest of the course 's nifflers as well. They were adorable, fishy animate being. At one gunpoint, Janie Creevey and Karina Jordan-Bell 's niffler managed to sniffle out a set of scales in Bilius 's bag resulting in all three of them playing tug-of-war with the niffler.

"Why 's he got his scales in there anyway ?"john asked as they watched."We have n't got potions today."

Albus shrugged."No idea."

"Albus, John, look !"Amanda shouted, pointing toward the castle.

Albus turned around and saw two figure walking toward Hagrid 's hut. It took a few bit, but he soon realized that he knew both of them. One Albus recognized as a Brigham Young Auror from his dad 's department. His name was Cardinal Newman and he 'd been one of the Aurors to avail when Kaden was kidnapped two years ago. The second man was none other than mat 's dad.

"What 's matte 's dad doing here ?"John asked.

"Yeah, and who 's that other bloke ?"Amanda asked.

"He 's an Auror,"Albus said."But why are they here ?"

The two thaumaturge walked past Albus, John Lackland, and Amanda without making any kind of eye contact, acting as if they 'd never seen them before. By now, the rest of the form was looking at them strangely. Matt 's dad and Cardinal Newman kept walking until they reached Hagrid, and they began speaking with him in low voices.

"C'mon,"Albus said as he began walking toward Hagrid.

John tugged the niffler 's lead and he and Amanda followed Albus. Albus stopped once they were within earreach, hiding behind a bush. Gospel According to John and Amanda crouched down on either position of him.

"I s'ppose I did find out some funny haphazardness las'Night,"Hagrid said."More'n usual, that is. Always funny noises from the timberland. A bit more howling than normal las'night, coming from Hogsmeade. Could 've been a loup-garou, but I don'know for sure."

"And did you see anything roaming the grounds ?"Matt 's dad asked. His voice sounded serious.

"No,"Hagrid said."Wasn'outdoor late. What 's this about ? Limnodromus griseus ?"

Matt 's dad and Newman glanced at each former."Yes,"Matt 's dad said."We have reason to conceive Johnny was in the area conclusion Night and we 're looking for anyone who might 've seen something."

Hagrid shuddered."Wish I could avail yeh. But yeh hump, that howling from Hogsmeade could 've just been-"

"Yes, I know,"Mr. Eckerton cut him off, with a nimble glimpse at John Henry Newman."We 've had theme of more vicious, louder ululation. Howling that seems to alter location."

"Oh !"Hagrid exclaimed."Yeah, well, again, wish I could facilitate. I 'll pay a bit more attention next full moon."

"We 'd appreciate it,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thanks for your time."

flatness 's dad and Newman turned and left, without a second glance at Hagrid or the socio-economic class. The rest of the grade had long since returned to their nifflers and all had bags of gold far tumid than Albus, John, and Amanda 's. But Albus no longer cared about winning the deep brown Frogs. It seemed that something did happen last Nox, but cipher knew exactly what.

At the end of the class, Albus, whoremonger, and Amanda came in idle lowest for amount of coins collected. Hagrid seemed foiled, but said that their niffler must 've just been tired. After returning it to its cage, the three hurried back to the rook, anxious to stow their bags and go visit Matt.

"If Greyback is n't on wolfbane should n't he be light to find after the full moon ?"John the Evangelist asked as they walked to the hospital fender."Would n't he be injured ?"

"Not necessarily,"Albus said quietly."flatness only bites and attacks himself because he has cipher else to attack. If Greyback 's out roaming the countryside, he can snipe fauna and people."

"But what about the actual transformation ?"John replied."Even lycanthrope on Aconitum lycoctonum are achy the future day because of that, right ?"

"I think so, yeah, but I bet if you 're being chased by Aurors that 's the last thing on your mind,"Albus pointed out."I 'm not sure. Matt would probably know."

Matt was the solitary patient in the hospital wing and madam Pomfrey was busy in her field, so Albus and his acquaintance were free to talk about whatever they pleased. Albus was happy to see that lusterlessness was awake, although he did appear slightly unsettled.

"Was there anything in the prophet ?"lusterlessness asked as soon as Albus, privy, and Amanda had taken seats on his bed."And I 'm delicately, so do n't gravel asking."

"Er, no,"Albus said."Why ?"

"Last Night was weird,"mat said.

"Told you he 'd bonk something,"john said to Albus.

"But I do n't,"flatness replied."It was just uncanny. I do n't know how else to report it."

"What happened ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't know,"Matt said quietly as he pulled his hands out from under the cover. They were completely bandaged."feeling. My bridge player are the solely part of me that 's spite. I mean, I ache all over from the shift, but I did n't seize with teeth myself at all hold up night."

Albus looked at the bandages."But your hands. You did n't bite them ? Then why are they bandaged ?"

"Splinters,"Matt said."Madam Pomfrey thinks I spent the night scratching at the door and trying to get out. I 've never done that before. I never remember anything from when I 'm the wolf, but I do sometimes remember spirit. Like if the savage was really angry or something. stopping point night it was desperate, although I have no theme what for. I guess to get outdoors, if lady Pomfrey is right."

"And your wolfy self has n't done that before ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Matt shook his drumhead."I 've been transforming in the Shrieking Shack for three and a one-half old age and the Friedrich August Wolf has never done that before."

"I 'll tell you something weirder,"John said."Your dad was here earlier."

"What ?"Matt exclaimed."When ?"

"Just now,"John said."During tutelage of Magical wight, he and some Auror came to talk to Hagrid. We listened in-"

"Of trend,"mat cut in.

"Your dad and the Auror, they were asking Hagrid if he 'd seen or heard anything unearthly last night. Hagrid said he did n't see anything, but he thought he heard more noise than common from Hogsmeade. Then he said that it may consume just been you, but your dad cut him off, probably because of the Auror. Then your dad said that there had been write up of more fell howling than usual."

"They definitely think that Calidris canutus was in Hogsmeade last dark,"Albus said.

"What would 've happened if you got out ?"Amanda asked.

"Out of the hut ?"matte asked."Nothing serious. But now he knows that I was there. He 'll keep coming back until he 's captured. I wo n't actually be able to head for the hills from the hut. The wards are too good."

The room access to the Ward flew open and Matt 's dad came striding inside, still looking as serious as he had earlier. After a warm glance around the elbow room, he strode over to Matt 's bed.

"Dad,"lustrelessness said.

"You do n't depend surprised to see me,"Mr. Eckerton replied as he gave his son a hug."How are you feeling ?"

"I 'm all right,"matt said with a shrug."Albus, john, and Amanda saw you talking to Hagrid. well, they heard you, too. Where 's the Auror ?"

Mr. Eckerton let out a poor laugh and then turned to Albus."I saw you in the Dubyuh. future time you 're trying to obscure, do n't enshroud with a niffler. They 're infamous giveaways. Yours was trying to whiff out Paul Leonard Newman 's pocket watch."

"I missed nifflers ?"flatness asked, clearly disappointed.

"Yeah,"Albus said."I bet Hagrid would let you see one after you 're better, though."

"I need to speak with you about last dark, Matt,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."In individual, perhaps ?"

matte shook his head."I already told them about cobbler's last night, so they might as well stay."

"All right,"Mr. Eckerton said."I need you to try and call back if you heard or saw anything unknown death night. I know you never commend anything, but try."

matt held up his bind hired hand."Madam Pomfrey thinks I tried to get out of the hut endure Night. That never happens. Whatever was outside kept the brute occupied all night. I did n't attack myself."

Mr. Eckerton 's eyes grew large and Albus noticed that the sober look had dissipated. It was replaced with a look Albus had seen quite often on his own father. It was a father 's jolt and trouble.

lustrelessness explained the relief, including the character about the wolf tactual sensation desperate. Mr. Eckerton seemed to meditate this for a few hour before sighing and shaking his head.

"What 's going on, Dad ?"matte asked.

Mr. Eckerton sighed once more."I suppose it could n't anguish to severalise you. It 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow anyway. Two children were attacked in Little Shingleton last night. It 's a town about five land mile away, on the early side of meat of that muckle next to Hogsmeade. We 've been trying to figure out whether it was Greyback or not, since he left immediately after biting them."

"Were they Muggles ?"Matt asked.

"No,"Mr. Eckerton said."Which makes me believe that this was a carefully planned attack. slight Shingleton is a Muggle village, with these two children and their parents being the only beldame and wizards in the field. It 's too concurrent. And why plan of attack both nestling ? almost werewolves take off immediately after biting someone, their instinct telling them to get as far away as potential, as quickly as possible."

"And did they ... come through ?"Matt replied.

"They 're both in stable condition at St. Mungo 's. Once their bites heal, they 'll be fine, save for the fact that they now have lycanthropy. The bites were uncontaminating and small, not pattern werewolf bites. These bites were inflicted just to infect. Another house toward Greyback."

"But what about Hogsmeade ?"Albus asked.

"Five international nautical mile is not an unimaginable journey for a werewolf in a dark,"Mr. Eckerton explained."Most probable Calidris canutus heard lustrelessness 's ululation hold out dark and followed the auditory sensation. Once there, he probably spent the quietus of the dark attempting to get inside the screeching shack, which is impossible."

"So you really think it was him ?"lusterlessness asked.

"I do, and Auror Cardinal Newman agrees with me. I left him in Kendrick 's study, after telling him I needed to visit you since we were already here. But what you 've told me just solidifies it."

"But ca n't you just go get him ?"whoremonger asked."He ca n't be that far. No offense, matt, but if you were out-of-door you would n't get very far."

"None taken."

"The thing that makes lycnathropy so difficult to study, and also most probable the rationality why Wolfsbane does n't go for all werewolves, is that each person 's lycanthropy is vastly different from others. Its effects depend a lot upon a person 's views toward their own lycanthropy. Fenrir greyback has spent his life embracing his lycnathropy and living for that one night a month where his true nature emerges. He embraces his wolf side so very much that he even attacks multitude when the lunar month is not full.

"You, lustrelessness, on the other hand, key most with your homo side. As you should, considering you 're only a Hugo Wolf one nighttime out of 28. Therefore, you resist the transformation. You fight it with your every vulcanized fiber, every calendar month. greyback embraces it, and probably change over a lot easier than you do. His transformation most likely do not cause him the like pain."

"I guess that makes sense,"lustrelessness said.

"But still,"John Lackland said."They should be combing the forest for him."

Mr. Eckerton chuckled."They are. Trust me. They have the entire werewolf ascendency unit of measurement searching for him, along with six Aurors, and a handful of Junior and trainee Aurors. They do n't normally dispatch Aurors to appropriate rascal werewolves, as that 's usually the Werewolf ascendancy Unit 's job. And it 's not usually my job to investigate loup-garou attacks. But this is a eminent profile case, so they want many mass on it, including people in billing. We 'll get him."

Albus wondered if shift was on the compositor's case. He was a Junior Auror now. Knowing teddy, he 'd desire to be on the instance since Greyback had turned his dad into a wolfman.

"I 've got to get back to the Ministry and fill out a composition,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up from his chairwoman."If you think of anything else, lusterlessness, ask to use professor Longbottom 's Floo. bird of night are easily intercepted."

matt said goodbye to his dad and soon the male child and Amanda were alone in the hospital wing once more. Albus did n't have a go at it what to say. Fenrir Calidris canutus, it seemed, was up to his old tricks and somehow lustrelessness had gotten involved.
***


Fenrir greyback 's attack on the two child took the unscathed front page of the seer the following morning time. The stallion Great Hall was talking about it, prof, educatee, and touch. transcript of the paper were being passed faster than platters of bacon. Albus managed to snag a copy from his cousin Ben.

FENRIR GREYBACK onslaught IN LITTLE SHINGLETON

Fenrir Greyback, escaped yardbird and werewolf,
was sighted last night in Little Shingleton,
Scotland. Little Shingleton is nearly an
entirely Muggle village, save for one
wizarding family line. The family, whose
name have not been released due to the
Underage Lycanthrope Protection Law,
suffered an extreme catastrophe close night,
when Fenrir Greyback attacked both of
their children. Both children are
reportedly in stable consideration at St.
Mungo 's.

An investigation, organized by both the
Auror department and the Department for
the rule and Control of Magical
Creatures, headed by read/write head of that department,
Walter Eckerton, concluded late yesterday.
'We 've interviewed several eyewitnesses
who saw or get word a loup-garou in Hogsmeade
during the wide-cut lunation. Hogsmeade is only
about five miles from Little Shingleton .'
detective said that numerous other
clew led them to trust that the approach
was by Fenrir Reb, despite not having
actually seen him in Little Shingleton.
'We are not prepared to disclose all particular
of the investigation. But we are confident
that this was an attack by Calidris canutus. A team
of Aurors and lycanthrope Control unit of measurement employees
are working around the clock to enamour
Reb .'

The clause was followed by a recapitulation of Greyback and the crime that had landed him in Azkaban in the maiden position, along with a nasty picture of him. Even in his man form he looked rather wolf-like, which was such a drastic dividing line compared to Matt, who did n't resemble a skirt chaser at all, save for his eyes. Albus glanced up from the article and his eyes fell on mat 's. They had a xanthous tint to them, with spot of amber amidst their innate blue color. They were indeed the only wolf-like trait he possessed when the moon was n't full.

"This is why people want nonindulgent werewolf control laws,"Matt said quietly.

"Even those could n't have stopped this,"Albus pointed out.

"mass wo n't think about that. All they 'll think about is how their tike are n't safe, and they 're right. It 's just stinking timing. Laurentis is going to use this to her advantage."

Albus wanted to assure Matt that everything would be all right, that Laurentis would n't blow everything out of proportion, but he could n't. He knew that Matt was right, that Laurentis would once again use a tremendous disaster to draw Thomas More support from the wizarding man. If his uncle Percy was going to stand a luck against her, he was going to have to drastically vary his campaign strategy.


A/N : So I just realized that I uploaded the incorrect chapter finale Friday. This is the real chapter 25 and the one I uploaded last Fri is chapter 26. Sorry about that !


The matter about loup-garou fire was that they were only able to go on once a month. There was absolutely no probability of a wolfman plan of attack during the rest of the month, so it was soft for the Hogwarts scholarly person to soon forget about Fenrir grayback, or at least pushing him into the furthest corners of their minds. After the initial article about grayback 's plan of attack on the two Cy Young children, the report returned to its usual election reporting, although both nominee were being very quiet about the attempt. Neither Percy nor Laurentis made a statement, which did n't surprise Albus. The debate on rule of charming wight was scheduled for Saturday, so both campaigner would make statements then. There had been a few editorials in the paper written by people pushing for stricter werewolf laws, but that had been it.

Saturday was also the day of the side by side Hogsmeade trip, and this gave the Hogwarts scholarly person a much needed distraction from the away world. news spread amongst Albus 's cousins that James II was once again taking Gabby Ellis to Hogsmeade, and quite a few of his other full cousin had appointment as well. Albus himself did not, and was planning on spending the day with lav, Kaden, rosebush, and Amanda. matt had arranged to take care the argument with his dad, and would miss the stumble.

"Are you sure you want to go to this argumentation ?"Albus asked matte as they played chess in the piranha 's Den.

"What ?"lustrelessness asked, turning to Albus. He 'd been staring at the paries under the pretense of taking his turn for the yesteryear five minutes.

"You were zoning out,"Albus said."I asked if you 're sure you want to go to that public debate Saturday."

lustrelessness had seemed distracted all week and whether it was from Greyback being so near during his transformation or the upcoming argument, Albus did n't do it.

"Yeah, I 'm surely,"Matt said."I 'd rather hear it straight from her than read it in the Prophet."

"What about your dad ?"Albus asked."Is he going to utter out against her if she wants hard-and-fast law ?"

flatness shrugged."I do n't know. That did n't form too well in Australia."

The door to the Den outburst open and Gospel According to John and Kaden came barging in, both wearing identical smile. It was slightly uncanny, how similar they looked.

"We 've finished,"lav announced.

"Finished what ?"Albus asked. He was slightly worried. It was never a good sign when lav and Kaden were that happy about something.

"Our prank,"Kaden answered."We 've finished planning. We 're not quite sure when to do it, though."

"Yeah, any suggestions ?"trick asked."Or are you two still being all prefecty on us ?"

Albus burst out laughing and turned to Matt, who smirked."Prefecty ?"Albus repeated.

"Yeah,"John said."Everyone knows it 'll be one of you who makes prefect next class. And you 're getting started early by not liking our pranks."

"We just do n't want detention again,"Matt explained."Honestly, I could n't wish to a lesser extent if you prank the Slytherins. Malfoy 's a git. Prank him all you want."

"Are you sure you do n't want to know what it 's going to be ?"John asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Not a luck,"mat said.

john shrugged."All rightfield. But when should we do it ?"

"Let 's just wait and see when the time flavor right,"Kaden suggested."It 's not, er ... time-sensitive ...."

privy and Kaden burst out laughing."Sure,"John said."Not time-sensitive at all."

Albus and lusterlessness exchanged a glance.

"We could tell you why that was so rummy,"toilet said.

"Or you could just look and see like the rest of the castle,"Kaden added.

"We 'll wait,"Albus said. He was curious about it, but not funny enough to possibly wind up with another week 's custody.

Whatever the japery was, bathroom and Kaden did n't implement it before the next day. Saturday brought blue skies and bitterly frigid temperatures and Albus put on two Weasley pinny in grooming for walking around Hogsmeade.

Matt left former for the debate, Flooing from professor Longbottom 's work. Albus and John slept late and met Kaden, Rose, and Amanda in the Great manor hall for a straightaway dejeuner before setting off for Hogsmeade.

The February Hogsmeade trip was always an worry one. The village became filled with young couples either snogging passionately in front of the shops or staring awkwardly at each other across a table in the Three broomstick or brothel keeper Puddifoot 's. Having never been on a date before in his aliveness, Albus found it really funny to watch. John and Kaden found it amusing as well, but rose wine and Amanda seemed to stare wistfully at the twosome and did n't find them at all risible.

"Where to first ?"Albus asked.

"Not ma'am Puddifoot 's,"Saint John said immediately, grimacing as a few love-struck duet headed toward the stead.

"I plan on never setting pes in there,"Kaden said."I do n't care how many girls ask me to go there with them."

John Lackland laughed."You 'd have to get a girl to like you first."

"Shut up,"Kaden said."Let 's just go get some Butterbeer."

The relief of the group agreed and they were soon crowded around one of the only hollow table in the Three Broomsticks. Albus was hoping to take hold of a glimpse of James because despite the fact that James had been out with Gabby Ellis before, Albus could n't get over the fact that his buddy was going out on dates. It was just weird.

After finishing their Butterbeer, the group went to Honeyduke 's and Weasleys'in order to ancestry up on Skiving Snackboxes and Chocolate Frogs. By then it was nearly dinner party meter and they decided to call it a day. The malarkey was picking up and none of them fancied being caught in a storm.

"Albus !"whoremonger shouted just as they were setting off on the course back to the castle.

"What ?"Albus asked, turning to see what toilet was pointing at.

"James and Gabby Ellis,"trick said.

Albus squinted and just made out his brother, leaning against the exterior of Honeyduke 's, his mouth attached to Gabby Ellis 's. They were so finis that they almost looked like one person.

"Oh my God,"Albus said quietly.

"That is disgusting,"Rose added."I could 've gone my entire liveliness without seeing mortal snog James."

John and Kaden were both laughing."spirit like they 're enjoying it,"King John said.

"Oh gross !"Albus exclaimed as he turned back to the path."Let 's go."

"I think it 's rubber to say they 're together,"Amanda said as they walked back.

"What she could possibly see in William James ..."Rose muttered.

"fountainhead, he does play Quidditch,"Amanda pointed out.

"So do over half my first cousin,"blush wine said."So does Albus."

"Can we shift the topic ?"Albus asked."Please. C'mon, let 's speed up. I bet Matt 's back from the debate."

That seemed to get his friends'minds off of James 's romantic life-time. Albus himself wanted to put the image of his brother kissing someone out of his mind forever. At least she was a Hufflepuff and he 'd never own to see them kissing in the commons room. If he did he may cause to spend all of his time in the Marauder 's Den.

dinner had n't started yet when they arrived at the rook, so the group decided to go regain flatness first. They found him right where Albus figured he 'd be, in the Marauder 's Den. Albus was slightly flighty about what had happened at the debate, but Matt was sitting on the couch casually reading his appealingness Bible, seeming hardly upset at all.

"How was Hogsmeade ?"Matt asked as he set his Good Book down.

"Disgusting,"Albus said as he sat down next to Matt. Saint John the Apostle, rosebush, and Amanda pulled up chairs.

Matt raised his supercilium."Disgusting ?"

"We saw Epistle of James snogging his new girlfriend,"rosiness said with a thrill."Trust me, there 's nothing pleasant about seeing the boy you remember eating a mud pie kissing a missy while pressed up against Honeyduke's."

lustrelessness laughed."I have n't got any first cousin, so I 'll take your password for it."

"Consider yourself favourable,"Albus muttered."But what happened at the debate ?"

"It was n't as bad as I thought it would be,"lustrelessness said."wellspring, okey, parting of it were n't as bad as I thought they 'd be. It was at the Ministry, in one of those motor hotel elbow room in the cellar. Mostly it was people who work at the Ministry there, but there were some former people there, too, because the room was so big.

"I 'm not sure how much you know about the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical brute, but every wight is divided into one of three categories. Beings, strong drink, and Beasts. liquor are ghosts and poltergeists and boggarts. being are creatures that are n't human, but have human intelligence. beast are everything else. The blighter who was running the disputation started by asking Percy and Laurentis how they feel about the right wing given to Beings. You know, goblins, house-elves, Centaur, those sorts of brute. They did n't have much to argue about that because neither of them think any of those beast should have their rightfield taken away. And Rose 's mum has worked so hard to get them right wing.

"Then they moved on to the sprightliness partition and there was n't much tilt with that, either, since there 's not a lot that can be done about spirits. They 're just kind of there. Ghosts do n't harm anyone and poltergeists it all depends on the specific poltergeist. Laurentis brought up the subject of Peeves, which was odd, but Percy did n't seem to stimulate an ruling on Peeves."

Albus had n't expected lots controversy with the Being partitioning. There had been a lot of debate back and forth about the rightfield of Beings back when his parents had been in school and his aunt Hermione had dedicated her body of work life toward giving right field to organism, especially house-elves. Over the age she 'd done a very thoroughly job with it and had n't met much opponent. As for the life division, Albus did n't think there had ever been much controversy there. Ghosts were just ghosts. They pretty much did as they pleased.

Matt paused."Then there was the Beast sectionalization. Throughout chronicle both werewolves and vampires have sometimes been in the Being part and sometimes been in the wildcat variance. classification in the beast section is the intellect why werewolves have been stripped of their rights and how the Ministry can get away with it. If they 're not seen as Beings, then legally, they do n't consume to be given the Saami right as human being. It 's a triviality, really.

"A long time ago werewolves were in the existence division, but they got reclassified in the 1950s, after a huge loup-garou approach on an entire town. It was horrible. But ever since then, no one has wanted to relegate them as organism again. My dad has been an advocate for classification as existence ever since he started in Australia.

"The thing about classification is that, for the most part, Ministries all over the world have to check. That 's why reclassification is such a time-consuming and difficult thing to do. Someone has to lend it up and coordinate dialogue between commonwealth and it requires a lot of travail. When Voldemort came to power no one in United Kingdom had the time or energy to put toward the reclassification of lycanthrope. Not to mention they could n't spare the people to put the clip into it. Since the brutal onslaught in the 50s happened in England, the other countries have n't wanted to touch the idea. Although I 'd play that Australia would put up a dependable competitiveness if it was ever brought up again.

"So, basically, my dad has been trying to do this for eld, but he does n't have the support. Even Minister Hartwell has n't wanted to meet it since it 's such a controversial government issue and he does n't have lots time left."

"Wow,"Albus said."Binns did n't teach us any of that in History of Magic."

"And he probably wo n't,"Matt said."It 's not a well-known upshot since most people probably do n't wish to put in the effort to reclassify werewolves. The alone people who 'd want to are werewolves."

"That 's awful,"Amanda said."But what happened at the debate ?"

"The wizard in accusation of the debate dodged the doubtfulness of grayback for a patch, asking questions about other creatures like thestrals and dementors and the like. But he finally brought up the topic of Greyback and Laurentis basically said that it was n't a thing of werewolf control laws, but a subject of Azkaban security-"

"Well, that 's salutary,"Albus said. He would n't stimulate expected that of Laurentis.

"Sort of,"Matt replied."I have n't finished. Anyway, your uncle agreed with her, but he of course said that putting the dementors back would be stupid. Laurentis said that if the dementors had been there then Greyback would n't stimulate escaped and those youngster would 've been safe. Then they started arguing about Azkaban and dementors again. But the bloke in charge cut them off.

"Then he finally brought up the fact that my dad 's been pushing for the reclassification of wolfman as being for old age and how he 's got the financial backing of Rose 's mum and asked what their opinion of it was."

"But if my mum was able to facilitate house-elves and goblins, then why could n't she do it for wolfman at the same clip ?"Rose asked.

"House-elves and goblins have always been classified as being,"matt explained."They were being denied right wing that they technically already had. It was just a matter of reworking the Torah and enforcing them properly. None of the wolfman right laws can be changed unless their classification is changed-"

"But that 's just stupid,"lavatory said.

Matt shrugged."It is, but there 's nothing anyone can do about it."

"well, what did Laurentis say ?"Albus asked.

"Laurentis said that reclassifying loup-garou as Beings would submit the stream lycanthrope control laws unenforceable and that it would give the Ministry far less controller over loup-garou. Which is lawful,"Matt said."Not that it would be a bad thing."

"Of course not,"Albus agreed.

"Then she said that if werewolves were currently classified as Beings it would make it difficult to even overtake Greyback and prosecute him for what he 's done, which is n't true at all. My dad was turning purple at this stop. She really knows nothing about the way his department works."

"What about Uncle Percy ?"rosebush asked.

flatness did n't say anything for a wide-cut minute."He was n't as bad as Laurentis, but well, your uncle does n't need to change anything. I 'm sure you 've noticed that he says everything 's fine the way it is and we do n't need to transfer anything, whether it 's Azkaban or Hogwarts. He thought the same about werewolves."

"What do you intend ?"Albus asked."He thinks that-"

flatness averted his gaze, looking at Kaden rather than Albus and Rose."He thinks that 'putting energy into reclassifying werewolves as beingness would be a poor idea, given the other takings facing the capital wizarding community .'And that is a conduct quote. I ca n't ever forget that."

Albus wished he was storm. He really did. But the fact remained that Uncle Percy did n't like to stimulate the cauldron, so to speak. If things were working the way they were, he would n't change them. He 'd rather restrain things the Lapp then speak out openly either for or against anything, if it would cost him support or suffrage.

"Then he went on to explain,"lusterlessness continued."He said that lycanthrope sorting does n't dissemble a large routine of Wiccan and thaumaturge and that it 's very complicated and would require a lot of effort, which is dependable. But it 's like he did n't consider it was worth it, just because it would n't affect a lot of people."

"It does n't surprise me,"blush wine said quietly."The election is so soon. I do n't think he 's going to say anything too controversial."

"Honestly, it was almost regretful than Laurentis,"Matt said, turning back to Albus and rosiness."Sorry. I know he 's your uncle-"

"Do n't apologize,"Albus said, suddenly glad he was n't of age and would n't bear to pick out between the two nominee.

"It 's like he does n't even own a strong ruling on it. He does n't want to have a impregnable opinion on it,"Matt added."Laurentis at least has a cause. Your uncle does n't even accept that. Honestly, Albus, I 've no estimate who my parents will vote for now. Same with Amy."

"I do n't live who I 'd vote for now,"Albus said quietly.

"But either way, I do n't conceive werewolves will get reclassified,"Matt replied."Nothing will happen without support of the British minister at this point."

"That 's just not funfair,"Amanda said."What exactly does the law say now ? What are you not allowed to do ?"

Matt averted his gaze once more. This was another topic that Matt had n't ever spoke of before and Albus had n't dared ask.

"Well, technically,"Matt began,"I 'm not allowed to be at Hogwarts."

"What ?"Albus shouted. The sleep of his friends let out similar exclamations of shock.

"But Teddy 's dad-"rose began.

"Not legal,"Matt said."Dumbledore frequently broke the law and that was no unlike. Professor Kendrick follows the law a bit more but he liked the theme of allowing me to advert. It 's kind of murky, to be dependable. It 's in the law that werewolves can not attend Hogwarts, but at the same fourth dimension, Hogwarts headmasters have pure control over who they admit. So as long as it 's kept quiet-"

"But what about Malfoy ?"rose wine asked."If he were to let it slip-"

"Then Kendrick would boot out him,"Matt explained."And he 'd be allowed to, since it would be detrimental to another scholar 's education for him to reveal my precondition. I told you ; it 's very murky."

"What else ?"Amanda asked.

"The rest has mostly to do with utilization,"mat said."wellspring, that and the Ministry is allowed to keep werewolves for questioning about full lunation attacks without actually arresting them. Werewolves as prisoners have virtually no rightfulness.

"But anyway, employment. I 'm legally obligated to inform any potential difference employers of my condition. If werewolves were classified as Beings, that would n't be required, because lycanthropy would be seen as a medical condition and usage can not be terminated based on a person 's medical conditions."

"That is the most confusing thing in the earth,"Albus said. His forefront was spinning."How do you retain all that straight ?"

Matt shrugged."It 's my life sentence. That 's the other thing, Albus, your uncle really has no idea how things are run in the Department for the ordinance and controller of Magical wight. He 's not really qualified to say what effect the reclassification would have on everything. Because, honestly, it would only affect werewolves."

"That seems obvious,"Albus said.

"So someone can not employ you just because you 're a werewolf ?"Amanda asked incredulously.

Matt nodded."Does n't even count if they 're on wolfsbane or not, either."

"What will you do after Hogwarts ?"Amanda asked.

"No idea,"mat said."I 'm trying not to think about that. But this whole pretending to be normal affair that I 'm doing at Hogwarts ? It 's temporary. That 's all there is to it."

No one quite knew what to say after that. Albus certainly did n't. He wished more than anything that his uncle would subscribe the reclassification of werewolves as organism, despite the fact that it might lose him a few balloting. It might even cost him a few not to have spoken up, because now, Matt 's parents and Amy might not vote for him. But this had such a prominent core than just the election. matte was right ; this was his life, and Uncle Percy and Laurentis were just seeing it as a way to bone up More votes. Maybe Uncle Percy was n't the right man for the job, after all. But Laurentis certainly was n't, and since no one else was running, what would happen after the election ?


A/N : Thanks for all the awe-inspiring reviews !


The debate on the Regulation and controller of Magical creature did not look to be a hot topic of discussion amongst the Hogwarts scholarly person. Unlike the public debate on education, this particular argumentation did not pertain directly to Hogwarts bookman, and thus there was n't much give-and-take beyond a few opinions at breakfast the next day. The article on the argumentation was much More tame than the previous articles, nearly probable because Walker Percy and Laurentis had n't disagreed on the topic. In fact, the article mostly focused on the dementor issue.

Albus and his friends kept unaired scout on the seer in case there were any updates on the escaped prisoners, but the rest of February passed without any sightings or captures. It was kind of strange since the prisoners had to have been hiding out somewhere. Yet they 'd been loose for nearly two month and the only if one who had been sighted was Johnny. Willinson, Umbridge, and the Carrows were nowhere, it seemed.

In the meantime, Laurentis used the lack of captures to her vantage, by publishing a new assertion every few days declaring how unskilled the Auror Department was. These statement were usually followed up with another declaration of how the captive would n't have escaped if the dementors had been in control of Azkaban.

When March arrived, the Prophet began putting a countdown until the election at the top of the look page, every single day.

"April saphead 's Day,"John commented as he pointed to the countdown, which read '29 twenty-four hour period .'“ Does n't that seem a bit weird, to do an election on that day ?"

"A small,"Albus said."But I doubt the Ministry cares."

"We should do our trick that day,"Kaden said.

"Do n't,"Rose said."Hogwarts is a polling place. You 'll mess up it up."

"No, we wo n't do it then,"toilet said as he exchanged a mischievous smiling with Kaden."Want to know why ?"

"Not really,"Albus said.

"They 'll see out soon enough,"Kaden said.

"Does this have anything to do with why you two disappeared all eventide yesterday ?"Matt asked.

"Possibly,"John Lackland said."Oh, smell at the metre. We 've got to get to potions."

Kaden burst out laughing."Oh, yes, looks like it 's sentence for me to go to Divination."

Albus looked at lustrelessness and shrugged. John and Kaden had been laughing at every mention of 'time'or 'clocks'for the past few calendar week, but had yet to share why. Albus could only assume that it had to do with their prank.

Albus, lusterlessness, John, rose, and Amanda said goodbye to Kaden and headed for the dungeons. Since it was a double class, Slughorn gave them a potion to brew and sat at his desk grading essays while they worked.

Albus and matt partnered on their potion and worked quietly, chopping and mixing. Halfway through the second class they were chopping asphodel when Matt suddenly stopped.

"Did you hear that ?"he asked Albus.

"Hear what ?"Albus replied. He had n't heard anything.

"Never mind,"matt muttered."Could 've sworn ... guess I 'm hearing things."

A few minutes passed and matt stopped again."I swear there 's something ringing outside. It sounds like an alarm clock."

Albus glanced around the classroom, but nonentity else seemed to make heard it. Everyone was working quietly, except John, who was staring at the door for some strange cause. Then Albus heard it. The faintest vibrancy.

"Do you get a line it now ?"mat asked.

"Yeah,"Albus said. It was becoming louder, too. The residual of the form was beginning to notice as well, and John suddenly turned around to take care at them. He grinned widely and then returned to his potion.

"It 's their clowning,"Matt hissed."It 's got to be."

Nobody was paying any tending to their potions now and a few of them were boiling over. Slughorn got up from his desk and left the room, without saying a word to the course. He returned a few hour later.

"bottle your potions as is,"he said."It seems there is some sort of alarm going off all over the castle. After you 're done cleaning up you may leave early."

Albus and Matt worked quickly, wanting to talk to John as soon as they could. They met him, along with rosebush and Amanda, outside the classroom a few instant later, and headed to the Great Hall. John still had n't said anything.

Kaden was already there when they arrived."Trelawney let us out as soon as the alert started. I think it was driving her mad. I mean, more mad than she already is."

"Are you going to tell us what you 've done ?"Albus asked as he began making a sandwich.

"Yeah, we might as well,"toilet said."We put an alarm clock clock inside every unmarried courtship of armor and charmed them to go off at five minute intervals."

Albus started laughing."That 's brilliant !"

"That 's actually really dependable charm work,"Rose said, clearly impressed.

"It gets better,"Kaden said."The teachers wo n't be capable to turn them off with one spell. We charmed them so they have to be manually turned off. It 's going to require them ages."

"I feel bad for whoever 's got Transfiguration Day side by side,"James said as he sat down next to Albus."There must be twenty lawsuit of armour across the corridor from the Transfiguration of Jesus way. It 's so brassy in there you can barely hear yourself think."

"tinker's dam,"Albus said."We 've got Transfiguration next."

"smell, Kendrick 's standing up. Bet he cancels classes."lav pointed to the staff table.

"lull !"Kendrick shouted."Very amusing japery. It would seem that the alert clocks have to be manually turned off, so I am canceling course for the afternoon while the faculty and prefects turn off all the alarms."

There was a loud sunniness as Kendrick resumed his seat. The staff mesa was only half-full, as the relief of them must receive been already turning the alarms off.

"He does n't seem worried,"Albus said."This is actually sort of tame. I thought you were going to get revenge on the Slytherins."

trick grinned."Oh, we are. That 'll come another day."

After lunch Albus and his friends went to the Marauder 's Den with the intent of spending the day there, but the unremitting alarms quickly grew too annoying. Despite the coldness, they decided that exterior would be preferable to inside. The Snow had melted, so they were able to find a dry spot to sit.

"I still hear the ringing,"lustrelessness said as they settled down under a immense beech tree by the lake."It 's like my head is an alarm clock. I think if you had done this around the wide moon I would 've murdered you."

"That 's why we did n't do it around the wide synodic month,"can said.

"Really ?"Matt asked skeptically.

John laughed."No. Had n't even thought of that, to be honest."

"We did it today because I had a History of Magic exam this afternoon,"Kaden said."I 'm hoping Binns will forget about it."

"It 's soon, though, is n't it ?"John asked.

"The full lunation ? Yeah, it 's Monday,"Matt answered."I 've been thinking about it. About Greyback. He 's probably going to add up back unless the Aurors catch him before."

"Probably,"Albus agreed.

"I had an thought,"flatness said quietly."I think we can help catch them, using my wolfy side."

"As come-on ?"Albus asked, shocked."Then you 'd be in danger."

"No, I would n't,"flatness said."I would n't be doing anything different. I 'd just be in the Shrieking Shack like usual. Albus, the Marauder 's Map label Animagi as their human being names, right ?"

Albus nodded."Yeah, of class. That 's how teddy bear 's dad found out about Pettigrew."

"fountainhead, should n't it be the same for werewolf ?"mat asked.

Albus had n't thought about that before. In all his time of having the second variant Marauder 's Map, he 'd never checked the Shrieking hutch during a full moonlight."I think it should."

"Then all the Aurors have to do is watch the new edition of the Marauder 's Map during the full moon, wait for Greyback to show up, and then catch him."

Albus thought for a few moments. It seemed so unproblematic, almost too simple to work."Matt ... that 's brilliant."

"When did you think of this ?"rose asked.

"Few calendar week ago,"matte answered."Greyback was there by the Shrieking Shack for nearly the stallion night. It would 've been light to catch him if someone just knew he was there."

"delay,"Rose said, looking at Albus."You are n't proposing that you do this, are you ? Because that would be stupid."

"Of course not,"Matt said."It would be my dad and Albus 's dad."

"I do n't think my dad 's in charge of the Greyback gaining control,"Albus pointed out."It 's that other Auror, Newman."

"If I 'm going to go along with this and tell them my plan then it 's got to be your dad,"Matt said adamantly."He already knows I 'm a werewolf. Paul Leonard Newman does n't. I do n't screw what he 'd do if he knew there was a werewolf at Hogwarts."

Albus thought back to what Matt had told them about how it was n't clear whether admitting werewolf to Hogwarts was legal or not."All right. That make sense."

"But why are you so sure he 's going to come back to this Saame blot ?"Amanda asked."If he were smart he 'd transform someplace completely different."

"He 's got a hangup about werewolves pretending to be human,"Matt said quietly."He thinks that we 've all got to embrace our wolf-selves and survive together in packs. I do n't call back he 's going to give up easily on finding me. He did the Saame thing with shift 's dad."

"Then he might be transforming near those Thomas Kyd he attacked in conclusion calendar month,"pink wine pointed out."They should station Aurors there, too."

lusterlessness nodded."Let 's go transmit some owls."
***


Albus and flatness did n't say much in their letters to their Father-God, wanting to write well-nigh of the details for later. Both of them replied saying they would meet the male child at Hogwarts Friday even in order to puzzle out out the details.

The week went by very slowly and Albus noticed that lusterlessness drew quieter and quieter as it progressed. He never said it out forte, but Albus had a feel he was incredibly anxious about the architectural plan and his character in it, despite his saying he would be fine. By the sentence Fri arrived he was completely unsounded, except for the few times he snapped at John and Kaden for being irritating.

"You know if this plan actually works and Calidris canutus is captured it 's going to make Uncle Harry look very soundly,"rosebush said."Which will be goodness for Uncle Percy."

"I thought of that,"Albus said."And since the election is only three weeks away, it 's perfect timing."

"When are you meeting your dads ?"John asked.

"VII,"Albus answered as he glanced at his watch."We should probably go."

Albus shoved the utmost chomp of his cake into his mouth and left the Great Hall with lustrelessness at his side. Professor Longbottom had leant them his study for the meeting, so Albus and Matt walked up to the fourth floor.

Professor Longbottom was n't there when they arrived but the room access was partially out-of-doors. Albus led Matt inside and they sat down on a sofa to expect. Albus had always loved Longbottom 's study. It was filled with all sorts of alien plant life that you never wanted to touch because some of them bit. The article of furniture was mismatched and the unharmed place was pleasantly cluttered. It felt very safe.

Harry and Walter walked in a few min later and exclude the door behind them. Both looked very intrigued and slightly confused.

"Al,"Harry said as he gave his son a nimble hug."What 's going on ?"

Albus glanced at Matt, who had just been let go of by his own father. This was his plan to explain.

"I know how you can captivate Rebel,"Matt said quietly, and then proceeded to explain the entire plan."See ? Good plan, right ?"

Harry and Walter exchanged glances. Walter looked incredibly worried."Matt, feel, I know you want to facilitate and I know the fact that Greyback 's out there scares you out of your mind-"

"I 'm not that scared,"Matt interrupted, but everyone in the room knew he was."facial expression, he 's going to come to Hogsmeade anyway. You might as well be there waiting for him."

Bruno Walter sighed."Yes, I suppose you 're right-"

"So what 's the job ? I 'll be in the Shrieking Shack with all the Mrs. Humphrey Ward up."

"There really is n't a problem,"Walter said."It just sounds bad on the control surface, me using my son as hook. What do you think, Harry ?"

"I think it 's up to you,"Harry said."You 're in guardianship of this search. I 'm not even on it. I assigned it to Newman."

"Paul Newman ca n't be there,"Matt said quickly as he turned to his dad."He ca n't be. He does n't know about me."

"He 's the right way,"Walter said."It 's got to be you and me if it 's going to be anyone. Whoever works this is going to encounter out there 's a werewolf at Hogwarts."

Harry sighed and began to yard the room."I had n't thought of that. But there 's got to be more of us. I 'll add Ron in, and Teddy."

"Ron ?"Matt asked.

"Rose 's dad,"Albus explained."My uncle."

lustrelessness breathed a sigh of relief."Oh, all right then."

"They 'd be o.k.,"Walter said."Four of us should be capable to treat it. What about those Kid in Little Shingleton ?"

"I 'll assign Cardinal Newman to them,"Harry decided."And you can pick a few mass form your department to go with him."

Bruno Walter nodded."What about the villagers ? We ca n't give ear around the Shrieking shanty all night. It 'll take care suspicious."

Albus suddenly remembered the map. He pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to his dad."Use the map. Then you can check until he gets there."

Harry grinned."I 'd forgotten about this."He turned to Walter."Map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, created by my dad, Sirius Black, Remus lupin, and Simon Peter Pettigrew. It shows where everyone is, so it should testify us when Greyback turns up. We can wait at the Hog 's Head until then. No one there will pay us any attention."

"And in the report ? In the paper the next day ?"Walter asked.

"No credit of Matt or his being in the screaming hutch,"Harry said."We 'll say we got an anonymous tip that he 'd show up in Hogsmeade."

"Can I wait with you ?"Albus asked.

Harry laughed."Absolutely not. You 'll outride in the castle, where it 's dependable. I believe they 're doing a mandatory early curfew again ?"

Albus nodded. They 'd put up posters in the usual rooms a few days ago. This clock time, no one seemed upset about it.

"I wish they 'd do it in Hogsmeade,"Bruno Walter said."But getting something like that set up takes weeks."

"well, if mass are impertinent they 'll appease inside with wards up,"Harry pointed out.
***


Never before had Albus heard so many masses talking about the good Moon. All weekend, everywhere he turned, he heard someone mentioning either the full moon or Greyback or both. Suddenly, wolfman were the hot matter of discussion at Hogwarts.

Most people, from what Albus could gather, did n't take a unattackable vox populi on werewolf one way or another. But a few hoi polloi, nearly having had a relative murdered by Fenrir Johnny, told anyone who would take heed how happy they were that neither campaigner wanted to vary the classification of werewolves from wildcat to organism. It only took Matt overhearing one of these conversations to decide to spend the rest of the weekend in the Marauder 's Den.

"It 'll all be over in three calendar week,"Amanda said."Once the election takes lieu no one is going to care as much. But these past few weeks have certainly made me wonder if I should go into the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures."

It was Sunday night and Albus and his ally were in the Marauder 's Den, yet again, working on their homework that was due tomorrow.

"You could work with my dad,"Matt announced from the lounge."That 'd be weird."

"well, it 's just terrible,"Amanda said."And it does n't make sense. Why should hobgoblin and house-elves be beingness but not werewolves ? You 're to a greater extent human than a house-elf."

Matt laughed."Tomorrow night I wo n't be, and that 's what it comes down to. House-elves are n't that dangerous. Werewolves are."

"I do n't bed,"Albus began."When my dad was a second year a house-elf charmed a Bludger to give out his arm. That 's fairly dangerous."

"What about vampires ?"rose asked."I ought to owl Linda."

"vampire are beingness,"Matt explained."It 's because they do n't have to salute man stock to hold out. It 's a choice. Werewolves, when we bite mortal, it 's not a alternative. We ca n't control it."

"Except with wolfsbane,"Rose pointed out.

"Yeah, and maybe if soul invents Wolfsbane that works for all werewolves we might get reclassified,"matt said.

"What about vampires who bite mass ?"Amanda asked.

"They 're put in prison,"lustrelessness said.

"So can vampires go to schoolhouse and retain job ?"Kaden asked.

"I suppose they could. Linda went to school. But they live forever so most do n't require to go to schooltime or already let, because near vampire are older. As for chore, they do n't birth to state employers what they are, so yeah, they could."

"It 's so bloody confusing,"John said."Does n't clear a bit of sense."

"It really does n't,"lusterlessness said with a yawn."But it 's life."

matt slept the rest of the eventide and most of the succeeding day, not attending any of his classes. Albus could n't blame him, what with all the loup-garou talk that was going around the school. Albus himself found it unmanageable to center on any of his classes or preparation since there was the distinct possibility that Fenrir Greyback would be captured that Night.

Albus and his ally reported to the usual elbow room at five, as per the curfew, and then went to dinner. Matt did n't fall in them. He was gone when they returned. Albus gave up on homework for the Nox and played a few lukewarm rounds of Exploding Snap with John and Kaden before deciding to go up to his dormitory early. He knew he would n't kip, but figured it would be slightly more productive than cleaning ash off his face.

Instead of sleeping, Albus sat in the windowsill and watched the sky. It was clear, giving him a very good view of the stars. After locating a few constellations Albus watched the horizon and the faint incandescence that was above it. Then, the Moon rose.


A/N : So, some of you may have noticed that I screwed up final stage week 's update. I accidentally skipped chapter 25 ( Full moon Attacks ) and went right to chapter 26 ( sprightliness, Beings, and Beasts ). If you have n't already done so, go back and read the real chapter 25. The storey will make much more common sense after that.

I am delight to denote that I have finished this story ! It topped out at 37 chapters. I may start updating this twice a hebdomad, but have n't quite determine yet. A lot of you are asking in reviews when the next update will be, so I 'll restate that I update every Friday. The exact time will change. Thanks for all the follow-up !